Info please on canine bone cancer?

[Jhonalid1]

My dog was diagnosed with bone cancer and the vet says maybe she has six months. She is on pain meds (Tramadol) and seems to be comfortable for the time being. Some days she is listless and her eyes look like she might be in pain. She has a little trouble getting up from arthritis, but she does not have a limp.I want to know if anyone can tell me what signs i will see when she is starting to experience pain or when it is getting near the time to put her down. We will not let her suffer but we want to keep her as long as she can be with us. Thank you in advance for your help.

[Yorkiemom1]

I just wanted to say how sorry I am for you and your baby.....cancer seems to be more common in dogs than it used to be, and I can only wonder what it is that triggers this disease in our pets.....of course, research is ongoing in humans and genetic tags and DNA/RNA codes.....praying for your dog, and for strength for you as you tackle the horrible decision you will be facing in a short time.

[gemy]

For each one of this the time is different. I am facing this my dog Zoey at this point in time - not bone cancer but another kind.
I believe when she is no longer enjoying her regular activities of daily life, the walks, the pets, the meals, that the time is near.

Dogs can repeatedly arch their backs when they are in pain, obviously limps where none have been before. Sometimes dogs will draw away from pets as touch might be painful for them. You can take your dogs temp to see if she is running a fever. Have the vet show you how. If your dog is a tail wagger and stops wagging their tail for a whole day; that is also an indicator. If you are in a multidog household and she used to always play with the pack, and now draws back from that activity, it is also a signal that she is feeling weaker or more vulnerable.

I truly do believe that above and beyond what I have posted as "objective" signs, there will be a time that in your heart you will know. She will let you know heart to heart.

I am so sorry you are going through this it is a difficult journey, but at least one we know as owners that we are on. Do now with your pup, all those activities you both so enjoy. Create more memories. This time is a gift to us.

Hugs to you and yours.

[Yorkiemom1]

Excellent post.....and gemy should know......and I truly believe, they will tell you when they are tired of the struggle and the fight, and that it is time to let them move on......you will see it in their eyes.

Originally Posted by gemy

For each one of this the time is different. I am facing this my dog Zoey at this point in time - not bone cancer but another kind.
I believe when she is no longer enjoying her regular activities of daily life, the walks, the pets, the meals, that the time is near.

Dogs can repeatedly arch their backs when they are in pain, obviously limps where none have been before. Sometimes dogs will draw away from pets as touch might be painful for them. You can take your dogs temp to see if she is running a fever. Have the vet show you how. If your dog is a tail wagger and stops wagging their tail for a whole day; that is also an indicator. If you are in a multidog household and she used to always play with the pack, and now draws back from that activity, it is also a signal that she is feeling weaker or more vulnerable.

I truly do believe that above and beyond what I have posted as "objective" signs, there will be a time that in your heart you will know. She will let you know heart to heart.

I am so sorry you are going through this it is a difficult journey, but at least one we know as owners that we are on. Do now with your pup, all those activities you both so enjoy. Create more memories. This time is a gift to us.

Hugs to you and yours.