Bad things happen in the spleens of dogs. I don’t know why, I just know they do.
Medically speaking, canine splenic masses typically start as unremarkable “nodules”. From there, they often transform into one of two types of masses: hemangioma (a benign tumor) and hemangiosarcoma (a malignant cancer). Other types of masses also occur but these two are the most common. Unfortunately, because the spleen is a vascular organ, even the benign ones often have tragic results.
In my experience (and that of many dear friends), splenic masses result in one of the following three outcomes, often without diagnosis or warning:
- They rupture and the dogs bleed to death
- They metastasize and the dogs die of cancer in other organs (lungs, brain)
- They get discovered by pure dumb luck and are dealt with surgically before #1 or #2 can occur
Scenarios #1 and #2 are tragic and I have far too many friends who have experienced one or the other. To protect the feelings of those who have suffered these tragedies, I will not name them. But I will give the following first-hand examples of #3 (with permission) – all three of these dogs were diagnosed accidentally as a result of unrelated events:
- Jasmine, my own 13-yr-old, had a frightening vestibular event (i.e. doggy vertigo) a few weeks ago. I have since learned that this is a rather common idiopathic condition in older dogs, but the neurologist that examined her determined that she wasn’t “classically vestibular”. In pursuing a differential diagnosis, an abdominal ultrasound was performed revealing a large abdominal mass. Urgent exploratory surgery resulted in the excision of a “fully-encapsulated splenic mass with no evidence of other organ involvement.” Final pathology results are still pending, but the preliminary assumption is that the surgery was curative. There is additional background to this story as you’ll see below.
- My friend Sarah, who specializes in canine rehab and massage, was routinely massaging her 14-yr-old Cruiser one night and felt a bulge under her rib cage. This lump was only apparent to sensitive hands and only when the dog was on her back. On examination, her doctor couldn’t even feel it but abdominal ultrasound revealed a splenic tumor which was then surgically excised. The dog lived another great year and eventually succumbed to complications of unrelated kidney failure.
- Just last week, my friend Liza’s 7-yr-old Taiko had an intestinal obstruction that required emergency surgery. While his belly was open, the surgeon observed a nodule on the spleen and elected to perform a splenectomy. Pathology report on the lesion suggested that it would have likely transformed into a splenic tumor (probably hemangioma) had it gone undetected.
Here’s a little more background on Jasmine’s story: in April of 2008, she spent a couple of days at Davis for a bout of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). During her stay she had an abdominal ultrasound. They found nothing to explain the HGE, but did note some other abnormalities: a cyst on the liver and two nodules on the spleen. We were advised to follow up with another ultrasound in about a year. So we did. A scheduled ultrasound in June 2009 reported that the liver cyst was unchanged and the two splenic nodules were nowhere to be found. Excellent news, or so we thought. Not long after that I began having theoretical discussions with friends about the merit of routine ultrasounds, but we didn’t bother to do another one in the summer of 2010. Fast-forward to February 2011 and the crisis described above.
I found a terrific article that explains in much more detail what I’m talking about: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_splenic_masses.html. The most telling quote for me in this article is this: “[If the dog has a splenic mass and you choose not to remove the spleen], eventually the dog will have a bleed from which he cannot recover.”
So what’s my point? Dogs die from splenic masses, often unnecessarily. It doesn’t matter whether they are malignant or benign. Sure, malignant masses affect other organs and the dog will eventually die anyway. But benign doesn’t mean harmless, it just means non-cancerous – benign tumors can still grow like crazy and rupture. In fact, I learned a parodoxical reality: the larger the splenic mass, the more likely it is benign because the dogs don’t survive the malignant ones long enough for them to grow large. Regardless of size or type, ALL splenic masses have the potential to rupture and cause death from hemorrhage. They are ticking time bombs, pure and simple. Isn’t it time we acknowledge this fact and start preemptively screening for the problem?
Lessons learned:
- Splenic nodules do not just disappear. I don’t know where Jasmine’s were in June 2009, but I’m sure now that they were lurking somewhere.
- Splenic nodules transform, and nothing good comes from that transformation. Even if they transform into benign masses, they can still rupture and cause catastrophic hemorrhage.
- If at all financially-feasible, we should consider doing annual diagnostic ultrasounds on our aging dogs to avoid these tragedies. They are non-invasive and require only a mild sedative (if even that).
I have a mammogram every year, and I’m going to do my best to ensure that my older dogs get the same consideration.
Having had one of the dogs with hemangiosarcoma, I’m now once burned, twice shy. BUT still. I had a long talk with my vet, and I wish I had taken notes. Seems to me that the salient points were (1) it’s very expensive, to the tune of maybe a few hundred dollars each time (don’t recall the exact amount, but it made me twitch). I tend to put these numbers into–OK, if I start doing them when the dog is 5, and I’ve now had 6 dogs and (so far anyway) only one has had the problem, let’s say for argument it’s $400/time, that would have so far cost me $16,000 over their lifetimes. That’s more than I spent on even my aggressive treatment of Rem’s cancer (although of course we didn’t cure it). And it might still not have found Rem’s (see later points). (2) It involves anaesthesia for best results. I’m not thrilled about doing that regularly for my dogs, especially older dogs. That seems to me to be a bigger regular risk than not getting the screening. (3) Tumors like these can show up at any age, so any age we pick to start doing them is arbitrary. (4) They often (if not usually) appear to be very rapid growers (as maybe witnessed by your 2009/current ultrasounds) and even if we did one every year, the first one could show nothing and 9 months later the tumor could be huge and rupture and the dog dies anyway. Vet had anecdotal evidence of that from some few cases where an ultrasound had been done and the dog later died. (5) Don’t remember whether this was a consideration–but Rem’s tumor appeared on his heart first, not his spleen, and it’s not clear that an abdominal ultrasound would find it anyway. So I’ve opted not to screen.
Hah, I did say a little about it right after talking to the vet. $1000 was more like his estimate for full-torso scan. To test or not to test.
Hi! My dog was just diagnosed with a grapefruit sized splenic mass. The vet – relatively new to us since we recently relocated – basically told us she thought it was most likely cancerous since he is 9 (an “older” dog). He has no symptoms that it’s actually ruptured, and is energetic, happy, his usual self. Your post gives me hope that it could be benign! My worst fear is that we will do surgery on him and that will make things worse. Can I ask if a doctor actually told you that if tumors are bigger, they are more likely to be benign?
I’d really appreciate a response, if possible!
My dog was just diagnosed with a splenic mass and it is visually growing rapidly-I was told that because of his age(14) and the size and the rate it is growing, that it is most likely cancerous. I am also concerned with putting him through a surgery to only create more problems for him. I was also told that surgery without chemo will not give him much longer to live. What did you end up deciding to do and how is your dog today?? Thanks for any info you can give to me.
Tina,
Our dog had a splenic mass, and the first doctor we saw said most likely it was cancer and discouraged us from operating. Our dog was 9 at the time, and in very good health otherwise. We asked if there were more tests we could run to try to determine if the cancer had spread — she said it would be a waste of money. We talked with an old friend who is now a vet (living out of state), and on her advice sought a second opinion. The other doctor did blood work and an ultrasound to try to find evidence of the cancer having spread. We didn’t find any indication of this, so we decided to go ahead with the surgery. It went smoothly, and a biopsy indicated it was a benign mass.
I would strongly recommend doing additional tests before surgery. It helped us feel like we were not subjecting our dog to unnecessary surgery.
Wishing the best results for your dog,
Michelle
Thanks, I have done blood work and urine and xray and ultrasound. The vet is not leaning me either way but they are pretty certain it is cancerous especially since it is growing so fast. Originally, I had taken him in because I thought he had diabetes and it has led me to discover this!
Is your dog anemic? Do they think it’s ruptured or that your dog has been bleeding internally? The doctors told us that if it’s cancerous, the cancer is more likely to spread if it has ruptured. Also, the mass our dog had grew very fast — we discovered it because we felt it under his rib cage and noticed it was getting bigger. I think blood clots can grow fast too. The ultrasound and x-rays didn’t show any signs of growths or lumps on other organs like the lungs? That’s what we were looking for.
No, it doesn’t appear that there is any signs of internal bleeding as of yet. The growth showed on the xray and this past Monday, on the ultrasound. It has grown quite a bit in the past 5 days where I am able to see it in is abdomen(sp?). At first, we thought it was diabetes and then when the blood and urine ruled that out, we thought it was Cushings disease. The xray narrowed the tumor down to speen or liver and now with the ultrasound, it is more obvious-splenic tumor.
My dog had the same thing fine one day next day to vet..very sick..bleeding in stomach from tumor..vet. said 50/50 chance so I went for surgery Un fortunately he didn’t survive it…its hard to let go but my advice is to let them go..he was my best friend…just thought I would share…
Cindy, there is a 50/50 chance and if they have a benign tumor they do live. My dog, and 4 others, and counting are living proof. I am sorry to hear about your best friend. Sasha is 10. Miss Heidi, is about the same, Shyloh, 9, they are all elders and are living proof. The tumor has to be go for biopsy
My dog had the same problem only he went down hill in one day, We didn’t even know he was sick. He was chewing his rawhide bone and barking away in the morning and by 10:30 that night, he refused to eat, gums turned grayish in color. At 1:30 am, he wanted to go outside so I went with him. He peed and then just kind of collapsed in the snow. I scooped him out and took him to the emergency vet and they did x-rays and ultrasound and told us it was a large mass on his spleen and his abdomen was filled with blood. I was devastated. I didn’t think he could have gone down hill so fast. The vet told us the odds were not in his favor to do a $7,000 surgery (with pre & post op care.) She said he could have bled out in a matter of ten minutes. We made the heart wrenching decision to put him down because I didn’t want him to suffer. When they took him off oxygen to move him to another room, he went down hill in a matter of two minutes, like he could barely breath on his own. This was only 5 days ago and I am still heart broken over it. I wish I would have known. I just hope he wasn’t in pain. I will never forget him.
Jennifer, we all know how you feel, if that helps…they are our best friends ..our babies….WE are their voice…we make the decisions…maybe not a pleasant thing to do, but we have to do it for them….if at all possible they would do it for us…you can’t let your best friend suffer…you did the right thing….I know…I had to make the call too, and I was in shock….then I second guessed myself….but looking back…I really had no other choice…..and neither did you….Blessings and huggs to you, my dear~~~Suzanne~
Cindy, my Peyton had the same experience from one day fine to my finding him almost lifeless in the back yard. (I thought it was heat stroke even though he was in the shade.) I rushed him to my vet, he told me his temp was 105, gave him IV’s and did an ultrasound that showed the same thing over his spleen. I am devastated that my vet told me to take him to the animal hospital where they continued to treat him for heat stroke even when they knew it was a mass. They would not let me stay with him, they gave transfusions and did all sorts of things to my baby, even when i saw he couldn’t even keep his tongue in his mouth. He moved his eyes when i spoke only and then the vet said he was not going to make it. I wish I had known, I wouldn’t have taken him from the vets.
A little over two weeks ago, my wonderful precious thirteen and a half year old died suddenly from a splenic mass. We thought she was developing arthritis – her legs were stiffer but she still loved her walks and to eat – and had taken her to the vet two weeks prior, and all of her blood work was normal. Then she collapsed and although we opted for surgery and a blood transfusion I will be paying off my credit card for years), she did not make it. Looking back, I now realize that what I took for age-related slowing down and lethargy could have been the tumor inside her bleeding and then when it “healed,” she’d be back to herself (the vet said that this is not uncommon). I wish I had thought to do an abdominal ultrasound at her regular check-up, but it never occurred to me. We never got the biopsy results, and it doesn’t matter now. I hope this information will help someone else. My head is still spinning and I am still just so sad that she is gone…
So sad! At the Vet school they told me that this is maybe the number one way an owner finds their dog passed on in the morning or returning from work in the evening, after the collapse and bleed out. Its horrid to think, but at the same time I was told that it is not a painful way to die, they just get really sleepy, loose consciousness and die.
My first dog, found after he collapsed but still alive got the spleen rupture/removal we saved him from the rupture, had the spleen removed only to find he had hemangiosarcoma, which after a bleed-out seeds in other organs and then you have micro bleeders. He lived 5 weeks. Devastating, as he was my “heart dog”. Recovered from the surgery but his incision never healed, he returned to his happy goofy self….gradually though as the vets warned me he became anemic, was tired during the bleeds and eventually started retaining fluid…the hardest thing was to let him go…he kept this look at me with faith I’d make things better.
Second dog tumor was benign. Just hugging loving and hoping he lives a full painfree life, all I can do. Blood panels help screen them. Plus, there is currently research being done so maybe dogs with the possibility to develop this, they can be genetically marked earlier.
thanks for the info – it’s good to know that she wasn’t in pain. I do hope science can help us detect these ticking time bombs earlier.
Monica, Thanks for the input on the future of pinpointing this dreaded disease that takes the life out of our pets.
Donna Maes
I am so sorry you had th worse this disease can offer. I have read quite a bit abut this horrible thing.I am not very happy with the way he thing is that in older my vet and the hospital handled my Peyton. I am happy to see that some folks have hope as I did , but sadly it seems the outcome is usually bad. I am really upset that your vet allowed you to go through such expense when I m fairly sure the vet the outcome. It seems they seem to be better then they die from a different illness or they don’t make it trough the surgery.
I know I did not want to give up hope, but I wish the vet had told me the prognosis. I would have opted for taking him home to fall asleep in my arms. I am pained for you on all counts. (you did the best you could do) Huggs
I appreciate your kind words, Patricia May
Carolyn, you have to find out if the tumor was benign, and you have to ask why the ultrasound was not suggested. I, too, wonder why the vet “on duty” – twice in 2 days – pushed my newly rescued dog toward surgery – without the benefit of an ultrasound to see if it was attached to anything – and it was – to the aorta and another heart vessel. i called the vet back 3 times and talked to the tech who was there at the surgery. but now, a year later, i am composed a little “enough” to ask to speak to the first vet and ask the real i wanted to. i should have called sooner, but it is so sad. now, i will ask everything – like why the size of the tumor is not written on the lab notes, etc. please ask all your questions, find out everything, it’s important. even tho it doesn’t change anything, it does give you more to think about, cause we are always thinking about what if with our dogs.
We just lost our sweet Zoey yesterday at the age of 9. No symptoms prior to collapse. His mass had burst and he was bleeding into his abdomen rapidly. I got him to the vet to have him die in my arms. I loved him so much I can not stand the pain. He was only 9 years young cockapoo. Shelly
I am so sorry for your loss. That sounds like what happened with my beloved Lola, the suddenness. It’s been five months and I still miss her terribly. I wish you strength in dealing with your grief; try to focus on the good times and the love you and Zoey shared.
Oh Shellya, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear Zoey. It is just almost unbearable to lose one of our little furry kids. It has been 8 mos since we lost little Tobe to his splenic tumor and it was hard going thru the holidays without his little face looking up at everything in innocent wonder and being crazed by the little snowman that played music. Every year it was like he was seeing it for the first time and he just loved it and tried to drag it to his bed whenever we put it down at his level. I can understand so well how horribly sad you feel and the physical ache of the loss. Not to mention the fact that many people do not understand how very much we love these little buddies of ours who are a totally equal part of the family. People told me it would get better but I honestly doubted it. That is maybe how you feel right now. A rescue group person told me you can never replace a pet you have loved so much but you can have a successor to that pet. So, for us, that has helped. We have our funny little rescue dog Sam now with us. Every single time I kiss him and hold him and love him I somehow feel that I am sending those kisses and hugs to my Tobe up in heaven too. I wish I had some magic words to take away the pain of your loss. Just keep replacing every sad thought with a happy memory over and over and then someday, in the future the sorrow will be replaced by those memories and you can think of Zoey with a smile instead of a tear.
Your post brought me comfort as I just had the same situation happen to us. Fine one day and had to put down the next. We were shocked as we had no clue he was sick and his vet checks always came back clean. The emergency clinic vet said once it ruptures, the best thing is to put the pet down. I was in shock and couldn’t believe it. I asked the vet to do additional ultra sound to see if any other organs were effected and he showed me another tumor on his liver. Dillon was a beautiful 9 year old Goldendoodle and just an amazing animal. I am so sad this was not caught early so we could do something about it. I can’t believe we never knew this was as common as it was…. Since he was already bleeding and look like it spread we made the heartbreaking decision which we hope that was best for him and that was to put him down humanly. My heart goes out to anyone else going through this and reading this reply.
My friends little staff of just 7 years old died unexpectedly yesterday morning of a benign tumour, I’ve just been reading up on them and they appear to be just as bad as any, if not worse than some!! Don’t be hopeful its benign!! It looks like the only safe way to know for certain is to pay for an ultrasound scan (can be done for any age but also recommend for ageing dogs) these things grow and shrink and grow larger – they’re nicknamed ‘the great pretenders’ – get your dogs checked – them appearing happy doesn’t mean a thing – they want to hide it from us, its their behaviour!!!
My Sasha was 10 when a splenic tumor was discovered. It was large also. I gave her the chance, and had the tumor and spleen removed. She’s fine, it’s been 4 years ago, she just celebrated her 14th birthday.
Just came back with this diagnosis: “splenic nodules. Differentials include nodular hyperplasia. Differentials include metastasis.” We are awaiting further blood tests to determine why our 11 year old lab/retriever is anemic. Advice needed!
When my dog had hemangiosarcoma, the first symptom was anemia. At the time, we didn’t suspect cancer, and it would just get better fairly quickly and then worse again, then better again for a while. The vet tested for various diseases that cause anemia and they all came back negative. That was starting at least 3 months before it got bad enough to do an ultrasound, which found the tumor. The reason for the anemia was that the tumor was periodically rupturing slightly and bleeding internally. A needle aspiration of the nodules might help them to tell whether they are malignant or not. You can ask your vet at what point they do that. Here’s a link I just found: http://www.veterinaryradiology.net/153/splenic-nodules/
Thanks, will ask about this tomorrow. Will also check out the link. Thanks so much. Lucy
Our dog just had a splenectomy last weekend. We’d had an x-ray of his abdomen and it revealed a pretty large splenic mass. Before we decided on the surgery, we had a chest x-ray, an ultrasound of his abdomen, and blood work to try to detect whether there were signs of cancer in other organs. You should ask your vet about doing those tests to see if you can detect anything.
I am sitting on the sofa with my bassett 3 days post op for the removal of a splenic mass. He is 7 years old and we did the same thing..had extensive ultra sound to see if any other signs of cancer were present. We were told that everything else looked normal so we proceeded with the surgery as there is that terrible risk of a rupture( in his case, the surgeon said that there was evidence that he had had several smaller bleeds).. Pathology report is not back yet and I’m not sure if this was the right thing to do..I just know that he’s home now and snoring right next to me..I guess for now that’s a huge blessing. Here’s wishing all of our furry babies well.
Hi Jennifer,
Sitting here with our 13-year-old Cocker Spaniel mix, who is 14 days post-op from her splenectomy. Your scenario sounds much like ours, except your dog is much younger. Lizzie has recovered quickly and well from the surgery. We don’t have the complete pathology back either, but indications are that it is not hemangiosarcoma, for which we are very grateful. Hope you get good news.
Hi my 13 year old dog is going in tomorrow for splenectomy as has has a large “mass”…I was interested to see your Jasmine had had a “vestibular incident” not long before; so did Chilli about a month ago, although like yours it wasn’t classic……What was teh outcome of Jasmine’s pathology? Paula
We are going through a similar situation with our 14 year old. Hospitalized for 2 days with gastroenteritis back next day with with a non-classic vestibular incident. Five good days later started vomiting. Our vet, previously on vacation for the prior two took another set of X-rays were a nodule was found on her spleen. Very small and a needle aspiration was done. Results won’t be back for a couple days. Just waiting when I found this. Very interesting.
The pathology report was “low grade malignancy”. After consulting with the oncologist, we concluded that at 13, she was more likely to die of some other age-related disorder before the cancer killed her so we opted not to treat further. Jasmine turned 14 on New Year’s Day (11 months post-op) and she’s doing great! We celebrated her birthday with a long walk on the beach, 2 days in a row. She has had two clear follow-up chest x-rays – we’re due for another but I’m not terribly concerned after her big walks.
Good to hear. Preliminary results for our 13-year-old Cocker mix also indicate “low-grade malignancy”. Glad Jasmine is doing well and hope Lizzie also has much more good time ahead.
Chilli had the splenectomy on the 15th of November, removing her spleen which weighed 2kg (out of a total Chill pre op of 13kg!!) She was home with me that night, wobbly but mobile enough to drink and wee. She has made an amazing recovery. The mass was encapsulated and the histology came back with nothing to report. There was no sign of cancer when the vet opened her up. It seems it was a haematoma…she is almost blind as she is diabetic (which made the op even more difficult) and I think may have fallen down a bank at some stage injuring her spleen causing a bleed….she was very lucky, it could have burst at any stage, especially if she fell again. I feel very lucky to still have her. She has a new appetite for food and has even put on half a kilo which is great for a diabetic.
My Dog Emma was having trouble urinating, so we took her to the clinic. They did a xray and found a mass on her spleen, they are not sure if it is attached to the liver. They said her urinating problem was likely not related (she was unable to urinate, with no obstruction or visible infection) We had to take her to the clinic everyday to cathederize her for 6 days, then they put her on some meds and now she is peing all by herself.:) They are opening her up in a few days. I pray to god it is by some chance that it is not malignant. She is only 8 years old and she is my entire world.She is my fiances dog, used to be his mothers dog. She died of cancer at 59,1 1/2 years ago. I can’t stand the thought of my fiance loosing another family member this way. When he found out she has a tumor on her spleen, he broke down, much like when he discovered his mother had cancer.They say the urination problem may be from an injury from when she fell down a few steps or something. This page gives me some hope. -Your dog would not leave your side if you were sick, why would you not exercise every option possible without suffering to save their life?- We are in a terrible finacial situation and havent pay any of our bills just to cover the vet trips. We set up a add asking for compassionate donations,, and we got tons of replys and offers for help.We are 350 $ towards our goal of 1800-2000$, hopefully she doesnt rupture before we can raise the money .My message is this– Pleassssse get pet insurance, it is so worth your best friends lives.
Hoping for the best with Emma.
I notice some behavioral chAnges in my dog Bear one evening, he seemed very lethargic and not wanting to move. The next day I took him to the vet and they did blood test. The preliminary report came back that same day, indicating mild Anemia, but the rest of the reports were not in yet so we took bear home and the vet gave him an injection of antibiotics along with a RX and I was to call the next day for complete blood results.. Well the next day, Bear seemed to be doing great, so I thought maybe he just had an infection and the drugs worked… Not the case. Called the Vet and they said based on the full blood report that his platelet count was extremely low and I needed to bring him back immediately for xrays because they thought he might have internal bleeding. So I did and the Xrays revealed a large mass on his spleen. the Doc also did an aspiration of his abdominal cavity and it was full of blood. He gave me an option of either going to get an ultra sound to determine if it was indeed a tumor or just doing surgery to possibly remove the spleen.. either way they would have had to do the surgery.. so i opted for the surgery and the doctor said that once they got in there that he would see if it spreaded etc and there was a chance that he wouldnt make it if that was so… Of course I would do anything to save my baby. so the Doc gave us 2 hours to spend with Bear before he began surgery. We loved on him and prepared to say goodbye not knowing if he would survive the surgery. Surgery was to begin AT 5PM. At 7:30pm the Doc called me on my cell to tell me not to worry, that Bear made it through the surgery well. He stated that He did have a tumor on the spleen that had burst and another on on the end of the spleen, He said it was very very serious, but he couldnt see any signs of it spreading, so he removed the spleen. He is taking bear home with him(the Doc) so he can watch him. and Bear will need to spend a couple of days in the hospital.. I prayed and cried all day that my Bear would make it through the surgery.. My prayers were answered. and I will continue to pray that he recovers well without any complications
I just found out a few days ago that my dog has a splenic tumor and it is growing fast. He is almost 14 years old- I was wondering how your dog is doing today and is he still free of cancer?
UPDATE: My Baby Bear passed away last month and I have been crying everyday since. So after surgery to remove the spleen, I knew that the biopsy stated that it was the kind of cancer that will spread rapidly, but he didnt see any other signs of the cancer when he removed the spleen, so I was happy and hopeful. I took him home and Loved him to death. I was so happy god gave me that extra time to spend with him. A few weeks after surgery, I noticed Bear drinking an abundance of water, so I took him in for a check up and the vet did a blood test and everything seemed normal, 5 days after that ..Just like the very first time I noticed my dog acting kind of lethargic one night. He was not responding happily like he always does, so the very next morning I took him in to the vet and they said “it was time” the cancer was back.. Of course I was in disbelief, so they took another blood test, aspirated his abdomin and just like before he was bleeding on the inside again and the lab test was also the bad. They said if I took him home he may not make it through the day and he was very uncomfortable. So My son and I lay on the floor at “Bears”head and hugged, kissed and talked to him for a while, then the doctor came in and administered the drug to send him to heaven and we were laying with him the whole peaceful time. I miss my baby so much and it still hurts when I talk about him. I wish you all good luck and love ..Try to be stronger than I was and keep on loving your babies til the end. No regrets ..He knew how much he was loved. R.I.P. baby Bear
I am so sad for you! We just found out that my loving Max of 12 years has a tumor on his spleen and I am so frightened. One thing he loves is his food and he has stopped eating. We got an ultra sound yesterday and are awaiting the blood test results. Max has been a medical nightmare since he was a puppy. As a Chesapeake Bay Retriever though, he has lived a very active life even though riddled with skin infections, bad hips and all. I have seen him through fear and food aggression and can’t believe we are where we are. My poor baby. I will not be selfish and let him suffer, but he still seems to enjoy getting the paper, the mail and playing with his toys. Question, other than the lethargy, were there other signs your dog had that he was bleeding internally? The doctor also fears he may have Cushings.
I just lost my ten year old golden to Splenic Cancer. I had no idea. She was playful and energetic one day and lethargic with a distended abd the next. By the time we got to the vet there was not much we could do. As they were going over the options she took her last breath. We were there with her til the end. We miss her more than words can ever say.
Susan, the same thing happened with my Afghan hound , Madie…my Precious little soul buddie….I know the devastation you are now feeling….The only way I got through it was the same way I got through the death of my son……they are now out of pain and in a better place….God Bless you~~ Suzanne
I posted before about my dog emma.
After raising enough money for diagnostics, We got the real diagnosis. Emma turned out not to have cancer or a mass on her spleen. the mass was on her liver and was benign 🙂 she is also off ehr meds and peeing fine.vet said before the prognosis was not good now Vet says we have plenty of time to save for surgery , thank you god, you answered my prayers!!!
MY 13 year old afghan just died today!!!! It was a shock….she has been in the hospital for pancreatitus the past 3 days…..I thought I was bringing her home today!!!!!!!!!!! Now shes dead!!!! It had ruptured…and they didn’t even know she had it>>>>Spleen cancer
I am devasted!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m so sorry, Sue. Those hemangiosarcomas on the heart or spleen are devastating. Losing a dog suddenly like this is agonizing. I hope that someday they find a cure and/or better diagnostics so that people like us don’t have to go through this. My deepest sympathy.
i am soo sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much~~~
Wow, I am so sorry, this is devastating and there is no way to prepare yourself for the loss.
Holly,
You are wonderful to post this. My dog is getting an ultrasound in the morning for possible splenic mass. You have convinced me, there is nothing benign about waiting after it is detected. A ticking timebomb sounds right. Thank you for taking the time to share!
desmo
chain of infection diagram…
[…]Splenic Tumors in Dogs – a Lay Person’s View « AgilePooch Diaries[…]…
Great info – I just had my 12 year old fabulous Golden Retriever
put down yesterday – due to a ruptured tumor on his spleen or
liver – Ultrasound was not conclusive as to which organ it was or
if it had spread – malignant or not – lost 1/2 his blood – weak and
dispondent – rushed to an Emergency Vet – this was Memorail
Day – his vets – were not available. This is a horrible illness –
my dog was swimming, enjoying long walks and being the joy
of our lives…… Surgery was between 5,k and 8 k, and was not
100% guarenteed of the dog surving, transfusions, and maybe
the possibility that the cancer had spread – and of course his
age – we did what we felt was best…. we have been crying and
feeling so very guilty….. it cost us $1500.00 to have him euphanized and to keep him comortable until my husband could
join us in the final sleep episode ….. not the way we intended the
last chapter of our lives and “Chance”. This is really a sad time.
Never, had an indication that this was something that could
develop – seems it is prevalent in Goldens, Boxers and larger
dogs – wish I had known about ultra sounds – never felt any
lumps, bumps….. what the hell are the symptoms – hemorraghing? I am very disappointed in the vets. they should
have told us this was prevalent in this breed.
Good luck to you all…..
Leslie
Speaking with my experience with hemangiosarcoma in my dog and a lot of reading and talking to vets and other people after that about the illness: The symptoms are indeed typically that it ruptures, dog is suddenly very ill, huge tumor is discovered, dog usually dies or is put down within a few hours or weeks. Sometimes the first time it ruptures, the dog who is running and playing happily and apparently fine keels over and is gone. The thing is that there are many illnesses with dogs, many things that could go wrong, and even they’re relatively more common in one breed than in another, that still might be one in a thousand dogs or even less often–multiply by hundreds of things that could go wrong–and you can’t test for everything all the time. It would be hard on you, hard on the dog, hard on your wallet. I asked my vet about having ultrasounds done on all my dogs every year to check for hemangiosarcoma. First–it’s very expensive. Second–they’re very quick-growing tumors, so maybe you do an ultrasound in January on their entire body cavity (which is a lot of searching for one random thing that might or might not be there), in April maybe the dog keels over from a ruptured tumor that appeared and grew within those 3 months and you’d still never have known. Some dogs might have a hint about it. My dog, 2 months before we knew something was seriously wrong, one weekend when we were out of town lost his appetite and energy. This sort of thing happens to dogs sometime; I waited until we got home Monday to take him in to the vet, at which point he was completely happy and healthy. Blood test showed slight anemia. The list of things that we went through that could cause that was longer than both your arms. He was fine again until he suddenly became very ill 2 months later. And that was the only symptom. Most people say that they never see symptoms until the very end. It’s tempting to blame the vets for not knowing everything, but even if they told you all of the things that your dog could get or that the breed might get more often than other breeds, I’m sure that you’d not have come up with any way of making sure every week for the dog’s entire life that he doesn’t have the beginnings of something.
This PDF document http://www.grca.org/pdf/health/hemangio.pdf indicates that almost 19% of goldens die of hemangiosarcoma. It also confirms that the first symptoms are usually severe, that even twice yearly ultrasounds probably wouldn’t help, that even with treatment, life expectancy would be a few weeks to a few months (with aggressive treatment, I got barely 4 months, and they weren’t all great months).
This page: http://www.grca.org/health/index.html indicates some of the many ailments and illnesses that might affect goldens more than other breeds or that might affect goldens, period. There are quite a few. But that’s probably true of any breed. And don’t believe that mutts avoid all those issues–my hemangiosarcoma dog was a mixed breed.
I don’t know whether I’m making things better or worse–I’m trying to say that sometimes these things happen, and in fact there was probably nothing that you or the vets could have done differently at any time, except to prepare you that some dogs die younger than other dogs. 😦 I’m sorry for your loss; my dog was only 9 and a half. Hurts when you really don’t expect it. I now donate regularly to Morris Animal Foundation’s research on canine cancers; too, too many friends have lost animals (most of them not goldens) to this disease.
Hi Ellen – Many thanks for your reply and explanation – I am sure I
am just grief stricten, and going through the steps of Grief – looking
for answers and point blame. I just never heard of this illness, and
never ever thought that my dog would become critically ill in just a
24 hour period – meaning it was very noticiable at this point . I am
grateful for the years we spent with him, and the love we shared. I guess, I expected him to live until 14 years – and in fact – 12 years is
a long time for a dog to live. It’s very, very difficult to say Good-bye
even though you know it is in there best interest, and it’s about the
quality of life – and one must always think of the dog and not our
selves as pet providers. In my wildest imagination never ever, heard or thought of his end days like this. It is truly an eye-opener,
and I am reading more and more about this horrible illness.
I am curious about the cost of a Sonogram, and at what age should
you do it, and how often? I truly appreciate your taking the time to
explain this especially to me, I don’t blame the vets – it just happens,
I am buffing up my education and doing research – so again, my
sincere appreciation to you and all the other readers.
Leslie
You would have to check with your vet on the cost of an ultrasound (sonogram) for the whole body cavity. You could check around for different prices. What I’m saying, based on what I’ve found and read (see the PDF noted above) that there’s no way to know when to get one done to detect something. You could do it every six months from the age of 5 and still not happen to scan at the right time to find anything. Others may have different opinions as to whether it’s even worth trying, but personally I don’t think so. I’m not in the medical field at all, just another person who was punched in the gut to find that my seemingly healthy dog had a death sentence.
Oh!–sorry, it says that my second comment (with links to a PDF and more information) is awaiting moderation. Let me see whether I can get Holly to expedite that.
Thank you so very, very much – I will share this valuable information
with my husband and friends. I appreciate you and your website
very much…….thanks to Holly also. I will keep in touch!
Peace and Love,
Leslie
My 8 1/2 year old Brittany is laying at my side. The tumor on his spleen ruptured sometime last Friday. Our very honest and wonderful vet gave us the options of referring us to an oncologist, putting him down immediately, or bringing him home to keep as comfortable as possible. We opted to bring him home and he has had a few days of laying in the sunshine and eating whatever he wanted (which hasn’t been much…). My son even held him in the pool today and walked around with him as swimming was his favorite thing to do. I’m thinking it won’t be long now before we have to say goodbye. I can’t believe that less than a week ago my Scout was diving off the diving board and chasing birds out of the yard.
It’s so hard. It’s wonderful that Scout has a chance to do some last favorite things with his family. I’d say it’s also lucky, but that’s sure a roundabout kind of luck.
I feel your pain …my Madie whom I wrote about the other day was the healthiest (or so I thought) of my two older Afghans…What a difference a week can make with this horrific killer….I literally was watching her die and didn’t know it….One week running as usual…next week….big slow down….to the vet….pancreatitis…3 days in hospt. to the day when I was going to take her home …she collasped…they ran more tests…her abdomen filling with blood…she had but hours left…put the whole scenario of options together of operating…too much suffering for the outcome and quality of life….I was mad and upset that they didn’t know something before this awful diagnosis!!!!
As I read more about it it is insidious…and awful to find…her’s was small but had ruptured….they don’t know when ..because they just did the ultra sound AFTER all the other tests!!!!
I am devasted as all of us in this rotten situation…Sue..Madie’s Mom~
My beloved shepherd mix had emergency surgery Saturday night. A ten pound splenic tumor we did not know she had. Vet said if I had brought her in any later she would have died. She is still not standing or walking, but she is eating and today she smiled. Praying for a negative biopsy and getting her home soon! Val
Val, prayers to you….I know how devastating this is~~~
Thank you, Sue. I have great news and I hope it will help somebody else out there…My dog Callie had emergency surgery several weeks ago. She was bleeding to death internally because her 10 lb. splenic tumor had ruptured. We did not even know she had this and she had been to the vet 8 months earlier with no indication. We knew the odds were not great, she was already in shock and her gums and tongue were purple. Well, she has been home for a week now and she has a clean bill of health, her tumor was benign and she is happy and playing and I hope to have several more happy years with her. She is 12, and though her recovery was a bit slow, she has come through with flying colors. Please, if your dog has a tumor, get it out. Don’t let them suffer with it and rupture. They can survive and live happy longer lives.
I am so glad you posted this Valerie. My labradoodle is having emergency blood transfusion and splenectomy right now. I am praying that he has the same outcome as your baby.
Sending you well wishes 🙂 My dog is 12 and has a consult with the surgeon tue for the speen tumor. we had noticed his in march of 2012 for ultra sound of the liver from elevated liver test due to being on phenobarbital for seziures. Repeat U.S wed showed the tumor has grown, after reading so much I decided to ?? have the surgery.
My Surfer Boy a 12 year old Agility Dog Champion, that was in great physical shape, had a nice swim. Then he played fetch with his buddies and died an hour later from a ruptured tumor. He was the love of my life. He had a wonderful life, a fantastic day, and one bad hour. Your blog has brought me comfort.
I’m sorry to hear about your Surfer Boy. But what a way to go–I’d love my last day to be like that! My AAD never got a chance to get his third Masters Standard Q for his MAD, but he did get a chance to dig for gophers and stand and look at cows for hours on end, which I’m grateful for, too.
My 12 year old Rottie, Athena is my baby. She was diagnosed with a tumor on her spleen about 2 weeks ago. I took her in because her arthritis seemed to escalate suddenly and she was having great difficulty walking. The vet palpitated a small mass we followed up with an ultrasound and found a walnut size tumor on the spleen. She also had a raging bladder infection so we treated the infection first and surgery is scheduled Monday to remove her spleen. He said it is 50/50 chance of malignancy, but it is small and he said compared to other cases he has seen, it was caught really early. Surgery Monday. We’ve had this little blessing in our lives for more years than the average life span for Rotties. Thank you for all your posts…helps.
We just discovered that my 8 year old Lab, Max, had a baseball sized tumor on his spleen. I fall into the category of “dumb Luck” in discovering it through an unrelated x-ray in early May. On June 22 I elected to do the extraction with the thought that this was probably benign. Knowing that this had been there for at least six weeks without having spread and no visible change in mood, energy, or appetite gave me the confidence to move ahead.
He is recovering very well and within only 3 days of the procedure he is mostly back to his normal happy and energetic self. Unfortunately the lab results came back on the tumor showing that it is cancerous which, as I am told, means that it will make its return soon in a more devastating part of his body. During the procedure there were no visible signs of other masses and X ray shows that his lungs are clear. My vet has told me that chemo is a possible treatment but there is a minimal success rate (a few months of extended life on average) and can be very difficult on the dog. I have decided not to go that route and from this point plan to let nature run its course. Looking at Max, it is hard to believe that he is a very sick dog.
Max had / has no signs of anemia and the only abnormality in his blood work were elevated proteins, which is consistent with the fighting of an infection. We of course are devastated by the news and are shifting our focus to making the most of our time with him. He will get a follow up ultrasound when we take him back to have his staples removed to see if this has spread.
As a follow up, it turns out that the tumor is a leimyosarcoma, which is rare. The prognosis is that Max has 1 – 2 months to live. However, in researching this over the Internet, I am finding much more positive results from studies and other dogs with the same issue. Here is an abstract from a NIH study that has some positive outlooks for this type of cancer (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1429139).
I wanted to give everyone another update on Max. Against the prognosis, he is very much alive and healthy. I took him in for a check up and all results came back that he is in good health. We also did a follow up ultrasound which did not detect anything abnormal. 5 months have passed since his surgery and he does not show any signs of weakness or illness.
We are thankful for each day that we have with Max. We understand that this does not mean that he has been “cured” but it is certainly not as grave as once thought.
In speaking with the vet who performed the surgery, he said that the tumor was large, but did not have any lesions, which was a positive sign. Our thought is that the tumor was encapsulated which restricted the spread of the cancer cells.
Our story thus far has been a positive one even though there were some very down days. In encourage everyone to remain positive and think for the best. Our pets deserve nothing less.
We have just found out our Golden Jennie may have a splenic tumor. We are devastated. We had no signs until last week I noticed her left side felt hard. Today we went for her annual visit and the vet hit us with the news. Ultrasound tomorrow and blood work. Please pray for our Jennie. Thank God we have pet insurance.
Hi Diane, I have been away and also still grieving the loss of my little Tobe to a slow splenic tumor bleed (he was not a surgical candidate at all due to many medical problems and age 15 1/2) I will certainly pray and send good thoughts for your dear Jennie as well as the other recent ‘arrivals’ to these posts-Biscuit and Brownee. My heart aches for all of you and as you have read, we all understand your concerns and how difficult some of the decisions are to make. Tobe had a solid appearing mass on his spleen which the vet understood very well having lost one of her own dogs to this same terrible condition. He could not tolerate any anesthesia for biopsy due to his heart and kidney problems but best guess it was not cancer since he had no visible mets to other organs during ultra sound evals over about a year. Her best guess was it would not spontaneously rupture without some trauma but that it might leak into his abdomen or into the spleen and cause severe anemia which is what happened over a few short days. He was fine, gobbling down his food, as much as we would give him but kept losing weight.Then all of a sudden he stopped eating, did not seem to be in any pain, slept and dreamed well, just lethargic. Took him to vet that evening and she found profound anemia. Abdomen was soft, no apparent bleed into it but she felt tumor was bleeding. She said he would not just ‘go to sleep’ and pass peacefully, that he might get very short of breath (from the progressing anemia) and be extremely distressed. Two days later he was at that point and we had to ‘help him pass over the Rainbow Bridge’ with us kissing him and telling him how we would always love him. We all love our pets and do the best we can for them but as Robert Frost said in one poem, “Nothing gold can stay”. I pray for all of your sweet furry babies, large and small, still your babies and for strength for each of you as you go thru the decision process. Hugs to all and special thanks again to Donna, Paula, Von, and Suzanne and all the others for your caring and support. BTW…felt I could never love again and none will every replace my Tobe but he could have a ‘successor’ so I am going to a pet adoption event tomorrow…little ones saved from shelters…’just looking’. 😉
Meg…Good Luck tomorrow….I’m sure Tobe will guide you in your decision. There are SO many that need Love and Good homes…and I’m sure theres a little snuggler out there with your name on it….just waiting to be saved. Thanks for all your kind words~~~ Suzanne~ And to Diane….my prayers will certainly include you and your Jennie…I think Meg pretty much summed it up…there comes a point when all we have are prayers…..and they will help both of you for what you are going through…Huggs~~~
My beautiful Shiva was diagnosed with a tumour on her spleen last September after a preoperative check (to have lipomas removed) revealed that her liver was not clearing toxins from her system efficiently.
I was told that surgery was needed to confirm whether the tumour was malignant or benign and, if malignant she should be euthanised while she was under the anaesthetic, if benign the anaesthetic and surgery would make her ill, given her liver problems (probably caused by the tumour but not cancerous itself).
Given her age,11 at the time, and that she seemed to be happy and comfortable I chose take her home and let nature take its course rather than risk making her ill and miserable with no clear benefit in doing so.
I was warned that internal bleeding was a likely outcome.
She still enjoyed her walks, food, chewing bones, rolling in the grass, digging holes while I gardened and just hanging out with me. Last month/early this month (June) she became more easily wearied, I think the first sign was when she chose to walk around a fallen log instead of jumping over it. Our walks became slower and shorter.
In a night she became much worse, having trouble standing. On the morning of 8th June I took her to the vet and cuddled and stroked her and talked to her while she was euthanised.
She was a gift from my late partner and was a great comfort to me after his death 9 years ago. She was almost 12 and is now buried in the back yard in one of her favourite digging spots. She was a big dog 52kg and not overweight but gentle, good, beautiful, strong and brave. She wasn’t the smartest dog I’ve ever owned but she was no dummy either.
I miss her terribly. I hope that the last thing she heard was me telling her what a good girl she was because that’s the last thing I told her.
My 13 year old mini long-haired dachshund, who was going blind, and pretty much deaf, started standing in an unusual position late last week. He’d almost round his back and just stand still. Saturday night we didn’t sleep much, but on Sunday morning he seemed better. When I picked him up at my folks early Sunday night, they were worried because he wouldn’t eat his supper. After a bit, he did eat a little, but, I took him to the vet’s that night. They ran blood tests, found him to be slightly anemic, and a flash ultrasound showed he had fluid in his abdomen.
They kept him overnight, and he had an ultrasound the next morning. The vet called to tell me he had a large tumor on his spleen, and it was bleeding.
Because of his age, failing eyesight, and that the tumor was probably cancerous, and with chemo, he’d have maybe 3-6, or 9mos, and then the bleeding would start again, my daughter and I had him put to sleep.
I brought him his favorite chicken breast for lunch, and we held him.
It was so hard. I’m second guessing myself now that I made the right decision. My daughter said to me that it wouldn’t be fair to have him wake up, not know where he was, in pain, having to go through chemo, for maybe a few more months before it happened again.
Love and miss you little Ren.
Judy, I went through surgery and chemo with my dog Remington, and even with all that, he went through periods of bleeding out where he was miserable and could barely move, repeated stays at the vet’s to stabilize fluids and such, days where he couldn’t eat because of tumor or chemo, and after all that, Rem still barely survived 4 months after diagnosis. Of course you’re second-guessing yourself; it’s so natural for humans to do so. But for what it’s worth, if I had to do it over again, I wouldn’t have pursued such a course of treatment.
Ellen, thank you. It means so much to me to hear you say that. It’s so hard to let them go.
Judy
….and I just want to say, had Rene’s eyesight been good, I might have opted for the surgery. He was becoming afraid to go outside, and to be left alone, and it was hard to see him be unhappy. He was always such a little clown and did funny things, like he had a sense of humor. I wish the best to all. I want to hear happy endings. I think I’m still emotional because I had to put him to sleep on Monday, June 25. It hasn’t been very long. Thanks everybody. Good wishes for you.
Judy
It is one year ago today, that I had to put my little long-haired dachshund, Rene, to sleep. I think of him all the time, even though I now have Robbie (my rescue Shih Tzu), who I absolutely adore. They all have their special gifts. I miss Rene so very much, I always think of that little paw on my shoulder as I carried him. I just want to thank everyone here on this blog, and the person who created it. It was so helpful in getting through the bad time. God Bless all here.
It was a fluke that I took my Rottie in June 9th to have her nails clipped by the Vet, and asked him to check her over because she was having more trouble than usual walking and seemed weak. He palpitated a mass on her spleen, we had an ultrasound and found a walnut size tumor. She had a bladder infection so 2 weeks of antibiotics before surgery this last Monday. Before the surgery we x-rayed her chest and nothing showed in the lungs, so we proceeded and took her home that night. She’s been doing really well, more chipper and brighter eyes, today we received an answer to prayer and the tumor was completely benign but had started to rupture so we got it in time. My Vet, Dr. Warren of Laguna Niguel Animal Hospital, Laguna Niguel Ca ( the best!!!) said we may have a couple more years with our baby.
My beautiful girl boxer Bunny is lying on her bed resting after a short walk. She had a spleen tumor rupture two weeks ago. She was running and playing the day before and became weak, lethargic and vomiting within a very short period of time. By the time I got her to the vet she had almost bleed out as the tumor on her spleen ruptured quickly. She survived the surgery and the spleen and tumor were removed. There were no other signs of any masses in any other organs but unfortunately the biopsy came back cancerous.
She was unable to walk, urinate or have a controlled bowel movement after the surgery but this week regained her ability to walk! She is doing well and has an interest in her walks and is eating well. I am so saddened that her time with me may be short … as these tumors can come back rapidly, even more so with a rupture.
She is only seven years old … and such a beautiful soul. I have opted not to prolong her life with extreme measures … just spend every minute caring and cherishing the time I have with her. Blessing to all of you who have experienced this terrible, unpredictable condition and may you and your “babies” have many more days, months and years together.
Bless you and your Baby…prayers to you…..I was not that fortunate….they didn’t catch it and she crashed after 4 days in the hospital…Madie, my 13 year old Afghan Hound….as Beautiful as they come inside and out….Just a special soul. Thought I was bringing her home that day and with in hours she was gone…..that was 5 weeks ago….at first I WAS VERY MAD AT THE VETS….THEN AFTER READING ALL THE INFO ON SPLEEN CANCER.. I knew, there is not much that can be done,but you want to know you’ve done the best you could….sounds like you have~~~~
i,m glad to hear you were mad at the vets, i still am so mad at mine she never gave me a choice of surgery and killed my dog beloved 14 year old,,she was callous that vet no feelings nothing,it was a saturday and my vet was closed my dog was just having a vestibular attack she ignored it and his medical history,she took an xray it showed a tumour so she killed him she advised that,s the only outcome he could bleed out and scared the livng daylites out of me , my dog was trying to run away from her and he kept looking at me with begging eyes,please don,t kill me and i was in solid shock just staring at him i could,nt even speak, i never even got to say goodbye to my darling friend as i went into shock as she murdered him with that pink needle,,some vets are wrong,i,m going to take this to court so nobody else goes thru this pain,,she was wrong arrogant and wrong,,and lied about it afterwards evil vet,,there are some evil vets out there,,i have many other resuced pets many and i have a brilliant vet it,s a shame he was closed the day my babe was feeling blue, i wish i,d have waited till the monday,,
Barbara,
Sorry to hear about Bunny. I hope that you and she have many good days ahead of you. This is such an awful condition. There is little or no warning that anything is wrong until it becomes life threatening. I hope a cure for this is found. It makes me wonder if it is caused by something we all give our dogs as a health preventative such as heartworm meds., etc. It just seems to occur all too often.
Reading the different stories here has helped me get through losing my dog, Rene, to this horrible illness 17 days ago. Now that I am somewhat educated about splenic tumors, I have a better understanding of this horrible disease/condition, and I realize that we are all limited in what can be done for our pets.
I think that the sudden onset of this is especially hard, as we have no time to prepare.
When I come home at night, I still expect to see Rene’s little silhouette in the door window waiting for me. It’s so hard to lose a family member/best friend.
Prayers and good thoughts to all here, and thank you for sharing your stories so we can help one another. As awful as this is, there is comfort in hearing that we are not alone.
Good thoughts and prayers for all.
Judy
A mass was discovered on our 8 yr old lab mix Dharma 12 days ago on a routine wellness exam. Xray and ultrasound confirmed an encapsulated splenic tumor. There is also a suspicious lesion on the left atrium of her heart, tho not the typical location for metastasis to heart, we are told. We went ahead and did the VDI TK and CRP blood test. Results strongly suggestive of malignancy. I have not seen mention of this blood test on this discussion forum. Has anyone had experience with a similar result? We are agonizing over whether or not to do surgery as Dharma is healthy and happy right now. We have had hints from our vet and a consult vet at CSU vet school in Fort Collins CO that we should consider surgery if we can afford it, yet the majority of information, lay or professional , state that this will only extend her life a few weeks.
Glimmers of hope such as some blog sites that claim years of life after a hemangiosarcoma splenic tumor was removed and then a “cancer diet” was used is messing with my mind. Any comments would be appreciated.
Joyce, I have just gone through this, sorry to say…Unfortunately some companies play off the glimmer of hope…..what did your vet say would be life after surgery?If its cancer it will include chemo…and how much time after that?
I was given the news with we have to operate right now as hers had ruptured…they become very sick when this happens, and since hers wasn’t caught as yours was….it was critical, news of 90% chance she would make it off the table and maybe 2 months after…that made my decision….she was wagging her tail and looking at me…..I wanted to be put to sleep with her…but I couldn’t let her suffer….so who ever you are trusting to do the surgery….ask them all your questions and then …YOU decide…..I know how hard it is….God Bless you both~~~~
Hi Suzanne,
We have similar stories. Sorry about Madie.
Judy
It has been 9 years since I lost my dog to hemangiosarcoma, so all the hours and hours that I spent researching on the web is probably out of date. I also encountered the cancer diet thing. My recollection from everything I read then was that there has been no rigorous study of the effectiveness of much of any kind of treatment. Of course part of the problem is that many of the dogs die or are put to sleep right at the time of the discovery, and the cancer can be so aggressive that they’re not around very long anyway, which makes it hard to do studies on treatments. My impression is that there are a few anecdotal stories about someone who got lucky and whose dog survived and they attribute it to one particular aspect of something that they did, but that in fact there’s no evidence that that one thing was what worked or whether it was a combination of factors or they just got lucky and their dog would’ve survived anyway. Believe me, that doesn’t make it any easier to decide what to do.
I can only speak again from my own experience: My dog’s tumor appeared on his heart; got lucky that it didn’t kill him outright. Did surgery to put a drainage hole in his pericardium so that any bleeding out wouldn’t put excessive pressure on his heart, and we did chemo. Also changed his diet to a canned cancer diet, but didn’t try the home-grown cancer diet that I’ve seen on the web. The tumor was inoperable. He survived about 4 months, not all of it in great health but some of it, yes.
Another friend discovered a tumor on her dog’s slpleen at the same time. They did a splenectomy and chemo. And her dog also survived about 4 months. She did change her dog’s diet some but I don’t know the exact details.
And so, there are 2 more anecdotes for you.
My friend was also a pretty thorough researcher; you can read her posts here: http://www.dogplay.com/MyDogs/cancer1.html
My Simon was just diagnosed with spleen and liver tumors. Told it could be any time now that he will bleed out. We found it after he had been exhibiting lethargy and paleness. Blood work showed the anemia and x-ray showed mass. Ultrasound confirmed tumors on spleen and liver. Going to keep him home on hospice care and give him the best days he has ever known. If he has too much pain we will take him in for humane euthanasia. He is the love of my life. He will be 12 in September. I’m so not ready for this.
your so lucky to have the time left with him, i wish my vet had not killed my dog,,i wish she,d have said you can take him home and treat him,she said this thing can burst etc,,evil no feelings i felt useless and so scared into shock what a horrible witch to take my babe from me like that no goodbye just shock ,,my babe must thing i,m monster after loving him for 14 years giving him my heart n soul,,to let him go while he was begging for his life,,i,m devasted by this vet,s behavior and gone for many second third forth n fifth opinions all saying she was wrong ,,his xray is the proof,,so i,m happy for you making the right choice for simon god bless you and simon,,may he have a miracle and recover,,
Sorry, Terri, to hear about Simon. I know he will enjoy his time with you. I wish I had done that with Rene.
An update on Dharma. After soul searching and talking with vet again, we decided to have spleen and tumor removed, thinking maybe she would get through summer and enjoy rest of her life, better than waiting for time bomb in her to rupture. Expecting grim biopsy news, but the result was no cancer cells found in the three samples of tumor. Vet says 75% likelyhood tumor was benign. Will rescan in three months. So not sure what to make of the blood test she had that showed 90% likelyhood of cancer. Know that still may be the reality, but until I know more, treasuring her and looking forward to life the way it was before this whole scary experience.
Joyce, I opted for surgery on my 12 year old shepherd and also have had great results. Recovery was hard on her but she is running and playing and my old friend again.
Happy to hear your good news! Thoughts and prayers with you and Dharma. Every day is a gift!
I wanted to update again on my Callie Girl. She had her surgery for removal of a 10bs. tumor mid June. She has a clean bill of health and is totally recovered. Her biopsies were negative with no evidence if spreading. We are thankful for every day we have her.
Finding this forum has been helpful as we deal with a similar story with our 9 1/2 y/o pit bull mix Heidi. We are praying for a #3 dumb luck outcome, as she was in for her annual vet appt & shots last week when the vet felt the mass on her belly. Xray confirmed a mass in her belly, which was successfully removed today. We’ll know more as to whether or not the baseball size tumor is malignant. Of particular interest, Heidi’s weight had gone up 2lbs in just a week (57 to 59 lbs). We feel so fortunate that this thing did not burst and to our knowledge she has no other symptoms. Still, the doc said it was 50/50 on whether we’re also dealing with cancer. Fingers are crossed!
Prayers and good thoughts for Heidi and you.
I hope it is benign!
Thanks Judy & Kim. Our fingers are crossed for sure. She came home this afternoon and is resting comfortably on doggie pain meds. The mass was relatively small as the entire spleen + tumor/mass weighed only about 2.5 lbs. For anyone interested in seeing a photo of what it looked like, I have it posted here: https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/394769_3407933478103_1216942825_n.jpg . (Not for the squeamish!) For perspective, Heidi is a 57 lb pit bull mix.
Von,
Best wishes for Heidi. Sounds like she’s a trooper. The object being held in the person’s hands, that’s the tumor? It looks very large to me. Makes me wonder about Rene’s tumor. He only weighed 14 lbs., his abdomen was distended from the on/off bleeding, and the vet said his tumor was very large. Ugh.
Hugs for Heidi. So happy to hear she’s done with her surgery and home with her loved ones.
Give her a hug from us here on the blog. 🙂
Bless you guys,
Judy
Judy thanks . . . we all appreciate the hugs and well wishes!
The thing being held was the entire spleen with the tumor attached . . . the round brownish thing on the left end of the organ itself. The spleen itself is quite large in dogs. All totaled (spleen + tumor) hers weighted approximately 2.5 lbs. So in terms of what some have experienced with their pets, Heidi’s was seemingly pretty small. Truly a “dumb luck” catch by her vet upon exam during her annual visit (exam, shots, heartworm, etc).
For Heidi, looking back over the past couple of months, she did not have so much mass in there that her belly bulged. What I do recall is one night commenting after she had eaten that she must have over-eaten as he tummy was sure firm (actually rock hard!). I also recall she always had a little bit of loose skin, I’d call her “pinch an inch” but until last night after she was home from surgery, I realized I hadn’t see that loose skin in weeks.
She’s by far not a fat or flabby skin, in fact she’s generally very muscular and fit. But not seeing that “pinch an inch” skin on her belly the past couple of weeks or months perhaps, was probably due to her insides being filled up with this mass.
Von
I’m so happy to report back that Heidi’s tumor/mass was benign. The vet said the pathology came back that it was a “canine nodular hyperplasia of the spleen” and that she should live her normal life expectancy. He did say it was good it was caught early and that we didn’t have a rupture or bleeding issue.
I hope for as good a “dumb luck” experience for others who face this scary medical condition with their pet.
Von
We had the spleen removed from our 7 yr old Rottweiler-Great Dane-Boerbull Pumba two days ago and are waiting for the pathology results in two weeks and really hope for a similar result – dumb luck!! Our dog hasn’t had any illnesses before this and I was expecting her to go for at least three more years. There were no signs of spreading elsewhere, but as known if its malign it doesn’t matter – on average there is two months to go.
Anton, Finland
Great News!
I took my little 5Lb Yorkie Zoey, in for an exam 3 weeks ago and everything was fine, then I was awaked a week ago Friday to her having a seizure and rushed her to the emerg, but by the time I got her there she was fine. They did blood work that revealed counts in her liver were high. So I then took her to my vet to do additional test on her blood and they now think she could have a shunt in her liver. So I then took her for an ultra sound on Wednesday and they said her liver looks good but they would like to do an MRI to rule out the shunt, but they also found a nodule on her spleen and they want to remove it the spleen that is 😦 Zoey is going for an MRI on Monday, she is her happy go lucky self and you wouldn’t believe there was anything wrong! I’m so beside myself and don’t know what to do?
Obviously I’m not a vet/medical professional . . . but I don’t get why all the expensive diagnostic work is necessary. We were fortunate that Heidi’s was felt on exam and a fast (and relatively inexpensive) xray confirmed the splenic mass the same day.
Not all dogs are the same….Madie’s tumur was very small but very insideous…it was diganozed with an ultra sound with doppler, it had already burst and blood was filling her abdomen…..I was really upset with the vets at this time for not doing enough…but sometimes its just the way things play out…She had been in the hospital foe 4 days….and then they came up with this!!!!! It took a vet to say lets do a doppler with the ulta sound and there it was!!!
Consider your self very lucky!!!
It has been just over two weeks since Simon was diagnosed. We are having good and bad days, but I am spoiling and loving him through every moment. I just wanted to say that this forum really got me through a bad time right after diagnosis. Thank you!
Terri it’s great that you have this added time with your precious Simon! I pray for you both that he doesn’t suffer a bleeder and that you’ll know when the time is right to do what you must for him. Hugs to you both!
My 13 1/2 year old mixed lab dog Zoey was just diagnosed as having a mass on her spleen 2 days ago. We had rushed her to the vets when she suddenly had difficulty walking and kept falling over. The vet felt a large mass in her abdomen. She has always had cysts so we thought this was also. Her weight is also done. The next day he did xrays and we saw the large mass for the first time plus her liver looks like it may be affected. The vet has drawn lab and did a UA and we are waiting results. He doesn’t have a ultrasound.
I love my dog and have seen her through cancer when she was 9. Now she is much older and isn’t in the best of health. She has a grade 3 murmur and her thyroid shut down a few months ago. But she is happy and eating well and although our walks are much shorter she seems to enjoy them. But, she spends most of her time sleeping and no longer jumps on the bed or couch.
I don’t know what to do. The doctor wants to do an exploratory lap which would let them know for sure if it has spread but it doesn’t sound like that would do much more then cause her pain in her final days. But letting it rupture sounds terrible also. This is just such a terrible decision.
So here I sit reading everything I can on it to try and make the decision. I am leaning toward keeping her home and spoiling her even worse but what if that is the wrong decision.
Thanks for this site. I had never heard of this cancer in dogs and didn’t know it was so common. How sad after such a long wonderful life my dog may end up dying of something so terrible.
I would just enjoy the time you had. I wish I would have had this site prior to our experience. I have learned much from reading everyone’s comments. If I had to do it over again, I would not have agreed to all of the tests and procedures we imposed on our beloved pet.
Thanks for the reply, I said after her last surgery for cancer when she was 9 that I wouldn’t put her through that again, but I did get 4 more years. Realistically I know that can’t happen with this type of cancer. I was wondering what types of meds they put your pets on. Zoey is on a steroid, carafate and a med for bladder control since the steroid makes her incontinent. Also her thyroid med. Weird since my husband and I aren’t on any meds to have so many for our dog.
When all the facts come …you will know….For 4 days my Madie was being treated for pancreatitus and on the fourth , I thought I would bring her home….she looked awful!!! The tumur had ruptured….it is not pretty what they go through at that time.
I could not put her through an exploratory with an 85% chance she would make it off the table…her abdomen was filling with blood …this was at 9 am ……at 1:00 pm …she was gone…..It was operate with terrible odds or let her die in misery….I had to let her go….I wanted to go with her…she was my everything….but I couldn’t let her suffer for me….When I look back, I thought she was just slowing down (2 week period) but she was really sick!!! Our dogs do a lot for us,,,and never show how much they hurt…till they can’t do it any more…. She was the same age as your Zoey…
God Bless~~~ Suzanne
That is what we are worried about, the pain if it ruptures. Do we get her put to sleep while she is still OK, or wait until she is suffering? What if we had had 4 more good weeks, or even one more day? This is so hard. We were worried also about the cost, 1000 for surgery. Yesterday I got a surprise check for 1000 from a injury I had over a year ago. God provides.
I think if Zoey still was falling all over and looked sick the answer would be easier. But with the steroids she is looking better and perkier then she has in a long time. Thanks for your kind reply.
To Zoey’s mom…
I am having the same anguish of trying to decide what is best for my Simon. He was diagnosed just over two weeks ago. His personality has changed due to the anemia making him so exhausted. He is very tired but we still have good walks and take rides in the car (his favorite) and we have great long snuggles. He still eats and drinks whatever and whenever he wants (we are vegan and now he is too). I just don’t want him to suffer but can’t stomach the thought of putting him to sleep when we are still having good days. My biggest fear is that a sudden bleed that will cause him pain at the end. The vet gave us a strong pain med to give him but I don’t know if that will help his pain if he has a major bleed. I love him so much and don’t know if I’m being selfish wanting to put him to sleep or being selfish not wanting to put him to sleep. Just know that I feel your pain. I pray for a peaceful passing and something to tell us what it right and when it is right.
Terri, I am so much in exactly the same situation. I do not want my Max to suffer or to be in pain. His vet found the tumor on Saturday and my boy is going on 13 which is great for a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, but I just can’t let go. He still loves to retrieve his paper and the mail and also play with his toys. I am so afraid of a major bleed and God forbid I should be here with him by myself, I won’t know what to do.
Wendy,
I know how you feel. I am lucky to be home with Simon as I work from home, but am alone with him a majority of the time. I have to leave him today for an hour or two and am so fearful that he will pass alone or be in pain and suffering before I get back. He is attached to me at all times when I am here and I feel so bad when I have to leave him. The guilt is overwhelming and keeps me from leaving to run errands, etc. most of the time. I have to be gone all day on Wednesday out of town for a meeting and I have been dreading it. I don’t want to let him down.
My Remington had periodic ruptures, but in between I was so lucky that he could do–at first–completely normal things–then, gradually, fewer and fewer. But he still loved to go exploring at the park, even when he was quite weak, and another thing he loved was staring at livestock, so at a friend’s I just left him by the fence for a while and he watched the sheep for a couple of hours. At times, during a rupture when his blood count was so low and he was so weak and couldn’t eat, I’d feel terrible for letting it go on, but then he’d eat again and I’d wait for a sign…the periods between, and his strength, got less and less and less, but I figured as long as he was eating and enjoying some parts of life, OK. One night, he started having seizures. He seemed fine between them, but they terrified me–because I didn’t know what was happening (not in the list of things that I was aware might happen) and really exhausted him, and finally decided that that was enough for his poor body to take. One often second-guesses oneself, I think, no matter what one does. Did I wait too long? Did I choose too soon? Was he more happy or more miserable? In the end, you do the best you can–of course you do!–and that’s all that can be asked of anyone, and your dog loves you no matter what.
oh god your words make me cry so much,,how the dogs hide their pain from us to keep us hppy etc,,,my dog had slowed down i thought it was cos he was getting older 14,,
I started noticing my beagle had a bulge and brought him in for xray. Vet said he had a spleen tumor. We also had ultra sound and bloodwork. I read how it could rupture so we did the surgery.
His tumor weighed almost 8 lbs. He pulled through the surgery and stayed in hospital for there days. We picked him up on Friday. He couldn’t even walk out on his own. My husband picked him up and put him in car. Vet said he was fine. He just wouldn’t eat while he was there. When we got him home, all he did was drink a little water. Then at 7 pm he died.
I am so sad,mad and we can’t recover with his passing.
It’s all I can think about. Wishing we didn’t do the surgery..his biopsy came back yesterday.it was benign.
I just want to understand why. Why did he die.
Vet had no real answer. Maybe a blood clot.
All I do is cry. It’s been 2 Weeks since his passing. I wish I never did the surgery. He would probably still be here.
Paula, I know what you are going through
It’s ROUGH and my heart and prayers go out to you.
I didn’t let them operate and I had doubts about that too….We do what we think is best because we love them sooo.
you know even benign tumurs can bleed out…and that is not good neither….. you did what you thought was right~~~ Suzanne
Paula,
Please do not beat yourself up. I too am going through a similar situation with my Chesapeake Bay. But, I have a beagle as well, Chance is my cuddle butt and I can’t imagine him dying suddenly. My worst fear is that my Chessie may die this way and I am on the fringe of tears all the time.
Thank you Wendy. Trouble is most people I talk with don’t seem to understand the pain for the exception of all here on this site. I wanted him to live so badly,spent over 5,000 for the surgery. Had to use my daughters credit card. Vet wanted the money up front.
And I would have spent more if he could have survived the surgery.
Everybody says time will heal the pain but I never will get over this. I keep thinking I never should have done the surgery and let him go naturally. He was eating and laying out on porch every day. But his tumor was getting bigger by the day. His stomach area had a huge bulge and it felt hard as a rock. Plus the skin felt so taut. Then vet said it could burst at any time.
I just can’t understand what went wrong. alot of dogs survive this surgery. And biopsy came back benign.
He was our world to us. Hub and I will never be the same.
I could almost cry when I read all the comments on here. We are all going through the bad things that happen to our beloved dogs~
We just have to do what we think is best and not beat ourselves up for it…We try so hard…and when they go…we always question ourselves if we did right or not~
Let me tell you, when my son was killed….I looked everywhere for answers…the courts, religion, physics, books, the internet…..and my conclusion is …..When its your time ….its your time….nothing will save you….and that goes for our pets….
About 3 days after Madie had died…I was driving down the street….not thinking about anything much….when a voice just as clear as glass….said..”I’ve got her Mom”….I got chills!!! Was I imaging it….NO, I don’t think so…..There is another place, and our time here is limited…so if you believe in Rainbow Bridge…Believe….no more pain.
I have a 16 year old Afghan, that I thought would go before Madie~~~She’s still here(thank you, God) but she is having it rough…and every day I second guess myself….am I doing the right thing for her???
Yes everyday is a blessing with them….is it a blessing for them???
Right now, shes taking one of her many naps and has a hard time walking, but I don’t know how I could just put her in the car and take her for her last ride!!!!
No one can tell you what to do,you will know when the time comes. All my prayers go out to you that God will take her and you won’t have to make that decision. That has to be the hardest thing to do and I am thankful I didn’t have to make that drive. But as for now, she seems to be doing ok, so just tell her how much you love her. That’s the best medicine.
Just as in humans, different dogs’ bodies react differently to the exact same thing. it’s a tragedy of medicine that, although so much is known and so much can be done, there’s never a way to know 100% what will happen in any specific situation. All any of us can do (and that includes the vets and those of us with ailing dogs) is to make the best decisions that we can, given the information that we have at the time. There is no crystal ball to see the future or to see the what-ifs and certainly not the whys…how I wish there were!
It’s so easy to find oneself in a place of saying, “if only I hadn’t done ___, then the outcome would’ve been different,” but there’s no way for one to know that, really, maybe if one *hadn’t* done X, then the results would’ve been so bad that one might’ve been saying, “if only I *had* done ___, then things would be different.” I think that everyone does that to one degree or another.
Of course neither of you will ever be the same. Every special thing that comes into our lives changes us, and when they leave, it changes us again. Everyone grieves in his or her own way, and it just takes as long as it takes. I live a normal, happy life. But each of my dogs that has left me has put me through a period of agonized grieving that I felt, every time, would never end. That doesn’t mean the pain isn’t there–if I sit and remember the time and the place and remember the *memories of the emotions*, I can put myself right back into tears. But I can also put it aside again and go on with my new dogs, and love them as strongly, but differently, than I loved the others. (After my first dog died, it was 2 years before I could even conceive of having another dog in my life.)
You might find this link to be informative–it talks about the seven stages of grieving, but also says, “it is important to interpret the stages loosely, and expect much individual variation. There is no neat progression from one stage to the next. In reality, there is much looping back, or stages can hit at the same time, or occur out of order. So why bother with stage models at all? Because they are a good general guide of what to expect.” I hope that what it says helps:
http://www.recover-from-grief.com/7-stages-of-grief.html
Thank you Taj. You are eloquent.
omg too sad mine was a beagle too,,now your thinking why did i operate,,at least you tried your best to save him i would have done the same if the witch vet gave me the option,,but no she choose to kill him,dr kervorkian lives on,,a licence to kill,,you did the right thing what a nice way that he went out under the medicine and you trying to save him, bless you and your dogs soul in heaven,
Suzy, I feel your pain. it’s a lesson we all learn not to listen to everything the vets say. I had a previous vet tell me to put my beagle down last year because he couldn’t figure out why he couldn’t walk. My husband carried him in and out of house to do his business until he got better. Then he encountered the spleen tumor a year later.
My husband wants me to tell you that we will see our beloved pets in the next life.
He cries every day for our beagle and the only way he gets by is believing we will all be together once again.
Thank you Suzanne for you kind words. I can’t even type with all my tears. He was only 9 years old. And even though he wasn’t wanting to walk much he still are good and loved sitting out on porch just watching. We miss him so much.
I am so sorry for your loss Suzanne. There is a no win situation, I guess.
Paula….I will share with you…..My son was killed by a 16 year old on his cell phone….a few years ago….I wanted to Die…I had no reason to live!!!
My dogs were the only ones to stay by my side day and night……Now I have lost one of them,,,and the other is 16!!!
Through all this I have learned ..when it is our time…..thats it…
No matter what we do….when its up its up…I am not a fatalist …you can’t go walking in front of a speeding truck and think you will make it ..if its not your time……but we all have just so much time ,,,some of us more than others…why….only God knows….Take care my Dear…believe me your baby knows how much you loved him~~~
Suzanne, thank you for your post. So saddened and so sorry to hear of your son.
Paula, so sorry to hear about your loss. This spleen tumor is more common than I realized in older dogs. It is so important that we get the word out for owners of older pets to have their pets checked regularly. After everything we have been through with surgery to remove the spleen and recovery for our 11 year old Rottie, Athena, she is feeling good and getting around with a little spunk we haven’t seen in quite a while, but we found two masses on her mammary when we went in to get the stitches out. Doc says to come back and recheck in 30 days to see if it has grown.
Suzanne, I can’t think of what to say for the loss of your son. And then to lose your dog soon after. The hurt is beyond words. My only hope is we will see them again in the next life..
I still can’t help and think how I hate life. It is so cruel. My dog was like my child. I just wish I had even one more day with him.
I have only one child who is 35 and can’t imagine life without her.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Paula….my son was 35 and the only child I had…that was 6 years ago….my Madie was 2 months ago…Raven is 16 and how I still have her is wonderful!!! But, I won’t let her suffer neither, and it is very challenging for her now.
And Paula…don’t ever Imaagine life without her!!! She’s here….just love her~~~
Thank you Kim for your support. I’ll pray for your Athena. I am happy her surgery went good.
Suzanne thank you so much for your kind words. I too have my little dachshund still here with me. She misses her beagle brother so much too. She is only 8 years old but I still fear the day will come for her too. Only thing I learned through all this …is don’t take life for granted.
Paula, I have a doxie too…A lttle Long hair…he just turned one….love him dearly….Madie and Raven were and are Afghan hounds…had that breed for 35 years!!! Love them….We only have today……isn’t that the truth!!!
Doxies are the greatest. They have cute personalities..my doxie is a red shorthair. She is the pulling me through all the pain of losing my beagle.
My heart breaks for everyone whose beloved dogs have gone through this, or are now going through it. It is no doubt traumatic and gut-wrenching.
Yes all situations are not the same, I understand that. Sorry if my response to Sandra seemed insensitive. I guess I don’t know enough to understand why an xray would not show a mass, regardless of how small it is. Sorry for my ignorance.
I sincerely hope the diagnosis is quick and prognosis good for all dogs who are going through medical issues.
Von…my understanding is ultra sounds are more for tissue or organs that x-rays don’t penetrate…Cancers are good at hiding~~~Suzanne
My good thoughts and prayers for everybody here. I’m so sorry for your losses, I understand how hard it is.
Judy
No doubt, knowing “when” is one of the toughest decisions we have as caretakers of our pets. We are fortunate and blessed with every day they add to our lives. A while back this was shared in another pet forum, which hopeful may help with making the decision more on what is best for the animal involved: http://www.naturescornermagazine.com/help_companions.html .
To everyone who is struggling with a pet who has died or is dealing with medical decisions they are facing, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks for the link. I cried when I read it but now have another decision to make. I made a copy and will show my vet.
Hello,
Im crying reading everyone else’s stories as well as crying for my dearest Amber and me.
I am away on holiday just now, house-sitting for friends. Their home is at the bottom of a very steep hill and yesterday, Amber really struggled to get to the top-she looked in a very bad way.
Having lifted her into the car (she has the boot all to herself!), she settled quickly and asked for food, We had a pleasant afternoon out and about a local park area where she took another walk.
The place where we are staying is by a lake and quite cold. The fire has been burning constantly and she has been curled up, sleeping away the hours. Today, Amber and I left the cottage about 2pm and rather than put her through another hill climb, I wheeled her up in a beach trolley which she seemed to like.
Amber is a 14yr old boxer, 15 in 2 weeks. I know she is in her twilight but she still has oodles of sparkle. Back home, we live by the beach and when there, she relentlessly barks for a stick to be thrown into the sea and will happily stay for hours basking in the sun-set.
I have been concerned that staying at the cottage has put too much strain on her so took her this afternoon to my friends vet. I am gob-smacked to be told he thinks she has a spleen tumour. The vet explained the nature of such a growth and I’m just shocked and upset. I’m sure we all hope our best friends will slip away at home, preferably in their sleep and not to have to go through any pain.
Amber is booked in for a scan/x-ray tomorrow morning and I’m just petrified. I imagined lots of scenarios at how her end would come but it certainly wasn’t on holiday and wasn’t with such a terrible dilemma regarding course of action.
The thought of rupture is horrific but I can’t imagine putting her to sleep as she is now. I don’t know wether to take her home incase anything happens imminently or stay on holiday as I can and will accommodate her needs as always. She stresses terribly if we are apart (but always has done) and is content as long as she is with me I guess, wherever we are?
I am absolutely devastated as I hear most of you have been/are.
lots of love
helga xx
Prayers, Helga….its the best we can do and support….the rest is in God’s hands….Please think good, even tho, I know how hard that is at this time for you and Amber…I wish I could hug you and say it will all be ok…and it just might be…hold her extra close tonite~~~ Suzanne
I understand your pain and grief. Now that I know the symptoms I realize Zoey has been sick awhile, I just assumed it was old age. My prayers for Amber and you.
Zoey had a very bad night last. We will probably not have her in our lives much longer.
I’m so glad this site is here. The diagnosis and first few days of confusion are easier to handle when you have contact with others who know exactly how you feel.
I hope you have found comfort here Helga.
I realized that, too. That Rene’s sleeping more, tiring faster, and even having more tinkling accidents in the house, was all probably because of his tumor, and not necessarily his age (13), which is what I had attributed it to. He had been for his annual check-up on April 25, and died on June 25. At that time, he was normal, or so I thought, and the vet didn’t feel anything wrong.
It was all so quick, I didn’t have time to prepare us for it. I would have done some extra special things for him, had I known. I don’t know if it’s worse to know they are going to die, or to have them just be gone suddenly.
I am so glad that this site was here.
Judy
Sorry judy for your loss. My situation sounds the same. He slept alot, seemed tired most of the time and would Tinkle in the house. I just thought it was old age and that his belly was big because he was overweight. Not until I noticed it was getting bigger did I realize something was wrong.
I did the surgery and wish I never brought him in. he died 4 days later. I didn’t get the chance to give him any good loving or some real nice meals. He died a few hours after coming home from surgery. He was so out of it, I can only hope he knew we were by his side when he passed.
I keep thinking how I wish I didn’t do the surgery. He would probably still be here.
I started thinking no one as far can tell what causes these spleen tumors. I wonder if all of us on this site, would briefly tell what they fed their dogs for the most part, what did they do for flea prevention. Maybe if alot were similar, it could be a link to knowing what causes this horrible illness.
I used frontline plus for fleas. And for most of his life he ate
chicken,rice mixed with a real good dry dog food. After vet had suggested he needed to lose weight I switched to a hills prescription diet moist dog food. I still wonder if switching to that after all the years,might have done it.
One other thing I worried about was a treat made by waggin tails or canyon creek. Chicken Jerkeys. They are made in China and when you google it, they cause alot of sickness in dogs. I didn’t find this out until recent. So, please if anyone gives them , stop immediately.
I wish more would be done to find out what causes this.
Paula, my 13 year old Madie was the one who just died….She ate the same diet my 16 year old ate…and that was pretty much what you did…chicken and rice/ ground chuck/rice…fresh parsley mixed in…Nutro dry …the older they got they didn’t care for dry….cookies!!!(bad me) but not a crazy amount…never rawhides…or anything in bulk…no CHINA!!!…canned tuna, salmon..
I think it is partly due to their immune system….what about people who get the same cancer.None of us know what we really eat all the time or where it came from if you shop at grocery stores or eat fast food~~~My 16 year old had aterrible back dis order that my vet told ats like MS in people, even tho, dogs don’t get MS….she struggles every day….but boy is she stuborn!!! Falls down and has to get up herself!!!..I never thought Madie would go first….she was always the healthier of the two in later years~~ Suzanne~
Thanks Suzanne for the info. I guess we’ll never really know what causes this illness. Was hoping for an explanation. A link somewhere.
all my prayers for your dog. I guess age means nothing when it comes to life in dogs and people. Like you once said, when it’s your time.
Give her a hug for me.
The dog I had before Zoey died a terrible death from cancer in her ear so with Zoey we wanted to get organic and try to prevent it. She ate Flint River ranch dry for years and the about 3 years ago we switched to Blue Senior and Natures Recipe lamp and rice senior. Treats were Sister Joan and we even filtered her water for years.
Who know what causes cancer. She had gotten loose a couple of times and had a nice little walkabout in the neighborhood. One time she came back poisoned and we just about lost her, she was in the hospital and very sick. She got sick again with pancreatitis and was very very sick. When she was 9 she had cancer and had surgery. Oh the thousands of dollars we have spent on our furry friend. All gladly with hope she would survive, and she did.
Not this time though. No cure for this monster in her stomach. Zoey has lost a scary amount of weight this week. Last we she had muscles over her bones and this weeks she is bony, all but her every growing tummy. We think today may be the day we call the vet. I am full of dread and feel sick to my stomach.
Rene ate Purina One and Merrek dog dry dog food (mixed), and I’d top it with a little boiled/baked chicken, or hamburger if he was at my Mom’s for the day. He liked raw baby carrots, and an occasional Nyla bone. That’s all for him. I saw on another site that these tumors might be attributed to early spay/neuter. Anybody heard this?
Judy
hi my dog too switched to hills prescription diet,n became ill with this cancer,also i used frontline flea prevention, i,m begging to think all these foods and prevention stuff is a scam for vets to make money off as well as the medical companys,they know we will do anything they say,,frontline never killed all the fleas ever anyhow,,my poor babe haed the boring hills diet for bladder prevention,,i cooked chicken etc,,rice too,,
Miss Heidi eats once a day (evenings). Her “recipe” that we have found she likes the most is: Wellness (dry) 5mix Chicken mixed with EVO (moist) Chicken + Turkey 95% and Pink Salmon (grocery store – human canned) in 2:1:1 parts. When we have broasted chicken, we replace the 2 parts of canned food (EVO and the Salmon) with the chicken skin and pan drippings.
Her treat routine consists of one Pupperoni stick and 5-8 Yummy Chummy 100% salmon treats.
Julia, so sorry to hear about your zoey. The only consolation I can give is that you kept her safe at home and got to be with her till the end. It is so painful to watch them go downhill.
After reading the foods that had been given thus far on this forum, only link I can see is that we fed them all good organic dog food . I doubt that could be the reason for these tumors.
One thing I was wondering, did anyone notice their pets skin getting extremely dry and flaky? Zoey’s is terrible and she is shedding worse then ever. That is what we noticed first.
Zoey is having a few good days here. Off the steroids now she seems calmer and is panting less. We have her on a pain med also since the vet says she probably is having pain. She is even eating like a horse and enjoying her treats. So we get to enjoy her a little longer it seems.
I am happy to hear zoey has a good appetite. That is so important. And am glad she is off those dreaded steroids. I had to give them to my beagle about a year ago and hated the way he would pant while he was on them. And the constant drinking and peeing.
As for the shedding and dry skin, my Perry never got that symptom. I remember even thinking how nice his fur felt the last time I petted him before he died. Like a soft teddy bear.
We lost our darling baby boy, Raven, to this horrible thing today. I had never heard of it before and was in shock when the vet told us what was wrong with him. He was only 9 years old and I miss him with all my heart. He had some teeth pulled 2 months ago and was in perfect health with clean blood work. It was such a shock. I’m broken hearted.
Sandie…I so understand, its been a month since my Madie passed…same thing 2 months before she had had her senior wellness….Clean as a whistle…dr. even took xrays of her abdomen….nothing. You know it doesn’t reallymatter what takes them …they are not here …and that leaves a big whole in our hearts and our world.
I’m sending you a great big hug, as the tears start to slide down my cheeks, as I think of what you are going through…God Bless, my dear~~~ And Raven IS happy and well again~~~ Suzanne~
I’m so sorry Sandie for your loss. I lost my beagle boy, Perry, on July 13 and I can’t stop crying. I too wonder where this terrible sickness comes from. I’ve never even heard of this before and it seems I’m reading how all these dogs are dying from this. I just wish there was an answer.
It seems like this tumor grew overnight and everything happened so fast. Even surgery couldn’t save him.
Yes, me, too, so sorry for your loss. These stories are all so familiar and sad.
I am so sorry for loss.
These stories are so heartbreaking and I know the feeling of wanting to do something to prevent this cancer or help those experiencing cancer in dogs. I heard about the 12 Million Dog virtual march on NPR. It is a non-profit that collects for dogs with cancer. I can’t validate this organization, nor am I advocating for it. I just heard about it after Dharma was threatened with the dx and we know we are not totally out of the woods. Just google “12 million dog march” if interested.I have just donated money to Colorado State University vet school. Using their online consultation with a < 24 hr call back by a vet helped me decide to do the surgery on Dharma even tho the prognosis was grim, then to find the biopsy was neg for cancer cells. Peace and love to all who are preparing or have said goodby to their precious friends
I just read an article on the Web, a doctor wrote about spleen tumors. Most of what he wrote was the usual things I’ve been reading. But he suggested to prevent spleen tumors,give your dog vitamin c, selenium and zinc. And vitamin e has been proven to stop tumors from starting.
I’m going to start this for my dachshund. She’s 8, right now. I never want to have this happen again and will keep searching all I can for preventing this horrible desease.
Hi my name is alison and Hector our 8 year old elglish bull terrior is at the moment recovering from the removal of grapefruit sized tuma from his spleen. We found it because i took him to the vet because he was off his food. then literally 2 hours later it had ruptured and we were rushng him to a specialit clinic. they did xrays of his chest and did blood work all of which came back clear. my husband and i thought that if they did not come back clear we would put him down. we have watched painfully so two of our beloved bullies die slowly of lymph cancer, and we did not wan hector to go through that. the surgeon said that it looked le the tuma had ot spread anywhere else in the body. we are waiting for the results to come back as to whether the tuma was malignan or not. we do not want to put hector through chemo.
does anybody think that chem would help give him long jevity or would we be just dragging his lofebout for the few extra months with us
we love our little boy and really do not want to see him suffer.
ali
Alison – very encouraging news, and you are so lucky that you were already getting treatment when the bleeding began. You ask great questions, and should definitely have a discussion with an oncologist about the nature of the tumor and the value of chemo.
Jasmine’s pathology came back “low-grade malignancy”, and as I mentioned in the original article, she also had no evidence of spread to other organs. The oncologist advised against chemo, feeling certain that at her age, she would probably die of other senior problems before the cancer could progress and get her. She has had a great 18 months since her surgery and her lungs are still clear. Hector’s age might change that recommendation, but you definitely need to consult with an oncologist.
thankyou for your kind thoughts, hopefully my spelling might be a bit better this time as I am not as emotional. got the news back today that it was an agressive malignant mass. the vet told us we could possibly get another year if he went through chemo, he would go for treatment every two weeks and feel sick. We do not want him to go through that, so that selfishly we can prolong his life. The vet has advised we may be lucky if we have him for another month. He has recovered fantastically from his op, and is eating like a horse. we are spoiling him crazy.we are seeing our normal vet tomorrow to discuss options for pain relief when the time comes.
ali
Ali, I wish for you and Hector that you receive good news from your vet regarding the tumor. Only you, with the counsel from your vet can you decide what is “worth” it in terms of the possible longevity if you pursue chemo treatment.
I’ve read enough research to believe that had Heidi’s tumor been malignant, we would not have put her through chemo at the age of 9 1/2.
Hi Von,
Thankyou for your reply. we have decided not to put hector through chemo. the thought of perhaps putting him through chemo, without him not understanding why he is sick, just does not appeal to us.
ali
Alison, so sorry about Hector. We have Zoey on gabapentin for pain and it seems to work wonders for her. It has been almost a month since Zoey was diagnosed. She has lost so much weight it is scary but she is eating like a horse and doesn’t seem to be in any pain. She is getting weaker and we no the time is short but as long as she is comfortable and enjoying the many treats and hugs she is getting we are glad we decided to just do comfort care. Best of luck to you.
Hi Julia, thankyou. We are definately going to look into the pain relief you have mentioned.
We had a scare this morning. One minute Hector was spritely and then literally 5 mins later he was really dazed and confused and seemed to be having some kind of seizure. We thought, right this is it. We did not like to see him like it, it was so very upsetting. He had absolutely know idea what was going on. We rushed him to the vet ready to put him to sleep to discover that he had nausea and was constipated. I actually think it was more than that, as i had never seen him act that way. He stayed at the vets all morning and he is home now and seems fine. This is such a roller coaster ride. It is tearing my husband and i apart trying to decify the signs of when the time is right.
ali
My sweet Simon passed away in my arms at home on Sunday. One month from diagnosis. Just a few weeks from his 12th birthday. I am so lost without him. I feel as if I’ve lost a part of me. The house is so quiet. I see him everywhere but can’t touch him or hug him. I don’t know how to be happy again. I’m so grateful for that extra month. I spoiled him and made him my focus. We had some wonderful time together and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I loved him beyond measure.
So sorry for your sweet Simon. I know exactly how you feel.
I can’t bear to look anywhere in my house without thinking of my beagle Perry. How he sat on the couch with my hubby side by side, watching TV. I cry when I sit on the deck and remember how he would watch and bark if he saw anything suspicious. Then how he would like to curl up on the bed at night.
I will never be the same again either. Or ever feel happy. It’s like losing a child.
Hi Terri, I am so sorry i just realised i called you simon. please accept my humblest of aplogies.
ali
Paula,
Yes, it is like losing a child. I keep thinking it is also like losing an arm. You keep looking for it and trying to do things like normal, but you can’t. You have to find a new way to do everything. I never went outside without Simon and I find myself dreading going out to work in the yard or garden. The house is torture. My heart hurts every day.
I’m so sorry for your loss of Perry. I hope we all find peace soon and can just smile at the memories.
Terri
I am so sorry for your loss.
Hi Simon,
I totally understand how you feel. When Meggy our 11 year old bullie died 2 years ago from lymph cancer she was with us at home when she passed away. I would like to think she felt comfortable and happy that we were by her side. We now have her ashes in a Box with a photo on the front in a place where we both say hello to her every morning. I am sure simon will always be with you one way or another, and memories I think definately help with the grieving process. When meggy first passed away all i could think of was wha it was like when she passed instead of all the good memories i had of her. i guess time is the best healer of all and thinking of all the great times you have had with simon.
My thoughts are with you
ali
You can’t make yourself be happy again–grief will take as much time as it needs. I predict that it will flow and ebb and someday it will mostly be quiet and most of your memories will be happy. But for me it takes a long time after each dog. I’m fortunate in having enough interests to have kept me busy and focusing on something else, but in the quiet times, that’s when it always hit the worst. I also, like lots of people, feel like I’m seeing or hearing my dog in the house still, bringing me comfort that his or her memory is still here, still happy.
i,m so sorry i cry for your pain,,i know how it feels not to want to be happy, i still won,t turn the radio on in my car or house because i don,t want to disrespect my dog who passed away by the evil vet three months ago the pain never leaves,,god bless you and your babe is in heaven and with you now,,
Suzy, I feel your pain so much from reading all your entries. I also feel the anger at these vets I’ve encountered. I haven’t found any that I feel are good and caring. After charging me 5,000 for the surgery and my beagle died , 2 hours after coming home, they even had the heartless odacity to charge me to cremate him.
I felt so much anger that night. I couldn’t even speak. I couldn’t even look at them.
But, please don’t say you can’t turn on the radio. I’m sure your beagle would feel sad to see you feel that way.
Let this be a learning. I now know if the time ever comes again for another dog I own, I will do more research and not listen to another quack of a vet. I’ve lost my trust in them.
So sorry about Simon.
Hi
Do sorry everyone and their pooches are going through this terrible worry. I posted on here 2 weeks ago now whilst on holiday with my 14 yr old boxer. To recap, I’d gone to a local vet I suppose on instinct but also as I thought my beloved Amber was a bit stuff in her back legs. Within minutes, the vet had said he suspected a splenic tumour and arrange for a scan and X-ray the flowing day.
The results were positive; a fist size tumour. The positives were nothing on her lungs or heart. The vet explained the risk of rupture but that euthanasia was maybe not needed just yet as Amber is 14 and to let nature take its course.
Whilst away, I slept with her in the holiday cottage and followed her pace. She has been up and down needing another trip to the vet as she began with a very harsh exhale, not quite a cough. She has not wanted me near her which was a worry but still, did not have that ‘feeling’ she needed to be put to sleep.
I desperately wanted to get her home from or holiday and did that last Friday. My instinct was to take her to her favourite place which is the beach. We have a radio flyer cart so wheeled her to the beach. Unbelievably, when she caught a sniff of the sea she hoped out and went into the water, even barking relentlessly for a stick!
Today is her 15th birthday and totally amazed by her strength. However, my quandary is do I go ahead and put her to sleep avoiding risk or rupture of the tumour or continue accommodating her. She is scoffing, drinking and now very happy to be stroked and cuddled and looking out for me to make sure I’m near (a typical behaviour of hers). Lots of tail wagging
action occurring too.
Thanks 🙂
Maybe you have a third option Helga. Is surgical removal of the spleen and tumor a possibility? If the tumor is benign, that could be a successful outcome w/o rupture or euthanasia.
I know just how fortunate we were that Heidi’s tumor was removed successfully and that the pathology report came back favorable. Maybe a similar outcome would be Amber’s too?
I found these articles to be helpful in guiding final decisions about a dog’s life. There is no perfect answer, only guidelines:
http://www.naturescornermagazine.com/help_companions.html
http://terriarnold.com/article_whenLetGo.html
I found these articles to be helpful in guiding final decisions about a dog\’s life. There is no perfect answer, only guidelines to help you make your own decision:
http://www.naturescornermagazine.com/help_companions.html
http://terriarnold.com/article_whenLetGo.html
Thank you for these links. I had found the Natures Corner article and refer to that often. The other account was so well written and makes for an excellent reference.
We’re still having fun at the beach and Amber enjoying having various tasty treats and being head of the household even more than usual!
It’s 8 weeks tomorrow that we found the tumour and didn’t expect this much time. Hour by hour we are watching her (but me being ‘mum’ cant help watching minute by minute!).
Live to all and your pooches xxx
Helga
Thank you for the links. I am familiar with the Natures Choice website as use that assessment regularly. The personal account however I’ve not seen before and very powerful stuff.
We’re now into our 8th week of living with this horrid thing and all’s well. Is it a ‘how long is a piece of string’ question to ask is this a normal time frame after diagnosis?
Park this morning, beach this afternoon xxx
Love to all x
no don,t do it, don,t kill her,you,ll regret it,,take her as long as u can loving her,watch her gums her bloodwork etc,,and prayer n faith etc,,my other beagle just had blood work not the greatest cancer looming but vet knows i,m grieving for my deceased beagle 3 months now so he did,nt order the death penalty like that other witch vet he said give it another month more blood work, she is limping and is on pain meds but is eating like a horse and living her life,,i won,t take her life till god say,s so on of my dog at he vets is no way will they have a say in my dogs life agin ever,,sad way to learn a lesson 14 years of pure love taken in a hour from me by a wicked witch vet,a know it all just fresh out of med school too ,,good luck n god bless you both,
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has posted in the past day or so.
Terri, Simon was blessed to have you and I’m glad that you got those last precious days together before his passing.
To Alison, Helga & Julie I know you too are enjoying your time with your loving canine companions Hector, Amber & Zoey. Making the most of each day will be something you can hold onto when that tough day does come.
Big hugs to everyone!
And here’s a link that I have also found helpful in understanding and somewhat dealing with loss and guilt related to the death of a loved pet.
http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/love-guilt-putting-dogs-down
Thank you for all the links you have posted on this site. This last one gave me a better understanding of the guilt I am always feeling for choosing to operate on my beagle. I did what I thought was best.
Thanks again for taking the time to post these helpful sites.
I clicked on the link you provided. It was such a good article. Thank you for sharing that with us. This blog has been so helpful to me. I wish I had known about it before Rene got sick. If I had been educated to splenic tumors, maybe I would have brought him home for the last little bit of time we had together. I like reading about how some folks brought their dogs home for ‘hospice’ care. After his ultrasound, the tech told me that Rene had been moved to the ICU, and when I spoke with the vet in person, she said the tumor was very large, and he was bleeding at that time and it was either sugery right away, or let him go. He was blind, 13 and a half, and I had him euthanized. I miss him very much, as you all miss your dogs who are gone now. Love and prayers to all who still have their dogs, and also to those who have lost them. I am so grateful for this blog.
Alison,
I had the same experiences with my Simon. Every couple of days for a month I was sure it was time but he would always come out of it. On Sunday I absolutely knew it was different and he was gone in an hour. My fiance was racing home but did not make it before Simon passed. You WILL know the difference.
I miss him desperately but am so grateful for that last month that I cuddled him and spent every moment with him. I do cry often as I realize he isn’t here anymore. Monday night at dinner I was looking under the table and realized he isn’t there anymore and just broke down. Last night I finished a bottle of water and instict was to let him play with it and he wasn’t there. I’m trying to stay busy and find that being away from home is easier.
My thoughts are with you and others spending those last moments with their fur babies. Cherish every moment. Terri On Wed, Aug 15, 2012 at 8:16 AM, AgilePooch Diaries wrote:
> ** > Judy commented: “I clicked on the link you provided. It was such a good > article. Thank you for sharing that with us. This blog has been so helpful > to me. I wish I had known about it before Rene got sick. If I had been > educated to splenic tumors, maybe I would have br” >
We were unaware that our husky even had a tumor, we had just moved from Tn back to Fl two weeks prior so I thought his lethargic ness was from the move and possibly the heat. He seemed fine and then wham! Out of left field I knew something was wrong. I rushed Vegas to the vet, only to discover he had ruptured spleen due to a tumor. My heart is broken, I wish I would have known about these prior! He was a wonderful, loving, gentle guy and we miss him so much.
I am so sorry Shannon. It’s been a month since I lost my beagle Perry. I still cry everyday. I miss him so much.
I’m so sorry to hear this. It is like a punch in the gut. He sounds like a wonderful companion.
I am so sorry to see more people have lost their beloved dogs to this terrible cancer. We had Zoey at the vet yesterday. She has lost 11 pounds in 3 weeks. The vet said he could see evidence that the tumor had spread to her liver and says we made the right decision to not operate and keep her home on hospice care. Makes us feel a little better.
Zoey is weak but still wagging her tail and begging for treats, especially since she knows now she will get what every she begs for, LOL. We took her down to her favorite river and let her wander around and sniff. We sat with her while she laid down and lifted her nose to the air to get all the wonderful smells, a scent dog to the end. Time is close but we have had the time to get to the acceptance stage and are loving each minute we still have with her. I can’t imagine what it will be like with her gone.
Julia, I don’t know if saying this will make it any better when the time comes, but if I had the chance to do what you are doing right now by spending some fun times, I know it wouldn’t be as hard on me as it is. It seemed like it all went so fast. Rushing my Perry to the vet, surgery, then he came home all sick and died a few hours later.
I didn’t get the chance to bring him to his favorite park to sniff around. Give him cheese which he loved so very much.
cherish these days, they will bring comfort to you when he is gone.
Oh my, Zoey just loves cheese.
I just wanted to say to say a word about my vet. Zoey was one of his first clients when he was new. She has always been very gentle and was a joy for a new vet to examine and she would let you do anything. I could see the other day that this is just as hard for him as it is for us. Maybe harder as he will be the one that gives the shot if she doesn’t go here. He talked about things he remembered about her, especially her remarkable strength and gentleness. We love our vet.
You are very fortunate Julia to have found a compassionate vet. I should have realized they were only in it for the money when they wanted the money up front that night on the estimated bill.
This hospital was referred to me by 2 other vets so I assumed they were good. And maybe they were, they just seemed to lack the compassion.
Sorry, I know zoey is a girl, don’t know why I said he.
I feel the same way you do, Paula. If I had been better educated, I would have brought Rene home.
I really feel badly for those of you who have lost your beloved furkid to a ruptured spleen or one riddled with cancer. I cannot imagine the pain and heartache you have.
I will say, however, even knowing the possibility for outcomes, I am very happy that we opted to have the surgery to have Heidi’s removed. We were blessed that the surgery went fine and that the pathology on the tumor confirmed it was benign.
Had we chosen to not have the operation, the outcome would have surely been fatal as a rupture seems to be the natural progression and inevitability . . . or perhaps worse, it become cancerous and take over her entire body.
I encourage anyone reading this blog and the stories of heartache to not rush to a decision to do nothing in favor of riding it out. Personally, I cannot dream of waiting for the rupture or to risk seeing my precious Heidi bleed out.
Von…consider yourself Very lucky that it was found…..like some of us…the tumur is so small but so insidious, it is not found till too late.
My Madie was in the hospital for 4 days before they found it….she was being treated for pancreatitus….till the damn thing burst and she was filling up with blood, then and only then…. they found the thing with an ultra sound with doppler….unfortunately too late…she died that afternoon… I would have done anything for that dog….and it absolutly killed me to have them give her relief so she could move on…..and you are right …we Never want to see them suffer~~~
Believe me when I say I consider ourselves and more importantly Heidi, as VERY blessed. I am thankful for every day we have had since that first exam and diagnosis (7/18) knowing that she could have gone at any time with that ticking time bomb inside her.
I just wanted to give the other side of it, it is not always doom and gloom . . . and to hopefully encourage folks to consider what might be possible for a positive outcome.
When I read your story Suzanne, it was one in particular that had me tearfully trying to get through finishing it.
And I understand Von….and wish you so much time with your beloved Heidi…..Blessings to you both~~~
Von, I am happy to read your Heidi is doing good after the surgery. My case wasn’t the same, my poor beagle Perry died days after his.
It’s been over a month now since his passing. And I rack my brain everyday with the decision I made. But I always come back with the realization how I would have felt if I didn’t operate and he bled out and died. Then I’d still be in anguish saying why didn’t I operate.
My case was a losing battle. I only wish it didn’t happen so fast. Maybe I should have waited a week to do his favorites things, then bring him in. but I was so scared it would burst, his tumor was so large, it literally grew overnight.
I just feel I put him through a horrible operation and his last days he was suffering. I will never forget how sick he looked when I brought him home.
I understand Paula. That is so sad, my heart aches for you. Find peace knowing that you had Perry’s best in mind and you did what you felt you had to . . . now realizing it was probably a no-win with either decision. I’m sure Perry is up there waiting at the bridge for you, with big wet sloppering licks!
Von, I so agree with you! My Callie is 12 and had a 10 lb. tumor removed in June (two months ago). She was bleeding out and in shock when we rushed her to the animal hospital. Vet told us she had an hour tops to live. Had emergency surgery and here she sits with me, happy and healthy as can be! What joy to have her back again! Recovery was hard for her and it was touch and go, but tumor was benign and I am grateful for every day I have with her! She is my world. Had I known she had the tumor before hand I would have had it removed, bleeding to death is no way to go.
Valerie, I am so glad for your Callie. I see she was 12. She is hope and inspiration for all of us that gave a chance to let the outcome of surgery play a roll in our beloved pets life. It gives me a good feeling that what I did for my Sasha was right. There are some positive outcomes, and alot of heartbreak, I am praying for all.
Paula, you did what you felt in your heart was the right thing to do. Perry knows that. No matter what decision any of us made, we all question ourselves. Perry is patiently waiting for you in Heaven.
Judy,thanks for your kind words. After re-reading the previous blogs I realized your Rene was a dachshund. I also have one and she gets me through the days of sadness since my Perry passed on. Dachshunds are quite the clowns. Such cute personalities. I know how much you must miss him.
We lost our beloved Zoey today almost 1 month minus a day since we found out about the cancer. It is so hard knowing she won’t be here anymore, but in our hearts forever.
Julia, I’m so sorry about Zoey. It’s good that you had some time to spoil and love her. We all know how you are feeling. Zoey will be waiting for you. Hugs.
Thanks everyone. It was such a hard day, it will be hard days for many to come. I hope they find a cure for this terrible disease.
I’m so sorry about Zoey.
So sorry to read of Zoey’s passing. Hugs to you and your family Julia.
Julia, sorry for your loss. You took care of her till the end,and I’m sure she passed knowing how much you loved her and all the nice days you gave her till the end.
My God, after reading this I’ve only just fully appreciated how lucky we were with our Staffie. She started to lose condition at age 7 and vet diagnosed a large splenic tumour. At the time we were told it was inoperable and basically to enjoy what little time we had left with her. We took her back a month later and, due to the fact that she hadn’t deteriorated as much as was expected, the vet decided to go ahead and remove the spleen. Even then it was touch and go as she lost a tremendous amount of blood during the operation but thankfully she pulled through. Now, 3 years later she’s still going strong and is back to her healthy, bouncy self.
Love to hear that Hayley! Best wishes to your staffie girl – may you have many more years together.
Thanks! Had her at the vet today and he said she looks amazing. We’re so, so lucky that she pulled through. My heart goes out to everyone whose dog sadly didn’t make it, I know how heart-wrenching it is to watch your best friend deteriorate, not knowing if they’ll live and knowing that the cure could also kill. We are very lucky in that we have been using the same vet for the past 30 years and know that he genuinely does his best and never sugar-coats anything, he always tells us the blunt truth. He was the one to suggest ultrasound scans and told us not to worry about the cost as we could pay in installments if we needed to. If it wasn’t for him my wee Boo wouldn’t be here today!
It’s always such a change to hear good news about these. Yay!
I am so sorry for the loss of Zoey. Simon was also one month minus a day from diagnosis when he passed. It has been 9 days and I still think of him every moment.
As I receive all these comments…..my heart goes out to each and everyone of you….they are so precious and close to us…..the love they give is a gift…and one you never forget….please know while we are here they are waiting for us….we have to hang on to something~~
I can really be a dis believer at times…I hate to admit……but I must tell you a short story . My son and only child was killed a few years back, so when I was told about what my Madie was facing….I prayed to God and also to my son to help in anyway he could….well of course it was not meant to be…..so a few weeks after her death I was driving home not really thinking about much…….A voice,just as clear as day said…”.I’ve got her, Mom!.”….and it was Pauls voice, just as I will never forget it….How can we not believe????
Suzanne, that’s such a lovely story. I like to think that heaven allows pets, too. Your son will be looking after her x
Haley…what is after her X?
Oh I get it ….a kiss??? Thank you …how nice!!!
My 13 yr, 5 mos old dog had a splenic tumor that was bleeding. A few days after I had Rene put to sleep, I was outside looking at the sky and said out loud, “Rene, I haven’t heard from you. I hope you are okay.” Later that day we had severe thundershowers, when I got off onto my exit, the sun had come out, and I saw a faint rainbow. I thought of Rene. A few minutes later, I got out of my car, and I saw a bright rainbow low in the sky, and another fainter rainbow above it, and right in front of me was a large clump of fluffy clouds that formed a perfect heart shape. Rene was telling me that he had made it over the rainbow bridge and was okay, and waiting for me.
I may sound like a crazy woman, I know, but, I really, truly believe this. So Suzanne, I know what you said about Paul and Madie is true. Our babies are waiting for us.
Judy….How beautiful is that??? Some people ask me how things like this happen to me….and maybe not so for others…..Well, a wise Dr.in a grief group that I use to go to after my son’s death…..said to me when I asked him about something I had seen, said…..”.if you are not open to them….you will not receive anything….they no longer can commuicate the way they did when they were with us”…and sometimes they try and try…and their loved ones don’t feel a thing….so you are very fortunate to have gotten a message!!! And for those who don’t believe….you are missing out on a great comfort~~~~
That is so amazing. I’m glad you shared your experiences, I loved hearing your story, and it gave me the courage to share mine. Thank you. This blog has helped with what happened to Rene so much. Grief is grief. I hope all find comfort here.
My baby Sasha, 10yr. old schnauzer, had her spleen removed today, with a racket ball sized tumor attached to the top of it. The vet said she went through the surgery quite good, with no other visual tumors located. I brought Sasha into the vet seeing she was not quite herself, on Saturday, and had XRays, blood test, and a final ultrasound. I am at home, she is staying overnight. I will not get the pathology report back till Tuesday. This is a trying time. Please pray for her.
Thank-You.
Definite Prayer coming her way…sweet little baby~~~
Thanks, so much.
All our prayers for your baby Sasha. Keep us informed.
Prayers from Milwaukee for Sasha and your family!
Thank You Von, All the way from Milwaukee to New Orleans, Sasha is much loved. Thanks for the prayers, down here in the Big Easy. I’m waiting for the vet to call, so I can get her home, where she belongs.
Love and Hope….
Donna
I am so glad, “also”, I found this site. There is alot of comfort and love in everyone’s comments, and I appreciate prayers for Sasha. I will keep you informed. Thanks to all…
Picking up my precious, Sasha, in 2 hours, her Doctor said she is doing good. I am praying for a speedy recovery and a negative pathology report. To everyone reading this, Thank-You, from the bottom of my heart, for prayers and your comfort.
Love and prayers for you and Sasha.
Thank-You, Judy. I am also praying for all our cherished pets, it seems everyday. Love and Hope…
Donna
Thank you for your article. It wouldn’t have helped my Sheltie, Qtip, because he had large lipomas all over him, so it would have been difficult to diagnose, by palpation. His disease progression must have gone quickly, because yesterday he was chasing squirrels and going for walks and playing fetch and this morning he could not get out of his bed, his legs were collapsing, and by the time I got him to the vet he had pale gums and was in shock, although his blood work was normal. We were all at his side when he was put down and even though we are devastated, he was a wonderful family pet who gave us fourteen years of bliss and we are thankful he enriched our lives during that time.
So very sorry for your loss…we all feeel the pain of losing our furbabies aka family members…..
Was it a spleen tumor???
Suzanne…..how are you doing? I think of you often and hope you are doing ok.
Thank you, Paula for thinking of me….My other Afghan hound is set to turn 16 in Sept. She has a lot of problems and can hardly walk anymore due to spine problems….However, to go along with that …she has the stongest determination I have ever seen….and what a loving, kind soul she is….I always called her my nurse girl, because she always was right by my side when I was sick and when my son was killed….Now I am her nurse girl….and I will do anything for her as long as she wants! She now goes for cold laser therapy, and is doing fairly well…I can’t even think 2 losses in a few months……so I just live each day with her the best we can…..she does miss Madie, and the vet thought she might go right after her….but her true soul shines through, and I think she worries about me being alone~~~~ What a sweetheart~
Suzanne, she sounds like a person,better actually. What a coincidence, I call my little dachshund my nurse too. I always think if she was human, she would have been one.
This must be so hard on you. She seems like a real trooper.I always admired afghans, such beautiful dogs.
We will all get to be with them again, but I know it still hurts now.
Give her a big hug and kiss for me. And big hug for you too for being such a great mom.
AWWWW…Thanks Paula….my son’s name was Paul!!! And I also have a mini doxie LH…hes adorable….first I ever had….he was lost when Madie died….and now I hate to even say…when Raven goes…..those 2 b ig dogs beside him…thats all hes ever known(he is only a year)
Suzanne, do you think you’ll get another dog when that happens. That’s my dilemma right now. My little Doxie misses her brother Perry so much, she’s not doing all the cute hiding and teasing of bones she always did with him. But I wonder if another new dog would make her sadder. Since she wouldn’t get all the attention that a new puppy would require.
How cute that must have been……..a little doxie in the middle of 2 afghans. I can just picture it.
So sorry for your loss. It hurts so much to hear all the losses we all have recently suffered. I never even heard of this years ago.
I pray for a cure.
I miss my beagle Perry throughout the day. I will never feel the same.
Paula, if you have the room and the time, get another dachshund. They love the company of one another. It may take a day, because they are so possessive of their humans, but, then the two of them will become best friends and playmates. I had two, Jesse and Ruby, and then Jesse with Rene. They were inseparable. Rene would tease Jesse about nylabones and toys, but, they’d always be napping together after playtime. Happy memories. 🙂
Judy, I’ve been contemplating getting another dachshund because she seems so lonely after perrys passing. They always used to go after each others dog biscuits and toys too. I always thought they did it to make us laugh. Now she doesn’t even show any interests for her biscuits, it was so comical seeing a little dachshund growl at a beagle. Then lick him 2 minutes later.
My only fear is she will get sad when we give attention to another. She’s so protective of us also. She never liked other dogs, just her brother. she will be 8 in November. Maybe to old for another dog to be added into her life.
Paula….I know How YOU feel~~~ With Madie going and now Raven( not doing well)…I had all ready gotten a little doxie pup when we thought Raven was going….last year!!!!….Thats why I believe when its your time …its your time….Never even thought Madie…..anyhow …the 1 year old will be alone….1st doxie I ever had …so I don’t know…..he HANGS on me…Took him to see some others the otherday…..didn’t tell me much…he kept following me around…but hes always been withy the afghans….so I also don’t know???
Suzanne, you’re in the same dilemma. When I read this to my husband, he thinks it’s better not to bring the Doxie with you since they are somewhat nervous and just want to cling to their owners. That it’s better to just bring one home.
She will be very sad once your raven is no longer there. But if you bring another new dog in now, will that upset raven.
How is raven doing? You were blessed to have her all these years.
Yes paula, I was blessed to have this true angel of a dog by my side through my son’s death, my divorce…Madies death….she has never wavered…Madie always was like her baby too….The vet was even worried how upset Madie would be when Raven left….that worry is no longer there…..But the more she is here the harder it is to do without her …GOD only knows how much she means to me….but they only are here for a short time and she must have made a deal to stay a little longer….wouldn’t put it past her….(smile)
she hasn’t eaten much today….and I had to take her water to her….her legs are so weak…..I could just cry my eyes out…..but can’t let her or the pup see me~~~~:((
I know how hard this must be for you. Last year when perry couldn’t walk and vet couldn’t figure out why, hub had to lift him in and out of house to do his business. That lasted for almost a year. But hub had so much love for that dog that he nevergave up. And you remind me the same. Taking care of raven like You are.
Stay strong,prayers for you and raven.
Wow, I just sat here and read everyone’s comments and I must say I am up one minute and down the next after reading all your stories. The one thing I didn’t see (or maybe missed) is how I found myself here…I have a 9 1/2 year old standard poodle, she is the BEST dog we ever had. It all started when I noticed Zoey (yes, another Zoey, must be a popular pet name) just wasn’t acting right, at the same time I received a card in the mail from my vet telling me it was time for her “senior” visit! What?? my puppy is not a senior! But I took her in anyway and with my vet’s suggestion had “routine blood work” done. Well it came back with high liver enzymes…ok, well what does that mean? Could be nothing, but lets put her on SamE for a month and bring her back and retest. OK, fast forward one month, retest, and this time the liver enzymes came back ever higher! So, next step was to send her to a specialist to have an ultrasound done of her abdomen. Really, she seems fine, are you sure you have the right test to the right dog? But today we took her for the scan. They think her liver isn’t working as well as it should (more test) but they did find a mass on her spleen about the size of a dime. More tests, since she was fasting, they took more blood, fed her, then retested 2 hours later to see how her liver was functioning. I asked if the “mass” could be the cause of the high liver enzymes and was told “maybe”. Right now, I am waiting for the specialist to call me with the results of all this testing…
After reading all of this, I think the first thing I have to do is get that mass out (remove her spleen)…has anyone had anything like this with high liver enzymes and if so, what happen, what did you do? I am taking this one step at a time and researching as much as I can. I would like to add I am so sorry for anyone here that has lost their pet, they are so much a family member. Sandi
Liver function test came back good….but there is still the question of the mass found (by accident) on her spleen, and the only way to get answers is to subject her to surgery…..
Hi Sandi, my beagle Perry had the tumor on his spleen, we did the bloodwork and all came back good. he survived the surgery but died 4 days later. He was also 9 1/2. Mine didn’t make it, others do.
I still regret doing the surgery but had he died if I didn’t do it from the tumor bursting, then I’d be regreting why I didn’t do it.
It’s a horrible decision to make.
Sandi, I just re read your statement. You mention it’s only the size of a dime, which means your catching it while it’s still small. Perrys tumor weighed almost 10 pounds.
Ask your vet if you have a better chance of success when it’s small.
Paula….Madie’s tumor was so small they could hardly see it…they found it with an utra sound with doppler….and it had already burst….so Madie was bleeding to death , her belly had filled with blood during the night on her 3 nit e at the hospital…..thats why I was so upset….they said it was very small, but very insidious…and very hard to diagnose!!!!!
Suzanne, does that mean even the smallest of tumors can burst. And cause death. I thought Perry died because his was so large. And maybe lost alot of blood.
Paula, yes it does….big can also be benign….but if it burst, they can still bleed to death….but the small ones are very deadly, as my vet explained ..because they are so hard to catch….and very nasty….Madie got a clean bill of health just 3 months before that with a senior wellness and x rays showe d nothing…you can’t even feel them…they hide very well
What a shock that must have been. It can happen overnight. I always thought had I caught it early he’d be here now. And your right, perrys was benign but he still died.
The fourth day….I went to pick her up at 8:30 to take her from the hospital to the vet….I thought for release….she looked awful!!!!!….and they said she had a bad night…..when I got her to the vet….thats when my vet had returned from vac….they took her in immediately and the tests started Again!!! Only this time every time they came in the room the news was worse and worse…..third trip in…2 vets came in…heads hanging down and I was told what they found and my options……..I thought Iwas going to pass out….I could not believe it!!!!
Suzanne my heart hurts to read what you went through. They say God never gives you more than you can handle, but I beg to differ at times like this.
We will see them all again, that’s all I can rely on now.
Thank you again Paula…..but when I lost my son….I thought there was no hope and how could I be dealt this hand….my only child….my only love (human)…..but who knows why some of us have to carry more burdends than others???? when I have lost Madie and Raven both and my son……thats a real strip down of life …..the husband….good ridence….:))….lost my job too…so I took early retirement….I couldn’t deal with anything at that time anyway~~~
An extra prayer for raven, so she will walk better and feel no pain.
She is going for her 2nd to last cold laser treatment tomorrow….it was detained todue to a bladder infect…….that girl goes through so much….but the fight never goes out of her……I don’t think she will ever walk very good again, its for the pain right now….she is such a sweetheart“` AND SHE MISSES MADIE TOO~~
I just spoke to the vet again, her tumor is the size of a quarter. Her liver function is good, but 1/2 of her liver shows something (??) They are doing another blood test tomorrow to check for coagulation of her blood to make sure her liver is functioning well enough to withstand surgery. From there we will remove the spleen, biopsy the tumor and also the liver. The fact that I found this before she was even sick (by accident) gives me hope that we caught it early enough to have her give us many more years of happiness. She is the BEST dog I ever had and will do anything to save her. I guess my concern was “am I putting her though unnecessary surgery”? But after reading all the horror stories on here about how their pet seemed find one minute and (excuse the expression) sick as a dog the next prompted me to go forward with the surgery..I hope I am making the right decision . Thank you for all your feedback, And Paula, I am sorry to hear your Perry didn’t make it, that is my fear also.
Sandi, we will all pray for your zoey. Please keep us informed
My prayers for zoey and Sasha and helgas dog shyloh.
Me too, you guys….hope and prayers coming your way~~~~
The blood report on Sasha, (who had her spleen and mass removed Thursday), White Blood Count (High) Protein (High) Neutrophils (High) Monocytes (High). I was told if spleen ruptures, it is usually fatal. A ticking time bomb. Sasha seems fine right now. The surgery went well. We await the pathology report to hopefully state non-cancerous. I never questioned myself, should I operate on my dog. She had a death sentence if I didnt. Prayers to all….
Donna
Continued prayers for you both~~~
Donna, glad to hear she’s doing well. Has she eaten since you brought her home.
I had the surgery done on my beagle Perry. His didn’t go well though. He survived the surgery but wouldn’t eat while he was in the hospital for 4 days, so they suggested we bring him home and he would eat hopefully then. He was so very weak and died a few hours after he came home. His pathology came back after, no cancer. I always wonder what went wrong.
I guess well never know why some live long lives while others don’t.
All our prayers for Sasha.
Paula,
Our Sasha ate some chicken, they fed to her at the vets office. The Doctor said if she ate, she was feeling better. She turned her noise up to science diet, but went for his chicken. When she got home, I had some leftover chicken in fridge, warmed it up, (small amount), and she ate it. She looks good, but is resting more. That should be expected. I do have her on Tramadol 50mg, for pain. She barks, runs to door, (which I am trying to keep her calm), and goes outside to do her business.
I am so sorry about your beloved Perry. Maybe there was a blood clot. This is so sad. You did your best, and I know it.
Suzanne,
I lost a beautiful Afghan Hound due to heartworms. I was young and carefree, and didnt watch carefully his heartworm preventative, dosage, my Prince, passed during the terrible arsenic treatment that he was administered. I still feel guilty. From then on, my 1st of the month Heartguard given!
I am so happy to hear that Donna. Sasha seems to be doing extreamly good. She’s eating good and going outside to do her business. Very good for just coming home. If you cook up more chicken, the smell of it cooking will get her appetite moving even faster. Then you can mix in some of her dog food in it.
So happy to hear a good outcome.
Her Globulin was (High) also.
Our dog shyloh is 14 years old and he has a massive tumor on his spleen he was dianosed a month ago the vet was going to put him down right there and then but we couldn’t do it we said we would give him the summer he was on pain killers but he is not now we give him low dosage asprin and he isn’t in any pain, but lately he has no control over his bladder and he poops where ever he is standing or sitting, and since he is so old the removal of the spleen or chemo is not an option, I scold him when he pees or poops but I feel guilty now because I do think he cannot help it and it’s time to put him down, and le him be free of his cancer, does anyone have any suggestions on what to do? Your friend Lori
Lori, my heart ached to read this. Please don’t scold him, my beagle did the same. They can’t help it,the tumor is pushing against all his organs.
I did the surgery which didn’t go good, so your decision not to operate at his age seems right.
Only you can make the decision on when to put him down. But if you are feeling guilty for scolding , you will probably feel even worst if you put him down.
As long as he’s eating and not feeling pain, I would not do it now.
If I could bring back my Perry, I wouldn’t care where he peed or popped.
God will take him, when the time comes. I don’t want you to feel any more guilt, that’s why I said this.
super great advice…they can’t help it…my Raven knows she does wrong and feels bad…..so I just clean up and love her….she tries so hard….but its not their fault
Rene did the same. Would climb up his stairs onto my bed at night and tinkle. I’m sorry I scolded him now. I wish I could take it back. Please don’t scold, they can’t help it. It’s like the know something is wrong and it confuses them. Love him and hold him every second you get….. I miss that little paw on my shoulder…..
Hi Lori,
Sorry Shyloh and you are having to go through this. I’m in a similar predicament to yourselves. I’ve posted on here before within the last few weeks as we too had the bolt out of the blue that my 15 yr old (last tuesday yey!) Amber has a tumour on her spleen.
As mentioned, we were on holiday and he first vet that we saw imstantly said to put her to sleep. I was in shock so went home (well, to the holiday cottage!) and found this site. Was so sad to read how common this is. Anyway, I then saw a colleague of his the following day who did an xray and scan. She completely said the opposite which was dont put her to sleep and if she was her dog, she would let nature take its cause. Of course these were the words I longed to hear but reading the severity of the condition, i went to see 3 further vets, 2 from my vet practice at home, to get multiple opinions.
Now we are 3 weeks on and this is the path that we have chosen to follow which we believe is best for out dog…because of her age, we are not operating as the one repeated opinion I received was in similar situations, life expectancy was not that great after surgery and I didnt want to put her through that. As i said, we were on holiday when Amber went downhill (i thought she needed a pain killer for all the walking that we were doing!) so I just knew if I could get her home to her familiar surroundings she (and I) would relax. friends and family came to say their goodbyes and I have literally been nursing her and yes, cleaning up copious amounts of pee! My son and I took her to the beach in a radio flyer full of blankets and when she got to the waters edge, popped her head up and actually jumped out of the cart, had a paddle and even barked for a stick to be thrown; we hadnt heard a peep out of her for over a week prior to this. Since then (15 days ago), I have been taking her to the beach most days where she barks, jumps in the sea, instigates a game of chase with a stick and basically has great fun oftentimes refusing to leave! Maybe running and jumping isnt the best activity to a potential rupture but shes happy and has got a sparkle again.
I am up in the night letting her out as well as mopping up pee (and the occassional poo!) but figure its understandable given her condition and her age. I have lots of blankets that go through the wash most days when shes dribbled on them. I find protector sheets that are used for the bed are a good saver of time.I also have bought a cheap duvet that I fold for her to lie on which I think may release some pressure when shes lying down.
Sorry for such a lengthy reply but wanted to support you in your care of Shyloh. I know its hard work but if the situation is appropriate and like me you can accommodate your dogs need, it will only be for a while. I must also add, Amber is not in pain but is having a type of steroid to help her along. There isnt a moment I am not reassessing and evaluating her situation so I need to make that call and put her to sleep. My home (and life!) for now is being like a mini hospice provider but thats ok and the least I can do as long as she is happy.
Much love and luck to you and Shyloh xxx
Helga…what a wonderful Mom you are…..returning all the love she has given you over the years….how wonderful!!! She will always be with in those perfect beach days…
Its funny when you really love them….the pee or poop means nothing compared to them, as long as they want to remain~~~ All my best to you~~~
Bless you Helga. You are truly an angel. My prayers for you and amber.
What a sad situation for Shyloh. Hopefully you will be able to come to terms with what is best for him at this stage in his life. As hard as it in on us humans, our beloved pets trust that we will make the right decisions for them when the time comes. Hugs to you both!
Thanks for the words of wisdom, shyloh and I just had a cuddle and I will not scold him anymore I know its not his fault and he cannot help it! And I will let this go he is our dog and I hope he is here as long as he can be! ❤
Paula,
Sasha was in the hospital Thursday Aug. 23rd,surgery was over by 9:30 AM, she spent the night, and came home Friday 24th at 11:00AM. I guess she is a really strong dog for being 10yrs. old. I am so sorry to hear all these beloved dogs getting this terrible disease. I have never heard of this. My heart goes out to all…
Waiting on pathology report Tuesday, Please pray for Sasha.
Thank-You
Sasha did remarkable, only one day in hospital stay.
I will pray for her, we all will.
I have a feeling her pathology will also be good.
Let us know when you get it.
I never heard of this either until now. And I worry for my Doxie that it could happen to her too.
Don’t even know what causes this horrible tumor.
I did read vitamin e stops tumors from forming, so I’m giving her that now. I can’t go through this again with another dog.
Donna . . . your Sasha’s case sounds similar to our Miss Heidi’s. She is 9 1/2 and came through the surgery with flying colors. Her pathology report was benign, so we’re hoping for the same outcome for Sasha! We are sending well wishes for a full recovery and prayers for good news soon!
Thank you, Von. Sasha looks good today too. We have a storm coming our way, and I have a do all stitched up. I am glad Sasha survived Katrina, now Isaac, so She Is One Tough Baby.
Thanks for your prayers, I believe….
Donna
I am so happy to hear some of the dogs survive!!! Continued best to you and sasha for a long and healthy life….keep spoiling her~~~
Thank you Paula,
I’ll be at the health food market buying vitamin E also. Thanks for all the support. Love and Hope to all our furfriends, and my new friends here, to share, care, and support.
Donna
Make sure it’s vitamins for dogs. I’m giving mine a liquid vitamin called k-9 liquid health fidonutrients. It’s all natural. my husband was buying it for Perry to have after his surgery but we didn’t get the chance to give it. So I’m giving it to my dachshund.
I had recent been searching the Web and a doctor wrote about spleen tumors. He suggested giving vitamin c,selenium,zinc and vitamin e for prevention. That liquid has it. But I’m sure there are other vitamins out there just as good.
I will purchase what you have, we have a holistic pet health store nearby. I did find that article also. At this point, whatever I can do to help battle this disease, I will.
Again, I am so sorry about your little Perry, I am sure we all meet our pets, again one day in heaven. We have a Blessing Of The Animals, on October 14th, and I intend to be there, with my Sasha, and I will remember your Perry in spirit. Love and Hope….
Donna
Donna, as I couldn’t sleep last night, thinking of my Perry, I prayed again for full recovery for your sasha. Your Sasha brings hope to all of us in here. After reading so many sad cases.
Thanks for remembering my perrys spirit on that day. Many hugs to you and Sasha.
Thank you Paula
Sasha looks better each day, but is licking her sutures. I was told to put a T-Shirt on her, tying a knot on her back. She’s not much for clothes. 🙂
I am so happy for you Donna!!! and Sasha:))
Even though licking her sutures is bad at least that shows she’s active and alert, which is good. Good idea about the t shirt, I couldn’t bear to leave that dreaded plastic collar thing on Perry when he came home. He didn’t have the energy to even lift his head anyway, and that hospital kept it on him the whole time he was in there.
Tell Sasha all girls love clothes, then shell wear it. Lol
Sasha is being spoiled with baked chicken. She jumped on sofa, (which was allowed before), but now I need to kennel her. I am afraid she will rupture her sutures. We now have a storm (Issac) heading towards New Orleans, so I am glad Sasha is here and not in the hospital.
She does not like clothes, but she looks cute!
I treasure the time I have right now with my dog, there is quality of life in her after her surgery. Love and Hope….
Donna
Ok, The Power Of Prayer, My baby Sasha, I just got the call, (a day early), she had a Nodule Hyperplasia, (don’t know if I am spelling it right), the Dr. said she’s a very lucky girl. I want everyone on this site to know it is possible that a mass on the spleen, can be bad news, your dog can die, if it bursts inside them. I got the surgery to remove the mass and spleen for her. I know some of your beloveds passed, but let Sasha be an inspiration to you. There is hope. Thanks to everyone for all the prayers, comfort, and love and concern for Sasha. I will be here forever to lend an ear, if I can be of any help. I am just an animal lover, believe in the power of prayer, and have had the comfort from each of you, that there is hope, and for every loss, I am remembering their spirit in prayer.
Love and Hope To All…..
Donna
Fantastic news!!! I am so happy for you~~
Thank You Suzanne!
Yeah for sasha. She is an inspiration. I was beginning to lose hope, this brought it back.
Thank you for the follow up Donna. It’s a great help to those of us that are only a few steps behind your experience. it is an inspiration that not all of it turns bad. I’m so thankful I fell under that #3 of finding Zoey’s mass by accident and the opportunity to fix her before she is totally broken. Best to you and your Sasha’ recovery.
I hope that Zoey’s surgery to remove the spleen + tumor has been scheduled and that she comes through it as well as others have! Please keep us posted.
How is Zoey? I hope and pray all is well. Prayers to you both.
Zoey’s surgery is scheduled for Sept. 6..I can only make my decision and hope I am doing all I can for Zoey. I can’t image the guilt and pain I would feel if I stood by and did notthing only to loose her to a ruptured spleen. I know, she looks and acts fine, and I keep asking myself “are you sure she’s sick?”, but story after story one here tells me I am at least giving her a chance, like Donna said…a Chance.. that’s the best I can do.
Sandi, I’ll be praying for your zoey for a positive outcome. My Perry didn’t make it as you all know, but I couldn’t just wait and watch it burst.
And should that ever happen with another dog, even though perrys outcome wasn’t good, I’d always remember the people on this blog who had positive results and would do the surgery again. Zoey will be having alot of prayers coming her way.
Then there are those of us who weren’t given that chance till too late……My precious Madie was in the hospital for 3 days before this was discovered….she had gotten a clean bill of health just a few months before. She started slowing down,was the first sign…I waited a week till other signs started to appear…took her to the vet….never to imagine on the 4th day when I was to bring her home…….SPLENIC TUMOR…..had burst!!!! Can you imagine my anger that they didn’t know this till then~~~~
So all of you that get the chance to save your babies……thank your lucky stars~~~~~~
Sorry Suzanne, I know it must be even harder when you didnt even get the chance to save your madie. No words can express my sorrow for you.
HURRAY for Sasha! I had said prayers for you both, in hopes that you too would receive good news. Thanks for letting us all know and for giving hope to others who find themselves frightened to proceed with the splenectomy procedure.
Thanks to you Paula, Sasha is hope. A splenic tumor mass, the size of a racket ball, and benign.
Yes Donna, Sasha is hope and a miracle in a way. So many dogs don’t make it and she had a remarkable recovery. I am an animal lover also. I love them more than people. Lol
I never prayed often, but I always prayed for animals. The are truly special. God made them so cute and lovable and loyal.
Hope all goes good with Isaac. I’m out here in so.California and we had several earthquakes yesterday. What a scare that was.
So happy to hear that Sasha is doing well. She is an inspiration and a ray of hope for us here. Give her hugs from us.
Miss Heidi’s was the size of a baseball . . . also benign! I’m so thankful that your Sasha has this behind her and should continue to have a wonderful life with you.
Suzanne, Paula, Von, Judy, and everyone who is visiting this site, I will be forever thinking of Sasha’s situation, the ordeal, all your beloved pets, the prayers for Sasha mentioned, and the comfort I found in everyone reaching out to me, with hope. Sasha has been blessed. l will be determined to find a way I can help, to combat this disease that robs us of our family pet, there has to be some kind of advanced check-up, something the vet can do. I will consult with my vet, ASAP..
Meanwhile, I have a a Hurricain (Isaac), to deal with that is going to hit us here in New Orleans.
I will be back…..Love and Hope To Everyone,
Donna
Best wishes to you Donna as you get through another hurricane down there. Sending positive vibes your way!
Thank you, it was a real wind and rain storm. We just have been cleaning up, alot of trees down, no flooding here, just in streets, and Sasha was fine, getting her stitches out, day after Labor Day. Thanks Von for the good vibes. This storm was not close to Katrina.
I hope Donna and Sasha are ok with the hurricaine that hit new orleans. Prayers to you from us all.
Thanks Paula, we made out better than some areas of Louisiana. Just lost power, trees down, some shingles of roof, all can be replaced. Thanks for thinking of us, Sasha did fine, too. Thanks to the generator we invested in, we never lost our food in the fridge. Thanks for prayers, we were all afraid, the way the storm was coming up the Mississippi River, we got the bad side, at least it was a 1 and not a 5 like Katrina.
Good Luck to you, Sandi. I’ll pray for your beloved.
To all of you posting about your experiences, last November, my 9 1/2 year old Airedale Terrier was behaving oddly…no energy, appetite etc. The next day he appeared almost back to normal, but I brought him into the vet since I was going there anyway with another of my dogs. The vet checked him out and said everything seemed ok. Great! About 2 weeks later, he got up in the morning and I could tell he wasn’t feeling well. I let him out and when I went to let him in, he was too weak to even make it into the house. I took him to the emergency vet and within 5 minutes they told me he most likely had a tumor on his spleen. I couldn’t believe it and after they showed me some xrays and the blood they had taken out of his abdomen, I asked them what I was supposed to do….just take him home and wait for him to die? They told me I was not really grasping the situation, he would probably not survive the next 24 hours. And they were right. Within 20 minutes of arriving at the emergency vet, Griffin was gone. I was stunned, but was comforted to know that 24 hours before he died, he was his normal, happy self. So, it was difficult for me to deal with, but at least he didn’t have to suffer a long, slow, painful death. Well fast forward to this past week, another of my Airedales, 11 1/2 years old, was acting odd, no energy, appetite etc. Sound familiar?? Brought him into the vet and that’s right, he also has a tumor on his spleen. I cannot believe it and don’t know what the odds are of this happening in 2 dogs living in the same house. They are related (cousins), and the vet said that is probably a contributing factor. I am devastated. But, the bottoom line is Rory is currently acting completely normal, not suffering, eating like a pig, etc. And, I know what’s coming. So, I will cherish every minute with him and when the time comes that he begins to show signs of the spleen rupturing, I will not be rushing him into the vet, etc. I will sit with him on the couch and pet him and kiss him and tell him how much I love him until he dies. And, he will be able to go peacefully, feeling loved, lying in his favorite place…his house. I was advised of the surgical route, but would never put a dog older than the age of 7 or 8 thru surgery just to selfishly buy myself a few extra months. And, based on the research I have read, and what my vet has told me, that’s what surgery seems to get you. In the meantime, the dog has to suffer through recovering from surgery and any subsequent treatment. I feel that we need to realize that in most cases, these are older dogs, who have provided us with so much pleasure and happiness that we need to care more about them than we do about ourselves and just let them go…as devastatingly difficult as that may be. I don’t know if I will get another dog because losing 2 dogs this way in such a short period of time is so agonizing, but I will make sure my Rory has the easiest passing I can provide for him.
Kerry, sorry to hear about both your dogs getting spleen tumors.
My 9 1/2 yr. Old beagle died recently due to surgery removal and I always wish I hadn’t done it but alot of dogs do survive and live for many years more. I also would have felt bad if he died and I didn’t operate. there is no clear cut answer, we do what we think is best.
Enjoy the days you have with him and pray he goes peacefully.
Paula, I still believe Perry was given a chance, our of your love.
Yes, Donna, he was otherwise healthy,but his tumor was getting bigger by the day. His abdomen was bulging and he was very uncomfortable. I truly believed he would survive because he was a strong beagle. And like yourself, I had to give him that chance.
Paula, thank you for your response. I agree that we all have to do what we feel is best for our pets. And, if I had heard of anyone who had a dog who survived more than a few months after surgery, I certainly would have considered it. When my airedale Griffin was brought in, the emergency vets indicated that he was a very typical case. There were really no symptoms, etc. and by the time the vets see the dog, the spleen has ruptured. They could perform surgery, but told me Griffin would most likely not make it thru the surgery and if he did, he would probably die in the next few months. My own vet indicated the same results and said that he has only operated on 1 dog who has survived beyond that time frame. With Rory, I look at his age and consider the quality of life he would have. Although every time I look at him, I think about what is coming, in the meantime, he has recovered from the recent event and his current quality of life is excellent. One thing the vet did give me was an herb that helps with blood clotting. It is called Yunnan Baiyao and will help with any small bleeds Rory experiences.
Kerry, I didn’t get that chance to have fun times with my Perry. That always brings tears to my eyes. It was all a rush scene after we discovered the tumor. From one vet to another, then surgery.
You get the chance to pet, kiss and give rory some memorable times. When I sit here thinking of my little Perry, that’s the part I cry most about. Of course his death, but mostly that I didn’t get that final close time to tell him how much I love him. I did when he was dying, just hope he heard.
Hi Kerry,
I too have the Yunnan Baiyao and was wondering what dose Rory is on.
I too watch Amber with dread but I think she was picking up on my sad ‘vibes’! Trying to be the strong and happy ‘mom’ around her now which is such an effort trying to forget the worry 😦
Lotsaluv xxx
Hi Helga, Rory is taking two .25mg capsules a day. He weighs about 55 lbs. I am having a much harder time with this than I thought I would. Every time I look at him I wonder how much longer he has. Every nite I wonder if this will be his last nite, etc. It feels like prolonged torture. In the meantime, he of course, is oblivious and probably wonders why he is getting so much attention! And, to make matters worse, I have another airedale! Although she’s not related to Griffin or Rory, I am also watching her like a hawk looking for any signs that she might be sick. Starting to drive myself nuts! Am just hoping I can adjust to living in limbo like this. It does help to know you are having the same thoughts as I am.
Hi Kerry,
I hear you loud and clear but let me tell you how I’ve shifted gear a little…this may or may not apply to you.
I was in total shock the first week and expecting a catastrophe every minute. As mentioned previously, I saught the opinion from a number of vets who echoed similar sentiments; that amber is an old girl. Prior to this, I have been anticipating her passing simply due to her age so had been preparing myself. Of course, throwing a splenic tumour in the mix was never a factor!
She was definitely picking up on my sadness and worry so I’m trying to do that away from her. We are at the beach now, swapping between a stroll, a lie down an a paddle. I had even prevented her from jumping in and out the waves to fetch sticks but figured if she wants to and is able to do that type I activity then so be it. I am happier because she is.
Night times are disturbed but that’s to numerous trips for her to go outside. This isn’t a new symptom as she had been on Uralin for some time so am actually used to this. At least she is telling me she wants to go out. I have a duvet covered in a waterproof sheet with added incontinence sheets (my mums a nurse!) to help with any dribbles and to save on washing. Having said that, I have a constant supply of blankets that go through the wash just to keep her bed nice and fresh.
I have researched diet for her and have a detailed list of ingredients including complimentary medicine. As for the yunnan bilbao, I give her 5 days on and 5 days off of a similar dose. It makes me feel better too giving her fresh food.
As for my decision not to operate, I have been the vet this morning (i go weekly) and saw a new member of the practice who supported me giving Amber palliative care. I question and angst constantly about decision to operate but have to remember that 4/5 weeks ago, I took that path not to as I could not cope with putting her through the trauma and the recovery process (if at all she would) and risk having her last days and weeks in discomfort especially as I observe her being content. Also, it’s by complete chance we discovered this awful thing and if we hadn’t, I would have been carrying on as normal and probably not providing that extra eye.
The vet gives her a steroid tablet each day which is her only prescribed treatment. Up to now no pain relief is required although I’m sure the steroid provides some sort of relief.
I so empathise with you and really hope you can find a little peace with your decision as no option is worry free.
Much love
Xxxx
Hi Helga,
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I am in that shocked stage that you describe, as I just found out about Rory’s condition last week. I’m so aware of everything he does, the way he breathes, the way he walks, etc. And, just waiting for disaster to strike. Rory is eating his favorite things along with his regular dog food and acts extremely normal. We are taking our walks, and like you, if this has some adverse effect, I don’t want to know about it. He loves going for walks. He is also taking a steriod twice a day.
For me, I need to get back to work after the holiday weekend just to remind myself there is a whole world out there.
We will probably go back to the vet this week to check his progress, but maybe not knowing is better. Just like you, if I had not found out about his tumor and just woke up one morning and found he had died, I also would have just assumed it was due to old age. I’m pretty much wishing we hadn’t found out-for my own sake.
Oh Kerry just reading your post has me right there with you x My ache that I have in my heart for Amber reaches to you and for everyone else in this awful place.
At first, i woulsnt leave Ambers side morning, noon and night. We’re pretty much stuck like glue most the time but fir the first time ever she didnt want me near to her. My mum had said, ‘back off-give her some space’ and she was right. I say this in response to you mentioning that you are back in work. You will probably find this a small relief. I have not been in work but forced myself to leave her a few times to recharge and take myself out of the situation albeit momentary as constantly calling home to check she is ok!
I have to remind myself to breathe most the time as I am constantly on alert-mode. Writing this Amber is sleeping on the floor by my bed and has just sneezed…I have just jumped out of my skin!
I have played over and over how ‘it’ may look when ‘it’ happens; will it be slow/quick/day/night/on a walk/at home etc etc my wish is for her to go in her sleep but don’t we all hope for that? More than ever, I have to have faith and trust what will be, will be as meant to be. I’ve actually been thinking lately it would be ironic after 15 yrs of practically never being apart, maybe she will choose to go when I’m not watching.
Keep strong xxx
Helga, I had to laugh when I saw your response about being attached at the hip with Amber. I’ve been doing the same thing with Rory and he has looked at me a few times as if he were saying “what is the matter with you? I’m trying to sleep and you keep coming over here, petting me and waking me up!” I am going to try and take your good advice and not think about what is to come. It will happen when it is meant to happen. For his sake, I hope I am here when he says goodbye to this world. Either way, my last airedale, Cassidy will be here to keep him company. I know I cannot live with this constant feeling of dread and don’t know how you’ve done it for as long as you have. So, as much as I would like to be spending every possible minute with Rory, I am going to force myself to do everything I would normally do if I wasn’t aware of what will soon be. I will be thinking of you and Amber
After Simon was diagnosed I watched every move he made and very rarely left his side. We did everything he loved to do and he loved being in charge of our days. When he was feeling bad I would lay and cry next to him and tell him how much I loved him while stroking him lovingly. I did this several times thinking it would be his last moments. He died a month minus a day from diagnosis. It was a Sunday morning when his symptoms first gave me warning that something was different from all of the other times. He did not want to come out from under the bed and when I finally was able to get him out he could not walk and was panting heavily. Things happened very quickly from there and he was gone in about an hour. I held him in my arms and that is how my fiance’ found us when he made it home thirty minutes after his passing.
After his passing I felt so angry that he was gone and just wanted more time. I was also exhausted from constantly watching for signs and making every moment count. I still think about the moment he passed more than the wonderful 11 1/2 years we had together. I hope this changes soon. I am so grateful that I had that month to shower him with love. It was hard and exhausting both mentally and physically but I loved him so much and he knew it.
Terri
On Mon, Sep 3, 2012 at 10:15 PM, AgilePooch Diaries wrote:
> ** > Kerry commented: “Helga, I had to laugh when I saw your response about > being attached at the hip with Amber. I’ve been doing the same thing with > Rory and he has looked at me a few times as if he were saying “what is the > matter with you? I’m trying to sleep and you keep com” >
Terri. That was so heartbreaking to read. I also felt angry when Perry passed, wishing God gave me more time to spend with him.
You got the chance to spend that special month with your Simon and I’m sure he loved every minute of it.
After reading all the sad outcomes of this disease, it’s so nice to read some of the good outcomes.
I pray for the day they find a cure.
Hi everyone,
I’m reaching out for prayers if I may. Amber is now 15yrs old and 8 weeks since diagnosis with her tumour – so surprised at her tenacity and spirit. Well actually, I’m not because she is and had always been amazing ❤
I paid a visit to the vet today, again to check she was not in pain as her tumour is more visible now. Our vet gave her the ok and and off we went.
I know the time is near and even without this horrible condition, I have dreaded the day for years when our time would come to part. I feel it's near, it has to be right? My girl is so full of love, light and beauty.
Please pray for Amber that when the time comes it is with as much peace for her as possible.
Thanks you xxx
Helga….Prayers and love coming your way….I Sooo understand what you are feeling…..My Raven will be 16 next week….I never know, I thought my Madie would be here to help me through, but the Rotten Tumor took her first…still am having a hard time with that…I believe she is with my son…but pretty soon I will be here…alone…
So love that baby all you can every day, and may peace be with you~~ Suzanne
Helga , Prayers for Amber sent your way. Your girl is so full of love, light and beauty. How beautiful! She has had you for 15yrs. and counting of her life, so full of love, also. I’v been thinking of you and Amber often, how you had her at the beach, rode her in a wagon. Take care….I am praying for both of you.
Donna and Sasha
Hi Helga, I think of you everyday since our situations are so similar. I believe Rory is entering week 4 since his diagnosis. I am proud of myself for not remembering the exact date, only that it was a Thursday and have forced myself not to look at the info I received from the vet that has the date on it. When I took Rory back a week after his diagnosis, the vet did another ultrasound to see if he could get a better picture. And, unfortunately, he was able to measure Rory’s tumor…it’s about 3″ by 5″. But, so far, no other symptoms. My vet did say he doesn’t know how, but he does have a dog who is his patient that has survived a little over a year. The owner brings him in when the dog is showing symptoms of being in some discomfort, and they give him a mega dose of blood clotting drugs and he keeps pulling through. So, you just never know. I am trying to look at this as if I had no knowledge of the tumor, and I just have a dog who is 11 1/2 who will die some day. But, reality does have a way of creeping in…he is starting to look like he needs a haircut and I wonder if I should bring him to the groomer (not one of his favorite things to do), if he is going to die in the next couple of weeks. I had another airedale many years ago, who was the best dog ever. I started worrying about what I was going to do when he died practically the first day I got him. I finally had to really come to terms with the fact that for the most part, we will outlive our pets and just love and appreciate them while they are with us. And, believe me, I would love to come back as one of my dogs if given the chance. One thing that gives me comfort….I have had all of my dogs cremated and put in those little cans they provide. I have made it known to everyone I know that when I die, I want all those cans buried with me. I guess it makes me feel better to know I will have all my babies around me when my time comes. My thoughts and prayers are always with you. Kerry
Hi Kerry, Suzanne & Donna…thanks so much for your replies and prayers. Its been another emotionally draining week, (I hasten to add its not that Amber is suffering its me waiting that’s emotionally charged!) and made worse by a rotten cold, my oven breaking, my washing machine not spinning and to top it all, my boiler is kaput so no hot water!!!
In all this though, I am still having a feeling of sweet miracles everyday and am reminded that for Amber, she is simply having a fine ol’ time and doesnt know any better. I did think friday night/saturday morning that something was happening and cant remember if I told you but we ended up having yet another great day at the beach the following day. Another false alarm!
Meg, I read your story too and just understand where you are. I breathe easy knowing that you are all here as I can feel people around me kinda waning from their empathy as if I’m mad to be doing this and putting such pressure on myself. I know that you guys understand the complete connection that we have with our furry friends. Amber and I have literally shared the same oxygen for 15 yrs so I’m sure I can hold out for her longer.
And on my last note, I have to share something funny…
I’m on the computer beginning this post, I hear a crash of dog bowls from the kitchen so shout my husband who can get there quicker. I am obviously thinking Amber has fallen etc etc but no, she’s somehow flipped her food bowl into the water bowl which has subsequently soaked the kitchen floor and shes tapping on the bowls with her paws like a drum kit!
love to all xxx
Hi Helga, I’m glad to hear Amber is doing so well and sorry to hear about those other challenges that are occurring. Sometimes I wonder if those “extra” issues that are dumped on us aren’t placed there to divert our attention from that enormous, overwhelming thing that we are waiting to happen. If so, I would like to request a huge happy occurrence to take my mind off my situation! Although Rory’s condition is constantly in the back of my mind, I am lucky that my job requires a lot of my attention (I work with kids with autism). Unfortunately, that does affect the time I can spend with Rory, but just like your Amber, he is blissfully unaware of what is coming and is just living his “normal” life….along with some awesome treats!
I totally understand how you feel about not being able to say a final goodbye to Perry. That’s pretty much what I experienced with Griffin. As the doctor was explaining his condition to me, he was in the other room dying. I guess their normal procedure is to perform chest compressions when they don’t know what the owner wants to do. Thinking he was dead, I said I wanted to see him. To my surprise, he was not conscious, but he was breathing. Through my tears I was able to pet him, kiss him and tell him what a good boy he was. Although he didn’t acknowledge me, I honestly believe that he heard me and it still gives me some comfort knowing I was able to be there when he finally died. I’m sure Perry knew he was loved his entire life and he felt your presense at the end.
Kerry, I am so sorry you have to go through this with 2 dogs. Only consolation is that it’s not all sudden with rory. You have all this time to spend with your Rory. And I’m sure Griffin heard you before he passed. He knew his mom was right beside him.
Thanks for your kind words.
Kerry, I know how you feel. Please note, my dog Sasha, had a tumor on her spleen, I was told she would die if I did not do the surgery, but…she could die on the table, (blood loss), it could be benign, it could be cancer, there were alot of it could be this or that. I wanted to do what was good for the dog, if I could provide another chance to her,I was giving it to her. I did’nt question myself, even if she was 10 yrs. old. Her quality of life was good. If she was a sick dog, I would not have put her through the surgery. There’s something called, CHANCE, but if you simply do nothing, there is none. You know your dog better than anyone on this site. To lose one is heartbreaking, there’s alot of heartbroken people on this site. I am asking you to read my comments on my dog Sasha. I did not feel I was selfishly putting myself first. I cared about my dog. My dog had a racket ball sized tumor on her spleen. The pathology came back, Nodule Hyperplasia. Did you ever think, Rory could have the same results?
CHANCE, its what should be given out of love for your pet.
Love and Hope for Rory,
Donna
Kerry, Prayers do help, even if you don’t believe. I am saying prayers for Rory tonight.
Donna, thank you for your words. I did take many things into consideration before making my decision. Griffin’s tumor that ruptured in December was cancer and he and Rory are related. Rory also has seizures which increase his odds of dyiing during surgery. He is 11 1/2 . I wish he was younger. If so, I would take the chance on surgery. Most of all I have to consider the quality of his life now.
Kerry and Helga, I pray everyday for Amber and Rory.
Helga, you had me laughing, it seems like when one thing breaks, everything breaks. Then Amber is getting your attention, dumping her dog food over, and banging on her bowls. So funny.
Kerry, your comment, you want to come back as one of your dogs in another life. Everyone tells me they want to come back as Sasha, also. That tells you, we treat our pets with love, and royalty.
Sasha has a heated bed, swims in the summertime, and dog-paddles on a raft. She even steals a sip out of my wine glass, when I’m not looking, and begs for scrambled eggs on Saturday morning.
I know all of us here have something in common besides this terrible ordeal, and that is the devotion of love our pets return to us. I feel, our pets, show us a privilege of a soul. I can’t think of anything that brings me closer to tears than, when my dog, sleeping in her cozy bed, awakes when I come into the den, and gets up and comes over to where I’m sitting, puts her head in my lap, a paw on my knee, and closes her eyes and goes back to sleep. I don’t know what I’v done to deserve that kind of friend.
Donna and Sasha
I could not have summed it up better myself Donna….Cheers!!! Suzanne
Hi Donna, although I think I treat my dogs wonderfully, I think I would like to change my request and come back as Sasha!
Kerry I wish you and Rory the best as you prepare to help him cross over the bridge. He will run freely again with Griffin enjoying life without pain or limitations.
I recognize it is a difficult decision and one that you must make in what you believe is the best interest of your companion pet.
May God be with you both and ease your sorrow when his day comes.
Hi Kerry
I too am doing like you, what I believe is best for my dog. It’s fantastic hearing the successful stories of dogs that have been through surgery however, each situation is completely different and as an owner and friend, we do what is right. If we do not elect surgery it does not mean we are making a wrong choice.
I sought opinion from a number of vets and all didn’t encourage surgery for my 15yr old. I have been upset at the insinuation that by not choosing to operate, I am not giving my dog a chance. Having felt guilty by posts on here, i went back to my vet to ask again about the removal of her spleen but was asked had I really considered the impact on such an old girl.
For us, her chance was finding out before a rupture happend. Amber is very well at this time and having huge amounts of fuss, a completely fresh cooked diet, never alone and lots of dedicated care. We need to be sensitive that different people make different decisions based
on each individual case.
Kerry, I wish you, your dog and everyone on this site lots of love xx
Von, thank you for your words. I send you best wishes in the continuing recovery of your Heidi
Helga, my vet was very careful to neither encourage or discourage surgery. He explained the options to me and pros and cons of each. I have been going to this vet for many years and trust his opinion. I asked him what he would do if Rory was his dog. He also echoed quality of life issues. Although I am heartbroken, I am happy with each day Rory acts like his normal goofy, happy self. As I said before, it also gives me comfort knowing that he is unaware that his time is running out. I am happy for the people on this site who have experienced positive outcomes, but feel I am doing what is best for my boy after taking all the circumstances into consideration. Thank you for your comments…I wish we didn’t all have this awful experience in common.
I understand totally Kerry, about Rory. Time will tell if Sasha lasts pass a few months. She is still stitched up. I do have my dog back, acting like her old self. I do want to tell you I am sorry also, I do not want anyone to think I was saying if you did not give your dog a chance, it is wrong. Its the dog owner who decides with all the factors leading up to this situation, whats good for the pet. Every dog has their own situation. There is hope and chance. I do know Von’s dog has been doing good, since July, I believe, now Darhma, who had surgery is doing good. There are a few others if you read this whole blog. I just wanted to let you know how I feel, and that is not to say anything other than this is my opinion and thoughts about my dog and how I feel. I am just an animal lover and would do anything to save them. I know we are all on the same track. I will pray for Rory, as everyone should believe, anything is possible.
Love and Hope,
Donna
Yes, our Heidi had her splenectomy on July 24th and has been doing great ever since. We feel blessed. Admittedly we did not have the blood tests for cancer markers done. They were not mentioned, since her initial diagnostic xray didn’t indicate any other tumors or suspect masses. With the benign finding on the tumor pathology, we feel relatively good that we are not currently facing cancer with her. That said, should we have had any indications throughout this that she had cancer, we still would have opted for the surgery . . . but also recognize that chemo was not something we’d put her through given the diminished quality of life and relatively poor long term prognosis with it.
We consider every day an added gift just as we view her coming into our lives the day we adopted her on 4/1/03 . . . whether it is 45 days, 100 days or five more years!
Sandi, I felt the same way, about my Sasha, I asked her if she wanted to take a ride in the car. She was so excited. I felt so guilty taking her to the vet that morning. She hung her head out of the window all the way there. The dog acted normal, yet, I knew she had a time bomb clicking in her. I will be thinking of your Zoey, and saying prayers that there is a speedy recovery and a positive outlook on the pathology report. You are giving Zoey a CHANCE, out of love for your pet. That’s what you have to believe. To simply do nothing, I can’t understand that, looking at my Sasha right now.
Love and Hope,
Donna
I want to echo Donna’s sentiments as I too feel blessed and so very fortunate that we gave Heidi a chance and all indications are that it was the right choice. It’s been a month (plus a few days) since her surgery. She’s back to 100% and then some.
I hope Zoey has the same outcome and prognosis after her surgery this coming week. We’ll be thinking of you both and sending blessings your way.
Update on Dharma. She had spleen and tumor removed on July 16. Biopsy negative for cancer cells, despite preliminary blood test tumor marker test – still I am surprised no one is mentioning this test – not that I would recommend it. Expensive and said there was a 90% liklihood of cancer. None the less, we decided to go through with the surgery on Dharma who is just under 9 years old. We just wanted to get rid of the ticking time bomb. Our vet was cautiously optimistic and so far so good. Not out of the woods, but the joy of having Dharma back to hiking and jumping without the fear of a rupture and hemorrhage is worth every penny. Just words of hope and inspiration to those struggling with surgery decision. Been there and am very empathetic.
Joyce, I am glad to hear there is such a test, Blood Test Tumor Marker. I was not offered that option. I am hoping for the best, for Dharma, and am happy to hear also, you have your dog with all the hope and inspiration that I am seeing in our Sasha, after their surgery. Prayers for Dharma sent your way,
Love and Hope, Donna
Thank you for all the encouragement. At this point I am no longer second guessing my decision (ok, maybe a tiny bit) but becoming stronger in support of it. I read this blog every day looking for information that might make me change my mind, but the only thing I’ve found is encouragement and support for whatever decision I make. Wether you choose to go with the surgery or give your pet quality time with you till the end….No one knows the perfect answer to this. We can only gather information and go forward with what we believe is the best move for our family. Yes, I’m scared, but how can I take this “gift” of finding out there is a ticking time bomb inside my Zoey and not do anything about it…She’s young enough, strong enough and healthy enough to have her best chance at coming through the surgery right now!! (coagulation test results came back good) who’s to say that in a month or two all those things in her favor are gone….maybe not (here’s where the second guessing part jumps in a lot). I have to take the information I have NOW and follow through. I hope and pray to GOD that I am not back on here next week eating my words or giving you sad news. I will be back as a success story. Too many thing have put me here. (but that’s another story)…I’ll keep you all posted, and THANK YOU again for all your support. Sandi
To Holly Newman, Thank-You for this blog. Your point blank view and experience tells us about splenic tumors, if you do nothing, a splenic mass will kill your pet. This fate can be 50-50. I hope everyone sees there is a CHANCE, to save your pet.
Yes, and hopefully those who face what appear to be horrible odds against a positive outcome will see that yes, there are good results and that not all splenic tumors result in a death sentence.
I sincerely empathize with those who have lost their beloved canine companions to this terrible and unexplained condition. I just want to give others a reason to have faith and hope, that it does not always end in a tragic ending.
Suzanne, I would have to question the vet as to why more tests or ultrasound did not disclose anything. To think they let Madie’s spleen rupture and they were releasing her to you, after 4 days is just not acceptable in my mind. I am so sorry, but at some point the vet had to perform some kind of blood work (I hope), and that would have shown there was indeed something going on with Madie’s red blood count. Quality of care, sometimes is just not there. My regular vet at least, did blood work, x-rays, then told me, please take Sasha to a specialist. There are internist and oncology veternarians, they have blood for transfusions, they remove spleens all the time, deal with tumors, etc. It seems Paula with her beloved Perry, had a very sick dog released to her. I question, should their surgery and care been referred to someone more qualified. This does not help you or Paula at this time, but given another pet to seek care for, I would not return to this animal care clinic. Again, I am so sorry, and yes Suzanne, I thank God and my luck stars.
Love and Hope To All….
Donna
I do want to state, you do not have to go to a specialist for this surgery, just make sure your vet has given you a referral, if this surgery is not a standard procedure they do all the time. My vet did not deal with tumors, spleens, they were more of an annual shots, broken bones, teeth cleaning, small surgery cases, so they asked me to go elsewhere, there was nothing they could do there for Sasha. I had to trust a vet I never knew to help, and I gave them the chance to save my pet.
Donna, I was referred to this hospital by 2 vets. They did many of these surgerys. Even had oncology vets. But they were wrong releasing Perry that day as sick as he was. They said he wouldn’t eat and maybe he would eat once I brought him home. That nothing else seemed wrong with him. But as you know, he died a few hours after.
I first brought Perry to a mobile vet in my area to get checked. He took an xray and said it was spleen tumor. He could perform the survey, but I didn’t feel comfortable with him doing it, he suggested that vet hospital. Then next day I brought Perry to another vet to do an ultra sound, they said it was adrenal gland tumor and didn’t want to operate. I then contacted yet another vet over the phone and he said it wasn’t possible to be an adrenal gland tumor, they never get bigger than a dime size and I told him it was huge. He to suggested that animal hospital. That was late at night, so into the car we went, about an hours drive. They took blood work, looked at his ultra sound which we had emailed. His blood work was all good too. So surgery was scheduled next morning.
I’m still upset with that second vet for saying adrenal gland. What a misdiagnosis that was. I even bought pills for 300 to treat it.
I couldn’t rest till I found an answer. They seemed very knowlagable. Would I go there again. Probably not. Too many sad memories. Just to walk in there would make me cry.
I still have my little dachshund and wonder what vet I can bring her to. I don’t know where to begin.
Sorry for some mis spelled words. I’m typing on an I pad and it puts words I didn’t even type. Has a mind of it’s own.
Paula, I prob. won’t go back to the vet, that could’nt handle Sasha’s health beyond a certain scope. She gets her stitches out Tuesday, and I will start searching for a new vet, after Tuesday. Ask your friends where they take their pets, I feel thats where I am starting, word of mouth. Take care….
Donna
Hi Donna, I’m fairly new to this area and haven’t made any friends yet. I moved from a small town half hour from here and I didn’t like the vet there either.
I now live near temecula, CA. Anyone out there that knows of a good vet, please let me know. I’m willing to drive the distance.
Give Sasha a kiss for me.
Paula, Sasha has been much loved since this ordeal began. Thanks for the sent kisses from you. I am blessed right now to be able to hold Sasha. I grieve for all our pets. They are Gods creatures. I hope to send you comfort for the repeated prayers I say for Perry, and every pet that falls victim to this disease. I hope and pray there will be a test to determine why this is happening so often. I also hope there is a vet reading this blog in your area, that can help you with your little dachshund. They are so cute.
Love and Hope,
Donna
Thank you Donna …you are a very caring person and I appreciate the prayers for my Perry. I loved him so much and miss him terribly. The house just doesn’t seem the same. Wish I could move, too many sad memories especially when I sit on my deck remembering how he would constantly watch for the coyotes. What a good watchdog he was. I always sat out with him.
I still pray for your Sasha and all the other dogs who are going through this ordeal.
Helga, By all means, I am sorry. I was speaking about a 7 or 8 year old pup, (Rory), and Zoey. As you said every situation is different. The life of every dog is different, so is their health. I, by no means meant any insinuation that not to do surgery, that it is an unjustified decision.Yours and whomever chooses, is their voice and their choice. We all live by choices. They are all good and bad in life. All I was trying to say is the same as Holly Newman, (the lady who set up this blog), I’m sure you read it. There is still a chance, for the younger, healthier, dog, and as you pick through this blog, you will see there is hope, and you do not have to wait for the inevitable. Prayers to both of you, I did not mean to offend anyone. We all love our pets beyond measures.
As I re-read the age of Rory- 11 1/2 -, and speaking of a 7-8 year old dog too old to operate on, (opinion of a vet), my opinion is there is a whole lot of life in a dog at that age. My opinion only, please understand.
My Madie was 13…and I would have done it , if I felt she would survive with a quality of life…..but with the odds I was given 90% chance she makes it off the table..abdomen filled with blood, exploratory and 1-2 months with chemo to give her maybe just 1-2 to live…..couldn’t put her through that…for me~~~ Had to think of her~~~
I agree, with the odds stacked against Madie, your situation is different, no chance, quality of life was not in her favor. If Sasha had cancer, I had already elected, not to do chemo, the same facts were given, 2 months, so the time frame was, find out if it is cancer, and proceed from there. We all want the best for our pets, they are family.
Love and Hope For All…
I am so glad that some dogs are recovering from this terrible cancer. I wish my Zoey would have but she was 13 and a half, had a bad heart and her cancer had spread by the time we learned of the cancer. I think with all cancers the secret is catching it early.
When Zoey was 9 she had surgery for cancer and came through with flying colors.
Joyce your story of Dharma’s recovery and current prognosis is a beacon of hope for all of us who face this terrible illness with our beloved pets. Thanks for sharing . . . and blessing to you for many more happy days and years ahead!
Yes, Joyce, it feels so good to hear another dog is doing good after surgery. Gives everyone hope.
Next surgery is Sandi”s , zoey. Hope and prayers for her too.
Each day is a gift….That’s why they call it the Present.
My dog Shyloh has a new symptom he has been walking back and forth, and back and forth, he usually does this when he wants to get comfortable, but this type of behavior is also like he is whinning I am thinking he might be in pain he,did this last night too but then he does lay down and is not fussing and is there all night till we go to sleep then he lays down on his bed in our room! We might just have to go to the vet soon! I love our Shyloh and hope its not time to say good-bye yet!
Lori, My dog Sasha, walked back and forth, tried digging holes in her bed, was panting like crazy. She was put on steriods first, (Predisone) and that gave her a burst of energy. She also, drank plenty of water, was restless, She was also breathing very rapid. I was afraid she was going to have a heart attack. I am sending prayers for you both.
Love and Hope,
Donna
I will keep everyone posted. 🙂
Hi Lori, I am not trying to upset or alarm you, and hope that it’s not time to say goodbye yet, but the nite before my dog Griffin died, he behaved exactly that way, along with a lot of panting. By morning, he was unable to stand on his own. You might want to check his gums. When I brought Griffin into the vet, they showed me how pale his gums were, an additional indication that his tumor had ruptured. Hopefully, they are nice and pink.
Thank you Kerry for this advice, he seems okay now and his gums are nice and pink, I am more aware now of different syptoms or actions with Shyloh now that he is sick, I just feel worried all the time when I am home with him, like what if he dies when I am home alone, I try to be positive everyday and give him extra attention or feed him more beef or chicken or more snacks, I really wish now that we took him in sooner! ❤
Hi Lori, I too feel like I know every single movement of Rory’s and am constantly analyzing everything he does and what it might mean…probably nothing. We drives ourselves crazy. I understand too, the worry that you have. Although one of my other airedales (I had 3), didn’t actually die at home, I was there the whole time. He went from acting perfectly normal the night before, pacing and panting during the nite, to not being able to walk the next morning. I had no idea there was anything wrong with him, but figured it was bad. Before taking him to the vet, I laid him in a chair and talked to him, petting him and telling him how much I loved him. Once at the vet, he died a very short time later. He never whimpered or cried. I asked my vet if Rory is in any pain. He said no and when the time comes and the tumor ruptures, he will most likely go into shock very quickly and won’t feel any pain. This gives me comfort because I plan on letting him die at home. I never thought I would be able to handle being present when one of my dogs died, but I have found that because I love and care about them so much, I wouldn’t want it any other way. Selfishly, a part of me wishes this would just be over, because of the agony and worry I am going thru, but then I just look at Rory who is living his normal life and thank God I have him for one more day.
Hi Lori, my Perry did that too, usually when he was on the bed. I think the tumor bothers them and they are trying to get comfortable. And once he got comfortable, he would settle down and sleep. Sound similar to what your Shiloh is doing. Try giving him a pain pill before bed.
Other than that, how is he doing. Is he eating good.
Kerry, the vet did the same thing to my dog, checked the gums first.
I am praying for Perry, Amber, Rory, Shyloh, and Zoey, my heart aches.
I am still very interested in this blood-cancer marker test, that was posted here. If they can tell you if it is a cancerous tumor, it would help with the care of certain dogs. I am going to the vet tomorrow with Sasha, I will try to get some information on this and pass it along.
Love to all of you,
Donna
I brought Sasha in for her stitches to be removed, and her check-up. Everything is great. I have my “senior”, dog back, as the vet said, she needs her senior check-up every 6 months. Sasha had a chance, and I am forever grateful, that given that chance, she is hope for everyone considering the surgery, that the outcome can come out positive. There are dogs that wind up with benign tumors, and cancerous tumors, or as Sasha, a nodule hyperplasia.The choice to see if it was cancerous or benign paid off. The vet repeated to me, its 50-50.
I am very aware of the two pets that are going on their journey home. I sooo.. wish they could all be saved from this terrible event. I did ask my vet, is there a test to determine if the tumor is benign or cancerous? She said no blood test exists, that she knows of. There is a needle biopsy, but again, the time frame was urgent in Sasha’s case, where we needed surgery quick, before the rupture.
The vet I have for Sasha is an oncologist, and she remarked, (I told her about this blog), please pass the word, indeed….dogs can get on with their lives, if their report is non-cancerous.
I pray for a cure one day, so this would’nt be such a silent killer of our beloved canine companions.
Love and Hope to All,
Donna
Thank you Donna for that update especially since Zoey will be going in on Thursday for her surgery. I too will be updating as to her drama….I feel good about my decision. Just this week, waiting for her surgery date has been soooo stressful. Every move she makes I’m thinking something is wrong, but if I didn’t know there was a turmor I wouldn’t have paid any attention to her slowing down, I would have thought it was just getting older. Again, thanks. Your right, there are miracles. Sandi
Your welcome. I know your Zoey is going in Thursday. Thats the same day Sasha had her surgery. 2 weeks from Thursday. I will be saying prayers for her. Its a miracle you caught it also. I just thought my dog was getting a little chubby too. Please, stay with her as much as you can. I stayed home the day before, just to hug and kiss her. I let her hang her head out the window, sitting on my lap all the way to the vet that morning. I had to leave her in the hospital overnight. It was tough. You hang in there, you must be positive for Zoey. I wish you both the best.
Love and Hope to You,
Donna
Sandi, Prayers are being said for your Zoey. Our thoughts will be there with you. Take care, we are all here for you.
Love and Hope To Zoey,
Donna and Sasha
Good luck Sandi on zoeys surgery today. Many prayers coming her way.
All the best and prayers to little Zoey…I have a feeling she will come through with flying colors!!! Love to you both~~ Suzanne~~~
Thank you All for the well wishes and prayers for today, since today is the day, poor Zoey doesn’t understand why her water dish is empty and no morning “cookie”..;( very sad, I think she think’s I’m mad at her but nothing is farther from the truth….
Miss Heidi and I are sending positive vibes your way for Zoey! Hugs.
I received a text message from one of the girls in the office that Zoey is in there now….lets all send her the best and one BIG prayer right now!!! I’ll keep you posted. I am a WRECK!!! Thanks again everyone!! Sandi
Sandi, Prayers being said right now for your baby. Keep calm and breathe. You need to be strong. Take Care…Zoey, we love you. Hope…..Chance…..All our love,
Donna and Sasha
The Vet just called!!! Zoey is out of surgery and is doing fine!! the tumor was the size of a superball, so they had to take her spleen out and at the same time could biopsy her liver to see what’s going on there. She will spend the night tonight and maybe tomorrow night as well, depending on how she’s doing. First big step, she survived the operation!! Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes……(big sigh of relief….for now anyway) Sandi
Sandi…sooo glad you got good news…..I am very happy for you and Zoey….love and more prayers~~~Suzanne
Thats wonderful news Sandi. Be positive and keep calm. I do have just a word of advise. I wanted to go see her, but if she heard my voice, I was worried. They had Sasha on morphine, all she needs is rest.They told me I could call at any hour of the night to check on Sasha. That helped, and I did call before I went to bed. It is best she stays for observation and recovery. They told me the same, as to hows she doing when she could come home. We were lucky, 1 night stay, and I picked her up 11 AM the next morning. Good Luck to Zoey for a speedy recovery and a positive outlook on the pathology testing.
Love and Hope
Donna and Sasha
Yes, they told me I could call and check in on her at anytime also. I was afraid to go see her just for the reason that she would think she was coming home and I would have to leave her..again….It’s best that she rests, she is already awake….
Sandi, I am just thrilled to Zoey is awake. I also know, if Zoey, caught your scent, (they are dogs), or voice, Zoey is thinking I’m getting the heck out of here, my owner is here. I’v been thinking about Zoey all day long.
Take care…
They sent me a picture post op. I tried to paste it….don’t think it worked but Zoey looks great…..Thanks again everyone.
I had to go out of town yesterday, just got back . First thing I did was to Check on how your zoey did. So glad to read she’s doing good.
Continued prayers for her. Alot of prayers coming her way.
I am so happy Sandi, Imagine a post-op picture! So glad Zoey looks good. Have that cookie ready!!!!
Hi Sandi . . . I stopped in tonight to check specifically on you and Zoey. I’m happy to hear her surgery went well and that she recovered from the anesthesia to awake afterwards. Keep us all posted! Hugs, Von (and Heidi too)
Donna thank you for bringing good news to the rest of us here on the blog! Best wishes to you and Sasha for many years to come!
Thanks Von, and to your Heidi, another inspiration to beat the odds! We are very blessed. I still ache for the the suffering going on, it breaks my heart. I just want to save every one of them, if I could. I guess I’ll keep repeating that there is hope and a chance, and perhaps one day a cure.
I figured I’d let you see the miracle, Sasha.
Is that a pic of Sasha……..what a cutie.
Thanks Paula, Thats her. She got a good bill of health today. Thanks for all the support for Sasha.
I think of your Perry all the time.
Sooo happy for you and your girl!!!!!!
She’s a cutie pie! Thanks for sharing.
thanks donna for thinking of my perry. i’m so happy for your sasha.
donna, after i saw the pic of your cute sasha, i had my hub put up perry’s pic. its when he was a pup. he was so cute!!! but i’m sure every mom thinks that of their kids. lol
Oh my goodness, Perry was precious. I’m positive Perry was “much loved”, after all, they are family. Thoughts and prayers, for his spirit lives on, I believe.
Love and Hope to All,
Donna
Donna, when I looked at that picture, Sasha made me laugh so much. She is so cute!!! What a character she is, looks like she just did something she is proud of or knew she was posing for that picture. She is truly a gift from God.
Give her a big hug for me.
Oh, well, Sasha is back to normal. She’s climbed on back of the sofa. I used to get mad at her, but….thats Ok, with anything she does now.
If she can climb on the back of that sofa after a few Weeks of having surgery, she deserves to be there.
Recently I bought one of those double sectional sofas. And everybody thought I was crazy letting the dogs on it. I never get to see it since I cover it. But I don’t care, they are family, if hub can sit on it, they can too. Lol
When we first brought Perry home I had him all set up with his dog bed in the kitchen. He kept whinning not wanting to be left alone. Hub insisted we allow him to be with us on the bed with us, and he was with us till the very end. The dachshund too! I’ve had many horrible sleepless nights with both a beagle and dachshund curled up next to me so close, that I couldn’t move or turn. And now I wish for those nights.
We think alike in many ways. I also had a new leather sectional sofa, and I was always putting a throw on it to cover it. Well, the minute I would leave the house, come back in, and there she was, on the back of the sofa. She wanted to feel the cool leather, I think. Our bedroom is the same situation, she divides my husband and me. Its like she has to touch me. I move, she moves. Its crazy. I find myself on the edge of the bed. I laughed too, I can’t move. Its the little things like that I know you miss, seek comfort and believe there is a heaven. I pray for all.
Love and Hope,
Donna
How did you guys get the photos on your comments????
Its also something with WordPress.com also.
Also, Suzanne, ask Paula’s hubby, but I might have clicked on the G also.
Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love~~~they depart to teach us about loss~
A new dog never replaces an old dog…it merely expands the heart.
If you have loved many dogs“` your heart is very big~~~~
Suzanne & Raven~
Ohhhh,Suzanne, those are nice and true words. I must have a huge heart, I just love animals. Lol
I actually really care about them. I moved about a year ago. Where I was living, there were about 10 ferrel cats that I always fed when I lived there. And even though I moved about a 45 minutes drive each way, I still go there 3 times a week and drop off food and water for them. I don’t get to see most of them, I always wonder what happened to them. But a few have still stuck around. My favorite one still hangs in the area, and it breaks my heart to see her and not be able to give her a home. Hub didn’t want ferrel cats in the home, in fear of them giving a desease to the dogs. when I lived there I even managed to be able to pet her and brush her. But now when she sees me she’s very skittish and won’t let me pet her anymore.
My heart aches for all them kitties. They don’t stand a chance. How they all got there, only God knows. Most likely by rotten people leaving them behind, then they just keep multiplying.
Well, enough of my sad woes.
I know you mentioned a birthday coming up for raven, but never mentioned the day. Happy birthday to her, I believe you said she’ll be 16. What a girl*
That’s beautifully said!
I remember he clicked on that g, then it brought him to a gravatar link, where he made up a name and password, then brought over a pic from his hard drive. Seemed simple to do for the exception of I wouldn’t know how to bring over the pic.
Don’t ask me though, he did something wrong. I keep coming up as perrybeagle sometimes,sometimes paula. Leave it up to him, to screw it up. Lol
Go to Gravatar.com, this is a blog link, (I guess), you need to set up acct. name and password, add photo from hard drive, or internet. Then you will have picture here. Good Luck, If I did it anyone can.
Just spoke to the Vet about Zoey…she is doing great, eating, watching everyone, calm…I am on my way to pick her up now so she can fully recover at home. Sandi
Wow, that was fast. Gotta be all them prayers.(smile):-)
I really DO believe it was…..but I also believe at times when you pray and pray and ask God over and over to help you and it doesn’t happen….its for a reason…we don’t know why…..it took me forever to believe that after my son’s death….but I do believe it….and for some reason Zoey was meant to live longer…and thats wonderful news!!! Treasure that little pumpkin~~~
You’re right Suzanne. I never prayed as hard as I did for Perry, but God took him anyway. And I have to admit I felt angry at him for not giving me the only thing I really wanted. But, I do believe everything happens for a reason. It’s like people some die early, some live long lives. Who knows why. I hope we get to find out the reason someday.
ZOEY’S HOME!!! A little wobbly maybe, and in need of a lot of rest and some pain meds for a couple of days, but otherwise looking pretty good. I am boiling some chicken and rice for her so I can get her to eat something. Thank you again EVERYONE for your prayers and best wishes….Yes, another miracle!! They can happen…Thank God!!! Sandi
Give that Miracle a hug for us! So glad your Baby is Home. I know just how you Feel. Zoey is riding on the Chance you gave her and from the Prayers above, and the Hope we all give to her for her Recovery.
Love and Hope to Both of You!
Donna and Sasha
Well I can tell you she is not happy with me…she doesn’t know it yet, but I think we saved her life…in a few more days, when she’s feeling a little better, I hope to she that wagging tail and doggy smile…
So happy for you sandi and for zoey too. glad to hear you made her the chicken and rice. that should get her appetite going.
I’m happy to hear Zoey is home with you Sandi. No surprise that she’s not “happy” with you as she really doesn’t understand the “WHY” of it all. Heidi was most unhappy with the fact that once home, she was not allowed up on the furniture or in our bed to sleep w/us. During the day, most of the doors in the house were closed to keep her out of places we couldn’t see her. Fortunately with me home out of work, I was able to keep her company “on the floor”.
We put a mattress on the floor in our LR and I slept on it with her until she had her staples taken out. I think that made up a little for it, but she really wanted in the bedrooms and up on the beds.
Have a nice weekend . . . and fingers crossed and more prayers for good word when the pathology results come in next week.
You did save her life, Sandi.
Ya’ll have a great weekend! I’m going to go get groomed today. I look a mess!
Sasha
Nothing like some pampering and spa treatment. Enjoy the mani/pedicure too!
Don’t Laugh Von…..I did get a royal spa treatment just for me.
Sasha
I hope Zoey enjoyed the chicken and rice, and the morning cookie.
I’m waiting for the results for my 4yr old Dalmatian …had surgery yesterday to remove a cotton cord he had eaten which was stuck.
Whilst removing the foreign body the vet found a lump on his spleen so I agreed to have it all removed in the hope it’s not cancerous.
I’ve only had him a year, I just hope we fall into the lucky third category and that he returns to full health.
I’m not opting for chemo if the news is bad though, I will just make sure every waking minute counts and that he’s as happy and as comfortable as possible.
Hi Liz and welcome. I’m hoping for a lucky “3rd category” for your pup too! It’s amazing to me how some of these masses are found through pure coincidence. Please be sure to let us know how he’s doing.
Liz, I believe you have made good choices….but hopefully you will be given a clean bill of health for him….many prayers and good wishes coming your way~~~ Suzanne and Raven~~~
Prayers for your Dalmation are coming your way. There is always a chance, and we hope the pathology test comes by with a positive outcome. Our Sasha is proof, there is hope for all.
Good Luck Liz, to you and your puppy.
My 11-year-old dog George woke up bellowing 2 weeks ago and couldn’t walk. Rushed him to the Animal Emergency Hospital at 5:30 a.m. Diagnosis was a splenic tumor which they removed. Biopsy came back as a Hemangiosarcoma. Ultrasound and Xrays show that it hadn’t spread but even though he seemed to bounce back quickly he now seems extremely stiff and tired. Not sure what to expect and I know this is hard on those of you who are going through this, but I would like to know what is coming down the road for us.
Maureen I’m so sorry to hear that George’s tumor was cancerous. Hopefully they caught it early enough although when facing that possible diagnosis for our Miss Heidi, our vet told us that this is a cancer that spreads through the blood stream so the prognosis is not very good as the cells from the spleen go systemic in dogs with this type of tumor/cancer.
I really hope you are able to enjoy every extra day that you have with him, cherishing the memories you are creating.
If given an opportunity to have George go through chemo to stem off possible spread, all that I’ve read says the reduced quality of life while on the chemo is not worth the limited (couple to six months) of possible longevity added from the treatment.
I pray for you both, that the cancer cells are not systemic and that George has many more years with you!
George is slowing down a bit but I am glad that I’ve had this extra month. Thank you all for your support.
Maureen, I am sorry to hear George is slowing down. All you can do at this point is know you did your best, and be by his side. The comfort of having George right now is, that you are showing an outpouring of love around him, and he knows that. I am sending my prayers to you both. Take care….We are here for you.
Donna and Sasha
I had to put George to sleep on Wednesday evening. He couldn’t stand and his gums turned white which made us think he was bleeding internally. Trip to the emergency room vet confirmed that he was suffering so we made the decision to let him go. It was peaceful. I am grateful I had these past 5 weeks with him. Hugs to you all and think you for the support.
Maureen, I am so saddened by George’s passing. I hope and pray we meet our beloved pets one day. I believe there is a heaven for all God’s creatures. Take one day at a time. and I am sure he took all your love with him. Take care….
Donna and Sasha
Maureen, I am so saddened to hear of this…I know exactly what you are feeling….God bless you and George…even tho, I suspect hes already feeling his Blessing…as a whole dog again…I don’t know if you believe in Rainbow Bridge or not….but it is a comfort to think that is true….some how I think it is …weather a bridge or not….but a cross over together when its your time……We must find comfort in something when these difficult times are upon us….
Huggs to you…I know they feel good at this time…..Suzanne~~~
Thank you everyone. This really is a great page and I have appreciated being able to share here and to learn.
I am so very sorry to hear about your George. You definitely made the only decision you could make at a time like that. There is nothing harder than saying good-bye to our loved ones but you gave him a peaceful, gentle way to leave you. I do believe they stay around in their own way thru our wonderful memories of them. At first those thoughts might bring tears or heartache but for me, after a while I was able to smile about all the funny things our 17 year old Charlie did during her time with us. I hope it is like that for you…lots of good memories. Hugs from Meg and little Tobe
Maureen, I offer prayers for your George. Your veternarian is your best support for information. I do believe there is always a chance out there. You did your best, removing the tumor. The internet gives a wealth of information also, but every situation is different. Some of the dogs bounce back after surgery, and some not so fast. Give George a group hug from all of us here,
Donna and Sasha
I can attest like so many others here to the nastiness of splenic nodules. Our 7 year old shepherd went from showing nothing but the most subtle signs of anything being wrong on Wed (he was still running and happy and excited) to being terribly lethargic and vomiting on Thursday. After a vet visit with x-rays on Friday, he got an ultrasound Saturday that revealed a softball sized splenic mass. We opted to operate to try and get a few more months although the vet told us we were unlikely to get more than 3-6 months even with aggressive treatment. He went into surgery and they found tumors all through his abdomen that started hemorrhaging as soon as they removed the spleen. He didn’t make it out of surgery.
In just 60 hours we went from a happy family of two people and two dogs to a pretty sad family with only one dog. I guess it just goes to show that with pets as well as people, treat every moment like it’s the last.
Nate, MY condolences…..Thats exactly what happened with my Madie…even tho she didn’t make it to surgery….she was in the hospital for 3 days, and on the 4th they discovered it ..AFTER it had burst…From a highly energentic afghan hound zooming around the yard to slight signs to one big drop off~~~she was gone~~~~
So sad and traumatic for all of us that have this happen to our beloved dogs~~~ Suzanne
Nate my heart aches for you and your family’s loss. So very sad to go from thinking everything is OK to facing the death of your beloved shepherd. RIP big guy!
I am so sorry Nate. Your last sentence sums it up. This disease just happens, I wish there was a cure. Prayers for your beloved pet. Only 7 years old, so sad.
Nate, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hate those evil tumors.
Update on Zoey…it is 5 days post op..I think she’s doing great. I still have to walk her on a leach even though I have a fenced in yard. She wants to run and jump but doc says keep her restricted, so we walk slow..I still havent heard back about the biopsy yet but I think since we caught this so early it will be fine. (but I will share the official results when I get them). Thank you everyone for your support during this stressful time…Sandi
Sandi,
Thanks for the update. I am so happy Zoey is doing well after the surgery. Sasha was barking,(in a low tone), running to the door, it was hard to keep her quiet. She acted normal, but realized she could’nt jump, and the moment I thought I could turn my back on her, she jumped on the sofa, about a week after her surgery. Take care….and I hope for the best for both.
Donna and Sasha
Thanks for the good news status update Sandi. Zoey sounds like she’s feeling back to her normal, which is outstanding news.
Sandi…pardon the pun…But “what a lucky DOG!!!!”
I am so happy for you both. It’s so nice to hear that some dogs do make it through….that gives every one hope…..and if we didn’t have that….????
Zoey the lucky dog update!! All tests are back and there is no sign of cancer in either her liver or the tumor from her spleen!! They still can’t explain why she had elevated liver enzymes but want to check her again in 3 months. I want to thank everyone for their support and prayers during this horrible experience. At least we can point to Zoey as well as Sasha that good things can come of finding these tumors, they can be fixed and live on with us, their family, for a long time to come…
Sandi this is great news. I’ve been checking back the past couple of days, hoping to see a positive outcome for Zoey! It’s wonderful to hear that others have a “dumb luck” outcome. May all of these beloved souls have many more years with us!
I just stopped by to see how the other Zoey is doing and am so happy to hear the news. Yeah Zoey.
Sandi,
Zoey, Sasha, Heidi, lets keep counting our blessings. I am so relieved for you both. Yes, they were given the chance.The luck 3!
I am so very aware of the little hearts that did’nt make it. I pray alot for them. I’m sure there is a heaven for them.
Zoey, your momma loves you! I hope you are back getting your morning cookie. Enjoy….Life….Hope…..Chance…..
Donna and Sasha
And don’t forget Dharma – that makes the lucky 4!
Joyce,
Yes I forgot, we have 4 blessings. Lets keep counting. Thanks for updating me. I am so happy to hear good outcomes.
Hope and Chance to All,
Donna and Sasha
Thanks for including our Heidi in the “blessings” group of four. I continue to pray for positive outcomes for everyone who has a family pet going through this horrible medical condition.
To everyone on this blog…I still want to say to everyone again, this is like a gamble…50% go on to live, and then there is the bad news its cancer. Everyone has the option to decide for their pet, they are their voice, but given no option, their spleen ruptures and they bleed to death. Some were given the surgery, and they did’nt make it, and then some are strong enough to make it, and the tumor winds up being benign. All I am trying to say is you do the best for your pet. There is always a chance. Pets are considered part of your family, love them as much as you can.
Donna
I agree Donna. It is gut wrenching to read all of these tragic stories but not all splenic tumors have a deadly ending. Everyone who is dealing with such heavy life-decisions for their beloved family pets, are in my thoughts and prayers!
Wallace the Pit Bull is a world class canine athlete and just learned that his splenic tumor was cancerous. His life’s story is one of hope and joy, especially for a breed that is so often maligned through bad press. My thoughts and prayers go out to Wallace and his family as they weigh their options.
More info on Wallace the Pit Bull, to include his recent book may be found on his Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/WallaceThePitBull and https://www.facebook.com/WallaceTheBook .
Von,
What a beautiful dog! This shows you even the best cared for, are at risk. This beautiful dog needs everyones prayers at a time like this. Can’t believe he has his own book out, and a fan base so large on his Facebook page. Anything is possible and I hope they find a cure.
Thanks, for sharing.
Donna and Sasha
I was talking with a friend over the weekend, telling her about Sasha’s ordeal, dealing with the experience, the anguish I felt, the comfort I received from this blog, and the hurt I felt for all the pets that were called home. Her response to me was….Spell DOG backwards. Makes you think.
Hope and Chance to All,
Donna and Sasha
Ironically, with my dyslexic typing, I”m typing GOD all the time when I mean DOG 🙂
Hi all,
Well it has been a month since Hector had his spleen removed and we were told the mass was malignant. He is still with us thankfully. In fact he is in great shape, and very happy. We are taking each day as it comes and cherishing every moment with him.
That’s wonderful Alison, to hear you have a strong and happy dog. I hope and pray for both of you. Take care…..
Donna and Sasha
Hi Alison. That is such good news about Hector; especially that he is active and happy! May he have many many more days and months with you.
I just started reading this blog this morning and my heart goes out to each of you. Whether your precious dog lived or passed on, you loved him/her and did the best you could. That is all we can expect of ourselves. Sometimes there are no right or wrong choices, we just have to pick one and pray based on what info we have at the time. As a nurse for 46 years I see that happen with humans too. My little 14 1/2 year old toy poodle, Tobe, is the love of my life. Husband and sons understand, thankfully. He is quiet, calm, sweet, and loving. At night he sleeps with his little chin on my cheek or neck. Last Sat. at the vets for routine senior lab work she did a chest x-ray to check out his heart and lungs due to his history of an enlarged heart. There was no congestive heart failure but she did see a mass on his spleen which sounds like a hemangioma or hemangiosarcoma. We will follow up with an ultrasound. I feel like I don’t know what to do or where to turn. He eats, sleeps, acts fine. Just slowed down from his age. Your comments have all been helpful. I hate to feel like I am making a life or death choice for someone I love so very much. I would do anything for my little guy. I am just so very thankful for each of you telling your stories. What comes through the most to me is how very much each of you love your pets and it helps me to know that there are others who understand how I feel right now. Sometimes, just knowing we are not alone helps. Tobe is my baby boy and I love him so much. Thank you for sharing your stories and your feelings.
Meg, Welcome! We all have each other here. We try to give support to each other, even if its about limited time with our furfriends, or trying to feel secure in our decisions being made for them. Our family is our pets too. Whatever you do, its in the best interest of your Tobe. Take care and I wish the best to Tobe. Sending prayers your way. There is always a chance and hope for all.
Thank-You for your kind words.
Donna and Sasha
Meg….I will say many prayers for you and your little guy…we all understand what you are going through…and we share each others pain or joy whatever they receive~~~Suzanne~
Meg,
Yes you are among friends here. I’m so glad Tobe’s tumor was found and hopefully early enough to give you options for treatment. It is such a challenging decision, one that I’m sure you too will make out of love and compassion for your beloved furkid.
Von & Miss Heidi
Hi Meg,
Prayers, hugs, and best wishes for you and Tobe. Every day with them is a gift. Please hug your little boy for me, and everybody here on the blog.
Judy
Every day is a gift…
That’s why they call it the present.
Donna and Sasha
Thank you all so much for your support and prayers for little Tobe. He had his ultra sound of abdomen and heart on 9/24 and though his heart is enlarged (we knew that and he is on medication) we were more worried about the mass that was found on his spleen the week before. The good news is that it is a solid mass, not filled with blood and most likely not cancer. The vet consulted with an internal medicine specialist and the radiologist and said that the type of mass he has will only rupture with trauma like falling on the stairs which he has done in the past due to being almost blind. (we now have baby gates at top and bottom of stairs) He is such a happy little guy, always wagging his tail, eats like a horse and seems to have so much joy in him so we were so glad that with proper care and prayers he should do ok. He will be 15 in November and we treasure each day we have with him. I thought of all of you while I was waiting for the results. It was amazing how good it felt to know that I had ‘friends’ out there in cyberspace who would know exactly how I was feeling. Thank you for ‘being there’ for me in spirit. You support and kindness is so appreciated. Meg
Meg . . . thinking of you to Tobe as you enjoy your days together . . . may there be many. I know you will cherish them forever!
Von & Miss Heidi
Update on George my 4 yr old Dalmatian that ate a cotton cord and when operating to remove it they found a lump on his spleen so removed it. George went back to the vets today the results were a benign tumour and he has been given a good prognosis….thankfully he was in that lucky 3rd scenario!
My heart goes out to everyone whose dog is not so lucky x
Liz, So glad. Everything is possible. I am so glad I am hearing more and more positive outcomes after surgery! This is wonderful! George got the chance and I hope for a long life, Lucky George!
Donna and Sasha
George is blessing 5!
HURRY for George and another “Dumb Luck Outcome #3”!! Who would think that eating a cord would save a life?
Meg…hugs for you and Toby x
You will find a lot of support here, I know I did…I love success stories…Sandi and Zoey
Hope Zoey is doing fine, I know Sasha is 2 weeks up on her surgery date from Zoey’s. Sasha is back to her normal self. Jumping all over the sofa, jumping in the bed, and wants to eat everything. She has a cute waistline (HAHA), from the spleen removal. She’s got her fgure back, so I have to keep her from those special treats I was giving to her, just because I thought she deserved it. Take care…..
Donna and Sasha
Lately Shyloh has been napping alot during the day but at times I will check on him and he will just sit there and stare at the wall! And also he has started panting alot at night actually every night he does this! And it has been two and a half monyhs since being diagnosed with cancer but I could be worrying alot more now than before he was sick! I am thankfull he is still with us!<3
Lori, If your dog is on Predisone, (a steroid), that is normal. Sasha was on it when they did’nt know what was wrong with her, and it made her pant so much. It really scared us,we thought she was going to have a heart attack, but it is just a side effect from the drug. She would suddenly sit up in the bed, and stare also.My prayers are being sent your way,Shyloh, and a group hug too! You know, two and a half months with cancer, stay strong baby, miracles can happen. There’s hope and chance for all.
Donna and Sasha
This weekend we were in the mountains camping with a group of 20 people with about 7 dogs. Mr. Franklin spend all day on Friday most of Saturday playing, running, & chasing chipmunks. Around 4pm, he became very tired. And laid around most of the evening. At one point, I was walking back to my cabin & noticed that he was still sleeping by the group. That’s when I noticed that something was wrong, as Mr. Franklin is ALWAYS less than a foot away from me. On Sunday, he was sitting on the deck in front of me, & I noticed a large lump near his groin. I took him to the vet on Monday, & he was scheduled for an ultrasound on Tuesday. When I picked him up yesterday, I got the news. He has 4 tumors, 3 of which are 6+ cm. They are inoperable. The vet explained that if one of them ruptures, he will bleed to death. His advise was to put him down by the weekend. I’m looking for some advise on what to do. Is it painful for him right now? Can I give him a few more weeks or months of a good life before the clock ticks & a tumor ruptures? Has any one had any results with treating with cannabis or boodroot? It’s just seems very surreal to watch him transition from frolic & play to stiff & slow in a matter of 4 days. Wishing the best to you & yours.
J & Mr. Franklin
Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear this. You are Mr. Franklin’s voice. Is he in pain, have fever, no quality of life left in him? These are the things I would ask myself. Your vet knows they are inoperable, but are they cancer? There are dogs on this forum, that are still doing OK, with tumors growing in them. Tumors are a clicking time bomb, but again, it does’nt mean that their life is over. This is just my thoughts. You never know how long, but if given the chance, Mr. Franklin might just have more time in him, then the sentence being this weekend. If he is in good shape, I would make him as comfortable as possible, love him every moment, and pray. There is always a chance and hope for Mr. Franklin. This is my thoughts.
Prayers for you, Mr. Franklin
Donna and Sasha
Dear J and Mr. F……I only know that when they rupture….the dog suffers a lot….this is from experience with a very small spleen tumur they didn’t even know my baby had till the day it ruptured….she had been acting funny for awhile so I took her to the vet …she was in the hospital for 3 days…..fourth day …going to bring her home…it had ruptured, probably during the night…she was suffering then …I had to make a decision…..my advice would be to listen to your vet, and take it from there~~~Best of luck and prayers~~~ Suzanne~~~
Jennifer I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Franklin (love his name). You know your dog best. Is he eating, wagging his tail, showing interest in his surroundings or is he showing pain by panting, pacing, tail between his legs, being unable to sleep? Have you considered a second opinion by another vet? I think that might give you some peace of mind whatever you choose to do. I am new to this blog and there seem to be many people with a lot of dog experience so I hope that you at least will feel the support as I did from all of these wonderful people. We all love our dogs so very much.
Hey Jennifer & Mr Franklin,
So sorry about your news you must be in a lot if shock right now as well as emotions all over the place.
I am one of the people living with a beloved pet who has a ‘ticking time bomb’ in the firm of a spleenic tumour. Is this the kind your fog has?
My Amber is 15yrs old an the absolute light of my life. Of course I would do anything for her and as an old girl, we have been anticipating her ‘leaving’ us but never in this way. The options I had were to euthanise her immediately or to carry on and wait for nature to take its course. Surgery was gently discouraged due to her age etc but I had already made that decision not to put her through that being mindful that she is way into her twilight years. .
I saught the professional oopinion of numerous vets and also asked for their experience of deaths related to spleenic tumours when they rupture and bleed. The answers seemed as broad as wide, prodomenently describing some form of collapse and then a complete mix of scenarios including a quick passing where the dog is unconscious but comforted by the owner until they slip away (so not feeling pain) and others where they need to be helped along. One vet explained that many people don’t get the pre-warning about the situation so don’t get to cherish the last bit of time. Another, who I respect greatly, said if we hadn’t have been ‘lucky’ to find out, we would have carried on as normal and the outcome still would have been the same and for her, if there’s no pain and quality of life is good then enjoy the last days together.
This point about pain and suffering is a crucial point. When this journey started for us, Amber looked in a bad way. We suspect now she had a bleed of some kind. We were on holiday at the time when I was faced with possible euthanasia. Naturally I wanted to get her home if possible. I managed that but she was in a bad way; weak, hardly walking, tired. I scheduled an appointment with my vet and prior to it, I took her to the sea, laid in a radio flyer, as a kind of pilgrimage (her fave place) and unbelievably she went in the sea. I knew then it wasn’t time for her to go.
Once at my practice, the vet gave a shot if steroid and she’s been taking tablets ever since which are needed and quite miraculous. I give her lots of fresh food, to the beach daily, and a range of complementary pills that I researched (check with your vet) figuring I had nothing to loose. These are:
Ashwagandha-slow and even stop growth of cells or tumours
Astragalus-fight disease and prohibit further growth
Resveratol-slow down
L-Arginine-inducing cell death
Yunnan Baiyao-blood clotting remedy
I observe her almost obsessively that shes not in pain and visit the surgery weekly for them to confirm that. in fact they say how well she is apart from the nasty tumour!
We are now into our 9th weeks of having very special, blessed time with her. It is exhausting but we are committed and we have had some scares thinking ‘it’ is happening. Someone asked today how Amber is and my reply was who’d have thought she’d still be here, and so glad I didn’t put her to sleep. It’s my 40th bday in a few weeks and it wouldn’t surprise me if she stays around for that!
I am so sorry you have this dilemma but all I would say is if Mr Franklin is comfortable (with medication if required), give yourself a little time to make your own decision and it will be the right one whatever that is.
Lots of love and doggy cuddles x
Jennifer,
I really don’t have any more (and certainly not better) advice than the others here have provided you. Mr. Franklin is in my thoughts & prayers as well as with you, as you navigate the most difficult decision that we has human companions face for our beloved pets.
I believe your love and commitment to him will help guide you to make the right choice for Mr. Franklin.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
My 9 1/2 year old rotti/lab still acted like a puppy most of the time. One day I noticed her leaking pee, I thought it was a UTI and we took her to the vet they said could be her estrogine levels so they gave her estrogine pills. Over the next few weeks, my poor girl started losing alot of weight and puking up her food most of the time, she was having diahrrea alot small amounts and would grunt when trying to poo so we took her back to the vet to find she had a football sized tumor on her spleen. We decided to blood work and decide from there wether to do surgery or not. She was grunting for some time when laying down and I though it was due to her age and hips. I tried to make sure she always had a soft blanket and pillow to lay on. I did notice her slowing down in the last 2 weeks. So we took her home for the weekend with some pain meds and waited for the blood test. We took her on a long car ride, to the beach to play with rocks and chase shadows, playing frisbe and ball. She had a good weekend with us. Monday came and the bloos work looked good so we decided to go for surgery…somehow she told us it was her time she walked my husband to a church and looked at him like why cant we go in there! But we wanted to save her. She sat at the vet almost all day on IV scared in a cage then 3pm came around and my husband hugged her and told her to go with the vet and that it will be ok. She was so oscared and did not want to be there. at 3:30pm I showed up from work at the vet and seen my husband crying he told me they were going to euthinoze her because when they opened her up they found the tumor was wrapped around her intestines, tummy, spleen and on her liver….I went inside and they had already let her go. I was so mad I did not even get to say goodbye to my baby girl. I went in anyway which was the hardest thing to see her like that. I kissed her and told her I was sorry and I loved her, hoping she could hear me.
It was a awful experiance and if I was able to do it over I would have not done the surgery and I would have let her go in my arms full of love like she would have wanted not on the operating table when she clearly did not want to go in the first place. She was our best friend for almost 10 years and I feel I betrayed her by trying surgery. Somehow she knew she would not make it and I didnt listen, I wanted to save her. I feel so awful and I hope she knows I love her and only wanted to try and help. She was our whole world.
Before anyone chooses please be sure you are ready for the best and worse case senario. I hoped for the best but we cant play god.
I dont even knwo how to go one without her. I love her so much and hope she can forgive us for putting her though surgery. I hope she remembers the weekend before monday which was a awful day for her too. My poor Angel may you rest in peace my sweet girl! I love you!
My Dear Jazz, I KNOW exactly that scenerio,very close to my Madie’s…It is sooo devastating!!! We just have to believe that they knew we were doing what we thought best…They KNEW they were loved!!!!…there is no perfect decision in cases like this….just get as many facts as you can….and do what you think is best, even tho…when they go…it seems like we are just filled with so much grief ..we question our selves….Many HUGGS to you…I feel your pain and loss~~~ Suzanne
Jazz, I am so sorry. We cannot be responsible for fate. We make the choices for our beloved pets with all the hopes in the world to make it all better. Please don’t beat yourself up for this. You did what you could to save your pet. Your pet loved you for almost 10 years, and as you said, you hoped for the best. I wish we could all have positive outcomes after surgery, but it does not happen. Its a 50-50 chance. I just wonder why the untrasound did’nt show that, but with all the wondering it is not bringing your baby back. I pray for her spirit in hopes that we all meet our beloved pets in time. Again, I am so sorry.
Donna and Sasha
As the others have said, there is no way to *know* . . . all we can do is make the best decision we can based on what information we have. I can only imagine your heartbreak, knowing how I/we would have felt had that been Heidi’s outcome. Please try to find some peace and comfort knowing that those tumors can be a ticking bomb and your course of action saved her from the very painful end result had it burst and she bled out. Hugs to you and your hubby!
Von
I was reading Wallace the Pit bull’s facebook site. He has spleen cancer, they did surgery and have him on this mushroom, thought I would share the link.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120910161556.htm
Hope it works.
Julia thanks for posting this info for others dealing with a cancer diagnosis. I found this especially encouraging ” ‘We were shocked,’ Cimino Brown said. ‘Prior to this, the longest reported median survival time of dogs with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen that underwent no further treatment was 86 days. We had dogs that lived beyond a year with nothing other than this mushroom as treatment.’ ”
While “not inexpensive” it would appear that this may be a viable option to chemo w/o all of the quality of life issues.
Thank you all for this wonderful site. It is so comforting to know that we are not alone. My beloved Cocker Spaniel was diagnosed with a splenic tumor on 24 July during an exam prior to acupuncture for her arthritis. An ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis. My girl is thirteen, deaf and has limited sight. The four vets at the practice who know my dog all agreed with me that surgery was not an option. We have decided on the use of alternative medicine. Our holistic vet is treating her with natural immune system buildersand we are using Reiki. We went for a follow-up the middle of September and the tumor had not enlarged. My girl has a great appetite. She is acting old, but not sick. In Eastern medicine, the spleen controls the limbs. Strangely in February, she developed weakness in her hindquarters and an out of sync gait. X-rays showed mild arthritis. We went over her x-rays looking for the tumor after it was discovered. In her hip x-rays in March, a tiny bit of it showed, but it went un-noticed. So the tumor has been present since at least then. I continually observed her for signs of bleeding, but so far, none have been seen. Each day with her still by my side is a gift to treasure.
Linda
Linda, We all thank the lady that started this blog.We can offer our opinions and prayers. I found comfort here. I never knew what to do. We all have different outcomes.
I have a neighbor that brought her pet to a Reiki and a Holistic vet. There are positive outcomes from it. We can only do what we think is best for our pet. I’m sending positive thoughts about your “Girl”, and will send prayers you way. We are here for you. Love her like there is no tomorrow.
I had a cocker spaniel, she got breast cancer, we did everything we could. Her name was Sandy. A beautiful blonde. I miss her. Now I have Sasha, 10yrs. old, a I have been calling her a miracle. Her tumor was benign. She is back to normal.I cherish every day.
Donna and Sasha
I agree Donna and am glad to have found this blog when we first learned of Heidi’s splenic tumor. Now that we’re a couple of months past it, I’m surprised by just how many canine companions are stricken by them. I’ve heard “cancer” before from friends and neighbors, but once you know of splenic tumors and the possibility for cancer, it seems many are of that variety.
Anyway, I continue to have warm thoughts and prayers for those of you living day-to-day with these nasty things. I also pray for those who are in the “dumb luck” group, that your pets are doing well and enjoying the extra time given them.
Miss Heidi is doing remarkably well . . . absolutely no signs of slowing down as she approaches her 10th birthday this January.
Von
Happy 10th Birthday Miss Heidi 🙂
Thanks Donna & Sasha!
Miss Heidi was the WKLH “Dog of the Day” on Wednesday! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152165708100176&set=a.194086555175.263537.175842415175&type=1&theater
I went on Facebook and saw Miss Heidi, so sweet. Beautiful!
I hope she got a special treat for her birthday.
Donna and Sasha
Miss Heidi, what a cutie!!!!!!! You look like a young pup
My dog is 10 years old, he’s a lab-retriever, I rescued him when he was a puppy and he’s been my side-kick ever since, follows me everywhere i go and waits for me by the door when i leave..he loves me so much, if i go somewhere and he doesnt know im gone he will look in every room in my house for me. hes my world…never had any health problems and loves food, he literally eats everything and is always hungry. & soo spoiled!..all of a sudden last night he just became lethargic and wouldn’t eat, his stomach looked bloated. so today i took him to the emergency 24 hr animal hospital. we waited in a room for 2 hours while they did an xray/ultrasound/bloodwork..the vet returned to show me the x-ray showing a huge mass in my dogs abdomen. She said she couldnt tell if it was on his spleen, liver or both…but he was internally bleeding…after going over all the options and outcomes (while hysterically crying) i decided that even if there was a glimmer of hope that the tumor could be benign, i wanted to do the surgery. I was told it would cost between 5-6 thousand dollars in total, (which i dont have) so i took out a care credit card line to pay for it. the surgery was tonight at midnight, the surgeon came from her house to the hospital to do the surgery. she called me at 3am to tell me she removed a basketball sized tumor from his spleen, and stopped the bleeding. luckily there was no sign of heart or liver tumors. he did need a blood transfusion and will be in recovery for the next couple of days. Now im waiting to find out if the tumor was benign or cancerous…i can’t bear it. i can’t stop crying, i love my dog more than anything in the world. I’m literally stuggling to type because i cant stop crying, i dont know how you all got through it. i just feel like if he dies, i dont know if i can get through it. I know all dogs die but i just thought i would have at least 5 more years with him. my hearts just breaking to pieces right now.
Shayla, first let me say don’t give up hope. You’re situation sounds so much like mine. we did the surgery also and my beagles tumor came back benign. They kept him in the hospital for three days, he wouldn’t eat while in there. They suggested to take him home and he would eat then. He couldn’t even walk out, my husband carried him out to the car. He died a few hours after he got home.
I can hear the pain you are going through. he died July 13 and it still feels like it was yesterday. My husband will never be the same, he cries every day,,can’t sleep. We loved that dog more than anything.
Please, don’t give up hope. There are so many dogs in this blog who survived, as you have read. And the ladies in here will all pray for your dog. They truly care. I wish I had found this blog before he died. Because I believe all their prayers would have helped.
Please keep us informed.
Paula, I still think of your Perry often. The Blessing of the Animals is coming soon, and as promised, Perry will be mentioned.
Donna and Sasha
Donna, that is so nice of you for thinking of my Perry. Sasha is always in my thoughts also and I feel happy when I read how well she is doing as well as the other dogs in here. I’ve been very depressed but still read this every day.
October 14th, 2012
Blessing of the Animals
New Orleans, La.
I will be remembering all pets on this blog.
With Love,
Donna and Sasha
Shayla…words don’t seem to mean much at times like this…yet they do, if that makes sense??
We have all been through this on this site….some outcomes were not good….BUT…many were…so HOPE is what you need…and I,m sure I speak for everyone that we will hold good positive thoughts and prayers for you and your baby!!!
I lost my Madie….and believe me I feel your pain….nothing seemed wrong with her till Bam! I loved that girl with all my heart and soul…she and my other dog Raven were the only ones who stayed by my side when I lost my son in a horrific accident~~
Dogs love is the BEST!!!!! Huggs….Suzanne
Shayla,
I’m sorry to hear that you are going through this as well. My Simon passed on August 12, one month after diagnosis. His cancer had spread to the liver from the spleen. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. I am still mourning him deeply and cried just today. He would have been 12 in September and I also thought I had at least 5 more years since he was a small dog. My life has been empty without him. I truly hope your story has a happy ending and he is cancer free and can give you at least 5 more years of love.
Terri
Shayla, you and your beloved companion are in my thoughts and prayers. Yes, the waiting can be the most difficult part. It’s fortunate you were able to read the symptoms in his behavior and get him in immediately for surgery. Hang in there, you should have results soon. I hope for another “dumb luck” outcome for your dog too. Von (and Miss Heidi too)
I am so sorry to hear this Shayla. I recently went through the same thing so I know how you’re feeling. Everyone is correct here in saying that there is always hope. And, even if the biopsy does give you bad news, you still have some extra time with your boy and now know what is happening with him. I hope by the time you’re reading this your boy is home with you and you are able to spoil him rotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Shayla, Prayers are sent your way. Please remember there is a 50-50 chance. I hope and pray you have a positive outcome and a speedy recovery. The “wait”, and let’s see, is very hard. Please check on your pet during the recovery. Each case of recovery is different. Sasha did fine, so I did not visit, (if she even got of scent of me or heard me), I thought it would make her think she was ready to come home. Take care, our thoughts are with you. I hope for positive outcome of the pathology report.
Donna and Sasha
I managed to confince the vet to release him early, because he wouldnt eat or drink for them, and i knew he would at home. sure enough as soon as i got him home he did both, he seems happy to be home surrounded by the people who love him..they gave him tramadol, he is whining and moaning alot, so i hope the tramadol is enough. I have to wait a week for the pathology results. But i have hope. I had never heard of spleen tumors before this and i wish they would do periodic radiograph to detect them early, i feel guilty that i didnt know he was carrying this basket ball sized tumor around with him, but i just couldnt see it as hes a large dog and quite chubby too.Im just so happy to have him home again, i havent slept in the 2 days since he’s been gone…he’s my little sidekick who goes everywhere i do 🙂 thankyou for your messages, they help alot, this site has helped alot.
I’m glad he’s home with you and you can give him the TLC he deserves & needs. I know how much that means to them, as Miss Heidi really seemed to be reassured to be home and sleeping with me (we put a mattress on the living room floor so we could sleep together as that was her routine and we couldn’t have her jumping on/off the bed). I think they whimper as much about not knowing “why” they feel different or weird, and not so much out of discomfort or pain.
For Heidi, we could tell, especially as her pain meds started to kick in . . . like she didn’t know why she was getting light-headed (sorta like being drunk). Within a couple of minutes of whining, she would pass out asleep. Fortunately (sorta) we’re both unemployed right now so we were able to be with her 24/7 as she recovered.
Hang in there! We’re keeping our fingers crossed for good news on the pathology report, but as someone else said, should you find out it is cancer, bask in knowing you have this opportunity for every additional day since you did catch it early enough, before it could rupture . . . almost always a death sentence.
Hugs,
Von
Shayla,
So glad to hear he is home where he feels safe. Please don’t beat yourself up feeling guilty, about not knowing what was going on with him. I figured Sasha was just gaining her weight for an old dog, (10 Yrs.), so did everyone else. Love him like there’s no tomorrow, and spoil him, (I’m thinking you are doing that already). Sasha had the same pain medicine, (after surgery),its not so heavy duty, just enough. Take care….we are here for you. There’s hope and a chance for all, you gave the chance, and I am praying for hope. What,( may I ask), is your pets name?
Donna and Sasha
Thankyou 🙂
…& my dogs name is scooby
Prayers sent your way Scooby!
It’s been pretty quiet here for the past couple of days. I hope “no news is good news” for everyone out there waiting for pathology reports or enjoying precious time with their four-legged family members!
So sorry to hear your sad news Shayla. Thinking of you and sending you love and hugs.
I wrote the following yesterday buy. It been able to post till now. Things have changed a little…
“Amber and I are on week 10 and although abdomen still noticeably enlarged, she is still going strong albeit slow.
I’m still at the vets each week. They say, “she’s ‘marvellous” which is more that can be said about me…I think I have hit an emotional wall and feel quite drained. I say this honestly but hope you know my priority is still Amber.
I’m lucky that I work from home so I am able to maintain the beach ‘medicine’ of daily outings. Saying that, the weather here had been glorious so lovely together times but yesterday it turned and quite miserable so we’ve not been out. You should see the looks I get!
I’ve been working for months on a 4-man, 8 day coast to coast bike challenge full if media and community interest and participation. Its taking place now and theoretically I should be there to oversee my plans and preparation. I elected to stay at home and manage things from ‘HQ’ which has proved to be the additional stress that has worn me down. Completely torn as the grand finale is on Saturday and 4 hrs away from my home. I am struggling with the decision to go for the night and day, leaving Amber with my husband or just stay home. I can’t decide and it’s playing on my mind.
In these past weeks, I have witnessed what I can only describe as ‘near the time’. Saturday I was convinced she was about to go (i had one of these a couple of weeks ago that I posted about!) as we were sat wrapped up in blankets on the beach right by the waters edge with the sun on us. So poetic and a beautiful time and place if ever it was to happen. I called husband, son, dad to come down and share the moment. 4.5 hrs later and sun beginning to set, we carried her into the car and home. My husband prepared our bed with blankets to encourage her to have a snuggly comfortable lie-down as she had always been on out bed but not for months – she hasn’t seeme to want to?
Do she hardly move all night and was still with us the next morning. She was quiet and slow on the Sunday and again, I took her to the beach figuring she could sit with the boot (trunk?!) open and just smell the air. She obviously wanted to get out so we did. When we got into the sand, somebody had written in huge letter ‘AMBER’ and well, you can imagine how that felt. I took a photo on my phone and as well as thinking how amazing a find it was, took this now as a sign maybe today was going to be the day (last time if you remember it was a comer in the sky which I thought was a sign!). I’m not making light of the situation as my heart is so heavy but she is my world and actually to place some coincidence or natural phenomena onto her potential passing is because I love her.
I don’t know if I referred to a post that was put on here about a research paper saying 86 days had been a recorded length if time for a dog to live following diagnosis. That will take mine and Amber’s journey until next week which will be my 40th and do you know what, I think she’s gonna be around for that.”
This morning Amber seems quite confused. She’s drinking getting up to do her business but is walking into things and doesn’t seem to know where I am. She doesn’t seem to have lost any colour and is catching bits of sleep in between walking herself up sniffing and looking around. She looks quite tired so am taking the opportunity to lie with her although she doesn’t seem too fussed on my company. I resist saying that I think the time is near as this has happened white a few times before.
Lots of love to everyone xxx
Helga, you are so special taking care of Amber in these days that she needs you there with her. I know it must be a hard decision on whether to leave her on Saturday. Would she get stressed if you were gone for the day and night?
You are a very good writer and even though it pains me to read about Amber, I also get a nice feeling of the days you both have
Together. Your discription of your days on the beach. What good memories to cherish forever.
Hi again helga. It’s been playing on my mind on whether you should leave Amber on Saturday. I realize how hard you must have worked on this project but I think if something should happen when you’re away, you’ll be very upset that you weren’t there. You and Amber seem very close in heart, and I know she would be sad too, if you weren’t there.
She’s a beautiful dog. I love her picture. Wish I could kiss her.
Helga..Prayers going out to you and Amber….the lake scene you describe…..seems so bitter sweet…but what a treasured memory!!!
Madie was my baby that died suddenly with the spleen tumor, but Raven is my 16 year old and has many problems…..that every day is a treasure with her, even tho, I must admit…I never know if I am doing right by her….as long as she trys so do I~~~my best to you…Suzanne~~
Thank you Suzanne. I see that no matter what age our furry babies are it is devastating and has such impact. It good to share on here and not feel like a loon as I get the impression folk around me think I’m crazy for putting so much effort into her. I pity them for not knowing such love between 2 souls.
I have painted and prepared a thousand scenes for Amber and I to enjoy and boy, that is one spoilt pooch! We have a ‘posh’ home-made ice-cream store by us on the river side and Ive never seen anybody else buy their dog a scoop in a belgian waffle cone!
I will always have our beach to remind us. I am a photographer too so you can only imagine the zillions of photos that I have especially of the last weeks. In reality, its all etched on my heart.
Lots of love xxx
Thank you for your post. I had just got out of the bath, hair washed with the half decision to set off in the morning! Its 8.40pm here and my husband since he got home has been quite insistent that I go in the morning. It doesn’t feel right to go for the night (plus, my husband was useless getting up in the night with our son so there’s no chance I’m leaving Amber with him for the night!!).
This is how I figure it… part of me strongly believes I wont be with her when she goes and have felt that for a while. It doesnt distress me as its almost as if we are each others ‘oxygen’ and i kinda sense whilst I’m here, so will she be (obviously not indefinitely!). I’m not suggesting by leaving her for the day that she will ‘go’ more that I am at peace that I may not be with her when she takes her last breath.
It’s curious but I feel a pull to go for the day tomorrow. I couldn’t care less about the bike ride as a good job has been done, very successful etc etc but I have a sense to go. Maybe its about what I say above?? Maybe, its because I should remove myself to get some energy for her as I am so drained.I have experienced with her so many points that I have thought I was seeing a decline only for her to bounce back. Maybe this is it, maybe its time and maybe, I have to trust what will be will be.
I sound collected but am quite literally shaken. I’ve still this mad notion she’s gonna be my biggest birthday present!
xxxx
ps no signs of pain!
WoW!!!! So beautifully said~~~~~Thats how I finally dealt with my son’s death…..It was his time~~~~ Suzanne
Remember when we are that connected…it doesn’t stop here~
Unfortunatley after two days home from surgery of a large tumor removal. my dog became quite sick i took him the the animal hospital where he collpsed his blood pressure had dropped to 35 and he was vomitting blood and having diarhrea of blood. I was told it was possible cancer was in his blood and removing he tumor allowed them to spread quickly. i made the heart breaking decision to stop his suffering and set him free. my heart is crushed. i will always carrying him in heart forever. he was a good dog, the best. The only solace i have is knowing he no longer feels any pain.
Oh Shayla…I am sooo sorry, I feel your pain sweetheart.no words can express the grief you are going through to loose your buddy so close to your heart. But we have to think of their pain and the outcome is grim…so we do what we have to, out of love…..He knew, and believe me …he is still with you…..Lay real quiet as you go to sleep and think of him….through the tears, you will almost feel him licking them……….Huggs to you~ Suzanne
Shayla, my hub and I are so sorry to hear this news. We know exactly what you are feeling right now. There is no greater pain.
My beagle passed 3 days after surgery. His tumor came back benign but I guess that didn’t even matter. When it’s their time.
To this very day, I always second guess the surgery but his was also a very large tumor, almost 10 lbs. It had to be removed.
They say time heals but I don’t think it really does.
And your last sentence is so true. The only solace is knowing he is no longer in pain.
Oh Shayla, my heart is heavy hearing this. I am so sorry. Scooby will be remembered as always, and I have said prayers for you both. May your days be filled with memories of your best friend.
Donna and Sasha
Shayla I’m so sorry to learn of Scooby’s passing. It’s is no doubt a heartbreaking decision to let go. May the love of friends bring you comfort & the love of God bring you peace. Von
Shayla, I am so sorry for your loss of Scooby. I know the pain. It has been a month and a half since Zoey passed from this terrible cancer. I think of her daily. More now fond memories then the empty grief of the few weeks. We even added another dog to our family. Not to replace Zoey, she was irreplaceable, but we are dog people and this dog needed to be rescued asap. I hope Zoey greeted Scooby at the rainbow bridge and is even now showing him around.
I just wanted to update you all on Zoey, my chocolate standard poodle. She is one month post op and doing great. We just came home from a camping trip in upstate New York and she was her old self, running playing and enjoying life. Yes, she was one of the lucky ones. We found her tumor by mistake, thank God!!..She came through the surgery like a champ. I really want to thank my vet, Dr. Boden and her wonderful staff (Sabrina) that treated her and me like as if we were family. It was someone on here that suggested to check around for prices, and I know, that sounds harsh, but this was a great tip…The emergency clinic that did her ultrasound because of high liver enzymes (a great place mind you) was going to charge us $5000. Someone on here suggested to check with your own vet and that’s how we ended up back to were we were familiar and felt more comfortable. I’m so glad we did, like I said, they were great and considerably less money (under $2,000)!! Trust me, it wasn’t the money, we were willing to pay the $5000, not happy to pay, but willing to pay to keep Zoey around. There is just so much information and support on here and I thank you ALL for that. One of the things I looked for on here was success stories, and that’s why I’m posting again. Zoey is a success story!! We found her tumor by mistake and made our decision to operate and it worked and no cancer!! My heart goes out to everyone that has lost a precious family 4 legged member and those of you going through it now…my prayers are with you! Sandi
Sandy it is so good to hear from you, and to hear that Zoey’s doing so very well. Thanks for the update!
Sandy, I am glad also, to hear good things can come out of this terrible ordeal also. I count my blessings every night, and give extra love to Sasha all the time, even if its just a hug, or kind words, I tell her, Your a lucky dog. Then again, I think of all the beautiful creatures God created, and called home, and believe there is a special place for them, to meet with us again.
Hugs to Everyone!
Donna and Sasha
I am so happy the other Zoey is doing so well. I wish that for every dog.
I know this site is for our beloved pets, but, I am asking for prayers for my friend, Elizabeth, who is the biggest pet lover in the world. She found out she has cancer, and is being flown by private plane to MD Anderson Hospital, Houston, Texas, on next Monday. Please pray for her. She lost her pet Schnauzer, (Tasha), to cancer.She has adopted stray cats, brings them for holistic care and has a heart of gold. She’s worried about leaving her cats behind right now when she should be worried about herself. I’v assured her that I will indeed take care of them. Thanks for listening., and any prayers are appreciated.
Donna
Donna please pass on to Elizabeth that she is not alone and that other pet lovers & rescuers are praying for her too! Hugs from Miss Heidi & Von
Thank-You, Von. I really appreciate everyone here.
Prayers coming for Elizabeth and special thoughts for you Donna for taking care of the cats while she’s away. You’re special. Hugs from Paula.
Thanks Paula, I am very glad I have friends here, who open their hearts to everyone.
Prayers and good thoughts for Elizabeth.
Thanks Judy, for your prayers and thoughts for my friend, Elizabeth.
On June 25, 2012, I lost my mini l/h dachshund, Rene, to cancer. One of those insideous, awful, splenic tumors. I had him since he was a pup, and he was 13 yrs,, 5 mos. old.
On October 6, 2012, I adopted a very small, almost 7 yr. old Shih Tzu from the local SPCA. He and I hit it off right away, and things are going very well. My 26 yr. old daughter, who lives away with her boyfriend, re-named him, Robbie. The name suits him.
We’ve all gone through so much with our pets, sharing it on this site, and I wanted to share this happy event with you all. I’m hoping for a long and happy time with Robbie, and am learning new, cute things about him everyday as his personality emerges from the frightened little guy he was when we met.
I once read somewhere that the beloved pets in Heaven sort of pick out the new pets for us down here on Earth. I believe that’s true. I’ve noticed some things Robbie does that are very Rene-like.
To those recovering from the loss of a pet, I just want to say, please don’t deny another animal your love and the privilege to be your next pet. As I said to my daughter, Megan, about little Rene, “Rene was a gift from God, but nothing lasts forever.” Good, bad, or otherwise, nothing ever stays the same forever.
My thoughts and prayers and love to all here. I’m so glad I found this blog. I don’t know what I would have done without you all. Keep hope and love in your hearts. The best to all here.
Judy
Judy, I love what you are saying and I am sure you hit, ” a home run”, to get your thoughts across. When someone has just lost a pet, there will always be a void. You said, “Don’t deny another animal your love”. If everyone in the world was like you, we would not have animal shelters, we would not have to look for rescue resources, and most of all, Gods creatures would all be wrapped in our loving arms and homes, and hearts. I do believe Robbie was sent to you. There are reasons with no correct answers all the time.
Big Hugs To You, Judy!
Donna and Sasha
Judy I’m so happy that you and Robbie found one another! It’s wonderful that your heart was open to another and that Robbie has a new forever home.
Thanks, Von. 🙂
Tomorrow marks 8 weeks, since Sasha, had her tumor removed. I have my dog back. She is her normal self. I do have a lucky dog.
I am thankful for everyone here, for all the love, support, and prayers. Each and every day, I do think and pray, for the pets that did not have the chance to overcome this tragic ordeal. I feel we are a cyber family here, of hopes, challenges, fears, and love, and we were all brought together to help each other share our experiences, with compassion for our beloved pet families.
Thank-You for the special prayers for my friend, Elizabeth.I am forever thankful to everyone.
I gave Sasha a big hug from all of ya’ll out there!
Donna and Sasha
Hooray for Sasha! Happy news!
Love you all here,
Judy 🙂
. I our sheltie-spitz, jack was dianosed as having a tumor on his spleen yesterday. The doctor is going to call later today with the results of his blood test to determine whether or not his liver is involved and hopefully we can determine where to go from there. I cant believe i am typing this i know he is 12 but losing him is so unthinkable. Its going to be like when my parents died all over again .I know what its like to lose pets, and we have 4 other dogs but Jack is just so woven into the fabric of our lives. i just would appreciate prayers that we will be guided in our deicision on how to deal with this
Julia you’ve come to the right place for moral support and prayers as you face this tough disease with your beloved Jack. So many of us have experienced what you are now going through. Stay strong and keep a positive outlook. Above all, enjoy and cherish every day you have with him!
Julia,
Prayers are headed your way. Always remember, you are doing the best you can for your pet. You are their voice. 12 is a good age. Sasha is 10, and she made it through this ordeal. There are others here also, good news and bad. We all have a common ground. Our hearts are heavy, and our prayers will continue. Please let us know how you are doing. We will keep our fingers crossed. There’s hope and a chance for all.
Donna and Sasha
Julia, Some prayers for Jack tonight, as well. Hope all is well.
Donna and Sasha
Julia & Jack….my prayers will be for you also…..never forget to pray for our Fur babies….we don’t forget~~~~ Suzanne
thanks so much..for your kind thoughts. Jack has had a good day. He has been eating and seems more energetic and he was even sitting on the back of the sofa like he always does looking out the window, and the swelling in his abdomen appears less. Who knows what tomorrrow will be like, but every moment with him means so much.
My prayers are with you,Julia…enjoy all the bittersweet moments….who knows what tomorrow will bring…..so true~~~
the moment IS really all we have~~~ Suzanne
Thanks, again for kind words. It helps to know that there are such good peope who really care. Our Jack was still ok today. He ate well and seemed relaxed and comfortable–not much energy, though. When everything seems so normal like this its like oh my gosh, we cant be losing him. I’m doing really well at acting like there’s nothing wrong around the dogs. Its amazing what inner reserves people can draw on when they have to, but i know this is going to get harder in the next while. Please pray that Jack won’t have any pain and that this will be easy for him. I’m realistic and i know that this part of life and he’s had a really wonderful life, however it’ still so incredibly hard. i can sympathize so much with anyone who is going through or has gone through this.
Hi Julia,
So sorry to read another person needs to come to this type of forum but glad you’ve found this place of support for your terrible time.
The overridding sentiment that shines through everyone’s stories is the need to have some type of prescious moment(s) with your beloved if possible; it may be a special treat, meal, walk, relax, whatever is applicable for you and your woof.
My story is 12 weeks since diagnosis with my 15 yr old Best friend. I was told that dogs needed to be put to sleep with such tumors, came home, researched and found this site. Due to Amber’s age we took the decision not to operate mainly because of her age. We have had so many ‘precious moments’ in these last few months and when I started on this long, emotional journey, did not anticipate that we would have all this time.
I had my 40th birthday on Friday and the best unexpected gift was that I shared it with my beautiful, special friend. Considering all the different things ive tried of late (diet, supplements, massage…),who knows what has or hasn’t worked. The one thing that our furry friends definitely benefit from is the impact of sheer love which we all have in abundance.
Lots of live and luck to you and Jack
Xxx
i am so glad that Amber could share your brthday, and that you can have this extra time with her. She’s very lucky to have people who love her and will give her the best care. I hope she stays comfortable and peaceful and never knows a bad moment.
I’m so happy for you that your 40th BD included Amber. May you have many more good days together.
Our sweet 14 yr old, Wheaton/Sheltie/? (Lhasa? Bassett?) mix was diagnosed this past Saturday with a mass on his spleen. Went in for his incontinence issues and the mass was found upon general check-up. (In August, he had a senior check-up with large array of blood tests just to keep a check on things.) The X-rays confirmed the mass, and that it, blessedly has not spread to the lungs. Tomorrow evening, he will have an echo-cardiogram to check his heart for any tumors. If the heart has been affected, we’ll have to make a decision tomorrow night as my vet doesn’t suggest surgery if the heart has any signs of cancer. If the heart is okay, she highly suggests removing the spleen and mass. I’ve been praying constantly that the heart is fine and that surgery will be successful and the tumor benign. The posts regarding post-surgery are frightening though. His blood-work is good, his kidneys are really great considering his age. She is confident he is a good surgical candidate. If the heart is good, I have made the decision to have the surgery done, and continue praying that the biopsy shows it to be benign. We’ve had this wonderful old soul since he was 10 days old as I fostered his litter from our humane society when the mother was killed. What I’m struggling with is what to do if our vet realizes during surgery that the tumor is malignant. He is slowing down, but still has a lot of pep in his step, a very good appetite and, despite his arthritis in back hips that we are treating, he seems in great spirits and has a good quality of life at his age.
So I’m just asking for your prayers as I know prayer always helps and can have tremendous results. Please send my sweet Dusty-boy your positive thoughts and miraculous prayers. ~Kim, Denny, and Dusty
Dear Kim….of course you have my prayers….
You have come to the right place for understanding….some of us won….some lost…we ALL do the best we can, and hopefully make the right decision with the info we have, unless there is no warning signs….
Its a rough call, no matter what~~
I lost my Madie…I blamed it on the vet for awhile….I was very Angry….but after reading everyone comments on this site and others…I had to let it go…after her being in the hospital for 4 days….and think she’s coming home that 4th day….well she did go home….to be with God….here she had been bleeding to death, and they didn’t know till that day!!!!! They said the tumur was so small they didn’t see it till they used a dopler….
But …you could very well be one of the fortunate ones….and as I go to bed tonite and say my prayers….Dusty and You will be in them~~ Suzanne
Suzanne, thank you so much for your thoughts & prayers, they are much appreciated. I will update tomorrow. Blessings…K
I couldn’t say it any better than Suzanne when she said “we all do the best we can.” I’m glad you found this blog, as much as I’m glad that I found it when our 9.5 y/o pit mixed girl was diagnosed with a splenic tumor and scheduled for surgery nearly a week later.
I too will say prayers for Dusty and your family. My you too find yourselves on a more positive course of outcome.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Kim, Prayers are sent your way. I prayed there is nothing wrong with heart, and that you may proceed to deal with the tumor. I wish Dusty-boy the best. We are here for you if you need us.
Take care, there is hope and chance for all.
Donna and Sasha
I’ve never prayed as hard as when I was faced with my Perry getting his spleen tumor. And now, when I read about all these dogs who are facing this horrible disease. I cry when I read about all of them. And pray for all of them. You have come to a wonderful blog of caring people. Wish I had found this blog before my Perry passed.
My only other wish is that our dogs lived longer lives. I wish I knew that answer.
Prayers for Kim, Denny and Dusty.
Judy
A big heartfelt thanks to all you. I’m very glad I found this blog and it’s so helpful to lean on each other. We’ve all been there and yes, Suzanne said it best that we all do the best we can. I think the shock of getting this diagnosis when all seemed to be well makes it so hard to digest and it’s just a kick in the gut to be sure. And Suzanne, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your Madie. I can understand your feelings as it’s so hard not to blame, I know! But I’m glad you have found the peace you needed. Prayers for everyone who is dealing with these hard decisions. As I said, I will update tomorrow night. ~Kim
Ask no more Kim…prayers will keep coming your way~~~ But just remember this I prayed and prayed the night I was on my way to the hospital when I got the call all parents dread…..A horrific accident…..God PLEASE don’t take my son ….I need him ….I love him…he’s MINE….I begged….I pleaded…..but all in vain….with Madie…it all happened so fast…I had to make the decision then….prayers were to come later….so I guess what I have learned is….All that we love is on loan to us, to take care of and love while they are here……..I hated God when my son died….but of course….I learned it was for the best…as HARD as it was to take…so we will all pray for your wish….and God will do what is best for all his children.
I am more spiritual than religious….this is what I have learned through losing so much, so as Julia said prayers for Dusty and strength for you~~~~and prayers that your wish will come true…..Suzanne
Suzanne, I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. I have 3 adult children and pray for their safety and health every day. I can’t imagine your pain. But I know that we can’t understand God’s plan, but only trust it. LIfe is so precious and that’s why it’s so so very hard when the thought of a dear life that we love having to leave us. We are never ready for that to happen. But I still have to believe and have hope and think positive thoughts that my Dusty-boy will pull through like the little trooper that he has always been. Blessings to you. ~Kim
And I’m sure he will….given the fact of the clean echo…I would have done the same…..Great news!!! Suzanne
My prayers for Dusty and for strength for you.
Dusty’s echo-cardiogram came back clean! So he’s been scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning. One more hurdle crossed! I am deeply touched by your responses. Such an incredible support group here! Thanks for your continued prayers! I will post again when he’s out of surgery. Today is his 14th birthday so after we left the vet clinic tonight, we went to a local dog bakery and bought him a “pupcake” — and brought home 2 for the other dogs and had a nice little birthday party. 🙂 Blessings to all of you.
~Kim
Kim, I prayed for his heart, so you may proceed with the tumor issue, and I believe all our prayers were heard. So, I will continue prayers sent for Dusty Boy’s speedy recovery, and for, “you” ,to feel a warm comfort in your heart from all of us here. I believe there is hope and chance for all. Most important, he feels the extra love you are giving him right now, I am sure. Take care…..
Donna and Sasha
And I forgot, give Dusty a big Birthday hug from us all. Wishing him many, many, more birthdays, and those special Pupcakes! 😉
Very well said….Donna…..ditto for me….Suzanne~
Pupcakes! I Love It!
Best wishes for a successful surgery and positive outcome tomorrow Kim.
Best wishes, thinking good thoughts for you all.
Judy
Our 14 year old golden retriever has been urinating blood, after antibiotics didn’t work we took him to get an X-ray and found a large tumor, the size of an apple on his kidney. The Dr told me he could remove the kidney but the chances are it will have spread to the other one and possibly only extend his life for maybe 6 months. With his age I really do not want to put him through surgery. I was told that there will come a time that he will not be able to pee anymore or it will become painfull for him, at this point it would be time to say goodbye. He is so normal in himself eating, drinking, walking and does not appear to be in any pain. I feel so confused, should I be considering the surgery?
Ruth, so sorry to hear about the tumor. It’s difficult decision to make. My beagle died 3 days after his surgery and he was only 9 years old.. His biopsy came back benign which didn’t matter, I guess.. But there’s alot of dogs in here who have good success results. Also, a dog named Amber who is also on in age, who’s not having surgery and being taking care of at home. Your situation sounds similar.
Some dogs pull through the surgery and recover very fast. Others don’t. I was very shocked when my beagle passed. I always thought he was a strong boy.
It’s hard to tell another what to do. After his passing I struggled with so much guilt and pain wishing I didn’t do the surgery. But I also knew I would feel the same pain had I not operated and he passed. we’ll all pray for him whatever you choose to do. He’s not suffering now, so that’s a good thing.
Oh thank you, so sorry for your loss, it’s so difficult to know what to do for the best. Just struggling with what’s the best for him at his age, do I put him through surgery or just wait? The thought of waiting kills me, when we go walk I’m like ‘ please pee’ cause I know if he doesn’t its time
Ruth, I was thinking, before we discovered the tumor, my beagle was leaking small amounts of blood in his pee and antibiotics cleared it up after a while. That was a year before the tumor discovery. Sometimes I wonder if he had the tumor even then. If so, he lived a year after that problem. The blood could clear up. Since he’s eating good and doesn’t seem to be in pain, give it a little time. Surgery is hard on older dogs.
Hi Ruth, I can only offer prayers for the peace you find in the days ahead. I hope and pray there is a chance out there for your baby. It is a very hard decision. You are their voice. Love your pet like there is no tomorrow. They know what you are feeling.
Take care. We are here for you.
Donna and Sasha
It really is a difficult decision Ruth . . . one I don’t hope to every face again, especially as Heidi ages. At 14 y/o, I think I would lean towards no surgery and would simply live each day as if it could be the last . . . spoiling and loving my dear companion . . . knowing that one day, I will be faced with making the ultimate decision that they entrust to us.
I would take the lead from your vet since they have said there is a high probably that the cancer may have already spread and the expectation for a longer life may only be for 6 months.
As you have seen, we are all very supportive of those who have found this site, understanding we all do the best we can for the individual circumstances we face with our beloved pets.
Hugs to you and your golden retriever friend.
Von (and Miss Heidi)
I just wanted to let folks know that today was Heidi’s 3 month anniversary of her successful splenectomy. Shortly after that, her pathology came back benign so we are hoping for many more good years with her as we approach her 10th birthday in January.
She returned to her normal spunky self after a couple of weeks’ recovery. To see her today, you would not realize that she had surgery this past summer or that she was so close to a bad outcome had that thing burst in her belly.
To anyone just recently joining the blog, hang in there. There are good “dumb luck” outcomes . . . if only they could ALL be positive and successful.
Hugs to all!
Von & Heidi
Von, Sasha is doing great also. She is beyond the 8 week mark. A miracle.
Dharma also doing well now 3 months after her tumor and spleen removed. Back on the hiking trails. Everyday is a gift.
I hesitate to write this as my other Afghan hound Raven is 16 and not doing well at all….I won’t go into her story since it has nothing to do with these awful masses….I thought she would go before my Madie and her best bud….but she is struggeling ….and I think its because of me….she was there through all my horrific times of losing my son and Madie….when my x left right after my son died just showed that he didn’t care…..I have NO family whatso ever…and Raven was always my furry rock…..so I am asking for your prayers and support since you all seem like such Caring people…It doesn’t matter what they die of…..they leave us…..and I am not the strong person I once was….I feel guilty to let her go because she fights so hard….and I feel guilty if I don’t,,,,,, GOD…how I love this girl….then I will have lost all I have loved…..
so please a prayer would be very much appreciated…Thanks…Suzanne~~~
Suzanne, after I read what you wrote, I cried at what you are going through. You have gone through more than anyone should.
I will pray for God to give you the strength you will need. I know how you must be feeling. Whatever the outcome, you know raven knows how much you love her.
I wish I could give you a big hug. I feel your pain.
Paula
Suzanne . . . you and your furkids Raven and Madie are in my thoughts and prayers. So difficult to brace for one situation only to be facing another. Hugs to you all!
Von & Miss Heidi
Von…Madie is gone:( since May 24~~~~and Raven is hanging in there day by day
Wonderful news! Dusty pulled through this surgery with flying colors. The spleen was removed smoothly, although it had begun to split and was leaking, which the vet says would have been pretty painful for him. So she was very glad we were able to perform the surgery this morning. AND she saw no sign of tumors (Thanks be to God!!) but is sending away for biopsy, of course. She called me this evening and said he is up and moving around and she’s very pleased. I’ll be picking him up after work tomorrow.
After reading the link in the article above, I realized that the spleen could have been traumatized after a fall Dusty had about 3 weeks ago down our bedroom steps–all the way down on his side about 12 steps! Scared the **ap of our me! We carried him up and down after that. His depth perception is failing in one eye and he started down before I could get in front of him. Anyway, the vet said it’s entirely possible that his spleen was injured in the fall. I feel horrible that I didn’t take him in after that, but he only had a slight limp and it went away after a couple of days, but he was otherwise acting/eating normally. But even if I had, nothing may have showed up at that time in an x-ray — IF that was indeed why the spleen was hemorrhaging. On the other hand, had the mass been there before that and I did take him him after the fall, they may have found it earlier and he wouldn’t have suffered as long..well, I guess there’s no sense beating myself up. But still….~sigh~. But God took care of him, and he seems to be on his way to a speedy recovery!
Thank you all for your wonderful and caring posts and please keep up the prayers for his recovery :). I will post again tomorrow with an update. Now to bed for some real, actual sleep!
Kim….Soooo happy to hear the good news!!!!!
Give that boy many kisses and (soft) huggs!!!!:0
Suzanne~
Yeah!!! For Dusty. And double yeah for Sasha and Heidi. So nice to hear good news for all our babies. Kisses, Paula
Kim. So happy to hear everything is good. I hope and pray for a speedy recovery and a good pathology report. I also believe in the prayers being said for all the pups, that it is making a difference. No short of miracles, if you believe. We are now hearing more positive posts about surviving this surgery than ever. Keep up the prayers everyone, I believe. Let us know how Dusty Boy is doing, be strong!
Donna and Sasha
I am feeling hopeful after reading many comments on here. Last night our dog, Buddy underwent an emergency surgery/splenectomy.
About three weeks ago Buddy (an 8 y/o Golden/Old English mix) was very fatigued and not his normal self. His stomach was distended and he was walking stiffly. I feared “bloat”. We took him to the vet where an xray was done and we were given the diagnosis of “gas”. The following weeks involved Buddy being his normal, friendly, active self.
Last night when we got up to work our night shifts we noticed that Buddy did not come running to meet us with his grin and kisses he reserves just for us. I found him laying down, listless and not wanting to get up. His stomach was full and firm again and his gums were so pale. After encouraging him to get up he went outside where we seen his urine to be extremely concentrated. I called off of work and took him to the emergency vet, again. This time the xray showed a splenic mass. Worse yet, his stomach felt full of fluid. The vet immediately aspirated some and it was blood. The mass that was not even visible three weeks ago was now HUGE and had RUPTURED. He was bleeding out.
Its a horrible thing to be told by the vet that your choices are emergency surgery, take him home (to die uncomfortably in the next 12-24 hrs) or euthanize him right then and there. I know I am making her sound horribly mean. It wasn’t that way at all. Its just a shock and a terrible decision to make on your own.
This vet also said that these tumors are indeed cancerous (malignant) 2/3rds of the time. We won’t know for about 5 days. She did do a chest xray prior to surgery to try to see if it had spread to other organs. They also checked his labs to see if he could withstand surgery or if any organs were in failure. I was told that when she opened him up, if it looked as if it had spread elsewere she would call and offer to put him down on the table at that time.
Buddy made it through the surgery. They didn’t give me a weight on the tumor but they did say that it was very ‘gnarly’. He did need a transfusion. We can’t see him yet. They have called with updates twice so far. It looks as though he will be coming home tomorrow. I will update our story with his progress. I am hoping he makes a full recovery. Her prognosis seemed to be about 4-6 months if it was malignent. Hopefully it was benign and we have several more years with our Buddy.
-Alisha-
Many prayers coming your way Buddy. Let us know how he’s doing.
Paula, I think of you often.
Thanks Donna. You are very thoughtful. Give Sasha a big hug for me.
Still waiting for him to come home but in the meantime I did make a page for him! http://fndr.se/FpeS
Alisha, I know very well the dark place you are in now…..It sounds like my Madie’s story to a tee….However she didn’t make it to surgery,,,the options I was given was 90% she wouldn’t make it off the table as she was bleeding out…she had been in the hospital for 4 nites, so I do blame the vets, but I had to let it go, as she is gone…she was 13.5…but so healthy before that…it was a shock!!!! You have hope, and lately it seems like all the outcomes on here have been on the positive side. This site helps spread knowledge no matter how small, but we each learn a little more…its just a very insidious disease that creeps up without many signs in the beginning. I couldn’t let my PRECIOUS baby suffer as of her age and the % they gave me….we all wonder if we do the right thing…..I think we do for what the situation is…..Huggs to you and prayers for Buddy~~~ Suzanne
Thank you suzanne and perrybeagle….
I hope that I have made the right decision. I definately could not let him suffer. They seemed somewhat optimistic, even though the decision was urgent.
I will be doing my best to spread the word of how common this really is regardless of our outcome. I’m, of course, hoping for the best for Buddy. He is our live teddy bear… He gives us so much joy and I know that he enjoys us and our home. If nothing else, I know that his time here with us was a marked improvement over his last home.
We will be taking it one day at a time.
-Alisha-
http://fndr.se/FpeS
Thank you so much for all the love & prayers, it is nice to know that other dog lovers understand…It is wonderful to hear of the recoveries, 🙂 I wonder how weak and how long was it before these dogs had their surgery?
My vet seems to think that this could of started in July? I don’t think she would be with us it had started that far back. We were out of the country for 3 weeks and the woman that was watching Zeda emailed me saying that she was sick – lethargic, not eating, etc. I was ready to come home. Then we got another email saying she had called the vet, and she was having rice and chicken and loving it. So she was better. The thing is Zeda has had a great appetite through all this. Did the other dogs?
Zeda woke up so chipper today. I mentioned a bath and it was the most excited I have seen her in a while. She does need one before surgery… We will do that today. The vet had mentioned that I can still take her on a short walk, but I would rather not. I want her ready for surgery, rested and strong.
I thank everyone for their love and prayers and I am so sorry that some have lost their loved ones to this terrible tumor! I do see that some dogs have stopped eating and not peeing, etc. The strangest thing is that Zeda seems so healthy, just more tired and looking at me strangely at times.
Lots of Love and Prayers go out to everyone- Denise
Alisha, Prayers are sent your way. I am so glad Buddy made it through the surgery. You gave Buddy the chance, and I hope the tumor is benign. There is a lot of hope here, and I believe the prayers are working. Take care….please keep us updated.
Buddy is a lucky dog.
Donna and Sasha
Heading to bed now with prayers for both Dusty & Buddy.
Goodnight, Von. Goodnight, Heidi.
Dusty had a good night last night. Vet said he is doing remarkably well. I picked him up after work and he crashed in his bed at home and slept for 4 hours, then up for a potty break, and then out again. He seemed pretty alert when he was up. He ate a bit of dinner as well. I continue to thank God for taking care of him, and his wonderful vet…she’s a great surgeon. So we are off to bed in a bit and hoping for another good restful day tomorrow.
Alisha, I’m praying for your Buddy and hope he has a goon night as well. Our vet told me the same scenario if Dusty’s mass would be malignant. So scary to have that thrown at you. But keep thinking positive thoughts and pray hard.
Have a good night, all. Will check in again tomorrow night.
Blessings…
~Kim & Dusty
Thank you all. I am replying from my phone at work so i can’t list all of your names…. But seriously thank you. Buddy came home tonight…. I am stuck at work for twelve more hrs. I cannot wait to see him. He is lethargic from pain rx but otherwise all reports are good. I’m so happy he has made it this far.
Today at work i was told starting next pay check that I’m going to have the equivalent of a 24% paycut. I have never felt so helpless as I have this week. I would have still tried to get Buddy his surgery but this changes everything even more….
I’ve resisted crying multiple times today. I cannot wait for morning when i can see him and forget about everything for awhile.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers…. Buddy and I can use many more, I’m sure.
I will be thinking of you that have lost your beloved pets, been granted more time with your little ones and those that are currently fighting the battle with their best friends, as i am with Buddy.
❤ Buddy and Alisha
My sweet 10 yr old lab/mix Zeda, has blood in her stomach from the spleen.
Last Saturday night she was not herself after a daily 3 1/2 mile walk/ run. She was lethargic and just seemed so puzzled that I thought it was a stroke. I slept on the floor with her that night. The next day she seemed better. I was watching her daily and we saw her improving.
Then when Thursday came around I decided to take her in. I am so glad I did.
The vet explained that it is like a scab on the spleen that comes off and causes it to bleed. Then it will heal and she feels better, but it will continue to happen, and the dog will bleed to death. He suggested to stick her in the stomach with a needle and see what he gets- it was blood. I knew it wasn’t good.
He then suggested the Ultrasound, we went straight to that office to get one. I had an ideal of what was happening after the vet explained it all to me.
I got the call this morning saying it is a tumor on her spleen. I am not sure of the size, he may of told me? The heart area was shaved during the Ultrasound and the vet said the heart looked OK.
It is Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. and he said he understood if I wanted to try to get someone else to do the surgery sooner then Monday. It is so important to get it as quickly as possible but I feel I would rather have this office and vet do the surgery.
So Zeda will be going in on Monday, at 9 a.m. The office is not a 24 hour office. The vet said he has no problem with her going home with us that evening. It is the first 24 hours that are so important, if they make it those hours then they probably made it through the surgery. I will be right next to her that evening. The vet reminded me that some dogs can die during the surgery.
The strangest thing is that she has a great appetite and drinking water. She is just sleeping more then usual, which we thought she was just getting older and tiring out easier.
Zeda is a wonderful dog. She is very loving and very protective of her family. I really pray and hope she is as strong as I think she is and can get through this and have a few extra years with us.
Please pray for Zeda, I do worry about what they will find when the send the spleen to be checked.
Thank you,
Denise
Denise, We all send our prayers for Zeda. We know just how you feel right now, and what Zeda is going through. Our thoughts and prayers are for the hope you have for a positive outcome. There is always a chance that the tumor is benign, and the surgery is a cure. My Sasha is proof, along with Miss Heidi, Dharma, Shyloh, Dusty Boy, (praying for the positive outcome), and more. We are here for support and to let you know there can be a positive outcome. We do care, and please let us know how Zeda is doing after surgery, until then, love Zeda like there is no tomorrow.
Donna and Sasha
I hope Buddy is doing fine also. Prayers are still being said for him. I know he is safe now in his home, and the healing process is taking place..
Take care, Alisha.
Thank you so much for all the love & prayers, it is nice to know that other dog lovers understand…It is wonderful to hear of the recoveries, 🙂 I wonder how weak and how long was it before these dogs had their surgery?
My vet seems to think that this could of started in July? I don’t think she would be with us it had started that far back. We were out of the country for 3 weeks and the woman that was watching Zeda emailed me saying that she was sick – lethargic, not eating, etc. I was ready to come home. Then we got another email saying she had called the vet, and she was having rice and chicken and loving it. So she was better. The thing is Zeda has had a great appetite through all this. Did the other dogs?
Zeda woke up so chipper today. I mentioned a bath and it was the most excited I have seen her in a while. She does need one before surgery… We will do that today. The vet had mentioned that I can still take her on a short walk, but I would rather not. I want her ready for surgery, rested and strong.
I thank everyone for their love and prayers and I am so sorry that some have lost their loved ones to this terrible tumor! I do see that some dogs have stopped eating and not peeing, etc. The strangest thing is that Zeda seems so healthy, just more tired and looking at me strangely at times.
Lots of Love and Prayers go out to everyone- Denise
Denise,
For Heidi it was a fluke that her tumor was found during her routine annual exam. Her vet was feeling her belly and could tell “something” was in there. Because of the location, the spleen was the likely place so they did xrays and diagnosed immediately that it was a tumor on her spleen.
We had to wait about a week to have the surgery due to their schedules.
Heidi seemed to be “about normal” in her routine and activities although in hindsight, we did realize that when I would pet her on her tummy and thought she had over eaten because she was so “full” . . . that fullness was actually the tumor taking up space there.
Also Heidi had been eating less and at night seemed to have some challenges getting comfy in bed. We assume now that she might have had some discomfort from the fullness, but at no time did she show any indication of pain or lack of energy or interests in play, etc.
As you have probably read, she was one of the really lucky ones. Her tumor (the size of a baseball/softball) was benign and she’s now been just over 3 months since the removal.
If anyone is interested and hadn’t seen it yet, here is the link to the photo the vet took of her removed spleen + tumor (it is the darker round “thing” on the left end of the spleen in this photo) https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/394769_3407933478103_1216942825_n.jpg .
Von
I should have said . . . our vet did tell us that during the week between the diagnosis and the surgery, to keep Heidi quiet. No excitement (running, jumping, playing “ball”) and to try to keep her from jumping up and down off the beds, etc.
It was a challenge, but we did treat her very gingerly during that week’s time before the surgery and of course post-op for about 2 weeks.
Dear Denise…..many, many prayers coming your way for Zeda!!!! It seems like we’re getting pretty good at this…because most dogs have been doing very well…more so than not….happy to say~~~ Yesterday was 6 months since I lost my sweet Madie (13.5 afghhan hound) to this terrible thing..Seems like just yesterday she was giving me her little soft lick kisses….Ohhh, how I miss her….Such a sweetheart….. I didn’t find this site till after she was gone…..I think all the prayers and good wishes help…plus a good vet….
Love her and enjoy her……and find comfort here when you need to…..Suzanne~
Hi everyone!
I just want to each sentiments that have been posted over the last few days emphasising the love, prayers and peace that I’m sending for all. I’m not able to respond all the time (as also being ‘distracted’ by my 86yr old nan whose health is in rapid decline) but wanted folk to know when asked, I’m also holding you/your situations in thought.
Very cold here at the beach just now with harsh wind but ear smies and shining sun. feeling very wintery all of a sudden and an age away since I first posted back in August.
Lots of love and hope xxx
Ps any comments about how long our gorgeous friends can last without surgery? I’ve gone beyo d the complete angst now and back to having ‘grateful’ fun time rather than thinking every minute could be Amber’s last x
Denise, I guess every dog is different in ways when they are sick. I knew Sasha was not herself. She did not run to when we drove up, and the keys were in the doorknob. She was not under the table when we were eating, hoping for a taste. She was just laying around. I did see her drinking a lot of water. I told my husband, after about 4 days, I think something is wrong, and its not because she’s getting old. It was a Friday night. Saturday I brought her in, then back Monday for X-Rays. She had 103 fever. Tuesdays test results-Mass in Spleen area.The vet referred me to an oncologist, then an ultrasound, then surgery. The vet just told me to keep her rested until the results. The good news was it was a racket ball sized tumor attached to the spleen and was benign. I was also told, they cannot tell you if it is cancerous or not by looking at the mass. She was back to her normal self in about 3-4 days, yet I drove myself crazy picking her up to put her in the bed with us at night. Today, I thank everyone on this site for the prayers and support, without them I thought I was going to fall to pieces. No one understands our love for our pets more than the people right here. I wish your Zeda all the best and hope for her joining the rest of the good luck dogs.
Hugs, Donna and Sasha
Helga, I am so glad Amber is doing good. I believe she is living off you power of love and devotion.
Donna and Sasha.
Thank you Donna- I feel really silly not picking up on the signs…. I didn’t want to believe it was anything serious. A neighbor said her dog acted like that and was better in a few days. She said it sounded like the flu or something. Wow -little did I know. Zeda is drinking a lot of water and eating as usual. Her stomach is swollen and she is sleeping much more. She is still going out to the yard and sun bathing. 🙂 I am glad it doesn’t seem painful.
I seem to just keep watching her hoping she makes it to Monday. If she has had it as long as the vet thinks- since July. Then I can’t believe she has made it this long. It sounds like it is such an emergency in all these cases.
Thanks again for the messages and prayers. This has been a great help for me….Denise
Denise, Just checking in on Zeda, hope everything’s going OK with the recovery.
Me too Denise . . . I dropped in today hoping for a (positive) update from you. I continue to send good vibes your way!
Von
Denise,
As Donna said, there are many of us here to offer support and prayers. Some have been more fortunate than others, but the common thread here is that we have all done what we felt was in the best interest of our beloved family pet.
I really hope that you will have a good “dumb luck” outcome with Zeda as we had with Miss Heidi. Some are not quite so fortunate, but there is no doubt in my mind that their pets knew of the love their families had for them.
Hang in there and enjoy your time with him.
Hugs,
Von (and Miss Heidi . . . who is celebrating Nat’l Pit Bull Awareness Day today!)
National Pit Bull Awareness Day, how sweet is that! Hats off to Miss Heidi.
Here is a link to a photo of Heidi in her “Halloween” TuTu. There is a group of pit bull owners who put their pups into TuTu’s so I went out and had to get one for her yesterday in solidarity with their efforts 🙂
Von, Heidi is so cute with that TuTu on. I know a lot of people have a different reception to pit bulls as guard dogs, and I know for fact, (we have friends that have 2, Lady and King), they are the gentle giants, full blood pits acting like babies. It all depends on how you raise them. Heidi is precious, and I know, A Very Luck Dog, and much loved. Happy Halloween!
Donna and Sasha
I am also thinking of all the pet lovers on the East Coast with the Monster Storm, Sandy. Having been through numerous storms here in New Orleans, Louisiana, (Katrina, and recently, Isaac, please take care of your pets. Please don’t leave them behind. We had so many pets on roof tops, and in attics that did not make it. Please kennel your pet and take them with you. They are your family. I pray for everyone’s safety. You can replace material things, but you can’t replace lives. Be Safe!
Donna and Sasha
When we pray for others…GOD listens to us…and blesses them~~~~
So when you are safe and happy…..Remember that someone is praying for you~~~
WONDERFUL!!!!!! Thank you
Suzanne, I pray for a chance all the time. A chance to hold on, a chance to have more time, and a chance to have a miracle happen. I can see you have a lot of pain in your heart. My heart breaks also, to read the words you type. If ever a miracle could happen, I pray for the chance you can have comfort in your heart from all of us here. We care.
Donna and Sasha
Hello lovlies,
Please can I ask for a miracle although I am completely aware I’ve had many over the last few weeks.
Amber will e put to sleep at home in less than 12 hrs time – strange knowing exactly how long I have left with her. She has been off her food since saturday, not able to take her meds properly and looking ready to go. As ever, she refuses to leave and fluctuating between looking literally on deaths door to looking at us with big puppy eyes.
We took her to the vet to check she was not in pain as believed she was comfortable although deteriorating. The vet wanted to euthanise her there and then but knowing our care for Amber, let us bring her home one last time. The vet believes that although her tumour has not ruptured and she is now quite relaxed, her experience is a rapid decline which isnt nice so we have to go with that.
I pray, and ask you to also, for her to go tonight before the morning comes. My one last miracle would be for this to happen and avoid bringing forward, artificially, the moment when she no longer looks at me.
Thank you for all the posts, responses and understanding. I probably wouldnt have coped or even attempted the path I choose for Amber these last few months if you weren’t there to listen. Its actually quite appropriate that she does go tomorrow as it will be Halloween here or All Hallows Eve. This day in Celtic, Pagan and Wiccan traditions is also known as Samhain; the time of year when the earth has died and gone dormant. It presents us with the opportunity to once more celebrate the cycle of death and rebirth. For many, Samhain is a time to reconnect with our ancestors, and honor those who have died. This is the time when the veil between our world and the spirit realm is thin, so it’s the perfect time of year to make contact with the dead.
Good night, god bless xxx
Dear Helga, I am so sorry to hear about your sweet Amber. I will pray for a miracle that your dear girl goes on her own thru the night to make it easier on you. Any of us who have had to help our beloved pets make it thru life and then help them make it out of life know a little of what you are feeling. When we took our 17 yr old ‘Charlie’ for her last walk, gave her the last breakfast, felt that last little kiss from her I really thought I could not know worse pain but I do believe the level of loss we feel is in proportion to the amount of love we have also felt for our dear pet. So each heartache, though painful, is also a little reminder of the love we felt and will always feel for our dear friend. The other thing to remember is that they too felt this great love from us and that sort of bond will never be broken. But these are only words and they do not ease the pain but please know that people you will never meet are thinking of you and understanding. Hugs from Meg and little Tobe (who will be 15 next week)
Helga, sorry to hear about Amber. I know how it feels with making that decision. About 20 years ago I had a dog named princie who I rescued left by the side of the road. He was about 7, when I found him and 4 years later he got very sick. That morning he was doing so bad. I asked God could he please heal him, or please just take him. A minute later he fell by my feet and died. Even though it wasn’t the outcome I had hoped for, I did get what I asked for. God must have known I didn’t have the strength to put him down.
I will pray to God to please take your beautiful Amber tonight.
I asked the group last nite if they would pray for my Raven….have not received one comment….kind of hurts as I pray for everyone…especially those that ask for it~~~~
Suzanne, I prayed for you last night. I wrote to you last night and when I looked for my post it was put in about 30 posts from the bottom. I can’t figure out why it went there.
I cried so much to read your post about raven. You have been with er for so long and I can’t imagine the hurt you must feel.
You have gone through more than any person should. I pray for God to give you strength.
I think of you all the time and even though we never met you are always in my thoughts.
Thank you so much….I did not see it nor till I get it in an email…..Thank you again…it means a lot
Hi again Suzanne, I was so worried about you not seeing my post, that I didn’t ask how raven is doing today?
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you and her. And pray that you get to be with her as long as possible.
Dear Suzanne,
I have also been praying for you and for Raven, however when I tried to post my comment, nothing happened. I completely understand how you feel. I also am pretty much alone…no husband or kids. Got a couple of brothers but they have their own families and I feel like “Debbie Downer” when I speak with them because I never have good news, so I try not to bother them. I think because of our situation, we are relying even more on our pets because in many respects, we feel they are all we have and we have spent so many years with them as part of our lives. I also understand the feeling of hopelessness and even panic when you think about them dying. When I got my first Airedale in 1988, I started thinking I would never be able to deal with him dying after only having him for a couple of months. And, not much changed as the years went by. I thought I would never be able to be present if he ever needed to be put to sleep, and I would never be able to survive his death. I went as far as getting another Airedale about 6 months before Zachary died because I figured I wouldn’t be able to do it if I waited until he died (that was not a good idea…he was not too happy with a puppy). He ended up living until he was 13 1/2, and of course, I ended up having to bring him in to be put down. When the time came to give him the shot, there was no way I wasn’t going to be looking right in his eyes, so that my face was the last thing he saw, and my touch was the last thing he felt. I have never loved a dog more than I loved Zachary, including my wonderful Rory who will be dying in the near future from this terrible tumor. Although he has been dead for more than 10 years, I still get very emotional when I think about how much I miss him. If you were my friend and asked me what I thought about your situation, I would tell you that you have unfortunately, already endured so much in your life (as have I), this is so unfair, but you have proven that you are a strong person, so do not be afraid. You will find the strength to survive this some how. I don’t know you, so can’t give you specific ideas, but I had to find other things that gave my life meaning…in my case it was sharing my heart with other dogs, but I also ended up kind of falling into a job where I work with children with autism. I love working with them and celebrating all of their small successes and knowing the impact I made gave my life a new purpose. I hope you already have, or can find that purpose. Please know I am praying for, and thinking about you. Kerry
Kerry, what a beautiful but sad letter you wrote to Suzanne. I never realized until this blog how many real animal lovers there are out there. Most people I talk to including family think I’m crazy for sleeping with our dogs. So when I read all of these posts it makes me happy knowing there are so many good people out there.
Prayers for you and for Rory.
Paula,
I know many people who think I’m nuts for treating my dogs like they are children. When I get together with some of my old friends everyone asks each other how their children are doing. When they get to me, they say “how are the dogs?” I don’t have any kids, but it still makes me laugh that my friends say that so naturally. Right now, my Rory is acting like his normal, goofy self and that makes me happy. I know I appreciate even more every little joke he plays on me. I hope he is around for months to come, and am able to accept his passing when it happens. Kerry
Kerry….thank you for your understanding and words.. I have tried manythings after Paul, my precious son and my best bud died….But at my age…it was just too much….my heart was train wrecked…..I was a regional manager for a national jewelry company…they down sized…I lost my job….my x left me for another woman….all with in 2 years… The only thing I can’t get beyond is my son…he was my only child and I believe the only person I have ever loved….I go on for my dogs…Now with Madie gone and Raven hanging there…..I am almost lost…Of course I have turned to faith therapy, groups….and I just seem to be like you said…Debbie Downer….I don’t like it…but I am broken~~~~ The best to you my dear…I know everyone on here is GREAT people ….because of their love for dogs~~~~
Suzanne,
I don’t have any idea what it would be like to lose a child and don’t know if I could recover from that. But, my lack of having children was probably one of the reasons I poured my whole self into my dogs. I hope and pray for you that you can find happiness in something. I have gone thru many periods where I feel I am just existing in this world and I fight to find something to bring me some joy. I just refuse to get to a time when my life is ending and I look back and see that I spent the majority of my life unhappy. So, I keep thinking and searching and hoping and praying and just not giving up, even though some times, it would be easier to do so. I don’t know what will happen when Rory dies. I have another Airedale named Cassidy who is 9 and already has some ailments. I have said I can’t deal with the loss anymore and I am done with dogs, but when the time comes and I am dogless, my attitude may change. There are so many dogs out there who need and deserve homes and love that people like us would provide….
I will continue to pray for you. Kerry
Thank you Kerry for your understanding and kind words……I could never live without a dog~~They are the only family and love I have~~~S
Hi Suzanne, I had been thinking about you and since you mentioned that you would never be without a dog, I was wondering, when the time is right, if you had ever thought about a training a therapy dog. I used to volunteer in the emergency room at a hospital near where I live and I would periodically see people come in with their dogs to visit patients. Of course, the patients loved seeing the dogs. I am mentioning this now for a couple of reasons…first and foremost I know how my brain works and this idea will probably leave my brain in a short time. Secondly, although you are currently going through an extremely difficult time, this might give you something positive to think about. It would give you the opportunity to share a dog with people who would be so grateful to see a wagging tail and provide you with the pleasure you would receive by bringing them some happiness. I hesitated sending this to you because I know there is no replacement for your Raven, but I also feel you need to find something to grab onto when Raven is gone. Please don’t be offended. Kerry
Kerry….how could I be offended over someone caring??? I have thought of that several times, in fact ..last year when they told me Raven had only a few days to live(HAHA) …I went and got a long haired Daschund…I had been thinking about this for a long time….Afghan Hounds are my heart dog… I would have them forever if I could….but after all that has happened, I will probably have to move from my house with the large yard, and I take the well being of all my dogs very serious, so that’s a 12 -15 year commitment. I know , at my age that would get very hard alone…they are a lot of care….so after looking around, I thought the Long hair doxie looked like a little Afghan….their personalities sure are different…..I was going to do just what you said ..train him as a therapy dog…Now he also has some health issues that I am going through with him!!!! I could scream!!!! So that’s on hold till I find out whats going on… I use to be an adoption counselor at the Humane Society…fund raised for several Rescues in Ohio and NJ and even had one of my own with a friend for awhile….Sure I could do it again…but my son’s death just wiped me out….I can’t explain it….I did a lot of fund raisers in my sons memory at first…when my x left and I lost my job……well..just very dark days…It’s been a long road…and I don’t think I will do much better than I am now losing Madie and Raven within a short period of time will knock me down more….some people could go on….I can’t….I do the best I can alone…. ALL people in this life …need SUPPORT and huggs at difficult times that’s how you go on …to be loved Thank you for your concern….and a big hug!!! Suzanne~~
Suzanne, I’ve been thinking about you and hoping that things are not falling apart. I completely understand and sympathize with how you are feeling. When I hear your story, I feel so many similarities with my own life….with the exception of losing your son. When my best dog ever, Zachary died several years ago, he was followed 6 months later by my dog Tyler. And, last December, my dog Griffin died of a tumor on his spleen and is now being followed by Rory. And, my other current dog Cassidy has health issues of her own. So much emotional distress, and yet we keep coming back for these wonderful creatures. I understand the feeling of being alone that you are experiencing because I also am pretty much alone. Please know that I will continue to think of you and pray that your path becomes easier. Kerry
And I MOST certainly will do the same for you…. my dear…. Thank you for taking care of God’s animals~~~
To Amber and her Family……
Like all the paths of true love…the pain is a part of loving..
For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear dog companion will follow a trail you cannot yet go down, and you will have to find the love and strength to let them go….I think you found that, and I hope you are at peace~~~ Suzanne~
Hi Helga,
As I am writing this, I am assuming Amber is gone. I hope that it went as you hoped and prayed. I am so sorry and know exactly how you must be feeling. I am also looking at my poor Rory whose time is also coming, and once again feeling the way I did when I first found out he had this tumor. My vet does not go to client’s homes, so I hope I do not have to bring him in for this horrible event. I hope you are at peace and feel some relief that this part of your ordeal is over and Amber is healthy and happy and running and playing with all the others that have gone before her. I will be saying prayers for Amber and of course for you as you begin the next phase of this awful journey. Kerry
Hello and thanks for your posts and love. I wrote a detailed post last night but somehow it didn’t post so maybe it wasn’t meant to show.
We are in a state of complete devastation and although knew there would be upset, not expected like this. My husband cried himself to sleep last night and the silence in the home is deafening.
We’d had 12 hrs with her at home before the vet came. I created a beautiful environment with blankies, duvets, candles, incense etc and Amber had a good night, getting up herself a few times. I willed her to go but knew she didn’t want to leave anytime soon.
The vet came and Amber resisted which was hard to see. It took nearly 15 minutes for the sedative to work before the lethal injection. My husband went to work and I had the day with her. I had to pop out which was simply horrendous as she was NEVER left alone at home so that felt really powerful. I ended up coming home and spent the rest of the time lying with her and preparing for her cremation which was that evening when my husband finished work.
We drove about an hour away in the harsh rain and I swear, the tears from us inside the car were more than the downpour outside. Amber was having an individual cremation and I’d made her a bed of rosemary, sage and eucalyptus from our garden for her to lie on. I carried the wreath into the room and she was laid on top. She just looked asleep and I questioned if she really had gone. I had visions of the air being filled with sweet scent as she travelled up to the sky but there was no smoke but we did see a bright orange light which alarmed the undertaker! He says this is called an ‘amber glow’ which was appropriate.
So now our broken hearts are aching. Irrational I know but at this moment, I feel like I want to move. My personal needs have taken over now she has left so things coming up like recognising that actually, I’ve never been at home when shes here, hardly ever in the car without her, visiting people etc etc. I have a plaque which says ‘gone to the beach’ which seems a fitting epitaph for her. We had it in front of where we lay yesterday. It also dawned on me that how am i ever going to go the beach again without her and that the reason i love the beach is because i love being with her and knew how much she loved it. Ive just had another meltdown as I’ve come into the living room, seen the tide is on its way out and thought ‘oh, beach time’. So I cant even escape the beach as I see if from my windows and we live on a peninsula – idyllic hey? but not right now.
I could go on and see again, I’ve written a long post. I wont apologise as its a way of declaring my love for Amber and the loss I was anticipating and now so greatly feel. I understand my life now has to change.
Thank you all for everything and I hope those of you who are caring for your furry-friends have some great time and those who have lost, find some peace as I hope and pray I will come to that place.
I bought a terracotta carved tile of a dog for when this time came and it reads,
” A Mon Seul Desir” (For My Only Love)
God bless and big loves to y’all xxx
Helga, so beautifully written for such a sad day. I feel the same way living here in this house, wishing I could move from this area. Everywhere we go, past a park or just sitting out back. I can only think of my Perry.
I like the plaque you made for Amber.
Hugs, Paula
Helga…..your words and love for Amber is astounding….as much as I have loved all my dogs…..I have never done what you have….I have a funeral director pick them up and they are done alone and then delievered to me….Madie died alone at the vet….I had just seen her and was coming back…but it didn’t happen…..Raven . I could do what you have done….but honestly I don’t have the strength …being alone, and after my son’s tragic death….this makes me feel very bad about myself….I don’t know how it will end…she is very stuborn also and does not want to go..even tho, her body is saying otherwise. There are no words to help you on your way without her,,,,but….she is by you…BELIEVE me….you will hear it by the water and the sand…the breezes that blow….will be her way of saying she loves you and all the time you have shared,,,,and is waiting for you when its your time…..LOVE to you and your husband, Suzanne~
Helga,
What a moving account you gave of Amber’s passing. I have to mention when my best dog ever, Zachary had to be put to sleep, he fought when they gave him the first injection. And, the very young vet said “Look at that, he’s fighting until the end.” Even thru the sadness and pain I was experiencing, I remember thinking that she was an idiot for saying that at that particular time. Your Amber was so very lucky to have you. I know how hard this time is and I pray that there will come a time when you will be able to look back at your life with Amber and not cry. Kerry
Helga, I am so sorry for Amber. I said prayers immediately. I know this is in God’s hands, but I just feel the same way as you. If God could take Amber, before this challenge, it would make it alright, but it is in God’s hands now. Amber is a miracle girl, I’v enjoyed hearing that her spirit was good, and there was time for the both of you. I have been in your shoes with my pet, Sandy, having to put her down. It is no easy task. I do acknowledge we all grieve and accept death different. I have to believe there is a meeting, and we are together again with our pets in heaven. God made these beautiful creatures, and how could he deny them. You have had a generous amount of time granted to spend with her, after her diagnosis. I think there is indeed a power in the prayers. I also believe all the love, they take it with them. We are forever grateful to share the stories about Amber, and we will never forget you and your Amber. Take care….We are here for, at any time.
Donna
Tell Amber she has tears flowing from all over the world, and she is much loved .
Dear Amber …prayers that you are touched by God’s hand…and carried on Eagles wings~~~~ Suzanne
Donna, this touched my hubby as being a bloke, doesnt have lots of people to share. He’d been upset that he couldnt articulate the extent of his grief for ‘just a dog’ as he believed people would think. I told him he was wrong and that people do now the deepnes of this time for us.
Thank you xx
Helga, my husband is a giant of a man and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t see him sobbing. Most night he can’t even sleep. Tell your hubby he’s not alone.
Paula
Helga, Your words are so sweet. The way you handled everything with all the love, I am sure Amber took it all with her. I feel your pain although we are thousands of miles away. You are going to have to have time for your grief. The beautiful memories will hold you, till you meet Amber again. My husband had tears also, when I told him Amber’s story. What a loving and beautiful life she had with you.
Hugs to you and your hubby,
Donna
Helga,
I am so sorry for the loss of Amber. I lost my Simon in August. Reading your e-mail brought me back to that day and every day that I’ve been apart from him since then. I’ve also thought of moving. Actually leaving the area entirely. So many memories that make me cry or my heart ache for him. You are at least lucky to have the support of your husband. Sounds as if you both loved Amber and can share in your grief. I’ve felt all alone with my grief as my fiance had only known Simon for a year. I rarely comment here since his passing but read the posts and hope for better results for all of the dogs affected by this insidious disease. Know that someone out there feels your pain to the core.
Terri
On Thu, Nov 1, 2012 at 1:12 PM, AgilePooch Diaries wrote:
> ** > Donna commented: “Helga, Your words are so sweet. The way you handled > everything with all the love, I am sure Amber took it all with her. I feel > your pain although we are thousands of miles away. You are going to have to > have time for your grief. The beautiful memories wil” >
Helga try to make the most of your final hours here with your beloved Amber. I’m glad that your vet allowed you this final time with her before having her PTS. I do not wish that on anyone, and yet, I know you are doing the right thing for her should you have to do so in the morning. Sweet dreams dear Amber. Hugs and kisses to you both!
Von
Von, Thank you. During my last day, i was initially busying myself doing chores around the house. your words called to be so i thought ‘forget it, these are my last hrs’. I maybe wouldnt have seen that if you hadnt pointed it out.
xx
Kerry, I am so glad to hear from you. I am glad Rory is surviving this ordeal and you are very fortunate to have extra time with your pet. Prayers are sent your way. Take care….
Donna and Sasha
Helga thank you so much for sharing such an intimate experience as your final hours with Amber. I didn’t see you post from earlier today when I was online earlier this afternoon. (This blog format is sure a challenge to keep up with people and pets we care about since many seem to be out of order by date/time.)
I do not envy you or any of the other “family members” here who have shared their stories of loss of their beloved four legged friends.
Know Amber is running healthy and free over the bridge and will be there to greet you with happy jumps and licks!
Von & Miss Heidi
Von,
I see that Heidi is a smaller one – adorable in the tutu… I wonder if the dogs that make it through this surgery are the smaller ones? My dog is 72 lbs. It has been tough, today I took her for a bath and to the park that she loves to go to. She has been so happy and peppy today that you would never have known she was sick. 😦 She is sleeping now and I think she will sleep the rest of the day.
Tomorrow – Monday at 9 she goes in, I believe she and do this she is so healthy. That is interesting to hear that your vet said to keep Heidi calm. How long ago did Heidi have the operation? How old is Heidi? She looks young….
Thanks again for all the messages and support….
Good luck with tomorrow! Zeda and you will be in my thoughts!
Heidi is 55 lbs and 9.5 y/o. Her surgery was on 7/24/12 and it lasted about two hours. They kept her overnight, letting her come home around noontime the next day.
As for being “small” it’s pretty funny that she has such a slim frame and yet weighs as much as she does. She doesn’t have the typical build of what most expect pit bulls (and mixes) to have. We think she has more of a greyhound of vizsla body. She is very muscular and is a fast runner!
Von- I just read over your message showing the tumor. Thanks – that answers the questions. Wow it is a big size for such a little lady…
Does anyone have a dog over 50-60 lbs that have made it through this surgery??? I am very interested. It almost seems like the smaller ones do better?
Hi Denise, my dog Perry was a beagle. He weighed about 50 lbs. His tumor weighed about 8 lbs. He was doing good when I noticed his stomach area was tight and had a bulge.
He went through the surgery and on the third day we brought him home. He wouldn’t eat while he was in there. He died 2 hours after he came home. His biopsy came back benign.
That’s a good question you raise. I wondered about that too.
So sorry to hear about Perry, that had to be terrible. If there is blood in the stomach does that mean it burst? The vet said the tumor scabs then comes off and they bleed and that makes the dog feel sick and bad. Does that mean a burst?
How old was Perry? What an adorable dog…
Thank you Von for letting me know how much Heidi weight, she looks very strong. I hope my Zeda is strong enough to make it. We really don’t know how long she has had this. It all worries me so much. I seem to be better today then I was yesterday. I just want her well and I know tomorrow is the day…. I have to be strong and brave. This is the most horrible thing I have ever been through.
Thanks Donna, all the dogs look so great, it is nice to know others -LOVE their dogs and would do what ever we can to keep them. X0 Thank you for all the good wishes and prayers! ! We need them.
Perry would have turned 10 on Dec 24th. He died July 13. They say time heals but it hasn’t yet.
I’m not really sure about the bleeds but I thought they can have small bleeds but the bad ones are when they completely burst. That’s when it’s serious. I’m sure some of the gals in here would know better.
Please let us know how the surgery goes tomorrow. Many prayers for zeda for a full recovery.
Perrybeagle-
Thank you – I have been doing so much research and reading that it is driving me crazy… I guess we are ready as can be for our day tomorrow. I just hope Zeda is comfortable …. I love her so much…
I better get to sleep, I will let everyone know how she is doing tomorrow.
Denise
Denise, I also felt rushed to do the surgery. My Perry was eating good and sitting out on the deck everyday, so when he died I felt so sad wishing I didn’t do the surgery. But he was so uncomfortable and reading how it could burst scared me.
I had brought him to first vet who took xray and said it was a spleen tumor. He wasn’t equipped to do surgery. Then next day I took him to another vet hospital that did the ultrasound. They said he had adrenal gland tumor and did not recommend surgery. So I started calling other vets to get more help.
One vet told me it couldn’t be an adrenal gland tumor because the are no bigger than a thumb nail. he suggested I bring him immediately to the 24 hour emergency vet hospital. They took blood work, said all was good and performed the surgery next morning. Surgery went fine. Only problem he had was a slight heart arithiama(wrong spelling). Next day they said he was doing better, he just wouldn’t eat. So, while he was still in there I went in to bring him some good he liked but he wouldn’t eat for me either. He was all drugged up and he didn’t seem himself. Then on third day I brought him home.
He couldn’t even walk out on his own. My hub carried him to car and then into house. Then he died 2 hours later.
When we brought him back to hospital to be cremated we asked why did this happen. The said without a autopsy they weren’t sure. But it could have been a blood clot that hit his heart.
Mine is a sad story and I will never be the same. I loved him so much.
But, it could have been worst, if I didn’t do the surgery and the tumor burst and he died.
I will pray for your zeda. Many prayers coming her way from all of us in here.
Denise, I have a mini schnauzer, so their weight is 15-20 lbs, with Sasha’s topping the scales at 21 lbs, after surgery, 18 lbs. Please don’t give up hope for the larger dog, I just have a medium sized dog. Prayers sent your way,. and Good Luck, I’m thinking of you both. Take care…..
Donna and Sasha
Suzanne, I have been praying for Raven, your afghan hound. The 16 yer old, I believe. I might have forgotten to type that to you, and I am sorry. I don’t know if you remember, I had an afghan hound also, That was my first dog. His name was Prince, a red afghan with a black mask. I know you lost your baby to this terrible tumor ordeal, your Madie. I also know your son was killed in a terrible wreck. Please know you are remembered, you were always in my mind also. You have been through a lot of heartache, and I do care. Please find comfort in the prayers I say tonight.
Donna and Sasha
Donna….thank you so much….I APPRECIATE it…..It’s sad to be all alone…thanks again~~~
Suzanne, I hope you get this post. I wrote to you last night and just a few minutes ago. Both posts aren’t at the bottom.the one last night is about 30 posts from the bottom and the one I just did is a few away from the bottom.
You are always in my thoughts and I always say a prayer for you and for raven.
11:45 October 30, Suzanne, I did comment, and I hope it posted.
Prayers sent for Raven and you. No one should be feel alone here. There is a lot of love, care and support. I think life gets so tough, that it is a good thing here, to have each other. Take care ….
Hugs to You and Raven. We do care….
Donna and Sasha
Thank you for all your prayers!
My prayers go out to all especially to Donna & Raven at this time. What a wonderful life Raven has had. I am sure he knows how loved he has been. You have been blessed…
Von -thank you for asking about Zeda Here’s the scoop!
Zeda is home resting. Yesterday – Monday she had her Spleen surgery. We went to pick her up at 5:30 PM from the vet’s office. The vet removed a big tumor on the spleen, he explained as he was removing it, he was catching it, because it was breaking up and falling apart. There was also some of the tumor on her Pancreas, he also removed that.
Since they are not a 24 hour client or hospital. We had the chose of taking her home or putting her in an emergency hospital. We chose to bring her home – I am lucky to not be working now. One of the reasons we brought her home, short on money. We watched her closely all night. I am glad we had her with us.
The first thing she was looking for was food. We gave her rice and chicken (which she loves) she drank a lot of water. Then out to the yard to take care of business. I was very surprised she was doing all of this. I read it would be a few days before they felt like doing this.
Zeda stood from 6 pm – 2 am. It was impossible to get her to sit or lay. It must really hurt, also she was unsure and scared. I didn’t think dogs could STAND that long. 😦
Then the heart arrhythmia started. My husband and I calmly petted her and it seemed to really help her. It did take awhile her heart was beating fast off and on for about 6 hours. As soon as it started we reassured her it was OK and worked at relaxing our nervous girl, while she was STANDING. She was starting to get shaky from the pain med. I didn’t want her to fall.
With the pain medicine and getting her to relax I was able to finally get her to sleep at 2 AM but just until 4 AM. Then she was up needing more pain medicine. I am sure her strange behavior was the Anesthetic she still had in her system.
Today has been a better day, She has relaxed and is catching up on her sleep. She always has been a hyper dog, it is important for her to relax now.
Our vet says the second day is still scary and to watch her closely. She is eating and wants to eat a lot. She never threw up. She did have diarrhea today, and has medicine to help that.
Now we just wait to hear from the lab ….. My mind was going crazy today, trying to prepare it for the worse. If that is the case why did we go this far. It is wrong to think the worse even if it sounds like it could be bad.
The Doctor (THE BEST GUY- NO MATTER WHAT) called and said we just don’t know – It can go either way, even if it appears bad, it can be benign, hard to say, he has seen it good and bad…. gotta wait for the lab results
So with that I will wait, It looks like we should hear something on Friday or Monday.
I feel very hopeful now – The vets at the office we go to are two awesome doctors, they truly care. Their prices are the most reasonable around and they would never have you pay for any test not necessary to have. Very knowledgeable doctors. I know because I have been to a few others…….
Thanks again for the prayers and good wishes my way. Denise & Zeda
Denise, so happy to hear zeda is doing good and pulled through the surgery. Thanks for writing as we all were waiting to hear how everything went.
The fact that she’s eating is a good sign. And as I read what you said about bringing her home right away made me wonder and wish I had brought Perry right home too. Thu wanted to keep him in there for 3 days after surgery due to his heart arrthiama. Now I wish I didn’t listen to them and brought him home.
Continued prayers for zeda. Let us know how she progresses.
Hugs, Paula
I know Paua, that this sounds so much like what you went through with Perry. You did what you thought was the best for him, and that he was in good hands with the vet. They maybe did not give you the option to take him. Zeda might have been stronger. I guess all I am saying is you did your best. You loved him so much, and if there was anything you could have done to save him you would have. I think everyone knows that. Perry knew that too. Take care…
Donna and Sasha
I hear what your saying Donna and it all makes sense but I can’t help but rethink every move I did. Would he still be alive if I didn’t operate, brought him home sooner. I run so many scenarios through my head.
And I know when it’s their time, it’s their time. I did my best. But this house will never be the same.
As you said in previous post.and what my hub wants me to believe. That we will all be together again. God made them. That’s what gets me through these trying times