"She pointed out that chemotherapy for dogs, unlike humans is usually palliative rather than curative. In this study, two-thirds of the dogs survived. But all of the owners, she said, reported their dogs had a better quality of life after six weeks of treatment for pain."
Dogs with cancer are often in pain. Chemotheraphy for dogs tends to reduce pain (which is what "palliative" means), but it doesn't usually cure the cancer.
Pain management is an important consideration when deciding whether to euthanize a dog. I have addressed this in my article, "Euthanasia Criteria". It all comes down to the dog's quality of life.
I also think it is important for veterinarians to be absolutely clear about the dog's chances of survival and the possible and probable outcomes. The death of a dog is extremely traumatizing for a dog owner, and they need to know that they are doing the right thing. They can only do that with honest advice.
Phoenix Dog Trainer and Behaviorist, by Sam The Dog Trainer; Sam Basso trains dogs and puppies in the Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Glendale, Gilbert, AZ and surrounding areas.
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