Fife Greys Forum

This is the place to chat about your rescued Greyhound.

Fife Greys Forum
Start a New Topic 
1 2
Author
Comment
View Entire Thread
Re: SQUEEK

Such sad news.
I do think you were right to bring him home for a few days so long as you can keep the pain under control.
I once took a cat to the vet as she was dribbling slightly. I thought she might need to have a tooth extracted. When the vet looked inside her mouth she found throat cancer. I could have taken her home for a couple of weeks but instead I had her PTS there and then. I have always regretted not bringing her home for a last couple of days of pampering.
Thinking of you. x

Re: SQUEEK

I am so sorry to hear this heart breaking news! But I am sure that you are doing the right thing to bring him home for a few days first. Squeek sounds happy despite this awful illness, so it is wonderful that he can enjoy his last few days at home where he is loved.
My thoughts are with you at this horrible time.

Re: SQUEEK

So sorry to hear Squeak has this terrible disease.

Taking the decision to put your dog to sleep is never easy, and you must consider your dogs quality of life and try to put that foremost in your decision. Having read your post it sounds to me like Squeak is still enjoying his life and so it seems a shame to bring it prematurely to an end. There are a number of articles about 'scoring' a dogs quality of life. Here's a link to one - click here - maybe this will help you decide if the time is right? If the bone cancer is just in one leg would it not be possible to amputate that leg? Is it maybe worth getting a second opinion from another vet?

Obviously you know him better than anyone, and I'm sure you'll do the right thing for him. Our thoughts are with you while you come to terms with making this terribly difficult decision.

Re: SQUEEK

So very sorry to hear your sad news. If he seems happy in himself and not obviously in pain, then of course you did the right thing to bring him home and have a little longer with him.
But he will tell you when it is time.
Thinking of you all

Re: SQUEEK

I'm so sorry to hear that. I can relate as I lost a dog to cancer recently. He went in for tests and the vet found a tumour so I got a phone call similar to you with the hard decision to make. I also opted to bring him home with medication. He was spoiled rotten for the short time he had left.
I'm sure you'll give Squeek all the love you can and know that he had a good life with your family.

Re: SQUEEK

Sorry to hear about Squeek, we have been through this twice in the last three years and it is never easy. Unfortunately we have another boy Icey, who is over 12 now and not doing real well. We will keep you in our thoughts here in Arizona.

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words Sheila. We need all the support we can get just now. Squeek has had a good day, being tickled and stroked and loved to bits by both of us. He has been keen to go out for his wee wees etc, but not going too far. His appetite is still very good, but his limp has got a bit worse in the last two days. I am more sure now that we made the right decision to take Squeek home for a few days, but we are going to phone the vet again tomorrow, to let her know how he has been. Thanks again Sheila.

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you so much Jo for your kind and thoughtful words, we really appreciate the support we are receiving from the lovely people on the forum. Squeek is away out for his early evening short walk with Richard just now, giving me a short rest from all the tickles and stroking I have been doing all day to my lovely big boy.

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you Steve for your kind and thoughtful words of comfort and the advice you have given us. Squeek is still enjoying his life, but I do not think he is enjoying trying to walk now, as his limp has got worse in the last two days.

The vet did show us his x-rays and the cancer was in his leg and also up in his shoulder, so she did not advise amputation of his leg, as the front legs are weight bearing, so it would be difficult for him to walk with only one front weight bearing leg. He would also need to have chemotherapy etc and from what we have read on the internet, on so many various websites about Osteosarcoma, it would not give him an awful lot more time, maybe a few more months, but we do not want him to go through all that pain and suffering of the side effects, just to gain a few more months, as it will not cure the cancer, just delay the inevitable. It is a very aggressive tumour, which has probably spread by now, so we would rather he had a shorter, happier, less painful time, before he goes over the Rainbow Bridge. It is the most horrible decision to make, but we know that it is the best thing for our big beautiful boy.

I have read through the link that you sent me, which was very helpful and I now think that we are doing the best thing for Squeek.

Thanks again Steve.

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you very much Kaz for your support, we really appreciate it. I am sure Squeek will let us know when the time is right. His walking has got a bit worse over the last few days, but he still wants to struggle on trying to walk. We do not want his leg to break though, which the vet said could happen, as the bone is very brittle due to the tumour. Thanks again Kaz.

Re: SQUEEK

First sorry to hear your news about Squeek.

You know your Squeek better than any of us so the decision you make is always right for your pack two and four legs.

Have you been told if their are any options for Squeek if there are. We aggree with Steve that depending on if their is spread or not amputation would give him some more time.
Remember we had the appeal for Gaga at the dog show a few years ago as Gaga was in kennels when Gaga was diagnosed. Gaga is still going strong on three legs. I know of another Greyhound also a tripod due to bone cancer in the leg and is still going strong. Both these dogs lost front legs and and one was a large male so was heavy.
Perhaps seeing a specialist could help you if you think this is a way you want to go. This is when having a vet you trust is such a massive thing.
If amputation is a option then the quicker its done the better to prevent the spread of the cancer.

You have Squeek at home now so enjoy the time and the decision that you do make is the right one.
We have said it over and over again cancer sucks and especially bone cancer in these beautiful creatures.

We have fond memories of Squeek from his time in the kennels and attending his many dog shows.
We wish that we can have more memories but if his time has come then his name and antics will live on in our memories.


Thinking of you all

George, Morag

Lassie (one eye) and Ace

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you Mandy for helping us to be reassured that we have done the right thing for Squeek, by bringing him home for a few more days of comfort and spoiling, for the short time that he has left. He is enjoying some chicken and rice just now, as a treat, along with Carrie and Spot, who are welcoming all the extra treats and cuddles that they are getting, when Squeek gets his. We have only had Squeek two years and eight months, not long enough, but he has brought us such joy and love in that short time. Squeek was sent home with Tramadol medication for his pain, which is helping him, along with Metacam. Once again, thank you Mandy.

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you Bob for your kind support. I was so sorry to hear about your two sad losses in the last 3 years. We also lost our big boy Leo, who was our first Greyhound, just less than 3 years ago, to the very same cancer. It is such a sad and painful thing to go through, the loss of our beloved pets. I am so sorry to hear about Icey not doing too well now. Our love goes out to him from East Lothian in Scotland. Give him a big cuddle from us. Our thoughts will be with you too in Arizona. Thank you for taking the time to think of us all here. Bless you.

Re: SQUEEK

Liz and Richard.
Please get a second ( neutral ) opinion regarding an amputation.
We all know the vet is probably right but if the cancer is not into the lungs, etc., there is a reasonable chance of recovery. I would take every step possible to make sure the vet is giving you all the reasonable options.
Many vets ask people if they can amputate a dog's toe if he has a corn !!!!
All I say is please check out any possibility of an amputation being a lifesaving option.
Jimmy.

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you George, Morag, Lassie and Ace for your support and very useful information. We do have trust in our vet, who is very fond of Squeek and he really likes her. She said the cancer was in his leg and shoulder and that there was probably spread already, as it is a very aggressive tumour. The bone had a very moth eaten look on the x-ray and she thought that the leg could break at any time, which would cause Squeek terrible pain, which really is worrying.

I do remember Gaga and her having a leg off. I did not realise that she was still alive, that is wonderful.

Our vet did not think amputation was suitable for Squeek, but when we phone the vet tomorrow, we will tell her about Gaga and the other dog still being alive. I read that by the time the dog has developed a limp, the cancer has spread already, to the lungs, liver, or kidneys, as it is so aggressive. We do not want him to suffer any more pain from the side effects of having an amputation, chemo, or radiotherapy etc, just to give him a few more months at best.

My son's dog did live a few months longer after having chemotherapy for cancer, but was always very ill after having it done, which was very sad to see. He was sent to the Dick Vet Hospital to have his cancer treated by their very experienced oncology vets, but still died from the cancer. I suspect that very few dogs are cured of cancer, but may live a few more months with some treatments, but they usually have such painful and horrible side effects. I will speak to our vet again though about his options, but I think she is wanting what is best for Squeek, in the short time he has left. The dog shows will be a lot quieter without Squeek!

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you Jimmy for the information about getting another neutral opinion. I am really worried now that we may be doing the wrong thing. I don't think our vet would say that amputation would not be suitable for Squeek if she was not sure, but we will check with her again tomorrow, when Richard is going to phone her about how Squeek is.

The vet thinks the world of Squeek and is always so pleased to see him. He is also very happy to be with her and runs into her surgery, wagging his little half tail.

I think from the way she described it, the tumour has already spread, but I do not think Squeek's lungs were x-rayed, but we will certainly check with her. The cancer is also in his shoulder, so I do not know if they could amputate his shoulder, as well as a leg. It is such a worrying time Jimmy, but we want what is best for Squeek. We don't want a few extra months with him, if it is going to cause him any more pain, or disability than he is aready in. We will keep you informed of what happens.




Re: SQUEEK

Hi, so sorry to hear about Sqeek. We just lost our greyhound Jenny on Tuesday due to osteosarcoma on her rear leg. She suddenly developed a limp and swelling on the leg and the vet gave her an x-ray, suspecting that it was bone cancer. Poor Jenny seemed to be in a lot of pain so we had to say goodbye.
It is heartbreaking and Our thoughts are with you all.
Xxx

Re: SQUEEK

Oh dear, you must feel that you are between the devil and the deep blue sea. Dogs do survive cancer and go on to have years of happy life but every case is specific and it is not possible to generalise based on isolated cases with good outcomes. Osteosarcoma is mostly lethal. All you can do is what you are doing, taking professional advice from your vet, who also appears to have a special interest in him. Most vets are happy for owners to have a second opinion in such emotional circumstances and will cooperate fully if that is what you want, but time may not be on your side. You love him and you will make the right decision for him out of love. So sad for you.

Re: SQUEEK

We are so sorry to hear the sad news about Squeek ,we know exactly how you are feeling just now , it will be one year on 12th July since we lost Sandy to cancer of the blood vessels which was cutting the blood supply to his back legs.We know that you will make the right decision for Squeek because nobody knows or loves him better than yourselves. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both at this time.

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you Carole and Ronnie for your thoughtful message. We are so sorry to hear about Jenny too, poor girl. It is the most heartbreaking time for us all just now. I just cannot get my head around how quickly the bone cancer affects them. It is only a few weeks since we noticed Squeek was limping, then on x-ray, just like Jenny, it showed he had osteosarcoma in his right front leg. He seems to be in a lot of pain too. I am so scared about doing the wrong thing, but I just cannot stand seeing him in pain. The vet said his leg could break at any time, so we are having to be very careful with him, until he goes back to the vet on Monday. I am dreading it so much. Our thoughts are with you too at this very sad time.

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you so much for your thoughtful message Marion. I agree with you that osteosarcoma is lethal for dogs. It is a very aggressive and painful cancer and not one that is usually cured. By the time the limp has developed, the cancer has usually spread to the lungs, liver, or kidneys. Even if the leg is amputated, then followed by chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, the outcome is usually the same, the dog only survives for a year, or less at most. I think that very few dogs can survive osteosarcoma, as it spreads so quickly. I have seen my son's dog go through all the treatments available for cancer, at the Dick Vet Hospital, which did extend his life by a few months, but what a horrible, bad time he had with every part of the treatments given. It was heartbreaking to see him go through that.

So I do not think I could ever put Squeek through all that. He is such a big, beautiful, loving dog, who deserves quality, rather than quantity of life, but it is a very hard and very painful decision to make for him.

We have great faith in our vet, who loves Squeek to bits, and has treated him, Carrie and Spot all the time we have had them, so I am sure that what she has told me is the truth. I am quite sure that if amputation had been an option for Squeek, that she would have said so, but she did not think it was. She has his best interests at heart and so do we. We are so, so sad about what is happening to Squeek and cannot bare to think about life without him. The pain of losing a Greyhound does not get any easier with each one, does it Marion. Thank you for thinking about us.

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you for thinking about us Bert and Irene, you know only too well what it is like to go through the pain of losing our beloved Greyhounds, to the most horrible illness.

We remember last year, how sad it was for you to lose Sandy. We seemed to read about the loss of such a lot of Greyhounds last year on the forum, which was so sad. It breaks my heart to read about any of them on the forum, as each one passes over the Rainbow Bridge, even ones I do not know. I know just how their owners are feeling, having lost our Leo to the same horrible disease that Squeek has.

I know that in time, the pain in our hearts will ease, (hopefully), but at the moment, I just cannot stop crying and cannot bare to think about life without Squeek. He is the most loving boy we could have ever hoped to have, (although a bit wild at the Greyhound events!! He loves to bark and wag his little half tail at all the non Greyhounds he meets, which is so embarrassing. We have tried to calm his prey drive down, but he is just not interested in socialising with non Greyhounds. He would rather be with his own kind, or humans.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for us and Squeek, we need all the help we can get in the next few days. Give Lady GaGa and Billy a big cuddle and kiss from us. xxxxx

Re: SQUEEK

We're all devastated in our family to hear about Sqeek. Our thoughts are with you and we know whatever you decide you will do the very best for Sqeek xxx

Re: SQUEEK

so sorry to hear about Squeek, I remember him well from the kennels

Re: SQUEEK

Oh Jenny, you have made me cry by reading your post. I am so glad that you remember him, as he is so special. Do you know him from the kennels? We were told that everyone loved him, but because he had a very high prey drive, that he had been in the kennels for quite a long time.

I fell in love with him when I first saw his photograph and I just loved his name. He does squeak at our bedroom door every morning and when we come out, he wags his little half tail - still does, even though he is very ill. He sounds like a little mouse when he does it.

We have given him the best 4 days that any dog could have, rides in his own van, on his memory foam mattress, which belonged to my late father. He loves going out for a run in the van, as do Carrie and Spot. We had to buy it to transport the 3 of them around in, wherever we go. They go everywhere with us. They will not let us leave the house without them! He has had lots of cuddles and stroking and we have been lying beside his bed, keeping him company, most of the time he is in it.

We took the 3 of them last night to Port Seton, where there is the best fish and chip shop around. We used to go there on a Saturday evening occasionally, to buy ourselves fish and chips. We would park the van in the car park next door, overlooking the Forth and the sunset.

The 3 of them shared a fish supper between them, for a treat. Usually they just get a few of our chips each and a bit of our fish, but as we were trying to pamper Squeek, they got all of it between them. Squeek really enjoyed his fish and chips.

He still loves his food and his very short walks, although he does want to go further, even though he cannot walk very well, but we were told by the vet, not to let him walk very far at all, as his leg could break at any time, due to the cancer. It is very worrying. He still would love to go with Carrie and Spot on their usual long walks and stands in the garden watching them go, which is very sad to see.

We have taken him out to the front garden, where he loves to be, which we have just had decked for them. They can now lie out there in the sun, under their umbrellas when it is nice weather. It used to have grass before, which all died because their mats were on top of it and also Spot liked to dig big holes in it, until there was no grass left!

Thank you Jenny for remembering our beautiful Squeek. We are finding this time so distressing to go through, but with the support of people like you on the forum, we hopefully will get through this horrific, painful time eventually. How can this happen to so many of these beautiful, majestic creatures, it is just not fair. This is our 2nd fur baby out of the 4 we have had so far, to get this horrible disease. We are broken hearted. Sorry these posts about him are so long, but it helps me to talk about him, as I love him so much.

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you so much Ann for remembering him, I know he would appreciate being loved by so many people who knew him at the kennels. He is a most loving, beautiful, majestic boy who does not deserve to have this horrific illness, none of them do. I will keep this short, but you can read more about him in the very long posts above. I just need to talk about him all the time to get through this, between the thousands of tears we have both shed since Thursday, when we got the most dreadful news about our big boy. Thanks again Ann.

Re: SQUEEK

Oh Liz and Richard,

We are devastated to hear your news. Squeek is a gorgeous boy with a fabulous temperament and, as you say, he and Bootsie like to make themselves heard!

You, and your vet, know him best - you will know what, and when, the time is right.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers - BIG hugs to you all, especially Squeek.

Love from Susan, Mo and Bootsie xxx

Re: SQUEEK

Susan, Mo and lovely Bootsie, Thank you much for your kind thoughts and wishes for Squeek. We really appreciate the support and kind wishes that everyone on the forum are sending us. My God we really need it at this very sad time.

Squeek is still enjoying his little walks, but his limp has got worse over the last few days, but we will not let him suffer.

We have read so much on osteosarcoma over the last few days and even considered taking him to Professor Fitzpatrick, the Supervet, but having read all what he and his specialist oncologists have written about the subject, on this cancer, the best we could expect, if the cancer has not spread already, is 8 to 12 months and that is only if Squeek had the major works done, including removing the bone inside his leg and putting in a prosthesis, which is the alternative to amputation, with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Both though give the same time limit of 8 to 12 months survival.

We don't want Squeek to go through all that pain with the major procedures he would need to have, just so we could have him longer with us and only for a maximum of 8 to 12 months at most, and only if there is no spread of the cancer already. We love him too much for that. All the other alternatives offer a lot less survival time, of just a few months. As we regard Professor Fitzpatrick and his oncology team, as probably the best and most knowledgeable vets in the country, we believe what he has said about this horrific cancer and its survival rates.

Squeek has spent today with us in the garden, lying on his mattress in the sun, under his umbrella, being fed lovely snacks, so I hope he has had the best of days today. We will give him a big cuddle from you all and a kiss. Please give Bootsie the same from us and a big bark from his friend.
Thank you again, love and best wishes to you all xxxxx.

Re: SQUEEK

I don't think there is anything more that we can add which hasn't already been said far more eloquently than we could. But Kai and I are thinking of you and sending so much love at such a devastating time for you xx

Re: SQUEEK

Sending loads of love your way through this difficult time xxx

Re: SQUEEK

Thank you very much Sarah and Kai, for your words of comfort. We really appreciate it at this very sad and difficult time.

1 2