As i'm sure most of you know Cesar Millans pit-bull 'Daddy' passed away recently and when reading through the memorial I noticed that he had been given chemotherapy.
I really have a problem with this; a 16 year old dog being put through something as traumatic as chemo, why?
I'm not just having a go at Cesar but at any pet owner who will put their beloved one through risky and unnecessary treatment when it they know it won't cure their ailment or ease their suffering. At the end of the day it isn't always the owners fault as some vets will use an owners love for their pet to sell the most expensive drugs and treatments available while giving false hope to make a quick buck. Just because it CAN be done doesn't mean it SHOULD be done.
I have no problem with painkillers for arthritis, medication for mange or even surgery to remove a benign tumour but once owners begin to forcibly attempt to extend a dogs life at the risk of continuing their suffering then they are no longer putting the animals well-being first.
What lengths would you go to to keep your dog alive, what are your personal limitations for treatment and when is it time to just let go and say goodbye?
I really have a problem with this; a 16 year old dog being put through something as traumatic as chemo, why?
I'm not just having a go at Cesar but at any pet owner who will put their beloved one through risky and unnecessary treatment when it they know it won't cure their ailment or ease their suffering. At the end of the day it isn't always the owners fault as some vets will use an owners love for their pet to sell the most expensive drugs and treatments available while giving false hope to make a quick buck. Just because it CAN be done doesn't mean it SHOULD be done.
I have no problem with painkillers for arthritis, medication for mange or even surgery to remove a benign tumour but once owners begin to forcibly attempt to extend a dogs life at the risk of continuing their suffering then they are no longer putting the animals well-being first.
What lengths would you go to to keep your dog alive, what are your personal limitations for treatment and when is it time to just let go and say goodbye?