tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12475626.post7140397185379879429..comments2023-07-16T07:59:02.917-05:00Comments on Dr. Andy Mathis- The Animals and Other Stuff: Bone Cancer and Chemo- Would you consider it for your pet?Andy Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10111869432073546594noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12475626.post-30724293852722588402008-10-27T08:37:00.000-05:002008-10-27T08:37:00.000-05:00I received several comments off the blog, as well ...I received several comments off the blog, as well as these you see, and most people had the same conclusion. <BR/><BR/>That they would prefer to not put their pet through chemo. <BR/><BR/>Many were fine with diagnostic tests necessary to make sure cancer was present, but at that point, the treatment would turn to making them comfortable. <BR/><BR/>Not that I personally would fault anyone for choosing the chemo route. It really depends on the type of cancer I think. Dogs do seem to tolerate chemo better than people, or they are so much better at hiding their discomfort. <BR/><BR/>Years ago, ABC's 20/20 did a feature on advancements in veterinary medicine- dialysis for pets, chemo, and robotic surgical units. <BR/><BR/>They were discussing an ethical question if such procedures should be made available to pets, when some people were denied or didn't have access to such treatment. People overwhelming felt that such treatments were fine. Dialysis of a pet, didn't necessarily prevent someone from getting dialysys. It's people discretionary income and they can spend how they choose. <BR/><BR/>At the very end, they interviewed the family with a Golden Retriever. She only had 2 legs. On the same side. The first one was injured by trauma, I think. And the second with bone cancer. <BR/><BR/>They struggled with their decision to amputate the second leg. <BR/><BR/>The dog appeared to be happy, and they used a sling, to aid her getting around. <BR/><BR/>Then over time, the dog learned to walk on 2 legs. It was really amazing and inspiring to see her enjoying a day at the beach with her family. <BR/><BR/>I saved that clip on video tape for years. I am not sure if I still have it. <BR/><BR/>Thanks to everyone who took the time to write or comment.Andy Mathishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10111869432073546594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12475626.post-21926480968264434952008-10-27T06:46:00.000-05:002008-10-27T06:46:00.000-05:00I am an animal lover who has had to make the life ...I am an animal lover who has had to make the life and ending life decision many times as family pet dogs have grown older and ill. I do not believe in putting them through any unnecessary pain and suffering. A friend of mine sent her beloved golden retriever in for chemo when he was diagnosed with cancer. But he suffered terribly from the chemo and still had to be euthanized. Our pets cannot make those decisions and we are responsible for making good kind decisions for them. A beloved pet deserves a good ending to its life. They give us loyalty, unconditional love, and joy. We owe them our deepest devotion and care.Coralie Cederna Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13396599065245860045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12475626.post-39808494326313443492008-10-20T11:58:00.000-05:002008-10-20T11:58:00.000-05:00Dear Doc,After experiencing my late husband's 13 m...Dear Doc,<BR/>After experiencing my late husband's 13 months of surgery, chemo and radiotherapy for stage 4 lung cancer, I would never put my pet through it if it was metastacized already, especially if to the lungs. I'm not even sure I would put myself through it. The only advantage for a human is that it buys time to put one's affairs in order. Cancer is a beast, at best. It's a case of the treatment being as bad as the disease. I could not prolong agony for my pet.Vernita Hoythttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01129469305365101640noreply@blogger.com