Lab mix with cancer - Page 1

My lab mix that I found as a stray about 8 years ago has cancer. Our vet removed 4 tumors but the lymph node test came back pos. I don't   want to put him down till he is in pain but how will I know? Any one out there that can tell me what to look for. He looks happy some of the time ( rolling in the grass ect. ) and kind of laying around others. I just cant tell how bad he feels and I don't want him to suffer.

LSU mom, I'm so sorry to hear you and your dog are battling this.  The amount of pain he may experience varies to a degree according to the type of cancer involved; osteosarcoma (bone cancer), for example, generally progresses very quickly and usually causes some of the most severe pain, while other types of cancer may bring mild discomfort at the most.  A discussion with your veterinarian about the use of medications to provide pain control is in order, and the sooner the better--ideally, you'll want to arrive at a workable plan before your boy needs to start on such medications...the more you can plan ahead for, the less you'll be faced with having to make decisions that you may second-guess later because you felt pressured to do *something* because some sort of crisis arose.

Here's a link for a site that provides excellent information on how to recognize signals of pain in our animals:

http://www.rainbowbridgevet.com/Pain.html

And here's a page that contains a treasure chest full of helpful articles, web links and other reference materials on the subject of veterinary hospice care, caring for a pet with cancer, how to evaluate the pet's quality of life, and much more:

http://landofpuregold.com/cancer/hospice.htm

I wish for you and your dog as much time together as possible, and peace in your heart from knowing you gave him a wonderful, happy life filled with love, and from the knowledge that you've done everything in your power to keep him safe, healthy, and free from pain and fear...even though fulfilling that last part will ultimately bring pain to your heart.  He's a very lucky dog to have gotten you as his person.

Hexe, you're a gem!   {{{{HUGS}}}

Thanks hexe, good info I will be able to use. This dog was a wonderful family pet, often a stray/ unwanted dog can be the best pet.