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Living With Leukemia Without Chemotherapy: Preventives and What to Expect

by Elizabeth

Reader Question
My 12-year-old female Golden Retriever has been diagnosed with non-lymphoma leukemia. Two years ago, a few months after a vaccine, she developed a sarcoma at the injection site that was removed. Six weeks ago, at a checkup, the vet noticed she'd lost weight and referred us to an oncologist, who said she'd die in two to six weeks without chemotherapy and that chemotherapy would add about a month, with weekly clinic visits and probably feeling ill a couple of days a week. We declined. An antibiotic they prescribed made her very ill, so we stopped it. It's now almost six weeks, and she's playful, eating well and enjoying life. She's tired and pants a bit more, but she still pulls us to her favorite walks, and she's gained 1.5 lb on added boiled rice and chicken. Should we still give her heartworm medicine? Her eyes look droopy, and she rubs her face on the grass. Should we use her eye ointment? What should we expect?


Answer from Our Team

We're glad she's enjoying her walks. How fast leukemia progresses depends a lot on its type. Chronic leukemias can be slow, and dogs often feel well for months or years. Acute leukemias, including most myeloid (non-lymphoid) types, are usually much faster. If she's still doing well, ask your vet whether the type was confirmed with flow cytometry, because that would help you know what to expect.

Heartworm and flea preventives are generally considered safe even in dogs having chemotherapy, but ask your vet or oncologist about continuing them in her situation. Droopy eyes and face rubbing can come from weight loss, allergies or eye irritation, so ask the vet who prescribed the ointment whether to use it now. Sarcomas at injection sites are much rarer in dogs than in cats, and we found no known link between them and leukemia.

Watch for tiredness that gets worse, pale gums, bruising or bleeding, fever, or loss of appetite, and call your vet if you see them. A good-day/bad-day calendar can help you track how she's doing. Your choice to focus on her comfort is a loving one.

See leukemia in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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