most of you know my German Shephard has a tumor in her mouth. She was due to have surgery on thursday by my vet and the vet herself got sick and had to cancel..so in the mean time we decided to go and get a second opinion of this. So we went to a vet who my vet trained with and is known to be very good..

Bad news he said surgery is not an option and that they would have to take our most of her jaw on the one side of her mouth and part of her nose if they do this. He says hes very sure its cancer but, this type is a slow growing one. He would not say how long he thinks she has left but, we can do chemo on her to help shrink it..its expensive like 2,000 dollars. For now hes put her back on steriods and an anitibotic for now . he said the steriods at this point won't shrink the tumor but, will help slow it down some.

Now I am so upset on this..I want a third opinion and chemo..I don't want to lose her..

Sammy, I'm so sorry I know how much Cassie means to you. Please try the chemo if you can. Did the vet say how it would effect her? Is he for sure that it's cancer? How is he sure? Make sure you take her to your regular vet as well. How come he didn't tell you this the times you took her in there??

I'm praying for you, Sammy..and for Cassie. I love ya both.

I can only echo puppy here sam. Cassie is very lucky to have you as are all your friends. I'll keep praying for cassie and for you.

Oh Sammy - I am so sorry - try to keep the first vet's plan in mind as well. It appears that one of them is wrong and at this particular moment, you don't know which is.

If it does turn out that it is cancer and the best option is chemo, do it if you can. If it is able to shrink the tumor and it is slow growing, it would likely be the best for the long term prognosis.

When will your initial vet be back? If it is too long, I would recommend that you do get a third opinion before moving forward - again, because one of them is providing the wrong diagnosis.

I will keep you and Cassie in my thoughts. (((((Sammy & Cassie)))))

Sammy, I can only imagine what you are going through right now. Lydia has a great point - the first vet may have seen things differently. Perhaps his training includes something that provides hope.

Cassie is lucky to have you and needs you now more than ever. My prayers are with you.

I'm so sorry to hear this Sammy. I know what you're going through and how sad you must be. I'm hoping for the best possible outcome for you and Cassie... let us know what you decide to do and how it turns out.

Thanks all you guys..I really appreciate this and im not sure what im going to do. The vet says we can try chemo but, its realy expensive tho, I don't put a price on her head but, I don't know if i want her really sick if the outcome is the same.

Sammy... you may want to take a look at this and this page on chemotherapy for pets. Apparently it is a lot milder and causes fewer side effects than chemotherapy in humans.

[This message was edited by methos5000 on 04-26-03 at 01:47 AM.]

I did methos and thanks so much for taking the time to post that here for me..great article.

Well, ive decided not to give up on cassie and go for the treatment...I think if she does well hopefully she will be around wiht me for a long long time..I am not going to listen to that vet cause he doesnt know her like i do..she has a strong will to live! thanks methos and pup!