Dearest dog mixed breed dx w/bone cancer in leg initially; palliative and liver treatments only, complicated by severe hip dysplasia. Cancer has clearly metastized, but how far? He has lived months beyond original prognosis for this fast-acting cancer, but appears to be suffering more and more. He can still walk with limping but falls constantly from the dysplasia. Vets say to give however much he needs with the pain meds, but he still appears to be in pain and doesn't fall asleep anymore from the meds, just lays around. He has been panting alot, aside from after walking. Could cancer have spread to the lungs? He has a speckled, reddish abdomen now and has lost bunches of fur (this last led to the vet providing off-label kidney failure meds to remove toxins from the liver, which was in partial failure. This seemed to help temporarily, since then he's had ups and downs.) how close to the end is he and how to tell? Personally I feel it's quite close and he is suffering unnecessarily now, but not all involved agree, mostly out of emotional attachment and the gut-wrenching final decision. I have even heard "he's fine, he's not in pain". I can't disagree more. He is so beloved we don't want to lose him, but there comes a point ... Please write anyone.