[CanineCancer] Palliative care for Lucy

My friends' dog, Lucy has just been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma with a tumor on her gums, one in her inner thigh muscle and several masses on her liver. She was a pound puppy so her age and breed are not known. My friends have had her for 15 years so she is at least 16 years old and looks like a large version (45 lb) of a corgi. She has arthritis but is hugely stoic so her condition was not discovered until it was well advanced.

Lucy's oncologist recommended palliative treatment only at this stage. She will have the last of 4 radiation treatments on her leg and mouth next Monday. The goal is to shrink the tumors enough to reduce pain and to give her a little better quality of life for her remaining time.

The treatments have shrunk both tumors enough that she is obviously more comfotable but the radiation and anesthesia have sapped some of her energy.

We will not be able to save her at this point but she is not ready to go yet and our job is to help support her in any way we can. Does anyone have experience with palliative care for a very senior dog? Any suggestions about other ways to support / care for Lucy? We are aware of the cancer diet (low carb, quality protien and omega 3s). Her oncologist says her heart is very strong and her other organs are holding up despite the masses on her liver.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Kay - friend of Lucy

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