Need best canine oncologist in Illinois

[Cyclonepride]

I'd add that prospects for recovery and quality of life are important factors. We had a beagle pup that developed severe seizure issues, and we spent a couple thousands trying to figure it out. Our final option was to do some testing through Iowa State for $1500 more (or so, can't remember exactly), but that would have only helped diagnose the cause (maybe). Before we got to that point, she went into a seizure that she wouldn't come out of (could only prevent them with heavy sedation, and as soon as she came out, she went back into seizure), so the decision was made for us. Just a heart wrenching situation with her.

 

[Rabbuk]

I'd add that prospects for recovery and quality of life are important factors. We had a beagle pup that developed severe seizure issues, and we spent a couple thousands trying to figure it out. Our final option was to do some testing through Iowa State for $1500 more (or so, can't remember exactly), but that would have only helped diagnose the cause (maybe). Before we got to that point, she went into a seizure that she wouldn't come out of (could only prevent them with heavy sedation, and as soon as she came out, she went back into seizure), so the decision was made for us. Just a heart wrenching situation with her.

This happened with my parents dog, at age 5. Seized for like 2 straight hours.

 

[NoCreativity]

I am, but none taken. I came across too defensive initially, and I shouldn't have done that. You and JBH make a good point, as with any profession there are vets who are looking out for their patients, and then there are vets who look to maximize profits. Your vet sounds like a good vet. Never be afraid to get a second opinion if you don't like what you hear. You can even self refer to a specialist, no appointment through your primary care doctor needed.

Thanks, its a little too late for our situation though. Our dog passed last week, we had to have her euthanized, the cancer had spread to her eyes and she went blind. She did well for a couple months but the cancer just came back quickly.

I dont know how you guys stay strong through the euthanasia process, being that Im sure you are an animal lover also being in that profession. That was the most devastating thing Ive experienced in quite some time.

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

Not to derail the thread, but a study came out a few years ago and said that a new college graduate would be worse off financially the rest of their life by going to veterinary school than they would using their undergrad degree and entering the workforce. This is due to the 4 years lost wages, cost of schooling, and crushing student debt that often can be $150k-$200k. This isnt a profession you get into for the money, contrary to what you may think.

My brother in law is a vet and he has such a hard time hiring anyone to work for him. I suppose a lot of it is due to the debt but they think they should be making a massive salary right out of school.
He got together with a few other vets and they set up a kind of coop. There is one central hospital that has all the expensive equipment so they don't each have to buy all that stuff. They each have their own clinic where they handle checkups, vaccinations etc. If surgery is needed then they take them to the central hospital. This also helps because they rotate being on call. Emergencies are taken at the central hospital so only one doctor has to cover it. This actually gives each vet several weeks where they are not on call because they are out of the rotation.

 

[RealisticCy]

Thanks, its a little too late for our situation though. Our dog passed last week, we had to have her euthanized, the cancer had spread to her eyes and she went blind. She did well for a couple months but the cancer just came back quickly.

I dont know how you guys stay strong through the euthanasia process, being that Im sure you are an animal lover also being in that profession. That was the most devastating thing Ive experienced in quite some time.

Very sorry to hear about your dog. I'm an Iowa State Vet Med grad, and those situations are often quite hard on the veterinarian as well, especially when we've been involved with the animal its whole life. Part of our veterinarian's oath is that we swear to use our education for "the prevention and relief of animal suffering." That is exactly what humane euthanasia is doing, relieving the suffering of an animal when there are no other options. We all wish we would never have to euthanize another animal, but I'm glad it is an option we have available in our profession. I actually have an immense amount of respect for animal owners that realize when that time has come.

 

[carvers4math]

As others have suggested, you might look into the best vet med school near you.

Our 12 year old lab had cancer in his brain. Iowa State Vet Med got us nearly a year more of quality of life and helped minimize the seizures.

 

[chicagocyfan]

I thought I should provide an update as many have expressed concern and well wishes. Our Alli was confirmed with Lymphoma stage 5b and we were presented with the various protocol options. The best being an estimated 6-8 months that only slows growth and keeps her comfortable, therefore, after talking with our boys, we've made the heart-wrenching decision to only provide a steroid (Pred) for her temporary comfort and once we see the returned progression of her cancer growth (loss of appetite and labored breathing) return we will put her to rest. We are admittingly having a difficult time as she's temporarily returned to herself and we know the inevitable. Thank you for all of your kind words and guidance from those who've experienced this loss.

 

[NoCreativity]

I thought I should provide an update as many have expressed concern and well wishes. Our Alli was confirmed with Lymphoma stage 5b and we were presented with the various protocol options. The best being an estimated 6-8 months that only slows growth and keeps her comfortable, therefore, after talking with our boys, we've made the heart-wrenching decision to only provide a steroid (Pred) for her temporary comfort and once we see the returned progression of her cancer growth (loss of appetite and labored breathing) return we will put her to rest. We are admittingly having a difficult time as she's temporarily returned to herself and we know the inevitable. Thank you for all of your kind words and guidance from those who've experienced this loss.

Just went through the exact same thing, so sorry you have to go through this.

 

[jsb]

I thought I should provide an update as many have expressed concern and well wishes. Our Alli was confirmed with Lymphoma stage 5b and we were presented with the various protocol options. The best being an estimated 6-8 months that only slows growth and keeps her comfortable, therefore, after talking with our boys, we've made the heart-wrenching decision to only provide a steroid (Pred) for her temporary comfort and once we see the returned progression of her cancer growth (loss of appetite and labored breathing) return we will put her to rest. We are admittingly having a difficult time as she's temporarily returned to herself and we know the inevitable. Thank you for all of your kind words and guidance from those who've experienced this loss.

Sorry you are going through this. You may have already considered this, but when the time comes see if your vet will come to your house to put her to rest. My parents did this with their dog and it was a very peaceful thing for both the family and the dog.

 

[Scott34]

Make sure you find out what the cost will be. Then step back and look at this without the emotion. You say the dog is far to young, but most labs don't live long after 10-12 years.

This is a dog. A dog you love, but still a dog. How much can this money benefit or harm your family. If you have young kids that money is best used on them. If you're single or married with no kids it may be a little different.

You obviously don't get it or have never have a dog.

 

[carvers4math]

I thought I should provide an update as many have expressed concern and well wishes. Our Alli was confirmed with Lymphoma stage 5b and we were presented with the various protocol options. The best being an estimated 6-8 months that only slows growth and keeps her comfortable, therefore, after talking with our boys, we've made the heart-wrenching decision to only provide a steroid (Pred) for her temporary comfort and once we see the returned progression of her cancer growth (loss of appetite and labored breathing) return we will put her to rest. We are admittingly having a difficult time as she's temporarily returned to herself and we know the inevitable. Thank you for all of your kind words and guidance from those who've experienced this loss.

Sorry for your situation. The vet said we would know when it was time to put our lab down, and we did. It was right before one of our boys left for freshman year of college and I felt bad about him grieving our sweet dog when he was off on his own for the first time.

 

[Cyclonepride]

I thought I should provide an update as many have expressed concern and well wishes. Our Alli was confirmed with Lymphoma stage 5b and we were presented with the various protocol options. The best being an estimated 6-8 months that only slows growth and keeps her comfortable, therefore, after talking with our boys, we've made the heart-wrenching decision to only provide a steroid (Pred) for her temporary comfort and once we see the returned progression of her cancer growth (loss of appetite and labored breathing) return we will put her to rest. We are admittingly having a difficult time as she's temporarily returned to herself and we know the inevitable. Thank you for all of your kind words and guidance from those who've experienced this loss.

So sorry to hear. That's really tough.

 

[VTXCyRyD]

You obviously don't get it or have never have a dog.

Actually I've had dogs my entire life. The first one my wife and I had became diabetic and needed insulin shots twice a day from the time he was 5 until he was 12. During the last couple years of his life he developed cataracts as well. The dog we currently have started having seizures at the age of 2. He has been getting medication for that for the last 5 years twice a day to control it.

These dogs have been part of our family and go most everywhere with us. However, if anything like what happened to the OP dog happen to ours the decision would be made not to spend thousands of dollars for a few more months of time.

Maybe you don't get it.

 

[LutherBlue]

I thought I should provide an update as many have expressed concern and well wishes. Our Alli was confirmed with Lymphoma stage 5b and we were presented with the various protocol options. The best being an estimated 6-8 months that only slows growth and keeps her comfortable, therefore, after talking with our boys, we've made the heart-wrenching decision to only provide a steroid (Pred) for her temporary comfort and once we see the returned progression of her cancer growth (loss of appetite and labored breathing) return we will put her to rest. We are admittingly having a difficult time as she's temporarily returned to herself and we know the inevitable. Thank you for all of your kind words and guidance from those who've experienced this loss.

Hang in there. We lost our younger dog (age 6) to lung cancer this summer very suddenly and the old dog (almost 12) has a mass of some kind in her abdomen that is into her liver. Hard to get her to eat, we have been medicating for about 3 months but might be in her last days. Our house feels empty.

 

[carvers4math]

Hang in there. We lost our younger dog (age 6) to lung cancer this summer very suddenly and the old dog (almost 12) has a mass of some kind in her abdomen that is into her liver. Hard to get her to eat, we have been medicating for about 3 months but might be in her last days. Our house feels empty.

So very sorry. Dogs are definitely family.