Lymphoma in Dachshunds--need info

[Dackelrich]

My old black-and-tan buddy has lymphoma.   He's not hurting--they've given him about six months, but it could go faster.  If anyone's had to deal with this, particularly in the throat region, I could use  some information.  I don't want the old boy to suffer--he can't bark much, but he's happy to still be chasing cats and causing all sorts of trouble.  I've done some searching on the web, but about all I've found is the typical medical mumbo-jumbo about what kinds of hounds it affects as opposed to what to do about it or how to help.

Thanks,
Dackelrich (aka Kalman) and Luth
http://www.webspawner.com/users/kalmanandluth/index.html

[Rich]

I'm so sorry to hear this about Luther.  I hope you find information to help you make him comfortable for the time you have left with him.  I'm sure many hearts here on the board go out to you.  Keep us posted.  This can't be easy for you.

[Jen]

I am so sorry to hear about your boy 

Here are a few links about canine cancer

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/canine_lymphoma.html

http://www.pyrbred.org/lymphoma.html

http://www.thensome.com/lymphoma.htm

http://www.oncolink.upenn.edu/experts/article.cfm?c=3&s=32&ss=86&id=1788

http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/oncology/lymphoma1.htm

http://www.caninecancerawareness.org/CanineCancerLymphoma.html

Hope these are of some help.

We will be thinking of you and Luther.

Take Care
Jen & the Crew

[Jeri]

Rich,

We are so sorry to hear about Luther's cancer.  Our Leopold had a different type of cancer in a different area, his leg.  After amputation we were told that he had perhaps two months, but by amputating his leg at least he had a chance.  This Wednesday will be three months since the surgery.  Every day we spend with him is a precious gift.  I hope you are gifted with many more days with your Luther.

[hildiesmom]

Hi Rich,

Sorry to hear about Luther. Been there, done that, unfortunately. I went through this with my sheltie some years back (it's really not all that common in dachsies, but *very* common in shelties). Heather's cancer was twofold--a spot on her skin, and a fast growing tumor in the back of her throat. Unfortunately, there's really little that I can tell you on the positive side of this disease... I have to tell you that the 6 month timeframe that you've been given is probably a little on the generous side, sadly. Most dogs are given about 4 months--as was the case with Heather.

We did chemo. First prednisone--which acts like chemo in these cases, and about the only type of chemo I'd be likely to do again. It gave her immediate relief and shrank the tumor markedly. We did opt to go to an oncologist, and tried a protocol using CCNU (a human chemotherapeutic which I had to order at the pharmacy), but this drug therapy ultimately caused her to have liver issues. I can honestly tell you that I don't think I'd go this route again, as it was very difficult to watch my sweet girl suffering at the end.

Make Luther's final months special ones, and treasure those times along with your memories of past days. As difficult as it will be, try to know when it is time to let him go with dignity. As long as he still has some spring to his step, and he continues to eat, just keep on keepin' on...

My heart goes out to you.
MaryAnne

[Dackelrich]

Thanks, everyone.  The tought thing is, Luth's up at my folks' place.  Hoping to get home in a week or two.  No chemo for the old boy--I don't think I'd put myself through it.

Thanks for the kind thoughts.  Luth's had a long and happy life.   He also thinks that he's too ornery to live forever!!

We'll keep you posted.

Dackelrich (aka Kalman) and Luth

[Barb]

I will be keeping you and Luther in my thoughts and sending rays for you to be strong and for Luther to be in no pain.  Please keep us posted -

[Roberta]

Sorry to hear that Rich, give him the time of his life with the time you have with him.
Just remember we are here for you if you need it. We lost Emma last year at 16 1/2 when they are older you tend to think they will go on for ever, I suppose they do in our hearts.
roberta