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Chemotherapy for Senior Dogs

Making the right decision is difficult when it comes to older dogs and cancer.

By Jon Geller, DVM

Q: Our 14-year-old Border Collie was just diagnosed with mediastinal lymphoma after collapsing several times while running. Our veterinarian gave us the option of an MRI and chemotherapy, but given the poor prognosis, we have chosen just to give her prednisone to keep her comfortable. She still goes on daily walks with us and enjoys her food, but I know she is uncomfortable when she lies down as she whines a great deal before settling into sleep. Do you think we are making the right decision not to pursue chemo with a senior dog?

A: These end-of-life issues lead to some very difficult decisions for dog owners. We see many of these cases after-hours because owners are so concerned about whether their dogs are suffering.

Chemotherapy is very hard on people and dogs, and anyone who has experienced it firsthand is familiar with the ups and downs.

One of the hard realities to consider is that, at 14, life expectancy is very limited. If I were your veterinarian, I would be working closely with you to keep your Border Collie as comfortable as possible at home, creating a hospice-like environment.
 
Pain management with drugs would be crucial. Ask your vet to prescribe some pain-relieving drugs to help make your dog more comfortable. I would encourage you to continue taking her on walks, but keep them very short. Offer the best food possible, and make sure she has a very comfortable bed to rest in. Multiple trips to the veterinary hospital are not something your dog would probably look forward to, and it is very questionable whether the benefits would even be significant.

Jon Geller, DVM

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Reader Comments
My collie x golden retriever is 14 yrs old and is diagnosed with lymphoma. Very tough to know what to do, wish the old boy could live forever :) Was also given the option of chemo but at 14 I don't really want to put him through it and outcome is so uncertain? Will just have to love him that bit more, think he's loving the extra attention.
Will, Australia, AL
Posted: 10/18/2009 5:58:29 AM
9 months ago, my vet recommended me to an oncologist as she suspected my 14 year old Jack Russell had leukemia. Further testing confirmed my vets suspicions. I had the chemo rx filled for this happy and apparently healthy dog. I could not administer it to her. My mom had just survived breast cancer and I couldn't do that to a dog that has been a wonderful companion and friend for over 14 years. I appreciate this article because I have doubted my decision since I made it. Her white blood cell count is now up to 266,000 and I know my time with her is very limited. Thanks for the information.
Will, Severn, MD
Posted: 7/18/2009 12:45:50 AM
I appreciated reading the article. This past week we have learned that our 12 yr old german shepard has cancer of the blood vessels. We are really struggling with our decision of chemo or not. This article was helpful to me.
Jenny, Helena, MT
Posted: 8/23/2007 7:18:44 AM
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