http://security.nationaljournal.com/2009/08/us-foreign-policy-speak-a-towe.php#1345357
I spent the day today at a veterinary clinic with a sick Canine-American member of the family and did not have much time for SST today. I did, however write a further comment over on the rather inhibited NJ blog. pl
PS Did you know that there are veterinary oncologists?
I hope your dog gets better.
I am sorry to hear that the dog might need a vet oncologist. My sympathies.
Since one of my close friends is a dog physical therapist, and I long ago saw a documentary on equine acupuncturists, I am not at all surprised about the vet oncology practice.
Best wishes to all.
Colonel:
I don’t know about Vet Oncologists, but when my Lab–Keydet had to have his knee(s) replaced I took him to the University of Georgia Vet Teaching Hospital. To that end you might want to consider the Va Tech Vet School. I have known several Vets who graduated from Va Tech and they were first rate.
It is amazing how much animals become part of our family.
Hank Foresman
A few years ago I had a canine-American member of the family with anal cancer. When the vet suggested chemo, I said I didn’t even want that. It hurts to let go of them, but keeping them would be more cruel.
Speaking of dogs, the Big Dog is still truly amazing. I’d still be voting for him if I had the chance. Amazing, he got them all out in one piece. He looks like a great American statesman. Jimmy Carter, watch you back.
Yes, I knew that. But I would never put my dog through that. I would let her go.
“Did you know that there are veterinary oncologists?”
Yes. My wife and I once paid a good deal upfront (that’s how it works with vets unless you’re one of those odd people who has pet insurance) to have a tumor removed from the brain of our cat and never regretted it for a moment — gave the guy about three or four more good years of life.
Lina
Ashby has had his first treatment and does not seem to be suffering. If he does we will
“let him go.” pl
Folks, I don’t know about dog chemo, but I’ve been through a @#($*& of a lot of human chemo, and it really isn’t so awful. Living is worth it.
But with pets it’s a different sort of choice, really, and I completely understand all the complexities. The pet can’t make an informed decision yay or nay whether to pursue treatment.
Keep the mutt alive if he stills want a walk.
The way our cat negotiated the last years of his life — before and after the tumor was removed — was a lesson in itself. Seemed to us, based on our already lengthy span of time together (maybe 12 years by then), that we knew pretty well what Gus liked to do and how he felt about things. Seeing him gravely hampered, then seeing him relieved for a good long while and finally not be able to do what he wanted/needed to do was like seeing the life force and its undertow written on the wall. In particular, the surgery to remove the tumor cost him the sight in one eye. We were afraid this might be rough for him because of loss of stereoptican vision, that he might not be able to accurately jump up on things as he liked to do, but it didn’t lessen his energy or his ability to deftly get around the house a bit — if anything, he understandably behaved as though a big burden had been lifted.
The best for Ashby.
I just researched some really vicious sounding cancer for somebody. The most helpful informations was from a phone call with another patient. The problem with this special type is that it is usually discovered at a terminal stage. “We were all diagnosed terminal”, the women from a special association for patients of that kind of cancer told me.
It may make sense to look for such information. What is helpful to support the self-healing capacities, what should be avoided. I could go on, but better stop here. Lately I have seen many survive even more difficult cases, or most close to me, anyway.
Why not help dogs too?
Pat,
We had a cat with cancer and a doctor at the veterinary school in Vienna Austria removed the tumor, giving her a few more good years. I would also recommend the veterinary schools if you find yourself against a wall. He saw her after 2 other vets told us to put her down. Best wishes to Ashby.
There are also vet cardiologists (from our personal experience with our late little dog Taco).
Good call on General Jones and Secretary Clinton.
Cost $1500 to remove the porcupine quills from our dog. Not an exorbitant price though considering there were 30+ of those quills in her nose. Amazed me that the vet claimed the quills are a type of hair covered with layers of a keratin-like substance – similar to our fingernails or to horns and claws of other critters. But how does the barb on the end develop I wonder?
For many of us, dogs become an important part of our lives.
I don’t hunt much anymore, but my Lab goes everywhere with me. Even though she can be a big PIA, if she were gone there would be a big hole around here.
Mike,
The quills don’t really have barbs, but rather something like scales which face backwards. An evolutionary part of their meager self defense I suppose.
I once pulled over 300 quills from around the mouth of a young hunting dog. I thought I’d need to take him to the vet to be put under to get it done, but he laid still for the whole long process with only a few whimpers.
Horses now! THAT is a major job, several guys, lots of rope and a lot of work. No hauling a horse to a vet when you’re too many miles away.
All the best for Ashby. Hope he comes through OK.
There are also vet ophthalmologists. We helped one make her boat payment just last week. Funny how these furry critters grow on you after awhile!
Col.
Best wishes to Ashby and you and your family. One good thing about Virginia is that it is such a dog-friendly state and they have the most wonderful dog doctors. I’m sure Ashby is in good hands.
Col, good luck to Ashby, just have him steer clear of Michael Vick.
Colonel,
Wishing a speedy recovery for
Ashby.
David
Col Lang, I also hope your dog gets better. I live in CA and canine oncologists do not surprise me at all. A Vet told my husband and I that our dog needed a liver transplant.
I am so glad that you are posting again. You are one of the very few people whose insights and judgement I trust.
I am sorry to hear about your dog hops you dog gets better..!