Hi Cheryl...I'm so sorry that you are having this experience with such a great breed of dog.

I have an Amstaff and a Pitbull that have been treated for Lymphosarcoma, but have recently had a Pit mix pass away suddenly at age 4 years from Lymphoid cancer in his intestines...he gave no signs until the cancer had invaded the entire digestive tract. I do know what you are feeling today.

Since the acute form of these cancers are so aggressive, and since the dogs most often afflicted are not complainers, we get ambushed with difficult decisions and feelings.

You cannot make a "wrong" decision at this point...if she can hold on until you can get an emergency appointment with a Veterinary Oncologist, then you can get some more information about treatment, etc...do attempt to locate this kind of help ASAP.

If she continues to go downhill this weekend, you would not be unkind or unrealistic to let her go.

This link gives the prognosis for acute (what she seems to have) and chronic leukemia (both of which are poor):

http://www.gopetsamerica.com/dog-health/canine-leukemia.aspx

Here is another link to a site maintained by another owner...it gives a link to an online support group:

http://www.haileybell.homestead.com/

Costs for treatment is not usually outrageous...the medications used are pretty easily obtained, but the administration must be done carefully as these are toxic chemicals. Specialty groups do include these protective measures in their charges, and costs do vary depending on the cost of living in your part of the country.

If there is any other support that I can give you at this time, please click "Reply".

You are both in my thoughts.

Yeah...if she has appetite (this is one of the main symptoms of the leukemic illness), she can have a small portion...do this in tiny amounts (say 1/4 cup) over time so that her digestive system is not overloaded...try not to exceed the total volume of food that she would eat in a day...I'd rather she get a little too less tonight since you've got good medical support coming. No doubt the medications are improving how her stomach feels, so you have to monitor her. Bleeding episodes can occur if she crams too much into her stomach at one time.

These patients often try eating all kinds of things, including dirt, so do keep an eye on her outside and around trash, potted plants, etc.. Probably because the body is not absorbing nutrients properly.

If her liver is involved, there would be some abdominal discomfort, but mostly she just feels "blah" and weak.

Do use extra water in her rice so that you know she's getting some hydration.

Since the diarrhea is new, do give the child's dose of pepto bismol and see if this helps her cope with some food.