I have a 12 year old male beagle (Willow) that was diagnosed with late-stage
cancer on Thursday. The Vet said that his chest X-Ray revealed that the
cancer has spread all over his lungs, and likely to other places. She
suspects the cancer originated in his liver since it was very enlarged. She
said he has only months to live. He lost 13 lbs (44 to 31 lbs) in 2009 and
has been sluggish. However, over the past week he seems to have recovered
somewhat, his appetite is better and he is more chipper. I am getting a
second opinion from another Vet tomorrow. Willow also has Cushing's Disease
and I'm hoping that this increases the chances that the cancer diagnosis is
incorrect.

1. Is this a possible mis-diagnosis?

2. What can I do for him? Are there any holistic/alternative solutions
that have been found to help?

Whatever ideas you may have, please pass along. I am desparate. I have had
him since a pup and have no children, he is like a child to me.

"Shawn Hughes" wrote in message
...
I have a 12 year old male beagle (Willow) that was diagnosed with
late-stage cancer on Thursday. The Vet said that his chest X-Ray revealed
that the cancer has spread all over his lungs, and likely to other places.
She suspects the cancer originated in his liver since it was very enlarged.
She said he has only months to live. He lost 13 lbs (44 to 31 lbs) in 2009
and has been sluggish. However, over the past week he seems to have
recovered somewhat, his appetite is better and he is more chipper. I am
getting a second opinion from another Vet tomorrow. Willow also has
Cushing's Disease and I'm hoping that this increases the chances that the
cancer diagnosis is incorrect.

1. Is this a possible mis-diagnosis?

2. What can I do for him? Are there any holistic/alternative solutions
that have been found to help?

Whatever ideas you may have, please pass along. I am desparate. I have
had him since a pup and have no children, he is like a child to me.



No advice but sending positive thoughts and hopeful wishes that it is indeed
a misdiagnosis. Are you seeing a veterinary oncologist? Perhaps check out
some of the yahoo groups for a canine cancer support group. Sometimes they
are a wealth of information. Take care you are in a tough situation.

Kathy

"Shawn Hughes" said in
rec.pets.dogs.health:

Whatever ideas you may have, please pass along. I am
desparate. I have had him since a pup and have no
children, he is like a child to me.

Twelve years is a wonderful age for many dogs, especially if
those 12 years were in a loving home.

If you don't agree with the diagnosis, or want a different
opinion and approach, see another veterinarian. Your current
vet should be OK with referring you and your dog's records.

Good luck.

--
--Matt. Rocky's a Dog.

Shawn Hughes wrote:
I have a 12 year old male beagle (Willow) that was diagnosed with
late-stage cancer on Thursday. The Vet said that his chest X-Ray
revealed that the cancer has spread all over his lungs, and likely to
other places. She suspects the cancer originated in his liver since it
was very enlarged. She said he has only months to live. He lost 13 lbs
(44 to 31 lbs) in 2009 and has been sluggish. However, over the past
week he seems to have recovered somewhat, his appetite is better and he
is more chipper. I am getting a second opinion from another Vet
tomorrow. Willow also has Cushing's Disease and I'm hoping that this
increases the chances that the cancer diagnosis is incorrect.

1. Is this a possible mis-diagnosis?

2. What can I do for him? Are there any holistic/alternative solutions
that have been found to help?

Whatever ideas you may have, please pass along. I am desparate. I have
had him since a pup and have no children, he is like a child to me.

I'm sorry to hear Willow is having problems. I don't know if a
cancer misdiagnosis is likely with Cushing's, so getting a second
opinion is a good idea.

If it does appear to be cancer, do you have access to a
veterinary oncologist? These folks are in the best position to
give you information on treatment options.

If it is cancer, you will need to balance your need to treat your
dog against the costs (it can be very expensive), and likelihood
of success and side effects on the dog (do you want to put your
dog through it?). Your dog's age and typical life expectancy are
also factors you'll need to consider. And none of this is easy!

My experience with treating a dog with cancer was that the
treatments were expensive, the side effects were minimal, and
treating the cancer bought her another 3.5 years - but she was
7.5 when the treatments began and the cancer had not spread to
any major organs. It would be different for an older dog with
advanced cancer.

I hope you find answers.

FurPaw

--
Don't believe everything that you think.

To reply, unleash the dog.

Shawn Hughes wrote:
I have a 12 year old male beagle (Willow) that was diagnosed with
late-stage cancer on Thursday. The Vet said that his chest X-Ray
revealed that the cancer has spread all over his lungs, and likely to
other places. She suspects the cancer originated in his liver since it
was very enlarged. She said he has only months to live. He lost 13 lbs
(44 to 31 lbs) in 2009 and has been sluggish. However, over the past
week he seems to have recovered somewhat, his appetite is better and he
is more chipper. I am getting a second opinion from another Vet
tomorrow. Willow also has Cushing's Disease and I'm hoping that this
increases the chances that the cancer diagnosis is incorrect.

1. Is this a possible mis-diagnosis?

There is always that possibility.


2. What can I do for him? Are there any holistic/alternative solutions
that have been found to help?

Yes there are many solutions out there, both holistic and alopathic.


Whatever ideas you may have, please pass along. I am desparate. I have
had him since a pup and have no children, he is like a child to me.


I totally understand. Please join this group.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/O...rsoup_for_Pets

They are compassionate, caring and have real solutions for you.

Char

"Shawn Hughes" wrote in message
...
I have a 12 year old male beagle (Willow) that was diagnosed with
late-stage cancer on Thursday. The Vet said that his chest X-Ray revealed
that the cancer has spread all over his lungs, and likely to other places.
She suspects the cancer originated in his liver since it was very enlarged.
She said he has only months to live. He lost 13 lbs (44 to 31 lbs) in 2009
and has been sluggish. However, over the past week he seems to have
recovered somewhat, his appetite is better and he is more chipper. I am
getting a second opinion from another Vet tomorrow. Willow also has
Cushing's Disease and I'm hoping that this increases the chances that the
cancer diagnosis is incorrect.

1. Is this a possible mis-diagnosis?

Its always possible -- is it likely? That's a whole different question. Not
having seen the animal, or the X-Rays, I have a hard time saying how likely
this is. My feeling though, is that if there was any reasonable doubt, your
vet would have told you. I don't think Cushings should interfere with
diagnosing cancer in the lungs.

2. What can I do for him? Are there any holistic/alternative solutions
that have been found to help?

My advice to you, would be to enjoy what ever time you have left with him
for as long as you can, and to recognize when its time to say goodbye. If
you have doubts though, by all means get a second opinion.

Dale