Plasmacytoma Removed From my Dogs Back Bone

by Craig Rice
(Naples, FL)

I am very concerned if i should do chemo on my 10 year old Bichon who has no cancer in her bone marrow and no cancer in her blood. She quit walking with her back legs one day after showing signs of pain for a couple of months before.

We had plasmacytoma tumor removed at a cost of $7000. We truly love our dog and she was up and walking pretty well within 4 days after surgery. She has a great appetite and is very happy. She is 10 years old and she has no cancer in her at this time.

How long will she survive without chemo and with chemo. and does the time difference justify her quality of life.

Editor Comment

Hi Craig,

I'm sorry to hear about your Bichon's health condition. While we cannot provide I cannot provide a definitive answer as to whether or not your dog should undergo chemotherapy without a veterinarian examining your dog, we can provide you with some information that might be helpful in making a decision.

Firstly, it's important to know that chemotherapy is typically recommended for dogs with cancer that has spread beyond the primary tumor site or for those with a high risk of metastasis. The fact that your Bichon has no cancer in her bone marrow and blood is a positive sign, but it's still possible that there are microscopic cancer cells elsewhere in her body that could grow and cause problems in the future.

The decision to undergo chemotherapy is often based on the potential benefits versus the potential risks and side effects. Chemotherapy can help to slow or even halt the progression of cancer, but it can also have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. These side effects can vary depending on the type of chemotherapy used and the individual dog's response.

As for life expectancy, it's difficult to provide a specific answer as it can vary greatly depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual dog's overall health and response to treatment. With or without chemotherapy, it's important to monitor your dog's quality of life and ensure that she is comfortable and happy.

It's essential to have a conversation with your veterinarian about the potential benefits and risks of chemotherapy for your dog, as well as any other treatment options that may be available. They can provide you with more specific information about your dog's condition and help you make an informed decision that is in the best interest of your dog's health and well-being.

All the best to you and your dog.

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Dog Health Guide