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My Spaz of a Jack

by Sarah
(Houston, texas)

9 years ago I adopted an adorable, affectionate and crazy puppy. I didn't know much about JRTs at the time, just knew that this little guy and I had a connection that I had never experienced.

He was named before I got him home and his name, Spaz, is more fitting than I ever imagined it would've been. For nine years this guy has been my best friend, constant companion, protector, foot warmer, and source of endless entertainment. I can not imagine my life without him.

About a year ago we noticed a small lump on his left hip. Over the course of a year it continued to grow. We had it removed about a month ago. We got him home and within a day he proceeded to rip out his staples (while wearing an ecollar). Three failed attempts later and we are now closing the wound by second intention. I know my little guy is in pain but he is in good spirits...he hasn't let him slow him down.

The vet tells me that the tumor that was removed was an aggressive type of cancer that will return. Our options are to have the leg removed, do aggressive chemotherapy, or just wait and see. I don't want him to suffer due to my selfishness but I also cannot justify giving up when there is nothing else wrong with him. Does anyone have suggestions or dealt with a similar situation? I would love to hear what you think.

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Jun 27, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Spazisto, The Magnificant
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your suggestions, I really appreciate them! Spaz is doing great right now. It took a good six weeks for his wound to heal completely, but it is now just an ugly scar, but it gives him a little extra character! My vet has been pleasantly surprised of his progress considering the type of tumor. He said that of there was any of it left in his leg it would have kept the tissue from healing so well.

We have decided on the wait and see method for the time being. My vet assured me the cancer would most likely return (so we are prepared) but that it could be 6 months or 6 years and, at this point, he didn't see any reason to go forward with am aggressive treatment.

Thanks again!
Jun 27, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Jack Russell with cancer
by: Anonymous

Hi Sarah,
So sorry to hear about your little guy. Dealing with such things is never an easy road. I've had sick dogs before and there can be some difficult decisions to be made. I would talk to your Vet and see what he thinks of the options. Chemo and/or amputation can be pretty pricey. If these things will prolong the quantity AND keep the quality of his life it may be worth investigating (if you can afford it). But many times these procedures can be very invasive for a dog and at the same time not really prolong their life that much. I'm sure you're Vet can give you some guidance in this area.

Something that is easy for you to do in the meantime while you think things over is switch to a raw food diet with no processed foods. You can look for recipes online or there is a link to a book of recipes you can purchase through this website under "homemade dog food". You might want to talk with your Vet or a holistic Vet about some supplements that you can add to the diet as well. While I don't think this will cure the cancer, it could help in improving overall life quality.

Please keep us posted on his progress, we are rooting for him!

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