Deciding if you should euthanize your dog
Nothing can fully prepare dog owners when they learn their dog is diagnosed with osteosarcoma. It’s also heartbreaking to see their dogs suffer from a lot of pain due to this disease. Putting down their dog with this disease is something all dog owners dread.
Depending on what stage of osteosarcoma your dog is at and whether your dog is undergoing treatment, you may have some time before having to make the decision.
If none of the above treatment works, euthanasia will sooner or later be the most reasonable and humane treatment option. If after the treatment and your dog is still experiencing unmanageable pain, speak with your vet if it is the right time to consider euthanization.
Ask yourself the following questions first before deciding if you should euthanize your dog:
If your dog is in constant exhausting pain and no longer able to live comfortably, then it may be time to say your farewell to your furry companion. Please know that you are not alone in this process. Speak with your vet to guide you through this decision.
When my best friend made the hard decision to euthanize, she decided to take her furry friend on an adventure to celebrate his last day. They spent the whole afternoon together and he had his favorite meal, steak – top sirloin.
Your dog will lie down on a table for the procedure and your vet will handle the entire procedure and answer any questions you may have.
If you prefer to have this procedure take place in your house, you may choose to go with in-home euthanasia. Ask your vet to see if there are any in-home euthanasia services they’d recommend.
Here’s how dog euthanasia works:
The vet will administer an injection of sodium pentobarbital with a syringe. It is an anesthetic drug that will quickly cause your dog to lose consciousness and painlessly stop the heart. Your vet will then confirm the time of passing by checking for a heartbeat.
You’ll have a few moments with your dog. Think back to any fond memories you had with your furry companion and thank them for all the happy memories they shared with you and your family.
It’s sad that this is the last time you’ll see your furry pup but know that they are now free from pain. You made the humane decision not to see your dog suffer anymore and have given them a painless and quick end to their suffering.
Helping you decide when to euthanize your dog with Osteosarcoma
Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may be suffering from Osteosarcoma. There are several factors and steps to consider if your dog has been officially diagnosed with OSA. The steps below will guide you in the right direction and answer any questions you may have.
If you suspect any changes in your dog’s body, whether their legs, limbs, or swelling, call your vet immediately. If you’re not sure the symptoms you’re seeing are related to canine osteosarcoma, read below for more information.
Large and giant dog breeds are prone to canine osteosarcoma. Consult our list of dog breeds below that are most affected by OSA.
Visit your vet to confirm the symptoms you’re seeing in your dog. They will perform a number of tests to find out what type of osteosarcoma your dog has.
Upon confirming that your dog has osteosarcoma and what type of OSA it is, your vet should provide you with a list of treatment options available.
The treatment options available will help to give you and your dog more time. It’s important to be aware of the prognosis with and without treatment. This way you can plan accordingly.
Before deciding if you should euthanize your dog with osteosarcoma, note down your dog’s quality of life. Is your dog is living a poor quality of life and experiencing unmanageable pain? Your vet may bring up the option of euthanizing your dog.
Administering palliative therapy in the form of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is also an option. Protocol involves the combination of radiation therapy on three out of four consecutive weeks – with chemotherapy in conjunction with the first and last doses.
Gentle dog euthanasia at home may sadly be your final option. Home-visit vets will answer all of your questions and explain the procedure clearly. When you’re ready your vet will administer a sedative that sends your dog to sleep. Then an anaesthetic agent will cause the heart to slow and stop – and your dog will pass away peacefully. Your vet will help with all aftercare arrangements too.
How fast does osteosarcoma spread? Osteosarcoma in dogs spreads rapidly through the bloodstream. It’s therefore very important that any treatment plan addresses the secondary spread of cancer as well as the primary tumour itself. The long-term survival rate is approximately 75%. If osteosarcoma has spread to the lungs or other bones at diagnosis, the rate diminishes to just 30%.
Urine analysis and comprehensive blood tests will show whether other organs have been affected. High levels of chemicals in the blood such as lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase may suggest that the osteosarcoma is more advanced than first thought.
What is the right time to euthanise a dog with osteosarcoma? The following guide will help you decide…