Your Dog Has Lung Cancer
September 26, 2009
I’ll never forget the phone call when my veterinarian called to tell me that a routine lung X-ray showed a suspicious area and she thought further tests were indicated. I knew in my heart that it was not just a false alarm.
Follow-On Tests Confirmed The Diagnosis
After more X-rays and sonograms with cancer specialists, the diagnosis was confirmed that my 9 year old dog had a malignant growth in his lungs. Little did I know that a dog does not have two lung lobes like humans, but seven. His cancer seemed to be mostly concentrated in one of his lobes, but whether or not the cancer had spread could not be determined unless I opted for surgery.
The Importance Of Asking Your Vet Questions
Perhaps it is my nature, or the fact I was trained as an engineer or a combination of both, but I had to get a number of questions answered before I could make the decision on what to do to help my dear sweet dog. All I knew was that he was far to young to die from cancer, if indeed he even had cancer.
One thing I learned years earlier is that it is essential for me to choose doctors that are confident enough in their own abilities and judgment to not take offense at being asked lots of questions. Among the questions I asked were the probability:
- the growth was cancerous
- my dog would survive if the entire lung lobe had to be removed
- my dog would die during an operation
- his quality of life would be compromised if this lung lobe had to be surgically removed
- other associated risks would likely occur from having the surgery.
All of the veterinarians and surgeons were very patient with my questions. The answered all of my questions thoroughly and patiently. After a short period of reflection, I had the vets proceed with further tests. It was determined from a biopsy, that my beloved dog had a form of malignant cancer, adeno carcenoma, in his accessory lung lobe.
The Most Important Question Of All
I have learned what I consider to be the best question and most fair question to ask all doctors, whether they be (human) medical doctors, dentists, or veterinarians. That question is, “I know there are no guarantees and I take full responsibility for the course of action I decide upon, but what treatment option would you choose if it were your dog and why?”
When the vet knows you are not going to blame them if the outcome is not what you all hope for, they are more likely to give you their opinion. But it is a choice you have to make for your dog just as you would if it were a decision you had to make for a human baby.
Seek Multiple Opinions
For life-threatening scenarios where “time is of the essence” and you need to make a decision sooner than later, seek out more than one opinion if you are undecided on a course of treatment. You would do this for yourself or another family member. The same is true for your beloved dog. Even if you end up with somewhat conflicting opinions, just think through your questions, write them down, ask the vets your questions, and then reflect on their answers. Then, most importantly, trust your instincts and make a decision.
None of us can foresee the future and you have to make decisions from imperfect and incomplete data. When you make a decision out of love and what is best for your dog, you will be making the right choice.
The Outcome For My Dog With Lung Cancer
My dear sweet dog had a life-threatening form of cancer that would have spread if left untreated. I opted for surgery which was performed by a wonderfully gifted, kind, and considerate veterinarian. He, and the other vets, told me the best I could hope for was to extend my dog’s life by 2 years at the most.
By the grace of God, a gifted surgeon, caring veterinarians, and my diligent attention to monitoring his health status, my dear sweet dog is still with me…. 4 years later. I thank God for each day with him and for the wonderful vets and surgeons who saved his life.
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