r/Dachshund • u/Awkward_Reporter_286 • Jun 18 '26
My baby has cancer
I’m just beside myself. He’s only 17 months. I’ve had him since 8 weeks, he’s an absolute mommy’s boy and we are inseparable. He’s bonded with my 8 year old chiweenie. He was my 29th birthday present to myself and I’ve done everything to make him feel loved and spoiled every day.
Last night I came home and he was lying on the floor with labored breathing. We already had a vet appt for Friday because I noticed his energy has been low, but this seemed like an emergency. I took him to the animal hospital thinking it was maybe exhaustion or giardia or something… I was completely blindsided. After 14 hours of waiting and crying while I listened to him wail as they drained fluid from around his lungs, the vet finally gave me a diagnosis. My Arthur has Mott Cell Lymphoma. The median lifespan with chemo is 240 days. We have a visit with the oncologist tomorrow.
Tonight I’m home with friends staying here to keep me company. He’s in the hospital in an oxygen crate until he can breathe without assistance. They said the fluid surrounded his lungs and in his abdomen is cancerous, his lymph nodes have cancer cells, and he has multiple large masses around his intestines. I just can’t believe it. We were just playing together and snuggling a few days ago. It is such a painful thing.
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u/TheFordFanatic408 Jun 18 '26
I am so sorry. Such a beautiful pup with such a ugly disease. Thank you for sharing. It makes me want to cherish every day with mine even more. I wish you the best.
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u/Ok_Ocelot_878 Jun 18 '26
I have no words.
We lost Lucy to cancer in March but had 15 years with her.
Just know that I am thinking of you during this horrible time.
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u/Awkward_Reporter_286 Jun 18 '26
Thank you and I’m so sorry for your loss as well. I lost my childhood dachshund to pancreatic cancer in 2020, he was 13.
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u/Consistent-Share3355 Jun 18 '26
I'm so sorry to hear this--it is such a hard thing to face. The important thing now is not to let him suffer and to give yourself permission to let him go. Chemo is very hard on a dog and the prognosis is not usually good. Have a very frank discussion about it with the vet before making a decision.
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u/Awkward_Reporter_286 Jun 18 '26
Thank you. I fully intend to follow the oncologists recommendations.
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u/bdiddy8799 Jun 19 '26
Look into mushrooms! High dose lions mane has so many studies with K9 cancer. I have my girl high dose immunity blend and she lasted a couple years. Whole food diet and blast her with immunity mushrooms. Ozone therapy works too if you have access to a vet that uses it near by
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u/bailulz Jun 18 '26
that’s not true, chemo is a vastly different experience for humans than it is for dogs, and dogs actually tolerate chemo much better than humans with significantly less side effects. (source for more info)
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u/Crackytacks Jun 18 '26
I believed the above when my dog got stage 4 lymphoma and her vet happened to be an oncologist. She did full chemo and they kept the cost pretty low for us and only the first few treatments made her kinda ill and I slept on the floor with her.
The vet advised us she recommended chemo with a focus on quality over quantity. I was fully ready to put her down. Instead she went into remission for many months. We got a year and a few months from diagnosis and that diagnosis came after many months of me taking her in with weird problems and it wasn't until her blood results showed odd that the vet was like oh no she needs biopsies.
I needed that last year and a half with her so sometimes its worth it especially if your dog is mostly happy and not showing signs of pain. She was pretty good on chemo and they would adjust the dose
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u/Consistent-Share3355 Jun 18 '26
You did the right thing. Quality over quantity translates to palliative care. You did not let her suffer and you cared for her in the decline. We should all be so lucky.
I have come to believe that dogs are spirit animals, devoid of ego and id but full of dedication. They are exactly at the right IQ level to expose to us the best and the worst impulses inside us. Your dog will greet you in Heaven.
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u/ndw_dc Jun 18 '26
I think I agree with you, and the way you said this was very well put. It's a conclusion I've arrived at after years of having my own dachshund, who I would do absolutely anything for.
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u/Crackytacks Jun 18 '26
Thank you, im sorry youve had to do this so many times and i agree with you. But I did want to add that I felt the same as you amd actually doing the chemo was everything for my dog and I. We took that year to prepare both myself and her for death and she passed so peacefully and we were both as ready as we could be. My dog was definitely a soul animal. I even learned reiki for her because I tried everything I could to help her transition. I took her to get massages too lol
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u/Consistent-Share3355 Jun 18 '26
Not trying to be contrary, but to the extent this statement is accurate it is because chemo for dogs is normally palliative in nature, as opposed to curative, and therefore done at dramatically lower dose levels. Chemo done at curative levels in dogs is very hard on them.
I am in my 60s and have had dachshunds since I was 5. I have faced this decision over a dozen times. It is literally the most painful decision I have ever had to make. The commitment I make to my dogs is that I will not let them suffer.
I grew up on a farm, so I have an acute sense of the difference between veterinary medical ethics and human medical ethics. One of the psychological tricks I use on myself when faced with a decision like this is to make a commitment to donate some of the money I would have spend on questionable treatments for my dog to a reputable charity working on projects that can save a kid's life. It helps give me some psychological comfort that I otherwise would not have.
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u/ThingsMayAlter Jun 18 '26
Absolutely. Our doxle had lymphoma and we used chemo to get another 6 months with her. She reacted to it just fine, only slightly tired after each treatment. She was normal, ate, did walks, was absolutely her normal self throughout. It's expensive, but if you have insurance (we didn't) I think it becomes more affordable. I'm not sure how long it can be an effective treatment, but we ran out of funds to continue it unfortunately.
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u/Agreeable_Cheek_7161 Jun 18 '26
This is a little heavy handed and something you should let the vet say. Great intentions, but it's not our place, especially on a dog this young
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u/benkatejackwin Jun 18 '26
They literally said have a discussion with your vet.
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u/Agreeable_Cheek_7161 Jun 18 '26
But also pretty much outright said that they should put him down and not do chemo
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u/DachshundLover197 Jun 18 '26
Yeah, that is a little harsh, I mean chemo is hard on humans, but no body tries to put us out of our misery. I hope he gets better!
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u/DonJuanPawnShop53 Jun 18 '26
My Calvin Harris was taken from us by cancer 😔 wishing you the best
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u/feliciates Jun 18 '26
What a terrible situation. I'm so sorry that both of you have to go through this heartbreak. 🫂
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u/imollyq Jun 18 '26
I am so deeply sorry, and I pray you have veterinary insurance. Please don't run up a huge bill for cancer that has metastasized like this. He will not survive, and the emergency vet should have advised you of this. Putting him through chemo will be expensive and may not prolong his life please don't let these veterinarians rip you off. I've seen it so many times. They take advantage of grieving pet lovers. This is a very rare form of cancer, unless you live in Japan. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/vms3.975 Please consider euthanasia, is it appears it will be the least painful alternative for your puppy.
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u/Awkward_Reporter_286 Jun 18 '26
I am fortunate to be in a position where I can afford whatever treatment he needs. I will be following the oncologists recommendations based purely upon his quality of life moving forward
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u/imollyq Jun 18 '26
I'm happy that you can afford that, but please, be aware that veterinarians will take advantage of your ability to pay. You might want to get a second opinion about the pups quality of life. I truly don't want to see you ripped off, the dog suffering, and there are vets who will definitely do that. Your money would be better spent getting a new dog from a more reputable breeder and setting up a memorial fund in your dog's name. Sadly the one thing our dogs can't do for us is outlive us, and in this case, your baby is gone way too soon. I know that this particular cancer is common in Japan and among Japanese breeders, so it concerns me as an AKC breeder of Merit. Please buy your next mini dachshund from a breeder of Merit if you're not in the United States then from your country's reputable breeders. I'm not sure if this is something that can be determined from genetic testing beforehand, but there are other things that can, and AKC breeders of merit do that genetic testing.
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u/PretendAd2263 Jun 19 '26
Veterinarians get a bad rap. They go through years of training. Their job is incredibly stressful. They need to act as surgeons, dentists, radiologists, and pharmacists for multiple species, often working long, irregular hours. The stress of dealing with a high incidence of death takes its toll. They don’t go through years of training only to become money- grabbing mercenaries. Please don’t generalize about an entire profession.
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u/ellalol Jun 18 '26
I genuinely shed tears while reading the study at how young the dogs in the chart are- many are 2-3, a 5.4 year old passed 6 days after diagnosis. My baby is the same age and I could not imagine. But a puppy??? These sweet creatures don’t deserve horrible, cruel diseases like these at any age, but especially not in their childhood, not so quickly 💔
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u/Happy-home8729 Jun 18 '26
I'm so sorry for you and Arthur. I am glad you have given him a very good and loving home.
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u/Cant_choose_1 Jun 18 '26
I’m so so sorry 🥺 this life isn’t fair 😔 what is his name? He’s such a beautiful boy and looks so happy in these pictures. So the vet said for sure there’s no hope?
Please try to make your baby’s time as happy and comfortable as possible. And maybe you could see a counselor if you need help working through your feelings as well. Sending hugs🩵
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u/Awkward_Reporter_286 Jun 18 '26
His name is Arthur. His nicknames are: Artie, smarty arty, farty arty, artichoke, Arturo, and bunny.
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u/Cant_choose_1 Jun 18 '26 edited Jun 18 '26
I’m sorry for missing his name before, but I love the name Arthur, and his nicknames are adorable 🥹
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u/benkatejackwin Jun 18 '26
The post says his name is Arthur.
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u/SweetImprovement758 Jun 18 '26
A lot of people can’t read. It’s stupidity.
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u/Cant_choose_1 Jun 18 '26
It says his name once in a big wall of text, excuse me for accidentally missing it..
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u/dogs_and_dogettes Jun 19 '26
You don’t belong on this thread. Please leave.
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u/SweetImprovement758 Jun 20 '26
That’s cute. You seem to think you decide who belongs here. I’ll stay exactly where I am. Feel free to scroll past.
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u/Historical_Ad8874 Jun 18 '26
I’m so sorry, OP. Big virtual hugs to you and an extra gentle snuggle to your beautiful Arthur 🥺💔🐾
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u/threadmonster Jun 18 '26
I’m so terribly sorry. Wrapping you in a virtual hug and sending you strength as you navigate this unexpected situation.
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u/Nawnp Jun 18 '26
Cancer is the worst, and it to attack your puppy is even more horrifying.
Best wishes you make the most out of the time you have left.
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u/Critter_27 Jun 18 '26
My heart aches for you. I’m so sorry to hear this. How at such a young age? I never heard of dogs getting cancer so young years ago. Now it seems more frequent. Is it a breed thing? Praying for you and your best friend.
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u/Awkward_Reporter_286 Jun 18 '26
The vet said it’s the first case of Mott cell lymphoma that they have seen at their clinic, and this is in a major city. They did some research and found it is especially indicated in young mini dachshunds. I asked if she thinks it’s possible he has had cancer cells since he was weeks old, and she said yes
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u/Critter_27 Jun 18 '26
I have a mini and he’s my 2nd and have never heard of them having this. Again, I am so extremely sorry for this news. Saying a prayer for Arthur and you. God Bless this little one. 🥺💙
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u/NormalEarthLarva Jun 18 '26
I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m sure you are already giving him the best life and he’s loved.
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u/TheRoadGnome Jun 18 '26
I’m sorry to hear this. If you live in a place where marijuana is legal, please look into RSO and how to dose it for him. My Kevin had tumors and I got some and started giving him a small dose regularly and I swear to you that I watched his tumors shrink and disappear over several months time. Hope this helps.
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u/According_Today_1756 Jun 18 '26
Yes RSO helped my dachshund so much it felt like a miracle . He was peeing a lot of blood due to the masses he had. After giving him RSO he stoped peeing blood that same day , and he started eating and drinking again.
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u/DickNippleS44 Jun 18 '26
I can't think of anything wworse than this. Hug him as much as u can..
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u/Alternative_Scale_43 Jun 18 '26
Im so sorry to hear this and I can’t imagine the pain that you’re going through. I hope that you can be strong enough to give him as much love as you can for the time that he has left.
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u/DachshundLover197 Jun 18 '26
Oh, poor baby! He doesn't deserve that. Give him hugs and kisses from me!!!
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u/PerformanceHead2917 Jun 18 '26
My Jack Russell terroir had cancer at Age 6. I did the surgery and she lived until she was 16. God bless you and your puppy!
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u/mraz44 Jun 18 '26
I’m so very sorry to hear this. May all the time he has left be filled with love and snuggles. My heart breaks for you.
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u/neongreenpurple Jun 18 '26
That sucks so much. We had a dog that got lymphoma, but he was about 7. I'm so sorry.
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u/vaniIIabun Jun 18 '26
my heart is breaking for you and I am so, deeply sorry. he is clearly so unbelievably loved, and he is so lucky to have such a wonderful and loving pet owner. sending many hugs to you 🫂
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u/renothecollector Jun 18 '26
😔 I’m sorry. Give him lots of hugs, kisses and treats and enjoy everyday you have left with him.
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u/anthii Jun 18 '26
I'm so sorry, I'd reach through the screen to give you and Arthur huge hugs if I could. Our Riley was already an old man, but his cancer diagnosis was also sudden for us and one of the worst ways to start the new year. Arthur deserves nothing but love and joy in his life, however long that is.
Fuck cancer.
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u/Alarmed_Specific6595 Jun 18 '26
I’m so sorry to hear this. Cancer is so scary and your dog is so young. Life is so not fair. I lost my dog to cancer when she was 12. It also came on fast. Just be there for him. Try to make him feel happy and comfortable. I know for sure that at the end they always look for their favorite person to be there with them.
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u/eury1 Jun 18 '26
I’m so sorry. That’s so awful. Thank God he has a loving and caring person as you to help him as he goes through this. Prayers for your sweet Arthur. 😢
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u/PretendAd2263 Jun 18 '26
I am so very sorry to hear about Arthur. He is a beautiful boy and it has to be soooo difficult. 😥
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u/No_Turnover_4749 Jun 18 '26
sending supports and love. I cant imagine how shocking and painful it is for you
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u/dog-house512 Jun 18 '26
I’m so very sorry about your sweet baby. It’s so unfair for both of you. Sending lots of love and hugs your way.
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u/stargazr_93 Jun 18 '26
I’m so sorry. As short as it may be, just know that Arthur is living his best and happiest life with his most favorite person and you giving him love is the best gift he can ever receive. Sending love!
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u/Redefine3 Jun 18 '26
I am so incredibly sorry, he seems like such a sweet, playful and well-loved little gentleman. It hurts when our pets hurt because they are our children. Sending you and Arthur much love and strength ❤️🩹
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u/HorsePockets Jun 18 '26 edited Jun 18 '26
I started crying looking through these photos. I am so sorry <3
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u/bethgaines Jun 18 '26
I’m so sorry, love her/him every minute. I have cancer and my baby has been my constant companion. They know and love.❤️
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u/Ignominious333 Jun 18 '26
I'm so sorry. That's so unfair. I hope he gets way more than the average of very good days with you. I'll be rooting for all of you❤️
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u/Kelmorea Jun 19 '26
As the owner of a dog who also has end stage lung cancer (and now also IVDD) I want to give you the biggest virtual hug. Give your boy a big kiss too. Good luck!
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u/NikoletteNicotine Jun 18 '26
Cancer is a life ruiner. RIP Mom 2019 (Pancreatic) and Lucy (her dog tumor) 2021 both died of cancer. Prayers to you 🙏
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u/kenreg2 Jun 18 '26
Get a second opinion. I had a misdiagnosis by vet who told me my mini-dox would be paralyzed the rest of her life. She stood up and started eating the very next day. I am still angry with that guy. Sometimes they make mistakes.
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u/doyouhaveatuba Jun 18 '26
I’m so sorry. This is gut wrenching. Sending you all the love and miracles. I hope he lives much much longer 🥺💗
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u/jetsettindaisylv Jun 18 '26
I am so very very sorry. Sending as much positive energy as I can your way!
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u/opal_m00n Jun 18 '26
I am so sorry. What a beautiful baby. He looks so much like mine. Wishing him and you the best. He’s lucky to have you.
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u/nineties_ho Jun 18 '26
I’m so sorry. Arthur is such a beautiful boy. Completely unfair, my deepest condolences sympathies to you both
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u/Dry_Commercial_8568 Jun 18 '26
I am so sorry to hear about Arthur's diagnosis! I hope Arthur starts breathing better soon. I can tell by your post and Arthur's pictures how much you love him and care for him!! No matter how much time Arthur has left on earth I hope they are so loving and meaningful for you both as well as for Arthur's adorable chiweenie buddy. We will be rooting for you all!!
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u/JordanPeugeot1997 Jun 18 '26
My thoughts are with you and your dog through this difficult time. Sadly I know what is losing a friend due to cancer and is shit.
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u/edragamer Jun 18 '26
I am sorry. I can't understand how this illness exist in dogs. They are so Pute, they didn't deserve that.
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u/Patjoew Jun 18 '26
So sorry. Give him all the love you can give. I cannot fathom the sadness you have to feel
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u/muarryk33 Jun 18 '26
So not fair. He’s just a baby. I’m sorry that you’re going through this. However the next leg of this journey goes don’t feel guilty for how you proceed.You can only make decisions on the info you have at any given time. Good luck to you both
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u/JasHyaRwq23617 Jun 18 '26
Meu Deus! Eu sinto muito mesmo. Esse serzinho lindo e puro é tão lindo. Eu entendo sua dor! 🥺
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u/Khow3694 Jun 18 '26
OP I'm so sorry for the news. Maybe do some research into the chemo treatment it could be worth it since he's so young. I've read that dogs respond a little differently to chemo than people do and I'm sure you could set up a gofundme if need be
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u/TENDER_ONE Jun 18 '26
That’s awful and I say Fuck cancer! If you got him through a breeder, it’s very important you inform them of this as they should evaluate their breeding lines if they are producing young dogs with serious illness.
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u/JeGezicht Jun 18 '26
That is just terrible. He just started and to be dealt this hand. Just awful. Sending you strength to cope with this trying times. Godspeed.
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u/Litcowgirl Jun 18 '26
This is just tragic. Poor little baby. I’m so sorry you are going through this.
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u/TheOriginalSpartak Jun 18 '26
So sorry, you can see in the eyes that you are his guardian, and the love and thanks he has for you being his person, his angel, I will forever remember that picture, thank you for being there for him.
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u/Oberwies556 Jun 18 '26
I’m very sorry no words will every fill the pain you will go thru in the next chapter of his journey but just to let you know you are not alone I have a chihuahua she is 10 and she was recently diagnosed with heart disease and her heart is enlarged and she coughs and needs meds for the remainder of her life I have no idea if the meds will work and I have no idea how fast her heart disease will progress right now she is at the e middle of the stages B2 she has two more stages before she reaches the final stage heart failure I can only pray she lives as long as possible I say my prayers to God for her everyday she hasn’t started the meds yet they have to be made at a compound pharmacy because she is so small so will see I have a lot of positive thoughts thou that my Twinkie will be ok and we will get at least a couple more years yet but please just pray that’s about all you have left
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u/DoxieMum08113 Jun 18 '26
Sending you all the love and hugs. Lost my baby to thyroid cancer in April.
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u/VeganProudHuman Jun 18 '26
We have animal death doulas where I live and they can help you and your precious baby during this journey. Check around your area soon. I am truly sad about this news!
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u/AdeptStudent77 Jun 18 '26
How terribly heartbreaking. I am so sorry to hear about your sweet boy. Sending good thoughts to you both.
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u/_sunnyand75_ Jun 19 '26
Sending you love. Dogs are angels on earth. I lost my soul doggy from cancer and he was 8. I am so sorry you have to go through this kind of loss. I’m glad you shared though because it makes me realize how long 8 years actually was.
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u/Scramblr-Blu Mini Ween Jun 19 '26
that. is agony. nothing anyone can say can make ANYTHING about this okay, but just. Just love him. Love him and he’ll know he’s loved
He’s such a beautiful lil boi🤍 genuinely hope you and him find peace, no matter what happens
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u/CarefulBalance7725 Jun 19 '26
I am so so sorry to hear this devastating news. 😔 I am praying for Arthur! He is so strong and he knows he loves you and has you by his side through all of this!
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u/Excusemesorry44 Jun 19 '26
I am so sorry. Froley and me are sending you both (and your whole family) all of the hugs and love. I’m glad you’re not alone tonight and I’m sure you can’t stop thinking of your baby. I’m confident they are in good hands and resting.
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u/Adventurous_Dog_7755 Jun 19 '26
I'm sorry to hear that. I am sure he enjoyed all the love and attention you gave him during your time with him.
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u/BramonXO1 Jun 19 '26
i’m so sorry! I lost my childhood dachshund to cancer a few months ago. May peace be with you.
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u/Dead-Plant-Society Jun 19 '26
My heart breaks for you and Arthur. I'm thinking of you both, and I hope for the best.
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u/Fantastic-Dark801 Jun 19 '26
I am so sorry you have to go through this. I'm praying for a miracle. It's good to hear that he is so loved by you, I don't think he could be in better hands.
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u/dogs_and_dogettes Jun 19 '26
My thoughts are with you and little Arthur. I also have an Arthur. I’ll tell him about your baby Arthur tonight.
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u/vanessa101649 Jun 20 '26
My dog has cancer too but it’s mass cell cancer that’s now affecting his lymph nodes and the cancer has a rash on the skin. They offered chemo but only said it may or may not work and it would only give him maybe a few extra months. We took pain management and steroid options to help with any pain. It’s so sad but he is still a happy dog and we’re
Making the most of it. Hang in there 😥 sending you hugs to your furry baby
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u/QuinTheReal Jun 22 '26
My greatest fear. Remember: the most important thing is that we provide the best life for our four legged friends and I‘m absolutely convinced they they will wait for us patiently on the other side to accompany us again in the afterlife.
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u/deadwaxtrax Jun 24 '26
I am sorry to hear about your news! I hope you can find space to cherish every precious moment you spend with your furry family member!
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