Collar questions.
If your dog is outside, be sure she wears both an ID tag, and a seizure alert tag. It is not unknown for a seizure-prone dog to run away, later having a seizure at a shelter. Seizing dogs have been mistakenly put down in the fear that they might have rabies.
Another good idea is to change from a collar to a harness. One veterinarian told us that pulling on a collar might restrict the airway and trigger a seizure. Whatever you do, put away the choke and pinch collars.
Keeping warm, staying cool.
Your dog's ability to regulate her internal temperature may be compromised by a brain tumor. Be extra watchful about keeping your dog out of temperature extremes. If it's cold, keep him in a warm place. Bundle her up in a sweater if she has a short coat. Your dogs legs and feet will have more trouble than usual staying warm.
In summer, never under any circumstances leave your dog in the car. If temperatures are to reach the high '80's or '90's have a heart and turn on the AC. Keep fresh water available constantly. Too much heat can cause the brain to swell and could cause severe problems or premature death.
An angel to watch over me.
Your dog may lose its ability to judge distance or even what might be edible. Be prepared, keep your eyes open and try to "trouble shoot" any new environment for things that might pose a problem. To our horror, JoJo once tumbled off a deck he had always known before our very eyes.
Even if your dog has always been trustworthy off leash, you should probably keep him on a leash if not in a known, safe, fenced area. Pick items off the ground that he might try to eat. Near the end, JoJo would try to eat almost anything. Pine cones, door stops and cups all looked like dinner to him.
When sight and hearing are lost.
It is not uncommon for dogs with brain tumors to lose their sight or hearing. JoJo was fortunate enough to retain his senses, except for some vision problems for a few days after his worst seizures (this is not uncommon). There are a number of resources on the Internet for owners of blind and deaf dogs. Here are some that were recommended to me by friends who care for sensory-impaired dogs:
Hearing loss.
Mail list focusing on information and support for owners of deaf dogs.
deafdogs@onelist.com
Website about caring for hearing-impaired dogs.
www.deafdogs.org
Another web site with many helpful links.
http://www.kiva.net/~lindsay/deafdogs/
Sight loss.
A site with support and information for owners of blind dogs.
http://www.weir.net/~lglass/blind_dog.htm
Exercise and activity.
It's best not to force a dog with brain cancer to exercise, or allow it to exercise too vigorously. Body heat regulators in the brain might be affected and your dog could easily overheat or have trouble breathing.
But on the other hand, there is no reason to exclude a sick dog from activities he loves, if he has an interest in, and is able to participate.
For example, JoJo loved to go on walks. But within several months, he could not walk very far on his own. Fortunately, my sister had given us a cushioned, blue carrying bag that even had JoJo's name embroidered on the side. We would let him walk a bit. Then when he tired, we carried him in the bag.
JoJo loved to ride in the bag, and up until just days before he passed on, he serenely rode along, taking in the passing sights. We took him to visit his favorite spots this way, and we think it is part of what kept his spirits up throughout his fight.
On the day before he passed on, JoJo did a few obedience exercises with me in the back yard. He seemed so proud that he still remembered how. Whatever your dog likes to do, you might be able to give her a taste of doing the things she loves within her limitations.
Furry friends and foes.
Supervise your dog's interactions with other animals, even those he knows well. Some dogs may attack a sick or weak dog. Seizures or uncoordinated movements may be perceived as something strange or threatening. This behavior may also precipitate an attack. Even the playful antics of a younger dog can unknowingly harass or hurt a dog who may not be able escape or help himself. Your dog's personality may also change and he may not recognize or appreciate another animal's efforts at friendship.
On the other hand, the care and ministrations of some animals towards a sick one can be heartrendingly touching. Our little Shaun appointed himself in charge of keeping JoJo's eyelids and head clean, carefully licking away the painful crusts that formed around his eyes. He faithfully carried out this duty until the very hour we carried his friend to the hospital for the last time.
Still part of the family.
A dog with a brain tumor may not seek out your company as she had in the past. She may forget how to tell you she needs you, she may hurt or she might just be too tired. When things like this happen, you might feel a bit rejected, or even get busy and pass them by. If your dog is no longer coming to you, you might make a special effort to come to her. Say hello when you see her. Talk to her in an active, cheery voice. She will probably still love to hear your voice even though she can't always show it
Sit or lie on the floor and allow her to lie nearby. Get down to her level and pet her gently. Her head may be sensitive, so it might be more comfortable to stroke her flanks or back. Dogs with brain tumors often carry a lot of tension in the neck, so you might be careful in this area also.
I had heard that massage can help a sick dog. JoJo liked this for awhile, but after a point, it seemed he lost his ability to enjoy it. Your dog may be different. Be prepared for things to change, and perhaps, to change back again. Try not to carry preconceived notions about what she once liked, or should like now. Be perceptive and try to find a way of contact that she enjoys.
Support for you.
Caring for a dog with cancer can sometimes be exhausting. Physically, and mentally. It helps to have people around you with whom you can share your feelings. Unfortunately, sometimes many people can be less than understanding when it comes to your decision to care for a sick dog. This might tend to make you feel even more isolated than ever. If you don't have people in your life who can be supportive, or even if you do, but would like to share discussions with others who share your concerns, you may want to join a support group. Below is an email support list for people who have pets with cancer. It's called Endless Love. Find the box by the picture of Charlie, Vickie Rokdade's Dobie who passed away from cancer in 1995, to subscribe.
Endless Love — A note from Vickie Rokdade, list owner: "I've started Endless Love, a list for people who have pets with cancer. This is a place to share the good times and the bad, ask questions, and share information. It's open to anyone who has a pet with cancer. It doesn't matter what kind of pet you have, what kind of cancer they have or how you're treating it. What we care about is you."
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