My dog has cancer of the tongue

marijame · 15-09-2011 4:38pm #1

We just recieved the devestating news that our best friend has squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue which has spread to the lymph nodes. 3 weeks ago our beautiful girl was happy and healthy, with only what we assumed was a tiny cut to her tongue. The cut turned out to be a tumour and in this short time frame has almost taken over her entire tongue. This type of cancer is apparently extremely aggresive and the vet has told us that no treatment will work or even help to extend her life. the tumour is inoperable and although she can still go for walks and wag her tail ( and still try her best to do what she considers her job, letting us know someone's at the door, etc. ) In the past week, she can no longer eat properly or drink properly because of the location of the tumour. We are handfeeding her but we know that the day will come soon when it will just be cruel to keep her going when she can't eat or drink. She's 10 now and like a sister to my kids, who are destroyed by her illness. I'm just wondering if anyone else has gone through this, cancer of the tongue seems to be rare, I just want to know what to expect. Any input would be appreciated thanks

Gophur · 15-09-2011 5:07pm

Do the right thing and don't let the animal suffer unnecessarily.

barbiegirl · 15-09-2011 5:18pm

Unfortunately OP the time is pretty much here. The longer you leave it the more painful it can be for the dog. If the poor thing becomes dehydrated the vet can find it extremely hard to find an area to inject that won't hurt.
You have my heartfelt sympathies, but perhaps for her sake say goodbye, just be there with her at her end, to hold her paw. God you nearly have me crying now

marijame · 15-09-2011 8:52pm

Thanks barbiegirl, it never occurred to me about the effect dehydration could have, so yes we will definitely take that into account. She's such a vital part of our family, we're so heartbroken.

Gopher, we most certainly will do the right thing for her, it would be unthinkable to us to have her suffer, this is when she needs us the most and we will, however painful it will be for us, do the best thing for her,

Is there anyone whose dog has also had cancer of the tongue or mouth? I would be very grateful to hear about your experience

MarthaMyDear · 15-09-2011 9:03pm

My aunties dog, a german shepard, had this. It progressed very quickly and it soon became apparent that they couldn't let her suffer any longer. They opted to have her put to sleep not long after it was diagnosed. They were very upset as they had her for years but they don't regret their decision as they knew it would only be a matter of time and would be very painful.

I'm sorry about your poor dog

anniehoo · 15-09-2011 9:17pm

OP so sorry to hear your news, but i wouldnt wait any longer to be honest if it was me. Its time unfortunately. I went through 31 mths of lymphoma treatment with my dog but actually put her to sleep when she was feeling well believe it or not as she was at the start of irreparable kidney failure. Its horrible seeing them decline but do him the biggest favour you could EVER do him and dont let him deteriorate any further. Its incurable and inoperable and 2 of his basic functions (eating and drinking) is gone...dont leave it much longer

Delancey · 15-09-2011 9:19pm

I had a cat with the same condition - frightening how quickly he went downhill.

boxerly · 15-09-2011 10:53pm

Im so sorry :(I had a boxer who died in December,he had heart failure but was doing well untill one day took a massive seizure.An xray revealed a massive stomach tumour but surgery was not an option because of his heart.The tumour grew so quick and big that it was pressing against his heart and lungs

.It was the hardest decision I have EVER had to make but I brought him home and rang my vet the next morning to arrange him being pts

.I had a few days and then my vet came out to our home.I gave him some chicken gave him a huge hug and kiss and told him how much I loved him and he passed away in my arms.That was in December and Im actually in tears typing this now but I know it was the right thing to do.I couldnt let him suffer.My kids were also devestated and still get upset about him.Its so true that you know when its time,I wasnt sure how I would know but looking into his eyes I knew.Ye have to look at their quality of life.Im so sorry you are going through this but dont let her suffer xxxxxxxxx

Bullseye1 · 15-09-2011 10:57pm

Sorry to read this. Remember your dog for the good times you have had together and don't create memories of pain and suffering. Its extremely difficult to let go but you will know when it happens.

msg11 · 16-09-2011 12:45am

Sorry to hear OP. But only you can go and do what you think is right on the advise that is given.

I had to put my own down 3 weeks ago, she was six and her time was up so to speak and the best option for her and us was to put her to sleep.

It's a hard decsion put sadly dogs just can't live the same time frames as us.

Inexile · 16-09-2011 8:19am

Im sorry you are in this position OP. About two month ago my dog developed a problem in her sinsus. It was treated initially as an infection and she was given antibiotics. When that didnt solve the problem further investigations were done and a cancerous nasal poylp was diagnosed. we took her to a specialist vet in Cork to see if we had any options but sadly there was no hope there either. I was given tablets to keep her confortable which would work for about 10 days and perhaps a bit longer. However we decided to put our dog asleep after about 2 days. We knew she couldnt get better so rather than let her deteriorate we decided to let her go. Before we brought her to vet we took her for a lovely walk in the park, sat down on a bench and gave her lots of rubs and hugs.

Its the hardest part of dog ownership but they depend on you to help them at such times. From what you have said you will have to call it very soon.

Groom! · 17-09-2011 9:46pm

Hi Op
I just found this article and remembered your thread.

So sorry you are at this crossroads.

http://www.veterinaryirelandjournal.com/Links/PDFs/CE-Small/CESA_apr_2011.pdf

marijame · 18-09-2011 9:41pm

Groom! wrote: »

Hi Op
I just found this article and remembered your thread.

So sorry you are at this crossroads.

http://www.veterinaryirelandjournal.com/Links/PDFs/CE-Small/CESA_apr_2011.pdf

Thanks so much for this, it's good to know that there is some hope out there for certain types of oral cancers, if caught in the early stages. Our girls tumour unfortunately had already spread to other areas before we even knew she was sick and as the tumour is massive and inoperable, she really hadn't a chance. Also because it's squamous cell carcinoma, even if it had been in another area and caught early enough, it would have come back eventually. The vaccine the article mentions for melanomas looks very promising, hopefully others will be spared the pain our best friend is going through.
Just as an update: we've had a lovely few days, walking in the woods, doing all of her favourite things, but we know the time is getting close now and over the next week, she'll be taking her final journey,
I would recommend to all dog owners to check your dogs mouth at least once a week, look for halitosis, excess drooling, difficulty swallowing, bleeding, pink stained water in bowl, dropping food from mouth frequently etc. It's too late for us and unfortunately there was nothing we could have done anyway, but other tumours can be treated if caught early.
Thanks for posting the link and thanks to everyone for their input, it's the most difficult thing we have ever done as she is so important to us, but we could never let her suffer just to keep her with us, just never thought it would hurt this much

Groom! · 18-09-2011 9:49pm

Thanks for the update. It is horrendous for you and the next few days will be so sad. But just know you are doing the best thing. And you will have lovely memories to treasure.

Message or PM if you need to talk. There are so many people on here who will understand and sympathise with you.

Thinking of you. x

Bullseye1 · 19-09-2011 1:33pm

It sounds like she has had a wonderful if short life and that you are fantastic dog owners. Cherish the remaining days with her.

ziggy23 · 19-09-2011 11:39pm

My heart goes out to you OP I've tears in my eyes reading this:( , but she sounds like she has had a great life. I had to get my beagle put to sleep 4 years ago. He had a tumour in his neck and like that there was nothing that could be done. I just knew one day that it was his time to go. I have to say though that it's quite peaceful the way they are pts it's exactly like they are just going to sleep. I still think about my little pal and I'll never forget him.

Jimmy Bottlehead · 20-09-2011 4:20pm

I'm so sorry to hear OP. You can take comfort in knowing your dog has had a better life for having had you in it, and that they love you. I'm slightly teary myself typing this, but I hope you can do the best thing for you and your wee dog.

x Purple Pawprints x · 20-09-2011 8:03pm

OP I have tears in my eyes reading your post. I'm so sorry about your poor little doggy. To be honest, and I know it's going to break your heart to let her go, I think the time has come for you to think about letting the little lady go. I know it's a horrible decision to have to make, believe me. I've had to make the decision myself and I've unfortunately had to advise people to make it as well. It's true that that type of cancer is rare, I've never actually seen it. I've seen other types of oral tumours and they spread so so quickly and get to the stage that the animal can no longer drink. And that's where you have to worry about them getting dehydrated. I hope you and your kids are coping okay. PM is definitely open if you need a chat. *hugs*

marijame · 22-09-2011 3:18am

Our beautiful girl had her last adventure yesterday, after a day in the forest she was pts and passed away peacefully without fear in my arms. It was the single most difficult thing I have ever done and I am absolutely heartbroken, feel so empty now, I know the time was right but I would give anything to see her again.
Many thanks to everyone who posted, you have no idea how much it helped.

belongtojazz · 22-09-2011 6:44am

You have my utmost sympathy, well done for being such a strong owner and not letting your beloved dog suffer.

R.I.P

star-pants · 22-09-2011 7:33am

I can only echo the above statement.

It's the hardest thing to do, but you did it because you loved her.
You gave her that love and let her go when the time was (unfortunately) right. She won't suffer anymore and you know she enjoyed her life until the end.

My heart truly goes out to you. x

ohmfg · 22-09-2011 8:07am

I can't even begin to imagine how you and your family must be feeling.
Take care.

xoxyx · 22-09-2011 8:19am

Well done marijame. I'm saying the same thing as previous posters and that's because it's so true. You gave your friend the best possible life and did the right thing to let her go in the end.

It's devastating right now, but, sooner or later, you'll start to remember all the happy times you gave her and you won't be so sad. Such a great life you gave to your buddy!!!

xx

tazwaz · 22-09-2011 9:12am

oh marljame i know what your going through, had my dog pts last year after a little battle with cancer. i know it wasnt easy but you've done the best thing you could do for her, you've set her free from any suffering.

andreac · 22-09-2011 9:55am

Oh im so sorry to hear this, im sure it was so hard to make the final decision but it was the best one.

Your dog will be thankful that you didnt let her suffer and thats the most important thing.

RIP Doggie xx:( Run Free at The Bridge

tk123 · 22-09-2011 10:11am

RIP

Well done OP - it's a horrible decision to make. I hope I don't have to make it for a long time.

boxerly · 22-09-2011 10:28am

I am so so very sorry for your loss and please believe I know how you feel,I went through it in December.It was the hardest thing Ive ever had to do but you made the right decision.Sounds like she was a huge part of your family and very much loved.Sending a huge cyber hug to you and your family xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Bullseye1 · 22-09-2011 10:47am

It sounded like she had a fantastic few days of life. You have done the right thing and gave her a wonder if short life. As a pet owner there is nothing more difficult in making the decision you have made, I know I had to make the same decision almost three years ago. Over time the sadness will pass and you will only remember to good times you had with her.

Zulu · 22-09-2011 10:51am

marijame wrote: »

Our beautiful girl had her last adventure yesterday, after a day in the forest ....

OMG, I'm so sorry for you. Heartfelt sympathies.

barbiegirl · 22-09-2011 11:20am

I'm so sorry OP, you know you did the right thing, but that doesn't make it easy. Big hugs

sparkle_23 · 22-09-2011 12:10pm

I'm in tears here reading your thread. RIP to your beautiful doggy

xxxx

My dog has cancer of the tongue

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