Dog with lymphoma

Question
My 9 1/2 yrs old Male Cavalier King Charles had loose black stool.  He has lymphoma.  We got him a full 12-weeks round of chemo that ended in July, but it has come back.  We can see all the enlarged lymph nodes for about 3 1/2 weeks now, and had been breathing hard ever since.  We can't afford anymore of chemo treatment so the vet gave him prednisone.  This morning he seemed to pooped while he was sitting down so we had to give him a bath.  The stool was really dark, almost black.  Is it time to put him down?

Answer
I am sorry to hear about your dog Anya. This is always a tough call. Dark stool usually indicates some blood way up in the large intestine. Never a good sign.

If he is breathing hard, is losing control of his bowels, and is not living a quality life, then the answer is probably yes. Breathing hard most likely means the cancer has already spread to his lungs, which is where this one tends to go.

I know it's very hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet, but remember that you are giving a gift that we cannot even give each other- the gift of ending suffering.

So let that bring you some peace of mind- knowing that he is relying on you to help him- even if it means ending his life. He isn't happy, you are not happy seeing him like this.

Give yourself a day or so to prepare what you need, then call your vet. My prayers and thoughts are with you and him both.