Looks for Vet Experienced in Oncology

Hi All,

My shepherd mix was diagnosed with prostate cancer about two months ago. It's been a really difficult time for all of us. Our vet suggested that we go to an oncologist for a second opinion, which confirmed the cancer. The onc wanted us to do chemo and/or radiation, but we opted out since our dog is 11 and we don't want to put him through that. The problem is that since our dog was diagnosed, we have been back to our vet three times since he is now prone to UTI and needs to be on antibiotics for the rest of his life. Our vet at the practice who has known the dog since he was a puppy has pretty much written him off. His comments have been along the lines of: he's wasting away anyway, nothing more to be done; no need to do any more blood work, it doesn't matter; just keep giving him the pain killers that's all he needs. Now, we are realistic in that he may have just weeks or months. But we want to make sure he is comfortable and pain free. Is it unrealistic of us to expect the vet to take CBC tests and ultrasounds of his prostate to see if there is progression and how much? We've asked for this to be done and have been told it's not necessary. Sadly, I know many have been in this same situation and I'm just looking for insight on whether or not this is typical behavior for vets who are dealing with an animal who has an inoperable cancer at an advanced age. And if there are any suggestions of other vets who may be more compassionate and helpful. TIA.

We were in this boat with our beloved Boxer. It's hard. I am so sorry.

We worked with an oncology vet at Fairfield. Here is the info: 

http://www.animalerc.com/oncology.shtml

They were great.

I'm sorry to hear of your situation and know this is something that may take a while for you to decide what the best route will be for your dog.  Have you looked looked into palliative care?  I found this website and perhaps it might help you make some decisions you and your family feel comfortable with.  I'm sorry I can't point you to a specific vet.  Hope this helps.

http://www.lapoflove.com/

Our dog passed this past summer from lymphoma. It was sudden and very advanced very quickly. We also saw the vets at the Fairfield Medical Center; they spelled out the various options. Given the dog's prognosis, we opted to go with steroids and palliative care, but the dog only lived for 2 weeks after the lymphoma was diagnosed. I do recall that there were a number of veterinary oncologists at the center. They are quite expensive, but they are also cutting edge for treatment. They did not pressure us to go with the most aggressive types of chemo given the dog's condition. I hope you can get some answers for your dog. I know how heartbreaking it is to see them sick and how much we all want to protect and care for them.

I took my cat Booger to the oncologist at the vet in Tinton Falls. You might want to try her.

we also went to fairfield with a fairly young dog with inoperable brain cancer.  she was on a lot of medication the last few months and did chemo, which in this case, was not painful. did it improve her quality of life?  no. she was very sick. was it very expensive? yes. i wasn't ready to put her down, and then i was. Everyone kept saying - you'll know when it's time,and I did. my vet did not encourage or discourage me from taking this route (though i sense he isn't really in favor of a lot of expensive and basically, unhelpful treatments).

Our dig had cancer a few years ago and our vet sent us to Fairfield.  I can't remember the name of the vet we saw but his advice was excellent.

The vets in Tinton Falls were also excellent but we did not see an oncologist; that dog had heart failure.

Neighborly:  I didn't go through this with a pet, but it is a close parallel to what I went through with my husband who died recently.  Chemo and radiation were ruled out, surgery was performed but infections set in which as it turned out could not be treated adequately by antibiotics.  Palliative care and hospice were recommended and in the long run, that is pretty much what the LTACH provided for the last month or so of his life.  Finally, I stopped asking for test results because I knew they deep down that they would not point to a cure,

This is such a difficult decision for you or anyone else to make.  I can understand your wanting to do what is best for a loved one who is a cherished member of your family but unless there is some treatment that could lead to arresting or curing the cancer, I am not sure what is to be gained by extensive testing.  By all means seek out another opinion if there is any chance of the dog's condition improving.  If not, palliative care may be the best way to go.  Trust your instincts and you will make the right decision.

First, I very much empathize.  Hard decisions about what level of care and intervention is appropriate and given the very high cost of the specialty care, whether its reasonable.

I would well recommend Seth Glasser

DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)

http://www.animalerc.com/oncology.shtml

Wonderful care for our cat, Pilchard, over her journey with cancer.  He lives here in town, you may have run in to him!

Also been to Tinton Falls with our cat Pax -- 

http://www.gsvs.org/staff/oncology.html

but that's very far to travel every week with a sick animal during course of treatment.  (if they were closer I'd very much recommend them).

Best,

Pete

All,

Thank you for your caring and thoughtful responses. This is such a wonderful, helpful community. It is very difficult but ultimately we want to make sure our pets are pain free and comfortable. 

Cats - thanks for the information on that site. That was going to be my next question about who to use for euthanasia at the home. 

Has anyone had experience with using an acupuncturist for their pets?

Acupuncture for pain relief, I'm assuming?  I haven't used it but my vet, Dr. Howard Miller, is certified in this:

http://www.eaglerockvethosp.com/doctors-and-staff

excellent experience with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, dog with Hemangiosarcoma. Very uncaring experience with the Animal Medical Center in NYC.

deborahg said:

We were in this boat with our beloved Boxer. It's hard. "> I am so sorry.

We worked with an oncology vet at Fairfield. Here is the info: 

http://www.animalerc.com/oncology.shtml


They were great.

^^^Dr Glasser @ above link is excellent.  We met Dr Glasser when our dog had prostate cancer with very few options.  He is kind, thoughtful, caring and offers realistic options.  Even when there is little to offer he considers what is best for the dog and the family for pain management, etc. I'd highly recommend a consult with him.  

Neighborly said:

Has anyone had experience with using an acupuncturist for their pets?

I was very pleased with Dr. Tsai at Companion Animal Hospital in Parsippany. Worth the drive. The acupuncture was effective for my dog's arthritis. She's licensed or board-certified or something -- don't remember exactly what, but a lot of acupuncture vets have just had weekend classes. She's had a lot more, plus a solid background in alternative/Chinese medicine.

Neighborly said:

Cats - thanks for the information on that site. That was going to be my next question about who to use for euthanasia at the home. 

An earlier thread:

https://maplewood.worldwebs.com/forums/discussion/id/116206-Anyone-have-experience-with-euthanasia-of-your-pet-in-your-home-

Another option to consider is Three Rivers Holistic Vet in Madison. Although they are not oncologists they wil work with you to make your pup as comfortable as possible.

This board is so incredibly helpful. I was able to get an appointment for acupuncture tomorrow with Dr. Miller. I'll report back on how it goes in the hopes it could help others who are considering acupuncture for their pets. 

We use a veterinary acupuncturist who is also a chiropractor. She uses both kinds of treatments on our dog Waffle who is 12 years old. She had been diagnosed with arthritis, but Dr. Bea realized it's really a pinched nerve. We though Waffle was not long for this world until Dr. Bea did her magic. It's been miraculous. Sometimes she has no limp, and she is sprightly and fairly energetic for such an old dog.

Dr. Bea practices at the Vet at the Barn in Chestnut Ridge, NY and also at the New Paltz Animal Hospital. We started using her when we lived in Maplewood, so I know what a hike it is, but it has been totally worth it. We still use her, even though we live in New York City now.

Dr Bea studied under the pioneer of these practices, and she is immensely good. She's also a terribly nice person.

Curious to hear about your experience.  I sent you a PM.

Dr. Seth Glasser at Fairfield.  973/226-3282...unfortunately had to use him 3x for 3 different dogs.

I highly recommend AERC in fairfield for oncology. Dr Alsarraf was wonderful when our dog was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. She was extremely open and honest. Told us she had her own dogs who she chose to treat and not treat.  She gave us an extra few months. Our normal vet used Dr Glasser when her dog needed chemotherapy. 

Also, Dr. Straus at AERC is absolutely amazing. If a specialist is needed I would only see him. 

We went to Dr. Miller for acupucture for our dog. It helped relieve some of his pain in his front and hind legs. But he couldn't overcome his health issues and he is at peace today, thanks to Dr. Shannon and Lap of Love. Thank you everyone for your caring advice. Our dog lived for 12 years but it just seems like just yesterday that we took him home in a shoe box and he grew to be a 100-pound gentle giant. We will keep his memory alive through all the good times we had together.

Neighborly, I'm sorry you had to say goodbye to your dog. It's always such a difficult thing, even when you know it's the last loving thing you can do for them. He left surrounded by love, and that's a gift many don't have. In my pug online community, we always light a candle when one of our pugs has passed on to "light their way over the Rainbow Bridge" - it's always a comforting thought for me, so I will light a candle for your boy's journey.

Very sorry for the loss of your pup.