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.
AgilePooch Diaries 
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 đŸ™‚ 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. đŸ˜¦ 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 đŸ™‚ 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’. đŸ˜‰
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. đŸ™‚
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 đŸ˜¦ 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 đŸ™‚
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 î…
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. đŸ™‚
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! â¤
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. đŸ™‚
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 đŸ˜¦
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 â¤
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. đŸ™‚
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! â¤
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 đŸ™‚
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 deathÂ
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 đŸ™‚
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 đŸ™‚ 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 đŸ™‚
…& 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. đŸ™‚
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 đŸ™‚
. 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. đŸ™‚ 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! đŸ˜‰
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, đŸ™‚ 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, đŸ™‚ 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. đŸ™‚ 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 đŸ™‚
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. đŸ˜¦ 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. đŸ˜¦
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.
Thanks Donna, for taking the time to write.
Hugs, Paula
Donna –
Sorry for the mix up- I pray for ALL dogs that have or get this horrible tumor. I wish there was a fund to research a cure or find out if it is anything they are fed or something. I just hate to see any dog get it. I don’t think money that is donated to Humane Society goes for any research like this. I am not sure though.
It would be nice to know. If there was only some kind of cure….. I love all dogs and hate to see any sick or mistreated.
Denise
Hi Denise, Thanks for the response. I asked last night how was Zeda and I figured you were busy with the recovery process. Von asked also. I am so happy, you have Zeda home, and that you have a good vet. Let us know the outcome, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for a good outcome. Also, I have Sasha, and I know its easy to get mixed up, but Suzanne has Raven, and she is in need of any extra prayers sent her way. We also need to pray for Helga, as her beloved Amber makes her journey home. Thanks, Donna and Sasha
Denise thank you for sharing your good news. We’re all praying for a benign lab report. (It took about 4 or 5 days get get Heidi’s test results back too.)
The fact that Zeda’s home with you will allow more personalized 24/7 attention, even at a vet that has hospital or overnight capability post-op. We were happy to have Heidi home the next day although my sister (who is pretty animal/vet savvy) suggested that we get Heidi home the day of surgery because even those with hospital care do not stay at the office overnight for animals post-op.
It was something we were a bit concerned about but trusted our vet’s advice. It all turned out OK for us in that she slept soundly through her first night after the surgery and was ready to go home when she was up and about the next morning.
Hugs to you!
Von
It is 9:05 AM Wednesday morning, it is a beautiful day here. I am blessed to have Sasha here by my side. I ache for everyone that has lost their beloved, and hope we are given the chance at the end of our journey to meet them again. I pray for the pets that are recovering, and for the sick ones, and for the ones on their journey home. I pray everyday that there is a chance that early detection can ward off this disease. I believe that some of our prayers are making a difference, as I see more survivors. Love them like there is no tomorrow, because you never know.
Hugs to everyone,
Donna and Sasha
Helga – LOVE and PEACE to you and Amber…… I have been thinking of you.
Thank you Von, Donna and everyone else for all the nice notes and encouragement with everything … I see why we were sent home with so much pain medicine.. It helps keep Zeda down. She jumped up this morning looking at me like – “What are we doing today Mom ” her tail wagging as she is running out to the kitchen. I ran after her and grabbed the meds… Haven’t given her as many as called for, she just doesn’t act like she is pain. I hope I am right. They do help to keep her down, and relaxed… She never stops, hard to handle at times she just loves to go-go-go.
One thing maybe others have noticed- Since the surgery I noticed her breath has gotten better. While she was sick and had that tumor I had noticed her breath was bad. I really didn’t know what it was from because it never was that bad before?
We will see the vet tomorrow, he wants to take the catheter (? SP)
out and check the stitches.
We are now waiting for the results…
If you saw her you won’t believe she was sick. Just a very grey face.
Amber’s punkiness is a good sign, but also good that you have meds to keep her more sedate (and out of pain). I know Heidi seemed back to normal pretty quickly too, especially as the meds wore out. We kept her medicated as directed by the doc as we felt it was more for keeping her rested that actually for the pain.
We could tell when they would start taking effect, as Heidi seemed to be looking around like “what’s going on?” . . . sorta like you’d see in the movies when someone slips something into a drink and the person starts drifting off.
Before long, Amber will be able to romp and jump and play just like always. With Heidi approaching 10 y/o, we are still amazing at how “puppy-like” she is when she’s playing with her toys or out in the backyard running the fence with the neighbors’ dogs.
My bad here – – – I got Amber and Zeda mixed up. SORRY! I feel like such a dunce especially given that Amber was so sick. Helga I hope you can forgive me!
I am praying for Zeda’s pathology report to come back benign. Please keep us updated. I am so glad to hear she is acting back to normal, that is exactly what Sasha did.
Donna and Sasha
Well, Shyloh our American Eskimo who is 14 was diagnosed with spleen cancer 4 months ago and he has gotten sicker a week ago he has been falling and stubbling and he paces all night we have him on pain meds but any position he tries to sleep makes him wince in pain, this week end we will say good-bye to him, he will go to a better place where he can run freely and be in no pain! He is my little buddy and we will miss him dearly!
Lori, so sorry to hear about shyloh. I’m in so much anguish when I read about all these spleen tumors. Losing all our dogs to this horrible illness. Wish they could find what causes it.
I’m sure the last 4 months have been hard on you. But you had the time to spend with him. Hope that gives you some comfort.
Hugs, Paula
Lori your beloved Shyloh knows you are doing what is best for him and loves you for helping him out of his pain. I’m glad that you had 4 months with him and hope the good times and memories will help you find comfort and peace as you prepare to let him go.
Von (and Miss Heidi too)
Oh Lori, This is so terrible. I think all of a sudden there is so much heartbreak going on. The choice we have to make to help our babies is tearing at our hearts. I am so sorry. I know when the diagnosis is cancer, it is not good. All we can do is offer our prayers and hope it gives you comfort in your heart. Hugs to you, and we are here for you, anytime.
Donna
Terri, you don’t write very often, but I remember how you wrote about your sweet Simon. I know exactly how you feel about moving. It’s so hard with all the memories. I still have another dog and can barely sit out on deck without crying. I even think the dog feels sad to sit out there. They were always together.
It was nice seeing you post again.
Hugs, Paula
Suzanne, I’m wondering how you and raven are doing? Sending prayers for you both. And want you to know I think of you often.
Hugs, Paula
Good days …bad days, Paula….Thanks for asking
Is she still eating good?
It seems lately in life there’s so many more bad days than good days. More heartache than ever.
My daughter just told me she’s very depressed. And I didn’t know what to say to her other than to get professional help but I really didn’t like that answer I have her. She recently got a divorce when she found out her hub was cheating on her with her best friend. She lives about a 5 hour drive from me, so I don’t get to see her as much as I would like.
Well, keep us informed more as to how raven is doing daily. If you can. Like alot of the dogs on here being miracles for surviving the spleen surgery. She is somewhat a miracle for being by your side all these years. she is a gift from God.
Hugs, Paula
Suzanne, Thinking of your Raven today, and hope that you have some comfort from our prayers. Take care…..
Donna and Sasha
Donna…I so appreciate your concern….thanks
Suzanne-
How wonderful to have 16 years with Raven. He has been so lucky to have you and you to have him. I know how they help us through all our difficulties in life. They hold all our secrets.. It is such a loving connection. I think the best thing we can do for them at this point is to be sure they are comfortable as possible, as you are doing. He knows how loved he is, you have showed him that.
Take care of your guy and yourself. I am sorry for all the hard ache that I read in your post. We all have it and must find ways to go on. Raven has been such a big help in you going on. I understand – You two have been lucky to have one another. He would want the best for you….
My heart goes out to you, My Prayers go your way…..
Take care- Denise
Denise…thank you for the lovely note…..Raven is a female….my other Baby Girl*Madie was her best bud, the stronger one…maybe that’s why Madie went first…She so looked up to Raven, the vet even said if Raven went first….it would kill Madie….now I won’t have to wait to find out….I ordered Raven this adorable purple sweater the other day to hide how thin she is….she looks beautiful in it, she is eating …but very picky. I worry every time I go to bed…..but we all know when its their time….we can’t stop it….she is so stubborn~~~
Helga,
What a beautiful passing…. Amber is in such a peaceful place now. You couldn’t of loved her more, she knew she was so loved and returned it with the same.
It couldn’t of been done any better,,,,, My heart goes out to you I know it has to be a very difficult time to you and your love ones.
Denise
Thank you for asking about Zeda-
We went in yesterday to remove the catheter. The results are back. Well it is hard to understand, it is a Fibrohistiocytic nodule grade 2, with 50-60% hemorrhagic necrosis. Comments: Grade 1 Grade 2 have 87% survival rate at 12 months post- splenectomy. Based on the discussion in this report, a hyperplastic nodule and stromal sarcoma is the best classification based on the findings in these samples. 5 of 8 dogs with a diagnosis of stromal sarcoma died and had a median survival of 480 days with a range of 16 to 650 days. 56% were alive one year after splenectomy and 18% were alive 2 years after.
Well – from what I understand – a Grade 3 is cancer. Not saying she can’t get it? I just see that she has around a year or so. I would like to see it be longer.
This gives me more time with my girl. At least she made it this far, I wasn’t ready to say good bye a week ago…. I hope I am more prepared when her time comes.
After reading the posts I see we are never really ready,,,,,, Just love them. They certainly love us unconditionally …….
Denise
Hi Denise, I am glad the surgery had taken place, because without it your baby was limited. I know no one to place a date on a lifeline, these are statistics. We are dealt right and wrong decisions in life all the time, and in your case, I believe you gave Zeda more time for the love you share. Enjoy it one day at a time. Prayers sent your way,
Donna and Sasha
Thank you for all your prayers Donna, Love and give Sasha girl a hug….
Denise
Hello all…I must apologize as I’ve not posted for a couple of weeks (at least) to give an update on my Dusty. Thing have been crazy around here. But good news! Dusty’s biopsy came back last week as a hematoma only! No cancer! We have been blessed again! My vet agrees that it probably occurred due to his fall down the stairs. Thank you all for your prayers and positive thoughts. Staples came out this past Monday. He’s showing many signs of his old spunky self…doing his little “happy dance” for his food and little run-skip-jump to the back door! So good to see him feeling better. Now, onward to deal with his cognitive issues he’s developed over the last 6-8 months or so. Going to start him on Hills BF food which I’ve read generally has great results.
So I want to thank all of you so much for your love and support through this ordeal. So many of you are still dealing with this horrible and tragic sickness, and my condolences to all those who have lost their sweet babies to this. I will keep praying for all of you and your babies. Thank you again! Hugs from me and Dusty. XOXO
Hurray for Dusty . . . it was wonderful reading your good news this morning Kim.
Have a great weekend!
Von & Miss Heidi
Kim. So glad to hear no cancer. I have been out of touch also, so I saw this today and so glad for you and Dusty.
Donna and Sasha
Thank you Donna & Von! He continues to gain strength and spunk! đŸ™‚ ~Kim & Dusty
Yaay Dusty! So glad for the good news!
I am so thankful I found this site. My dog, Carrie, a chocolate Lab mix who is 11 got into some Halloween candy last week. She started vomiting wrappers so I took her to the vet to check for blockages and more wrapers in her stomach. The xray showed no wrappers but a very large mass in her abdomen. The doctor said it looked like a splenic tumor but she had never seen on that large before. After we talked over the options and she told me of the odds of it being malignant, I told her regardless of whether it it was benign or malignant, it had to come out so Carrie would at least have a chance at some comfort, even if it was for a short time. We would deal with the rest after she removed this ticking time bomb out of her. I took her in the next day to have a splenectomy. They called after surgery to tell me she had done very well, needed some blood due to low platelets count and the fact that they had removed a 4lb tumor from her!! The doctors were in shock at the size and the fact that it hadn’t burst yet. It appeared as if there had been some leaks and the membrane from her intestines had acted as a patch to stop them. The tumor ruptured in the doctor’s hands as the other doctor was tying off the last vessels. I cannot believe all the things that had to happen to protect my dog from dying with this thing inside her. I am now thankful she ate the candy because she was completely asymptomatic. I would have never known about this until it ruptured. I am still waiting on biospy reports. But no matter what the results, I am thankful for each day I have my dog and happy that she is now more comfortable now that her internal organs are not being compressed. I can’t believe that it has only been 5 days since we found out about it and she’s home already and doing so well. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we have continued good news, but know that no matter how much longer we have her, she is even more special to us.My heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved pet to this silent killer.
Ami, As I have said it before, you gave Carrie the option, of the surgery. You are your dogs voice, and as we all try to cope with to do surgery or not, there is one thing that still says yes in my instance, and that is, I have a healthy dog, that had a benign tumor, and if it has burst she would have died for nothing. This is only my opinion, and my dog. You have a 50-50 chance. I hope and pray everything goes good with the pathology report. Love Carrie every day, as much as you can. I am sure you are doing this already, but, cherish as much time as you can.
Love and prayers coming your way,
Donna and Sasha
Ami,
I too am so glad that you were able to give Carrie a chance. It is amazing to me that these things can be growing inside our pets and we have no clue it’s happening.
My Heidi was a “dumb luck” outcome. No symptoms, just her annual exam. Our vet found the mass merely be feeling her tummy and her internal organs. The spleen came out a week later and the biopsy was thankfully benign. (The spleen + tumor was about 5 lbs.)
That was over 3 months ago and Heidi is 100% her spunky self.
I will think of Carrie and your family as you pray for good news too.
Best wishes,
Yvonne (and Miss Heidi)
With this being Thanksgiving week, I want to be sure to stop and thank Holly for starting this blog and giving us all a forum to share experiences and knowledge.
While I have been unemployed for more than 16 months, I feel truly blessed that Miss Heidi is still here with us today thanks to her outstanding vet care at the West Allis (Wisconsin) Animal Hospital and Dr.s Carroll and Nelson!
To those who have lost their beloved canine companions this year, my prayer for you is that you remain thankful for the wonderful years you have with your fur-kids before a nasty splenic tumor or cancer took them.
Hugs to one and all!
Von
Von, many thanks to you for thinking of all of us. And I agree special thanks to Holly.
Prayers to all the fur babies.
Hugs,Paula
Thank you….and how nice of you to think of everyone……Enjoy~~~ and ditto what Von said to all~~ Suzanne
Hugs to all,
Von, Paula, Suzanne, Denise, Ami, Maureen, Helga, Kerry,and the many dog lovers here. My thanks also to Holly Newman, who brought us together with her blog. I’v made friends, found support, love, prayers, and comfort. I’v cried and prayed a lot for all the pets here. When I had no where to turn, I asked for prayers and got an outpouring of love, care and concern. I’ll always be here to return the support I received. I am forever grateful to each and every one of you.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Donna and Sasha
Happy Thanksgiving to you too Donna. And to all of Gods little creatures who have survived this desease. I wish you all a good feast.
Special hugs for Sasha.
Love to all, Paula
I’ll be thinking of you Suzanne and raven and your little doxie. I realize holidays can sometimes feel sad when we can’t be with the ones we love.
I surely will miss my little Perry and remember how excited he would get smelling the turkey cooking. I couldn’t get it out of the oven fast enough. The dogs ate first. Lol
As always a special prayer for your raven.
Hugs, Paula
Paula, such a sweetheart you are….My son’s name was Paul!!! Raven is slowing down more and more, I thought over the week end I would lose her….she rallied again. That girl has a will of steel….too bad her body doesn’t….. Thanksgiving was all ways such a good time for me and my son….yes I will miss it But thanks for thinking of us…..I will be alone ..people wise, but I will have my 2 babies to feed~~~~
Prayers sent your way Suzanne, in memory of Paul. I pray that your Raven stays strong by your side during this time. Take care…..
Hugs to you, Donna
Thank you so much Donna, can’t say I’m use to being all alone…I don’t think you ever are…what can you do??/ I really wish I had more money and Health to help abused dogs….I use to do a lot of that…still belong to Ahrco…the afghan rescue…help whenever I can, but its not as much as I wish I could~~~ Life…its a mystery~~
Heres Raven with her coat on…she is sooo thin…Hope this goes through
Suzanne, I know nothing can replace being with your son. I thank God everyday for the times I have with my daughter. Losing my Perry has been so hard on me but I couldn’t bear losing a child. So, I realize how much grief you suffer.
Being with my dogs is very comforting. I’ll be thinking of you and raven.
I didn’t see the picture you mentioned.
Hopefully it will come through.
Hugs, Paula
Thanks Paula…I don’t think it is( the photo)…I just pressed Reply…and then an attach file came up….so I did that,but something must have prevented it :((
I have a 13 years old silky terrier and she was diagnosed with malignant spleen tumour last month. She underwent splenectomy but died of organ failure last Friday. Her red blood cells kept dropping after the surgery but was not too low for blood transfusion. On the day she died, she was very pale. Her stomach was bloated and something was ‘leaking’ around her lungs. The vet was unable to draw any blood for analysis. We never know why and what caused her death.
We are very sad with her sudden departure and are still trying very hard to cope with loss. Hoped other dog owners do not have to go through this.
Lyn…..So sad to hear everytime this happens to another dog lover~~~ This happened to my beloved Afghan hound MADIE, she was suffering and I didn’t even know it…I thought she was just slowing down, the vet had her for 4 days, and then I noticed how bloated she was on the 4th…that’s when they aspirated and found her abdomen was filled with blood….. They have a very good way of hiding their pain :(( I won’t go into all the rest…it is on here somewhere…but …we all know how hard it is…..some have been fortunate to have their babies with them and get through this…while others have gone through what you are. No words really can help your grief…but support means a lot!!! And even tho, none of us know each other…we are all kindred souls in this terrible thing…and we will try to comfort you the best we can~~~ Suzanne…One big heart felt hug!!!!!
Lyn, so sorry for your loss. My beagle died of this July 13 and I’m still grieving everyday. We all know the pain. No words can help but as Suzanne said we are here to comfort each other.
Hugs, Paula
I am so sorry Lyn! I know this is especially difficult with the holidays coming. I miss my boy George every day but I know that his spirit is with me and I treasure the gift I was given by having him in my life for 11 years. I too am becoming amazed at how often this happens to our beloved dogs. Mega Hugs to you Lyn and my condolences for your loss.
Lyn, I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets are our family Prayers are offered, and I feel the years you shared your love with your little terrier, that she took it all with her. Take care, we are here for you.
Donna
Thank you Suzanne, Paula, Maureen and Donna. It is really comforting to know I am not alone and there are people like you out there who really understand the pain.
I have collected my darling’s ash and it is now at home accompanying me. It gave me a feeling that she is actually here..
Big hugs to all of you too! Our beloved pets will always remember and miss us too!!
Lyn….some days I have my doubts that there is a heaven, the other side, Rainbow bridge, etc~~~~I have had many outstanding things happen which should take away all my doubts, but I am human, and after a while the event fades and I doubt again~~~~ Most all were with my son….but just a quickie…. As I was driving home one day not thinking of anything at all( about a week after Madie passed)….A voice as clear as if he were sitting right next to , and it was my son said….Mom…I’ve got her!!! It gave me chills!! I had been praying every night to Paul to help Madie if he could!! Now some people may doubt that …but I don’t….they do wait for us….and their love is always with us…even if their bodies aren’t~~~Huggs…Suzanne
For everyone of us who love our dogs so dearly~~~ Most all our pets are old when this disease happens to them….so, KNOW our pets have but one promise….I will love you with all that I have until my last breath! Our duty is to love them when age deprives them of their youth and health… Remember we are getting old too~~~
Lyn so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved silky. Hang on to the cherished memories you shared for so many years. Hugs!
Thank You Donna and everyone blogging on this site, it has been so helpful to find all of you and your stories. There has been so many prayers and love for all our loving pets….. It is so nice to know others understand, and love their dogs like our children.
You ALL have been a blessing – I have been a lucky one. My dog Zeda made it through the surgery and has a year ( Vet says)
or I want to believe a few years to go….We were so unsure of what was going to happen and I was so thankful to find all of you. Some of your stories have been very sad and hard to think about. I know how important it is for everyone to express themselves. It has truly helped me to read all your stories…. I thank all of you and wish all of you and your love ones a very Happy Thanksgiving ! We are all so thankful that we have experienced the love and compassion that our pets have given us.
To everyone who has lost their loving dogs, Please consider getting another one… YOU are the ones that should be dog owners.
I saw a women on the street kicking her dog. Broke my heart! I can’t stop thinking about it. I started honking. It did no good, if she does that in public what is she doing at home.
Love and PRAYERS to everyone, Thank you for helping me this past couple of months!
Denise & Zeda
I agree with Denise. When we lose our beloved pets,we have all the love in our hearts, where is it to go ? Please adopt another pet. There are so many and so few of us. Please open your hearts again. Give back to another what they gave you.
Also, if you see abuse, and can, report it.
Everyone try to have a good day tomorrow. Take care…..
What kind words Denise. Thanks again for being here and giving us all reason for hope!
Hi,
Today is the first time I have visited your site and have read all of your stories. On Saturday, my 9 1/2 year old yellow lab, Katie, seemed bloated, weak, and lethargic. She was perfectly fine a day earlier. We took her to the vet and they said that she had a large tumor (softball size) that had ruptured in either her spleen or liver and was bleeding heavily. They did a scan of her lungs which determined they were clear and she was a canadite for surgery. They said there is a possibility that once they open her up they could see if the tumor had spread, they would have to euthanize on the table. We prayed very hard during her surgery, and we were absolutely devastated. Thankfully, she made it through surgery okay. Katie had one very large solid mass on her spleen. The vet said that her liver looked clear and there were no visible signs of metastasis. The vet said it was the worst bleeding she had ever seen from a rupture. Katie stayed overnight at a 24-hour emergency clinic, and was surprisingly doing well enough to come home to next morning. The vet said she is “cautiously optimistic” about the tumor because it was one solid mass and did not have any nodules or visible signs of spreading. However, more than 50% of splenic masses are malignant and she doesn’t want to have to give us bad news as there is really no way to tell malignancy from just looking at the tumor. Katie is getting stronger everyday and doesn’t seem to be in pain. It is painfully hard waiting for the biopsy results. I cannot think straight, can barely eat, and don’t want to leave her side. I know we are extremely lucky to have her here with us now, and I am counting each second with her as a blessing. With the history of others on here, what have the characteristics been of malignant versus benign masses? I know that this isn’t in anyway definitive of the outcome, but I was just curious. Your discussions have made me feel not alone in this situation, which has been very helpful. Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Abby
Hi Abby, so sorry you have to be a part of a group such as this…..but I am thankful we have it…..I lost my Madie to this dreaded disease in May…… I won’t go into it as I’m sure you have probably already read it…….. It seems like each story varies a little, but I know how we try to grasp at anything during the waiting period for results, I don’t think there are any characteristics that would point one way or another….unfortunately the biopsy is the only thing that will give you that info. Sounds like she is a very strong dog and one of the ones to beat this….I hope so Good luck and have a wonderful day with Katie and your loved ones….I sure wish I could with Madie and my son….but like I wrote yesterday….Life is a mystery~~~ HUGGS~~Suzanne
Abby I’m saying a prayer for Katie that her splenic tumor was benign. I’m glad to hear that she’s getting stronger by the day. I wish I could give you some indication regarding our Miss Heidi’s benign mass, but I really don’t think there is any telling signs when the vets get in there and remove them. I know ours told us there was simply no to know. That said, she did say the fact that there were no other tumors see in the xrays or once they had her opened for surgery, was a reason for optimism. We were bless with the good news that hers was benign! It’s been nearly four months now and she’s 100% back to her spunky playful self. My hope for you is the same “dumb luck” outcome that we had!
Hugs,
Von (and Heidi)
To Von and Abby. Dharma’s story is much like Heidi’s. She is 4 months out from having her benign splenic tumor removed and she is doing well. Agree with all already said about signs tumor may be benign and would add that I read and was told that the smaller tumors are more likely to be malignant than the really big ones. Hoping for the best news for Katie. Back in July I never thought I’d be giving “baby Dharm” Thanksgiving turkey.
Hi Abby, sorry to hear about your dog getting this horrible tumor. It seems that the dogs who are able to come home the next day after surgery, are usually the good outcomes. So, that’s a good sign.
My dog had a very big tumor and I was told it was a large mass. It came back benign too.. But he still died. They kept him in the hospital for 3 days because he wouldn’t eat. I even went in to bring him food while he was in there. He showed no emotion, just layed there. He did drink water. On fourth day I brought him home figuring if he smelled his favorite meal of chicken cooking he’d get his appetite going. He couldn’t even walk out on his own. He died a few hours after coming home. Vets have me no real answer as to why. Maybe a blood clot.
After reading all the blogs I’ve come to the conclusion most dogs who come home next day after surgery have good outcomes.
This Thanksgiving was very nice, we drive to Arizona to spend it with my daughter. But, it wasn’t as happy as others. We missed our Perry boy.
Hugs, Paula
Paula, They say time heals, but I’v always had the void in my heart for my dogs, Prince (afghan hound), and Sandy (cocker spaniel). I know how you feel. We never forget the love they gave, and that helps me.
Take care……
Donna
Hi everyone,
Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. We got the biopsy results on Friday evening and I am very thankful to report that Katie’s tumor was benign. The vet said that she had a focal invasion of lymphocytes that cut off blood supply and caused a large hematoma. She said the splenectomy should be curative for her. I am counting each additional day with her as a blessing. Having to go through all of this has made me very aware of this horrible disease. I am saddened by all the stories of those who have lost your dogs to this. Dogs are part of your family and it is so painful to see them hurting. You all seem like wonderful dog owners, and your dogs are so blessed to have had such wonderful parents, Remember that you were their WORLD. Thank you everyone again for your kind words. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.
So HAPPY to hear you got GOOD news……What a wonderful present….you and yours and Katie have a blessed Christmas…Suzanne~
Hi Abby, I am so glad to add Katie to the list of spleen tumors that came up benign. There is the power of prayer, and the proof here, that there is good sometimes that comes from surgery. I am so glad you gave Katie the chance. Prayers for a quick recovery. Hugs to Katie!
Donna and Sasha
Hurray for Katie! I’m so glad to read of your good news Abby.
Thanks for letting us all breath a sigh of relief with you!
Von
Breathe . . . not breath! LOL
Hi everybody,
I posted a while back about Hector our 8 year old english bull terrior who had his spleen removed aprox 3 months ago after it had ruptured from a mass the size of a grapefruit. We almost lost him. The biopsy results came back that it was a malignant tumor and he would have about one month to live without Chemo. We did not want to put him through Chemo. He is still with us three months on and as healthy as he has ever been. Our normal Vet said the diagnosis of the mass could have been wrong, but who knows??. Regardless we went through some pretty emotionally tough times, but now we just take each day as it comes, and are just so glad he is still with us.
Has anybody else found that their dog has lived for years after a malignant diagnosis from this type of tumor?
Ali
Hi Ali, reference Lori, her beloved Shyloh, who had spleen cancer. She states it was 4 months, till her Shyloh became very ill. I think every dog is different. There are statistics and then there’s your pet. I hope and pray the results were wrong, but pathology reports are usually a given proof, that something is wrong. Love and cherish every day, as sometimes, I think they are holding on with the strength of our devoted love. There’s always a chance and hope for all. Prayers sent your way Ali, for Hector.
Donna and Sasha
Ali this is good news for you and Hector. I’m personally not affected by a pet with cancer, but you may want to read the story of Wallace who was diagnosed back in September. He’s also living w/o chemo . . . and by all accounts so far, doing great! Here is a link to his story:
http://www.examiner.com/article/wallace-the-pit-bull-fighting-the-good-fight-for-his-life-update
Here is the link his Facebook page which has been chronicling his story and adventures . . . https://www.facebook.com/WallaceThePitBull?ref=stream .
Hugs to you and Hector!
Von
Ali, My beloved Afghan hound that died of this terrible disease in May was 13.5. When I first got her at 9 months and had her spayed…they found what they called a tumor….and said she had mammary cancer, and wanted to put her on chemo that day….I said no way and went and got a second opinion. They sent the biopsy to another medical college….and it came back mastitis (infection)…she lived for 13 years after that with no problems at all~~~ We must all be careful with our dogs health….and of course we worry. But since my son’s un timely death….I searched everywhere for answers…..I believe when we do the Best we can… the rest is in God’s hands. I am stuggeling right now with my 16 year old Afghan hound …does she have quality of life or am I keeping her for me…..Love is great…but its also Hard…huggs Suzanne
Thankyou so very much for everybodies comments about Hector. I know Hector can feel how much we love him and hopefully this might be having some positive affect on him. Fingers crossed he passes away from old age.
ali
I have been crying my eyes out….my old girl 16.5 is leaving me….I think today she gave up….I am afraid to go to bed…..I have been laying down with her for awhile and reminiscing of all the great times we had…She had a kinda bad night, last~~~` she ate a couple of times today…that always gives me hope….sad, huh, I should be thinking of her…but when I look in her eyes …she has yet to give me “THAT”look…that ..”I,m done, even tho, her body is …she is so strong willed….Madie happened so fast ….this is killing me….Im going to try to sleep now….I don’t know what else to do…I’ve prayed to God…my son and Madie to all help… Good nite~ Suzanne
Suzanne, you are not crying alone….that is so sad. No matter how long we have them it is never long enough. Last year when I thought I was losing my little guy I stayed awake with him and told him ‘his story’ about how we got him, places we went, things we did, etc. and I was crying and he was trying to lick my tears. I was blessed that it was not his time. There is nothing in the world like the love we feel for our children or our dogs. Thank goodness my husband understands. My heart is with you and I hope you know you are not alone. So many of us on this blog/forum care and understand. Each person’s pain is unique just as their love is unique but we share the understanding. Bless you and your dear, sweet girl. Hugs from Meg and Tobe
Thank you Meg and Tobe…..Raven made it through the ..as she has so many times before, I scrambled her an egg…she ate it ….hope always rises….but at this age and lots of problems….what do I do…my vet says she is a very determined girl….I just don’t want her to suffer to stay with me….LOYALITY…dogs 2nd name!,,,,,The sun is shinning here….I can’t make that journey today~~~
Suzanne, you indicated yesterday that Raven didn’t have “that look”. You will know when it is time, and you will be able to do what you have to do. I wish I could be with you in person to accompany you, hug you and support you, if and when you have to carry out this awful duty. Please try to picture all of us with our arms around you, holding you up, with our shoulders ready to cry on when you need it. I, by the way, am the very attractive red head who looks much younger than 45! More prayers coming to you and Raven.
Kerry
Suzanne,
I am so sorry if this is finally “the time.” I know how hard this is for you. When Griffin died last Xmas, he went from fine to dead in a matter of hours. I have been hovering over Rory since his diagnosis in Sept and am exhausted from analyzing every little thing he does. Sadly, I spend a great deal of time debating with myself which situation is more hellish. I think I have decided faster is better for my own selfish reasons. As you recently posted, you have done the best you can and Raven knows the love you have for her. All of this is just so terribly sad. I pray you receive the strength you need and deserve to get through this.
Kerry
Thank you for your thoughts….I appreciate each and everyone of them….I know this is a place to weep with those that understand….I wish I could huh each and every one of you…..Bless you all~Suzanne
Suzanne, I’m speechless. I feel so sad for you. I know how much you are hurting now. Wish there was something I could say to comfort you. But I do know that raven knows how much you love her and is happy you gave her such a long wonderful life.
Just know you will see her again along with madie and Paul and you will feel happy once again.
I will pray for her and you.
Hugs, Paula
Thank you Paula….your prayers must have got her through the night….the decision lays heavy on my mind~
I pray for you and Madie! I know how difficult it is to let go. Perhaps you will not have to make that decision, so long as she is not in pain and still have the ability to take care of her bodily functions (eating and potty). I do not envy the position you’re in, knowing it’s the twilight of Madie’s great life with you. Cherish all of the wonderful times you’ve had together, creating memories that will certainly last a lifetime!
Hugs to you both!
Von (and Miss Heidi too)
Von….it’s Raven….Madie is the one who passed from the splenic tumor… I appreciate your thoughts…thank you…S
Suzanne . . . I’m so sorry to not be able to keep the names straight đŸ˜¦ I sometimes can’t keep it all together. Thanks for understanding . . . and yes, my thoughts and prayers are there for you and Raven!
Suzanne, I am just now returning to the boards to read this. My prayers and hugs go out to you, my pain is as fresh as it was the day we lost our beloved Zoey. You are in my prayers.
Suzanne, We are all so sad at this time. I don’t know “why”, we all have to go through this in our life. It is so sad our pets have a shorter lifespan than us. I think they take all the love with them when they leave us.
I’m going to say, (just as I told Helga), tell Raven she has tears flowing from all over the world, and she is much loved.
Kiss her for me, Donna
Thank you, my friend, Donna….S
Suzanne, I was happy to hear raven made it through the night. I will keep praying for her and that you won’t have to make any decisions but that God will take her when the time comes. I know that would be so hard for you. You are such a caring mom.
Please let us know daily, if you can, how she is doing.
You both are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs, Paula
we just lost our Apple dog she was 8 yrs old and a german shorthair, she was fine in the evening, we got up in the a.m. to feed the two sisters(Angel)…Apple stayed on the bed and wouldn’t come to eat..my husband tried to tempt her with a piece of meat but she just laid there. her gums were white and they felt like she had been sucking on an ice cube..her feet where cold also. we took her to vet..they called an hour later to say she had died…the vet did an atopsy and fould that she had a very small spleen tumor that had burst.. she bleed out…god we are so bummed out..she was such a presence in our house…we will miss you Apple Dog.
Dallas…I am sooo sorry. This is what happened to my 13 yr.old Afghan hound, a few months ago. It’s not easy to loose these furry babies we love so much…my dog was bleeding out for awhile before they noticed, and she was in the hospital!!!! I hope your baby didn’t suffer~~ This is a good place to come to get some comfort as you will see, that’s all that we can do is give some comfort and understanding.and hope it helps you some. Heres a hugg I’m sending over the net just for you and angel~~~ Now you have 2 Suzanne
I’m so sorry to read of your loss. RIP sweet Apple Girl.
Dallas, I’m so sorry you are having to go thru this. The same thing happened to one of my Airedales the day after Xmas last year and in September another of my Airedales was diagnosed with the same thing. They were cousins. While not trying to add to the awful pain you are experiencing, it might not be a bad idea to get your other one checked out just to be safe. If caught in time and not malignant, it seems the tumors can be removed and the dog is fine. I have added these tumors to the list of things I am paranoid about. My sincere sympathy and condolences. Kerry
Dallas, My heart aches to hear this from you. I am so sorry. There are some of us who just happen to catch that something is wrong, and then there are also no signs, and it is too late. I send prayers your way for your Apple, such a sweetheart of a name, taken too early. Take care…….
Donna
Last year my dog had a foreign body blockage and had to get emergency surgery – prepping for it with an ultrasound they discovered a spleen tumor. He ended up dying about a year later from complications related to the surgery, which was tragic, but I have to believe that he could have died much earlier than he did if the spleen tumor had not been discovered. So a case of accidental discovery that did end up buying him almost another year of life. I have known people whose dogs just dropped dead from a ruptured mass on the spleen. Thanks for writing this article to help raise people’s awareness.
Dmmcmah . . . While so sad to have lost your beloved pet, I’m really glad you were able to have the splenic tumor addressed before it ruptured. I agree with you belief that he may have died soon (and more painfully) had it not be found and ruptured instead.
There’s a chance and hope for all. As I have said before, if your pet is a little down and out, please bring them into your vet for a check-up. It is a chance you give them.
I am so sorry for your loss, but as you said, you feel you were granted more time. Spleen tumors sometimes don’t show up till its too late, which is so sad. I believe awareness of this needs to be spoken more often in the animal clinics.
>>> I believe awareness of this needs to be spoken more often in the animal clinics.<<<
Ironically, I just started on a new career path having accepted a position as the practice manager for a large, two location & 6 vet practice here in Wisconsin. I look forward to learning more about this dreadful ailment from the medical/clinic side of things.
I have mentioned Heidi's little ordeal earlier this summer, and everyone at work reinforced the message of just how lucky she was that it was found early and that it was benign.
If there is information that I glean that can be shared with others, I will certainly do so!
Von
Congrats Von, on your new job. Every new path leads always in the right direction. I wish you all the best. Please keep us posted for any and all medical/clinical aspects of this dreaded disease that has brought us all together on this post. Miss Heidi and Sasha are living proof, there are survivors, if caught early enough.
Love to All this Holiday Season, as I continue to pray for the ones that are sick, the ones that left us to soon, and the lucky ones God granted us to keep.
Take care…..
Donna and Sasha
thank all of you for your kind words…it is 12/6/12 one week and one day since we lost apple.the house is sooooo quite….we need to look into a rescue.. we will put the feelers out that one will come our way. not that any other dog could replace her….but angel is sad and lonely. she even seems depressed. we have lots of love to give…
Dallas, No other dog will replace your Apple baby. Your love can be redirected to another dog, and the sadness of Angel can be lifted by a companion dog. The winner will be the love you share to a rescue. May God bless you for keeping your heart open to help another. Take care….
Donna and Sasha
That is the spirit Dallas. It is sure empty when we lose a beloved family pet. When the right rescue comes along, you’ll know when you’re ready.
Someone once told me, you can only fill the space in your heart . . . not take the place in your heart . . . after a companion animal has left us. Apple will always be with you.
Hugs,
Von
P.S. Where are you located Dallas? There is a lovely little pit bull mix puppy (about 2 mos old) in/near Atlanta that is in need of a furever home. Here is a link to a collage of photos of her: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200152823722794&set=o.343476255670288&type=1&theater . If you are interested, she’s just been listed on Petfinder: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/24732234 .
If you’re not in Georgia, I’m sure your state also has great opportunities to rescue and provide a new home to a dog in need.
Sooo Saddened to say my Raven joined my Madie in heaven this morning… That girl tried so hard for me….her body just couldn’t do it anymore….she knew she was all I had….. Bye bye baby….it was such a sweet love~~~ Mommy~ I hope my son and Madie have you right now along with God….thanks for letting me have her ~
Suzanne, I am so sad to hear about ravens passing. I’ve been thinking about you and her every day wondering how she’s been doing.
No words can help at this time. She hung in so long for you. It amazes me how a dog can know and feel more than most humans can.
She has joined with Maddie and your son and I’m sure they were all there to greet her.
Hugs. Paula
Thanks Paula….its so fresh I can’t believe it…but the past 2 days were not good…..That girl tried sooo Hard…’cause she knew I had lost everything but her!!!! Still hasn’t sunk in yet….even tho I can’t stop crying….but I am so glad for her sweet sweet little soul…she was an angel even here,,,,
Suzanne,
I am so sorry to hear about Raven. I know how difficult this is for you. I’m sure your son and Madie were there waiting for her and now are together. I am praying for you.
Kerry
Oh Suzanne, I am so very sorry to hear about Raven’s passing. I know how much you loved each other. Even though I don’t know you personally, I know the great love I feel for my own little Tobe so I understand your grief. It just seems unbearable to lose our furry kids. Their love is just so perfect and they are not replaceable. However, I can just picture our dear sweet dogs when they get to heaven, feeling young and healthy again, running, chasing butterflies, eating whatever they want. Treats all the time! Surrounded by all the other loved ones from their family….I make the choice to believe there is a hereafter or I could not tolerate the losses we have in our lives. I hope you can find some comfort in the wonderful memories you have of Raven and know that you must have taken excellent care of her for her to have lived such a very long life. Sounds like she had an amazing life full of everything a dog could possibly want and you gave it all to her. Bless you dear. Words are not enough. Just know there are others out here who care and understand. Meg and Tobe from California
Thank you so much and God be with you~~~
I share in the love and sympathy being send your way Suzanne! You were blessed to have the time with your sweet Raven and knowing you did the best for her throughout her life.
I am so sorry to hear about Raven. Hugs to you in this difficult time.
Dallas, when my Zoey died my husband said never again. But like you the house was so quiet and we had never been without a dog. A month later we adopted a boxer/bulldog mix and today we are going out of town to maybe adopt another boxer from the rescue group. Hoss has not taken Zoeys place, he is completely different from her but we he has made us smile and laugh as boxer are silly lovable dogs. Best of luck finding your companion dog. I think people on this board are dog lovers through and through and understand completely what your saying. A home doesn’t feel like a home without a dog in it.
Suzanne, I am also heartbroken to hear of Raven’s passing. I believe Raven took all your love to heaven. I also believe your baby is at peace now. You were blessed to have her longer in the dog years than others., yet I know that just makes it even harder to let go. We are here for you Suzanne, as we share your grief also., and you are not alone. Raven, there are tears flowing all over the world for you, and you were much loved. Take comfort in the beautiful memories you have.
Donna
Now she is with Madie….they loved each other sooo much…..but OOOO what I have lost…its becoming too much to go on~Thank you for your thoughts…now I am all ALONE she was all I had left~~~
With a heavy heart I have to tell you, my friend Elizabeth, passed away Sunday night. I don’t know if you remember, I asked for prayers for my friend, Elizabeth, who had cancer. She was an extremely kind heart to all animals. She leaves her 3 stray cats, that she was worried about when she was very ill, (who’s going to take care of them like me). The neighbors all agreed they are our cats, and they will be well taken cared of just as she did
Tidbit, Zoey, and Taxi.
Donna, sorry to hear about your friends passing. I’m sure she worried about leaving the cats and who would take care of them. it’s so good the neighbors stepped in.
It’s been over a year now that I’ve moved from where I lived and I was feeding about a dozen of stray cats. Unfortunately, no neighbors cared, so I still drive the one hour trip about 3 times a week with my hub to bring them food and water. Hub is a sweetheart. When I leave for a week to go visit my daughter, he still drives up alone to feed them.
I still see my favorite cat who I named baby kitty along with a few others but I don’t see all of them. My heart breaks every time I go there, wishing I didn’t have to leave them. But they were basically wild. Baby kitty did let me pet and brush her though.
I liked how your friend gave them such cute names..
God bless her.
Sorry to hear of your dear friend’s passing Donna. Hopefully her furkids will be cared for, as she would have wanted for each of them.
I’ve been through his twice now. The first time, my 12yr old golden retriever didn’t eat breakfast one morning and seemed lethargic. I got her into the vet that day. They did bloodwork and it came back that she was slightly anemic. Vet wanted to take x-rays that showed a mass in the abdomen and what seemed like fluid (blood) as well as several small masses in the lungs. Since it had spread no one even suggested a splenectomy. I did take her to an oncologist and ultrasounds showed masses in her spleen and liver as well as her lungs. The assumption is that she had a small bleed that first day that sealed itself off. Actually, if I hadn’t taken her to the vet, I wouldn’t have known she was sick. I did give her chemo in hopes of keeping her comfortable. She did great for 8 weeks, then I noticed a limp and some swelling on her leg at her “ankle”. I took her to the vet and X-rays showed the cancer had spread to her bone. This was painful, I was willing to do anything for her, but I wasn’t willing to keep her alive in pain just for me, so I had her euthanized.
4 months later, my 12yr old lab mix seemed lethargic and didn’t eat breakfast. I knew these symptoms well, as vague as they are. I took him to the vet, and he had blood in his abdomen…..I’m obviously thinking the worst. His x-rays showed a abdominal mass, but his chest was clear. This time they suggested an emergency splenectomy. I almost didn’t do it since money was tight from my golden’s vet bills and since I thought it was going to be hemangiosarcoma again and knew there was nothing I could do. But, at the same time how do I not at least try, so he had the splenectomy. His came back as a benign hemangioma. That was 3 months ago and he’s doing great. I can’t stress enough the importance of removing the spleen and getting the pathology done. He would have bled out if I didn’t get him the surgery. I assumed the worst, but was wrong!
Jennifer thanks for sharing both of your scenarios. So sorry that you lost your first dog, but it is reassuring to know that the second outcome has been more positive.
I cannot imagine going through the emotional turmoil of it twice, much less so soon after the first. I’m glad that you were able to see your way clear to go ahead with the splenectomy and that it turned out to be benign.
I hope you have many more healthy years with your lab mix!
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
I am so glad you shared your story. I have been hearing more and more stories of multiple dogs in the same household getting enlarged spleens with opposite outcomes. I lost my sweet girl to hemangiosarcoma (brain tumor got her in the end) and I worry about her brother all the time, so far all tests are negative and I have recently taken up praying daily for him and all the other animals to stay healthy.
I have learned from this as well and will be much more diligent about having them checked and having a splenectomy done as soon as possible. I kick myself daily for not demanding XRays or an ultrasound sooner. I’m so very happy that you were able to save your Lab’s life!
Thank you so much for sharing your stories. My 13 1/2 year old lab had a splenectomy yesterday due to a melon sized mass. We agonised over putting him through it but the vet said he was strong and will recover. He is in alot of pain now and in a state and I’ve been wondering all night if I have made a mistake but reading your stories confirmed that I was right to give him a chance. The tumour had leaked very slightly and there was a ‘pencil tip’ mark on his liver that the vet couldn’t scrape off but the size of the tumour maybe not malignant. I’ve just got to get him through this bad few days and hopefully may have some quality time after. I know he will not have anymore treatment; I have put him through enough.
I’m sorry you are going through this. I hope you get good results.
They do well after those first early days. Honestly my lab was back to normal after about 48 hrs. It was tough to keep him calm. If it is hemangiosarcoma, there really isn’t anything to be gained by further treatment. Studies do show that having the spleen removed is the main thing that you can do. I did chemo on my golden, but I don’t think I would’ve done it again with my lab.
Unfortunately for most dogs this is a very aggressive cancer, but I do know of 1 dog that was 11yrs at the time of diagnosis (splenectomy) that survived 18months after the surgery.
Linda. We’re sending healing prayers your way from Milwaukee! Hopefully you too will have a positive outcome now that the tumor is out of your dog.
Hugs,
Von & Heidi
Prayers sent your way from way down here in New Orleans, I hope for a speedy recovery. There’s the chance you gave and I hope the pathology report comes back benign.
Donna and Sasha
Hi All,
Wow, thank you for this much needed site. After reading…I have grown so close to you all…I feel we are part of a “weird” group of soul mates that few could relate to. I have an 11 year old Giant Schnauzer (will be 12 Decmber 31, 2012). He is my “life partner”…that makes my Mom mad when I say it…as I am single. Jackson and I have been through pretty much everything…I call him my “vacation” and “black sports car”. He had severe separation and crate anxiety, food allergies, toe cancer (prominent in Giant Schnauzer), bloat…and survived it all…I always thought…would I recognize bloat…YES… if you are in tune with your pet…you will recognize it…and it is terrible. Thank God I was home…as he began to quickly go into shock…and that was 10 years ago. Now…I went to my beloved vet for a toe check up to make sure the cancer wasn’t back…and his primary concern was his growing abdomen…how did I not notice??? I have my hands on him 24/7. That was April 2012…I opted to not do anything…because his recovery from anesthesia (2 years ago with the toe cancer) was quite slow and concerning…I swore I’d not allow him to be operated on again…as he didnt recover well…but ultimately he did a full recovery. Now it is December and his abdoment is growing seemingly a sudden growth…and he has been laying around more (as you all said I thought…oh its age related)but now his abdomen is much more firm and I am in panice mode. We did a XRay on the abdoment and lungs in April to confirm spleen (vs. liver mass) and his lungs were clear…leading me to believe no cancer mets. Although the vet said cancer goes to the brain most often first…I know it can also go to the right atrium of the heart…which seems so odd to me…I’ve never heard of cancer of the heart…and I work in the cardiothoracic operating room as a nurse for humans. So now I am in a panic mode…I bought some self retaining gauze…I’ve read if there is a bleed to wrap thier abdoment tight as it has shown good results in slowing the bleed (temporarily)…but I called my vet and thought about getting a few more tests and plannign for surgery…am I being foolish? I do NOT want Jack’s days to end like many I’ve read about…in a cage at the vet or hours after coming home..that would break my heart. I am thankful I’ve had since April to love him to death….but now that it’s December…I’ve discovered…it still isnt enough time…funny how we can rationalize…Dear God…please give me “just” a few more good months….and then whoosh…those months FLY past 100mph and now here I sit wanting more time from Him. I know Giants have a life expectancy of 10-12 years…but Jack’s defied all odds with all he’s been through and still plays like a puppy on most days….so I am thankful for this forum to read and wager my options….but somehow I am still wanting someone out there to tell me what to do. Thank you for placing this wonderful, resourceful and comfortine site for all of us to connect!! Prayers and wishes for peace to all my fellow dog enthusiasts and obsessors!! The one post I read…that continues to make me cry was the one who said…I just wanted to be put to sleep right next to my dog….Breaks my heart…but I completely understand…Jackson is the love of my life…I’ve sacrificed so much over the years and dont regret a moment …but now what?
Hi Lisa, You are Jackson’s voice. You have to make the best decision for your pet. There’s a 50/50 chance, you need to understand. If it was my pet, I would get an ultrasound, (X-Ray is not enough), and see what you are dealing with. A rupture results most of the time in death. If there’s a tumor, it can leak, make your pet weak, and it can rupture, check the gums of your pet. If they are light in color, the tumor is leaking. I wasted no time when I found out there was a ticking time bomb in my schnauzer. The doctor took Sasha in right away to remove the spleen and racket ball sized tumor that was attached to the spleen. Given the chance there is hope that the tumor is benign.
I just love Schnauzers, they are very smart and loyal. Good Luck and Take care…..
Donna and Sasha
And Make Sure you have a vet that recognizes the symptoms….mine did not….and I can’t ever forgive that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Had her for 4 days and she was bleeding to death!!!!!!!! Suzan
Hang in there Lisa. My opinion based on my experience as well as those of others, is that you should pursue surgery if that is a viable option based on your vet’s advice. If it is a tumor on Jackson’s spleen, at some point it is surely going to rupture and that outcome will most likely be fatal.
There are no sure things when it comes to surgery but it would seem to be the best possible treatment to slow down what may be inevitable.
Dogs are really amazing and can surprise us. I hope Jackson has many more days to share with you. Even with a cancer diagnosis, you can both live a very full life until the end. If you didn’t already see it up above, check out the Facebook Page of Wallace the Pit Bull. He had an emergency splenectomy back in September, with a bad prognosis of cancer.
They choose to not treat with chemo and Wallace is still enjoying life to its fullest, checking off some pretty amazing adventures on “his bucket list”.
He is inspirational for many reasons – how he’s living life with a terminal illness is just the most recent.
I am so torn…Every person I speak with gives me an opposing recommendation…that is why I’ve been so ill these last few months. Just when I decide to have the surgery…I call to make the appt and feel sick…if I lose him during the procedure…then I’d have wished to not have done it….if he cleeds out…I’ll have wished to have had the surgery…there is no winning recommendation đŸ˜¦ I just spoke with the Giant Schnauzer resuce/breeder and she lost her 6 y.o. Giant after the spleenectomy…. The vet recommended having it removed. My dog was a rescue and has BIG issues with lying on his side…they tried the U/S but Jackson donkey kicked the technician so hard they had to stop (heehee…I told them) but now my fear is to stress him for the diagnostics may rupture the spleen. I court him like he’s a grenade…I dont let him run…or bark…or jump in an effort to preserve pressure on that spleen (I realize I am not a realist). But I’ve read too many stories that it ruptured when thier dog was running outside. My “sick” thoughts were…if it gets the the point of rupturing….I will urgently rush him in for surgery…that way I had nothing to lose…I monitor his temp/gums regularly…but fear that isn’t enough…his belly has gotten a bit firm the last few days….which prompted me to call the vet…but he’s really full through the Holidays…so I in part sort of have to wait until Jan 3rd….but I am just to fearful…He is leaving the country and what if there is an emergency…he is the one I want there….The Giant rescue lady said 12 is a ripe age for a Giant and that she didnt recommend I have the surgery…that his last days could be awful for him…. Just when I am convinced to have/not have it….someone makes a recomendation that completely changes my thoughts….this is so painful….
Hi Lisa, All I can say is my regular vet did not do the surgery on my Sasha. They never even owned an ultrasound machine. This is the vet I have been going to for 10 years. Did I wait and decide to see what will happen? No. I researched and found another vet, had the ultrasound done. Researched information on this vet, who was with the clinic for 15 yrs, and put trust forward. When you are not sure of what to do, a second opinion is a good thing to do. I also don’t put time of a ripe old age to fact. This is just me, as I feel you don’t use age as a determining factor in this matter if they are healthy enough for surgery. My opinion only. So, being a lucky one, if Jackson was my pet, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat, as my decision saved my Sasha. As the vet told me, you got your old dog. Right now, love Jackson like there is no tomorrow, as you are dealing with a ticking time bomb.
Prayers for your Jackson,
Donna and Sasha
Lisa,
I also went to a large 24hr emergency clinic, due to they are staffed all the time, and I felt better knowing there was someone there all the time.
Good Luck!
Lisa, I’m so sorry you have to deal with this.
When my lab and golden both had their ultrasounds they were sedated for the procedure.
My advice is to get some X-rays done to check for metastises. My golden had several sites where the tumor had spread so she wasn’t a good candidate for the splenectomy. In her case the bleed had sealed itself off, so it wasn’t an immediate threat. Unfortunately there is no cure for this if it is hemangiosarcoma, but some have more time left with their pets than others. But the single biggest thing that increases survival time is getting the spleen out. I do know of another golden retriever owner that had 18 months with her dog post splenectomy.
My lab also had a bleeding spleen tumor, but in his case it turned out to be benign. I almost didn’t do the surgery because I had just been through it with my golden and was just assuming that my lab also had hemangiosarcoma. Luckily I did get him the splenectomy because it did turn out to be benign. He is still with me 3 months later and is completely healed from the surgery. He would have bled out if I hadn’t done the surgery so I would have lost him when he was completely able to be saved.
I had my personal vet do the surgery vs the 24hr emergency vet. The cost difference was 1500 vs 5000. Since my vet doesn’t have overnight staffing I brought him home that first night, still hooked up to IV pain meds! I had strict instructions to get him to the ER if anything took a turn for the worse. He wasn’t too concerned about the arrhythmia because they said that usually starts to happen on the table and he didn’t end up needing a transfusion. I brought him back to the clinic the next day for them to monitor him. By the 3rd day my biggest concern was keeping him still and not jumping on things.
I can’t stress enough the importance of getting the spleen out. If it is just the spleen mass there is a 30% chance that it is benign. Even a benign tumor is 100% fatal if left in because it will eventually start to bleed and not seal itself off. If its a bleed the vet can hopefully save them with an emergency splenectomy, but if it actually ruptures, they bleed out so fast there is really nothing they can do
When my lab was diagnosed I had to take him to the ER vet because my own vets X-ray machine had been taken out by an electrical storm the night before. Once he was diagnosed he was strapped to a gurney and they didn’t want him moving for fear of a rupture.
Also, since I haven’t seen it mentioned here there is a Chinese remedy called yunnan baio that will help stop an active bleed. I was actually given it by the oncologist for my golden retriever. I gave her 2 capsules every day but also had little red pills to give her in case of an actual bleed. I never used that one. The oncologist said she didn’t know if the red one would actually help but she had some patients that felt it did work. The daily pills were to help prevent a bleed.
I also want to add that my lab is 12yrs old and came through surgery like champ. And the golden I mentioned that survived 18 months was 11 at the time of surgery. Those are both pretty old for their breeds, I wouldn’t discount your dog because he is older
Jennifer,
Thank-you for your posting. I have a 14 yr old german shepherd with a splenic tumor and I have been agonizing (like Lisa and many others) about what to do. She was a very strong dog in her younger days but today she has arthritis and lumbar sacral issues. I’m hoping she can survive the surgery and I worry about her recovery afterwards.
Thank-you all for this wonderful blog. It’s given me the strength to schedule the surgery. I’ve been crying all night reading everyone’s stories. I also want to share that my baby girl has made me very happy for 14 yrs. I adopted her at 8 wks old from an animal rescue and she’s simply the best! I love every minute I have with her.
Rochelle, its not a group you like to say Welcome to…..but when rough times hit our lives…we need something…and this one will support you the best we can…through prayers….I believe they help…and through our experiences….some are very positive and some aren’t. I strongly believe when its your time …its your time….doesn’t mean we just walk away and do nothing….it means we look into everything….make an Informed decision…and then its out of our hands…we have done the best we could….and that’s all anyone can ask for….these thoughts will be in the back of your mind…while out front is the anxious thoughts of the situation as it is now. The main thing is our fur kids don’t suffer….mine did due to a vet that didn’t know what he was doing(long story) Right now, you make a decision and have positive thoughts…lots of prayers will be coming your way….and internet huggs that are really meant…..Suzanne
I lost my Zoey to this terrible cancer also. In my dogs case she the cancer had spread and she was 13 1/2 years old with a bad heart and her thyroid wasn’t functioning. If it had not spread and if I thought her heart would have stood it I would had the surgery done.
I now have another dog and I just bought pet insurance. No longer is cost going to be a nagging factor, best of luck with your decision and you will find support here no matter what your choice. Only you can decide what is best for your dog.
Jennifer and Donna…thank you so much! Very helpful!!! VERY HELPFUL!!! I have a “regular” vet for Jackson…but due to his extensive medical history he also has many specialists đŸ™‚ As I said…my little black sports car….and these guys are GREAT! They saved him TWICE…once when he bloated…I called to let them know I was en route and that I suspected bloat and they called the on call surgeon and they saved Jackson…and the 2nd time…the sfot tissue specialist removed Jacksons’ cancerous digits…2 toes amputated…and no mets….we did have XRays, but I declined sedation for the U/S because I was just afraid. I have an appt January 7, 2013 for assessment and possible surgery….I get nervous as that is almost 3 weeks from now…I know that if I dont have the surgery my days are numbered…I’ve been boiling him beef bones every night…I think he already thinks he’s in heaven đŸ™‚ The little spoiled stinker pushes me into the kitchen to get him one every day now!! He’s been sleeping a lot…again I used to attribute to age…but now I think its possibly from the small leaks….I will keep you posted I am thankful for your guidance….I have called vet clinics and talked to techs, breeders, dog show enthusiasts and people on the street…and just about anyone I think can add any bit of insight to this….but you all on this blog have truly been the biggest blessing to my “crazed” mind. Thank you!!!!
Mr. Jackson, You hang in there for the holidays/Christmas/New Years. Lisa I hope and pray for him.to come through with flying colors.
I did want to mention, the vet I went to specialized in oncology,(they have a staff of 12 Vets), it is a large, 24 hr regular clinic, open daily. Sasha’s surgery was about $800.00, surgery and ultrasound, and follow up visit, however I spent about $650.00 with the first vet for X-Rays, consulting, and blood work.
You can’t put a price on the love of your pet.
Keep spoiling him!
Good Luck Jackson, I’m sending all my love and prayers for you.
Donna and Sasha
Hi Lisa…I know exactly what you are going through. My beagle had the bloated belly and I brought him to vet who took crays and told me it was a very huge spleen tumor. Then another vet did the ultra sound. Now I wonder how they got him to sit still..
I ended up rushing him into a 24 hour vet a few nights later. It didn’t burst but after reading on what could happen, I panicked.
He came out of surgery but died a few hours after we brought him home. I never really could find out what went wrong. He was only 9 1/2 years old. He wouldn’t eat for them while he was in there for 3 days. And couldn’t even walk out on his own. I’ll never forget how sick he looked coming home. But at least he died in our arms. His pathology came back benign.
He would have been 10 on Christmas eve. I’m crying while I write this. We loved him so much.
I always wonder if we did the right thing. He was eating and sitting out on deck before surgery. I always feel I wish I didn’t do the surgery. But had it burst and he died, I would have felt worst. At least we tried. The ultra sound cost 300 and the surgery was 4,600. It cost more than a vet would have charged. We would have paid more. Hub said he would have flown him out of country to save him.
I’m not sure if this helps in your decision on what to do. Ask your vet if he thinks he’s strong enough to pull through the surgery. I guess my Perry wasn’t strong enough. All they could say was maybe a blood clot at his heart.
Good luck and God bless him. Keep us posted.
Hugs, Paula
Hi Lisa
Since you need to wait for the exam/surgery, know that there are signs of an active bleed. Keep an eye on the gums, if they are pale or white or have a slow capillary reflex (push on them and color should go from pale to normal in under 2 seconds), or if feet are cold, or if stomach is swollen or bruised looking. If you see any of this get to ER vet immediately as this is an emergency.
I believe you said you were a nurse, so you should have no problem recognizing those signs!
Hemangiosarcoma is actually a cancer of the lining of the blood vessels so anytime you get a bleed it seeds the abdomen with tumor cells and it can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream-that is why it’s so aggressive. If it is benign, the surgery is curative.
Prayers sent to Mr. Jackson, I am hoping you are still spoiling him!
My 12 year old Sheltie was diagnosed yesterday with a mass on his spleen. The specialist gave me the black and white of his chances of survival from surgery and chemo…very black and white. After much thought (and tears) I met with my Vet today to discuss what other things I should consider. Tommorrow, he going in for surgery to determine what is going on…he may not make it through the surgery…I can’t sit and do nothing…prayers please. And, for everyone who has contributed to this conversation, thank you…you give me comfort and hope.
Dear Comer….At times like this….all we have are Prayers and hope~~~~as you read…quite a few on here made it đŸ™‚ The power of prayer is wonderful, so with that from all of us, and your hope….I wish you and your baby the very best outcome, and the way I had to look at it was the outcome was the best for her(my Madie)…I lost her to this insidious disease in May….my other dog passed away 2 weeks ago…I’m lost…..but whatever was best for them~~~ Blessings and the best of wishes~~~ Suzanne~
Hi Suzanne, I’ve been thinking of you and hope you are doing ok. I know the holidays make it even harder.
Just want you to know even though we’ve never met, I think of you often.
Hugs, Paula
Thank you so much Paula…..Very difficult Christmas with 2 fresh urns instead of 2 furry bodies.Raven was 2 weeks ago~ Was all alone and had pop tarts and tea…wow what a feast, huh??? Just took their coats out of the closet to give to a rescue…..I couldn’t do it yet! I just hugged them and smelled them~~~
Hi Suzanne, I have also been thinking of you and all the others who have lost their dear furry kids this year. So sad it breaks my heart. I got to thinking about your doggie coats. It is a great idea to give them to rescue but I also thought that maybe you could somehow use some of the fabric to make yourself a little pillow, something to cuddle with at night. Just a thought…Thinking of all of you through these holidays. So glad you are all out there and we all understand each other’s joy and pain so well. We are not alone. Meg and Tobe
So sad for you Suzanne. God knows what a wonderful human companion you were to both of your furkids. They were lucky to have you in their lives!
Hugs,
Von & Heidi
Thank you so much Von for your kind words….in my mind I WAS the LUCKY ONE to have been blessed with such love and kindness from 2 of God’s precious souls~~~~~
Paula, Suzanne, Helga, I am always thinking of you and your beloved pets. I feel we all do know each other through the bond we have had with our beloved pets, that brought us together here. My prayers for all, that we keep our hearts open for the unwanted, rescue dogs and the humane society, as so many pets are waiting.
Thank you Donna for thinking of me. Christmas was hard on my hub since perrys birthday was on the 24th.
We’re not ready yet for another pet but when the day comes, it will for sure be a rescue.
Happy new year to you and Sasha.
Paula
Hi comer…..another prayer coming your way. I lost my beagle to this horrible illness. He didn’t survive the surgery. But alot of dogs have, so there’s always hope.
Hugs, Paula
HI Comer….yet another prayer for you and your dear dog. I will pray and pray and pray….Please give us an update, ok? Meg and Tobe
Hi Comer,
All of us here know exactly how you feel right now. I am so sorry to hear this news, but you have come to the right place for prayers, being sent your way. There is always the chance, you are giving your pet, and the hope, that they catch it in enough time, and that the tumor is benign. Will be waiting for an update, until then, all our love and prayers, being sent your way.
Donna and Sasha
Prayers coming your way from Milwaukee as well. I sure hope the surgery goes well and is successful, with a benign pathology.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Dear Comer,
We are all worried about you and really hope and pray you are on the mend.
Lisa & Jackson
Dear Comer,
We are all worried about you and really hope and pray you are on the mend.
Thoughts and Prayers,
Lisa & Jackson
Hi Comer!
Jackson and I are thinking and praying for you today from Cleveland! Please keep us posted on his progress. This site has been so helpful for me as well!
Lisa & Jackson
Hi Comer
We are wishing you the best from Iowa also. I hope things went well.
Hi Comer, We are all praying still for your baby, please let us know hows it going. We care and are here for you.
Donna and Sasha
Thinking of you, Mr. Jackson, also. I know you have an upcoming doctor visit and I hope and pray everything goes well. Keep us informed Lisa.
Donna and Sasha
Hi Donna,
Thank you so much….as Wednesday approaches…I am getting sick to my stomach…I know the vet is planning to operate…and I am afraid to do it and afraid to not do it…he is 12 but as playful as a puppy. Jackson looks to me to make the best decisions for him…I worry his back legs and hips will be compromised from the postioning during surgery…they lay on their back and tie their legs straight out…lots of torgue on the hips…and my boy is 97lbs…not like I can carry him around for a few days đŸ˜¦ Ugggggg Just dread even waking up these days đŸ˜¦ Anyhow…thank you so much for your thougths and prays…means alot!! (((hugs)))
Lisa and Jackson
I know how you feel Lisa. Good luck on jacksons surgery. I’ll be praying for him.
Hugs, Paula
Thinking of you and Jackson as his surgery approaches. Working at a vet, I’m continually amazed at just how resilient dogs are. We had a large husky in for an exploratory for an ingested foreign body. She was 14 and did fabulously.
I’m sure your vet will take precautions given the other physical limitations & concerns you have (legs & hips) as long as they too are aware of them.
Hang in there!
Von & Heidi
As Wednesday approaches…its taking all I have to not pick up that phone and cancel đŸ˜¦
Just still so uncertain as to what to do…
Lisa, I know how you feel, but (my opinion only), I knew the outcome to sit and do nothing. If you can save a life you do whatever is right in your mind. I did. I have my old dog back, and several others here on this blog have done the same. I know others have lost theirs and out of respect I know you did what you thought was right also, surgery and no surgery. You hold your pets life decisions and no one else. I just could not let my dog die if there was a chance. (my decision). I pray Jackson lives his life to the fullest.
Donna and Sasha
Hello friends!
Today Jackson had all his diagnostics and all looked good…the Vet still gave me an out….he said we can run tests today and do surgery today or next week if you are more comfortable….I was hessitant…as you can imagine. We did proceed with the spleenectomy…I just hung up with my vet and all seems to look good thus far, no issues with anesthesia, no lumps in the spleen or liver, lungs were clear, stomach and instestines looked good….He is resting comfortably…I may stop up to just look at him, house is so quiet without my gental Giant. I will bring him home tomorrow…and the first 10 days will be fragile, making certain no hemmorage, clots or other…then the biopsy results….then Jackson and I are going to drive 22 hours to visit family in Florida in a few weeks….Can’t wait to sit on the sandy beach and recooperate with him (I need recovery too from all this) đŸ™‚ Thank you for your thoughts and prayers…and I will update you soon. Much love! Lisa & Jackson
Lisa….after hearing the worst news….I love to hear when you hear the BEST…which I am sure you will….. Still sending prayers….seem to help…..I didn’t find this site till after my precious Madie had passed :((
Wonderful news Lisa. I’m happy for you and Jackson that you went ahead with the surgery. Now that I work in a vet clinic, I’m frankly amazed at how resilient so many animals are. You are truly blessed and I hope the good news continues for you!
Hugs,
Von & Heidi
Lisa, I am so happy for Jackson. I hope and pray everything comes your way with happy news on the biopsy report. Please try to keep Jackson from jumping. When I brought Sasha home, I tried my best to watch her, but every time someone came over she ran to them, and she did her best to try to jump on the sofa. They don’t realize what has happened to them. Sasha was sore and laid around for a week, then it was if nothing happened. I will continue to pray for a speedy recovery. Lisa, you remember, you did your best to save your baby. Have a wonderful time in Florida, you deserve it.
Take care……
Donna and Sasha
Please reassure me I did the right thing…he is is such bad shape at this moment đŸ˜¦ Rapid respiratory, hasnt moved from the spot we laid him 7 hours ago. Hasnt eaten since Tuesday dinner (thoday is Thursday night) hasn’t drank since yesterday morning. Hasn’t gone to the bathroom, hasnt moved. I have a call in to the vet…not sure if Fentanyl patch dose is too high that he’s so lethargic…or if this is normal at 24 hrs post op. I am still heart broken to have put him through this….I hope he makes it through the night…he seems really bad right now. Gonna go lay in bed with him. L & J
PLEASE Take him to the emergency vet now…..just giving him fluids now will help….don’t let him suffer thinking things will get better!!!!!
Of course you did the right thing Lisa. You listened to the advice of your vet and you gave your dear dog the best possible chance. Do not second guess yourself. The vet would not have operated if he/she did not think it was the right course of treatment. Make sure the vet replies asap. I will be thinking of you and praying for your sweet baby. I have been following along, just not much time to reply to all the posts here. Woke up with anxiety Wed. morning thinking of what you must be going through. My little dog Tobe is my treasure and I love him more than anything so I completely understand all of your concerns, feelings, etc. My prayers are with you and Jackson and I know that all the others out there are praying for both of you. Hang in there. Hugs to you both.
Lisa, Make a call to your vet and tell them of your concerns. I know some of the pain medicine made Sasha pant and breath very heavy, it was alarming. I would try to feed him whatever he would like. I gave Sasha some leftover baked chicken. She lifted her head for that. Please Lisa, understand I felt the same way, heartbroken, but knowing I did the best I could to save my pet. Also, try putting an ice cube by his mouth to lick. I did that also. We are here for you. Please keep us informed, and prayers sent your way Jackson.
Take care….
Donna and Sasha
Lisa, I’m surprised they let him come home to you as soon as they did. Did he eat or drink for them before they released him. My Perry drank but wouldn’t eat for them so they kept him in for 3 days after his surgery. He still wouldn’t eat for me either but did drink water. He died a few hours after I brought him home.
Please don’t get worried. It’s only a day after surgery.
Was he able to walk out on his own.
Perry couldn’t and I attributed it to the pain meds but I think different now.
Is he aware of his surroundings.
Please call them again right now. Tell them what you told us.
Hugs and prayers for Jackson.
Paula
How is Jackson doing? I prayed and prayed for him last night as I am sure everyone else did. I hope it gives you some comfort to know that so many people care about your dear gentle giant.
When Heidi came home (the day after surgery), she was pretty lethargic too, although she did want to jump up on the couch or beds so we had to block her access since “no jumping up” was an order. I actually had a mattress brought into the living room so she would be comfy on the floor . . . that is where she and I slept for a week!
As for her pain meds, they also made her loopy. At times she looked confused, perhaps not understanding why she felt that way as they took effect. As they did, however, she just went back to sleep.
She didn’t have much of an appetite but she did eat and drink some, and going outside for potty was pretty typical.
I hope by the time you read this, you’ve spoken to your vet and your concerns for Jackson have been reassured. I know it is dreadful to see them so pitiful, but yes, I still think you did the right thing. Having those nasty tumor rupture and our beloved companions bleed out and die would be the worst thing ever in my opinion.
Hugs to you both Lisa!
Von
Von…it is the worst thing ever for your dog…so NEVER play the waiting game….get them to the vet or if closed….emergency!!! Suzanne
Not sure if you misread my post Suzanne. Heidi was treated surgically back in July and her tumor was benign. No worries here for us. Her tumor was found quite by accident in her annual wellness exam and confirmed within an hour by xray. Her surgery was scheduled 6 days later.
Von you are right ….I certainly know about you, I think in a hurry to answer someone else, I inadvertainly put in your name so sorry….and I hope you and Miss Heidi are doing well….huggs….Suzanne
No worries . . . I have done the same myself. Yes, we’re doing well here. Thanks for your warm thoughts.
My dog Henry, a welsh terrier, age 13, was just diagnosed today with a nodule on his spleen. He suddenly became lethargic and wouldn’t eat. Blood tests revealed no pancreatitis like last year. A regular xray revealed nothing. However an ultra sound revealed a nodule on his spleen. Because he is so anemic right now, he is staying over night for a blood transfusion and some steriod and auto immune drugs. They can’t operate to find out if the nodule is cancerous because he could bleed out. This has been sudden and it’s unbearable. I”m sitting home looking at his toys and his bed, thinking he’s around somewhere. I am picking him up tomorrow from the hospital and will treat him at home with the prescribed drugs. What is also devastating is when the doctor says what they need and then quote you a price for the care. $3k later, just today, I am concerned I won’t be able to afford the surgery for removal of the spleen. Henry is 13. Shocking! So many don’t have the money to help their 4-legged children. I wish I would have opted for pet insurance. Big hugs to all those who love your dogs like children. Mary B.
Mary, so sorry to hear you have to go through this…believe me we all know too well the hard choices before you. The age is a factor…..but so is quality of life and what he would have to go through, sometimes we have to do what is best for them….and the money thing second..my opinion only. Its harder on us sometimes than them. But when we love them this much, we have to make the best choice , and try not to second guess ourselves….even tho, we all do….the best is all we can… Many prayers will be sent your way~~~ With this terrible disease….its about all we have….the rest is in God’s hands…huggs, Suzanne
Hi Mary. I cannot give you any specific words of wisdom other than to say now that I work in a vet hospital, I am continually amazed at how well even older dogs do with very serious surgical procedures. We had a 14 yr old husky in last month that had a stuck foreign body in its belly. In spite of many other health issues, the dog did great and has had a full recovery.
I will send healing prayers your way for Henry!
Hugs,
Von (and Miss Heidi too)
Hi Mary, I am so sorry to hear about Henry, I hope he is resting at home right now. Sometimes Mary, it does not hurt to ask if there is some assistance from the clinic that is available. You could always ask to volunteer somewhat in terms. I know a change in clinics sometimes is an option if it is more affordable. The emergency clinics seem to be higher. I found a regular clinic with specialist in oncology on staff and had a 24 hr. emergency clinic after hours.I know sometimes to charge on a credit card is the only way, also. I hope someway you will find a way to provide the care for Henry, as I know you have already spent a big sum already. We all love our pets so much. We are here for you and Henry. Sending prayers your way.
Take care……
Donna and Sasha
Update: I asked the vet if I can take one of the 2 pain patches off (Jackson is very drug sensitive) and within 8 hours, he was up walking (like he was drunk) but up walking and drinking…and even took in a small amount of kibble. I carried all 100lbs outside adn he pottied. Today, 2 days post-op, he is still groggy and wobbly, but definite progress…he drank and ate and took his oral pain med. I will try to walk him later to see if I can move those bowels…I am still not sure if I am “happy” we proceeded with the procedure…time will tell and biopsy results await…but today he is improving and a little better. Thanks for being there…and for our newest family members, Mary & Henry…our thoughts and prayers are with you!
I wish I could post a picture on here…but cannot figure it out…are any of you on Facebook? Love Always, Lisa & Jackson!!
Lisa, Every day is a gift of life for you and Jackson. I have been praying and thinking of you both. I am happy to hear you did the surgery, as to do nothing in my mind, is a ticking time bomb ready to explode the life out of your pet. I believe and always will, that you did the right thing for your Jackson. Healing is a process, and your love shines harder when you surround them with the comfort of a hug and kind words spoken. They are God’s creation and they know. Take care…..
Donna and Sasha
Okay…Jackson has recovered…me….not so much! đŸ™‚ Happy to report he has boundless energy…I had to hold him back on our walk…Seems that maybe from his 5 days sleep….he’s full of energy. Now to wait for the biopsy results. To Mary mother of Henry….does your vet clinic offer “GE Care Credit”? It is a no interest credit card, often for 6-12 months-making minimal payments until paid off…this can buy you some time and allow you to pay the bill down. My Jackson cost $2500 for bloat/gastroplexy, another $2500 for toe amputation (due to cancer) and this spleenecomy was $3000; I used this card on all his procedures…if yor vet doesnt offer it, ask him if he’d consider opting into the program…you can get him clinic signed up in a day. Keep in mind, the clinic is who pays teh interest on the card, but many opt for these plans as people cannot afford procedures. Or if you are not super “attached” to your vet…seek a clinic that offers such credit options? Please keep us posted on your Henry! XO! Lisa N Jack (the man!!)
So happy to read good news in the morning. I believe in prayers, and sending more for a positive outlook on your “man”, Mr. Jackson. Give him a hug for me.
Donna and Sasha
So very happy to hear of your great news…..huggs to you both!!! Suzanne
So happy to read your good news Lisa!
As for Care Credit, I work for a veterinary practice and we also accept it. It is a very good program; more info may be found here: http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/ .
Best wishes to you and Jackson!
Von
Thanks Von,
For posting the Care Credit information, as I believe it will help make decisions a little easier for everyone.
There is Hope and a Chance for All.
Donna and Sasha
Yes thank you Von for posting website. Its a great option…you can use for (our less popular) 2 legged creatures too đŸ™‚ I know many dentists and cosmetic surgeons accept it as well.
Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you
Perhaps your blog has little interest to others. Personally, I hope your post here is deleted.
VON good comment….I was wondering how that got on here….. To the person who sent it…..THIS SITE is for SICK animals and loving owners who are very worried about their pets well being….have some common sense and do the right thing…STAY OFF!!!!!!!!!!!
Well….I suppose it was bound to happen that solicitors would creep in. I’m sure he/she (naaah gotta be a “he”) đŸ™‚ Won’t log back in. Not worth our energy!! Have a good day!!
Well said, Suzanne and Von!
And Lisa!
Hi all,
Still have hope! Hector is still with us. Loving and cherishing each day with him. From a prognosis of 1 month to live to now being almost 6 months.
Ali
That is such happy news Ali! I’m happy to hear of Hector’s survival beyond the odds. Yes, there is reason for hope!
Hugs,
Von & Heidi
Hi Alison,
I have always thought you can never really give a real timeline in situations. I believe it falls into the will to live. I am again so happy to hear good news.Tell Hector he has prayers headed his way and and most of all, give him a hug for me.
Donna and Sasha
You know Donna…it seems like there are more happy outcomes on here than not since I got on!! I believe knowledge and prayer from supporters help….Those of us who have lost I’m sure through our sadness feel happy for those who were blessed! Even tho, we don’t know each other…we are like a sisterhood for those than are going through it~~~
Suzanne, I believe we were brought here for a reason. I know all the heartache you have been through. We support one another even if its by listening through words typed. The power of prayers and the comfort to lend an ear to the worried. I remain your friend forever.
Donna
Ohh, Donna…that is so sweet!!! xoxoooooo
Hi Alison,
Great news! I’m sure you are cherishing every moment! Seems we’ve been having slightly better news these days…so happy to be a part of this team! And you are right, our hearts ache for those who have lost there little babies through this and various other disease processes, and we find hope through those who have positive outcomes. Stay positive!
Lisa & Jackson
I have read many of the posts and have only seen a few mentions of cost to have the splenectomy. Could some of you jump in? I just spent $850 getting my 12 year old dog diagnosed and have been quoted $4000 for surgery/aftercare.
Hi mindela , I think alot depends on what state you live in. I’m in California and total surgery cost about 5,000. And about a 1,000 before for the xrays and ultra sound. I think I could have found it cheaper but I panicked one night and rushed him into a 24 hour vet hospital. I was never fortunate to find a vet I really liked or trusted. So, I scrambled at the end, when one was really needed.
I guess same goes with picking a doctor for ourselves. I haven’t yet to find one I trust or like. I’m pretty lucky not to really need one yet in life.
Hope that helps.
Hi Mindela,
For me in the last month, diagnostics (XRay and Ultrasound) were $800 and the all inclusive procedure was $3000. I used the “Care Credit” credit card, which defers payment for 6 months interest free; see if your vet offers this options…if not as it he’d consider subscribing. I went to a highly specilalized clinic (with internists, orthopedic vets, opthalmic, soft tissue tumor specialists, etc). I stopped up about 2 hours after Jackson got out of surgery, he was in ICU, it was truly ICU!! I work in a people hosptial, and I WISH people had this much attention while in-patient. All these lil doggies were in incubators and have IV drips and were on resperators and have a good patient to clinician ratio….as hard as it was to see my lil pumpkin like this (tongue hanging out…and resting hard)…I am glad I was able to see the good care he was getting…because if we had a negative outcome…I’d know we all did our best. The hardest part for me was…that Jackson was a healthy playful dog the morning I took him in for the surgery…and I desperately worried he’d die intra-op, as he is 12 and the Giant Schauzer life expectancy is 10-12…but he is doing awesome (after 2-3 really “ruff” days) and we got the biopsy results yesterday….and he is NEGATIVE for any cancer….I swear this pooch is going to out live me đŸ™‚
OMG!!!!! So glad Lisa to hear the news…….Benign…..!!!!!!
You gave Mr. Jackson a second chance, I keep saying there is hope for all…I also believe our prayers are being heard.
Donna and Sasha
Awesome news Lisa!! Was it a hematoma like my guy had? I didn’t want to say anything but I was very hopeful for this outcome for you. My experience with hemangio is that a dog wouldn’t have survived as long as your guy did without the surgery, they say as a rule of thumb the larger rumors are more likely to be benign as the malignant ones don’t get a chance to get that large.
I’m so glad you went ahead with the surgery!
Lisa add me to those doing an happy dance for you and Jackson!
Thank you for all your support!! The pathologist stated that the tumors showed dead red blood cells and a thinning capsule to the tumor ( there werw 4…3 golf ball and 1 baseball size). Nothing ruptured but it’d have appeared it would. And in my heart (and head) I didnt suspect cancer, because the mass was initially discovered in April 2012…and he was fine for the last 10 months…I figure if it were cancer, he’d have potentially not survived it. And so…He is doing remarkably well. He is VERY drug snesitive and the Fentanyl patches really intoxicated him…and his tongue didnt cooperate (it was comically pitiful) it was like a shade that couldnt recoil…he actually slapped himself in his own eye trying to lick the peanut butter off my finger đŸ˜¦ So I took one off…Jackson is 100lbs, and the dose was what would be used on a 60lb dog…so he’s a light weight…but the Vet didnt want him in pain…but I needed him to eat….so it was a dififcult decision. Also, to one of the posters…I also wanted to make certain someone was there with him overnight, or I didnt see a reason he stay over night…unless I could sleep in the cage with him. He was in ICU and there was constant monitoring, which I was very impressed with ….unfortunately there is always a cost to that…but I needed that peace of mind. I dont think my “regular” vet could have done such a service…he’s just a small clinic and doesnt have the resources the one I went to has. I live in Cleveland Ohio. Hugs and prayer to you on this very difficult journey – We are all thinking and praying for you and your baby!!
Lisa ..great news for Jackson. I feel so happy when I read another dog made it through this horrible ordeal. My little Perry didn’t, as you might have read. His came back benign also. I miss him so much and know how much you all love your furry kids. Hope my hub doesn’t see this but I loved my Perry more than him. Lol….
There isn’t a day or hours that go by that I don’t think of him.
Only comparison I can imagine is how you love your child. It’s the same feeling. Anyway, enough of my sad story.
All the gals on here are great support, I love them all. Hello to all of you and big kisses for your little fur kids.
Paula
Hi Mindela, I am so sorry to hear about your poor little dog. As to cost, my 15 yr old Tobe has not been considered a candidate yet for surgery due to the small size, type, of the mass on his spleen. They are following it with ultrasound exams. However, your general cost sounds about right. We are in California and Tobe had bladder surgery to remove stones about 5 years ago and he had it at a major veterinary surgery center suggested by our vet so that there was a veterinary anesthesiologist and ICU after care for 24 hrs. The cost was a little over $4500 and included only 1 follow up visit. Different type of surgery but still needed to open the abdomen, use anesthesia, etc. The ultrasounds about every 6 mos run about $400 because he also has his heart and bladder checked at the same time. We chose the surgery center because it had more technology than even the full service veterinary hospital we usually go to for routine care and our vet suggested it. All they do are referrals at the surgery center, no general veterinary care so it may have been a bit higher. I am an RN and former ICU nurse so I wanted to make sure there would be a medical person actually with him post op in a real recovery room not just in a cage by himself overnight. That is one thing I would suggest, make sure there is someone actually at the hospital overnight with your dog. I could barely stand to leave him anywhere overnight. I wanted him home in my arms but he need IV pain medication and IV fluids until he started eating and could go home on a Fentanyl patch. I am glad you found this blog. I felt so lucky the day I happened upon it. The people are wonderful, caring, kind and so supportive and informed. I don’t get to write much but I do read the posts and think about all these great people who love their furry kids as I love mine and I pray for them all daily. Just knowing others understand how I love my little guy makes all the difference in the world. Please keep us posted.
Mindela
At the ER vet they quoted me around 5k, my own vet did it for about 1700. It came to about 2500 all together ( diagnosis, surgery, aftercare). Also, care credit has different payment schedules. My vet takes it for 12 months interest free, ER vet is 6 months. Each clinic will be different
Mindela sorry to read that you’re also facing this dreaded disease.
I probably shouldn’t comment on what the costs should be. For Heidi, it was under $1,000 before we received a family discount (my SIL worked at the vet clinic at the time). Her diagnosis consisted of her annual wellness exam, where the vet felt the tumor . . . and an xray. Total was around $180 (before discounts). We did not have bloodwork or any other radiology (ultrasound, etc) done.
I hope your beloved 4-legged friend is able to have the surgery and comes through with flying colors!
Von (and Miss Heidi)
Mindela….My Madie never made that far:(( But that # is about right from what I have heard give or take depending on what location you live in, and if it is a hospital or a vet doing the surgery….plus care afterward….does it include lab work, pathology and follow up? Suzanne
Mindela, I live in New Orleans, and the X Rays and Lab work were done by my vet of 20 plus years, but when a tumor showed up on the spleen. They had no ultrasound equipment, and referred me to an oncologist. I paid for 2 visits, X Rays, and Lab work, $650.00. I called a large local vet, asked if they had ultrasound equipment, was it available before I brought Sasha to a very high end vet. They quoted me $400.00, just for ultrasound, I bring X Rays and Lab work, and they had an oncologist specialist there. They told me if I did surgery there the
$400.00 could apply to the surgery, total cost would be around
$750.00/$800.00. They were also a 24hr. clinic after hours. I met with Dr. Allison, after I did a whole lot of research, and trusted her. The day of surgery I felt so guilty, I let Sasha hang her head out of the car window the whole way there. She looked back at me when they lead her away. I guess I had faith. I found this blog, when I had no one understand, that Sasha is just not another dog. She is family. I asked for prayers, and with all the people that gave me hope and prayers, I got my old dog back, quoted Dr. Allison.
Please check around, there is nothing wrong with pricing around. I guess I just got luck, and so did Sasha.
Hugs….
Donna and Sasha
I am sitting here with my Regal Beagle, 11 1/2, she had a vestibular incident last night and today I took her to the vet. Blood work showed kidney issues and they kept her for the afternoon to give her fluids. When she didn’t respond, the vet gave her and X-ray which showed a very large mass. An ultrasound revealed a splenic tumor but her lungs and liver look good. We brought her home and she goes in for surgery in the morning to remove her spleen. If they see other tumors, they said they would put her to sleep on the table. We live in Germany and they are not quick to euthanize here. I am so frightened for her, and so sad that I could possibly be spending my last night with her. She is so lethargic and listless that I do believe removing her spleen is our only option. We did not even discuss the bill, as we will be paying in euro, I can only imagine how high the procedure will cost. Yesterday morning, she was fine and trying to steal crackers from our 5 year old. Thank you for this blog to help me understand this ailment which just struck us from nowhere.
So many prayers and good wishes coming your way for you and Regal beagle…..We all know too well what you are going through right now!! Huggs to you and your fur baby…keep us posted….Suzanne~~~
Angie my prayers come your way tonight for Regal Beagle. I sure hope that they find her otherwise in good health with no other tumors/masses.
Von & Miss Heidi
Sending thoughts and prayers to you from California. Can only imagine how painful this time is for you. So hard when we have to make these huge decisions for our loved ones. I will pray that your dear girl does well during the surgery and that there are no other tumors. You are not alone. Lots of us understand what you are going through.
Meg, what part of Cali are you at? I’m in San Diego county near temecula. Just wondering, if you’re near that area. And if you are, what vet do you have?
Paula
Hi Paula! I am in Northern Ca inland from SF about 45 miles. My college room mate lives in Temecula now. She doesn’t have any furry kids so I can’t even suggest who she has for a vet. Tobe’s vet has cared for him since he was a puppy and she also cared for our Jack Russell terrier for her 17 yr long life till we lost her in 2010. She owns a full service animal hospital/grooming/boarding facility but refers to specialists for anything major. For Tobe’s bladder surgery we used VSA which is a group of surgeons. Most are affiliated with UC Davis since that is about 45 min from us. His surgeon was an instructor there. I love your little beagle’s photo. We had a beagle for a short time years ago, We helped out a rescue person for about a week. He was so cute and full of energy. Couldn’t keep him due to having 2 other dogs and 2 babies but he was a fun dog and he ended up going to a great forever home. Sorry I can’t help you with vet recommendations since we live too far apart. .
Thanks Meg. I love no. Cali, it’s so beautiful up there. I loved the redwoods.
You’re so lucky to have a long time vet for your tobe. Beagles are great dogs he was so full of energy as a pup. What I miss the most is his beagle howl. My little dachshund tried to copy him when he would howl, but she hasn’t howled since he passed.
Paula
Many prayers coming your way from one beagle lover to another.
Hugs, Paula
Angie, I will pray for your pet. We are all here for you. We share your pain, as it is all too familiar to us. The power of prayers being said from all over the world are sent tonight. You are doing everything you can to save your pet. Please believe, there is the chance.
Thinking of you both, take care.
Donna and Sasha
Thank you so much everyone. She just made it out of surgery and no additional tumors were found. They would have euthanized her on the table otherwise. It has been a heart wrenching morning, but we made it over the first hurdle. I really appreciate all of your prayers ~ this blog truly helped me walk into this a more informed person.
Angie…What good news!!!! so happy for you and your baby….even tho, I lost my wonderful girl……it warms my heart to hear of those who survived!!! Huggs…Suzanne~
That is wonderful news to wake up to here in the USA (it’s 8:30a here in Milwaukee). I hope that Regal Beagle will make a full recovery and have wonderful senior years with you Angie.
Hugs and smooches!
This is such wonderful news! I am so happy for both of you. There is nothing like that sense of relief when you get good news after being prepared for the worst. Now I will say prayers of thanksgiving for your Regal Beagle’s successful surgery and also ask for his/her continued recovery.
I am so very sad to say Regal’s heart stopped after she was out of surgery. I am in disbelief and can’t remember when I have cried so much.
OMG….I wish I could hold you and comfort you….I KNOW the dis belief you feel….THERE ARE NO WORDS!!!! Bless Regal….it was her time and she went without the suffering my poor Madie went through. Thank God for that…..I am only a stranger to you….words on a computer….but in Spirit we know the love we feel for our dogs….our heart….cry a river…believe me it helps, then do something in her honor…… Suzanne
OMG I’ve been following your story about Regal Beagle and I am so sorry to hear this tremendous loss. My heart breaks for your loss. Know that many of us on this site know how you feel. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Angie, no words right now will make you feel better. I know, as others who have lost. My beagle died 4 days after surgery. They say life goes on, but never will it be like before you lose them. They take a part of you with them.
Paula
Oh Angie, I am so sorry to hear that. Believe me, tears are flowing around the globe for your dear girl. I don’t even know you but I am sitting here crying too as I know many of us are. What you can remind yourself of is that you gave her a chance and she died painlessly. You may have to say it over and over to yourself that you did your best, did what the vet recommended, you could do no more. When I lost my first dog I kept second guessing myself, should I have done this, not done that, it is just part of the grieving process. Just go ahead and cry and miss her but remind yourself too that you did everything for her because you did.
I am also in agony over hearing this news. I am so sad right now for you. We all feel your pain, and nothing right now can make you feel better. I know with all your heart you did what you could to save regal beagle, sometimes God needs his little creations back home. It hurts. There are tears flowing all over the world for your baby. We are hear for you.
Hugs,
Donna
OHH NOOOO! I’m so devastated for you Angie. God bless Regal Beagle. Remember the good times you shared and all of the unconditional love she gave you. My heart is breaking for you!
Von
____________________________________
Fantastic news. I hope he does well and I hope you have him with you a long time!
Angie,
Hang in there, you did all you could for Regal Beagle. As you cried when you read these stories, we are all crying reading yours. It will be a difficult road ahead…these little creatures are the best creation ever gifting our planet; your little guy knew how much he was loved and cherished. Last fu baby I lost..I had to take 2 weeks off work and left town to get away from “our” routine….Maybe a change in your daily routine can help ease some of the pain. You will remain in our thoughts. Love Lisa & Jackson
I tend not to leave a response, however after reading through a great deal of responses
on this page Splenic Tumors in Dogs – a Lay Person’s View « AgilePooch Diaries.
I actually do have a couple of questions for you if you do not mind.
Could it be simply me or does it look like like a few of the remarks come across as if
they are written by brain dead people? đŸ˜› And, if you are writing at other sites, I would like to
follow everything new you have to post. Could you post a
list of all of all your social community pages like your twitter feed,
Facebook page or linkedin profile?
You are one sick individual!!!!!!!! This is a site for people who are going through hard times….LOSER!!!!!!!!!!
You are such a horrible person. I’ll pray for you that karma doesn’t bite you on
the ass and you dont lose someone dear to you. But I hardly doubt there is such a person.
Such a sicko!!! KARMA will bite you in the ass~~~~
You’re a moron RBPG . . . get lost.
Adding our experience here. On Dec 27th, our labrador (about 12yrs – rescue) was fine one minute and the next minute she looked at me funny, collapsed to the ground, got back up and just stood there staring straight ahead. Slowly, she laid back down and wouldn’t get back up.She remained conscious, though. I thought she had a seizure or stroke. Took her immediately to the Emerg Vet where they ran some tests and took x-rays. They could not feel the mass at all but the the x-rays showed a mass on the spleen and they suspected it had bled. It was also implied that the mass was hemangiosarcoma (or that was all we heard) with a poor prognosis. China didn’t get worse while at the vet so they thought that maybe the bleed had stopped and she might recover over the next 24-48 hrs or she wouldn’t make it through the night. We opted to take her home. I had known of others’ whose dogs had hemangiosarcoma and knew it was bad. Initial thought was we didn’t want to put her through surgery because the information provided at the time was the surgery only bought about 1-3 months time. We’d had a foster dog that had such an aggressive mast cell tumor that he died a month after surgery to remove it. So, our’s and others’ experiences really sort of hindered an open mind about this situation at onset.
Anyway, by the 2nd day after the initial bleed, China improved to nearly pre-bleed state. We had also talked to our regular vet who talked us into an ultrasound at the Vet Specialist in town. We went to the specialist for the ultrasound, she looked at bloodwork we had done over the past year (4 times including at em. vet) , and talked about what we had experienced with China. I HAD taken her to the vet last August because she seemed to slow down much more than expected over a short time. But it was hot, she has arthritis and a little laryngeal paralysis so we attributed the slowdown to that and getting older. Blood work at the time was in normal range. No palpation of a mass at that vet visit in Aug. either. Bloodwork over the past year showed blood levels in normal range but they had slowly declined to the edge of normal limits. Of course, the bloodwork the night of the bleed was out of range. Could it be that something had been there since last summer??? they couldn’t answer that question, but maybe this means it wasn’t a fast growing cancer?? not sure, but it gave us hope anyway.
I am bouncing all around with this story – but the ultrasound could not indicate whether benign or malignant, but it also showed no obvious signs of spread, nor did x-rays show anything in lungs. They thought she was an excellent candidate for surgery. They could tell the tumor was more of a blood filled type thing vs. a hard mass. Gave us a 50/50 chance it was benign. But that the chances of a future fatal bleed were much greater.
Did surgery a week after the initial emerg vet visit and she has done extremely well. The tumor and spleen sent to pathology and came back benign!! tumor was about soft ball size (and they could never feel this!). Heck, I can tell, 3 weeks out of surgery, that she feels better than she has in a while. She was trotting with us on walks. She hasn’t done that in a long time (but still working on building up endurance).
We really lucked out and we know it.
How WONDERFUL for you both!!!!!! Its so heartwarming to hear when a dog Makes it!!! Suzanne Thanks for sharing~~~
Thanks for sharing Chinas story. So happy to hear another success .
Paula
It is reassuring to many to know that a splenic tumor does not have to be a death sentence, especially when caught early enough for surgery. I’m so happy that China is recovering and looking forward to more time with you!
Hugs,
Von & Heidi
So happy to read your story. I’v been away from my computer, and am so happy for you and your pet.
There’s hope and a chance always.
Donna and Sasha
My shih tzu is almost 15.. I got her as a puppy when I was 13 years old, so needless to say, 15 years later, I’m very attached! In 2009 when she underwent surgery for mammary mass removal, the vet told me that there was a small nodule on her spleen, but that she had biopsed it and it wasnt cancerous. Her bloodwork has been fine ever since, and to be honest I had forgotten about the splenic nodule in light of the more pressing cancerous mammary tumors. I was never reminded of the nodule again until yesterday when she had an abdominal ultrasound, which showed a large splenic mass. I pulled out her records from her 2009 ultrasound, and sure enough this was the same nodule that had just grown. The doctors said the fact that its grown over 3 years without causing cancer means it is likely benign, but now I’m concerned about the rupturing issue. I don’t know what to do because she needs to go under to have an infected tooth removed, and the spleen cant be removed at the same time. i dont want to risk her going under twice for two separate procedures at this age, but am nervous about this possibility of rupture. Very nervous at this point because I dont know which issue is more pressing – the infected tooth abcess she is on antibiotics for, or this “ticking time bomb” that hasnt been an issue for 3 years.. đŸ˜¦
Lisa, I believe any lump, bump or nodule should be removed when found…in this case , I probably would have done what you did…due to the location, I wouldn’t want to do major surgery unless it was necessary to say the least.We all take a leap of faith when we or our pets are operated on….you made one good decision…now rely on your gut feeling and all the info you have gathered…its all anyone can do. The out come is never up to us….we just can pray for the best!!! AND OF COURSE OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS WILL BE WITH YOU~~~~ Suzanne I never got the chance to make that kind of a decision due to a bad vet (in my opinion) and my dog suffered….so make sure you trust the Dr.
Lisa what has your vet recommended? Dogs like people are living longer healthier lives these days. When my dog was 10 and had his toe amputation from cancer I swore is never so another procedure because his recovery was so difficult. Then 2 years later here I am and Jackson is 12 and I had major surgery of a spleenectomy. I was so hesitant because the life expectancy of a giant schnauzer is 10-12 but he did so well and is like a puppy right now it’s almost eery So for me I am thankful I did it but those days leading up to it I was sick to my stomach and immediately after I was so regretful as he laid not eating not playing not getting up a I thought I made a major mistake. But now that it is said and done i am thankful we had an amazing outcome and prognosis and pathology report….but it could have gone any other direction. So no matter your decision your pet knows you love him an make the best decisions within your power you can for him based on all toe resourcses recommendations and this wonderful blog of true tales. Best wishes to you an your beloved. We will all be thinking of you on your journey. Lisa and Jackson
Please excuse typing errors dang cell phone autocorrect!! đŸ™‚
Hi lisa, I know this is a very difficult decision to have to make. If it we’re my dog I would probably take care of the tooth first since she’s on antibiotics for it and most likely in pain. And ask the vet how much time thereafter could she undergo the spleen surgery. She’s gone for a while with it. When I look back in my case, I know wonder if my beagle had it for a while too. He had slowed down, didn’t want to go for his walks anymore. I thought it might be arthiritis and brought him in for his back legs to be xrayed.
After a year or so, is when I noticed the bulge at his abdomen.
Go with your heart and whatever decision you make, know you did the best you could do.
Paula
Thank you so much for the quick replies. Lola seems to be totally fine – no one believes me when they learn she’s approaching 15. She had 3 surgeries to remove mammary tumors, with the last being September of 2011. I am just so frustrated that the vet didnt circle back to the spleen and mention possibly removing it during one of those 3 surgeries. If they had done the ultrasound yesterday and it was fine, I of course would have gone ahead with the teeth – but it was just too much for me to process at the time. The vets are saying medically it is risky to leave the spleen in, and to leave an infected tooth in, but that the order of priorities is up to me! I have such a weight on my chest over this but am leaning towards having her teeth done on Friday (she will have them been on antibiotics for 10 days, a little longer than planned..), and then pray to god the spleen doesnt cause an issue during or after surgery. if she recovers well and bounces back to herself, I will likely do the spleen surgery. I’m just so upset that I am so meticulous with her medical care and that this “little nodule” in 2009 was described to be pretty much nothing, now all of a sudden its a tripled-in-size life-threatenting issue. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences to help me weigh the pros and cons of submitting her to an additional and unplanned procedure đŸ˜¦
We CARE…as we have all been through it with good and bad outcomes, and we do understand….keep us updated and you and Lola will be in our prayers for you to join the ones with good outcomes…..There have been a lot lately đŸ™‚ Suzanne
My dog was diagnosed with the enlarged spleen in April 2012 and I did nothing for 10 months. I needed to process and talk to people and vets a d anyone who’d listen. So give yourself a little time to research and even consult with vets. I always ask….”if this was your dog….what would you do” and I process their response. Most are candide one even talked me out of a procedure with my last dog. So you are doing the right things and no matter what you decide it will be the right one!!! Praying for you and Lola!!
I agree with the advice of the others. Only you can make the decision, based on the advice from your vet. I pray for you and Lola, and wish many more happy times ahead!
Von
Good Luck with your decisions, you are your dogs voice, and you are doing what you believe is in the best interest of your pet.
Hi i come across this blog while searching for info. My 12 yr old Max had a bad turn about 3 months ago. During the night he lost control of bladder and bowels on his bad ( sofa). he had moved onto his Doggy bed on the floor and had fouled there also. He had been sick and was still being sick when we found him that way at 4am.He couldn’t stand at all and couldn’t get comfortable. kept laying his head down then lifting it again. We called the vet and took him straight away. vet gave him injection for sickness and antibiotics, put a needle into his stomach to check for bleed but that was clear. Took bloods to send off. We took him home with antibiotics and pain meds and he recovered over the next 2 to 3 days. He was able to walk by the end of the same day but a little wobbly and he was still drinking and eating ok.
Fast forward to now. He has been on prednisone for Glaucoma of his blind eye which flared up and he has started to become incontinent, constantly drinking and peeing , but also leaking where he lays. This was put down to the steroids so i took him in to see if we could wean him off ( he was on 1 tablet a day) as his eye was better. The vet examined him and found a lump and immediately was concerned it was the spleen.
He advised an xray, I had to take max on the Wednesday and lead him there which broke my heart as i have never left him at a vets and i hated the thought of him in a cage. i was in a state as you can imagine. The results of the xray confirmed he has a grapefruit sized growth around the spleen area, cant determine if its on the spleen but it does seem that way. Blood tests were done and they come back with white cells normal red cells down to 31% so he was now anemic, liver slightly up at 14 and pancreas slightly up. He told me he wouldnt know for sure unless he done exploratory surgery but because of max age it was a hard decision. the other option was to leave him to bleed out. I have done a lot of reading on the net and In retrospect i think the episode he has 3 months ago was a slight bleed which healed itself. I didnt want to subject him to surgery because of his age but i dont want to just leave him to die a painful death either. i have been in such turmoil over the weekend as you can imagine. After finding this blog it has helped me decide to try and give him a chance with the surgery as 50/50 is better than 0 chance and a painful death. hes still lively and seems healthy so i don’t want to put him to sleep, i feel its too soon for that. So we see the vet tomorrow and talk this through. Please pray for my max to make it through and for the growth to be benign. I’m hoping that if this episode 3 months ago was indeed a bleed from it and hes still going now that its not malignant and that if it was he wouldnt be here, does that sound right? as in would he have gone by now if it was malignant. Ive also read about size and that larger ones are usually benign as malignant ones dont tend to get the chance to grow large. His looks Grapefruit size is this large or small? I don’t know. im in such a state right now and i just want to do whats best for my baby. am i doing the right thing taking him for surgery
also whats the procedure, how long will he have to stay there ( its a 24hr country surgery) whats the after care like, what do we need to do when he comes home. im saying when and not if because he will come home .
thankyou in advance xx
Hi Kath I remember crying an reading and re reading this blog desperately trying to find an answer on what to do. I trust my vet very much but my gut said to not so the surgery then 10 months later had it with a very good outcome my dog had a baseball size along with 4 golf ball ones. We didn’t know all that until the spleenectomy. Hang in there you decision will eventually come to you as mine did. Jack had surgery at 5pm was in ICU post op. I visited him he was not awake. Then he came home the next day. The first few days were rough but now 3 weeks post op he’s running wild. More so than a year ago. So hang in there!! Lisa and Jackson.
Kath I remember what it was like when I first learned that Heidi had a splenic tumor that needed to come out. I agonized over what to do if when they got inside her, they found more tumors. Fortunately, we did not have to face that decision, because my hubby & I did not agree.
Her’s was about baseball/softball sized and fortunately benign. Her surgery was done around 10am and she was home with us the next day by noon. She was lethargic after being given her pain meds, but other than that she seemed pretty normal.
Because of the surgery, she had to be restricted from jumping up on furniture & the beds. We ended up putting a mattress on the floor in our living room where I slept with her for a week (during the “no jumping” restriction). She was used to sleeping with me, so I couldn’t bear her whining to come up with me when we attempted to keep her down or out of our bedroom.
Like Max, she had no previous symptoms at all . . . at least none that we had noticed. Her lump was felt during her annual wellness exam by her regular vet. It was an amazing thing, considering how much so many have had to pay to get a diagnosis. With a $125 xray, her initial opinion was confirmed, and the surgery scheduled for the following week (6 days later).
We were told to keep her more quiet, no running or playing ball outside (this was summertime) . . . which seemed to be the hardest thing for her.
I know you’ll make the right decision for Max. Hang in there and know whatever the outcome, you did the best you could for him. They trust and love us unconditionally, knowing we will care and provide for them . . . forever!
Hugs,
Von & Heidi
thankyou for the replies, since posting max had his lunch of some chicken, had a drink and went out to toilet. when he come back he went straight out again and was sick, brought up chicken and some liver from yesterday. hes not himself today, tired and hes definitely off colour
That’s how my Madie started on a Sun….I waited till the vet opened on Mon, I didn’t know about this site at the time……..long story short….STUPID vet…Lack of knowledge…she died 4 days later in the hospital the whole time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It wasn’t my regular vet(on vac.)but with the practice. He was treating her for pancreatitus..idiot! Madie was 13.5 and monitored very closely with her health….I was in dis belief when they told me splenic tumor that bled out……Suzanne
With China, she was in surgery Friday at the Vet Specialist which is also the same building as 24 hr Emergency Vet. She was there until Monday morning at 8am. With the set-up they have, there is 24 hr care and they explained how they check on the dogs every hour and she had some monitoring device for a while. At first, I thought I was going to just go crazy with her there for 3 days – being the ultra worrier that I am and thinking no one could take care of her like I could.
However, when we got to see her on Saturday morning – she was doing well for such a major surgery, but I realized that I would have been worried sick having her at home with such an incision (we have a good bit of stairs also to get in and out of the house) and if you think about all the major arteries they have to tie-off. I ended up being grateful she had such great care. When I picked her up first thing Monday morning, I was greeted by a dog that didn’t appear miserable or pitiful- she was well on her way to recovery. She definitely was more like her old self inside the house by day 5. Now, when we would take her outside to potty, she would do her business but didn’t really want to be outside at all. Maybe she felt vulnerable or something. By end of week 2, she was finally enjoying doing some walks. Week 3, she is walking way faster on the walks than she was the 3-4 months leading up to the surgery. Still working up to length of the regular walks, but I realized today that I was having to speed up to keep up with her! She did have to wear the “cone of shame/ecollar” while we were at work and on the first few nights just to make sure she didn’t mess with the incision. At least for 10 days – they suggested only 5-10 minute walks outside.
I was totally against anesthetizing her again and doing another surgery. But we realized we were worrying constantly about another bleed. I am so glad the vets gave us more information to change our mind. For once, I let things happen out of my control and it worked out okay. Everyone’s situation is different. Cost for the surgery can be cost prohibitive for a lot of people. And the outcome can be the total opposite from what we experienced.
I try to keep in mind that it is because of us that our puppy companions are living as long as they do. I think they stick around longer for us. Unfortunately, it is because of this that we have to face these horribly hard decisions.
Sorry for such a long ramble.
Kath, Another issue to watch is the color of the gums. If they are pale, white, very light, this is usually a sign that there’s bleeding going on. Bright pink, reddish brown, are all good signs, that the tumor is not actively bleeding at the moment. Please bear in mind that you do have a ticking time bomb waiting to explode the life out of your pet. My opinion only, to simply do nothing and wait and see, was not an option in my mind. I send prayers tonight for Max.
It hurt me to bring my dog into a cage environment also. Our groomers even let all the dogs run the shop, so Sasha was never a kennel dog.
My heart goes out to all of you and i sat crying my eyes out reading this blog. Im praying for all the fur babies regardless of whether they are still with us or waiting at the bridge and there mums and dads xx
Suzanne i am so sorry, my heart is going out to you. its the most heart destroying thing to experience losing a baby xx
Thank you Kath and best of luck to you. You and your baby will be in my prayers
thankyouxx, i am so scared right now : (
I wish I could do more …I know what U R going through…keep in touch xoxo
oh love you are helping more than you realize just by being there and with your thoughts and prayers. Thankyou xx
Kath…sometimes we are stronger than what we think….I believe we are constantly being tested…..why….who knows…some of us more than others….heres ONE BIG HUG FILLED WITH STRENGTH going out to you …be strong for your fur baby…….they feel your strenght!!!
I agree with lifes tests and lessons , they suck big time !!
thankyou for everything xx
I know…I lost Madie in May and my other dog Raven 2 weeks before Christmas. She was 16.5…she tried so hard…I know for me because she knew how sad I was….I had lost Madie, my son was killed a few years before that (from which I will never recover)my Mom a year before that…my husband left me a year after my son…said he couldn’t stand the person I had become…lost my job…Raven went through everything with me….but her body just couldn’t go on
I dont know how you are still standing you have been through so much heartache, words cant express how much love and thoughts i am sending your way. I dont think i would have been able to cope with all that , you have had everything thrown at you xx
thankyou for the replies, they all seem muddled up for me in placement
didnt sleep a wink last night, felt sick and so anxious. rung vet this morning to go and have a talk with him so go at 10am
will find out everything but i feel we have decided to chance the op as if we dont then we are definitely giving him a death sentence and as others have posted i will be anxious and a wreck every day knowing it may bleed out.
This way i feel he has a 50/50 chance and i just pray to God that he allows my baby to stay with me for longer.
I felt a little sense of relief initially when i made the decision, almost hopeful
but now and then i let the fear creep in and wonder if im doing the right thing
but i will push forward and pray everything works out ok
thankyou all for your prayers and strength at this time. I am glad i found this blog as it has been an incredible help in so many ways
thankyou xx
Hang in there Kath, and think only positive thoughts for Max. You’ll both be in my thoughts today!
Von
thankyou, his op is on wed at 10am
i have to do something to help him rather than just leave him to die and his anemia to get worse xx
Prayers for Max, and I know just how you feel, as I was in your same shoes a few months ago. You are trying to do whatever you can to save your pet. I am praying for you both.
Donna and Sasha
thankyou and well wishes to you and Sasha. Im a wreck this morning, i have never felt such anxiety as what i am feeling right now xx
Just letting you know I also understand the anxiety you are feeling. I felt it when my now 15 year old little toy poodle had bladder surgery a few years ago. It is a horrible feeling and nothing really takes it away until they are back in your arms again and wagging their tail.. You just have to keep telling yourself you are doing the best you can for your baby. My little guy has a small splenic mass and goes for another ultrasound on Thurs. to see if it has grown in the 4 mos since they first found it. He is only 5.5 lbs and seems so fragile. I wish someone somewhere was doing research on why our dogs are getting these tumors on their spleen. Many not even cancer. I am a nurse and do not see anything in humans like what these dogs are experiencing. It does not seem breed specific either since this blog mentions so many types of dog. The only thing they have in common is that they all seem to qualify as ‘senior’ dogs. Any ideas how we can get some major veterinary research center to look into this? I will send prayers and good thoughts your way for both you and your dear Max.
Thankyou Meg. oh bless that is tiny !! thats hard to imagine lol
my other half thinks that its to do with the human breeding of dogs that could cause it along with a lot of other problems that dogs get from being bred, who knows
i have got myself some wine for tonight otherwise i wont be able to sleep a wink, the wine will help knock me out hopefully as i dont drink much.my son is on his way and arrives in a few hours. i just feel sick to the stomach, i keep mothering max and petting, stroking, grooming him, following him around like a mother hen xx
Small doesn’t mean a thing….my Madies was so small they had a hard time seeing it…but it bled out… You are doing the best you can….and I must repeat don’t show the dog how worried you are….they pick up on everthing….why it happens….good question food??treats from who knows where or whats in it???/ I pretty much cooked for all my afghans….but I had 3 that died from cancer~ Best of everything to you,Kath
Well, I will say a prayer for both of you. I had a “Max” also years ago. He was a Bernese Mountain dog mix rescue pup. Very sweet and very big. Have had dogs all breeds, sizes, mixes and some lived to be quite old but this is my first with a mass on his spleen but who knows, years ago they didn’t do all the ultra sounds and other tests they do now. I will be thinking of you hoping all goes well. Please keep us updated. I don’t always have a chance to reply but I do read all the posts and think about everyone and their dear furry kids. At least we all understand each other’s feelings about our dogs. Not everyone does so I often feel I can’t really get across to my friends how much my little guy means to me. I love him more than just about anything. However, here, we all understand. Wishing you all good news.
For the love of our pets, my prayers and thoughts for everyone tonight. Take care…..
Donna and Sasha
Hello. I am new here, but have read this entire blog and have found it extremely informative, albeit scary. I have a 14 year old Vizsla who was diagnosed with a splenic mass last week. She falls into the “finding it due to dumb luck” category of these cases. We brought her into the emergency room for what at the time we thought might have been a mild stroke but turned out to be a mild heart arrhythmia which she is now on medication for and doing well. That aside we now need to decide on whether or not to do the surgery to remove the spleen and mass. Our vet does not feel that the mass is malignant, though you never know untile tested, as it appears to be the same texture as the spleen, appears solid and has clearly defined boarders. We went ahead with the pre-op testing to find out if she was even healthy enough to undergo surgery and the results came back that she is. After full body xrays, and ultrasounds of all her major organs there was no evidence of any other masses or any evidence that this is a malignant mass that had metastasized. She does have cushings, and has been on medication for that for the last year, and now also has this arrhythmia. That aside, she has no idea anything is wrong with her and is very energetic, happy and otherwise healthy. The idea of doing the surgery, and possibly loosing her as a result terrifies me. I know there is a big risk for fatal cardiac events with these surgeries and with an already documented heart condition that worries me (tho the vet says, her existing condition is minor and should not be a concern). The flip side, however, of just waiting for a rupture also terrifies me and as so many of you have documented, I cannot think of a more horrific end for any of our beloved animals. She is just so happy and otherwise healthy (everyone that meets her cannot believe she is 14) that the idea of of doing the surgery and possibly loosing her and loosing out on this happy healthy time she has right now makes me sick, but the other alternative is also no good either.
We are taking her for a 2nd opinion this afternoon and I’m hoping to have more clarity then, however, in the meanwhile I would love to hear if any of you have gone through this with an older dog that has a documented arrhythmia. My gut a few days ago was to do the surgery, but now I’m scaring myself into thinking maybe that isn’t the best.
Also, does anyone know if the mass being solid vs. fluid filled presents more/ less risk for rupture?
Thank you all so much for any thoughts or guidance you may have.
Good Luck Soph with the second opinion. I do believe the health of your dog has an advantage at one point, and should be a deciding factor. Your doctors both agreeing your dog as a good candidate will reinforce your decisions. Take care, I am praying for your pet. We are here for you, and you are not alone.
Donna and Sasha
Soph – I am in the same boat with Lola. She’s 14.5 years old, and I got her when I was 13 years old (14.5 years ago…!) She is also in amazing condition and gets the same thing you mentioned – no one believes her age when I tell them (even the vets!) We also found a splenic mass by chance on Friday when I was having a routine ultrasound done before her dental procedure. She has a 3 cm x 3 cm mass in her spleen, and although they said it does not appear malignant, they warned me of the “ticking time bomb” of possible rupture. I looked back at her old records from her old vet and her last ultrasound was done in 2009 – they found a tiny splenic nodule (less than 1 cm), and it was written off as no big deal. Never followed up on. I am sick over it because she did have other surgeries in the last 4 years to remove mammary tumors, so the spleen could have easily been re-evaluated and removed during one of those procedures. But hindsight is 20/20 and now here I am in the same boat as you – part of me wants to take it out to reduce the risk of a horrible possibility, but the other part of me cant bear to put her through a painful and risky procedure “just in case.” I’m also in the same boat in that she is doing so well otherwise, and I would feel sick if doing the surgery preventatively ended up jeopardizing her. I feel “damned if I do, damned if I don’t.” Please let me know what your second opinion recommends and what you are leaning towards. Ive had a pit in my stomach over this since Friday
Sorry for the delay in responding, has been hard to find a moment to sit here. Anyway, very glad we took Sophie for a 2nd opinion. This 2nd vet basically confirmed everything the first vet said (that he was quite certain that the mass was benign and that her “episodes” that brought her in to the hospital in the 1st place were likely cardiac events, unrelated to the spleen, and now that she is on medication, she should do just fine). This new vet, however, gave me much more comfort that she isn’t on “death’s door” with this mass. He said that if he felt the mass was malignant or even benign but cystic/ fluid filled he said without a doubt he’d tell us to take it out right away. Given, however, that her mass (which is about the same size as Lola’s mass, Lisa) is solid, clearly encapsulated and appears to be the same consistency as the spleen itself he felt that as far as splenic masses go, that this was probably the best possible kind to have and the least likely to rupture (though obviously he said anything is possible). He said he felt like the risk to her was fairly equal with either option (leaving it alone or doing the surgery). He said he thought if we elected to do the surgery that all signs pointed to her doing well, but no differently then he can’t guarantee the mass won’t rupture, he also can’t guarantee she won’t have complications from the surgery. He said if it was his dog, he’d aspirate the mass, confirm it is benign and if so, he’d wait and watch it for a little while before doing the surgery. As such, I think that is what we are going to do. We are going to schedule the needle biopsy soon and then she’ll have another ultrasound in a month. In the meanwhile we will continue to monitor her closely. He also told us he has a patient that is a 16 year old (i think afghan??) that has had a benign splenic mass for the last 3 years. He said this dog’s mass is much more “gnarely” looking than Sophie’s, but with regular monitoring the dog has had no complications and is doing well. Depending how much change there is within the next month, we might consider surgery at that point but I think for right now we are going to sit tight.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and words of comfort. They have meant so much and I am sure contributed to Sophie’s reports coming back as positively as possible.
Kath – I am SO thrilled to hear that Max came through the surgery well. You and he have been in my thoughts and prayers all day.
Thank you for that info on your Sophie. That is basically what our vet has said about our little 15 yr old Tobe. He is also on heart medication. He goes in today for a routine cardiac and abdominal ultrasound to follow the progress of his splenic nodule and his heart. His mass was found about 4 mos ago when they did a routine x-ray to check his lungs. He is so small that the x-ray also included the spleen area so the mass was found that way and we followed up with an ultrasound. He has very bad eyesight and had fallen down our carpeted stairs. Didn’t seem to bother him at the time since he kind of just rolled down a few steps and got back up and ran to get his dinner but we wonder if he could have hit his spleen and caused a hematoma from trauma.Now we have stairs blocked off so he can’t get to them. Please keep us posted on your Sophie and let us know if you do the aspiration biopsy and results. Wishing you good outcomes with your Sophie.
Meg..you mention how your tobe fell down the stairs a while back and that could have started an onset to the problem. Now I wonder if that was the case with Perry. I remember he had fallen off the bed once. He seemed ok when it happened but months later he started acting different. Not wanting to go on his walks which he loved so much. And not walking hardly at all. I had brought him to vet to have his back xrayed. He found nothing wrong with his hind legs. I wonder if that fall started it all.
Paula
I have wondered the same. When Tobe fell it just looked more sad than serious. He rolled down about 3 carpeted stairs to the landing. We didn’t realize his eyesight was so bad at the time. The next time he fell also just a couple steps onto the tile entry. Each time he just got up and ran where ever he was going and acted like nothing hurt. He goes in so often for his heart to be checked plus all the usual labs, etc. that senior dogs need and I only even mentioned it to the vet the day she found the small mass. She said absolutely do not let him fall again so we went out and bought 2 more baby gates for top and bottom of stairs. Today I am stressing because he went in this am for his routine cardiac ultrasound as well as an abdominal ultrasound to check the status of the mass. Vet was giving chemo to another dog so we couldn’t talk at the time and I am a basket case waiting for her call. Trying to work but hard to concentrate. Our dogs have often fallen off the bed thru the years too as you mentioned about your little guy.
Meg, that’s the scary part of this. Not knowing what causes it. I have a little dachshund and I live in fear each day, thinking it could happen to her too. I keep thinking I see a bulge at her abdomen. I’ll bring her in next week to vet, just to make sure there’s nothing wrong. She’s a bit of a fatty girl, loves to eat. So I hope that’s what it is, her full belly.
Paula
I know, it seems so very common too. I guess our dogs are living longer now and we are seeing new things with testing. Why the spleen? That is the weird part. Trauma to the spleen causes bleeding or a hematoma in humans but they usually do well with a splenectomy or just watching it if it is small. In dogs it seems to act differently. I wonder how many dogs have it and just die of something else because no one was even aware of the mass on the spleen. Think of all the dogs thru the years who lived to a good age before they even did ultrasounds on dogs. I had a little doxie who lived to be 13 and that was in the 60’s when I was young. Our Jack Russell was always bouncing off walls, getting wind knocked out of her at dog parks, etc. and she lived to be 17 but they never checked her spleen. The bulge on your little girls tummy might just be a little hernia or just a little bit of chubbiness. We will think positive thoughts. Hope you can get it checked out and get some peace of mind.
Soph my heart goes to you and your baby, i know exactly how you are feeling right now with the deciding one minute, panicking the next, the not doing it and the doing it, its certainly messes with your heart and head
max has a slightly raised heart beat but thats because of his anemia so vet said it wasnt anything to worry about and the rest of his organs are fine to do an op. I too am so scared here, the anxiety rushing through me has me physically sick right now. I have to go ahead with this. i some times think that if found by luck then maybe its a sign for us to do something, almost as if life is giving us a chance if that makes any sense. for me personally no matter what panic sets in i have to have faith it will be ok and keep praying my baby comes through this
please let us know how you get on and prayers go with you two xx
Thanks Kath. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Max as well. I’m sure I read it somewhere above, but don’t recall. How old is Max? How big is his mass? The one we are dealing with is about the size of a ping pong ball. Ultrasound of spleen from a year ago showed no growths. These buggers sure grow fast đŸ˜¦
thankyou, yes its max hes a rescue dog we have had since he was 5 weeks old, we think hes a boxer cross but cant be sure lol. hes 12, the mass is the size of a grapefruit/orange. its his first xray so we dont know how fast its growing. but he had bloods done 3 months ago and they were fine so hes developed anemia since then and i do reckon the episode he had back then was a small bleed.Its as if life is trying to get our attention because i have been reflecting back
has had what we thought was a stroke and took him to emergency at 4am he had collapsed, was vomiting, couldnt stand, lost control of bladder and bowels etc ( classic symptoms although we didnt know at the time) vert gave him injections and took bloods and he was back on his feet after a couple of days.
then he had glaucoma in his eye which ended with him on prednisone ( which also helps growths slow down). he started to drink and pee a lot, started leaking while just laying asleep. so took him back to get him weaned off the steroids and thats when they felt the growth through his stomach. but they were also xraying to see if there was anything around his bladder just to be sure in case it wasnt the side effects of the steroids
so for the past 3 month we have had various reasons getting us to the vet and finally we have found the growth. im hoping all this is someone up there trying to let us know its there so it can be removed before its too late as 3 months is a long time to survive after a small bleed and then nor bleed again or rupture fully, especially considering we have had the dog walking up mountains and everything !!
im praying this is all positive signs that its not his time yet xx
Just to let you guys know….My Madie’s was very small and bled out…they gave her 90% chance of operating!!! They had to use a doppler combined with ultra sound to find it…so its not always size and they can bleed out at any time…..if you know what to look for helps….its not always that they are showing their age…Madie was a very vibrant 13.5 thought she was in great health…still ran like the wind(afghan hound)..then a subtle drop off to a collapse….Knowledge is very important and knowing your dog…I attributed to old age since she had just had her regular check up..and they said she was fine!!!!!!!!! And don’t drive your self nuts….the dogs feel it…..we are all here for a short time….dogs even shorter….so when its our time it will happen ….no matter what… And its easier to say than do when U R going through it, but we’ve all been there and we still know those awful feelings…..Take care huggs…Suzanne
Today is the day Max goes for his surgery, please send him healing energy and thoughts and pray for him to get through this. Thankyou xx
Hi Kath . . . you know I’m thinking about you and Max. Healing prayers are coming your way!
Von
Thankyou Von
we dropped him off at 10am, vet said if he hasnt rung by 2pm to give him a call
no news so far so im assuming thats a good thing !! xx
Only the best of thoughts and healing prayers for Max!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kath, Same here, Prayers for Max, and you. Take care, and remember the pain meds will help, but the effects of rapid breathing, really scare you. Panting as well. When it all wears off, you will have much needed time for hugs. Take care, we are here for you.
Donna and Sasha
Update on max and i dont know whether this is good or bad. the tumor ended up being on his bowel not his spleen. They have managed to remove it and was in process of stitching the bowel back together when i called. They said he was doing well with the anaesthetic, and they were quietly optimistic but would depend on max will to live if he pulls through and recovers.
they will need to keep him a few days so he wont be home tomorrow. i have to call back at 6 to check on him, he will be on strong pain killers so will likely be sleeping then. does anyone have any knowledge on this, im searching net but im getting confused what exactly this is.he didnt have symptoms like losing weight or loss of appetite but i dont know if thats because his steroids were masking that.
thankyou to all of you for your prayers and support it means a lot, please continue to pray for my baby
xx
Hi Kath, I prayed for Max and for you this am and will continue to pray. A lot will depend on the biopsy of the tumor. I am sure they are keeping him in longer until the gut resumes function. When the bowel is manipulated as in surgery, it sometimes needs to take a bit of a rest before it starts to work again. (At least that is the way it is with my human patients) They often want to keep them on IV fluids a bit longer until the bowel wakes back up and starts to function again to avoid vomiting. I will continue to pray for him and I appreciated your update this am as I was wondering if you would have time to let us know Max’s progress. Remember we are all here for you. Many of us don’t always have time to write a note but we are still reading, praying, thinking about each other. Hugs and prayers for you and Max from Meg and Tobe in California.
Thankyou Meg and Tobe i really appreciate your post it was very helpful, i will keep you all updated and thankyou all for your prayers xx
Rung vets at 6pm, vet had been called out to an emergency but his daughter who works there, told me they brought max around after the operation. that he was sitting there quite happy and chilled out as if nothing had even happened. Im to call back at 7 to see if vets back as he will want to check him over and update me with whats next etc
i know the next few days are still iffy but i feel such a sense of relief. i have been talking to him all day in my head and even out aloud lol. please keep praying for him for the next few days and thankyou so much for all your help and energies, it means a lot to me xx
I’m just getting home from work and was happy to read this update on Max. Not sure about bowel tumors or if that is better/worse. Now to hope for a full recovery and that the mass was benign!
Von
Good Luck to everyone on here….I feel like I have overstayed my visit, I appreciate all of you who have reached out to me…my message seems repetitive , and I think I do no good for anyone…sorry….. But when I say my prayers I will always include this group…special thanks to Paula~
I can’t tell if this is Suzanne who is writing this but I think it is. How can you say you overstayed your visit. I think of you so much and remember how warm and compassionate you we’re when this first happened to me with my Perry. And I’m sure everyone on here feels the same. I would feel very sad not seeing you post on here anymore. Because I would always wonder how you are doing.
You’ve helped so many people on here with your kind words and continues prayers. Please don’t stop. alot of people on here come and go and sometimes I wish I could be there for everyone who writes. I’m not very good at expressing myself, plus I’m depressed. But you Suzanne, plus Donna and von are the core of this site. Plus a few others.
It’s like losing a member of a family. So, I hope you continue to post. It may sound repetitive to you, but not to the new people who come here looking for support. It seems way too many of our fur kids are getting this tumor and this site helps so many people .
I’ll pray tonight that you stay on here Suzanne.
Hugs, Paula
Kathy, prayers for your Max. I know how you’re feeling. I want to say stop worrying but I know that’s impossible.
Paula
i lost max last night and 10pm
im not coping at all, the vet said we had to give him a chance because the alternative was horrible, because it was bowel cancer he would have had a painful death, peritonitis and what not. she said he was happy and sleeping, not in any pain and his heart gave up so he would have just slept through it
he was alone in a cage when he went though, i should have been with him xx
My heart goes out to you dear Kath…..I know the RAW pain you suffer now….but Max is out of his…and God wanted him now….let that be your peace….huggs!!!
Kath, I’m so sad to hear about Max. It’s the part of life that I hate but it’s what it is. I just wish God let our fur kids be with us longer. You did your best for him and gave him all the love till the end. What I did when my Perry passed is make a picture book of all the pictures I had of him. I did cry slot while I put it together but still liked all the memories each picture gave.
Hugs, Paula
Oh Kath, I do not even have the words to say how sorry I am for you but the important thing is that you gave your dear Max a chance he would not have had. It doesn’t help the horrible pain I know you feel now, but in time you will remember that you did what you could and you followed the suggestions of the professionals who directed his care. If he went in his sleep that is a blessing if he had bowel cancer.Our time will always be too short with our loved ones whether they be our furry kids or our human companions. Always too short….I am so very sorry. Meg
Oh Kath, I’m so sorry to hear of Max’s passing. Know you did the very best you could for him and that you were just up against impossible odds. Hugs to you!
Von
Just wanted to say thankyou to you all for your kind words and thoughts, they mean a lot to me xx
Kath, I am heartbroken to hear this. I am so sorry. There are no words. I know Max was family, and I am sure he took all the love you gave him with him. I feel so sad. I cry every time I read of a lost soul, as I’m typing to you. I share your sorrow.
Donna
Kath,
I am so sorry to hear this. Please keep telling yourself that you did the best possible for Max and try not to feel guilty (as I know from experience that you will feel that way). I hope that the happy memories of Max will help you through your grief.
I am so sorry Kath! I never know what to say in comfort but am sending you hugs!
To Suzanne,
We have been friends for a while, and you have never overstayed your welcome. I agree with everything Paula is saying right now. We all came here for help. I feel, when a call comes out for some comfort, and one of us is not on the computer, someone answers that question, being you, Paula, Von, Maureen, whomever. I feel the more compassionate people on this site, the better it is, as we all lead busy lives. Please don’t feel the need to hang up on us, we value your prayers, healing words, wisdom, and most of all your friendship. You are needed here. Please listen and read between the lines of all the continued list of people coming to this site, as there are never enough of prayers, and comfort you send. I hope you don’t close this chapter, as we are friends. Hugs!
Donna
Through my tears, I thank you…..I feel so lost and of no value to anyone in this life….Its not self pity its a struggle to go on…I have tried my best….but with no help no support….human nature can’t survive long with out the nurturing of love…..I thank each and every one of you for your kind thoughts and as I have all ready stated….to read that Max had passed started my tears again.
Suzanne, I was so sad when you wrote that you felt you had overstayed your welcome. We newer ones need your experience, caring, support and guidance. You are loved and appreciated by people you have not met in person. Just knowing there are others out there who feel as I do about my little guy makes the tough times more tolerable. I think of each of you all day and I am working full time, have lots of responsibility taking care of family members, etc but you are each in my thoughts and prayers, you are a part of the fabric of my life. You may not have people physically with you but there are still those who care about you and need you. I, too, cry with each passing as I did this am. My heart aches physically for each of the losses. Sometimes I ask why I read these stories then I think that just by reading them, sometimes replying, it may give that person just a tiny bit of comfort so that they know they are not alone. So, I, along with others hope you will stay. However, if it is painful to be reminded of your own losses each time, I certainly understand. Maybe you could still just take a little break and come back? Thank you for all of your kind words. You are a special lady and the world needs more like you.
Thank you Meg…. after my son was killed ….nothing mattered!!! Even all the other shit that came my way, I thought I would go on…that I was being tested….my fuel has run out….Being all alone is beyond cruel…and I won’t elaborate on all the details…when I say alone …I mean Me no family nothing, retired bunch of medical problems..no one helps me ..last year the passing of both my dogs…my beautiful and ever faithful girls….well…. I was in dog rescue and fund raising for years… I was in a grief group for years after my son died…thought I was helping others…….and now when I need….? nothing….I know the dogs would help if they could….its funny how the people won’t…..so it must be me for what ever reason………
Suzanne, now you’re making me cry along with all the sad dog outcomes. No one should ever feel alone. I don’t know where you live, but if you’re anywhere near so. Cali, please let me know. I would love to get together with you and have lunch out by the ocean or looking at a mountain. If not here’s my email. Mrperrypotter@Yahoo.com. I’d like to call you. Sometimes when I’m feeling down, just talking to friends on the phone, makes me feel better. The m in mr is not capitalized. I still haven’t figured how to correct what I type.
Hope to hear from you.
Paula
Suzanne . . . I want to echo support for you as well. I feel badly for all of the sadness here, especially when so much love and prayer is given in an effort to provide morale support across the miles.
Working in a veterinary clinic (just wrapping up my 2nd month) has been a real eye opener for me. Every week has new challenges . . . joys of life . . . and the sorrow of difficult decisions and outcomes. My heart breaks every day that I see sad eyes looking out through the kennels where they wait for their owners to come get them. Some of them may never make it home, which makes me teary if I allow myself to dwell on it too long.
It’s difficult to find the silver lining some days, but know that your time spent here and the support you provide others may be just enough to help them through a difficult spot. Some may be strong enough to not need much . . . but for some, there may never be enough.
Hang in there and do what you feel is best for your own mental health. I realize that sometimes trying to help others only masks the pain we feel when dealing with a deep loss. In time, it is my prayer for you that you will find the peace you deserve.
Hugs from Miss Heidi and Me
Hello everyone. I’ve been reading this entire blog and I am so glad that I found it. My 13 year old cocker spaniel Molly was just diagnosed with a large splenic mass yesterday. I brought her into the vet because she didn’t seem right earlier this week. I was having to coax her to eat, she was hesitant to jump on the couch, and she seemed to be sleeping more. However, today she ate just fine as long as I moistened her kibble so I really thought perhaps she just had a bad tooth, I wasn’t at all prepared for the news that I received. Her bloodwork shows that she is slightly anemic. Back in July her bloodwork also showed that she was slightly anemic but we had it retested in August and it was fine, so we didn’t pursue it any further. Now I wish that we had.
Our regular vet feels that she should have surgery to remove the spleen ASAP. I am not sure that surgery is the right way to go. But after reading this blog I am feeling more comfortable and optimistic about going ahead with it.
We are going for a 2nd opinion tomorrow to the specialty vet. He is the same vet that would be doing her surgery. Of course, like many of you before me, I am scared to death that this mass will rupture before I make a final decision. On the other hand, I am scared to death that I could possibly go through with the surgery and she might not make it.
Please keep my baby girl in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Again, I am so happy that I found this group as I will be needing support in the days ahead. I will post an update tomorrow evening.
Hi Theresa – I have written above about my almost 15 year old shih tzu, Lola, who also was just found to have a splenic mass last Friday. I am at a crossroads as to what to do also. Please let us know what the specialist recommends. All the best to you and Molly.
Theresa . . . good that you found “us” for additional information and moral support! As your vets will tell you, every case is different and it is really impossible to predict the outcome for Molly. All you can do is get all of the info you feel is necessary to make an informed decision. Some of us have had very good results, while others ended tragically either during surgery or post op. One thing I am confident of is that if left untreated, splenic tumors will at a minimum start to bleed and at worst, burst.
So in my opinion, the options are to give the surgical route a choice or euthanize in order to avoid the bleed-out death outcome. At least with the surgery, you are giving Molly a chance (slim as it may ultimately be).
As I mentioned yesterday, I’m now working in a vet clinic and I see tragedy more often than I want to. That said, I have also seen the miracles of older dogs (over 12-14) make it through surgery with flying colors.
I’ll admit, even a routine dental procedure on our 10 y/o Miss Heidi earlier this month had me a tad bit fearful, just knowing that any procedure requiring anesthesia can end badly. That said, I knew what was right given the need for good dental hygiene if I wanted her to be around into her teens. (Most people do not realize that many elderly pets run into major health complications because of poor/non-existent dental care.)
Hang in there and know you have many people here who share your concern and are sending you positive thoughts and prayers as you navigate through these difficult times.
Hugs,
Von & Heidi
I have been away the past few days but I wanted to send strong positive thoughts to Theresa and Lisa. I’m sending prayers that all goes well.
I do not usually write on these blogs but I wanted to share another example of finding a tumor by pure dumb luck before it either ruptured or metastacized, since it is rare that this occurs. First let me express my sympathy to all of those who have or have had dogs with cancer, since our two previous giant schnauzers both died of cancer – one had lymphoma before he was five and the other had melanoma at age nine.
This time, we were lucky because the mass on the spleen of our almost 11-year-old giant schnauzer Zelda turned out to be completely benign.
We found it because our regular vet thought she might have diabetes insipidus (a very rare form of diabetes) because of recent tests showing her urine is very dilute. Zelda’s breeder (she has produced two Westminster Best of Breed giant schnauzers) says that these dogs just drink a lot more than other dogs and that’s the reason their urine is dilute.
Just to be sure, we took Zelda to Dogs and Cats Vet Referral in Bowie, MD (we live in DC) and the internal medicine doctor said after reviewing Zelda’s history that she definitely did not have diabetes but suggested an ultrasound of her kidneys to see if there was any problem there. It turned out that her kidneys are fine but the ultrasound showed a mass on her spleen.
We immediately agreed with the vet’s recommendation to remove the spleen, which was done five days after the ultrasound. Now it is 10 days after surgery, her stiches have been removed, and she is completely back to normal.
Good luck to everyone whose dog has a splenic tumor.
Thanks for sharing your story and Zelda! Yes, it is heartbreaking to lose a family pet to these nasty tumors. Whenever there is a good story of “dumb luck” it is especially good for those who struggle with what to do when facing the grim prognosis without surgery. I hope you have many more years with your girl.
Von & Miss Heidi
Tom, I want to Thank-You, for taking time to write. I believe it is people like you, that give us hope. The more we hear positive news, it is a blessing. We always hear good and bad, and to read another pet makes it through this surgery makes my heart happy.
Good luck to Zelda.
Hugs, Donna and Sasha
Hi Everyone, I have been away from my computer, our only child, (daughter), got married, and we had one big New Orleans Wedding! We had the Wedding, Superbowl, and now tomorrow is Mardi Gras. It is non-stop here. I just wanted to let you know I have had everyone in the back of my mind. Prayers to everyone, sorry I have been out of touch.
Donna
Hi, to everyone also! I just found out today my 12 1/2 year old greyhound has a large splenic tumor and he does not know if liver is envolved. Your right, they are fine one day and then not the next. She has not wanted to eat go out or do much of anything!
My vet gave me the option’s: laparotomy and splenic removal and visulize the other organs, euthanize or take her home with pain meds. I brought her home today and decided I was going to be here and make the best of her last days here on earth.
I don’t want money to dictate my decision, but we have to be realistic. I love my Lucy as much as any other dog lover but I have to come to grips with reality. She is almost 13 years old and we have had a wonderful 11 years together with my “Sweet Potato!” Everyone has to decide what is right for them. As a great person in my life said, “Make your decision and don’t look back.” Know you are doing the right thing. Please give me feedback! Thanks
I’m so sorry to read of your greyhound’s situation Susan. It is a difficult and challenging decision for any pet owner to make.
You have made your decision and said you don’t want to look back, and yet you close your post by seeking feedback.
I’m not sure you will want to hear what I have to say, but here goes . . .
If it is in fact a splenic tumor and you do nothing, your beloved companion will most certainly bleed out one day. It could be this weekend, next month or a year from now . . . nobody knows. Personally, I couldn’t live with knowing that I made a decision that resulted in such a painful end to a life that had given me so much.
Best wishes and much love to your “Sweet Potato” and you as you navigate through this gut wrenching decision.
Von & Miss Heidi
Hi Susan,
Everything Von is saying is the same thing I would repeat to you. We do have two success stories. There are more if you read this blog, and there are the sad ones here also. I feel to do nothing with a ticking time bomb is a 50/50 chance. I just know I had to do something before Sasha would bleed to death. She was not the same dog I knew. It was her quality of life being taken right in front of me. Good luck in your decision process, and this is only my opinion. Prayers sent your way.
Donna and Sasha
Susan…my name is also Suzan and I also had sight hounds for 30+ years…Afghan hounds…My precious Madie was 13.5 when taken by this terrible disease…I feel repetitive when I keep saying all this, but the FACT is my vet was on vac. when I took my perfectly HEALTHY GIRL (OR SO I THOUGHT) TO THE VET THAT DAY…..they had her for 4 days..treating her for pancreatitus!!!! the 3rd day when I went to visit she was so doped up but you could see how bad she felt…why wasn’t she starting to get better instead of worse??? Well the next day I had my answer…She was bleeding internally….they ran more tests…THAT they should have done from the get go….let me tell you….you never want to see your dog go through that knowing the facts…they came in the room and say she had 90% chance of making it off the table…with those odds I had to let her go My DOG suffered.!!! due to a bad vet …you said you wanted feed back…..I will tell you if they would have given her better odds…and a better prognosis…the decision to put her through that at that age would have made for a very challenging decision….quality of life!!! Some dogs on here bounce back….sooo wonderful……but you have to access your situation with your girl…….TOUGH as it is…do what is best for her….and people can say Don’t look back….but come on we all do….after awhile you will come to know it was for the best.. My thoughts are with you at this critical time… Suzanne~
I really was not wanting feedback for my decision, but more advice or knowledge on the tumor. I have never known dogs get splenic tumors and how common they seem. I had read a lot of the forum stories and realized I don’t know a lot about them. I have been looking on the net and have gained some knowledge base on the subject.
Von, thank you for your input, even if brutally honest. I don’t plan on letting her bleed out at home. I will make her comfortable and love and comfort her till her last breath!
There are may people will different decisions and I do not judge anyone. We are all dog lovers and have all had to make these decisions. I support everyone’s decision because it was the best for them and there pet.
Thank you for letting me reach out, I really have needed it.
My lovely gsd kai is undergoing a exploratory on 20 feb 2013 for the spleen cancer keeping fingers cross etc he his going to be ok found this week before with the scan shed many tears since .
Dear Julie….many prayers for your precious furbaby!!! Keep us up dated ….we all have been there …its not easy~~~ Suzanne
Julie you and Kai are in our thoughts & prayers too.
Codi, my 9 year old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is my baby/child I could not have. He is the sweetest, smartest, most loving dog I have ever know. He has helped me through soo many hards times including my journey through breast cancer survival. We had felt a lump on his side and 2 days ago took him to the vet. Preliminary XRays and blood work told us we were dealing with a significant sized spleenic tumor with no signs of anything in lungs, heart, and not really anemic. Last night he started shivering/shaking, and his gum color seemed whiter, well less pink,…so when he started panting I lost it and we went to ER. He is sooo sensitive, like his owner, that it is hard to tell. The good news is the new blood work and cursory Utlra Sounds showed no signs of internal bleeding nor nothing noticeable in the liver, stomache area. Some pain medicine helped and he is much better this morning, although still lethargic. Today is the full ultra sound which will helpfully tell us if cancer is involved and if so to what extent. If no signs, great we do splendectomy asap and go from there. Although again being sensitive I am not looking forward to giving him antibiotics… Where me and my husband disagree is if there is cancer my feelings are we don’t and he feels we do the splendectomy regardless. Having lost my Mom after multiple cancer battles & my Father to pancreatic cancer both within the last 3 years, and my own breast cancer battle luckily 16 years ago, I do not want Codi to go through that at 9????? Confused and distraught in PA.
Kelly, I do not know what to say to you for all the pain and heartaches you have been through…I have walked the same path as you ….losing everyone in my life to death one way or another even my only child a few years back to an auto accident…My 2 precious babies stood by me through thick and thin…and then right before Christmas…..I lost both of them…Heartwrenching to say the least….so I know!!! BUT you are the one now facing tough times with Codi…luckily you have your husband by your side….Support helps!!! You sound like you have done everything you can and all with care….now it is up to God……. I will pray for you and Codi that everything will be fine…and he will follow in your footsteps and come through this…..Huggs….Suzanne
Kelly Taylor, Please give us an update on Codi, Prayers being said for you both.
Unfortunately, the ultrasound won’t tell if you’re dealing with cancer. If the splenic tumor is the only thing found, it still may or may not be cancer. If there are other tumors in there, the likelihood is higher than it is cancer but not certain. I pray for your family and Cody. If it were me, I would still go with the splenectomy and get it biopsied to see what you’re dealing with. At least if you get that ticking time bomb out of his belly and give him a higher chance of more quality time with you.
Whatever you do, please know only you and your family can really know what is best for you and your situation. Cody loves you unconditionally and trusts your decision.
Hugs,
Von & Heidi
The 15th of February we took all of our dogs in for their annual check up. With all of them over the age of 11, and one known to have an englarged heart since at least 2008, the news that 2 needed dental work and everything else looked good was welcomed. 48 hours later, my 12 1/2 year (the one that didn’t need dental work) had stopped eating. I took her back in on Monday, we did blood work, vet felt abdomin and nothing seemed note worthy. We started antibiotics and anti inflammatories. There were ups and downs throug hthe week, but over she seemed better.
Fast forward to Saturday morning and she could barely lift her hind end. I thought it was more hip related at this point, and got a new glucosamine, and new bed. By Satruday night, she couldn’t stand on her own so off to the vet ER. That night we found she had a large abdominal mass. The ER vet advsied us it was 60-70% chance of hemgiosarcoma, and that if we removed it she would be lucky to have 6 months. With her stability issues, she seemed to be advising us to put her to sleep. We elected to keep her on fluids over the weekend, and let our vet do an ultrasound on Monday. He did and felt it was operable, but warned us if the intenstines were involved, they would not wake her frm the surgery. We went to be with her as they put her under and stated the surgery. An hour and half later we got the call she was awake and doing well. Her Spleen had basically split in 2, but they were able to remove it and saw nothing else of concern.
This morning we got the call from the vet. There was no cancer!! I’m not even sure at this point, there was a tumor at all. The cause of the spleen splitting is unclear. We are 3 days post op, she is still getting around a little slow (though completely on her own!), she is eating, drinking and wagging her tail.
All told, we spent about $3000 but it was so worth it!! With the news we got Saturday night, who ever would have thought the outcome would be so positive? Obviously she still have some recovery time and she is still a 12 1/2 year old large breed dog with bad hips, but I am so thankful to have more time with my baby girl!!!
Wow Bearcat…Congratulations!!!! I love to hear some have such good outcomes…..Blessings to you and your fur kids!!! Suzanne
I’v been thinking of you Suzanne, and glad to hear from you, as your helping support for everyone here is, “open arms welcome”. Thanks for staying on with us.
Hugs, Donna
Hugs to you also…Donna,,,,I still read these emails and can’t help but give encouragement…its something everyone needs that are sailing on rough waters~~~ Suzanne
Thanks Bearcat for the happy news. Our hearts are happy hearing stories like that.
Thanks everyone! I am happy to say that a month later my girl is still doing awesome!
We are now facing Anal sac adenocarcinoma with another of my dogs. He had surgery Tuesday to remove the anal sacs and the vet thought he got it all, but we have started a 6 week course of Kinavet-ca1 as a second form of attack. He is also 12 1/2, so hard to say, but so far he is doing really well too!
Hurray for a good story and NO cancer! Thanks for sharing with us.
Hello,
I had written a few weeks ago about my almost 15 year old shih tzu and her 2×3 cm splenic mass found on an ultrasound. I was between a rock and a hard place with whether to go ahead with surgery or not, given her age and uncertainty about whether the mass was malignant or not. She has no other medical issues and is in excellent condition (otherwise I wouldn’t have even considered surgery). So after finding this blog and realizing that whether this was malignant or not, I may be leaving her at risk of rupture and internal bleeding, I decided the spleen needed to come out. Lola had the splenectomy yesterday and is recovering in ICU. I just went to visit her and although she is not happy at the moment, I can tell she is herself and I’m so thankful the surgery went okay. I get to take her home tonight. I will report back with the results of the spleen lab work once we know. I just realized Lola was not getting any younger, and the mass was not going to get any smaller, so wanted to handle the issue before it got any worse. I’m so thankful to have found this blog as reading through these entries certainly helped me to make my decision.
Thank you for your help,
Lisa
Prayers for a speedy recovery for Lola!
Prayers heading your way, Lola. Sending hugs, and thinking of you this morning. Hope all is well.
Finding this blog and all these hundreds of comments has been invaluable as I deal with my dog’s situation. It’s one of those pure dumb luck stories…Andy, a 12 y.o. black lab mix, was at the vet for dental surgery yesterday. The vet called long before I expected the surgery to be over, to tell me there was no surgery. During a pre-op exam, he had palpated an area on Andy’s belly that made him squirm in discomfort. Then the chest/abdominal x-rays (that I had authorized pre-op, just due to Andy’s age, weight and history of fatty tumors) showed a lemon to baseball-sized mass on his spleen.
I love my vet for making the right call not to proceed with tooth extraction surgery when suddenly we have a much more serious issue to deal with.
I’ve scheduled an ultrasound on Tuesday. It seems like the best outcome is if no other masses/tumors are found, I’ll schedule the splenectomy and he’ll hopefully make it through just fine and recover well.
If other tumors are found, that muddies the waters. Andy is arthritic, overweight and at least half-blind. And there’s no way I can leave that “ticking time bomb” to rupture sooner or later. I wouldn’t be able to leave the house for work without freaking out. Will have to see what the ultrasound shows and go from there.
Thanks again, everyone, for sharing your stories and advice here. It’s been emotionally wrenching, but quite helpful as well.
Please update us Tracy, with the findings on the ultrasound. Prayers being said for Andy. I know this sounds so familiar, but I did not know what was wrong with my dog, Sasha. She had a teeth cleaning, and an extraction about 6 months before, and all of a sudden she was not acting the same. No running, jumping on our furniture, and I just said to myself she is getting old, or maybe it is another tooth problem. When I saw her life was getting sucked out of her in front of our eyes, I rushed her to the vet, only to find out about spleen tumors. I found this site, frantically looking for any information I could. I found comfort here in the actual findings of pet owners going through the same thing my pet was going through. You have come to a good place for support and prayers, we care. There is a chance and hope for all.
Donna and Sasha
The vet thinks that Andy’s collapses during our walk were related to the spleen tumor, not the arthritis, that he’s already had some rupturing. And sadly, today’s ultrasound showed that his spleen is, in the words of the radiologist, “riddled with cancer.” No use to remove the spleen because the chance that cancer has spread elsewhere is very high. His life expectancy is anywhere from 1 to 6 months.
Andy’s gonna get some drugs (Prednisone and Tramadol) to help improve his appetite and reduce arthritis pain, and I’m gonna spoil the hell out of him to help him enjoy to the fullest whatever time we have left together.
I am sad beyond words, but it does help to have some advance knowledge of what we’re facing.
Tracy I was so sad to read your update this morning. I hope you are able to enjoy Andy’s time with you and that you are creating many memories that will help get you through the times ahead.
Hugs and prayers from Von & Miss Heidi
Tracy, I am so sorry. At this point you know you did the very best for your baby. Shower your pet with all the love you have, (I know I don’t have to tell you to do that). God is calling, take all the time you have to be there. My heart hurts. Prayers for you both.
Donna
The reaction from the same medications Sasha was on, heavy panting, wobbly and thirst. Make sure Andy stays on the ground level, and does not jump. Just my opinion, and what I observed in my dog about the meds.
Dearest Tracy…..I can’t add much to what the others have said…you know you have our support, best wishes and thoughts….God be with you and Andy at this time…..huggs…Suzanne
Tracy…very sad to hear this. I sometimes wonder if those drugs they give really help the situation at hand. They gave prednisone to Perry, and all that panting, thirst and constant wanting to urinate made matters worst. Love is the best medicine, and I’m sure he’ll get plenty of that.
Hugs, Paula
Thank you all so much for your prayers, good thoughts, words of wisdom and virtual hugs. I only cried three times today and they were brief episodes, compared to the frequent waterfalls of the previous five days.
Donna, you actually gave me a laugh-out-loud moment when you wrote, “Make sure Andy stays on ground level, and does not jump.” Andy is a chubby 90-pound black lab mix whose favorite place is ground level, preferably on a cushy bed. Even as a 1-year-old when I adopted him, I don’t recall him EVER jumping, and he’s never even been fond of walks. He learned from his crazy, hyperactive older sister Yogi to get excited when the leashes came out, but the reality of the walk was always a let-down for him. He plods along and always seems relieved to return home.
Couple of questions/thoughts for feedback/advice:
Given the experience of our last walk when he basically collapsed several times, should I even attempt short walks anymore? His hyper sister still needs walks, but I’m nervous that Andy might collapse and be unable to get up again. I can’t just pick up my 90-pound boy and carry him home.
Also, any thoughts about diet? Andy’s always been a chowhound, but I had noticed the last couple of weeks, before his diagnosis, that he was off his food. Over the weekend, he was eating so little that I was hand-feeding him things like scrambled eggs with rice. Will the prednisone boost his appetite? Are there foods (canine or human) that are reasonably healthy that convinced your dog to eat when s/he was sick? Are there natural/immune-boosting/special cancer dog foods that you recommend? I haven’t had time to research this yet and would appreciate any advice.
Thanks again to all of you offering your experience and advice in this helpful, supportive and compassionate online community. It’s not one we wanted to belong to, but I’m sure grateful to have found it.
xoxoxo – tracy
Tracy my personal advice is that you really need to discuss your questions about diet, meds, etc. with your vet. While we all may have an opinion or experience to drawn on, you really need professional advice.
I am surprised that if the cancerous tumors are isolated to the spleen, the vet didn’t suggest the splenectomy. If if there is cancer beyond the spleen, avoiding a lethal rupture seems to be the more prudent course of action to avoid a painful end to Andy’s life.
There is one rather famous dog (Wallace the Pit Bull) who had a cancerous spleen which was removed. His cancer was also beyond the spleen and they gave him just a few months to live w/o chemo last fall. He is still alive and doing well, on several homeopathic treatments.
We all must deal with and accept the fate of our beloved pets, in our own way. I am not passing judgement nor criticizing . . . only offering my own opinions.
Best wishes to you and Andy!
Von & Heidi
Here is the link to Wallace’s Facebook page where you can read and learn more about his splenic cancer & treatment . . . https://www.facebook.com/WallaceThePitBull?ref=ts&fref=ts .
Tracy, I actually had a similar dumb luck story. I asked that Lola (14.5 year old shih tzu) have an ultrasound prior to her scheduled dental procedure just to “dot the i’s and cross the t’s.” The splenic mass was an incidental finding. I canceled the dental for that day, but we went ahead and did it the following week since it was not just a routine cleaning but rather a pressing issue to extract a tooth she was on antibiotics for. In any event, she recovered very well from the dental, and 1 month later we went ahead with the splenectomy (just this thursday). Lola is recovering well – thank you for the prayers for a continued safe recovery. I did pay the premium to go to a surgeon specialist, because I think the more skilled the surgeon, the faster the procedure (so less time under anesthesia) and the quicker the recovery because the incision site is smaller and neatly sutured. Good luck to you guys.
Andy may be helping my decision-making. The vet sent us home Friday with instructions to feed him, walk him, do everything as we normally do. But this afternoon’s walk was awful. He sat down three times as if his back legs had quit working, and we had to wait a several minutes before he could resume. Then, at the two small steps up to my front walk, he collapsed. I grabbed my cell phone to dial a neighbor to help me get him into the house, but he was finally able to rally and make it the rest of the way.
I know there is more that can be done to treat his arthritis, but looking at the big picture of all that is wrong, I’m not sure he will tolerate the surgery very well. Oh my God, this is so heart-breaking.
Tracy …my heart goes out to you ….I know just what you are going through….and its HELL…… Believe me…the dog will let you know~~~~ they don’t want to leave us…but sometimes their body over rules….my Madie bled out….you DON”T want that to happen…May God bless you and help you through this very difficult time….hugs….Suzanne~
Andy and I are hanging in there, but he’s definitely on a gradual decline. He used to get up in the morning when I did; no more. He’ll stay in his bed until I coax him to go out to the backyard with me (and there’s a doggie door – he doesn’t need me.). He no longer has any excitement for the clanking of stainless steel dog bowls that signal breakfast/dinner. He may or may not greet me when I get home from work.
He’s had diarrhea off and on (more on than off) for the last three weeks. (Although he’s not had an accident in the house.)
Worst of all, my chubby, chow-loving black lab’s appetite has steadily worsened. For a bit, I had success feeding him, and hiding his pills in, Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw food, but now he’s rejecting that. He will also no longer eat his pills hidden in cheese. He will only eat scrambled eggs, roast chicken, boiled hamburger and egg drop soup. I’m glad to feed him whatever he will eat, but it’s sad…this is not the Andy I know. However, it’s also not yet end-of-life decision-making time.
Some on this site have mentioned not wanting to risk their dogs experiencing spleen tumor rupture…do you have concrete examples of why? My vet says the spleen-tumor-rupture internal bleeding death sends the body into shock, and it’s not a painful death like some other kinds of cancer.
Tracy, All you can do, if you elect not to remove the spleen, is love Andy with all your heart. It will not get better, the spleen will burst, and take the life of your beloved pet. There is always a 50/50 chance, but 0 chance without removal of spleen/tumor, that is the hard fact. My prayers to you both during this difficult time.
Donna
“Some on this site have mentioned not wanting to risk their dogs experiencing spleen tumor rupture…do you have concrete examples of why? My vet says the spleen-tumor-rupture internal bleeding death sends the body into shock, and it’s not a painful death like some other kinds of cancer.”
Concrete examples of why? Sorry to be a bit terse, but the “why” is that if/when it ruptures, your dog will likely bleed out. That is an end I would not want for my beloved canine best friend. Sure shock is the body’s way of protecting against pain, but it is not a pretty sight.
Only you can make the decision that is best for you. Andy’s counting on you to make the best decision for him.
My poor Madie was at the vet for 4 days and her tumor that they had not found yet was bleeding out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You do not want your dog to suffer like that….Why would you? She was very , very sick…like Von said…its not a pretty sight…I was devastated…..when it bleeds out….their chances on the operating table are almost 0….Prayers are with you that you come to the right decision for Andy~~~
Von, I certainly want the most humane end possible for my beloved dog when the time comes, but it can be extremely difficult, and very intuitive, to determine when a dog is at that point. The sense of disapproval I got from your post is not helpful. My dog has tumors, and will very likely die from them. But the situation is far more complicated than Splenectomy vs. Wait Til the Dog Hemorrhages to Death.
Splenectomy is not always a good option. As most vets will tell you, a single spleen tumor is generally a good candidate for spleen removal, especially the larger ones which tend to be benign. Unfortunately, Andy’s spleen is riddled with many smaller tumors, with raggedy edges, that indicate a very aggressive hemangiosarcoma. The short amount of time that surgery MIGHT buy him will mostly be spent recovering from the major abdominal surgery.
I certainly won’t let him linger if he starts showing signs of pain or extreme discomfort. And that’s more than can be guaranteed for us humans.
Tracy, I am sorry if my comment made you feel a sense of dis approval. I told you my situation with my beloved Madie that I would have done anything for…only that wasn’t afforded to me….. People on here don’t show dis approval…they only speak of their experiences and try to offer advice from that. Andy is yours and you know him better than anyone….I know you will do what you feel is best for him, and I also know what a difficult time this is for you…. I offer you both my prayers, and best wishes… Suzanne
Tracy I’m truly sorry if you read disapproval into my response to you.
You asked for opinions and concrete examples of why not wait (regarding potential of rupture). I gave you my opinion. I did not do it cold or callously, but as someone who has over her adult life put down two beloved canine friends (both around 12-13 years of age) and someone who is now living with an aging “senior” who was fortunate enough to survive the splenic tumor and surgery necessary.
I had to go back and reread your previous posts to see if I had missed something. I believe your most recent post here is the first time you’ve shared that Andy has other tumors on this spleen (and maybe elsewhere too?) and other indications of an aggressive form of cancer. Without all of the info you have, it makes it pretty difficult to help you with opinions and/or advice. I am sorry you feel I overstepped your request.
I will close by saying I’m not naive in such matters. I am the practice manager for a large (6 vet) practice. We see life and death daily, and the decision making process of what owners struggle with when it’s time to help their friend cross the rainbow. I know how gut wrenching it is, from personal and professional experience. I also know, too many people make decisions that comfort them and not their pet.
I only wish you and Andy the best in the precious time you have left together.
Tracy, I’m so sorry you are dealing with this.
I’ve had 2 dogs go through the splenic tumor drama within a few months of each other. My golden, Bear, had metastises in the lungs, liver, and kidneys at the time of diagnosis so no one even mentioned splenectomy to me. There was no need to biopsy to know that it was malignant. The oncologist was sure it was hemangio because if the appearance of the tumors on ultrasound. I had 8 great weeks with her. I was expecting her to have a bleed that she wouldn’t recover from but that wasn’t the case. In her case the cancer spread to the bone, the oncology vet warned me it could spread anywhere. She very quickly developed a very bad limp and there was a real risk that the bone could break. I wasnt willing to risk that so I made the hardest decision and ended it for her. It was the hardest decision because her spirits were still up but that limp went from not there to barely being weight baring in about 3 days.
4 months later I woke up to my lab not wanting to eat and being lethargic-same symptoms as Bear had that led to her diagnosis. I took him to the vet that morning and x-rays showed an enlarged spleen with fluid in the belly. Chest x-rays showed that the lungs were clear and no other tumors were visible on the abdominal X-rays so this time my vets pushed for an emergency splenectomy. I honestly almost didnt do it because I had just been through this with Bear and just assumed he had the same thing~70% of splenic tumors are malignant. I wasnt thinking of the other 30%. The surgeon was optimistic since none of the organs showed any evidence of tumors. Luckily his pathology came back as a benign hematoma. I am now a big advocate of having the spleen removed when everything else looks clear since he would have still bled out even with a benign tumor if we left the spleen. He’s sitting next to me in the couch almost 7 months later doing great. If I hadn’t taken the spleen out, he wouldn’t be here now. But as I said, his preliminary exam showed no suggestion of metastises. There was about a 30% chance that the tumor was benign and luckily for us it was.
Tracy, I also, missed the fact that your beloved has multiple tumors, and have re-read your posts and this is the first, I have seen explaining the facts, in your post to Von. We never come across as insensitive here. We share our stories, pray for the sick, and make more people aware that there is hope. We are a caring group of individuals, professionals, and pure animal lovers. We, in no shape or form intend to hurt anyone with our responses. We are here to lend an ear, and give support, and if you believe, the power of prayers. During this Holy Week, I pray for all our beloved fur-babies and owners. I believe one day, we will all be together again. Love to All,
Donna and Sasha
Thanks all, for your comments and concern, and I’m sorry that I probably overreacted. I am one big old raw nerve ending at the moment, which I’m sure sounds familiar to all here who have dealt or are dealing with their dog’s serious illness.
And Von, you’re right, I indicated earlier that Andy’s spleen was “riddled with cancer” (the ultrasound radiologist’s words), but did not state clearly that that meant multiple, and likely very aggressive, tumors.
I like to think I trust my instincts with Andy, but we are now making a vet visit every week to week-and-a-half, for a weigh-in, and my peace of mind.
The vet concurred with me yesterday that Andy has some disturbing signs (diarrhea, lack of appetite, some loss of muscle mass), but that he did not present as a dog ready to give up living. Vet found a bacterial imbalance in his stool, which could be contributing to the diarrhea…we’ll try to correct with Tylan, the newest drug in my growing dog pharmacy.
Thank you again for reading/responding to my previous posts, and forgive me for reading disapproval where clearly none was intended.
In your situation, I completely understand…We’re all run ragged at this time in our life when we are trying to cope with a very difficult time……. Have a Blessed Easter with Andy…huggs to you both….Suzanne
Tracy, We need no apologies or excuses for overreactions, we are here for you anytime. We are sorry for the heartbreak you are going through right now. Everyone gets anxiety here now and then. We send our love your way tonight. Hug Andy for me,
take care……
Donna and Sasha
Tracy, my opinionm is follow your heart at this time. If there is more to be done for the arthritis, do it, now. See if the quality of life is still maintained. If not, love Andy like there is no tomorrow. You are your pets voice. If there is enough life in your pet, my opinion, save your pet, if your vet recommends. Our hearts are heavy for you, and I will send prayers in hopes Andy gets better, and the Lord guides you.
Donna
Tracy, I know it is such a difficult decision. A vet you trust will help you weigh the pros and cons. I actually got several vets opinions before making the decision. I do know the unanimous recommendation was to treat the issue that is causing a problem now versus doing something preventative (which is why I had to deal with Lola’s tooth before the spleen.) Most vets will not operate on a dog that they don’t think is a good candidate for surgery. Don’t feel panicked about the spleen – it’s been there for a while if it’s that size, and hasn’t caused any problems yet, so the chances of having an issue in the next few days or weeks while you deliberate is pretty unlikely. Wishing you all the best with Andy
First I would like to say to all of those that had surgery on their pets and now are blessed with more time. Hug them and love them every minute you can.
My Golden who had just turned 10 started with some symptoms that i didnt even recognize. About a month ago i noticed she really didnt want to eat and was just lying around. I petted her as I was heading out the door that day and noticed her belling having a fluid like jiggle to it. i thought that was strange and thought i would take her to vet the next day. That next am she was as perky and happy as could be. she even went for a swim. She no longer had the swelling in her abd. We were headed the next day to out second home and we arrived i noticed she was having problems walking but I related that to her arthritis. About 5 days later she had another day where she was lethargic and didnt want to eat. Again the next day acted like nothing ever happened. Five days later same thing so we decided to head home last weekend and she was doing just fine for the trip back to fl. No problems in car or at rest area on way home. However as soon as we got home and in the house she collapsed into that lethargic state and again I noticed her abd swelling. She was drinking water and of course I thought she would be fine the next day as I knew i had her vet appt coming up on monday. When we awakened Sunday am I noticed she was sob. We took her to the emergency vet. We were told that she most likely had a splenic tumor and that they could do surgery but that even with that it wasnt a cure all 100% of the time. They also reviewed our options as to whether to take her home and let nature take its course or they could euthanize her. About that time as I lie there with her head in my hands Molly took her last breath. I was in shock. I am still in shock. I had no idea she was that ill. It happened so fast and i guess that is a good thing. I have comfort in knowing that I dont believe she was ever in any pain. She never appeared to be hurting during any of these episodes. On the other side i am completely devastated and have cried non stop for 4 days. My heart is broken. I am glad that I did not have to make any decision as which decision is best for her. So for those that still have there loved pet whether just dx or thinking or have had surgery, hug them love them and let them live the days long or short that they have left to the fullest. Blessings to all
Susan
Susan, First I would like to say I am so sorry. It hurts to hear your beloved pet is no longer here. Second, I would like to Thank-You for sharing your story. It gives everyone the insight that, sometimes you have that gut feeling something is wrong, and whether you catch the illness in time or not, we are only human. Fate sometimes gives you a second chance and sometimes not at all. May you find comfort in the memories that you have of your pet. They take all the love with them, is what I believe. Take care….
Donna
I am so sorry for loss. Everyone on this site knows the heartbreak you’re feeling all too well.
While unexpected and tragic, I’m so glad that your beloved girl did not seem to suffer and that she went peacefully with you holding her. She felt your presence and love until her last breath.
Hugs and prayers coming to you Susan!
Von & Miss Heidi
Oh Susan, I am choked up as I read your story. I am so sorry for your series of tragic events. You are in our thoughts! Lisa & Jackson
Everyone who has faced this, as asked “why” in search of medical information as to why our beloved pets are facing what seems to be an increasing incidence of splentic tumors and/or cancer. I read this article with great interest . . . http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_2/features/risks-benefits-spay-neuter-your-dog_20685-1.html .
One veterinarian suggests that early spay/neutering may be at lease one contributing factor to “greater risk of hemangiosarcoma, mast cell cancer, lymphoma, and bladder cancer; higher incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs spayed or neutered at six months of age; significantly higher prevalence of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury; heightened risk of urinary incontinence in females that are spayed early, as well as some cases in males; greater likelihood of hypothyroidism in spayed and neutered dogs; higher incidence of infectious diseases in dogs spayed and neutered at 24 weeks or less; higher incidence of adverse reactions to vaccines in altered dogs; and increased risk of prostate cancer in neutered males.”
There is a lot of discussion and some controversy on the topic of spay/neuter and what the appropriate age is to do those procedures, so read with an open and inquiring mind. As they say, your mileage may vary.
Von
As an FYI, Miss Heidi was adopted through our local humane society as was spayed at approximately 9 weeks of age by them before our adoption pick up.
von,…thanks for the article. I tend to agree with it. I never neutered Perry and it was never a problem. Although he did end up getting the spleen tumor. I also agreed that we all are expected to give our pets alot of needless vaccines. I’ve always kept up with their rabies shots though. Since they we’re mostly house dogs and didn’t really mingle with other dogs.
I’ve always felt bad for spaying my little dachshund. Especially after I read that article. Live and learn.
Paula
Paula, why do you feel bad for spaying your doxie…..I have 2….the 18 month old was neutered at 13 months and the other is only 6 months???
Well, I have had 8 dogs in my lifetime and all were spayed or neutered and my little Tobe at 15 is the only one to have a mass on his spleen that we know of and none had cancer. All lived to be between 13-17. They ranged from purebred to rescue babies, all breeds, large and small. Just anecdotal and just my experience I know. Medical care for animals as well as humans has improved so much over the years so we are all living longer and chances of cancer as well as other diseases increase with age. I think we see more cancer in dogs and humans due to us all living longer and perhaps more environmental and dietary causes. I still think the risk of not spaying or neutering our dogs far outweighs the risk of doing it. There are conditions related to leaving them intact too…ovarian and uterine cancer, testicular cancer, etc. Like everything else, we have to go with the advice of vets or MD’s we trust until there is real scientific proof otherwise from major veterinary medical research centers.
Hi Suzanne. Hope all is well with you. I think of you often.
I know it must sound a bit crazy but I do feel bad at times spaying my little doxie. Not giving her the chance to experience having pups to take care of. I tend to humanize her and feel she missed out. I’m sure most people will disagree, but that’s how I feel..
Susanne did you get another pup besides the doxie you had?
Paula
Hi Paula…yes I did…they are both males, the Affies were both girls……GOD…how I miss those loving Angels!!!! These little guys are a whole new ball game. I hope you are doing well, Paula…that’s for thinking of me~~~Huggs to you, my dear~
Sasha was spayed at 8 years old. The vet always recommended to do this earlier. The Cocker Spaniel I had before Sasha, was spayed at 12 weeks, she died of breast cancer when she was 8. I was hesitant to do anything to Sasha.She always had all her annual shots, due to the groomer demanded it. I just did not want to do any elective operations on Sasha. She is doing great at 10 years old, without her spleen and cancer free. Each dog is different. Sasha is a lucky dog.
It started with an annual checkup. Riley was x-rayed with the troublesome masses being nothing but fatty tissue. That’s the good news. The bad news was enlarged spleen with numerous tumors. After blood work & ultrasound there was no option, he needed the spleen removed before it burst. Riley is a lively almost-11 year old English Setter with lots of energy – he bounces around all day long. So now I see that it wasn’t bad news at all, if not discovered he would likely have ruptured the spleen and bled to death.
Surgery was Tuesday am (spleen weighed in at 3+ lbs, one lymph node with tumor also removed), he came home with us at 5pm. Did not eat or drink for 24 hours so we had to force-feed his meds and water (turkey baster method for the water.) Vet said keep him quiet for 10 days. Outside only on a leash. THIS is the hard part. Its been 4 days and he is chomping at the bit..! Wants to go for his long walks, wants to run around the house, etc. Hubby even called the vet to see if he would ease up on the rules, Vet said no. 10 days.
Just an hour ago, I heard a noise at the front enclosed porch. Sure enough Riley pushed away the doggie door blockade and was outside running around the house. His spirit has returned!! We are so glad that this all evolved as it did, I figure Riley is good for another 11 years.
Have not totaled up the bills for annual physical, testing and surgery but rough estimate is just under $2,500.
millie
Millie, I hope Riley is doing fine.
Thanks so much for asking! Riley if just fine, wonderful, full of spunk once again! Everything went so well every step of the way.
And, I want to add to the benigh/cancer chatter. The vet had a traveling Ultrasound DR come to his office and neither doctor thought it was cancer. I think because they did not detect tumors in the lungs and other organs. And they were right! I cannot tell you how encouraging it was to have the xrays and ultrasounds done first, before the knife. And this vet gave us CD’s with the x-rays, ultrasound pictures, and even the spleen at the time it was removed from Riley. I like seeing things for myself..
Reading this gave me hope I pray to my lord that they can help my brownee.
I am so happy to hear good news. Sounds like Riley has a good life ahead. God Bless you both!
Donna and Sasha
Millie thank you for sharing your story of good fortune for Riley. I he continues to heal and that you do have many more great years with him!
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
My America bulldog is 3 years old I took him to the vet today and he has a big mass huge they did blood work to see what’s going on she said even if they romove it he might just be with me with for 4 to 6 months I’m so devestated I feel so helpless I can’t stop crying.
Karla, Please understand, there is a chance. We all were in your situation. We all cried our eyes out, and felt helpless. If your pet is healthy otherwise, the spleen mass, could be benign. There are also other dogs surviving the cancer issue after the spleen removal. We are here for you. Please, accept that no one can put a time-line on death entirely. You can get another opinion, and go from there. Please do that, for your peace of mind. We all send prayers to you and your baby, (3) is a baby in my book. Please let us know what you do from hereon.
Donna and Sasha
Did the bloodwork show anything out of the ordinary?
My 12yr old lab had a tumor on his spleen. I took him to the vet because he turned down breakfast and seemed lethargic. Symptoms all to familiar to me as I had just lost my 12 yr old golden to hemangio 4 months earlier. When they saw the tumor and pulled blood out of his abdomen I almost didn’t go through with the surgery because I “knew” it would be cancer and honestly I just didn’t have the strength to go through it all again so soon.
Of course I did it anyways and in his case, it was benign! He is still his happy go lucky self getting ready to turn 13yrs old almost 8 months later.
There is no way to tell if it is cancerous or benign without a pathology report. Roughly 30% of these tumors are benign.
I’m so sorry to hear this Karla! But there is a chance that it is benign. And, even if it isn’t, they have no way of telling how long he has. You and your dog are in my prayers. Everyone here will support your decision because most of us have had to make one just like it. Please be at Peace no matter what the news and outcome may be.
Prayers being said for your brownee. There is always hope and a chance.
So I got the blood work results he has a splenic mass which requires surgery which is expensive 1600-2000 I don’t know what to do I’m unemployed been that way for 2 years I just saved enough money to take my dog to the vet to find out what was wrong with him I’ve called organizations for help applyed online but their to full is a long waiting processes I don’t want to loose my dog just cause I don’t have money what can I do On Apr 24, 2013 12:09 PM, “AgilePooch Diaries” wrote:
> ** > DONNA commented: “Prayers being said for your brownee. There is always > hope and a chance.”
Karla, not sure why it won’t let me apply to you latest post so I hope you see this.
Can you see if you can qualify for care credit?
I did but since I wasn’t born here they won’t let me I would have to ask someone else for help which I don’t know who to ask that won’t put millions of excuses to not help me . On Apr 24, 2013 2:23 PM, “AgilePooch Diaries” wrote:
> ** > Jennifer commented: “Karla, not sure why it won’t let me apply to you > latest post so I hope you see this. Can you see if you can qualify for care > credit?”
Karla, Try going in to talk to several veterinarian offices. Plead your case. I costs nothing to ask, if someone would agree for a payment plan. They are in the health care business, not for free, but there are several caring staff members that would make an option for you. All you have to do is be brave and ask. Don’t give up, if one vet office can’t help, seek another. That’s what I would do.
Karla,
There are more and more dogs surviving this spleen removal, and Sasha is one of them. She’s her normal self, I’v got my old dog back, and she is going on 11. Take care……
Donna and Sasha
Heidi is another “healed” survivor! She’s 10 and doing great 9 months after having her spleen + tumor removed. We pray for a positive outcome for your beloved family pet!
Von & Miss Heidi
I have found and read this blog while looking for more information on splenic tumors. My daughter’s beloved 7 year old golden retriever, Jake, after a vet visit for another reason was discovered to have huge lump. after a recommended X-ray he was found to have a very large mass on his spleen two weeks ago. She was given the news that so many here have received. Two ways to go operate or a death sentence of a bleed out…..could happen anytime. And even with surgery the odds were against Jake…..that two thirds of these tumors are cancerous and he would have at most 3 or 4 months. My daughter was devastated….couldn’t stop crying for days. She has had Jake since he was puppy and he has been her loyal companion through many of life’s disappointments and trials. Last year she found the love of her life and is engaged to be married this October. But could not imagine Jake not being here to celebrate this part of her life and possibly a playmate for Jake when she has first baby in time. So after a blood test which showed all labs were normal and a clear chest xray and ultra sound for the splenic mass…..her fiancĂ© offered to pay for the surgery which was expensive. After talking to her vet and the surgeon, my daughter decided to have the surgery for big sweet Jake ( he is a big lug love of 120 lbs). Last Tuesday Jake had his surgery and they removed his spleen and the mass which weighed over 10 lbs. surgery was successful and Jake came home the next day. He was sad and hurting the first day home, but is doing tremendously well one week later. The hospital said he was standing up only hours after surgery wagging his tail but they had to sedate him so he wouldn’t hurt himself….but that is our Jake! Anyway great news yesterday… Jakes tumor is benign!!! He beat the odds, both vets said they have not seen a success story like jakes. So for all of those out there going through this horrible situation, I pray that they have happy endings also. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. I have had my baby Pooh for 16 years….my old gal has slowed down sooo much over the past year…..and I dread what might be coming….I just don’t know how I will get through that. She is my baby. Anyway God bless all!
Oh yeah and Jake celebrated his 8th birthday today……what a great gift he received!
That is joyous, Joy! I am so happy to hear such good news, while I’m grieving for my sweet boy Andy. One month to the day after the vet confirmed multiple splenic masses with raggedy edges (highly suggestive of malignancy) and gave Andy a one to six month prognosis, I had to have him put to sleep. It was heartbreaking, but he was so very sick that I knew it was the right thing to do. He died quickly and peacefully with his head on my lap, and he knew he was loved right up til his last breath.
It is encouraging to know others have had more positive outcomes and greater longevity for their beloved dogs who have spleen tumors.
Tracy – so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. I know you struggled with the decision and pray for you, that you find comfort through the loving memories of his time with you. Hugs to you!
Tracy, I am sorry to hear about Andy. I know he was Much Loved.
Donna
Tracy I am so sorry for your loss of your Andy. Thank you for your kind words. I myself have my love Pooh, who is over 16 years of age. She is really hanging in there…but having mobility issues. I dread for that time to come where I would have to make a decision….. I love her so. So I can only imagine what you are going through. Thoughts are with you.
That is a heartwarming and encouraging story Joy. Thanks for sharing with us. May Jake have many more wonderful years with you.
So glad to hear another successful heartwarming story. Jake is another lucky dog!
Donna and Sasha
Thank you all so much!
Hello everyone, I have a 14 1/2 year old Pekingese that was just diagnosed today with a splenic tumor so I found this site. Like many others my dog had a weird episode that was sort of like the vestibular episode another dog of ours had one time. Just not the same. Last night he was totally fine, went to bed and 5-10 minutes later cried in pain. When I got to him he was completely nonresponsive and limp, having a hard time breathing. I held him on my lap for 20-30 minutes with him like that. He started losing his bowels on my lap while I held him so my husband and I thought for sure we were watching him die. Not wanting him to continue to suffer as it went on so long we took him to the emergency clinic around 11pm. They said they needed to put him in the oxygen tank and took him from me. About 5-10 minutes later they said he was in a room and I could go in. He had his head up but he had no use of his back legs and could not stand or walk. His back paws would flip under and just hang. I truly thought I was taking him there to say goodbye so when he was improving some and they wanted $1000 to do xrays and blood work, I told them I would take him to my vet this morning. I did and he had the xrays, showing the tumor. The vet doesn’t think the loss of use of his legs and the 30 minute episode are completely related so he ordered blood work that comes back in the morning. He sent me home with pain meds and my dog is just sleeping, then sitting up and not comfortable. I keep reading about them bleeding out. Can anyone tell me what that means. Do they choke to death or just stop breathing? Or what? I cannot stand to have him suffer but don’t know what to do. We aren’t willing to have the surgery because of his age.
Thank you. Cheryll
Hi Cheryll, I am so sorry to hear your dog is sick. I know when they are bleeding, the tell-tail line is look at their gums. If they are white, its a sure bet, your dog is bleeding internally. The person to give you a good answer is Von. He works for a vet. I hope he reads this today.
Prayers and Hugs,
Donna
Thank you so much, Donna. I hope he does too. If he were comfortable, I could take the waiting. But, to think of him possibly choking to death or something, that makes it a whole different thing. He keeps trying to sleep and then gets up on his front legs and breathes real hard with his mouth wide open and his tongue way out.
Cheryll I too am very sorry to hear of this with your beloved Pekingese. It is so difficult to see them age and deteriorate physically.
Yes bleeding out can be a terrible outcome of these tumors. The tumor and/or spleen can rupture which is what causes the internal bleeding Donna talks about. Yes, the gums are one of the first signs that blood circulation is poor and bleeding out a possible cause. (Congestive heart failure is another.)
I really hope your vet can give you some solid advice for your situation and your dog’s overall condition & health. It is hell to make the decision to help them cross over the rainbow bridge but sometimes that is the best option, so they are no longer suffering.
p.s. Von = lady/she đŸ™‚ (short for Yvonne) I also should be careful to point out that I am not a veterinarian, “just” the (now) former office manager for a vet clinic/hospital. I learned a lot during my time with them, but I’m not a medical professional . . . just someone who found this forum like most everyone else, because my beloved pet (Heidi) was diagnosed last summer with a splenic tumor and had a “dumb luck” outcome and is here today healthy and aging gracefully (she’s 10 y/o).
Von, Sorry, my mistake! đŸ™‚ I realized after I typed and hit reply!
No worries Donna . . . some of my travel forums (where I’m MilwVon or TimeshareVon) they assume I am a guy too đŸ™‚
Thank you very much, Lady Von đŸ™‚ …. I keep watching him and so much want to take him back in. I think because he had a two day weirdness with vestibular like symptoms the vet doesn’t want to give me a negative outlook because he mentioned he may just bounce back again like he did then. But, he is miserable. He won’t walk around and keeps panting with his mouth open. It’s so much easier to make a decision when they are crying in pain or the way he was last night. I know he is on pain medication but you can tell he is miserable with his breathing. I HATE THIS.
From personal experience with Heidi, she hated the pain meds and acted “weird” on them. She’d look at us like “What the heck? Why do I feel like this?” . . . if you can imagine how you might feel not knowing you had just been drugged by something in a beverage. She would eventually fall out and go to sleep though. The fact that you’re little guy continues to pant and seemingly has stressed respiration seems to be another symptom (and could be congestive heart failure). I would call the vet and talk with them about how he’s doing today . . . and make sure they know he’s “not right” still.
YIKES . . . “YOUR” not “you’re” little guy đŸ™‚ (Sorry for my instantaneous bout of OCD)
The pain meds I gave Sasha, caused the exact, panting, can’t get comfortable in any position, etc. I felt at one time, my dog might have a heart attack, but as soon as she was weaned off meds, she was her normal self. It’s a shame, but we don’t want them to suffer. Hang in there, prayers being said for you and you beloved pet.
Bad news I got a 3rd opinion this vet wants to do an ultrasound but this tumor is so big is just waiting to rupture any time he said only option is to put him to sleep cause he Dosent want to open him and he dies their I’m so confuse I’m so depress I’m going nuts đŸ˜¥ please help what should I do
If it ruptures….that is bleeding out…( happened to my 13 yr. Afghan hound) I would get a second opinion, but you have no time to waste….I might have been able to save my girl if I was given the chance…but time is very important now….so if you trust the vet….you have to listen to them….I KNOW how hard this is…I had 2 in 6 months of each other last year….but I believe when its your time ….its over….some live through it all…so it isn’t their time yet….. Make the best decision you can….GOD bless and many prayers~~~ Suzanne
Thank you suzanne thanks so much yeah i will get the ultrasound done but like this 3 rd vet said this tumor is the size of a football so to him I’m out of options…. In the end like you said if its time to go is time đŸ˜¥
Its not pretty to watch them bleeding internally, they suffer….mine was doped up for 4 days till another vet found out why….I was devastated…its rough….there are no words to say at this time to make it all better….believe me I would if I could~~~ However you don’t know if its malignant…do you? I’ve heard of a lot of dogs making it, if its beneign… My Madies wad very small…..
This vet said this tumor is really big in just 3 weeks it got the size of a football đŸ˜¥ he said its just waiting to rupture theirs nothing left to do
Size doesn’t mean cancer…what I don’t understand is the “waiting for it to rupture”Do they think when they go in, that’s when it will? No matter which way you turn ….its a chance….I did what I thought was best for my girl with what was thrown at me….90% chance she would even make it off the table…95% chance cancer( due to the shape on the ultra sound) and her age…her abdomen was filled with blood….during that 4 days in the hospital the DUMB vet didn’t catch…so when they opened her up she would have bled to death if they couldn’t get it to stop….if she did make it chemo for 3 months and maybe 4-6 to live….NOT a quality of life…..if I could of had her for some time in good health for HER….I would have done anything~~~
Yeah that’s what their scared of that if they open him up he will just bleed to death they just don’t want to take that risk I already went to 3 different vets and they all tell me the same thing that they don’t want to cut him open cause theirs a lot of risk because the spleen is a really bloody organ..
My dogs tumor was the size of a football, it seems it grew overnight. It weighed almost 10 lbs. When it was removed. I heard the bigger it is sometimes means it’s not cancerous. Anyway, he died 4 days after surgery. His tumor came back benign. I’ll never know what happened. I guess it was his time to go.
A lot of dogs survive and seem to pull through just fine. This will be a difficult time for you. Many prayers coming your way.
Paula
My vet explained that the very aggressive, malignant splenic tumors tend to cause problems long before they grow large, and that the large ones tend to be benign. Of course there are always exceptions. Andy’s first detected tumor was lemon to baseball size, but ultrasound showed his spleen was full of tumors, the undefined kind with raggedy edges that often indicate malignancy.
Thank you very much…. I will do what’s best for my brownee he knows that I love him so much and I will not let him suffer when I saw him I fell inlove when I brought him home it was the best day of my life and until the end I will always love him!!
Pikachu is more normal today and even walked down the steps on his own but I don’t think it felt too good as he waited for me to pick him up to go back inside. He is eating and drinking but he’s getting foods he doesn’t usually get. Good trick to get that pain pill in him. I consider not giving it to him to see how he would do but when I touched him, he moaned. So, he’s being a trooper but I know he’s in pain so he got a pill. Getting the blood work results at 9am. It’s a lot harder to think of doing anything but loving him when he’s smiling at me and wagging his tail. He seems fatter to me but I’m sure I’ll start imagining all sorts of things. Maybe I’ll take him in just so they can weigh him and make sure the tumor didn’t rupture. I don’t know what I’ll do at this point. Everything is changing constantly it seems. Now he is laying beside me and breathing funny. How do you scream in words. Just kidding. I wouldn’t scream at you all.
Have a wonderful day and thank you for the thoughts and prayers. I’m not complaining. He’s been a wonderful, snooty, mama’s boy for 14 1/2 years and I never expected it to last forever. Heck, what am I saying? I never wanted a dog. He licked me at the Mall. Who would have known I could have been had so easily? hahahaha Going on a high note!
God bless you, K Ortiz, as you make your decisions. I am going through the exact thing and have so much help from this site. My response above seems too cheery to be a reply to your post and I apologize. I didn’t realize hitting reply bumps it to the post I was reading from my email. So, I wanted to correct my mistake and let you know that I read your post and my thoughts are with you.
This is sorta getting difficult to follow and to respond to the correct people. To Karla, I would say you’re out of choices and really need to think about helping your beloved friend crossover. If you have three vets telling you essentially the same thing, the end result is going to be tragic and painful. No doubt it sucks and I can appreciate your heartache. Enjoy your final day(s) with him, hug and love on him and let him know how much you love him . . . so much so you’re willing to let go and help him find comfort and peace.
Thank you everyone for helping me in this moment of pain I’m glad that I’m not the only one that has been threw this I never though loving a dog would hurt so much I will not let him suffer I will do what’s best for my big boy I will pray to god to give me strenght and peace so that I can live each and everyday as it comes.
My heart hurts for you right now. There are so many of us feeling your pain. You have to follow your heart, and the wisdom of your veterinarian, to go forward. This is so hard, you ran to reach out for any help you could get. We all know, including your baby. All my thoughts with you tonight, we care. Prayers sent your way, from New Orleans, Louisiana, and most likely from all over the world.
Hugs,
Donna
Thank you all. I am on the phone with the vet now to let them know what I have observed today. I appreciate the thoughts, replies and prayers. You all are awesome.
The vet agreed that it may be from the pain meds. He had also mentioned cardio this morning because of how weird Pikachu was last night. He didn’t think all of the symptoms went along with just the tumor. I am going to call them in the morning or take him in if he isn’t improved and find out what the next step is. Sure do love the little pookie. đŸ™‚
Hugs and prayers to you both Cheryll. You’ll be in our thoughts here in Milwaukee.
Thank you very much. Have a wonderful weekend.
And way down yonder in New Orleans.
This seems so unfair, an American Bulldog, 3 years of age, suffering tonight, from the same issues that brought us together on this web site. I am so devastated. Please pray for Karla and her baby tonight.
I agree and apologize for coming across perhaps a bit too harsh. I am sad for you Karla and agree, that it is sad for your pet too. I hate the thought of the suffering all the way around :(***
Sorry, I replied instead of posting fresh. Just learning this site: Pikachu is more normal today and even walked down the steps on his own but I don’t think it felt too good as he waited for me to pick him up to go back inside. He is eating and drinking but he’s getting foods he doesn’t usually get. Good trick to get that pain pill in him. I consider not giving it to him to see how he would do but when I touched him, he moaned. So, he’s being a trooper but I know he’s in pain so he got a pill. Getting the blood work results at 9am. It’s a lot harder to think of doing anything but loving him when he’s smiling at me and wagging his tail. He seems fatter to me but I’m sure I’ll start imagining all sorts of things. Maybe I’ll take him in just so they can weigh him and make sure the tumor didn’t rupture. I don’t know what I’ll do at this point. Everything is changing constantly it seems. Now he is laying beside me and breathing funny. How do you scream in words. Just kidding. I wouldn’t scream at you all.
Have a wonderful day and thank you for the thoughts and prayers. I’m not complaining. He’s been a wonderful, snooty, mama’s boy for 14 1/2 years and I never expected it to last forever. Heck, what am I saying? I never wanted a dog. He licked me at the Mall. Who would have known I could have been had so easily? hahahaha Going on a high note!
You know what’s hard? Trying to decide to help him when he appears so normal. The other night….no problem. It was very visible that he was in distress so I thought I was taking him in to help put him out of that. If I make a decision now it will truly have to be on faith that I am doing the right thing for him. So, quality of life is definitely a phrase to figure out. It’s like I will be doing it so he doesn’t have to suffer again like he did the other night. But, what about the days in between. Would a dog like to live in pain if it meant he still got to live? Don’t you wish we knew for sure if dogs go to Heaven?
Dogs ARE a little piece of heaven sent from God that’s why all good people care so much for their furry loved ones. I believe you are just so much closer to God if you are an animal lover….its a test to your integrity… I wish we knew if humans go to heaven…for surely if they do…..Dogs do ~~~Suzanne~
Cheryll,
We all have different beliefs in this world, but the one thing I believe is, pets are here on earth to give us unconditional love. They are such wonders from God. Pets are an extension of God’s love. I think when they reach the rainbow bridge, they are waiting on the other side for us.Their affection is timeless, their devotion ageless, and their love is forever. They are the greatest gift a human ever had. We give them the room, time, love that we can spare and they give us their all. I believe…..
Hugs, Donna and Sasha
http://WWW.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm
First of all I want to thank all the wonderful people who post such helpful and loving comments and who share their feelings so openly. I feel a bond with each of you thru our dear furry kids. I wrote a few months ago about my dear little Tobe. He was a tiny black toy poodle, 15 1/2 years old, sweet, calm, gentle and loving. He was completely the love of my life, my baby. He had been diagnosed with a tumor on his spleen. Not thought to be cancer since there were no other tumors ever found. He also had heart and kidney problems but ate well, wagged his little tail constantly and just wanted people to hold and love him.Absolutely no pain or discomfort. Vet said not a candidate for surgery due to his other problems so she watched the tumor closely with ultrasounds. She felt it could rupture with trauma but he might just live with it and something else would take him. Well, last week he seemed weaker and went from eagerly gobbling dog food one day to not touching it the next. His abdomen was soft and he slept well and did not seem in pain. His gums were pink but he was lethargic. Vet did lab work and said he was severely anemic, dehydrated, and his renal labs were not good. Both the anemia and renal labs could have been from kidney failure but she felt that his tumor was leaking and the renal labs being off were due to dehydration. (He had taken in plenty of liquid with his wet dog food mixed with some water). Anyway, she said we might have him a couple days at most. I had always prayed to not have to put him down. I wanted him to go in his sleep from old age as we all do I think. I asked if he would just go to sleep from the anemia and kidney failure but she said the anemia would make him short of breath and gasping for air and his heart would struggle to deal with the lack of oxygen. I am a nurse and I did understand all that but did not want to hear it. She gently told us that we may have to ‘help him along’. She gave him subcutaneous fluid in a bolus in his back, some anti nausea meds and an antibiotic and we took him home. I held him all that night and all thru the next day and night. By April 19 in the am he was barely awake but would try to sit up and gasp like he was short of breath or uncomfortable so we took him in. We lay him on his blanket and I put my lips to his little face, kissed him and told him I loved him over and over and over until she gave him the medication that let him join all those other beautiful little dogs and cats who have gone before him. I have cried almost constantly this past week. I know you all understand the deep ache inside, the second guessing, what could I have done differently, the self doubts, but I tell myself we had a perfect love and 15 1/2 great years together but it is never enough. So I want to thank you all for being there for me and i send my love and prayers to all of you facing tough times. God bless each of you and your precious furry babies..
SAID BEAUTIFULLY~~~ Suzanne
Meg it sounds like you gave Tobe a great extra 7 months to live. I had to go back and reread your story from September to remember the details of Tobe’s situation. I’m so glad that he had the extra time with you. Clearly you did what was best for him. I can only imagine the pain you’re feeling now but please do not second guess or question your decisions. Tobe had a very full life . . . WOW at 15 1/2 years! I understand it never being enough; that’s the way it is with those we love and who love us.
Hugs to you and your family during these difficult times. Many the memories bring you comfort when you are missing the little guy.
Von & Miss Heidi
Meg…you were blessed to have that little Angel in your life, But hes free now and out of pain…I feel he gave you the extra 7 months, as you tries so hard….Bless you…Suzanne
Meg, I felt so sad to read about your tobe. Made me cry and think about losing my Perry. I can’t even think of anything to console you. I know how you feel. It gets a little better as time goes by, but it will hurt forever. I try to remember all the fun days we had. That makes it easier. I believe we’ll get to be with them again. And will never feel this pain ever again.
Paula
Meg, you are such a lovely person. Little Tobe was so very lucky to have had you as his Mom. My heart goes out to you, I know how you must miss him. When you get to Heaven someday, Tobe will be waiting.
Judy
Lab results showed an infection and kidney failure. Pikachu was way more tender to the touch and was in pain when I would have to pick him up as this morning went along. He wandered the house, didn’t follow me and was not comfortable even with the pain pills. I had to say goodbye. I could not make myself let him go through it in pain. The doctor said his abdomen had started hardening and there probably was a rupture already and assured me it was time.
Hopefully Pikachu is frolicking with Justice, our other pet, and enjoying the rest of his day. WE WILL NEVER FORGET THEM.
Thank you for all the kind words. I never knew about this kind of tumor or how fast it happens. It was comforting to hear that it happens without you knowing it and that I didn’t do something wrong. I always tried to do right by them.
You all take care and my thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you.
Donna and Suzanne: I believe also đŸ™‚
Cheryl…it was almost as going though it again to hear your words…time eases the pain…but its always there I’m sure Pikachu is giving thanks to be out of the pain…they suffer more than we know to stay with us….Bless their dear little souls….and Bless you…all people who care so much about their pets are wonderful….I’m sure~~~ Suzanne~
Thank you Suzanne. We are special people, aren’t we? I know we love them with all our heart and they know it. So glad he’s not suffering any more. Have a wonderful night. đŸ™‚
Cheryll..so sorry to hear about pikachu. Nothing is worst than seeing them in pain. So, please don’t feel sad.
No matter what decision is made we will always second guess it. My little Perry only made it 4 days after surgery and I still wonder would he still be here if I didn’t have the surgery.
You did the right thing. If only people had that choice. Some suffer so much till the end.
Paula
Thank you, Paula. You’re right. Always second guess. Just the fact that you did the surgery proves you were trying to help yours. God bless and thank you for your kind words. I just reached for his leash to take him out when I walked outside. I guess it will take a while. đŸ™‚ night
Frolic indeed Pikachu! It sounds as though you came to peace with the decision Cheryll especially knowing of his pain. I pray for comfort to all who are grieving the loss of the companionship of their pets!
I am so sorry to hear about Tobe and Picachu, tonight. May the memories you have connect the love you shared. May they rest in peace.
Donna
Paula and Suzanne, I think of both of you often.
Thanks Donna~~~I hope things are well with you
Thank you Donna. I always think of you also and all the really caring people on this site. We all have a common bond. Our fur kids and the love we have for them. Give Sasha a kiss for me.
Paula
Everything is good. I wish we “all” lived in the same city. I’d say, Let’s do lunch. I feel like we all know each other. đŸ™‚
I agree Donna. I must say that my brief stint working at the vet clinic really gave me a different perspective on “life and death” with our pets. I know we dodged it last summer with Heidi’s splenic tumor but seeing on a weekly basis, people having to deal with these decisions “in person” was very hard.
I had never heard of “bloat” before but that is an even more terrifying illness, that is often realized too late with little advance notice. I think in the five months I worked there, I personally saw eight cases of it . . . several of which died within an hour or arrival at our clinic. Their humans simply had no time to even process what was happening, nor given much of a choice on how they might proceed.
God Bless everyone who shares their lives with these faithful companions. May the pain ease over time, allowing only the best of times to come through in our daily thoughts.
Donna, I was just thinking the same, that I feel as if I know some of you-you, Suzanne, Paula, & Von especially. If any of you are ever in the San Francisco area (I am about 40 miles inland from SF) please send me a post and maybe we can email and meet somewhere for lunch. Just knowing others understand our pain seems to help. I have friends who take good care of their pets but their love is not as deep. My Tobe was exactly like a sweet baby. I have had dogs for 56 years now and he was #1. Each of you have shared that same feeling about your beloved dogs and I feel that we all have a sort of bond ourselves.
Thanks, Meg. I have the same open invitation. I live in New Orleans, we have Jazz Fest going on right now. We have Mardi Gras, with our own Krewe of Barkus, a dog parade in the French Quarter, and so forth. So if anyone ever comes here to New Orleans, please post. I feel like you do, we all have a common bond.
Donna and Sasha
Meg, that would be so nice and the same goes here. If you or any of the girls on here are ever in the San Diego area let me know. I’d probably bring my Perry picture book with me. Lol.
My hub was talking about taking a drive up the coast this summer. To Monterey but should we go further up, I’ll let you know.
I see how much you loved your little tobe, so we can have fun telling our stories about them.
Hope your doing ok. It takes time. I still have a tough time going out in the yard. I don’t enjoy being out there without my little Perry. I always feel like crying when I’m out there. Hub still can’t even attempt it. Perry was daddys little boy.
Take care, Paula
Thank you Paula, that would be nice to share our photos and do let me know if you come up to Monterey. We just went there for lunch yesterday. I had to get out of the house. I telecommute and Tobe was with me 24/7 and I still have one of his little beds here in the office so I know how you feel when you go out in the yard. I find myself still on his schedule…look up at the clock to tell him just a few more minutes till dinner or whatever. When we come in the door I still want to go look for him to hug him. I know it takes time. So do let me know if you are ever in Monterey on a Sunday and maybe we can drive down and at least meet and share our photos and have coffee/tea/whatever.
I’ll throw my “Milwaukee/Wisconsin” door open to folks as well!
Ironically Meg, I will be in California next month . . . Amtraking in near to LA . . . and my sister and I are planning a trip to the Presidential Museums near LA and the up the coast for a day or two . . . “maybe” as far as Monterey (the Hearst Castle & San Simeon for sure). I’m afraid that trip is already pretty packed . . . but I will keep it in mind if I’m up closer to SF.
As for NOLa, hubby and I are thinking about an Amtrak trip there too . . . just not sure when. I’ll keep you posted Donna.
Speaking of picture books, have any of you done Shutterfly or Snapfish photo books? When we had the scare with Miss Heidi last summer, I did one. If you’re interested, I think this link may work to take folks to it: http://vonsphotobooks.shutterfly.com/ .
Yes, Von, be sure to let me know if you get up closer to SF Bay Area or Monterey. My mom was from Wisconsin-Wausau and we had family in Rothschild. Small world. I use Shutterfly also and good idea about making a photo book. We have them from grandkids. The only problem for me is that many of the photos I have of Tobe as a puppy and in his ‘youth’ were on regular camera and not digital and I don’t have a scanner. I am planning to make a large canvas photo of him on Shutterfly and maybe one of our other dog that we lost at 17 in 2010. Snapfish also has photo pillows which look nice on line and might be cute on the bed since that is where the two of them spent much time when they could still jump that high.After the tumor was found we couldn’t let Tobe on the bed for fear he would fall off.
You guys are all so lucky where you live! I exist in Toledo, Oh!…Who ever vacations here??? or even near~~~Suzanne I haven’t been on a vacation since my son was killed and my x left……
Suzanne, you need to take a vacation. I realize money can be an issue in these times. After perrys surgery that cost over 5,000, we haven’t been able to do much or even had the desire to do.
You’ve been through so much. A vacation is what you need.
hopefully, you’ll be able to do one soon. And if you are ever in San Diego, I want to see you. I promise to make you laugh.
Paula
Von, saw your picture book of miss Heidi. she’s a cutie. I really liked the one of her looking out the window and the one of her sitting straight up on her hind legs.
I’ve been to Hearst castle. I really enjoyed the tour. I’m sure you will too.
Paula
I tried to get it to open but it won’t let me see anything but the cover photo. I use Shutterfly too so it may just be something wrong with the system right now so will try again later. I could only see the photo on the cover and she looks beautiful!
My brownee will get an ultrasound on Thursday see how that goes….
k ortiz–Please let us know what the ultrasound results are, OK? Will be thinking about you and your Brownee.
Thank you I will let you guys know what’s going. Thanks for the support
Prayers sent your way, K Ortiz for your Brownee, please let us know.
Hugs, Donna and Sasha
Thank you so much ladys thank you god bless you always. I will let you guys know what’s going on.
Thinking of you and Brownee and hoping for good news soon!
Thank you guys I will let you know what’s going on with brownee.. On Apr 30, 2013 7:27 PM, “AgilePooch Diaries” wrote:
> ** > Von commented: “Thinking of you and Brownee and hoping for good news > soon!”
I thought others may be interested in this article/blog written by a vet. Bear (the lab in the story) was another “dumb luck” case that the owners had no idea was happening . . . http://lapoflove.blogspot.com/2012/04/bear-vs-splenic-tumor.html .
My bad on creating a new nick here. That was me (ytison) on my DH’s computer. Oh well . . . now you know my “other” persona online.
Von …thanks for that article on bear. I felt very sad reading it because now I wonder how long did poor Perry have that tumor in him. About a year before we brought him in for surgery, he had stopped walking and began looking fat. I attributed to old age. Had brought him to vet, who x ray his back legs and said he saw nothing wrong. He had suggested we put him down since he couldn’t walk. Of course we couldn’t do it, so hub would pick him up to go potty and lift him on t9 the bed. Months after he started to walk again. Until the day I saw that huge football sized bulge at his abdomen. Could it be possible it was growing inside for almost a year?
Paula
Don’t feel bad Paula. There was no way for you to know . . . so many of us had no idea that these things even existed!
Thanks for sharing. đŸ™‚
Von, I just had a chance to sneak peek at your Miss Heidi, Shutterfly photobook. She’s beautiful and I can see the love in her eyes. I am going to make a Sasha book, and I’ll let everyone see it. What a wonderful idea!
P.S. I love the pic of Miss Heidi in the snow. We don’t see snow down here.
Thanks!
Glad you liked it Donna and are planning do to one for Sasha.
Meg . . . not sure why you can’t open the book đŸ˜¦
I am not sure either because I use both Shutterfly and Snapfish and look at my grandkids albums on line. I wonder what was the problem. I could see the cover of the book with Miss Heidi’s photo (beautiful!) but could not get it to open. If possible, can you try to send the link again and I will try again. BTW-I think it is Snapfish that has some nice throw pillows that I once saw and now have to look for again. They might be nice with close up photos of our dogs to toss on the bed since that is where they were a good portion of the time. đŸ˜‰
http://www.shutterfly.com/custompath/viewEdit.sfly?fid=5af95e96319ad9926d9889752d9a603c See if that works.
GOOD AND BAD NEWS ABOUT MY BROWNEE GOOD NEWS ARE THAT HE DOSENT HAVE A SPLENIC TUMOR HIS SPLEEN IS GOOD BAD NEWS HE HAS A CIST MASS LOOKING ON HIS LEFT KIDNEY DOCTOR WANTS TO MAKE SURE IT’S NOT CANCEROUS WILL GET RESULTS AROUND TUESDAY GOD IS GOOD AND I KNOW MY BROWNEE WILL HEAL THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND KIND WORDS MAY GOD BLESS THE SOULS OF THE DOGGIES NO LONGER WITH US AND THE ONES FIGHTING TO BE HERE GOD IS GOOD!!!!
This is wonderful news about your little Brownee. I am so happy for you. Not sure at all about dogs, but in my experience with human medicine kidney cysts are usually non cancerous and rarely cause problems. In humans, they are often just found during an exam for something else.So I will be praying and hoping for more good news for Brownee. And yes, God is good.
Thank you so much đŸ™‚ yeah I hope for more good news god is good he answers prayers for every single one of us.
Sending prayers of more good news your way for Brownee!
Thanks so much đŸ™‚
Bad news about my brownee the kidney cyst is malegnum cancerous doctor said theirs nothing left to do surgery will not be done this will end up killing him either way he said he gives me a month to be with me đŸ˜¥ I know in my heart I did what I could I’m so heart broken I just ask god to please take him with no pain… Thanks to everyone that wish the best for him and for those kind words..
I am very sad to read about brownee. Hopefully he doesn’t suffer and God takes him if he can’t get healed. I will pray for your brownee. Cherish all the days you have with him.
Hugs for you and brownee…..
Paula
Thank you Paula thanks so much my heart hurts but I know and god knows I did what I could for my big man now I leave it in my lords hands….. On May 7, 2013 11:53 PM, “AgilePooch Diaries” wrote:
> ** > perrybeagle commented: “I am very sad to read about brownee. Hopefully > he doesn’t suffer and God takes him if he can’t get healed. I will pray for > your brownee. Cherish all the days you have with him. Hugs for you and > brownee….. Paula”
K….we understand what you are going through right now….it’s a tough road to travel on. No words seem to help. but support does…my thoughts and prayers are with you and Brownee, and can only hope all will be peaceful~~~~ huggs,,,Suzanne~
I am so sorry to hear this morning about your brownee. Prayers being said for you both. We are all sadden with this news. Cherish every bit of time you have, as you know of God’s plans. We will all meet them at the Rainbow Bridge.
So sorry to read of the outcome of Brownee’s tests. I was so hoping it would be good news for you both. As others have said, enjoy every day and know you gave him a wonderful home and all the love any companion could want or need. I pray that he will crossover the bridge peacefully and without pain.
Von
Oh, I am so very sad to hear this news. I was thinking about your Brownee and praying for the best. My heart aches for you. I know you will make the most of your time together. I am still grieving over my little Tobe’s passing almost 3 weeks ago. Just hold him and kiss him and tell him about all the good times you had together. Thank him for being part of your life. My Tobe had beautiful, long, silky fur on his ears. I clipped a little off and tied it with a ribbon and I will keep it in a locket next to my heart. I have also talked to people who understand like the people on this site and others who were willing to listen. There are even some pet loss hotlines that help you deal with anticipatory grief that we experience when we know the end is coming soon. I will pray for you and for Brownee that his passing will be gentle and that you will be comforted in knowing that you will see him again. You did everything you could for him and he knows that. Meg
Just wanted to share a pic of my brownee my big man…..
He is beautiful. A special big guy. Bet he is sweet and loving too. Life sure can hurt us sometimes but it also gives us wonderful times and memories of those we love.
I would love to see the photo of Brownee, but don’t see it nor a link.
I thought I was seeing it in the upper right hand corner. Small. Where our icon might be. I used a magnifying glass. Btw, I was never able to open the Snapfish album to see all the photos of your dog, only the cover. The second link went to more of a screen to create an album. However, I have had problems with my Vista system ever since we got this computer. So, you just have to come to the SF Bay Area and bring photos. đŸ˜‰
Just found this site .. ok .. help with advice please!! .. My Biscuit, an 8 year old Boxer mix .. mass in belly ..large! .. The vet thought all this time he was overweight so I got him to lost 10 pounds .. Now they feel this huge mass in his abdomen .. blood test show slightly anemic .. needle aspirate shows lymphaphycites (sp?) .. but not clustered as in cancer .. Will not do a biopsy because they don’t want to puncture it! .. The ultra sound done this morning shows just it is most likely a spleen tumor but it’s laterally huge .. His belly is swollen and hard from the tumor .. It may have wrapped around his intestines! .. They say 70% not operable they think but they are not sure unless they open him up .. They say he might have to be euthanized on the table if it’s too bad .. If I don’t do surgery he will bleed out and die! .. If I do the surgery there are no guarantees! I am numb, I am heartbroken and have cried all day .. he is eating but not like he used to .. He lays down most of the day and just looks at me .. Not doing the surgery is definite death and doing the surgery may bring his death that day! .. This is a nightmare .. The thing had to be in him for a few years I think because he always had a big belly .. If it were cancer he would have died by now .. to do the surgery or not do it? .. He is the best boy .. I just lost my other Boxer Jake in Dec. due to lung cancer .. Biscuit stayed by his side night and day .. Biscuit stays with my husband who is very ill and he also always stays with my 13 year old Boxer as well .. he stays with everyone who is sick and now he is sick and I need to stay with him by a good decision and I just don’t know what to do! .. I pray, I cry .. I just don’t know if I should chance the surgery but if I don’t, Biscuit will die … Should I risk the surgery? … Biscuit spends 90%percent of the day laying on his side .. he gets up to eat than lays down .. he barks when he hears a noise and then lays down .. This thing is bringing him down and I don’t want him to live like this day after day so I think the surgery would give him a chance .. I am at a loss of what to do! ..
Get a second opinion I’m going threw the same thing with my 3 year old dog đŸ˜¥ first they said it was the spleen then I took him to another vet he said he has a cyst in his kidney which is malegnum cancerous in other words surgery is not an option theirs nothing they can do vet said he will only be with me for 1 month but I know my big man will be here longer is so heart breaking I’m so sorry that your going threw this prayers for your baby and you…
C cason, first let me say how sorry I am for your biscuit. Your story sound so much of what happened to my Perry. I to brought him to vet who put him on proscription low calorie dog food due to his overweight problem. He lost about 10 lbs . Then he started avoiding his walks, which he loved so much. Then went to not walking at all. we brought him back to vet who x rayed his hind legs but found nothing wrong. Vet suggested we put him down. Of course, we couldn’t do that. Hub would lift him to go potty, then back to bed. His appetite also decreased.. months went by and he started to walk again on his own. I felt so happy. But then I always thought his belly looked kind of big. I attributed it to him still being overweight…then almost overnight it seemed to be getting bigger and hard to the touch. We brought him in for an ultra sound. First vet said it was adrenal gland, which after reading about it didn’t seem right. Then second vet said it was a splenic tumor and should be removed immediately. They took blood work which came back good to proceed with the surgery. They took out a huge tumor, almost 10 lbs. he pulled through the surgery, but wouldn’t eat, so they wanted to keep him in there. They kept him for 4 days. I tried going in to bring him his favorite chicken but he didn’t eat for me either..on fourth day we brought him home. He couldn’t even walk out on his own.. He was home for about 2 hours, drank a little water, then died right in front of us. I’m crying as I write this. I will never forget that day.
To this day I have so many regrets. Second guessing my decision to operate. But it had to be done.. The tumor was huge, he was so uncomfortable. The vets couldn’t give me a real reason for his death. But thought maybe a blood clot went to his heart.
So, as for your biscuit. A lot of dogs on this site have had the surgery and are doing just fine. It’s a chance you have to take. It won’t go away and get better.
I’ll pray for you and biscuit.
Paula
Paula .. I am so sorry as I know you tried your absolute best with your beloved Perry .. I can hear the love for Perry in your words and I am so very sorry .. I didn’t mean to make you cry and I cried reading what you wrote … We love them as children because they depend on us like children .. Dogs are no longer *wild* and they become so dependent on us as they should. We are responsible for what we tame! .. My Biscuit lays there and I say to him .. Hey Bicky Bear, are you ok? . he just blinks and keeps blinking then slowly lifts his paw and I hold him and just cry .. I can’t see him feeling so badly every day .. just waiting for this thing to bleed out as they say! .. Or if he feels so bad they say bring him in and put him to sleep …It’s not that easy and I won’t do that right now!.. When is that day? .. When is he bad enough? .. I don’t know! .. I have had 2 opinions .. Both vets say the same thing .. it’s a choice to operate or not but he has no fluid in his abdomen yet, blood work looks good except for anemia .. but the mass might be interfering with his intestines and that is the main problem .. They say they are not sure till they open him up … I just can’t take seeing him laying on the floor day after day so uncomfortable .. it’s like waiting to die .. thank you for your response .. I appreciate it .. I really do! .. Please know that Perry left this world knowing how much you loved him and you went all the way to try to save him! .. ((hugs)) … It’s so agonizing to see our beloved pets suffer and our gut tells us to do something! .. That *something* is surgery .. I understand and feel your pain! .. I have to think about it this weekend and take it from there .. this is truly heart wrenching! .. Thank you again and I know Perry will be waiting for you on the other side .. and Perry knows he was surely loved and will always be loved ..
Hi again c cason..thank you for your kind words and the understanding only a true animal lover knows. Perry was just like losing a child. It will be a year in July since his passing and hub still cries daily. I just wish God gave us more time with them.
I will pray for your biscuit and pray God gives you the strength to get through this. I’m sorry to hear about your hub.
I’m not sure if they’re in pain with the spleen tumor, maybe it’s more uncomfortable. But, if you think he’s in pain, maybe the vet could give you some pain meds.
It’s a very hard decision to make. I always think back had I not done the surgery, I might have had more time with him. But seeing him just lay there all bloated and not really wanting to eat, I knew I had to take that chance. It’s a gamble. No matter how you look at it. Some of the ladys in here have had really good results. As I’m sure you’ve already read.
Your biscuit is still fairly young. My Perry was 9 1/2.
I will keep praying for him.
Paula
Paula .. again thank you … and yes, our dogs do become our children in a way because we do for them as we do for our children .. We know them and they know us .. they know our sadness and happiness and we know theirs .. I still cry over my Jake I had to put to sleep in December .. A beautiful fawn and white Boxer I rescued from a kill shelter in Georgia .. He just started to be happy, he started to play, he started to love life and not be afraid of humans (I feel he was abused by his former owners) .. he was a joy and Biscuits best buddy! .. Cancer struck and I had to put him down after months of trying and tests and meds .. I slept with him on the floor for weeks until my Jake was gasping for air and I knew I had to stop his pain ..(lung cancer) .. Biscuit was depressed and my 13 year old Boxer was so quiet .. The 3 of us started taking walks .. They missed Jake and I would actually sing to them as we walked down our road .. sounds crazy but I did .. Slowly my dogs perked up a bit after months .. Then I get the news of Biscuit .. it’s like it’s happening all over again .. and my husband actually is terminal as well but it’s a slow progression .. I can’t thank enough for listening and I can’t call my family because they think I’d be nuts for spending the money .. They don’t view it as I do so I cling to other people who feel like I feel .. I know what you mean though .. I could keep him this way and have maybe more time but it would be at his expense .. Biscuit is still eating a bit but lays down all the time .. abdomen bloated and he is so uncomfortable .. He usually is running all over and is happy and playing .. Please don’t think you made the wrong decision .. Who wants to suffer every day knowing that it will only end in death? Our dogs don’t know they will die or maybe they do! .. We don’t know what they know! .. All I know is it’s our duty to control what we can and we should control their suffering by alleviating it .. Even though our hearts will break .. I think I have to take the chance of surgery .. God bless you and your husband and I am so sorry for your pain .. I know it all too well .. (sorry for the long post!) .. be well and have peace .. ~Carol (and remember that God is taking care of Perry now, God created him and He just took him back home and you did a great job in caring for and loving him on earth) .. You’ll be reunited one day .. as I will be with mine .. but it hurts .. and it hurts so badly because we love them …… *God bless!!
Good Morning everyone, and Happy Furry Mothers Day!!!! Even if you have lost one or are living the night mare or Treasure ? of last days with them. I am not a young woman anymore, and I have shared most of your experiences with our beloved animals….I could go on …but my Madies story is on here several times, and then of course my Raven a few months later…both last year~~~ However I lost my son in a horrific accident due to a 16yr. old jerk on his cell phone!!! 6 years ago So this Mothers Day, as usual (due to that death) is devastating~~~~ I have 2 little long haired Doxies now…..they make me laugh….never thought I could again…. My X left me right afterI lost my son and ONLY child…lost my job….. My point is this Life hands us a rare hand of cards to play, some get the jack pot …some lose …big time. We do the best we can . I believe all of us on here are wonderful people …because we LOVE dogs…whether they are old or young…sick or well…..and we are their MOMS…and as much as we love them …they love us the same or even more~~~the UNCONDITIONAL love that humans have a hard time doing~~ So, as usual ..Bless you all….and all of our wonderful companions…here and at the Bridge~~~ Suzanne
Suzanne, that was so sad yet so beautiful. I want to wish you a happy mothers day and to those little doxies of yours who have such a kind and wonderful mom. You explained it all so we’ll. I always wondered about life. And when the day comes and if I’m allowed to ask my maker, I have 2 questions. Why do some people get it all and
some get nothing . And why didn’t dogs get a longer lifespan.
Happy mothers day to all.
Hugs, Paula
Thank you Paula…..and my son’s name was Paul :))
k ortiz .. oh my Lord, only 3 years old? .. the spleen affected and another vet says a cancerous kidney cyst? .. Can they definitely say which one or is it both? .. What kind of dog is this? .. What major breed? .. Not that it matters but just wondering because of the genetics possibly involved .. Anyway .. I am so deeply sorry .. such a young dog and they give you no hope at all? .. What are they telling you to do? .. This is heartbreaking as well .. I know you must cry because I do .. my heart is torn apart and I feel so damned helpless .. I’m sure you do too! … Tell me please what they are doing for your baby other than saying only 1 month .. Reading all these posts shows me we are all going through something terrible and we all love our dogs so very much .. Prayers for everyone here .. Please say a prayer for my Biscuit as I try to figure out what to do! .. Hugs and thank you .. I know I am in the midst of some great, caring people .. *Carol .. (my husband is extremely ill as well .. this decision is up to me and my husband will support whatever I decide but my husband may need to be hospitalized shortly because his health is failing …. It’s like my heart just hit a brick wall! … Just hold and love your dog and talk to him … He can feel and hear the love in you .. please keep me updated too! .. You and your precious dog will stay in my prayers … please keep and Biscuit in yours! .. (hugs)
I’m just catching up with the day’s activities and posts. I’m so sorry to hear of Biscuit’s situation and sincerely hope you are able to get a good diagnosis with a treatment plan with a favorable prognosis. It is such a difficult position to be in; feeling so helpless and yet willing to do just about anything at any cost to make it go away.
My heart breaks every time we have someone new find “us” here and share their story. I wish we could cure all of them . . . or better yet, know what causes these things and prevent them from happening ever again.
But that isn’t realistic, I know. So all I can do is say a prayer for those still hurting and wish for peace for all who continue the fight.
Hugs to you all!
Von & Miss Heidi
Von, .. that was so sweet of you .. and yes, I think we find this sight when in the hours of desperation we search everywhere on the net as we are frantic, upset and drained from tears .. We know our loved pet is laying in another room or close by and they are counting on us to help them … The *mother* in us stops at nothing to try to help .. exhaust our minds, hearts and credit cards to hear those words we long to hear …… Your dog will be fine* .. I long to hear those words ….. I wish all here a Happy Mother’s Day .. You are awesome people with great hearts .. A good mother is one who has taken on a battle that means love and protection until her last breath … From reading the posts here, I know I am in the midst of such loving people .. With all my heart, with all my soul, I wish the other mothers like me, a Day of peace and reflection in knowing we do one thing .. we love! .. For all who have lost, for all who are losing and for all who have won .. Your love is always your crowning glory .. may it bring you peace .. Love, Carol and Biscuit .. â¤
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My Golden Retriever only 6 years old was diagnosed with a splenic tumor. We lost our last dog at 7 for the same thing and my husband I couldn’t face another, so we decided to go for the surgery. The Surgery was a success and removed his spleen along with a 7lb tumor. The ultrasound revealed another mass in his lungs. We know it has spread and most likely is aggressive. We should know in a week what kind of cancer, but we want to hang on as long as we can. So we will choose chemo therapy.
My dog is too young to be going through this, I plan to feed him a cancer fighting diet and really try some alternatives. Is there any success stories out there?
Martini I really hope for good news for your GR. I’m glad the splenectomy was successful and pray that you have a good prognosis with the other tumor(s).
The only “success” story I’m aware of is of Wallace the PIt Bull (https://www.facebook.com/WallaceThePitBull?ref=ts&fref=ts). His story can be found on his public Facebook page. He had an emergency splenectomy last fall. They found out he too had cancer. His people opted to do holistic treatment rather than chemo.
As I recall, his prognosis was not very good (maybe only months?) but he is still alive and doing well. Obviously he is not cured of the cancer, but he has been living a very full and happy life these past seven months.
I hope you will read his story and find reason for hope.
Von & Miss Heidi too
Thank you Von for sharing this. I will look into their success and see if we can also follow any holistic diets. We will keep you posted on Groovy’s (GR) treatment.
Happy to share and help (if I can). I did research back on Wallace’s case. His splenectomy was in September and the prognosis w/o chemo on the cancer he had was 1-3 months.
If you read through the FB posts by his owners, you’ll get a feel for what they’ve been doing for Wallace. I did see one post that they were using something that had show some success in limited trials, but it was on the pricy side. You may want to write them and to learn more or fill in the blanks after reading through their posts.
I hope you’ll keep us all posted.
I’v been away from the posts, and I want to assure everyone that I’v been thinking of each of you. Prayers sent your way for Brownee, Biscuit, and Groovy. Every new day is a gift…That’s why we call it “the present”.
Love Ya’ll, Donna and Sasha
Hope everyone is doing well my brownee is doing well relaxing with the air conditioner ⤠xoxoxxox from karly and Brownee
Wallace shared his great miracle and 8 months and counting it’s still working. Anyone looking to try alternative methods, please check out the clinical trials of I’m Yunity.
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/384301/
to purchase: http://www.imyunity.com/
Hi-just wanted to tell everyone that we have a new little dog to love. We adopted him Sat. from a rescue organization. He is 10 years old and so very sweet and good. Was abandoned at a shelter so it is a guess on his age. He appears to be a poodle/Maltese mix but he has amazing little ears that can stand up, hang down like a poodle, or stick out horizontal and flap. LOL. He makes us laugh. He is housebroken, neutered, microchipped and is in great health per his vet exam. Behavior assessment labeled him ‘great with everything and everybody’. He never stops wagging his tail, walks on a leash, loves the car, other dogs, loves us and goes from lap to lap. He was given extensive dental work thru Maddie’s Fund and is missing some teeth but to us he is perfect. He is a ‘senior’ just like we are so it is a great match. Who knows how much time any of us has left but we will sure try to give him the best days of his life. So….you are all like aunts or godparents to him. You shared in our sorrow over the loss of Tobe so I wanted you to share in our joy in finding our little Sam.He has our old dog Charlie’s muzzle and eyes and our dear Tobe’s sweet,gentle disposition so we think he was ‘heaven sent’.
Soo happy to hear about the “new arrival”~ I think he is one luckey little guy, and I’m Sure Tobe was in on it all….Huggs!!! Suzanne
Hi Meg….so happy to hear about your new family member. I had a feeling you would come home with him, when you mentioned you we’re going. Most people don’t want to adopt an older dog. You are so special to have chosen him and I know he will bring you much much happiness. Adopted dogs seem to know their situation, and they show their gratitude with alot of love.
God bless you Meg..
Paula
Thank you Suzanne and Paula for your kind words, hugs and blessings. I, too, have the feeling that somehow, someway, Tobe directed us to him. I was actually going to the event to ‘just look’ and to find out more about fostering for ‘in the future’. I picked up Sam just to hold another sweet dog and snuggle once more and he laid his head on my shoulder and kind of sighed. I felt kind of teary and had not yet had a day without at least one good cry over Tobe and I know you both understand that deep ache, missing, loss. The adoption people offered to let us take him home overnight and that did it. We were sitting with him watching TV.Husband who had not cried since the day we lost Tobe and never cries ever despite his big heart, let out a big sob and blew his nose and said “I just can’t imagine being old and without a home and someone to love you”. Then we both cried over Tobe, all the other losses that come with life and aging and the decision to keep Sam was made on the spot. We asked him if he wanted to stay since he had made himself at home already and he wagged his tail so we called the adoption organization Sunday morning and told them that Sam had found his forever home.
AWWWW …tears just came to my eyes….I wish all homeless were as lucky as SAM““
That is a wonderful story . . . so glad you got to save Sam! Seniors are often left and difficult to adopt out. I’m so happy for you both!
Von & Miss Heidi
My goodness! It warms my heart to hear what you did, Meg. So happy for Sam. You are a beautiful person inside and out. Your kindness shines. It made my day! Hug Sam for me, he is one lucky dog.
Donna and Sasha
Thank you Donna. You and Von and Paula and Suzanne were there for me with Tobe’s problems so I just wanted you to share in our happiness. You are all special people and I have been inspired by each of you in different ways. I will certainly hug Sam for you. He is curled up right next to my foot right now as I work. He wants to be with me or husband at all times but he did fine yesterday when we left him home alone for about an hour. He was sleeping when we returned so he seemed to not have any separation anxiety, thank goodness. Thank you again for your support and caring.
The ones in Heaven pick out the new ones for their beloved humans on earth. Tobe saw a friend in need, and sent you to rescue him. You deserve all the best. I am so happy for you and your new dog.
Oh Judy, thank you so much for your very kind words. I also believe that the ones in heaven pick out the next ones we adopt. I was sure of it as we discovered so many little quirks that Sam has that remind us of Tobe. I sure did not plan to adopt so soon. My heart is really still aching for little Tobe but when I met Sam I realized that he, too, had a loss. I had lost my dearest of all little dogs, heart of my heart, soul of my soul…Tobe. But Sam had also lost his family, his home, all he knew, and who knows the circumstances under which he had lost them. So, together we are healing and bonding and helping each other. Guess that is what we are all here for anyway, to help each other, and he is sure doing his best. Again, that you so much for your message. I really appreciated your comments.
Thank you Von. Yes, people so often want the younger dogs and that is good too but like husband says, “Experience has to count for something” LOL I think he and I identify with Sam…oldies but still goodies. đŸ™‚
Meg you have a very loving and giving hubby. I knew he was a softy when you said ““I just can’t imagine being old and without a home and someone to love youâ€.” That brought a tear to *my* eyes!
I am honored to be one of the people you mentioned and am so happy for you and your family . . . and of course Sam!!!
Thank you Von. Now you made me tear up too. I keep thinking how in all the sorrow we have shared there is such a good thing in that we all are sort of friends who genuinely care about each other. Please do let me know if and when you come to the SF Bay area, OK? Same to the rest of the ladies. Wish we could pick a central location and all just meet. Hugs….
Will do Meg! (I doubt we’ll make it that far north on this trip . . . so maybe a future CA trip đŸ™‚ )
I agree with VON….brought tears to my eyes also. I AM old and alone. since my son was killed, and my husband left….I never realized how alone I was…NO family what so ever!!! Its sad and very scarey!!! I hope none of you have to experience it. My dogs Always have been the world to me…and continue to be so,but I so worry what will happen to them if I am not here. HAD MY AFGHANS ALL SET….but since they passed away last year, I have long haired doxies…They are so needy, and I haven’t found anyone yet that I would trust with them. Its a comfort to know they would be taken care of……. Suzanne
Suzanne, I am so sorry you are alone. Breaks my heart. Life is just not fair. I am happy, however, that you have your new little doxies. We are in our mid 60’s, quite active, in good health, etc. but that is our worry too, who would take care of our babies. I had Tobe all set up with a friend who has older small dogs so I will have to ask her now about maybe taking Sam if anything should happen to us. We only have each other and I do have my two sons but one is across the country and the other works 7 days a week it seems. I had a bad marriage/divorce but found Robert on my doorstep one day over 24 years ago. So, you just never know what humans or animals will be there at just the right time in just the right place.
Hi Suzanne, just dropping in to say hello to you. I feel for you. But happy to know you have those cute doxies to brighten your days. I also have one, and they are quite the comedians. Mine likes to sleep so close to me, I can’t even turn.
And I know what you mean about finding someone to trust enough to watch them. Only one I ever trusted was my daughter and even then I felt uneasy. Lol. I remember telling her not to let the doxie jump off the bed . She answered, don’t worry, I won’t put her there in the first place. I hoped she was just kidding. But now she moved to Arizona, so I don’t have her to babysit. The doxie goes with us everywhere. Even food shopping. Hub stats with her in car while I go in.
Well, got to go make an egg for her. She’s been waiting patiently as I type this.
Hugs, Paula
Paula….I do wish also that our little group on here lived closer…it would be nice and we could babysit for each other. My doxies won’t stop jumping off the bed!! They will not use the steps….and the one jumps on by himself???? Suzanne~
Suzanne I hope you can find some comfort and peace making the most of every day you have here with your beloved doxies. Nobody knows what the future might hold for us, or our loved ones. Your pets are fortunate to have you and show their appreciation through their unconditional love. That is what dogs do . . . and do best I might add.
I cannot imagine the sense of loss you have felt but do believe that you can find reason to believe around you.
Hang in there, knowing you too are loved by many!
Von…thank you so much for your kind words… I continue to hang on…for what I don’t know….when Madie died(unexpectedly) I had already gotten Dillon(doxie, and my son’s middle name) for her to have a buddy,’cause they had just told me Raven had but a few days to live…which turned out to be 6 months….Bless her soul for giving me that much more time with her… Then of course Dillon had been through so much with the 2 of the older dogs, when Raven died…I got him a buddy to play with…they are both young….and its good because I needed that. I will never have grandchildren due to my son’s death…he was the only one,….so they are like the little kids I will never have…other wise I would have gotten an older dog….So I live to take care of them…but as I preveiously stated….I worry about their care if something happened to me. Life is like the lottery……some get the winning number,some get small amounts….and some just keep trying without getting much….why??? who knows…have a beautiful day,my dear….Suzanne
God help all the people who have experienced the Tradgedys we have seen lately…latest one the tornadoes in OKla. Devastating….deaths of children are the worst….losing everything material you have don,t compare….just another whammie…but hopefully they have other family and SUPPORT….that’s what gets you through….. And of course…think of the animals that are loss during these times…one man said he saw a horse flying over him!!! you just got to wonder some times~~~~Suzanne
Hi all. My dog, Lila, a 10 yr old English Setter mix died today. Totally out of the blue….She’s had some hip/knee problems so started her on GlycoFlex III earlier this month. She had been playing so much more…Sat. night she wouldn’t eat her dinner. Didn’t really eat yesterday but did snack a bit. Came outside with me and my other 3 dogs and my current foster dog and hung out. This a.m., my husband said she drank a lot of water but threw up. She came back to bed with me since she always slept in the bed, but threw up over the side of the bed – mostly water, some grass…when we got up, she went to lie on the bathroom floor where she liked it since it’s cooler. She then got in the shower – always did that…I laid on the floor and talked to her and petted her. I put the water bowl in with her and she drank quite a bit. Then she drank some more so I thought that was good. She seemed a bit winded after that but it’s really warm here all of a sudden (in NC) so I thought she was just weak and after all the lapping, she had gotten hot. Checked on her several times intermittently while I was researching what could possibly be wrong with her on the web. Husband came home sick from work around lunchtime and checked on her – said she was still snoozing in the shower. I went back to change clothes since I decided to take her on in to the vet and she was dead….we are completely heartbroken and devastated…we wrapped her in a towel and put her on the bed where I stayed with her all afternoon…crying, in disbelief, couldn’t figure out what could have possibly happened to her…still in shock. I finally came back to do more research and found this trail….I’m convinced this is what happened to her. I read a few other sites and Eng. Setters were listed as one of the breeds that has this but based on all of these posts, it’s pretty much any breed…I don’t know how to live without her…they are my babies and I adopted her from the pound at 4 mos. old to be a playmate to my Airedale who turned 11 in Feb. He’s had lumps all over him for several years and the biopsies (sp?) said they were just fatty tumors. I’m worried to death now over him…Lila was the most beautiful white with muted orange speckles, long long wavy hair, and her tail is magnificent…She had greenish eyes and was the sweetest, most snuggly girl on earth. I would ask her to ‘sit on mommy’ on my back if it hurt and she always knew exactly where to sit. Our family is never going to be the same…we got her mid-May of ’03 – I think…and took her camping on our annual Mem. Day trip which is coming up this weekend….I have never had this happen to me before. I had dogs growing up but the ones we have now my husband and I got. Well, a few were failed fosters…Lila was the Queen. She ruled everyone so I don’t know how all the others will re-establish themselves. My kitties have lived to ages 20, 18, etc. so have never lost a baby this young. it hurts so bad….
OH!!! Vickie….I am sooo sorry, I kow exactly how that feels…it happened almost the same way to my precious Afghan hound…MADIE, almost One year to this day!!! I know the tears that are rolling down your face as you write this….I feel your pain!! Words don,t help, they say…but they give comfort…. Just remember…NO living thing lasts forever, and she is out of her pain…for whatever reason …it was her time…just think of her running free~~ If it was a bleed out …it was a blessing she went as fast as she did, my poor baby was in extreme pain, and in the hospt. for 4 days…before they even knew!! Prayers and huggs from a stranger who shares a sad common thread with you….. Suzanne
Vicki how sad to lose your Lila in such a way. To not know is so scary, and yet, I hope you can find some relief in knowing that she didn’t suffer in pain with whatever it was that took her over the rainbow bridge.
I know that remembering all of the great times you had with Lila will help ease the sadness you feel today. Through those memories, you will feel the grace of her presence for as long as you live!
Vickie, so sorry to hear about your Lila. It happened so fast and that makes it very hard to understand. We all know what you are feeling. No words will comfort you.
I think back to when I was young. Life seemed so happy. And as I get old ….60….I feel it is nothing but pain. People say I am being negative, but it’s what I feel. Seeing loved ones pass on and now even the dog that ended up hurting the worst.
Nothing we can do about it. As Suzanne said, no living thing lasts forever. How true.
Hugs, Paula
Oh Vickie, I am so very sorry to hear about Lila. You are probably still finding it so hard to believe, it must seem unreal, like a bad dream. Like Paula said, there are no words to make it better. For myself, knowing that there were people who really, really, understood how it feels to love a furry companion and the pain that comes from loss, helped me to not feel so alone. So you do have that understanding here, from all of us. We know and understand that pain of losing a precious pet who is like our own child. The pain of the grief is physical, gut wrenching, personally, I sobbed and sobbed and felt like a mad woman, totally lost in my grief when my little Tobe died last month and I still grieve and cry but I do comfort myself now and remind myself that he is still with me in my heart and that I can hold on to him thru memories. Please know that we are here for you and we understand and we care. If you find you need more help to get you through this, please talk to your vet and there are also on line support groups and some #800 numbers to call for grief support with the loss of a pet. I am sure your vet has flyers and pamphlets as mine did with these resources. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Meg
Vickie,
First I am also so sorry for your loss. Second, you said Lila was Queen, and sounds like the leader of the pack. All dogs are considered in a pack or group. I am sure another leader will emerge from the pack, although, they will feel the loss, as you are feeling now. We are here for you at any time, we all have heavy hearts right now for you. We feel your sorrow. Prayers are always being said at my home for our babies. I am sending prayers your way for your beloved Lila. The memories will emerge as happy times in the future, we share your tears now. Take care Vickie, we all understand, and believe there is a heaven for them also.
Donna
I am so sorry Vickie! Lila was obviously loved very very much and knew it too. I will have lost my George a year ago this August and I still think about him every day. I know it hurts but I am at least glad that Lila had someone like you and your husband in her life. I wish I could bring them all back but I can’t…so I am wishing you peace. Maureen
After reading so many above terribly sad posts about so many of you who loved your dogs so deeply as I love mine .. I must give a follow up to my Biscuit who had the mass spleen tumor .. I saw his abdomen so hard, he was so uncomfortable and I knew I couldn’t watch him day by day like this .. In essence, he had the blood tests, he had the X rays, and finally he had the ultrasound .. he could not walk more than 20 feet without having to sit and he was so anemic that his gums were so pale and the whites of his eyes were stark white .. he looked so sick and was so tired and panted terribly. The ultrasound vet said she had little hope and my vet said if they open him up and it doesn’t look like they could do anything, my Biscuit would be put to sleep on the table .. I filled out the cremation form, hugged my Biscuit and just cried so hard that I felt like my heart was melting. I made the sign of the cross on him and told him to wait for me at Heaven’s Gates and left him to the hands of the surgeon. I cried uncontrollably and felt as if I was literally coming apart as I really felt as if I was going insane .. My husband is terminally ill as well and I had just had to put my Boxer Jake to sleep this past December due to horrid lung cancer … I was on the brink of losing it .. The vet called .. Biscuit was opened on the table .. the vet removed a 6.3 lb. tumor and the spleen but nothing else was effected from what he saw. He had to suture up a place where it attached to the intestine and a few little other places but all in all, he took this horrid thing out and he asked me if I wanted to wake Biscuit up and close him up? .. I said what?? .. he’s ok?? .. The vet said .. “I got it. It’s out and nothing else is affected from what I can see” .. I said ..yes! .. yes!! … The vet said he was in shock because he felt as if my Biscuit would never make it out of surgery. The vet is skilled yet was stunned .. It was a tumor that started in the spleen and just grew all around it .. A biopsy was sent out of the spleen and the pathologist was as shocked .. not cancerous .. Just a huge spleen tumor. The ultrasound showed it to be much worse so please know ultrasounds do not tell the whole story. My vet said .. *This dog is suffering .. let’s either send him to Heaven or let him live a much better life* .. I felt as if it were fair to my boy not to let him suffer and to resolve this. Believe me, I cried harder than hard and took tons of photos the night before the surgery and prayed and cried and prayed again .. My Biscuit made it through and it was done on May 20th .. he now wags his tail, he can walk without sitting, he can eat and not just barely swallow, he can lay on his tummy and stretch his legs out behind him, his color is getting better, he has a waist, he has and does all the things this tumor would not let him do!! …. He had staples that ran the length of his abdomen and recovery was slow but day by day my Biscuit is feeling what it’s like to be a normal dog and I am beyond ecstatic .. Staples came out yesterday and his red blood cell count is up from the PVC blood results .. I cry still over my beloved Boxer Jake who I could not help last December with his lung cancer and I miss him every day as he was my sweetheart who I rescued from Georgia only 4 years ago… Biscuit is doing well though .. the vet said he never saw anything like it in his 25 years of practice .. everyone told me to either put him to sleep or let him live until he bled out from the spleen tumor .. I said, no! .. I love him too damn much to watch him die slowly … I hugged my Biscuit and said to him .. ok baby, let’s do this .. I can’t watch you suffer .. I love you way too much .. I scheduled the surgery, cried my heart out, prayed and prayed .. hugged my Biscuit and bathed him in my tears practically .. but praise the Lord, my Biscuit is ok, for now .. He is OK! … I live in N. Florida if any of you need an excellent vet … My vet is the absolute best! .. The University of Florida could not have done a better job! … Biscuit has a few little other issues but none life threatening … they will be done in time .. He has to heal now and he is … thank you for listening and hopefully, I gave some of you hope! .. ~Hugs to all and pet your furbabies for me! .. ~Love, Carol and Biscuit! ..
correcting above mistake .. I said PVC and I meant PCV .. (packed cell volume) .. that test shows that the red blood cell count in Biscuit is rising .. and again, please do not always think and ultrasound shows everything because it does not. The ultrasound vet said she would not do the surgery and if she did, she most likely felt she would have to put Biscuit to sleep because it was inoperable .. BUT, my vet said .. ultrasounds show only where it might be and the size but not what it may or not be attached to, etc … thank goodness I did not listen to the ultrasound vet … It’s a terrible choice to be made by anyone .. but again please .. do not rely totally on ultrasounds .. I learned this and that knowledge saved my Biscuit because if I believed totally in the findings of the ultrasound, I would have done nothing … ~again, I hope with all my heart of may have given some of you hope …… it’s in God’s Hands in the long run but still we can try our best to let medical wonders avail themselves to us and our beloved, precious dogs … Needless to say, I bought my vet a bottle of champagne … I have yet to give it to him next Tuesday when I drop off a fecal sample! … and needless to say as well, I need new sandals, etc … BUT, vet bills will teach you to just wear your old shoes … and there also goes the new summer clothes but Biscuit is alive and right now, that’s all that matters to me!
Carol and Biscuit, I am so HAPPY for the both of you. I truly believe..when its your time…..but Thank you for giving him the chance…and see…he made it…he was meant to comfort you in this difficult time with your husband…..Huggs…..Suzanne
Suzanne, thank you! .. and I so agree with you .. when it’s your time, it’s your time .. perhaps Biscuit made it to show the vet to keep trying as he was a bit nervous about the surgery and he admitted to trying something new that he never tried before .. This new surgical procedure was only done with the help of his other vet that works for him and he said that there was nothing to lose and he learned much due to this surgery and he will apply it to other dogs .. Biscuits surgery was a bit of an experiment that came out with great success! .. So, Biscuit taught my vet a new procedure and many dogs will benefit from this .. So many little joyous things came out of this whole event .. The ultrasound vet and my vet became friends via the phone due to Biscuit .. They will now recommend one another .. The pathologist is going to write about this in a journal and the ultrasound vet said she now has changed her mind about her ultrasound findings and will not be so adamant as to tell client not to try surgery .. this whole thing broadened her perspectives a bit and that’s good! .. Ultrasounds are very important and they add to the pieces of the puzzle but they are not the end all be all when it comes to trying to remove a tumor unless there is stark evidence that it’s inoperable … All in all, it was good … all in all, my Biscuit is happy, and all in all, God is good and I prayed and trusted .. my Boxer Jake is at the Rainbow Bridge and I just went up to his photo last night and cried and told him how much I wished I could have saved him too … I swear I felt him say .. Ma, it’s ok, I know you loved me and we had so much fun … then I looked down and Biscuit was looking up at me with Jake’s favorite toy in his mouth .. Needless to say, I just cried and felt the love of them both .. the one by my feet and the one in Heaven … oh dear Lord, and people will say .. It’s JUST a dog …. we here on this site, know what a silly statement that is … They are heaven sent and here to love us unconditionally as we should love them … It’s that simple .. it’s that pure …
Carol…you couldn’t have said it better…Dogs are GOD sent, to comfort us on this plain as we learn here….I have no other explanation for the things that happen on this earth….after my son was killed, I just searched and searched, but to no avail….I just hung on to God, and believe we are here to learn…… dogs are heaven sent if you let them be, unfortunately they die too and in such a short time. Its a nice place to come , as all of us love our dogs unconditionally too…. so there is a lot of understanding and empathy. Bless you and Biscuit….. Suzanne
Suzanne … The loss of your son? .. Oh my goodness .. I wish I could just hug you as I am so very sorry .. My husband is not well at all and I know the day will come soon it will just be me and my dogs .. Please know you are not alone and we all lay in bed at night and imagine our greatest fears .. The more I rely on God, the more my fear subsides .. my future is uncertain but having Biscuit recover from this awful spleen mass tumor has made the road ahead a little brighter .. I live by moments and not miles .. Dogs are surely sent from God because we see their angelic assistance when we need it .. Is that not true? .. They listen without speaking and love without asking for anything and their mere presence warms our souls .. If this is not Heaven sent, I don’t know what is .. our dogs are the lucky ones because so many world wide suffer in shelters, labs and worse simply because of the arrogance and cruelty of humans .. Each dog is a creation of God .. and make no mistake, if they are harmed while on earth, humans will answer for this .. You’ll be in my prayers Suzanne.. and please know as I do .. God has you wrapped in His arms .. and your dog is His helper .. I so believe this and always will .. I wish you lived near me …
Carol, as usual thank you for your beautifully expressed words….you sure do have great writing skills… Simply put …when your child dies….LIFE sucks!!Yeal, I’ve heard it all about recovering…went to grief groups, therapist. dr.’s priest, several different religions to find my way. I was 60 when it happened….my husband left me for another woman and I lost my job…alll in that year, besides other problems that I won’t get into…My precious son was the only thing that mattered…it sure took its toll…I could get through the other….have no other family…..no support…Very Important…… But there were my 2 loving Afghans!!! Never left my side…..they are from God….I doubted everything then…but never their love nor God’s…I don’t think I would have made it through that horrendous time without them….. The only fear I have now is what will happen to my 2 little guys if something happens to me! I had the Afghans all set, but now that they both passed last year …I have LH doxies, I know very little of the breed and that community. I had Afghans for 35 years…knew everything and all the people involved…breeders, rescues, etc. I pray for them all the time…Suzanne
Suzanne .. had to message you back .. listen please .. the terrible death of your son, the loss of your job, the leaving of your husband .. first off, to say I am sorry is nothing because that doesn’t really help, other than to let you know I care .. But I AM sorry and terribly sorry for all that happened to you .. I can tell you of my woes as well but then you will say you are sorry for me .. Bottom line .. life is so difficult and Priests, Doctors etc .. are still human as well and we all are in the *human condition* trying our best to make it through .. I’ve heard so many people have horrible things happen to them and now I sit in a situation as well saying to myself .. what am I going to do? .. What if my husband passes? .. Do I stay here or do I move? .. A thousand questions flood my mind nightly and the more I try to figure it out, the more confused I get .. Biscuit’s recovery was the bright spot in my life’s events right now .. It was the breath of fresh air that I needed .. still, I turn around and now my other older Boxer has canine vestibular disease … last night he was wobbly with the head tilt, etc .. so here I go again, trying to figure something else out .. it never ends .. I am thrilled over Biscuit’s recovery and still just as happy as can be but problems always crop up the next day and such .. It’s unending .. This is when I turn to God .. in the happy days and the sad days … life is crazy and it is so important to have someone nearby who can hold your hand and hug you .. My family lives states away and here I know tons of people but don’t have close friends because everyone seems to be fighting their own shades of hell ….. My dogs (Boxers) .. have been my breed of choice as you had your Afghans .. We know what we know about our chosen breeds but love all dogs .. We try to make it through this life and be confident and assured and love along the way ..but, it is difficult! .. It is scary and it is oh so tiring …. please know .. our sadness may be different but many of us are drowning in that question … What do I do? .. Why me? .. Where do I go? Our dogs offer the love that is so pure and simple but they suffer from the *canine condition* where they get ill and rely on us … It all comes rolling down on us … and that is when I roll it back to God and plead .. help me please! .. He does .. and my dogs give me that little look that has me breaking into a deep down joyful smile … I feed off that smile all day cause I know all hell is going to break lose again right around the corner! … Again, I wish we lived close because I would have you over for a cup of tea and we could talk and cry and smile too … keep that human connection with people if you can .. link hands and paws and all let’s just get through this so called ..*life* ….. hugs, ~*Carol … and please. take the time to laugh because that is so important too! … Without humor, we are surely doomed .. Laugh and smile when you can … and please know I think of you often ….
Carol Thanks…U R right…sometimes just hearing things we already know…help coming from some else. I love tea..it is too bad we don’t live close~~~(smile) Suzanne
Hi Carol, I am so happy to hear about your biscuit. I was wondering after your last post about you and him. Glad you wrote in. gives all of us hope.
Give him a big kiss for me.
Paula
Paula, thank you so much! .. I will give him a big kiss for you! .. he is such a sweetheart of a dog … Last night he was laying with me in bed as my husband sleeps in the family room chair because he has a hard time breathing .. Biscuit stays with me during the night and spends the early morning hours next to my husband … but as Biscuit lay next to me in bed and those big soulful brown eyes just looked into mine, I swear he was saying thank you Mom … Thank you for saving me ….. If you are silent enough, you can hear each other think .. I believe this .. he blinked at me and I blinked back and we just kept blinking at each other and then I started to laugh and Biscuit let out a bark! .. It as if we were just laughing together…. it’s that little time of communication that says so much .. Humans can talk for hours and sometimes can’t get a point across, with our dogs, it takes only minutes to completely understand .. I do hope to give hope …. I clung to hope and this is what got me through .. if the vet said there was a shred of hope, I was going for it .. we did .. it worked .. for my dog .. my point is this .. I could not let him suffer because this whole thing was about my dog and how he felt day to day, not how I felt … please, never let your dogs suffer … Put them first and let what will be .. be .. in the end, we are all going back to God anyway, but we have the undeserving power as to control the suffering our dogs … and for them to say to me .. let him live until he just bleeds out and dies .. I could not do that. Prayers for anyone who has to make this decision as it will take you to a limit in your mind that will shatter your inner soul … I will listen to anyone on this site that is going through what I went with my Biscuit .. let love and common sense rule ….
Thanks for the great news about Biscuit. Your story gives the outline I keep stating, there’s a chance and hope for every dog out there. My prayers for the ones that we tried our best for their outcomes, but were called home too soon. They live on in our hearts forever.
Donna and Sasha
Donna, my prayers and hearts go out to those who have lost their pets due to disease, etc .. I know that pain all too well .. I slept on the floor with my Boxer Jake for weeks while he was battling lung cancer .. I tried everything but to no avail .. The day I had to put him to sleep, a part of me went with him and I cried and cried and just felt like dying myself .. .. Oh, how I ached and still do … it’s all love and love pays with the price of pain when that love is taken away .. BUT, I firmly believe God is in control and he will wipe away the tears and there is a reason for all this sadness .. I also believe we will be reunited with our loved pets because Heaven would not be Heaven if those animals were not part of our greatest happiness … Ya gotta believe and trust that if God gave us that love .. and Heaven is comprised of love and God is love, then all that love will come back to us and we will indeed hold our dogs again .. maybe not in the same bodies that we have now but we will recognize that love and we will be with them again .. This is my story and I’m sticking to it! .. ~ Love is never in vain .. it hurts like hell but never in vain ….
Carol I’ve been out of town and away from the computer for nearly two weeks. I was so happy to catch up on your good news for Biscuit! Sometimes there are “dumb luck” stories of recovery from these nasty splenic tumors and I’m glad to know your beloved pet is yet another with a happy ending to the tumor story.
Von
Von .. truth be told I left Biscuit at the Vets that morning hugging him, praying over him, telling him to wait for me at Heaven’s Gate’s, etc .. and just thinking this will the last time I saw my precious boy … The vet was preparing me for the absolute worst and I was just sick to my stomach until he called with the good news … But he also said to me .. it’s not always inoperable so don’t come to a conclusion even before I open him up .. He said let’s just get this thing resolved .. Four people told me do not do the surgery .. they told me just let him live his life until the worst happens .. When my vet said .. I’m just not sure, The only thing I’m seeing is anemia .. My vet said if their were other signs than I would hesitate but I am secretly betting this thing is just the tumor and the spleen but it may have attached and if it didn’t we are in the clear .. The biopsy will tell us more but I’m not seeing anything to indicate this is other but a splenic tumor that is contained and very large .. So, if there was hope for my guy, there may be hope for others .. I’m just saying I took a chance against all odds .. I asked my vet a thousand questions and made him look deep into the whole issue instead of going by the book only .. I pressured and asked, researched and listed the pros and cons … I drove my vet crazy asking the what if’s and why’s … At first he said .. let him live till he bleeds out or until he is extremely suffering than put him to sleep ..but the more I hounded my vet the more I think I forced him to look into this further and look at my dog as an individual and not a book topic on splenic tumors .. I would say to hound your vet and make him/her really look into everything with your dog and then decide .. Don’t let them be too quick to just blow this off as terminal .. as a statistic … I didn’t and I’m beyond glad .. Biscuit is still bettering by the day and wagging his tail again and he is running now which he hasn’t in more than a year! .. He is happy which makes me so happy for him .. My point is this .. until you decide, make that vet really dig into his or her brain and think this thing through thoroughly … I actually bugged my vet so much that the tech told me he researched this whole thing further all weekend .. the surgery was on a Monday .. He even tried a new way of doing the surgery which actually made the outcome better … I believe this is because I continually bugged him and made him dig deeper into this thing .. he told me he had learned so much from this surgery .. So, we all came out winners … be persistent is what I am trying to say .. some may not make it and I understand that but if there is a chance .. fight and fight hard .. push your vet into working their mind overtime! .. Then, buy him some candy and champagne like I did! … I need new shoes so badly but I thought I better *reward * the vet instead! ..
Very interesting read. I work at a Veterinary Clinic & have seen the good outcomes & the bad outcomes. We rejoice with the good & cry with the bad. I will ask the Veterinarian if I can share this feed with clients in the future. As all the comments show, no 2 cases are exactly the same.
As far as routine Ultrasounds, Yes it can be very expensive & in this economy, not many people can afford this on an annual basis. I wish it were not, BUT we have to pay the bills too.
If your Veterinarian suspects there is a mass, do the Ultrasound. If a mass is present, don’t let the Dr talk you out of surgery! I have seen basketball sized Spleens be removed & the dog live another 3 years.
NOT all outcomes are that positive. Your pet may not make it off the table!
But to quote an ederlly DR in our ” A CHANCE TO CUT IS A CHANCE TO CURE! “
Oh Carol, I am crying with joy as I read your post. I am so very happy for you and for Biscuit. What a wonderful outcome! I will certainly add a prayer of thanksgiving for this second chance for your dear little dog. It sounds like you have had a lot to deal with the last few months and I am so glad that there is some joy in your life now. These splenic tumors are horrible. My vet lost one of her dogs to it and so did my dentist. It is so good to hear about the happy outcomes.
Meg and Tobe .. thank you so very much! .. I was crying as I was typing it and thank you for the joy you gave me for reading it through .. I know my post was long! ….. I was overjoyed with my Biscuits making it through and believe me, I thanked God and praised Him for letting my Biscuit come through this .. there has been too much death and sickness in this home for too long and I started to become very reclusive and extremely depressed .. I’m usually very upbeat and happy but the past 6 months and longer have been eerily terrible and I even cry in my dreams .. My husband is the greatest guy and he says when he is gone to just know that he will always watch over me …. That does not bring me comfort .. It’s scary to say the least! .. I truly believe God said let this woman regain her sanity .. (me) …. I live day by day anymore …. but Biscuit is ok and I am clinging to that happiness for now! .. ~again, all you guys here are a God send … another precious miracle to be sure! .. (hugs) … nothing is coincidence as I believe I found this site for a reason .. ~:-) Now, everyone go hug your dogs for me!! ..
Becky, .. I agree with you totally .. do the ultrasound, the more information, the better and do not let the vet talk you out of surgery if it is at all possible to operate .. I love that quote .. A chance to cut is a chance to cure! .. *Awesome! .. thank you! … and they are lucky to have you at your clinic! .. Outcomes are bad and some are good … but we can stop the suffering … That is in our control … a good vet will not agree with a client to let the dog just live day to day while they are suffering .. My vet said, at this point Biscuit is suffering .. That’s all I needed to hear .. I could not tell because I live with him day to day but the vet saw it from a different perspective .. He was the doctor and he knew .. I thought Biscuit was just so very tired and sluggish but the vet said .. he is feeling pain and he is suffering … Bham! That made me move and move fast! …. Until then, I just prayed and hoped and hugged Biscuit but now I see the difference in the way he is acting and the way he was acting with the mass tumor in him … yes, my guy was suffering …… Keep up the good work at your clinic Becky! .. You are a blessing to the animals too!
The vet looked at me and said, we can fix this. We do it all the time. The reality of the pathology test coming back benign is the problem. Let’s pray for a good outcome. My vet calls and says, “You’v got your old dog back”. I look into the eyes of my Sasha everyday and feel good about my decision. I know all the chances don’t get met everyday, and I hurt for every lost pet on this site. If your vet says there is a chance, my opinion, is to do the surgery. Sasha is living proof,10 months since surgery, and yes, I’v got my old dog back. She makes 11 years old in August. She’s a healthy, playful and sweetheart of a lucky dog.
Donna, I am thrilled that Sasha has been fine and it’s been 10 months after surgery! .. smiling here reading your post again … God bless her and you! .. She will be 11 years old? .. *Wonderful! .. She is a lucky dog and she has a wonderful human mom .. That’s what makes her extremely lucky and so well loved .. Yay for her and I hope you and her enjoy every day and again, I am so happy your baby girl made it through and continues to thrive .. We will all have extreme sadness at one time or another and we will cry and hurt but we must also take the time to be happy when happiness is abundant .. Please pet your little girl Sasha for me .. and give her a hug too!
Yep – great story indeed! Miss Heidi’s “anniversary” is coming up in July . . . she turned 10 this past January. Other than her continued greying of her muzzle, she is still a big puppy.
I’m given hope by some of the stories posted here, and have a heavy heart for those of you with less than a good outcome. My little monkey Miller is currently recovering from emergency surgery to remove his spleen with a very large tumor after it ruptured yesterday evening. He became very lethargic and wouldn’t even look at food (VERY unlike our constantly ravenous little 11 yr old daschund), had very pale gums and mouth & we knew we had to rush him into the emerg vet hospital right away. They drew some fluid from his adbomen and sure enough there was blood! He went right away for Xrays & they saw a very large tumor – omg – we had no idea! Although we are hopeful it is not cancerous, the vet feels it likely is & although there were no outward signs of cancer elsewhere when they opened him up, if it is cancerous, it would have already spread. At this stage, we just want him home so we can love him and hope for the best. We should have the results from pathology in a few days, then we’ll know if he’ll be around for the duration, or if we’ll only be blessed with a few more months with our little guy.
Zelle thoughts and prayers are sent your way for Monkey Miller đŸ™‚ (What a cute name!) If you haven’t already, take a look at the Facebook page and updates on Wallace the Pit Bull, who also has an emergency splenectomy, which later was found to be cancer as well. He is still here enjoying his humans nearly 9 months later. Not all stories are good, as you’ve noted, but there is reason for hope . . . so my hope is with you too!
Zelle, have hope and pray is all we can do… .I have had afghans for 35 years….the one passed 1 year ago from this horrible disease….now I have 2 mini LH doxies….lots of fun and laughs….so I certainly will pray for Miller, and this site is great support in your time of need~~~ Suzanne
Hi Zelle, thoughts and prayers are with you for both you and your little Miller. I just wish we knew more about the etiology of these tumors. From this blog alone it seems so widespread. Please keep us posted how you both are doing, ok?
Dear Zelle .. I know where you are in you heart and mind because I’ve been there with my Biscuit as you could read above .. .. at least you did get Miller into surgery in time .. They removed it … good! .. I see your precious dog is still at the vets recovering so know that he is in good hands .. You didn’t mention your dog needing a transfusion and hopefully he will raise his red blood cells on his own but they will be monitoring that aspect.. I pray and hope your Miller will come through this …. Again, at least this terrible tumor is out of him .. Please let us know .. Take it day by day .. Praying it’s not cancerous and they won’t know for sure until pathology looks at it .. Please keep good thoughts and remember that you are trying your very best! .. In my thoughts and prayers until we hear from you …. please do let u know … ((hugs))
Zelle, ..meant .. please do let us know! .. (not u know) …
Something to be aware of, as we’ve seen some issues with Heidi over the past couple of months . . .
Two medical side effects of a splenectomy are arrhythmias and Instant death due to arrhythmias.
The first instance we saw of this with Heidi was while we were fostering a 3 y/o gordon setter. He loved to romp and run in our yard, and Heidi loved playing with him. One day, they were running, and she stopped in her tracks . . . got wobbly as her legs crumbled beneath her. David (my hubby) was right there and picked her up and brought her inside. She appeared dazed and confused, but recovered quickly.
A couple of weeks later, she was doing zoomies inside and stopped as she started breathing irregularly. She regained a normal respiratory rate and was fine within minutes.
Two weeks ago, my BIL came over while we were out. Heidi is always happy to see him, so he decided to take her outside to run off some of her excitement. As with the first incident, she went into an arrhythmia and keeled over. He immediately went to her, helping her out until she seemed better. He carried her inside where he encouraged her to relax and rest until we got home.
Knowing that without a spleen, her blood circulation can be compromised, means keeping her calm and discouraging running and hyper-excitement.
Von, in reading what you wrote concerning the side effects of having the spleen removed .. I did not know that! .. arrhythmias and possible instant death? .. Thank you for that! .. So, keep them calmer in all events? … again, I did not know that and will definitely question my vet on this … Biscuit is feeling better and those squirrels outside can get him a little hyper as he loves to bark at them and run to chase them in playfulness …. his energy level is rising and I was just ready to perhaps take him for a little run and such down our road but based on what you just wrote, I will definitely keep that in mind .. I hope and pray Heidi continues on her good path of better health … and again, thank you for that useful information!! .. I will heed your advice … that bit of news you just gave was so very important! ..
Thanks for everyone’s good wishes. Here’s an update… our Miller made it home yesterday and seems to be doing great so far! He didn’t need a transfusion during the surgery, and we are monitoring his red blood cells daily. He is such a sweet boy & I took him to work with me today to make sure he was recovering OK. Still likely a few days before we get the results from pathology, but we are hoping for the best!
Zelle .. oh thank God!.. I wish we could post photo’s here because I would love to see your little man *Miller* … the recovery for Biscuit was slow as he was very slow in getting up and leary to walk after 2 days and more and he is a 83 lb Boxer mix .. but day by day he was feeling better and he was quite aware something major was done to him .. So, let’s give all attention to Miller with prayers .. Hoping so strongly the pathology report brings good news …. Just remember, you are doing your very best for Miller .. and please let us know .. again, I know what you are going through at this time and happy to know Miller is home and the surgery was successful … Hugs to little Miller and your family .. In prayers till we hear from you ..
So Happy he’s back home with you. We’re hoping for the best too!
This is such great news about Miller. I am so happy for you both. Thank you for the update. Please give him a big kiss on his little head from me.
WONDERFUL NEWS about Miller!!!! lets all keep up the good thoughts for the little guy!!!! Suzanne
Good news! Fingers are still crossed here for good news on the pathology report.
Hi Zelle . . . just checking in to see if you have anything back on Miller’s pathology report to share? Been thinking of you often!
Hi Zelle, any word yet on the pathology report. Prayers being said.
Dear Zelle .. Been thinking of you and your little guy Miller … any news yet? .. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are all concerned and we do care so very much .. please keep us posted! .. If it’s good news, let us celebrate with you and if the news isn’t as we all wish, please let us share our support and care .. and to add .. my 14 year old Boxer now is exhibiting signs of canine dementia so now I’ll have to go full stream into figuring out how to help him .. holistic or the regular vet medicine, Anipryl. It never ends ..and
our love for them never ends .. so please let us take this journey with you .. We all have gone through so much with our beloved pets/companions .. ((hugs))
Hello everyone is brownees owner haven’t been on here for about 3 weeks well brownee is still here figthing hard he is more thinner now more tired the doc said he would only be with me for one month is been a month and he’s still here well the bad thing now is that he’s peeing blood here and their and I know is cause of his tumor but is this also a sign that he won’t be with me for long đŸ˜¦ I already told god that when he’s ready he can take my baby to doggy heaven and I hope and pray he goes in his sleep…… Sorry to those that are going threw this with their dogs as well god bless…. Xoxoxox karla & brownee
Karla ….so sorry to hear about brownee getting worst. I feel very sad for him and will pray that God heals him. I know how sad you must be feeling, seeing him like this. I hope he’s not in pain.
God bless you and brownee.
Paula
PAULA thank you so much may god bless you always…. Thankfully he’s not in any pain that I can notice somedays he’s okay others really sad but I will have him with me until god takes him from me I just pray he goes in his sleep …. I don’t have the heart to put him to sleep….
Dear Karla, I am so sorry to hear that Brownee’s health is failing. It is a blessing each day that you have him with you to love.He will go to heaven knowing that his time on earth was well spent with just the right person,you, to love him and see him through this. It is so hard to watch them and wait with them. Believe me I know the feeling from when I lost my dear little Tobe.Please know that there are others out here thinking about both of you and praying for each of you and understanding and caring. Hugs to you.
Thank you so much meg & Sam you dont know how much it means to me to know I’m not alone in these hard times I’m sorry about your Tobe ⤠omg I can just imagen how you felt ;( I just ask god to give me stregnth
So sorry to read this news Karla. I hope Brownee isn’t in pain and that you are able to enjoy his last days with him. So sad to know the time is coming, but I pray his passing is peaceful. Hugs to you both.
Von & Miss Heidi
Von and Miss Heidi thank you so much for your kind words I’m glad that i can express my feelings with beautiful people like you and everyone else on this site… I will keep you guys updated on my brownee…. Love karla and brownee â¤
K….Brownee is in my prayers….Pleasant journey and all good thoughts~ Suzanne
Prayers being said for your brownee, Karla. We are here for you.
Thank you donna ⤠I will keep you and everyone updated on my big baby.. love karla and brownee On Jun 17, 2013 5:44 AM, "AgilePooch Diaries" wrote:
> ** > Donna commented: “Prayers being said for your brownee, Karla. We are > here for you.”
Karla .. Isn’t it love that takes us to these terrible places with compassion .. and love guides us through them and lights the way .. When we had these dogs as puppies it’s the love that had us deal with the *puppy things* like chewing.. peeing in the house, etc .. we come full circle when we have to love them through old age and illness .. They are surrounded with our love .. Our dogs, like your Brownee, know that they are loved .. although they may be suffering in ways we can’t understand, when we look into their eyes and they look into ours, they know they are loved and they know that their time is coming and I think they accept it .. I am sure they go into the Hands of God when they leave us .. They are then very safe .. I love that poem that states .. *****And my friend, when I am very old, and no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going, I shall leave this earth knowing with my last breath that I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands***** … love till the end until it hurts like hell .. and you will have no regrets .. whisper into Brownee’s ear that the love will never be replaced nor taken for granted .. I know it hurts as I am also know dealing with my 14 year old Boxers dementia which is gut wrenching to watch and cope with .. my Biscuit recovered from his mass spleen tumor surgery and now I am dealing with my Bo and his staggering, unsteady body because his mind is going .. I wish you peace .. spend time telling Brownee all you want to say and hold that baby with all your love even if the tears fall on his fur .. They understand in ways that we cannot comprehend .. and I know that they think we understand .. we have formed that connection with them that is unspoken but ever heartfelt .. I never say goodbye .. I just whisper .. Until we meet again …. and we will! .. love never ends .. Brownee’s place in Heaven is being prepared .. and one day we will be going on the same path they are .. We have the burden of seeing them leave first .. but oh how we love them and they know it .. ((hugs)) to you … and ((hugs)) to Brownee as well .. Love to you both ..
You said this so very well…..beautiful…. I find it hard to write long e mails anymore..just to the point…but this was , like I said….beautiful~~~ Suzanne
What I just wrote was to CCason….but I think the world of you ALL because I know we dog lovers ALL have good hearts~~~Suzanne
C cason…beautifully said….you have such a way with words…made me cry reading it. I don’t know what your line of work is or was but you definitely should have been a writer of books.
Paula
I just want to thank everyone for sharing their stories. It has been a great help to me as I am just learning about spleen tumors.
I took Bailey (14 yr german shorthair pointer) to the vet last week because he was not eating much and looked like he lost weight, but still very active. Bailey lost 14 pounds since is last visit about 7 months ago. He has always been a trim and active dog, so this seemed like a massive amount. We did blood work and found out that he was slightly anemic. An x-ray indicated a tumor on the spleen. Chest x-rays were clear and no signs of blood in the abdomen. My vet (relatively new vet since we moved a year ago) told me to be prepared to hear that it was malignant based on Bailey’s age and weight loss. We are scheduled for an ultrasound on Tuesday and will hopefully know exactly what we are dealing with here. I am trying to prepare myself for the decision of surgery (if it is even an option).
Hi Normie, I am so sorry to hear that yet another sweet dog has this tumor. I am sad for both you and your dear Bailey. It just seems like so many suffer with this problem. My Tobe’s tumor was found by accident when he had a chest x-ray to check his heart and lungs. He was so small the spleen was also visualized on the films and they found the tumor. The ultrasound will just show you the shape and approx size of the tumor but you would need a biopsy to know for certain if it is malignant. For Tobe, he was 15 and had so many other problems with kidneys and heart that they did not do a biopsy since surgery was not an option and instead just looked, via ultra sound, for any other tumors to see if it had spread which it had not. The size, shape and solid walls of the tumor made vet think it it probably was not cancer along with the fact that it had not spread. He was still in danger of rupture if he had any trauma, or a slow leak.He had an ultrasound every 6 mos and blood work every 3 mos and it did not spread or grow in size. It seems like what finally caused his death was a leak which caused slight then progressing to severe anemia over a just a few days time. He stopped eating and kept sitting down like he was exhausted. Vet said he would soon start to struggle to breathe due to the anemia and at that point ‘he might need some help to go to heaven’. He was 15 1/2 and the best of the best of all my years of loving dogs. He was soul of my soul and heart of my heart and I will miss him forever.Others have suggested a second opinion in situations like yours and you may want to consider that. Do you have a major veterinary surgical center near you or a major university with veterinary school? I will be thinking of you. Hang in there.
I pray for good news for your Bailey. Keep us all posted.
Von & Miss Heidi
Please keep us posted on Bailey. We are sending prayers for both of you.
I have a small stone with a Gold paw print on it and it reads……I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU……… GOD…DOG~~~ Always keep this in mind…that may be the only place they are, but they Never leave~~~ I lay in bed at night and I can still feel their soft silky fur, hear their hearts beat, and of course those beautiful eyes that look at me as I say good nite, my loves…mommy loves you~~Prayers for all~ Suzanne~
Suzanne .. that is so sweet .. *tears .. I do the same .. ~ I whisper at night to all my babies who have passed .. mommy loves you and I miss you so … ~tears fall and I think of them .. and remember the happier times ..
Suzanne and C. Cason, so glad to hear you do the same as I do! I kiss my Tobe’s picture every night before I go to bed and tell him I love him always and then I pat the top of the little cedar box with his ashes and I can almost feel how it felt to kiss the top of his little head and look into his understanding eyes. Then I try to think of something funny he used to do like trying to get a running start before he ran up the stairs by stopping, turning around, and going all the way around the corner and starting to run before he even got to the stairs. Anything at all so that I do not cry. At least here we all understand each other..
Meg and Sam .. (memories of Tobe) … *had to say .. thinking of that scenario of Tobe gearing up for the staircase! .. I’m smiling thinking how so cute that must have been! .. Tobe got a running start, huh? .. I’m glad you smile before you sleep and I know Tobe is happy that you are still smiling over his antics! .. That’s so good and how it should be! .. My Jake (my Boxer) .. I used to tell him to get the squirrels .. This beautiful fawn and white Boxer of mine would run and bark and then look up at the trees looking for squirrels! .. I’d say .. squirrel Jake!! .. he would bark and be so excited that his bark would get so high pitched and then he would run in all directions and then make a bee line for the house and run in circles .. I think of this and kiss his photo on the mantle and cup my hands around the box that contains his ashes as well .. I look into his eyes in the photo and just weep and say ..mommy misses you Jakey Bakey .. oh, how I miss you .. We all do it because we love them so damn much!! .. I hope your Tobe and my Jake know one another in Heaven .. I sure do hope!! Maybe they get together up there in Heaven and say hey, look at out human moms .. See how much they love us .. Oh, I sure do hope! .. ((hugs)) *tears
So cute to imagine your Jake chasing the squirrels. I can just picture him. He must have been lots of fun. Yes, I hope they are all together and all feeling the love we send them even now. The night before we helped Tobe to pass over the Rainbow Bridge, his breathing was getting intermittently a bit labored so we knew his time was close, first I told him his ‘story’ how we happened to get him, etc. then I told him what to expect in heaven..That he would see his ‘sister’ who was a Jack Russell terrier, that he would get a bowl of lamb and rice with gravy as well as lemon meringue pie from ‘grandma’. I suggested he look for ‘grandma’s’ lap right away and then I asked him to save a place for me in heaven because I knew he would be very close to God. Dogs are so close to perfect goodness that they must have a very special place.
Normie …. I am so sorry to hear of what’s going on with Bailey .. please remember … one step at a time .. one day at a time .. one moment at a time … as my vet said to me .. let’s work on resolving this and do not come to any conclusions yet .. It all may sound so terribly bad and it may be .. But as my vet also said .. when there is breath, there is hope … please keep us posted because we care more than you could know .. When my Biscuit was going through this ultrasound, bloodwork, X-ray horrors and I was crying my eyes out, these wonderful people here got me through with their kinds words and sincere hearts and thoughts .. Let us do the same for you .. one day at a time .. please know we are here …. Talk with your vet, stay open minded regardless of the outcome of tests because Bailey senses your feelings …. Give Bailey a hug for me … and please keep in touch … Bailey and you will be added to my prayers .. *count on it! … and remember, we all know what you are feeling … ~the love is unique between you and sweet Bailey but .. we do know what you are going through … ((hugs))
I will go straight to the point. After my experience yesterday, an ultrasound on my dogs will be performed every year.Although, some ultrasounds are better than others. and now I will begin investigating that issue as well.
My Basha had emergency surgery last night at DoveLewis, a prominent 24/7 facility here in Oregon. There is much more to tell but for now, they have removed her spleen and biopsied her liver.
Good that it would seem they caught Basha’s condition early enough for surgery. I prey for a favorable outcome on the pathology of her spleen/tumor and liver.
Von & Miss Heidi
So happy to hear another pet have the chance. Prayers heading your way Basha.
Donna and Sasha
cobalt99 .. Wishing Basha well .. let us know please how she is doing .. of course, wishing you and Basha the very best .. I have found that you can deal with a very expensive Veterinary University or get just as good care from a veterinarian who has the expertise and knowledge .. Paying big money is not always the correct answer .. I know this first hand .. Regardless .. so very glad the emergency surgery was done .. now, let’s hope the biopsy turns out as we all would like and that Basha has a steady, positive recovery .. with Biscuit (my dog) the recovery was slow and steady .. again, sending good thoughts and prayers for Basha .. You were fortunate to have a 24/7 competent facility nearby…. keep us posted please …
Basha’s blood pressure, blood count, and heart rhythm have improved. When I visited today, she just kept very still as if harnesing her energy.
Her gums and tongue are a normal color instead of pale and she is being constantly monitored. Prayers and metta are welcome.
Thinking of you and Basha and hoping/praying for a good outcome and that biopsies are negative for cancer.Sounds like she is progressing well. At least you are over one hurdle. Does her name have any special meaning? I am always interested in how and why we name our furry kids what we do. For our little Tobe (pronounced like Toby) it really was from “To be or not to be” because we didn’t know if we should adopt him or not due to having hands full with a very busy Jack Russell terrier. For Sam, it was close to what the rescue organization was calling him and he looks like a calm, sturdy, Sam to us. LOL Sending hugs to you and Basha and wishes for a speedy recovery. Please let us know how she continues to do, OK?
I will be visiting today and will see if I get to take her home. The visits, calls anytime, and 24 hour monitoring have been vital for Basha’s mommy. I am so grateful for the consistent, compassionate, vigilant care that she has received from Dove Lewis.
To Bashas mom~~~ We all will lift prayers up that this burden works out and is lifted from your shoulders. I have found over the past year..the TRUE dog lovers that are here, and that makes for good hearts and great intentions. The care she is receiving sounds special…I paid for that and didn’t get it for my beloved Madie :(( Maybe it WAS just her time to go, but the situation was handled very badly by the vet and I am having a hard time getting over it still. I think this site gives us even more compassion…huggs! Suzanne
If it consoles you any, I had taken my Basha and two other Shiba Inus for a checkup just five days before to a recommended Vet. She stated it was not a good day (possibly other animals on her mind) and had my three Shibas to contend with on getting their records and examining them.
Basha’s gums had been pale intermittently and it seemed like she was getting older now at 11. My oldest Shiba is 15. I told her she had gone into a weak state once for 20 seconds and then seemed okay along with her stomach being bloated. It was probably the liver or the spleen and not the stomach as I thought. She stated Basha was sick and for me to save up and get Basha a blood test and x ray. I scheduled it six days later. We really needed it that day and will not go back to that specific vet. Another vet at the same location was so present and valuable in getting her quick care before transport and transfusions on Monday the 17th.
Basha’s story on 6/17/13 is detailed and fraught with many lessons.
The best thing we can do is to educate dog owners and vets on the symptoms and the urgency of getting care for specific conditions such as spleen tumors regarding our fur babies (thank you Sharon for your title). This is only the beginning for many relationships and long healthy lives. Blogging, books, and the media will help us with our cause. I will share more details in the near future as Basha has determined the “mean spleen disease” as a way to help others.
It’s like our OWN health…we must be educated and take responsibility for it….ASK questions…speak up when you feel something is not being addressed that you feel is not right. Our dogs depend on us…learn what we can ..from sites like this….but also before the worst happens!!! Suzanne
Yes, I am responsible and extra diligent on knowing my dogs. We have just not had health issues. To me, a vet is obligated when they take their oath to educate their owners-just like I do in my job. But, not being thorough and doing a half-ass job is not acceptable to anyone-ever!
No Hands SEO is an incredible totally automated backlinking software for improving search engine rank and raising traffic
I don’t believe you should be on a compassionate site?
SPAM – hopefully the blog owner/administrator will delete their post.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KIND WORDS YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT MUCH LOVE TO EVERYONE LAST NIGHT I LAYED DOWN WITH MY BROWNEE AND SAID IS BECAUSE I LOVE YOU SO MUCH THAT IM WILLING TO LET YOU GO SO THAT YOU CAN REST AND NOT SUFFER ANYMORE I LOVE YOU ALWAYS WILL I FELL INLOVE WHEN I FIRST SAW YOU AND WILL LOVE YOU WHEN I FINALLY LAY YOU TO REST GOD WANTS YOU IN HIS KINGDOM SO THAT YOUR PAIN FREE I CRYED AND CRYED AND HE LOOKED AT ME AS IF HE WAS SAYING MOM IS OKAY I LOVE YOU TOO…. OH GOD HOW MUCH IT HURTS I FEEL MY HEART BREAKING TO A MILLION PIECES BUT THIS IS FOR THE BEST MY BROWNEE IS READY TO GO TO DOGGY HEAVEN!!!! I HAVE TWO MORE DOGS NECIO & CANDY ALSO AMERICAN BULLDOGS GOOFY SILLY DOGS THAT KEEP ME GOING THREW THESE HARD TIMES I LOVE ALL MY BABYS ♥♥♥♥♥ SOMETIME NEXT WEEK IS WHEN I WILL SAY GOODBYE TO MY LOYAL FRIEND!!! On Jun 19, 2013 1:47 PM, “AgilePooch Diaries” wrote:
> ** > No Hands SEO Purchase commented: “No Hands SEO is an incredible totally > automated backlinking software for improving search engine rank and raising > traffic”
Link exchange is nothing else but it is simply placing the other person’s website link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do similar in support of you.
I don’t know about the others…but I think would like to just keep the theme we are on…it is a compassionate site for dogs….and at this time of their journey I think it needs to stay specific. We can always Google any other topic, if we have interest Please respect our site and our thoughts~
We don’t need that here. Buh-bye.
Through the years of having many dogs I have learned to do much research myself .. with the advent of so much information on the web, any pet owner would do well to research and talk to their vet even if it’s to the point of hounding them .. make that vet reach into every corner of their intellectual, skilled Being and find the right answer for your dog. Each case is different with so many variables .. Biscuit had the large belly .. out of sync for his entire body and the one vet said he was overweight .. It didn’t make sense to me .. The new vet said .. there is a mass .. I saw his breathing change, energy level drop and then the pale gums .. a tell tale sign something was very wrong .. a huge University here more or less told me they can operate but the chances were not good .. They would have put Biscuit through much testing while my vet said .. Regardless of any prior testing it comes down to 2 options .. open him or not .. we cannot delay .. another vet said she would not do the surgery but she would if I insisted .. So many doubts were put into my mind .. I knew Biscuit would have eventually died so I thought .. take the chance now and if it’s that bad, put him to sleep on the table .. I would not and could not let my boy live day after day feeling so horrible and being very pale .. even the whites of his eyes were extremely white .. He was suffering and my vet agreed .. I took him home the same day of surgery .. it was a long night and I watched him all night .. slow and steady he got up at 4AM and attempted walking .. he did .. and I gave him ice chips and such .. I kept an eye on his color, layed with him, etc .. 2 days after it was back to the vet for a PCV check ,, the red blood cells were rising .. My Biscuit did well being home with me because home is his comfort .. but to have 24/7 care as Basha, is wonderful as well .. Every dog is different .. protocals are rigid but vets are different as well .. Finding the right vet is so very important .. let that vet learn to know you and know your dog .. it’s a very personal relationship .. They are the other family doctor! …
C casino….finding the right vet is so important..I agree. And I still can’t seem to find one. I feel like crying. With my poor Perry who passed on, it was such a struggle finding one. He started out not wanting to take his walks. Brought him to first vet, who took xrays of his hind legs, found nothing wrong. Months later brought him to another after I noticed a bulge. He took xrays of abdomen, said it was spleen . Since he was a mobile vet, I didn’t feel comfortable of him doing the surgery. I then brought him to another vet. They did ultra sound, said it was cushings disease. I started giving poor Perry meds for that, till I started reading about it. It didn’t match up. So that night, we drive him to a 24hour vet hospital. They confirmed it was spleen. They took blood work, said to operate next morning.. They keep him in there for 4 days due to heart arrythmia. I regret to this day, leaving him in there. Wish I brought him home same day. He died 2 hours after we brought him home. I think he went downhill being left there for so long.
Now I’m faced with choosing another vet for my dachshund. She has small growths on her little paws. This is my 3rd visit to this new vet. First they have a spray. Second visit antibiotics and they tried to open it up to let out liquid. Yesterday they looked at her paw and want to operate. I’m so scared since she has a heart murmur. I’m not sure what to do. I really don’t like this new vet. She’s very nice but when I asked her what these growths were, she couldn’t answer. They don’t seem painful to her but dachshunds have such short little paws and this paw looks so much bigger than the other one.
I mightstill try to get another opinion before I bring her in.
Paula
Paula…Definitely get another opinion…don’t they biopsy before they operate???
Suzanne, she said she would do a biopsy after they operate on it. I’ve had it with Al these vets in this area. I’m definitely going to find another. I feel so angry. 3 visitsand she’s done nothing to help her.
That’s the way I felt with Madie…my precious little love..:( Did she give you a reason to operate? did they do an ultra sound or xray? Like we,ve all said when its their time to go …all we can do is make it easier for them…but some of these damn vets just treat everyone the same…you know your dog…you don’t feel right about something…usually we are right. I had a weird feeling about Madie …6 months before this happened…The vet said she is a pretty healthy girl for her age….I said great…but could you just check her stomach with an ultra sound…she said an xray would be fine …and it showed nothing…so I let it go, but still had that feeling. She told me later that it was so small, they couldn’t have seen it then …. But it may be nothing…my other affie has small little cysts on her toes…that would bother her on and off
Paula, .. First off, I am so truly sorry about your sweet Perry .. I don’t like leaving them at the vets after surgery unless it is crucial to their health .. When Biscuit was done with surgery, the vet said to come over about 5 hours later .. Biscuit was laying completely still in his cage staring ahead still dazed from the anesthesia .. The vet told me to talk to him, make him know I was there .. I got down on the floor and leaned next to Biscuits face and whispered .. hey Bicky, it’s mommy, etc .. I petted him softly .. the vet kept telling me to talk to him and I did .. The vet let me stay there almost 45 minutes past closing time .. He said that he wanted a response from Biscuit .. the vet got on the floor with me and we both talked to Biscuit .. He then checked his vitals and said .. take him home and if you need me just call the house and I’ll be there for you .. Now, that’s a good vet! .. he cared and of course, his reputation was on the line but he gave a damn about my dog! .. This was my 3rd try for a vet in my area .. where do you live Paula? .. I’m in N. Florida .. I adore my vet .. he will call all hours from his home if he thinks he needs to talk to you .. He lives his veterinarian lifestyle 24/7… He is engrossed in what he does.. he is a rare find .. Unless your dog has cyst or tumors on the paws, I would try soaking them perhaps? . Try a draining salve after soaking? … I would not let the vet touch those paws unless she could tell me exactly what they were. definitely get another opinion because this vet seems to be shooting in the dark as to a diagnosis…. she could biopsy one of the little growths? Find a dachshund site and ask if others have these little growths? .. Operate? No way unless she knows what they are because they possibly can be treated without surgery! .. My opinion only .. keep us posted please! .. Many toxins in the body flow downward in humans and animals .. That’s why foot soaking is important .. Garlic on human feet pull out toxins .. Toxins can settle in paws and feet .. Something to think about .. Much investigation to do on this one! .. Now, you have me wanting to know too! .. Wish we could see a photo and see these .. hard to say when we are only imagining the growths .. Stay positive and please get another opinion .. (~*C Cason ).. *Carol ..
Hi Carol..I’ve been on the computer all night trying to read on all I can. What she seems to have is called a fatty tumor. It’s very soft, not hard, which by what I’ve read, is a good thing. I ended up ordering a supplement by nuvetlabs.com. It had great testimonials for curing these fatty tumors. I’m going to give it a try before I do the surgery. I can’t bear to bring her in and leave her there. She’s so nervous just going to the vet. I’ve never left her with anyone besides my daughter. I think she would die of heart failure if I were to leave her.
I pray this will help her. I live in California. Been to so many vets and never found one that I trust or like.
I tried taking a picture of her paw, while she slept. I’m keeping a sweater on her so she doesn’t keep licking it. I can email it to you if you want.
Thanks, Paula
One more thing …..and I agree with Suzanne … biopsy before surgery. If it is something unreachable, then of course biopsy after they take it out but if they can take a slice from the growth that is clearly visible, then why not do that now to see if surgery is needed in the first place… seems logical to me … Question that vet over and over until you are satisfied and if not get another vet and I know that’s not easy! .. I bug my vet constantly but he knows I care and he goes the extra mile because many people do not care .. My vet explains in detail what he will do .. he tells me all the ways it can be done and then we settle on a certain way based on my individual dog .. he gives me time and more time … He is amazing. That is why I bought him a bottle of champagne and a box of candy after Biscuits surgery .. I let him know I appreciated all his hard work. Again, keep us posted because we do care about what is going on with your baby’s paws!
Miss Heidi has fatty tumors all over her body. Most are very spongy & mushy to the touch. She had one turn up back in January that was in an usual place and harder than the others. We took her in for that one. Her vet was able to take a sample using a syringe and confirmed almost immediately (within 10 minutes) that it was just fatty tissue. She also said there was no need to worry or remove unless Heidi were to develop one that was causing discomfort or an inability to walk. We’ve been fortunate, but as I look at her laying beside me right now, I can see at least four of these lumpy areas (mostly on her back/side and belly).
I hope it is nothing more than that for your Perry.
Paula, Get another opinion. That’s what I would do. Good Luck to your lil doxie. Let us know whats going on. Saying a special prayer you are guided to a good vet. I know you will be very careful whoever you choose.
So I think ama have to make the decision to put my brownee to sleep he looks so tired so sad I just cant stand seeing him this way ive been crying im so hurt im depress I dont know what im feeling anymore I feel it I know he wants to go already I just ask GOD to help me and give me strength thats all and for brownee to give me the okay mom is time ; ( oh god I cant stop crying… On Jun 20, 2013 8:22 PM, “AgilePooch Diaries” wrote:
> ** > Donna commented: “Paula, Get another opinion. That’s what I would do. > Good Luck to your lil doxie. Let us know whats going on. Saying a special > prayer you are guided to a good vet. I know you will be very careful > whoever you choose.”
Dear Paula … hi! .. if you think this is a fatty tumor .. soft and swishy yet seems encapsulated .. and movable, not hard or like a pack of dry wet sand, then it should be fine and the worst thing it is annoying and on the paw which makes it worse because walking makes your baby more aware of it .. Dogs toes are sensitive because nature protects their paws that way .. a dog will go to water to get a foreign matter off or lick at it to get it off their paw .. I’m curious about this .. Surgery would be fine as to take this away and I’m wondering if there are one or more tumors? .. I hope the supplements work and if so I’ll be ordering some as well ..I have my doubts though ..but, be hopeful!! .. Fatty tumors are not a problem unless they become uncomfortable simply because of where they are .. the only concern is if they continue to grow they can have cell change which is rare but can happen, along with simply making them more annoying to the dog .. My Bo (my 14 year old Boxer) has several on him and they are quite large but my guy can’t go through another surgery due to age and it’s just not worth it for him … But as Von says .. a simple needle aspiration will determine the findings of this growth and the vet can send it out to a pathologist if she is incapable of a sure cell diagnosis .. a surgery is not needed to determine what it is. Dachshunds are nervous little creatures to begin with and you don’t want to upset that little pumping heart, yet, they can give her a mild tranquilizer before she goes in for the office visit .. You can stay with your dog up to the point of sedation if need be .. my vet allowed for this .. Remove if it affects your dogs daily activities .. if she is licking it, that may be a problem because she will aggravate it .. If it were me, I would have it removed (due to licking) .. but INSIST that you can stay with her until she is sedated .. A good vet will bend the rules on this because this decision is at his or her discretion .. They make the rules and they can bend them as well …. carolmarie1@excite.com … e me the photo if you can ..& glad to help if I can .. I worked for a vet for 9 years so I know a thing or two .. Loving our dogs, ~Carol (and give your baby a hug and pet from me!)
Hi Carol and all others who responded …I think it’s a fatty tumor. Vet said she didn’t know. It’s on the side of her paw, feels soft and movable. But what concerns me it that it bleeds. I keep her from licking at it by keeping her in her little sweater that covers her paw. If you look up nuvetlabs they sell a powder or tabs that is supposed to get rid of them. I hope it works. They got great reviews. Most people saw results after 2 Weeks.
Carol, I will email you a pics of her paw. Let me know what you think.
Thanks, Paula
Paula .. been checking my e mail .. have you sent the photo? I haven’t seen anything as of yet .. hope all is well ..
btw, if any of you guys are on Facebook, let me know .. perhaps we can friend each other! ..
I’m on Facebook and would be willing to connect with others. Yvonne Tison Bennett (on FB)
Yvonne, tried you on FB and there are several but only under Yvonne Bennett.. which one are ya? .. ~:-)
Right now I have a photo of Miss Heidi as my profile pic (red/red-nosed pit bull mix). Hopefully you can find me/us.
Carol, before I brought Sasha in for her 6 month check-up, I also discovered a lump, on her tummy. The vet aspirated the liquid, and she said if it is clear, it is fat. As soon as she drew it she knew it was a fatty tumor. No need to worry. I hope this results the same for your pet.
Donna and Sasha
Donna …My 14 year old Boxer has many growths and lumps .. He is too old to undergo any type of surgery which is so sad .. and my Biscuit who had the mass spleen tumor surgery also has a few lumps .. all small but still I don’t like them being there .. the vet says not to worry .. I find it so disturbing that our beloved pets have so many lumps, bumps and growths .. it has got to be the environment and dog food these days .. humans and animals are so less healthy .. and it’s so sad … Just have to do our best and deal with the times we live in … pollution, stress, environment, etc … human and animals are plagued with such things that affect us terribly ..
Carol, I tried twice sending you a pic of babys paw but it keeps coming back, failure. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong….
Paula
Sasha also gets, Schnauzer bumps. Its a pimple really, or a cyst. It bursts, and they are common with breed, I hear. Its usually on her back. They pop, bleed, and don’t see them for a while. It could be diet, who knows. Humans get cysts, so why not dogs/cats.
Hi,
Sorry I’ve been gone so long, computer crashed! Grrrrr
So I had the spleenectomy in February and all was fine…But about 2-4 weeks post op, Jacksons hind legs have been so stiff he can barely walk…I suspect it was from the positioning in surgery? I don’t think its appropriate to exchange 1 diagnosis for a different one…I am a bit unhappy…not sure what the outcome if I’d not done surgery…I am still slightly regretting it…although he is good. I expressed concern to the vet before surgery about positioning his hips/knees/legs and he assured me they always take precautions… I have an apt to try acupuncture in 2 weeks for whatever ails his hind quarters…I realize this is a spleen/dog blog…but I figure since we are all extreme dog lovers đŸ™‚ on here…maybe someone has some acupuncture stories they can share? Thanks in advance!!
Lisa, my older Afghan had Acupuncture for 2 years….it really helped her. They will try it a few times ..if you don’t see some improvement…it probably isn’t working….it doesn’t help all dogs. Another thing to try is cold laser therapy…that helped her for about 3 months for the pain….but she was 16 then and her body was just failing her. She wanted to stay so bad …but her body could no longer go on… I would do anything to help them after they did everything they could for me in my hardest times. If you have xrays you should take them…otherwise they will probably do that…after the first appt….it only takes about 20 min. each visit. Visits will depend on the dog…..I could tell she was feeling a little better after her visits…. Suzanne
I know we always try to grasp onto anything when our beloved dog is in discomfort, but Jackson’s positioning in surgery is extraordinarily unlikely to be the cause of his stiffness.
I do hope the acupuncture is helpful. Let us know.
Suzanne, thank you for the encouraging words!! I am definitely going to give it a try…and it is not cheap… But this vet came highly recommended…I just hope Jacksons can stay still during procedure…he’s a pretty anxious chap đŸ˜¦ Stay tuned…I shall report back. Lisa
I don’t know where you live, but I live in Oh, and it was $50 per session, the first one…evaluation was a little higher…If you know its working and your visits are once a month that’s not bad for your best friend…. The cold laser therapy is about the same in cost.
I live in Ohio too!!! đŸ™‚ This acupuncturist is in Richfield…and I am looking forward to the visit đŸ™‚ For Tracy555, actually, if you read about intraoperative positioning (or even if you’ve had surgery yourself) positioning can cause permanent joint and nerve damage (particularly in abdominal procedures in large breed dogs). I actually work in the OR (people) đŸ˜¦ And positioning is crucial…we greatly pad all bony prominence and make sure patients are positioning to minimize trauma to joints and other body parts…but d/t the nature of the position the dog must be in…the hind legs are straightened all the way out; oftentimes dislocating the hips and putting counter pressure on the front of the knee…so it is possible this contributed or exacerbated the already degenerating joint đŸ˜¦
On June 4th I posted that Heidi has demonstrated some issues with possible heart arrhythmias. She just had her annual exam at which her vet said she was in good health, and that her heart sounded good during her “at rest” exam. Her professional opinion was that she didn’t want to unnecessarily tie the episodes she’s had to the splenectomy since other things could be in play especially at her age (she is 10 1/2 now).
I wanted to be sure to come back and let folks know so as to not perpetuate inaccurate or incomplete information. I suppose that is one of the dangers of internet research and trying to figure things out on your own.
We are happy that Heidi’s doing well, although she’s admittedly showing symptoms of aging including lower energy levels and less stamina when playing or running.
Von we all age, lol I sure am doing that…Just our dogs lives are waay too short. I am still the believer in when its our time…… The lease little thing can take a life…yet some survive the worst possible scenireo(?) So all we can do is educate ourselves and Know our dogs. Just wanted to let you know I think of you and Miss H from time to time and wish you both the best~~~ Suzanne
Suzanne, I think of you often also. Paula, Von, and the list could go on and on.
So happy to hear Heidi is doing fine. Sasha is showing her age as well. Some days she is playful as a puppy, and some days, you know, age factor is key. I believe as long as you have the love surroundings, I’ll take her little head resting on my lap anytime and any day. Have a blessed Fourth of July everyone, I’v been away, but glad to be back home. Love Ya’ll.
Happy 4th to all the gals on here and of course all the great dogs.
My little dachshunds fatty tumor dissapeard. Not sure if it was due to the nuvetplus I’ve been giving her but whatever it was, I’m very happy. I’m so thankful, I found this product and didn’t have to operate on it.
Hugs to all, Paula
Yeah Von….Yeah Heidi! Always great to hear good news!!! đŸ™‚
Thanks everyone! Yes we feel particularly blessed.
I think of this group often and those beloved pets who have crossed over the rainbow bridge; those still struggling with these nasty tumors . . . and those who have also had “dumb luck” outcomes and are doing well sans their spleen.
Hugs to all!
Von & MIss Heidi
Hi Von and everyone else…I have been away in Dallas visiting grandkids but thought of all of you and your furry kids. I was glad to hear your good news about Heidi. Our little rescue guy Sam is doing well. However he is always chewing or licking on his feet and belly. Tobe never did that. Vet saw no skin irritation at all and said just watch him till next visit. Pet sitter (dog trainer x26 years and pres. of a local rescue organization) thinks it might be food allergy so we have him on grain free food and snacks. Any ideas/suggestions? Thanks…hugs to all of the ‘kids’. Meg/Sam
IS ME KARLA BROWNEES OWNER WELL I HAVE MADE A DECISION TO SEND HIM TO DOGGY HEAVEN I CAN NO LONGER HAVE HIM SUFFERING IS TIME TO LET GO SO THAT HE CAN REST OH HOW MY HEART ACHES AND HURTS AS I WRITE THIS GOD PLEASE GIVE ME STRENGTH. … On Jul 2, 2013 8:03 PM, “AgilePooch Diaries” wrote:
> ** > Meg and Sam with memories of Tobe commented: “Hi Von and everyone > else…I have been away in Dallas visiting grandkids but thought of all of > you and your furry kids. I was glad to hear your good news about Heidi. Our > little rescue guy Sam is doing well. However he is always chewing or > licking on his “
Dear Karla…may God bless you as you travel the road we have all been on. It’s a very sad and rough one, but in life there is death, and all though the thought of our loved one leaving is a cross to bear…take comfort knowing its time when they are suffering. People should be as lucky to be able to get of their pain when the time has come. You and Brownee will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.. God be with you~~~ Suzanne In a message dated 7/3/2013 4:17:01 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, comment-reply@wordpress.com writes:
k ortiz commented: “IS ME KARLA BROWNEES OWNER WELL I HAVE MADE A DECISION TO SEND HIM TO DOGGY HEAVEN I CAN NO LONGER HAVE HIM SUFFERING IS TIME TO LET GO SO THAT HE CAN REST OH HOW MY HEART ACHES AND HURTS AS I WRITE THIS GOD PLEASE GIVE ME STRENGTH. … On Jul 2, 2013 8:0” Respond to this comment by replying above this line New comment on _AgilePooch Diaries_ (https://blog.agilepooch.com/) (https://blog.agilepooch.com/) k ortiz _commented_ (https://blog.agilepooch.com/2011/02/24/splenic-nodules-in-dogs-a-lay-persons-view#comment-2114) on _Splenic Tumors in Dogs – a Lay Person’s View_ (https://blog.agilepooch.com/2011/02/24/splenic-nodules-in-dogs-a-lay-persons-view) . in response to Meg and Sam with memories of Tobe: Hi Von and everyone else…I have been away in Dallas visiting grandkids but thought of all of you and your furry kids. I was glad to hear your good news about Heidi. Our little rescue guy Sam is doing well. However he is always chewing or licking on his feet and belly. Tobe never did […] IS ME KARLA BROWNEES OWNER WELL I HAVE MADE A DECISION TO SEND HIM TO DOGGY HEAVEN I CAN NO LONGER HAVE HIM SUFFERING IS TIME TO LET GO SO THAT HE CAN REST OH HOW MY HEART ACHES AND HURTS AS I WRITE THIS GOD PLEASE GIVE ME STRENGTH. …
____________________________________ Fr: Perfectpaws5@aol.com Toom: comment+2rw99pcn-lzjbtkmrk1_l09n-3snic6b3nszr2jeyyzk@comment.wordpress.com Sent: 7/3/2013 9:05:49 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time Subj: Re: [New comment] Splenic Tumors in Dogs – a Lay Person’s View
Dear Karla…may God bless you as you travel the road we have all been on. It’s a very sad and rough one, but in life there is death, and all though the thought of our loved one leaving is a cross to bear…take comfort knowing its time when they are suffering. People should be as lucky to be able to get of their pain when the time has come. You and Brownee will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.. God be with you~~~ Suzanne In a message dated 7/3/2013 4:17:01 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, comment-reply@wordpress.com writes:
k ortiz commented: “IS ME KARLA BROWNEES OWNER WELL I HAVE MADE A DECISION TO SEND HIM TO DOGGY HEAVEN I CAN NO LONGER HAVE HIM SUFFERING IS TIME TO LET GO SO THAT HE CAN REST OH HOW MY HEART ACHES AND HURTS AS I WRITE THIS GOD PLEASE GIVE ME STRENGTH. … On Jul 2, 2013 8:0” Respond to this comment by replying above this line New comment on _AgilePooch Diaries_ (https://blog.agilepooch.com/) (https://blog.agilepooch.com/) k ortiz _commented_ (https://blog.agilepooch.com/2011/02/24/splenic-nodules-in-dogs-a-lay-persons-view#comment-2114) on _Splenic Tumors in Dogs – a Lay Person’s View_ (https://blog.agilepooch.com/2011/02/24/splenic-nodules-in-dogs-a-lay-persons-view) . in response to Meg and Sam with memories of Tobe: Hi Von and everyone else…I have been away in Dallas visiting grandkids but thought of all of you and your furry kids. I was glad to hear your good news about Heidi. Our little rescue guy Sam is doing well. However he is always chewing or licking on his feet and belly. Tobe never did […] IS ME KARLA BROWNEES OWNER WELL I HAVE MADE A DECISION TO SEND HIM TO DOGGY HEAVEN I CAN NO LONGER HAVE HIM SUFFERING IS TIME TO LET GO SO THAT HE CAN REST OH HOW MY HEART ACHES AND HURTS AS I WRITE THIS GOD PLEASE GIVE ME STRENGTH. …
Oh, Karla, I am so very sorry. I know how your heart must be breaking, the tears won’t stop, the grief is horrible and the only comfort is in knowing that there are others out here who do understand and care for both you and Brownee. It is so very hard to let them go. My vet uses the term ‘to help them along the way’ and I like to think that I was helping my Tobe one last time. I can just picture your Brownee arriving in heaven and being greeted by all of the other dogs mentioned on this blog all saying “Hey, my mom knows your mom through this thing they call a blog!. Wow, we were loved so much!” Then Brownee will run off and play. Hang in there Karla, I will pray for you both. We will all pass over one day and you will see Brownee again.
My heart goes out to you Karla and to brownee. I pray for you to get through this.
Love paula
Karla I’m so sorry to hear that the time has come for Brownee. In my heart, I believe you know you are doing what is best for him even though it hurts so badly now. I hope that Donna’s post will help you through this dark time as a pet owner and companion to Brownee. Lord knows we have all had to make that difficult decision *for them* . . . it is never easy nor does it ever get any easier the next time.
You are both in my thoughts and prayers. May Brownee run free over that bridge and romp and play with others who have gone before him . . . who are now pain free.
Hugs!
Von
To Meg/Sam . . . re: >>> thinks it might be food allergy so we have him on grain free food and snacks. Any ideas/suggestions?<<<
When Heidi was a puppy she had skin issues that were triggered by food allergies. (Apparently a common issue with pit bulls/pit bull mixes.) The vet suggested something other than Science Diet so we moved to Wellness products for her kibble. She has had no issues since.
As for her treats, she has become hooked on what is known around here as "doggie crack" . . . Yummy Chummies. They are made with Alaskan salmon (in Anchorage) and are very good for her.
She has not had any skin issues since, so we are pretty happy with this combo of food & treats.
Thank you Von. We also stopped the Hill’s prescription diet that we were mixing with Blue Wilderness (like Wellness, no grains) and his treats are Little Duckies made with 70% duck meat and no grains or soy. I will look for the salmon treats….that sounds great. Thank you so much. When he sleeps he does not seem to wake up itching, it is when he is just ‘lying around’ that he licks his paws till they are soaking wet. He is super calm so I am guessing it is from some allergy and not nervous habit. He has another vet follow up next week so we will see. Glad you agree about the grain free food and treats. Thanks again..
Oh Karla, Your Brownee, I am so sorry. My prayers right now for you and your baby. It is so hard to let go. I had to make the decision for my cocker spaniel, Sandy, who had breast cancer. She was such a loving pet, I still feel the loss. May your Brownee cross the Rainbow Bridge quickly to enjoy the free world of no suffering anymore. My heart aches for you right now. Wisper to your baby, that tears will be flowing all over the world, and we love you.
Donna
I have a heavy heart right now for Karla, but this seem appropriate right now. Please pray for them
A DOGS LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
Before humans die, they write their last will and testament, give their home and all they have to those they leave behind. If, with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I’d ask….
To a poor and lonely stray, I’d give my happy home, my bowl and cozy bed, soft pillow and all my toys; the lap, which I loved so much; the hand that stroked my fur; and the sweet voice that spoke my name.
I’d will to the sad, scared shelter dog the place I had my human’s loving heart, of which there seems no bounds.
So, when I die, please do not say, “I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand”.
Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held no joy or hope, and give my place to him.
This is the only thing I can give….
The love I left behind.
Author Unknown
Donna, I have read that before and it always brings tears to my eyes that these beautiful loving souls think about giving till their last breath. The world would be in such a better state if people had the compassion and conviction of a dog(god) Thanks for sharing~~ Suzanne
Yep me too Suzanne. I pray in time that Karla will open her heart and home to a new dog in need.
I once had someone tell me after my divorce, “you can never find anyone to take the place of that person . . . only the space that they had in your life.” I believe it is that way with our companion pets too. Not looking to replace Brownee . . . only fill the space in your heart and home.
In time, once the pain from grief has subsided may we all be able to find it in our hearts to provide for another animal needing a forever home filled with love and care.
This morning I had one of the most devastating decisions to make. One of my dogs Libby started not wanting to jump in bed, on couch, in the car. Last night she just did not want to jump on the bed so mu husband helped her up about 3am she woke me up with shallow breathing and kept smacking her lips. I got to take to get a drink and she did not want to move AT ALL. I finally picked up 50 pounds of dead weight and took her to drink. She drank quiet a bit and plopped down, still gagging lightly and strange breathing. She was aware and would wag her tail as I talked to her. We took her to a 24 hour clinic and they found a large mass on her spleen. We then went to another speciality clinic and they did blood work and ultrasound. It was a large spleen tumor. It had split, we were going to do surgery on her but realized she was already bleeding. We had to send her over the Rainbow Bridge. I am beside myself. Very depressed that I did not know about these regularly occurring tumors, and that I had taken her in many times because she whined or yelped when we would life her up on her lower stomach. Agree that a regular yearly checkup should have a ultrasound
Becki, I am so sorry you are a member of our group that has loss their precious dogs to this Nasty disease!!! My dog basically acted the same way…its Madie and Suzanne, if you care to read about it. I have written it so many times…its been a year now that my girl went through that…God how I miss her….so I know exactly what you are feeling now. I wish I could hug you and say shes in a better place, just know ALL our thoughts and prayers are with you in this terrible time…God Bless you both~ Suzanne A DOG is the only Being that has the high honor to walk on the face of this earth with his GOD.
Becki, I am so sorry to hear about your pet, Libby. We all have so much in common on this thread. Some of us were just plain lucky to catch what was going on and the removal of the spleen worked, some of us did surgery and it resulted in the death of a loving pet. Becki, all you can feel is grief right now. We all know and feel your pain. We are hear to talk to you if you want. We all help each other someway. Know in your heart, that you did what you could do. There are so many of us just like you, that did not have a clue what was wrong with our pet. I went on the internet and cried and cried. I found this site, and with the healing prayers and the thoughtful people here, I found comfort. I am one of the lucky ones with the lucky dog, but there are so many with their losses. I pray for your healing, and the memories that will last a lifetime. They take all the love you gave them with them. Remember that. If everyone would pass the word around about this, it might save another life. Please speak of the reason of your pets death to others with pets, as you just might save another life.
Hugs to you,
Donna
Becki, I am so very sorry to hear about your Libby. What a horrible shock that must have been for you to lose her so suddenly. We on this blog love our dogs as our family and the pain of the loss is just devastating.I always wish I could find some words that would help the pain but we all know there are none. For myself, knowing others understood and cared was the only thing that helped. I cried lots of tears, and still do, but remembering the good times and the funny little quirks of my little guy helped me. I hope that you also can find some peace in knowing that you did all that you could for Libby. Hugs and prayers go out to you.
Becki I join the others in offering my sympathy and prayers after the passing of your beloved Libby. It is so unfortunate that these time bombs grow inside our pets, often to learn of them when it’s literally too late.
Do not beat yourself up over it. I don’t think many of us even know about splenic tumors until we were faced with dealing with it often after the fact.
Hugs to you! I hope that in time the pain will subside and give way to the happy memories of all of the wonderful times you shared with her.
Von (and Miss Heidi too)
BROWNEE PASSES AWAY TODAY AT 3:19 HE WENT PEACEFULLY HES NOW RESTING…. OH HOW MY HEART HURTS IM GOING CRAZY. … ; (
K…there are no words to say….its a heart ache so bad that nothing can help right now….just time All I can say is he’s out of his suffering, and I only wish they could take our pain away when we suffer like that, so you did what was the humane thing to do…and out of love……he knows, and hes grateful… God bless you, my dear~~~ Suzanne
Karla, My thoughts and prayers for you today. May brownee pass over the rainbow bridge to the comfort of the better path you gave today. You did the best you could do for your friend.
I weep today for (2) of my daughter and son-in-laws close firefighter friends who died today. May they be at the gates with open arms for the rescues of our fur friends. Tommy, age 28, and Scott, age 27. My heart is broken right now also. This is a very sad day.
Donna, Prayers to you, my dear dog loving friend. I know what its like to loose a son!!!!! I feel the intense pain of those poor Moms that are going through this , and you and your girls….its a never ending sadness’ The day my son died (by a 16 yr. old reckless driver on his cell phone) was the day I died also….I haven’t been the same and never will be. I hope those Moms have support…they will need it….that might be of some help….I had NONE…and my only child!..I have been saying prayers for those fire fighters that died last week….basically their families….they (FF) no longer need them as they are in a better place…but the ones left behind are the ones who need all the help they can get….and time~~~Suzanne
Donna I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your daughter’s friends, Tommy and Scott. What city were they in? The Arizona fire? I have 2 nieces, a nephew, and a brother in law who were/are firefighters as well as a dear friend whose son is a firefighter. When we were in parochial school, whenever we heard a siren we were taught to pray for the police or firefighters or ambulance drivers doing their job so I still do that. To me, they are the true heroes, much more so than sports figures or movie stars who get all the glory. Please pass on to the family that people who have never even met Tommy and Scott appreciate their sacrifice. I am so sorry.
Karla there is no doubt in my mind that Brownee knows how much you loved him and that there was nothing you were not willing to do for him. Find comfort knowing that he is out of pain and that his soul is at peace.
Oh dear, I am so very, deeply sorry about your Brownee. My heart is aching for you. It brings back the memories of April when I lost my Tobe and I also felt like I would lose my mind with grief. I wish there were words to make your hurt go away but there are not. Just know you are not alone and there are those of us here who understand and care.
Thank you all for your kind words god bless every single one of you♥♥♥♥ my brownee is now resting finally hes free like a bird… On Jul 7, 2013 9:06 PM, “AgilePooch Diaries” wrote:
> ** > Meg and Sam with memories of Tobe commented: “Oh dear, I am so very, > deeply sorry about your Brownee. My heart is aching for you. It brings back > the memories of April when I lost my Tobe and I also felt like I would lose > my mind with grief. I wish there were words to make your hurt go away but > there “
Thanks Suzanne,
My daughter is married to a New Orleans Firefighter. They are all like brothers to each other. One firefighter was a father of a 4yr. old with a pregnant wife with baby due in September, the other, just had an engagement party for his approaching marriage. I am besides myself with grief.
I know this site is for other things, but sometimes we all need a good cry about life crisis in general. Thanks for being here with me tonight.
I wish I could be holding your hand and listening to you……when you lose children( no matter age, they are always your kids) all you want to do is talk about them….after the funeral..all you want is think time…..then the hard time comes…realization sets in….and everyone disappears….Peace be with you and your girls as you are on another hard road….and I’m sure all our dog loving friends understand…. Suzanne
So sorry to read of your family’s loss of friends. Firefighters accept such a noble calling, knowing every day could be a bad one and yet they go into harm’s way so that others may live. God Bless them and help to bring their families comfort.
Thank you all for your love, support and comforting words. They were New Orleans Firefighters on vacation, in Long Beach, Mississippi, where the accident was. They worked side by side with my son in law. As i watch my daughter carry her husbands fire dept.service uniform to the cleaners right now, my heart breaks that she will watch him carry two heroes and best friends to their graves. The Mayor of New Orleans and the New Orleans Fire Dept praised these two for their dedication. They will be missed.
Hugs, Donna
Oh Donna, so sad. I have friends in New Orleans, and Long Beach. Small world. We are all connected to each other in so many ways. Those young lives, gone too soon. We live near San Francisco and our news is filled with the plane crash and so much praise for the first responders….such heroes to go into a burning plane to search for victims.It takes a special sort of person to risk their lives for another. God has a special place for them I am sure.
I’ve mentioned Wallace the Pit Bull here before, as a canine that had a splenectomy last fall, but is still battling cancer. His owner Roo Yori was featured on a radio program about holistic treatment of canine cancer. Here is the link for anyone interested . . . http://radio.pblnn.com/shows/interviews/311-roo-yori-discusses-wallace-and-holistic-cancer-treatment-june-25-2013 .
As an update on Wallace, they have reported that Wallace’s days are probably coming to an end soon. He has another type of cancer now effecting his urinary function, plus he’s in some discomfort/pain.
If you want to read more about Wallace and why he is so special, here is the link to his FB page: https://www.facebook.com/WallaceThePitBull?ref=stream&hc_location=stream .
He’s accomplished a lot, and had an amazing life since being diagnosed . . . working on a “bucket list” and doing a lot in this last year.
I love his story and I love Wallace. He is such a sweetie and an inspiration to live each day to the fullest and enjoy the simple things. One of the many lessons we learn from our canine companions.
I agree. Roo & Cara (his human companions) have given him and Hector the Pit Bull (one of the Michael Vick survivors) great lives. Hector is fighting a splenic tumor also but has been deemed a poor candidate for surgery because of another medical condition that he has. So they are living day-to-day with it with Hector. https://www.facebook.com/HectorThePitBull?fref=ts
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We took our golden lab Beau (10) Wednesday afternoon because he refused to stand up. They found blood in his stomach and determined he had a nodule size of egg on his spleen. They did an emergency spleenectomy. Today Monday upon speaking with the vet he has not eaten anything. He has drank water and walked. We saw him Friday but vet asked us not to come for a few days as he felt Beau was getting anxious after we left him. Today the vet asked us to come see Beau. I am so afraid he is going to tell us we need to put Beau down. We are heart broken that he isn’t recovering like we hopefully expected. Is not eating for 5 days time to let him go? I am taking treats and making him hamburger, rice and chicken broth to see if we can get him interested in eating..
Hi Cheryl..I’m sorry to hear what’s happening. It sounds all to familiar. Same exact scenario happened to my Perry.he died the day we brought him home..my only regret was I wish I brought him home sooner and not let him stay at vet hospital for 4 days. He wouldn’t eat for them either. I keep thinking if I brought him home sooner, he wouldn’t have gone so downhill. Dogs can’tunderstand why they’re being kept there, and I think they give up their will to live.
Cheryl, so sorry you are in this situation with your Beau, I agree with Paula that they rest more comfortably at home. In situations that are serious, I think someone has to be with them all the time. I still have guilt feelings about my Raven who passed after Madie(spleen related). I wonder if I kept her alive for me. I asked my vet to tell me so I could let her go…she said”Sue, she has a very strong will, and as long as she is not suffering…” rethinking the situation, a few months before she let go, I should have relieved her. The wonderful soul was just doing it for me, as we had just lost Madie and she knew what a shock that was. But, you know I think most re think our decision.And wonder IF. ….so when you see Beau…look the whole picture over, maybe take him home and if he still is suffering( they don’t complain, like people) we have to know our dogs, and then make the decision we all dread…. A DOG is the only being that has the high honor to walk the face of this earth with his GOD~~~Suzanne Blessings to you both~~~
Cheryl and Beau you are in our thoughts and prayers. I pray that Beau has the strength to recover and that there is better news ahead for you.
Cheryl . . . any news to share? I hope “no news is good news” . . . but we’d sure like to hear from you about Beau.
NOTE: I post the following with sensitivity because I know not all readers here have have a good outcome with these nasty splenic tumors . . .
One year ago Heidi’s life was saved by Drs. Carroll and Nelson of West Allis Animal Hospital. Dr. Carroll diagnosed the splenic tumor during a routine annual exam and Dr. Nelson removed it on 7/24/12. Fortunate for us, it was benign and today she is living the full and normal life of a senior canine. We feel blessed every day for her presence in our lives and pray for those who have not been as fortunate with this horrible disease.
To those who find themselves looking for information and answers, please know that the diagnosis of a splenic tumor does not automatically mean a death sentence. There are successful outcomes.
I feel so heartbroken with every new story of loss here. So many do find this little group after their precious canine companion has passed. I also recognize that some conditions are terminal, especially when they involve a rupture or cancer. I empathize with the unknown; the uncertainty of what will happen; especially wanting to protect them from discomfort and pain.
God Bless to each and every one here in the group today . . . or who may stumble upon us in the future! And to our precious pups . . . thank you for being the loyal and unselfish family members you are!
TOOOO early in the morning . . . that should open with:
NOTE: I post the following with sensitivity because I know not all readers here have had a good outcome with these nasty splenic tumors . . .
RE: Post Splenectomy Issues
Back a couple of months ago, I posted about the potential side effects to dogs who have their spleens removed after Heidi had a couple of near fainting episodes after running or playing. It seems they are proned to heart arrhythmia post splenectomy.
While not officially diagnosed by their vet, the description of recent episodes encountered by Wallace the Pit Bull, seems to mirror Heidi’s condition. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151594631371896&set=a.268638626895.143932.100356586895&type=1&theater .
I realize that this is far from medical or scientific evidence or diagnosis, but I think it bears sharing with others, to keep an eye on the level of excitement and exercise our canine friends can endure without risk of “crumbling” or passing out.
Personally I really wish there were enough cases and the medical interest for it to be studied by the veterinary medical community. When I mentioned my research and Heidi’s experiences to our vet, she said it was possible and made some logical sense, but that she wasn’t aware of any studies specifically on it.
She further said we could do some other tests (EKG, MRI, etc) to see if there was something else going on with Heidi, but given her age, we didn’t really see the need. We just limit her excitement and exercise exertion and we seem to have it under control.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend! (It’s cold here in Wisconsin today . . . highs of just 68F!)
Hi Von, I, too, wish that the veterinary community would study what seems to be an unusual amount of splenic tumors in our dogs. Also, wondering about the connection of the fainting episodes after splenectomy. Maybe we need some sort of way to reach out to major teaching centers to get someone interested in this. Also, I noted you are in Wisconsin. My mom was from Wausau and my grandpa later lived in Rothschild. Such a pretty state. We used to pick blueberries and wild violets and catch lightening bugs….nice memories.
Been away from my computer lately. That’s for the information. I will watch Sasha more carefully. She gets so excited when any of us enter our home, she launches herself off the very top of our sofa.
I’m jealous of your weather. It is 95 degrees here in New Orleans, and a heat index of 110.00
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Hi my name is Vivian and I came upon your site while doing more research on splenic tumors. Almost 5 years ago we lost our beloved 11 year old Rott/Shepherd Irie to Hemangiosarcoma as it was diagnosed way too late. Our also 11 year old Leonberger Asha kept us company after Irie passed. We did have 6 weeks to say goodbye to Irie. It was inoperable but we found a holistic vet who gave us mushroom powder to give him and yunnan baio which I attribute to having a bit more time with him. It was heartbreaking to lose him. 2 years later we had to put Asha down due to a spinal stroke. After losing her I said I would not get another dog for a long time. We have 2 cats, one 4 and the other 17. However I got a call in mid June asking us if I could temporarily foster an approximately 2 year old Leonberger Stella. We said okay not thinking it would be permanent. Unfortunately she came to us with undiagnosed Lyme’s disease which we discovered after a few days when she suddenly became lame. She was not eating very much at the time and we just contributed that to being at the humane society and then one foster home prior to us. But after finding out she had Lymes and treating it she had a major appetite. We had to get one of those bowls to help her not eat so quickly. After treating her for Lymes (over a month) we were in love and could not think of having her go to another family. She had a couple of issues with hotspots over the past few year but it was treated and we had to test for the Lymes every six months and that came back lowered each time. Then about 2 weeks ago she suddenly became picky with food. She had turned away from her regular kibble but we thought she was just getting tired of it as our other Leonberger was a very picky eater. So I went out and bought canned food and she gobbled that up. Then one day she decided that she didn’t want canned food either. That same night she was laying on her side and we observed a mass below her sternum that seemed to be hard. We couldn’t feel it or see it when she stood up so we weren’t sure what it was. However we brought her to her regular vet the next morning. After a few xrays they found a mass near the spleen and sent us to a specialty vet down the street from our house. She was there all day while they did another x ray and ultrasound and found the mass. They did emergency surgery as they feared the worst. Having lost 1 dog already to hemangio we wanted to do the right thing. The second set of xrays showed a clear heart and clear lungs. They opened her up and found an enlarged spleen and a few nodules on the kidneys. They also found a weird stringy like substance between the spleen and the stomach which neither the surgeon nor the internist could identify. So they removed the spleen, the 2 nodules and as much of the substance as they could without compromising the stomach. They would have had to remove some of her stomach to remove everything and without knowing what it was they didn’t want to do this. The vet does not think it is hemangio but did not rule out another cancer. I have been scouring the internet but there is nothing sounding like what they found. We still have not heard from the vet regarding the biopsy results either. So for now I am doing research. I came across this site and read this whole thread crying a lot. I can’t seem to stop crying even though I don’t know what is wrong with our Stella. She is the most awesome, sweet, well trained dog. I fell in love with her instantly even though I told myself and my husband originally that we were only fostering her and we would not get attached. We were not ready to let a dog get into our hearts and have to worry about anything going wrong. Of course we were telling ourselves she was only possibly 3. The person who surrendered her at the original shelter did not know exactly how old she was. We think he was doing this for a friend. We could not figure out why but now we wonder if she has a slow growing cancer and the original owner knew this and did not want to deal with it. Anyway so here we sit 5 days post op. Stella does not have much of an appetite which is starting to worry me. She has been sleeping most of the time. She does drink water and urinate when I bring her outside to do so. However I forgot to mention that yesterday morning she seemed very stiff and was limping. Turns out she has a injury on her knee that will most likely need surgery at a later date. I am pretty sure this is from an old injury as she has not done anything the whole year that she has been with us. I am so stressed and sad, I cannot lose her so soon. She is just the best dog and we love her so much. Much more than I thought I could ever love another dog after Irie and Asha passed away. I am also dealing with an elderly cat with kidney disease that I am monitoring and hoping when her time comes we will know it.
Thanks for reading. The posts have been very helpful. I appreciate any comments or suggestions. Sorry this is so long.
Dear Vivian….yes it was very long….but I think that is therapeutic at this time for you. As we write it seems like we are helping in some small way …because at this time we do what we can with the vet…and then it is out of our hands…We all pray also….for the best outcome for our furry kids….that seems to help also….but if you read the posts on here…some are good and some the worst. I wasn’t one of the lucky ones.I found this site after it had happened and I was devastated!!! Knowledge helps also…ask questions and make sure they know how you feel about the dog!!! That she IS your family, and should be treated as such. I will pray for you and her tonite as I am sure others on here will…Huggs to you and keep us informed, Suzanne
Thank you so much Suzanne. I again apologize for my original post being so long. I have read through all the posts and have been so happy for people whose dogs have been saved and of course cried for those whose dogs were not so fortunate. For now it is the waiting game. I am trying so hard to be hopeful but it is hard and I am finding myself crying most of the day every day since we first brought her to the vet. It seems like everyone on here is so comforting and loving towards one another that is why I decided to tell my story here.
I am glad you did….we need support and comfort at a time like this, even tho, we can’t see each other we KNOW how much we love our dogs….and that we understand what times like this do to us…So please keep in touch, I can feel your pain and I know that feeling all to well~~ May peace be with you and your girl tonite….sleep well…tomorrow may just bring you a brighter day~~~S
Hi Vivian, please do not worry about your post being too long. I had a few long ones myself. It helps so much to know that there are people literally all over the world dealing with this who understand. We seem to have a great group of people here and from my experience, everyone is so kind and caring. You are not alone. I will add you and Stella to my prayers. I lost my dear little Tobe last April to this condition and it probably will never stop hurting. We also adopted a rescue dog after saying we could not go thru it again. Our new loveable old guy Sam did not replace Tobe but he is a wonderful successor as your dear Stella seems to be. It sounds as if you have done everything that you could possibly do for your sweet girl. You have to keep reminding yourself of that. I am sure many prayers will be coming your way. Take care….Meg
We just got the worst possible news. It is a sarcoma. They don’t know what type yet. We have an appointment in a few hours to talk to the vet. I am not sure if she has any treatment advice for us or will recommend putting her down. I am not sure what to do. Part of me wants to fight but part of me thinks back on what we put our last dog through. Yes we did get 6 weeks with him but how was his quality of life those 6 weeks? He was not eating very much toward the end. I don’t want to see the same thing with Stella.
I am so sorry….I know you will do the right thing and what is best for your baby~~~ I still have guilt over letting my Raven linger too long…she fought so hard to Keep us informed…God Bless~~~stay…I did everything to make that happen, and now I question my decision…she died from her body shutting down….Madie was the one with the ruptured spleen tumor…that I still blame somewhat on the vet…but all in all….it was their time and we all have to face it…I just wanted it all to be of as little pain as I could for both of them. They died with in 6 mo. of each other~~~
Sorry …I don’t know how that wording got so screwed up…she fought so hard to STAT….then God bless goes at the end….Anyhow we will all be thinking only good thoughts for you~~~Suzanne
Vivian, it is such a personal decision between you and your dog. After my boy Andy’s (inoperable) splenic tumor diagnosis in March, the vet gave him 1 to 6 months to live. Of course I was hoping for 6, but by 1 month post-diagnosis, it was clear from his listlessness, lethargy and lack of appetite that he was a very unhappy boy. I made the awful but humane decision to hold him in my arms while the vet put him to sleep. It was so heart-breaking (makes me cry again as I write this) but I knew it was the right thing to do for him. My thoughts and prayers are with you…
I’m just catching up here after being away a few days. Welcome to the group Vivian, although I wish it was under better circumstances. I’m sorry to hear that Stella’s got a sarcoma.
In your heart, you will find a way to a decision that is best for her. It is so difficult to “know” for sure which is why each of us must do what we feel is best in our own situation and for our individual pet(s). I know I’ve had dogs that seemed tougher than most. Our Miss Heidi is a real princess and does not like any discomfort at all. For one dog, we may consider “options” . . . with Heidi the decision, while painful, would be easier to make.
I pray for you and Stella as you continue to evaluate your options.
Hugs,
Von
I am so sorry, Vivian, to hear the word, Sarcoma. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your Stella, You might check out, Wallace the Pit Bull story, Von, has told us about on Facebook. There is always a chance, hope, and prayers.
Please, never feel alone, we are here for you. It does not matter how long you write your story, we will read it till the end. Prayers being said now for you.
Hugs to your Stella,
Donna
I just checked Facebook, and Wallace the Pit Bull, is rolling around in the green grass, looking great, and is going on 11 months of living with cancer. There is that HOPE factor.
Thank you to everyone who has responded to me. We are going to see an oncologist at the same practice that removed Stella’s spleen. The problem is she is still not eating and I am not sure what to do to get her to eat. She still has a tumor attached to her stomach and liver that they were not able to remove without damaging her stomach and liver. I fear that the oncologist will say she has to start eating before they can start chemo because it will make her too weak. We have tried everything from canned food to cooked chicken to ground beef to scrambled eggs and she will not eat any of them. I am at a loss what to feed her that she might like. I also want to look into holistic medicine. I have heard good things about a new mushroom compound. Anyone on here have experience with that?
Peyton, my wonderful Black Labrador died this past sat. at 2:00 in the afternoon.
8-4-13, Friday afternoon I came home from the grocery store with treats and a few bones for Big and Peyton. Peyton always was the first to greet me at the fence as I drove into the driveway. I noticed in passing..mm but continued unloading my groceries. Big was barking which is unusual so I told him to go to the back door for a treat. I saw Peyton..wow, he is just lieing there on the grass and not coming. S od for him. I called, he did not come. I went over to him and saw he was unable to get up. I panicked and went in to call the vet. I am hating myself for leaving him there. He looked like he was happy to see me but i ran in the house. I thought he must have heet stroke because he was jumping and having fun yesterday. I got him inside but he could not walk, I did the best I could to give him water but he took very little and clamped his teeth shut. I got him in the car and took him in where my vet after a bit, told me he had a spleenic mass and he assperated it and showed me it had blood in it.
He said i should take him to the animal hospital (i freaked out that I had to move my poor baby again when he could not even hold his head up). I am so dissapointed in the vet I saw that day. He should have let me and my baby stay or told me to take him home. i could feel him shutting down. At the hospital I was told first that it will cost 3 to 5 thousand dollars just to treat heet stroke. I said he has a mass. She (the vet) told me she was treating him for heat stroke first. I said but is he going to be able to survive the mass, she would not answer me . Of course i told them to help him..she said there was hope, and kept telling me this and would not let me stay with him. Said I couldn’t see him until 10am. I called all night, no change, still what I thought when i saw him, I knew he was shutting down, but they still shaved him and did another ultra sound. I asked the next vet, is it possible for him to go from where he is now to recovery? She said it was not time to think of stopping treatment. I knew his body was shutting down, I asked several times, I didn’t want him to suffer more. She said I had to leave while they do another ultrasound. When i came back in the vet told me he has what her dog died of last year and that it is common in Labradors. I am grieving so much for this guy, this wonderful brave pup who saved me from a rattler and played with emotionally disturbed children. I let them put him through all of this suffering when he would have been better served by coming home with me so i could hold him and love him to the end. The vet ultimately told me he needed to be put down with an injection. i was falling apart, i have never put down an animal but I said yes, because she said it would be better for him. I know he was going already by his breathing..why didn’t I just tell her to take all the wires and stuff off of him so i could hold him better while he left me.
I read almost all of the posts and I cried for you all.
It is so hard to loose a loved one anytime, but so suddenly and feeling that I did not do well by my loyal loving Peyton. My vet, should have told me what was happening.
My biggest sorrow is that the tumor burst early that morning while i was gone. He might have been like that for hours. i am devastated.
OMG…Patricia, I know exactly how you feel…I am the one who had the Afghan hound Madie..precious, precious girl!!! It sounds like almost the same scenario! Its over a year later and I am still having a hard time with the way the whole awful thing went down. And yes I blame the vet….for the way it was handeled.Ma king her last few days miserable…treating her for pancreatitis! Didn’t do an ultra sound for 4 days!!! And 2 hours later she was dead!!!! I was in shock.. I pride myself in knowing my dogs and how they feel, and I felt like I really failed this time… I don’t know if she could have been saved, but I feel she might have had a chance if the right diagnose was made at the time. It is so difficult to have this happen, my dear….and after the fact…all we can do is grieve..but know they are out of their misery, and that we have learned something from these tragedies. You and Peyton will be in my prayers…Huggs to you~~~ Suzanne I tried to attach a pic of her..hope you can open it
Suzanna, I did read about your baby, and i wept. A bit of comfort comes when I think I did what I knew how to do. What causes great pain, physical pain, is the fact that the vet shipped me off to a hospital I did not even know where it was located. Why did he do that when he knew he was shutting down already? Or at least help top get him there. I know you know how awful this was. I pray for all of you and your baby. I asked St. Francis, patron saint of animals) to be with them at the moment it happened to the time of death. I am trying to get over this thinking he was treated badly, but I pray it was not for money. That thought is so utterly horrible and i pray that those vets that do this type of thing for financial gain would be found out and reported. Thank You again, I am so raw with pain i cannot seem to feel as I did with other pets that died, I do not think I did the right thing and I know the vet did all the wrong things with all of the knowledge they have.
I am greatful for this site and your post’s.
patricia or PM Peyton’s mom.
As Von , so graciously said….you did what you could, they are ticking time bombs, and as my vet said…not something you want them to experience I remember laying on the floor next to her after they told me….I wanted to go with her….what a beautiful soul she is….I am crying my eyes out, and reliving our life together…and she just looked at me and licked my tears over and over…To leave her there was un real, then to tell her buddie she was gone….. I understand and feel your pain~~~~Please take solice in that you gave her a great life. and that she won’t have to suffer…Peace be with you today
You have to understand with all the pain right now, that you did your best for your pet. You rushed Peyton to the vet. Sometimes it is easy to fear you did not do enough. We have to trust in a professional, that they will help and guide us. There are times I have encountered a vet, and have questioned their expertise. I have moved on from a trusted vet of years, to find a better one, when I found out their office did not own an ultrasound machine, and referred patients to other clinics with Oncology experience. I used this vet for mainly annuals and heartworm prevention. When a tumor was present, they could not help my dog. You never really know who to trust, until the need arrives.
You did what anyone of us would have done.
We are so sorry for your loss, and sending prayers your way.
Donna
Thank you Donna, I wonder if you know what happens when it bursts. My baby must have been is so much pain all alone. I wish I had been there, I wish I wish.
Patricia please try to not add to your grief and pain. It is so very tragic that these things exist and if they burst, the fate of the dog is not positive. I wish it wasn’t so . . . not so for your beloved Peyton nor any other dog that may be living with such a ticking bomb.
As has already been said, you did the best you could in the moment. Out of your love for Peyton, you now feel the pain of knowing it just wasn’t enough. Fact of the matter is, nothing was going to be enough in your situation.
Please do not torment yourself over what Peyton may have gone through once the tumor burst. Animals goes through shock just as humans do. It is the body’s way of shutting down so that we do not experience the trauma of pain. Find comfort in that and trust that he knew enough to lay down and remain still until you could return to care for him.
I will pray for you and Payton’s soul as he enjoys his second life over the bridge with others that have preceded him. In time, I hope you are able to find some comfort from the wonderful memories you no doubt have from the time you shared.
Hugs to you!
Von & Miss Heidi
My goodness you are so right. I am so sorry about your baby. I am fortunate to have Big Ben. We rescued him just before he was going to be put down. I love him and I always knew he would go before Peyton who has always been my baby at 6 weeks. Poor Bennie I have not left him outside alone. Your note means so much to me and I do know one thing for sure, I am a better person for having Peyton in my life. I will pray for you and your baby.
God Bless,
patricia
Thank you so much for all of the most wonderful words and kindness.
I am so sorry for your loss Patricia. I cried while reading your post. I know how you are feeling. We are in the process of deciding when to let our sweet Stella go. She has an unnamed sarcoma. We opted for the surgery to hopefully buy us some time but the cancer has spread. We brought her to our regular vet who sent us to a specialist who recommended emergency surgery. I am now wondering if we did the right thing. They took out the spleen and another mass but were unable to remove the mass on her stomach. It would have killed her on the table. The oncologist said it has spread and chemo won’t help. Stella is alert but not eating and just sleeping. She is on a variety of meds to make her more comfortable but it seems she has just given up. I wonder if I did the right thing too. Should I have just left it and had some more quality time with her. You did the right thing though. At least you were given some hope as were we.
It is even more sad as she is our only dog and we have only had her a year after rescuing her and she is only about 4.
Hugs to you.
I forgot..((((hugs))))
Patricia, I am so very sorry about your loss of Peyton. Like the others, I cry when I read these stories because I so deeply understand this type of loss. We all second guess ourselves at times like this. Always question our decisions, wonder if we could have done this or that differently. It is part of the grief process. I am a nurse and have worked as a therapist and should have known better but I did the exact same thing. I thought I should have noticed symptoms sooner, should have changed medications, totally irrational thoughts but they were so powerful at the time my Tobe died. I kept feeling that I had let him down. Luckily my vet wrote me a long letter afterward telling me I had done everything I could and that even she went over Tobe’s chart to see if we could have done anything differently but it was just his time. There is a book I got on my Kindle called Surviving the Loss of a Pet. It mentions that people interviewed ALL relived the last days/hours and went over and over the worst possible moments, questioned their choices, etc. and the trick was to teach yourself when that starts to exchange that thought for a happy memory. Easier said than done but worth a try. You have to tell yourself over and over that you did everything you possibly could. We cannot be with out human or furry kids every single moment and even if we were we might not be able to stop the inevitable or change the outcome.What matters is not so much the last few moments of life, but how we lived all those hundreds of other moments with our loved ones. They know we loved them and did the best for them. They have had a lifetime of knowing our love.
Thank you so. That is what I will try to do, I don’t understand why I just break out crying. I have lost pets before, but I guess it was an unexpected thing. In the past I have been rational in planning what needed to be done. I am so glad that I found this site and the wonderful people who post. That support is priceless. Thank you so much and god bless you and yours. That is a very good thing to do, stop thinking when the thinking starts stinking.
Thank you thank thank you..
Thank you, I am going to download the book right now. God Bless..
Hi Patricia, if you are referring to the book I mentioned on Kindle the actual title is Surviving your Pet’s Death and it is by Christine Adamec. Good resources in the back. Many organizations also offer grief support groups for those who have lost pets. Your vet, hospital, or local shelter may have a list of those. Hang in there.
((hugs)))
Thank you again for letting me ramble. We think it is time to let Stella go. She is not eating and it is going on day 4 but still drinking water. She seems uncomfortable even though we are giving her pain meds. She has lost that sparkle as other have mentioned in her eye. As much as it pains and saddens us we must do what is best for her not for us. We are going to try and get her in to see her regular vet today to help her go. I know she would feel more comfortable there than the specialist vet we were seeing. Our hearts are truly broken. But I know a lot of you on here will understand. I was just hoping for some more quality time after the surgery just one week ago. But it just wasn’t to be for us. Now she is sleeping outside and hopefully will be comfortable until we bring her in.
Vivian you are doing the most unselfish act that a human companion can do for their beloved pet Stella. Sometimes they just go on their own, but more often than not, we have to help them cross over that Rainbow Bridge.
As I have prayed for others, I pray for you both. Keep the good memories close; I have found photos are a great way to bring a smile to my face when I’m blue so perhaps you have some to help you through the coming days.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Vivian I am so sorry. My heart is aching for you. This is the hardest decision to make. For myself, I did not think I could do it until I saw Tobe struggle to breathe and did not seem able to rest even with some medication. He was so small so I held him for 2 days then when he looked like he was ready we brought him in. My vet uses the term “To help him along” and I kept telling myself that is what I was doing…helping him one last time. I hope you can let yourself think of it that way too. I am sure you have photos or perhaps your vet can do a paw print for you. You are doing this because you love Stella enough to let her go to peace and comfort. I am so sorry this has to happen. Please know that here in California we are thinking about you and praying for you. Give Stella hugs from all of us and ask her to look for our little loved ones on the other side of that rainbow bridge. They will be waiting to play with her. Meg
I know what you mean Meg. We were able to see that Stella was quickly declining. We had made the decision last night that today would be the day. I was holding out hope that if she seemed better we would cancel the appointment. However she had a terrible night last night and was so miserable today. She couldn’t even seem to get comfortable enough to lay her head down. She was breathing so heavy and drooling a lot. She never drooled. She told us it was time. Luckily she was able to walk on her own to the car even though she was weak because she was 120lbs. It would have been hard to carry her but of course we would have done it if needed. We wanted to make the decision before it came to that and another day or two without eating and it would have been down to that. We were able to spend most of the early day loving her and assuring her it was going to be okay and she would be out of pain. Our wonderful vet helped us ease her out of pain and we cried and left with her leash and collar. It was the hardest decision that we knew we had to make.
I was getting ready to get a paw print and even had the clay at home as I do pottery, but I never made time to do it. I always thought there would be more time. I am so sad that I didn’t do it. I just thought I would have had more time. With everything I just long for more time. Thank you for your kind words. I feel the love. I too am in California.
Hi Vivian, I am in SF Bay Area. If you are near or ever in the area we could meet for coffee or tea and share our stories of happy times. We had Tobe cremated and the company sent a paw print with his cremains. I, too, was going to get the little kit to make one myself but I felt almost superstitious about doing it so I never did then we remembered that with our other dog the company had done a paw print. You have memories and that is the important thing.I loved Tobe more than any dog I ever had. There is always one that steals your heart even if you do try to love them all the same. One is your little soul mate and that is what he was. He saw me thru a serious injury to my youngest son, his recovery and moving away to start his career, the death of both of my parents and the loss of our other dog. Tobe was tiny but such a little, calm, quiet, gentle rock of support. Even husband cried the day we had to let him go. We even think our current little rescue dog Sam was somehow guided to us by Tobe. So, try to get some rest. You need a good night’s sleep. Know that we care.
Meg we live in Campbell. Where do you live? I would love to meet up with you if you are close. My other friends on FB are good at helping me cope but only one of them knows what it is like to lose a dog to cancer. Everyone on this site has been so wonderful and kind. I am so happy I found this site. We opted not to get her ashes. We did not get the ashes from our last 3 pets that passed. So I felt guilty thinking of getting Stella’s.
Even though we only had her a short time, a little over a year, she will be missed as much as the others.
Hi Vivian, I am in Martinez. Since you mentioned FB I will go on and try to connect with you. I know what you mean. Some people think of a dog as ‘just a dog’ but we on this site know how important they are and how deep our love is for them. I recommended a book to Patricia-Surviving the Loss of a Pet. Got it on Kindle. It is brief but it has good resources for support. I actually felt this site was the best at offering support and did not join a group. Going to FB now.
Meg. I know what you mean. We still have two cats and one of them is really great. The other one is sweet too but a feral girl and doesn’t show herself much. Plus she is 17 and in renal failure. I am trying to help her out with diet modification as well as an herbal remedy. I was preparing myself for her to leave us but never Stella. I was relying on Stella to be my comfort when Missy left.
I saw your friend request on FB. Not sure how much I will be on there in the next few weeks. Too many people I know post pics of their dogs and that will just be too hard for me right now. I will respond to PMs though and I read those on my phone without having to see the posts. You can see pics of Stella there. She is actually my profile pic and background photo.
Saw Stella on FB. She was gorgeous! I can see the love you have for her in the way you are holding her. Do not worry about FB. I have not been on in ages. I don’t really like it anymore. It got too complicated. I just went on this evening to connect with you and could not find my way around. I did not put any photos of Tobe on there because I was so worried I would go on one day and see him after he was gone. Crazy thinking because we have photos of the dogs all over the house…even screen savers. So, hang in there. Keep picturing Stella doing the things she loved most ok? Meg
Hi Vivian. I too have made my way to your FB page. Your Stella is beautiful. Such soulful eyes. I am so glad you had the time you did with her and that she was lucky to have you. If you want to connect via FB, I’ve sent the request but if you would prefer not, I understand and would not be offended.
I hope you are able to find a way to say good night to your girl and try to get some rest tonight.
Von & Miss Heidi
My heart and prayers are with you….Suzanne
Vivian,
You are very brave and wonderful to be with Stella in her last days. it is so very hard to know what to do, but I know you are doing the right thing. Stella will let you know. You and all of us cry for her and I bet out doggies will meet in heaven. My wonderful kind priest told me, “if you loved them, they will be in heaven”. Hugs to yo and your’s and a kiss for Stella.
VIV…same as what PM said….let Stella know all the people who are praying for her safe journey S
Vivian,
I agree with Von, as hard as it was, I had to make that decision also, for our Sandy, who had breast cancer. You have to set them free. The agony, pain, sadness, in their eyes, if only they could talk. We have to be their voice, and out of the love for them, make these hard decisions. You have to realize you really did your best, and your love goes with them. Praying for peace, comfort, and support for you in the coming days. Love to Stella, tell her we love her, and there are tears flowing from all over the world for her.
Donna
Thank you to you and Von for your kind words. I know it is the right thing to do but it is still so hard. She was our only dog and when she goes the house is going to feel so empty. I will hate coming home or being at home. I do not work so I have spent so much time with her in the last year that we have had her. And on the weekends we took her out with us to do fun things. Everyone always stopped us as she is an unusual breed and so beautiful. Thinking of our lives without her makes the pain and sadness unbearable. Until that fateful time today I will be hugging her and stroking her fur and telling her how much we love her and how much she will be missed. She has touched so many lives and I know our friends will miss her too.
And time permitting you will be able to give that love to another poor soul who disparately needs love and a good home such as yours.. I believe our babies know this and want you to share the love…no house is a home without a DOG…so in her memory…share a good life….she will always be close to you. you just have to be aware~~~Huggs…Suzanne
Suzanne, you are so right when you just said ‘she will always be close to you’. Every time I accidentally call our new rescue dog Sam by Tobe’s name I think that is Tobe’s way of saying hello. Sometimes when I look into his eyes or see some mannerism that Tobe also had I feel the same, or I see a little flash of black fur out of the corner of my eye and think it is Tobe….they are always with us. I also wear a glass locket with a little lock of Tobe’s long ear fur in it and sometimes, when I catch a brief glance at it, it looks like his sweet little face. I was thinking I was getting a bit looney but one day my sorta normal, serious accountant type husband looked at it and said the same. They ARE always close to us…….
When you feel up to this, please read, A Dog’s Will, I posted on here, a while ago, by an unknown author.
You folks, I have never met people like you, Meg and Sam and Von and all of you. I am still reeling from the great pain i feel for the loss of my Peyton. I am so sorry for you at the loss of your baby. Words can not help, i know, But know our prayers are with you. I am still after one week knowing people around me do not understand..I know what I feel is real and love has no bondries.. love your baby
and do what you can..that is all.
Patricia I’m glad that in some small way, we were helping to ease your pain. We are all connected through the bonds we have with our pets; our love and compassion helps to ease our own pain when helping others too.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Thank you, it did make me smile. Thank you to all, I am a bit better today..have to say i have been a bit of a recluse. My son wants me to go to New Orleans on his next business trip. I think i will take him up on it. i can explore and be away from home for a while. Thank you again for all you do. All of you..prayers to you wonderful people. Von it is folks like you that make the world a better place.
Thank you all for your kind words. It is done. She took her last breath with me, my husband and mother by her side. Our caring wonderful vet came into the office on her day off to do this for us. I am so sad I am ill. I don’t know how I will ever be able to get another dog again. My heart has been broken.
Oh Viv….no words can help at this time…..I’m crying right along with you Bless her bless her bless her~~~
Vivian I have no words to help this horrible pain I know you are feeling. Just know that we all so deeply understand. This is just almost unbearable to lose such a sweet life. You gave her peace and comfort and I do believe they understand that we love them and how hard we tried to keep them with us. Honestly, I felt like I would die the day I lost Tobe. The grief was so overwhelming. Your heart is broken but it is also open and an open heart might someday let another little dog in who has no where else to go. I will pray that God will help comfort you and hold out His arms for your dear sweet girl.
{{Vivian}} We are all sharing in your grief and pray for you to find peace knowing that helping Stella cross over was the final act of love you could do for her. God bless!
Thank you so much for all of your responses. The kindness I have received from people I have never met is overwhelming. Every post makes me cry even harder. I know we did what was best for her. The last day she was not doing well at all and she would just look to my husband and then me as if to tell us she was ready to go and wanted to end her pain. I just still wish we had not done the surgery and had those extra days with her. She seemed so bad after she came home and she only was with us a week from bringing her home from the surgery. She never even recovered at all. I know others on here feel the same as I do about that.
Remember you did what you thought was best…I still question myself, if I did the right thing with my Raven, my other Afghan that died at Christmas, did I let her linger, was she suffering…she never gave me “The Look”…but I know whatever I did …I did it out of love…and they know…and dogs are so forgiving….yet we punish ourselves..Stella was on pain meds too….so she probably didn’t know that much…except she always felt your love!!! And that’s what mattered!!! Suzanne
Love to all my fellow lovers of the furry kind. One week after Peyton died (tomorrow) , it has been so hard , but this group has been a comfort to me. I pray you find comfort in knowing you did your very best, even though we always think we could have done more. Yes we could have if we had only known.
Bless you and the who that created this site.
thank you
patricia
ps
today after my son requested it, I took the picture of Peyton in the hospital, off of my phone. ((hugs)) now have to remove from facebook and remember the good times. ,
Vivian, please focus on the fact that you gave Stella a chance, you did everything you could. Then, when it didn’t work out you let her go. That really is all we can do. The grief hurts so bad and part of it is second guessing, wishing we had done this or that differently. You did what was best. Please try to focus on the happy times, silly things she did, memories that make you smile, the good things you did with her and for her to make her life happy.Please know that we care about you and we will be here for you. Sometimes even when I didn’t write anything, while I was grieving so terribly at first, I felt the caring and support of this group.So, I hope you do too.
Yes, rest now Stella, I know your humans are in pain, but they will see you again at the rainbow bridge..be happy. I am so sorry, I am still in pain over Peyton but I am getting better as you will, love patricia
I am so sorry. I know it hurts so much. I wish I could extend a hug to you. You are in my prayers, rest now Stella, we love you.
Donna
Thank you again everyone for your kind words. I had a dream last night that it was right after she was euthanized and she was running and free, her normal self. I am sure this was a sign from her from over the bridge that she had made it to romp and play cancer free and happy and grateful for the life we gave her. I am still crying about everything. I know it is still fresh and will take many days before I can think of her and smile instead of crying.
Vivian,
There is no need to thank us. I believe we were all sent to this site in desperate need of help. We were brought here for a specific purpose. That’s what I think. I found comfort, relief, kind words, and prayers. I think we come back here, to give what was given to us. Peace in our hearts. We all share a common bond, the love of our pets.
Your dream was beautiful. I’m sure it was a sign.
You will always have the beautiful love given to you by Stella, and she took all of yours with her. It was a hard thing to let go, we all know too well. In your heart, you have her love.
Hugs to you, Vivian, and Stella’s memory will live on.
Take Care,
Donna
I’ll try for a little giggle from you. I live in New Orleans, and today is The Red Dress Run, we find anyway to have a party down here, in the French Quarter. Men, boys, ladies, children, pets, we all put on red dresses and race through the French Quarter. It is an actual race. My hubby is squeezing in one of my red dresses right now, calling me to zip him up.
Hope I made you grin.
If anyone wants to visit, let me know, its always a party here.
Donna
Patricia, You and Peyton are on my mind tonight. I know it is so soon to say this, but I hope you are on the road of healing.
Hugs, and I have been thinking of you,
Take care,
Donna
Patricia, Vivian, Von, Paula, Suzanne, whoever, I am here, down in the Big Easy, New Orleans, Lousiana, and all are welcome. We have southern hospitality like no where else. We are known for the best cuisine around. There is never a dull moment here. I guess that’s why they call us the Big Easy. Hope to meet some of ya’ll one day. Our coffee is Chickory, and we love it! Morning Call has it all!
Donna thank you so much for your kind offer. You are too sweet. Maybe someday soon we will take you up on your offer. Hope you had a nice today at the race. Very cute your husband squeezed into a dress as well.
Thank you Dona,
I had a dream about Peyeton walking up to me putting his face in my hand. That is how we walked, he would put his face in my hand and I would walk and scratch his chin at the same time. He seems to be breaking through the grief..I am able to remember him with out crying `today. Thank you, for this site and to all of you, God bless the puppies and their families. I was Peyton’s person. Big Ben who always let Peyton sleep in my room has begun to come in at night. I know he misses his brother too. Peyton was such a clown! I have to remember the funny times, I think he is trying to tell me that in my dreams..it could happen:) Hugs!
Tomorrow, will a the anniversary date – one year – that I made the same mistake some of you feel you made. I rescued a dog named Bryon – and 3 other dogs. But the rescuer who was driving – I was not there – did not want to take Bryon because he growled. He growled because he had a large mass on his side, but no one knew that. The pound had killed another dog they said they wouldn’t, so I was frantic Bryon was left behind. We dog him out of the pound the following Friday, direct to the vet. They said he had the large mass on the side and had heartworm and had hookworms. He was about 10 years old.
The woman who said she wanted to ‘adopt’ him – was willing to help with whatever his medical bill was – and then on the day we were supposed to decide about surgery – she called a few rescues who told her she should be getting a dog whose medical bills were all paid – so she was backing out of helping Bryon’s medical bill at all and kept saying she shouldn’t “have to pay a thing.” I explained, that Bryon was a pound dog – not a dog from a rescue organization that had funds to treat him.
Didn’t matter, because I loved him and I really wanted him to be my dog. And he would be. I have 3 selective dogs, who can’t be in the same room, so I knew that would be a challenge, but I loved Bryon from day one.
The vet who I met over the phone – because he was still 3 states away – seemed to marvel that I said, another option would be to not do surgery and let him live. That was Friday. We talked on Saturday and I said I will wait a few days, he’s eating, he’s going on walks, he’s smiling, he’s doing better. Sunday, the other vet, called and said Bryon wasn’t eating. She wanted to do surgery. I said no. What about an ultrasound or a biopsy, something other than surgery he might not make it through. Monday morning, the vet called at 8;30am and they wanted to do the surgery. I wanted to wait. The other vet wouldn’t be back until Wednesday.
They said the mass could burst and he would be in pain. I SHOULD HAVE WAITED. They called me and said the tumor could not be removed because (as per medical notes): “middle liver lobe had a large tumor involving the aorta/caudal vena cava; could not remove tumor due to attachment to vessels/bile duct and liver.” And they said that Bryon should be killed on the table – euthanized. I had said, never, ever put him to sleep during surgery. The vet said he is in pain because the pressure on the aorta and the vena cava – where the blood pumps in and out of the heart. I made a BIG mistake. i should not have gone to surgery – but, like many of you, I wanted to believe it was benign (they told me it was benign on the phone – how could have they have known on the table?) and could be removed.
I have not read anyone on here saying they had a tumor that could not be removed due – or that the tumor was attached to vessels or the aorta – as it was benign and not cancer.
here is my great dog – who tomorrow, i will have to face, i made the worst decision – and said to not wake him up because I was afraid his tumor – the vet said it would require two hands to hold – would burst and he would be in immense pain. tomorrow is a year ago, i woke up on Monday morning and allowed a vet to pressure me because I was afraid he would suffer. I would never, ever allow a dog to be put to sleep on a surgery table – why did i allow this for Bryon and why did I not do what I wanted to do – and wait on surgery, even i waited a week, i needed to wait.
can anyone tell me if they were told a (benign) tumor could not be removed?
i gave him 3 days of happiness – he lived 5 days okay at the pound – i should have got him home and let him live his days.
the vet took the pictures of him smiling the day he arrived, but did not show me the pictures they had of him going into surgery – until after surgery. i didn’t need pictures to make my decision – i made the wrong decision – but the vet should have sent me the pictures they had of him while he was alive so i could see them.
here is my lovely bryon in the pound, and out of the pound. i will never, ever get over that i did the wrong thing. i have his ashes and his paw print.
http://tinypic.com/r/iciznq/5
and
http://tinypic.com/r/302njir/5
correction: they told me on the table the tumor was benign (how could they know?) and could NOT be removed.
Xena,
They have to send tissue off for a biopsy, there is no way they can tell if it was benign or cancer from an X-Ray, or Ultrasound.
So sorry to hear what sounds like misleading information.
Donna
Xena sorry I missed this point and your story of your Byron. He was beautiful!
As for your question of whether or not a benign tumor might not be able to be removed, what we were told going into Heidi’s surgery was that if they opened her up and it appeared the tumor was “complex” in that it was affecting other organs or if there were multiple tumors, we may be facing a decision during the surgery as to whether or not to proceed or euthanize her at that time.
The “whether or not it was benign” was not going to be known until after the surgery and once a biopsy could be performed on tissue removed. That said, her vet/surgeon did say from his experience the type of mass he removed w/ her spleen “had the appearance” of what is often found to be benign, but no certainties w/o the pathology being done. He felt 50/50 on it being benign, which ultimately the pathology report confirmed about 3 days later.
Like the others I’ve said this to . . . please do not feel you did something wrong. You did the best you could with the information and advice given to you at the time. Your heart and mind were in the right place, looking out for Byron’s best interest. It just did not have a good outcome, which happens even with the best of medical advice.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
“Xena sorry I missed this point and your story of your Byron.”
Not “point” but “post” . . . sorry too late at night for typing.
Peyton had a benign tumor and after putting him through all kinds of tests, giving him hemoglobin IV’s another ultrasound..the vet said it was not an operable tumor. My own vet told me and her that he had the big mass yet she kept treating him for heat stroke. Sad but true, mostly what i heard from the emergency animal clinique was how much i owed. The first was 3,000.00 just to take him, then the next day she said we are at about 2,400.00 (never saying just take him home there is no hope. He never gained the ability to raise his head or move his paws from the time I took him into my vet, to the time I left the hospital. Like you, I wish I had kept him home, but we do not know and we trust the vet’s.
Your furkid is beautiful!
Patricia
So SAD , that most vets ,,Not All play the money game …just like doctors. And if they know you have insurance…let the tests began…so WE must know facts and how to talk to these people so we get the best and humane care for our pets possible!!! Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne,
I am now wiser. Some good news..Ben, Peyton’s brother is now eating a little bit. He has been grieving along with me and does not want to leave my site. I even took him shopping with me. (they let him in Eddie Bower’s) Everyone want to pet him, but he kept his head down..I told the kids he was grieving and they were all so sweet. Think he and I will take a cross country trip in the car. I love you all for being there for us. I am so heartbroken, I can not imagine not having this pain but I am trying..think good stuff!
It will come, but each little memory will bring a tear or a flood of them for some time. They are so wonderful. I am glad you are giving Ben extra care…he hurts too. It has been 10 years last week that my son was killed in a terrible auto crash………That is the one that haunts me every day…have even lost friends? over it…saying I have changed too much…. Life is funny you know…it can really throw you some bad curves…..but my dogs were always right there~~~ Suzanne
My dear Suzanne,
You have suffer the greatest loss a person can go through. My heart breaks for you. I too have lost loved ones including my husband 4 years ago. I cannot imagine ever remaining the same after great loss. A friend once asked me if I would ever be the same again after a great traumatic event, and I said, we all change and become …hopefully we evolve into the great human God created us to be. Blessings Ya’ll!
patricia
Donna-I too had another dream of my sweet Stella cancer free and happy. I hope this is also a sign that she is over the bridge and pain free. I of course woke up crying knowing she was not at the foot of my bed to hug and begin my day with.
Vivian and Patricia, I don’t think it is coincidence. My thoughts on dreams are that in sleep, your brain is really at an unconscious state. Emotional dreams come to us, at one point or another in life. Sometimes we can’t even remember dreaming. Its the emotional ones we remember most. No one can explain dreams in this world. I believe there is a connection that meaningful events in life come to us in dreams. In all, I believe, your fur babies came back in your dreams. I believe.
Just my opinion, and I’m sure there’s someone not believing, but I do.
My thoughts are with both of you today,
Take Care, and God Bless,
Donna
oops sorry I meant Patricia not Donna. Reading these messages through tears makes it hard to keep things straight. đŸ˜‰
dear friends I stumbled on this site while researching to find out what happened to my 15yo rescue dog Lass (only had her 2 years) when she died yesterday. She had Vestibular Syndrome in March which was getting better but in May her front leg started knuckling and she had a hard time walking and circled around alot. Went to vet and she said probable brain tumor and did not recommend putting her thru testing. She recommended low dose pred. I said I would research and came upon info about using Boswellia herb for inflammation/brain tumors so started her on that. She was already on a home made diet (per my holistic vet). Well after a few weeks realized she needed more help as she didn’t even want to walk so went back to vet and she was put on 5mg pred daily. I did still give the herbal supplement and also added small amount of turmeric. All was well for a month or so and then she suddenly went down hill and unable to function so took back to vet planning on letting her go (which I wish I had done) about 4 weeks ago. Vet said to try raising pred to 7 1/2mg daily so I stopped the boswellia herb. Then last week front foot knuckling so bad she couldn’t walk so vet upped pred to 5mgs pred 2xday still a conservative dose for a 35lb dog) Didn’t seem to be helping so I was planning on taking her in tomorrow (Monday) and letting her go. I woke up yesterday morning to a pile of black tarry stool and Lass looking almost dead. Her gums were pale and I rushed her to the vet and we let her go. I do remember the vet saying there was blood in the nose too so she did not think meds had created the problem. I went home crying and mourning but then it hit me! Had I caused the intestinal bleed by adding the supplements! I have not been able to sleep or eat. I have cried out to God to forgive me if this is what happened, He knows how much I loved her and that I wanted to do everything possible to help her. I am in despair. My only hope is perhaps she had a splenic mass that ruptured? She had shown no signs of digestive problems, her stools had been perfect and no nausea or vomiting etc. But if its my fault I will never forgive myself! Why was I so stupid, I should have run the supplements through my holistic vet (Lass was being seen at this point by a regular vet). So I am wondering if any of her symptoms and what happened to her might fit what you have all been writing about as I am grasping at straws to feel at peace and know I didn’t harm her. I loved her so much I can’t bear the thought of what she suffered if I caused it đŸ˜¦ brit
Oh dear Brit I am so sorry to read your message. I cried along with you. But we too lost our girl just Friday. She only started showing signs something was wrong 2 weeks prior and those could be attributed to other things or at least that is what we told ourselves. She even had her regular year checkup at that time and a blood test for her previous Lyme disease. Not even the vet could feel her tumor but we noticed it 2 weeks later. That is how quickly it was growing. Please don’t blame yourself for anything you did. You did the best for your girl as we did. I would have started her on holistic supplements if she would have been eating normally but she was not. She had a mass on her stomach but no other digestive issues either until the end when we had the diagnosis. Our previous dog also had a splenic mass with no symptoms until it was too late. That is the hideous thing with splenic cancers they show no outward signs until it is too late to do anything. Hugs to you!! Your baby is in peace now with mine and the other babies who have gone before them.
Oh Brit,she was 15!!! and it was her time….I live in guilt over did I do right or did I do wrong by my dog that died at Christmas…It still haunts me!!! I believe we love them so much we do what we think is right.. So please don’t beat yourself up….you can tell you loved her very much, and her body just failed her.. I only wish I had someone that cared for me when its my time like all the dog lovers on here. Its a blessing they are loved so much~~ Suzanne
Brit, you are in my sympathy today as you continue to deal with the loss of your dear Lass. I know it is difficult to not second guess while trying to find answers. Whatever caused her death could be completely unrelated to the other medical issues she had going on. Unless you are having an autopsy, you will probably never know so please don’t torment yourself.
Find comfort and peace knowing you rescued a senior and gave two years she may not have otherwise had. Keep memories of her close to your heart and try to remember all of the good times shared with her.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Brit, there is no way for sure to know what caused this, but when I read you said she had a hard time walking, that was how it started for my Perry. I first brought him to vet to have his back legs xrayed. They to put him on pred and found nothing wrong with his legs. It turned out to be a splenic tumor which was found with an ultra sound. We did the surgery, but he didn’t make it.
It’s been a year now since, and I still cry for him.
You did everything you could do.
Now, my little doxie is starting to limp on her front paw. I brought her to vet but she doesn’t detect any problem. I even asked vet could she possibly have a splenic tumor. She checked her abdomen and couldn’t feel anything wrong. After reading what happened to your dog, now I’m worried.
Paula
Paula, with a doxie limping on front leg, I would have her back (spine) checked…I worry about mine , cause they jump off of everything…won’t use the stairs…stubborn~~~I wouldn’t think her limping has anything to do with these nasty tumors…. Suzanne
Dear Brit,
I think the thought of hurting my Peyton by what I did, kind of drove me crazy. The kind folks here helped me through a terrible time. I thought that while I tried to help Peyton I actually hurt him more. I was devastated as you must be. Like the others have said, you did what you thought was good for you baby and by the way, I do not think the herbs you gave your precious puppy hurt him, but if you would feel better ask your natural vet that gave you the herbs. I know pain is so awful when ever we loose a loved one, but thinking you made it worse is maddening. Please try to “think of the good times and the wonderful person you were to your puppy.” Someone on this site said this to me..I think it was ??naw won’t guess..one of the many wonderful people on this site. They said, when you are thinking good thoughts of your Peyton and a bad thought comes to your mind, change the subject”. This really helped me..I called it stinkin thinkin. Gosh, I am still crying when i read your notes..please know, you are not alone. God Bless you and your’s.
patricia
thank you all for your kindness and encouraging words, I really feel they have helped thru these past couple of days. I spoke with the vet today and she confirmed that she found blood in the nose which to her meant more likely from bone marrow shutting down or something similar, she did not think it was the spleen. I admitted to her that I was concerned about some supplements I was giving but she reminded me that Lass was on borrowed time and even if I had made a mistake her time was short anyway. I still don’t feel 100% right about it all, I still feel guilty and if nothing else learned a big lesson. But I do feel better, enough to get abit of my appetite back. Paula Lass had a problem with her front foot knuckling under which along with other signs was indicative of neurological problem, probably a brain tumor. Patricia thank you for that good idea, everytime my mind tells me I should feel guilty I will remember how much I loved her and everything I did to help her, even the vet this morning said that. Vivian, Suzanne, Von thank you for the encouragement. God bless you all for your kindness and what you have done for your beloved furkids too đŸ™‚ brit
Brit, I am so sorry. Prayers sent your way.
Hugs, Donna
Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. It has been 4 days since we had to say goodbye to our beloved Stella. It is still eating me up inside and I look for her everywhere. The mornings are the worst as we had our usual morning routine for breakfast. I have to force myself not to look in the room she usually slept in after my husband let her out of our bedroom to do her business. The only thing making me get out of bed each morning is that my kitties still need me to take care of them. I suppose that helps. But of course there isn’t anything I wouldn’t give for my baby Stella to be here with me. I suppose in time I will heal as I did in the past but this just seems so much more painful. I am still crying throughout the day and can’t seem to think of even going about my usual activities and interests.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Vivian
Vivian,
You are doing all the normal processes of grief of a loved one. It will take time. You sound so full of emotions and it is how we all reacted. I am so sorry for your hurt. We know. They say time helps, but it seems like only yesterday, I felt the loss of our pet.
I’v been thinking of all of you, take care.
Hugs, Donna
Vivian, Donna says it best.
Wee all..me only 8 days, still feel the pang of grief when I least expect it.I am doing things that make me feel good, like being outside or walking. I wish there was no pain or suffering or loosing loved ones in this world, but alas, here we are going through it..I think the key is to let yourself feel it and realize why you feel it so greatly. Then with time we move through it however we can. We are all different. I hurt for you and all of our friends here. Like Donna said it is normal, we miss those we love.
patricia
Patricia and Donna, thank you so much for your kind words. I am just taking it one day at a time. We had tickets to a concert last night and as sad as my husband and I were feeling we didn’t want to go. However the tickets were not cheap and we could not sell them. Afterall it was nice to get out of the house and go. It was an amazing show and very uplifting. We also had a trip planned for Labor Day weekend that we were going to cancel to take care of Stella but since she passed we have decided to go on the trip. I am hoping that too will create a nice diversion for a few days. Of course it will be hard to come home to a dogless house but I will try not to think of that while on our trip. I am so glad to have found this forum.
Hugs to everyone.
I’ve mentioned Wallace the Pit Bull and his battle with cancer after collapsing last September from a ruptured splenic tumor. Today they have posted an updated story on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=350216538444152&set=vb.304533149618986&type=2&theater .
It has been 11 months since his cancer diagnosis and he is living a good live with Roo & Clara, his human companions. He has had another “spell” just today, which they posted about on his FB page: https://www.facebook.com/WallaceThePitBull?hc_location=stream .
My prayers are with them as they continue to be optimistic for his continued ability to live a full life and knocking things off his bucket list.
Von,
I checked out Wallace, what a cute sad face today. They are just saying he had one of those episodes, so rest looks in order. I love his FB Page.
What a beauty!
Ironically, Miss Heidi had one of the fainting episodes late this afternoon. She was zipping around the house, excited after having her nails dremelled and the next thing we knew, she stopped and keeled over in the hallway. We sat with her trying to help her to breath . . . she finally snapped out of it . . . but it was very scary for about 5 minutes. <>
Vivian, Its good to hear you went ahead with your plans for your concert. Sometimes we need a push, to feel a little normalcy, and it worked. Glad it was all good. Just remember, the fun times you always had with Stella and the gift of love she gave you in return. There is nothing that can ever take that away from you.
Hugs,
Donna
I agree Vivian. One day at a time, trying to bring back some routine will help to ease your pain. Hang in there!
PLEASE HELP ME & MY LUCY!!! Just got back from the vet who diagnosed her with a splenic tumor!!! They gave me an estimated bill of $3360 for the procedure. PLEASE HELP!!! If I can’t come up with the money I have to put her down!! She has been my everything and in my life for the past 12 years. Was there for me through my divorce and my move and she is my everything. Please email me, Please help!!!
Karen…I so hate to hear this happens so often lately. I certainly understand your heartache and the emotions you are feeling. Did she have an ultra sound??? Read some of the experiences on here, and see if anything fits your situation…. Is she with you now or in the hospital??? What odds did they give for the surgery?? Do they have payment plans if you decide to go ahead???? If the odds are good and you TRUST them…I would do the surgery , and charge it…She certainly is worth the extra time you will have with her.Is she suffering right now……I know a lot of questions ..but these are all things that play into your decision…Suzanne….
Karen all of us here can empathize with your just receiving this bad news about Lucy. Many have had to make the decision, medical and financial, regarding how we will deal with the news and prognosis.
As much as we have each had to face this, I have got to say I do not feel anyone coming to this group looking for financial support of their situation is realistic or fair. After all, everyone here has had to incur unexpected expenses in dealing with splenic tumors, cancer and/or having to euthanize a sick pet. (In my case, both my husband and I had been unemployed for more than a year when Heidi was diagnosed with her tumor and requiring surgery.)
Not be sound too jaded, but people seeking money from members of an internet support group such as this is just poor form.
Did you ask for a payment schedule or some sort of deferred payment option? Your vet should be able to provide you financial aid options including Care Credit. Most participating vets pay the interest/fees so the money is available in cases of emergency at a low to no cost to the pet owner.
In the vet clinic where I worked, we had several clients who owed a lot of money from emergency situations such as this . . . especially if they were long-term clients/patients.
I sincerely feel for you and the terrible situation you have with Lucy. I hope you are able to come to some financial resolution with your vet. But really, please understand that seeking money from strangers on the internet is not appropriate in my opinion.
I will pray for you and Lucy that you are able to find a way to do what your heart says you must for her.
Von
VON, I almost didn’t read it that way because I can’t believe people would do that….do you think its for real???
I don’t know if it’s real or not Suzanne.
What I do know is that there are people out there scamming people every day; innocent, generous and naive people give money to people who are out there taking advantage of others.
I guess I am jaded because I have seen innocent people with big hearts taken by sad sob stories on the internet, in the shopping mall and by email. With a tough economy such as what we have today, the creativity of people out there trying to find an easy way to make a buck should not be underestimated.
It seem strange to say this but I sincerely hope that is Karen’s story is true. I don’t wish ill to another dog and hope that she is able to find a support group locally perhaps, or again some resource through her vet. They are out there and available.
Von
I will add this as a possible solution for those who would like to help financially . . .
Karen could provide more information publicly regarding the situation, to include the vet who is caring for Lucy. Sometimes, I’ve seen requests for financial support provided that goes directly to the veterinary clinic and the owner never sees the money. That way people can hopefully find a little more comfort that the situation is legit.
That said, I seriously doubt the sense of urgency necessary to raise $3,000 for an emergency situation such as this can happen without Karen being able to make the financial commitment up front to her vet in the event that no money comes in. If it is as critical as it would appear based on her post, she has about a week, no more, to raise whatever money she needs to be in a position to proceed with the surgery.
Von,
you put that perfectly! You are so right. I like the way you said “poor form”, very nicely put.
Hi Von, I think you said it very well that most vets will try to work with you on a payment plan/options. I had that experience 23 years ago when I was financially devastated from a divorce, working 2 jobs and raising 2 sons. Our sweet rescue dog got hit by a car after sneaking out of the yard to try to follow the boys to school. He had major trauma but there was a vet tech in car behind the hit/run driver who took him to her vet. Long story short the vet called me, told me what he had to do to save him, how much it would cost. I told him my situation and he accepted my word to pay him monthly, no interest fees, until it was paid off. My dog recovered and I kept my side of the deal. This was a vet I had never met until that moment. Now days there are other options and I do think that most vets will work with you. If Karen is reading this I hope she has talked to her vet or maybe another vet or veterinary medicine school to find out about payment options so that her Lucy can have the care she needs. I will pray for both of them.
Thank you for your response. At the last minute my vet informed me about Care Credit for which I applied. I have now sent her into surgery. please everyone say a prayer for my little lucy.
Karen. I,m sure we will all be praying for a safe and happy outcome for you and your little Lucy….God Bless…Let us know Suzanne
Lucy’s mum,
All dogs are different. Sasha was brought in at 10yrs. old. Too weak to walk in, but wanted to hold her head out the window in the car to the vet. I felt guilty, feeling this might be her last ride.
The vet called me, told me, “You got your old dog back”. August 24th, 2012. She is now 11, and going on survival of 1 year, since surgery. I have a lucky one, and there are more out there. I sure pray for your baby right now.
Donna
Lucy’s mum,
I am so glad your vet told you about the care program. We are sending prayers for a speedy recovery, please give us updates. We are here for the both of you with our thoughts and prayers.
Donna and Sasha
Thank goodness. I will pray for a good outcome for your Lucy. Please keep us posted as you can. We understand and care.
well it’s 4 hours since I took her in. no word yet, but the doctor called me before surgery to say she’s got one dog before mine. i’m home now, but leaving here to go back to the vet to see how things are progressing. thank you for your words of encouragement. it’s all I have. I keep going back and forth on what is the right decision, but if I don’t do surgery, i’ll always wonder, if I do surgery, am I putting her in more pain. the tumor grew so fast. extremely fast…in less than a few days it had taken over her entire stomach area and was pushing out fast. the xrays showed it was pushing against her ribs. the tumor is all lumpy on her stomach. I just don’t know…I just don’t know if she’s make it…I just don’t know what i’ll do without my sweet little one who has been there for me through all of life’s ups and downs. my best buddy for sure.
I wish I could be there with you…/I know what its like to be all alone with all that coming at you…be Strong for her, dear…they feel your emotions……Praying…..and one big hugg!! Suzanne
Praying for your Lucy to have a good outcome. Remember, you did the best you could as her mom and you got her to the vet and gave her a chance. That is what you have to hang on to because ultimately, that is all we can do at the time. Then we pray and hold on to each other for support. We rejoice with each other or grieve with each other. Just know that people all over the world are caring about you and Lucy. We all know that fear you have, knot in your stomach, feel like you can’t tolerate even thinking of not having her. It is all so physical as well as emotional but you will make it through this tough time. May God bless and watch over dear Lucy.
they removed a 3.8 pound tumor from her spleen and liver lobes that were affected. she only weighed 14 pounds when I took her in, she usually weighs 20. i went to see her after her surgery and she was trying to get up to come to me. i held her for awhile and told her to lay down. she looks very weak. they’ll keep her overnight. i hope she makes it through the night. i’ll update tomorrow. thanks for all your well wishes and prayers. they are working so thank you.
Karen,
Thank You for the update. I have been checking my emails with my Iphone as I watch our New Orleans Saints Preseason Football game at home. We pray for a speedy recovery,
Donna
More prayers for sweet Lucy and you Karen…hope every goes well, and that tail gets wagging.Remember its in God’s hands now…you did all you could~~ Lets hope all our prayers will keep her with you and on the mend~~~S
Karen I will be thinking about you and Lucy today and over the coming days. I hope the surgery is successful and that you get a good news report back from the pathology/biopsy of the tumor being removed.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
thank you so much for your kind words. its so not fair that medical care has to cost so dang gone MUCH!!! and to be strapped in these financial times with this economy nothing short of frustration when dealing with life and death situation of my poor little one. I am beyond words and tears don’t stop coming.
they are saying there is a high chance she won’t make it. she is very weak and her white blood cell count is high. just to think 2 weeks ago, she was running around, head and tail up like nothing was wrong. đŸ˜¦ please everyone send your good thoughts and wishes through the universe for my little lucy.
Unfortunately it didn’t occur to me in all my panic, emotional decision to ask to have the removed tumor biopsied. A friend said something to me yesterday and I went back and asked the vet but it was too late, they had already throw the tissue out. So now I’ll never know.
I’ve been reading good things about ‘I’m Yunity’, a natural anti-pathogen from mushrooms in the fight with splenic tumors, and am going to get some today.
Hi Karen, I know the worry just does not go away once we have lost a dog to a splenic problem or had to have emergency surgery for it, but please be very careful of any supplements unless you run it by your vet. I know from my work as a nurse that some supplements can actually support the growth of cancer cells by ‘feeding’ them. Or, it may help one type of tumor but encourage the growth of another. It is very tricky business when we try to deal with the fine balance of the body’s mechanisms. So, I would just suggest that you discuss any supplements with your vet first. Much of what we read on line is advertising to sell a product and unless you know who did the research, and if they have any financial interests in the product I would be suspicious. Sorry if I have jumped in when I should mind my own business but I just wanted to make sure your had discussed this supplement with your vet. Meg
>>>they are saying there is a high chance she won’t make it. she is very weak and her white blood cell count is high<<<
I'm so sorry to read this. Did they know this before surgery from the pre-op tests? If so it is unfortunate that they recommended proceeding.
I am praying for a special miracle for Lucy!
Karen,
a doggie that is 12 years old with a tumor sadly, does not have a good chance to recover and will be put through a lot of misery. I may sound terrible but I just lost my wonderful Peyton, and as hind site is perfect..I wish i had taken my baby home and just held him until he passed. I now suffer from the torment that he must have gone through. The money which was quite a lot, would be gladly spent again if I knew the prognosis was good. Most with this terrible illness even when not cancer do not survive very long. I hope you pray about it and ask your vet what his chances are..if they are honest they will tell you. You can read here about the recovery rate for older dogs with this. God Bless you and yours.
patricia
Karen, I am praying real hard for Lucy., right now. Please keep us informed. I do remember that they told me I could call at any hour for updates.
Donna
I cannot believe that the vet didn’t ask you if you wanted the tissue biopsied. I am not questioning you Karen, but your vet. That seems totally incompetent of them in my opinion.
oh my goodness. That is quite scary. Well Bivin hasn’t run at length but we have not played with other dogs like we used to. He is given 3-4 small meals a day (his original 2 broken up). The rupture happened 4 days before his 8th b-day and he will be 9 in November. I have noticed his activity level has dropped…but I am attributing it to age. And he has spells when he is in deep sleep. NOw reading other posts…Oh well we will see how his check up is next week. Yes you are right! I didn’t think about the young dogs having “spells” geepers. I argued the matter on the breed list but I was out numbered by the supporters of spleen removal. But will always feel sorry for the couple who lost their dog after the spay/spleen…if they just spayed they’d still have the pup!
Well now i will watch him more closely following a burst in his activity level to see if he seems dizzy. Prayers.
I agree also with your last comment, Von. The vet would have my check payable to them, if I felt this to be true. There are ways a vet will work with you. I know, because I had already spent over 600.00 in X-Rays, and blood work, only to be told after they saw a tumor, that they needed to refer me to an oncologist. I went in a clinic I had never walked into, and Dr. Allison told me, I know you already spent a lot for it seems nothing, but we will work with you. I believe any caring vet that see’s there’s a chance will work with you. I hope you are reading this Karen. We do really care, and know you have troubles, we all do. The economy has us all in debt, but I’d sell my jewelry, or pawn something, to pay to save my baby.
We send our thoughts Karen, we are worried for the both of you.
Donna and Sasha
Donna, that sounds like a nice vet. My vet is nice too, but the hospital was really terrible..I guess if they don’t get the money up front people do not pay. I just cannot figure why Peyton’s bill was so high when he didn’t have surgery. For about 19 hours at the hospital it was 4,500. a deposit was required of 3,000. I assume the vet is knowledgeable about splenic tumors, i was not. Had I read this site, i would have taken my sweetheart home with me rather than leave him there. I am getting better each day and cry a bit less..I also have kinder feelings for my vet. I was angry at him for sending me to the hospital when he knew Peyton had the tumor..the hospital only treating him for heat stroke.
Patricia,
If you brought him to an emergency type hospital, that’s where I find you pay more. They have staff around the clock. l brought Sasha into a vet hospital, that had an incorporated after hours/emergency care service also. I have moved my pet to that hospital, because the other vet I trusted was not equipped with ultra sound, or professional staff that specialized in certain ailments, (cancer), and they more or less told me, we cannot help you anymore.
I am glad you are feeling better.
EACH DAY IS A GIFT
THAT’S WHY THEY CALL IT THE PRESENT
Thank you Donna,
I come here when feeling pain, and I type badly on my lap top, but I want you to know and the others as well, that you have been my salvation..
Awww, Thanks, Patricia. I am saying this from the whole group. We all have different circumstances, but the support, love, care, prayers, all brought comfort to me in my time of need. I try to give back what I received from everyone here. I will always pray, comfort the ones who think they are all alone with this situation, and extend whatever knowledge I know, to anyone. I am speaking for all of us. That’s why we are all a special group of caring people, opening up our hearts to anyone in need in such a troubled time, when our beloved pets are sick. We don’t need any Thanks, as I feel, I am giving back, to the ones who helped me. May you find comfort here, always. We share your pain.
Hugs To You, Patricia
My Sasha collapsed on Wednesday 14/08/2013 she was at the Kennels on her own when it happened I feel I let her down. My son was able to get to the Vets before we did. The Vet was great and kept us constantly updated until we got there. They did a scan straight away which showed a tumour on her spleen but both vets at the practice also said she had secondary’s in her liver and if they operated it would only be to confirm what they already new. When we got to the vets she was still with us but very poorly, struggling to breath, her abdomen was very swollen & hot. She was unable to even lift her head but she knew we were there. My son said she’s been waiting for you. We stayed with her for an hour or so but she was deteriorating quickly. We decided surgery was not an option but as everyone says we also questioned whether we made the right decision. When the time came we agreed that the vet could help her along. We came home with her collar & lead, I wish we had brought her home. I know we are still in shock but I am constantly questioning if I did the right thing. My Sasha was my baby girl who never tired of giving me love and affection.
I will never stop loving and missing you Sasha.
Jeanette
Jeanette,
I am so sorry to hear about your baby. Please understand as I repeat what I’v been saying. You did your best. We are at the mercy of a professional and trust is the issue. If your pet did not have another problem, your vet would have operated. It sounds like your Sasha was in a distressed situation, and would not have had the outcome the vet wished for if they operated. Sometimes, time is not on our side. Its part of life, that we cannot control. Prayers for you and your Sasha, we are here for you, and understand what you are going through, if you want to talk, we are always here to support you, we care.
Hugs, Donna
Jeanette please know that sometimes these things do happen out of nowhere, with little to no forewarning and even less to be done if they rupture.
God bless you and may Sasha RIP as she frolics beyond the rainbow bridge.
Hugs,
Von & MIss Heidi
You did the right thing, and you helped me to realize that had I been home at the time of the incident, it would still have the same outcome. God Bless,
patricia
Oh Bless you Jeanette…sounds so close to my Madie,s story….How I miss her!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh Jeanette, I am so sorry to hear about your Sasha. Each dear, sweet, dog we hear about on this blog touches our hearts because we have all been there with our own furry kids. Some of the contributors have had good outcomes, some of us had outcomes like yours. What you are feeling, wishing you had brought her home, etc. is what most of us go through. Thinking of things we could have done differently. Many of us tormented ourselves with all the ‘what if’s’ or ‘I wish I had done…’. That, unfortunately, is part of the grief process. We second guess ourselves and sometimes seem to put ourselves through more pain as part of the process it seems. For myself, a letter from my vet telling me that we had done everything we possibly could for our little Tobe and that she knew for 15 1/2 years how much he meant to us and how loved he was, helped me get past that stage of grief. It will let up. When you start questioning yourself, try very hard to stop that thought and make yourself think of a happy time or something funny Sasha used to do. I am so very sorry about your loss. My heart aches for all of us who have lost those we loved as part of our family, as our little soul mates. I do like to think that because we are all connected here on this blog, that maybe our dogs all play together on the other side of the rainbow bridge. Hugs and prayers for you. Meg
I want to thank you all for your kind words. I know you and your babies have all gone through very similar distressing times.
Thank You again.
Jeanette
Jeanette- I too am so sorry for your loss. It is going on one week for us that we had to make the decision to let Stella go. It was one week from her surgery. An emergency surgery we had to do because her spleen was also very large and could have burst. We didn’t think twice and agreed to the surgery.
We just got the results of the tissue biopsy and the vet said it was a rare sarcoma that was growing and mutating at a fast rate. Even if we had gotten the one tumor successfully out which we did not, I am sure she still would have gone downhill. So sad for my sweet girl who only wanted our love after her previous bad situation. I can only take comfort in the fact that we gave her a wonderful last year of her life before the cancer. Sadly she was only around 4-5 years old. We will never know exactly how old she was.
Karen, You remember tonight, you are doing your best. Hang on Lucy, get better.
Donna
Karen I’ve been out of town for the weekend and just catching up on things now. I thought of you and Lucy often . . . I hope she is recovering from the surgery last week! Please keep us all posted.
hi there for thinking of me and my lucy! your support and words are so very nice and this website has been really great while I’ve been going through this. it’s been nice to meet people who have been through this and have so much to offer. I brought Lucy home yesterday afternoon and she has been doing fairly well, better than expected. last night was the first night and I was up every 2 hours hand feeding her small bits of food, water and carrying her outside to pee since she had absolutely no energy. we were both exhausted today and between meds, slept throughout the day. there is a back room where she likes to go that’s cool, but just a little bit ago she actually got up to come join me and the rest of the family!! I was so surprised to see her standing in the hallway. she never stops surprising me. so far she is alert, seems happy (probably to be free from pain) and is taking food in small portions and lays there watching her sister play. She is so very, very thin ad she looks very fragile as her bones are very visible. I know the next few days are very critical.
meant to write “thanks for thinking of me an my lucy…” but my keyboard must have erased that part before I hit send.
Karen,
We all had you and your baby, Lucy in our minds. I always figure, No News is Good News. Saying that, I am so happy to hear Lucy is on her way to recovery. It will take time. No jumping, keep calm in your house if possible. It is wonderful news this morning to hear this. Please let us know how the pathology tests come back. Lucky Lucy!!!!
Hugs to you both,
Donna and Sasha
Good news Karen! Thanks for sharing.
Donna is right, it will take time. I remember during Miss Heidi’s recovery, she looked pitiful for a week. At times she was a burst of energy but for the most part she too was tired and uncomfortable.
To keep her from jumping up on beds, we put a mattress on the floor in the living room where I slept with her for those first couple of weeks of recovery.
It’s good that Lucy is interested in eating & drinking, so keep up the good work!
Von
So happy to hear good news…keep giving Lucy all those hugs and kisses. You know I am not a religious person…but the power of prayer does help! S0…LETS KEEP THOSE PRAYERS COMING FOR LUCY TILL SHES ALL BETTER~~~
this morning she woke with much hunger and slept through the night with only 3 wake ups (instead of one every 2 hours her first night). Today I am hopeful. The dr. said the splenic mass actually mostly grew off her liver, although there were two bubbles on her spleen that looked like they were about to grow. so her chances might be better simply because of that…please keep the prayers coming.
I remember when I got that horrific phone call from the hospital…the nite my son was killed….and they told me to get there as soon as I could that it didn’t look good.I PRAYED AND PRAYED all the way there …bargained with GOD …Take me not him…I’ll do whatever…and on and on….He was dead when I got there!!!! I lost all faith …I hated God…..did he not listen!!! did he not love me…that he could do this?? All my prayers tossed out the door….. But after the shock wore off…I realized God did not let my prayers go un answered….My son was dead before they even called me…I guess it was just his time. So my point is prayer does help…but when its our time …its our time…. Just keep loving that girl…best medicine ever~~~ Suzanne
wow Suzanne. i’m so sorry for the loss of your son. I know we’re talking about our “babies” on here, but he was your real baby. i’m real sorry.
how is Lucy today?
Because I have experience with this and a past dog, with present dog we did the ultrasound in April, all organs were fine! Sigh of relief. Come October of the same year dog wakes me up panting and not himself, thought maybe he had to poop, so he went outside but didn’t come back in, so I called him with a firm “come” and dog staggers into house. 2am Sunday morning, great! Called Emergency vet…dog walked to car and into Emergency Vet…where he collapsed. Blood transfusions and splenectomy later, there was a soft-ball sized mass removed. Turned out benign! Its now August almost a year later and dog is still here. BUT does this mean a preventative ultrasound should be done every 6 mos? every 3-mos?
I don’t know Monica but I’m glad your dog is still here today with you!
Did you ask your vet for their opinion? Personally, I believe these things grow so rapidly, that no amount of diagnostic, preventative testing (xray or ultrasound) can be 100% at an affordable (at least affordable to me) price.
I feel blessed that Miss Heidi’s was discovered during her routine annual exam through palpation (physical touch) by the vet . . . and confirmed by xray.
My vet palpates as well. I was pregnant last year so opted for the ultrasound for peace of mind. Bloodwork came back fine but all that was in April, and the mass ruptured end of October that is pretty fast uh? I just bless my days with him. We are due for a check up next week and am guardingly hopeful.
I also have Sasha, who is going on 1 year, next Saturday, from her surgery.. All I can say is she was not herself for a few days, she was just looking like she was tired and gaining weight. She was not herself. She was 10, so we just thought it was an age factor. Much to our surprise, she had a tumor on her spleen. I would have never thought about this tumor problem, until I saw symptoms of my dog not acting right. I wonder just how many lives could be saved from preventative measures. I have told everyone I know about this, in hopes of bringing awareness.
Donna
Hard to know what to do as far as having this checked routinely. They do seem to grow so fast. For myself, I think if my dog were having an US or an x-ray for something else I would ask the vet to just add on the spleen to make sure nothing is there but as far as doing it routinely if your dog is healthy, my vet said she didn’t recommend it (and she is super cautious, other tests done all the time it seems). I wonder what the incidence is in the general dog population. It seems so common because here that is our focus but what about all the rest of the dogs out there. Is it that common?
During my five months working at a two location vet practice, we never had any splenic tumor cases . . . diagnosed or ruptured. We saw far more cases of bloat, at least a couple every month, most with a bad outcome.
So in my breed, the Greater Swiss Mt dog, sometimes during torsion (bloat) the spleen is involved. And if any tumor occurs later in life. It involves the spleen. Many breeders have started a theme of telling puppy owners that when they spay or neuter to have the spleen removed. Technically we don’t need our spleens they filter the blood, so are the first to get cancer just by the filtration process. Liver & Kidneys & heart pick up the slack, So a lot of puppy buyers have done this to young healthy spleens, there are a lot of blood vessels that go into the spleen….3 years a go a 1 year old dog died the night she came home from her spay/spleen removal…because the vet didn’t tie off all the blood vessels, which look like a webbing there are so many connections and the spleen is like 4 lbs all by itself…and it hangs directly off the curve of the stomach. What they don’t tie off they usually cauterize the rest to ensure no bleeders.
Because I am sensitive to hemangiosarcoma having lost a heart dog to it before, I am not about to remove a healthy spleen! Its unnecessary trauma. If they don’t have a spleen a cancer will settle someplace else, just may take longer to develop. Our ultrasound costed $400. to just do the abdomen that is enough, you don’t need to do the whole dog. As it is, with the second dog spleen less, I forgot to ask the vet to tack the stomach to the abdominal cavity to avoid any movement or torsion (because there is now room to move). But I did ask for the EVet to go into the stomach to get a child’s toy the dog ate that spring lol which she did. And she said she was “in there” too long to stay to tack so got out quick…:-)
Very interesting info you’ve shared Monica. Thanks!
I don’t think I would ever remove a healthy spleen during neuter/spay of a puppy. From what I’ve seen with Heidi, she has been very susceptible to dizziness & faintness when exerting herself (running/playing) since having her spleen removed.
I believe having read of others post-splenectomy, having the same issue, this condition is created because she no longer has her spleen and the added blood volume it could hold. Therefore, her blood pressure is adversely affected causing the dizziness to the point of collapse.
We’ve seen her have these episodes about half-a-dozen times and during the most recent, we thought we might lose her. (It was about 5 minutes to recover.)
Sad news today from Wallace the Pit Bull . . . https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151644676856896&set=a.268638626895.143932.100356586895&type=1&theater .
May he RIP as he crosses over the rainbow bridge. God Bless to him, Roo & Clara!
So sad today. What a beauty. An inspiration. All the furkids are now playing, with a famous dog. Not many dogs have a Facebook page and following that large. He too, was loved by complete strangers. Sounds familiar.
RIP WALLACE
So sad today to read about Wallace. Yesterday I found out another beautiful soul was taken by cancer, Osteosarcoma. What another sad week it has been.
I just want to send my heartfelt thanks to everyone who posts on this blog. It’s been 3 weeks since my Lola collapsed and this insidious illness took her life. My grief is still almost as acute as it was when it first happened and I don’t think the hole in my heart will ever heal. I love her and miss her so much it over whelms me. My heart, prayers, and love go out to all of you and to all of the wonderful dogs who are suffering.
Oh Carolyn, my heart aches with you. I don’t think we ever get over the loss completely. It has been a little over 4 mos since we lost little Tobe and although I don’t cry every day, the deep sorrow is still there and I miss him so much. Our little rescue dog, Sam, who came into our lives sort of unexpectedly helps. I tell him we are helping each other since he must have had losses in his life too. Sometimes we look at each other and his big brown eyes seem to say he understands grief too. Just know that we really are all in this together and that we all care and understand what you are going through.
Meg,
I will never forget about your Tobe, either. I am glad, with your heart open to help a rescue, your little Tobe most likely would approve. You shine!
Hugs, donna
Thank you Donna, you are wonderful. Always a kind word for all of us. You and several others of this group really helped me thru the loss and you continue to help so many others. I think about this group so often and just wish we could all meet sometime.
Thoughts and prayers for you today. We hope time will pass and help heal a little at a time. We grieve for all, and think of them often.
They give us all their love, I think that’s beautiful. We hold onto that forever.
Hugs, Donna
So very sad and still grieving for my Peyton. Just know we all feel the pain with you..I think it is normal for us who love much,,we must go through it and feel it and perhaps share the grief. Love to you.
Thank you all for this site. I come here and read and pray and cry. I , and I know, we are all confused by this terrible disease. I wonder if it is caused by another issue like infection that we are not aware of? I wonder if my Peyton had cushings and I didn’t know it.
I am so glad to hear the good news about Lucy, thank you for keeping us posted..I am rooting for her.
peyton’s mom
patricia
Hugs to you Carolyn. It has been 3 weeks since we had the terrible diagnosis of cancer and 2 weeks since we lost our beautiful girl. I am feeling exactly as you are. This site has helped me tremendously.
Vivian, I am thinking of you also right now. We are here for you.
Hugs, Donna
Donna thank you for that. I am so happy your baby is well and good.
Thank you for all the support.
How Beautiful! Thanks for sharing with everyone.
Karen . . . do you have any news or updates on Lucy you can share? We’re thinking of both of you!
Thanks for asking. It’s been one week since her surgery and so far she’s been doing okay. Eating a lot, slowly putting back some of the weight that the tumor sapped from her body. Still has a long way to go, but doing good. Yesterday her spirits were as high as I’ve seen them in the past month or so…actually played with a toy and growled at her sister and seemed to be carefree for a few moments,. I hope it will last. I have to carry her to the park and carry her on our walks, still not strong enough. She started panting a few days ago. I noticed that if I feed her, that seems to stop it.
Karen,
Your Lucy could be panting due to the Tramadol, (pain meds), or whatever pain meds that were prescribed. This is a symptom. The food will absorb some, so that is why it stops. This might and might not be why she is panting. Discuss this with your vet.
I am so happy she is doing better. Please keep us posted, as we continue to send prayers her way.
Hugs, Donna and Sasha
Glad to hear Lucy’s continuing to heal and return to normal. It will take some time for her to regain her strength but her eating well is a very good sign!
Keep us all posted đŸ™‚
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
My little Lucy lost her fight Tuesday. she did great for the first 3 weeks after surgery, but developed ascites. I had her stomach drained once, but then she went downhill fast. I am still very glad I did the surgery because she got to enjoy life for 3 great weeks and it bought me more time to try and be prepared to say goodbye to her. It still comes as a shock and my heart aches so for her. I will never be the same and I will never have another one like her. I lost my best friend and I will miss her forever.
Here is a link for those in need of financial assistance. Please pass it to those who are looking for help for surgeries and related costs: http://www.rosesfund.com/financial-resources.htm
So sorry to hear the outcome. At times like this, words of comfort are hard to find, knowing we have all been through it doesn’t cut through the pain you are feeling. But you must take comfort in knowing she is no longer being challenged by pain…she is finally free…that’s the only way I could deal with losing my dogs. All of us….are only here for a short time, some shorter than others, but we leave behind memories….and yours of Lucy are the best!!!! I understand…God Bless you and a great big hug! Suzanne~~~
I am so very sorry to hear about Lucy. I totally know your pain and I hope you can find some solace and peace during the upcoming days. Lucy will live forever in your heart and mind.
I just about Lucy not being here. I am sorry. I was so hopeful, like you. You did right by her, all the way around.
Karen I’m so sorry to hear of Lucy’s passing. I’m sure her last weeks with you were very special and those memories will be treasured!
Oh Karen, I am so sorry. You did your best, and as you said, maybe a little more time spent with your Lucy. Prayers for you and the memories you have will always be in your heart. Take care.
Hugs, Donna
Patricia, Its odd you asked the question about Cushings, because the doctors first thought, that was what was wrong with Sasha. She has a thick fat pad on her chest. They did blood work, and found trouble with the results leading to anemia and the pot belly, and then, X-Ray of tumor on the spleen
. My feelings were, she looked uncomfortable, had a hot nose, and maybe the age factor, and putting on weight. She was getting tired and sleeping more, and not getting up to greet us when we came home. I would have never thought she was a ticking time bomb. She always had her yearly check-up, and now since she’s an elder, every six months.
Patricia, this disease is just not discussed enough to bring attention to it. I warn everyone I know about this, and tell them, don’t wait one day, get you pet to the vet ASAP,
We can all help spread the word.
I believe with our effort to make our friends and families aware of this disease, we can save another life.
Hugs to you, as I know you hurt so much right now, and I send prayers your way, that comfort will surround you.
Donna
I just wanted to say, Sasha has hit her 1 year anniversary today, since her tumor and spleen were removed, and she is a survivor.
She’s one lucky dog, and is proof that the surgery does work sometimes.
We pray for the lost lives that never had a chance, and will never forget them, and they are much loved.
I just wanted to give some hope to someone out there, that sometimes there is a chance.
Donna and Sasha
Hurray for Sasha . . . and her wonderful vets that took care of her! I hope she has many wonderful years ahead of her.
Von & Miss Heidi
I need some advice please. My 12 yr old Bullmastiff, Sampson, has a spindle cell tumor on his spleen. Our vet found it three months ago and said it was the size of a tangerine. After his exam today, she said that it has not grown. He has not shown any signs of a bleed. My husband and I are torn on whether or not to remove his spleen for many reasons. 1.his age 2. He is happy and behaving as usual and 3. He also has and been treated for oral melanoma. We just don’t know if we should put him through it. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
I think you’ve done a fine job protecting him thus far. I just did an internet search for “spindle cell tumor on his spleen.” and found that they occur in large breed dogs beginning in age 10. But usually occurs on a leg. http://www.vsso.org/Splenic_Sarcoma.html
I think 12 years is a fabulous age for a bullmastiff heavens that is awesome that he’s made it thus far. This is actually a personal call for you as the guardian of the animal.
If it hasn’t grown that is good, but does it have a chance to rupture? This is what happens with the tumors we’ve been discussing. I am not familiar with this one. You might want to seek a second professional opinion or a vet school. The age of the animal, the money, usually becomes an issue after a certain point. Just look to your dog if he is comfortable, happy and thriving he may just live out his life as is. Love him, hug him, he knows you love him. don’t ever let yourself think you’ve failed them (been there).
Possibly check his red blood cell level vs white blood cells? This will allow you to see if it is bleeding. I’d be hesitant to send a geriatric dog into major abdominal surgery, just because its a painful recovery…and then when the dog is feeling well they get all bouncy like mine did and formed a seroma at his incision site (fluid filled sac) so we had to crate him for 3-weeks when he wasn’t out on a walk until that got reabsorbed. (I thought he had ruptured his incision. Or developed a hernia). Thankfully it was only a seroma!
http://www.justanswer.com/pet-dog/0dnbr-prognosis-splenic-spindle-cell-sarcoma.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1082865/
Hi Andie…golly I am so sorry to hear that. Many of us on this blog have been in the same spot. What does your vet suggest? I can tell you my story. Our dear 15 1/2 yr old toy poodle was diagnosed with a splenic tumor accidentally. He had a chest x-ray to check his lungs for any congestive heart failure since he was coughing from time to time and on heart meds. His lungs were fine but the x-ray showed the tumor on his spleen. It did not show any sign of a bleed and the vet said due to the size and shape she doubted it would rupture unless he had trauma to it but it could gradually leak and he would become more and more anemic. Due to his other problems with his heart and early kidney problems she suggested we let him enjoy his life because she doubted he would survive the surgery or fully recover. So, we had him almost a full year after that. He did great but was slowing down a lot due to his heart and general age. We followed the tumor size every 3 mos with ultra sound and it really never grew. It did eventually leak and over a couple days he went downhill fast. Never seemed in pain but at the very end he was having shortness of breath due to the increasing anemia and he was very weak. I think your vet should be your guide and maybe even get a second opinion. There are others on here with lots of experience and I am sure they will offer ideas too but my best suggestion is a second opinion. Good luck Andie and hugs and pats to Sampson.
Thank you! We have very similar stories. My gut tells me to let him be, but I am having second thoughts.
That is how we felt too Andie. We did not want Tobe to suffer. The thing is that as humans who want to do the best for our loved ones, furry or human, we second guess ourselves no matter how well thought out the decision. It is just our nature. We weighed how much longer we guessed Tobe would live with his other medical problems vs how long his recovery would be if he survived the surgery. We didn’t want him to like have a year left either way and then have him suffer for for several weeks while he recovered. Plus, our vet had experience with one of her own dogs with a splenic tumor so she knew how hard it was to decide. She doubted Tobe’s tumor was malignant since there were no mets to other organs but we could not be sure. We didn’t get a second opinion because she discussed his case with 2 other vets. It is a tough call for you to make. The feeling of wanting to do the right thing for someone you love so much who does not have a voice in the decision. Much easier with a human who can tell us what they want. Either way, you have to tell yourself you did the best you could with the info you had, You love Sampson and you have given him a wonderful life. This is a tough time and again, I am so sorry you both have to go through this.
I don’t have any advice for you Andie but wanted to say that I hope Sampson is comfortable and that you’re able to come to a decision that you can live with. Whatever you do, and whatever the outcome, please do not second guess your decision later.
We all do the best we can with the info we have from our vets along with what our beloved pet tells us. You know him best and will no doubt make the very best decision that you can for his best interest.
I’ll say a prayer for your both, thanking God for the wonderfully long life he’s already shared with you!
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Hello Andie,
I am sorry to hear about Sampson and his tumor. We are a support group, and try to only base our opinions, as we are not professional veterinarians. Your vet knows best what is best for your pet. I would not think twice to get another opinion. It does not hurt. If you have the full trust in your regular vet, his/her opinion matters, due to the history they have with Sampson. But….I am one who switched vets and searched for another to operate on Sasha. I am not familiar with the spindle cell tumor, but will read up on it. If it were my Sasha, I would get all the facts of survival rate. I send prayers tonight for your Sampson and you. I hope someone in this group knows about this type of tumor.
Take care, Hugs, Donna
Thank you Donna and Kelly. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of Spindle cell tumor. However, since Sampsons tumor has not grown, the oncologist is doubtful that it is malignant. She is a wonderful vet and I fully trust her. She thinks he could handle the surgery, but has left the decision to us. I just don’t want him to suffer either way.
Hi, my 10 yr old Golden, Jesse, was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer after a growth removed from her shoulder in April 2013. She’s been ok up to now. A couple of days ago, she was lethargic and would not eat, gums were pale, stomach was slightly distended. Jesse was not in a good place. The vet did an xray and found a large mass, most likely a splenic tumor in her abdomen, and felt it was malignant. We decided against surgery, given the fact that she has cancer and now this. We brought her home where she would be comfortable with us. Last night she threw up 7-8 times and we think she had an accompanying seizure or even stroke. It’s Labor Day, she can’t walk, but she is comfortable and aware. I feel so bad for her. I withheld food because of how much she vomited, but have been giving her plenty of water. I am torn whether or not I should give her pain medication. Vet’s on vacation and the emergency hospital wants us to pack her up and go to their hospital. I really don’t want to put her through the trauma and stress of getting her into and out of car and the long drive. Ouch it hurts when your favorite pet is in the final stages. We know we have to put her down but it hurts. Love her.
Hi June, my heart aches for you and for poor Jesse. Most of us on this blog have had some of the same issues to deal with. I wish I had an answer for you. I think I would ask myself what I would hope to accomplish going to the emergency vet. They may also give her pain meds and anti nausea meds or even sub cutaneous fluid or an IV to hydrate her. It might add to her comfort but the stress of the visit is something you have considered. When our little Tobe was in his final days with a leaking splenic tumor he got progressively weak. We took him to the vet who gave him pain and nausea meds and the subcutaneous fluid and then let us take him home but she did tell us that he might not just drift off to sleep and go as I had hoped, that he might become more and more anemic from the blood loss and therefore become short of breath and gasp for air. She told us to take him home, give him lots of love (of course), and that we may have to ‘help him along’ the last few steps of his journey with us. That broke my heart, I loved him more than any dog I have ever had. Could not face putting him down. He was what some people call my ‘heart’ dog. Soul of my soul, my beloved little one. However, I had to remind myself to be there for him, not for my own needs/wants. I promised him he would never suffer, ever, even if it meant to help him along. So dear June, my heart aches again for you. I know that you love Jesse and will do what is right for her. It is just so hard. I hope others on this blog can offer more suggestions. Bless you both. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
My heart aches for you too with your best friend Tobe. Thank you Meg for your kind, caring words. This blog is a great way to get the sadness off my chest. Both my husband and I cried reading your reply. It is so true that for their entire life they love us unconditionally, and make our lives so complete. Now, at the end of their lives, it’s our turn to take care of them and give them everything possible, plus some. Our vet called a little while ago, he’s back from vacation, and he said to bring her in tomorrow. I hope she is still with us. He will help guide us. I can’t put Jesse through anything that would traumatize her or put her in any unnecessary pain. She ate rice/meat, devoured it, and she is resting comfortably. I will sleep with her tonight in our kitchen, which is where she ended up today, so that I’m there for her all night. She is my little baby, all 80 lbs of her. She has a heart and soul of gold. Thanks again Meg.
June you are the “perfect dog parent’. Rain falls because the clouds no longer can handle the weight…. Tears fall because the heart can no longer handle the pain~ We love them all so much, but there is a time we have to say bye for a little while…I sure hope Rainbow Bridge is true~~~ Suzanne
June, I wish I had some words of wisdom for you. My heart breaks for you. It’s been a month since I lost the love of my life, my wonderful Lola. I opted for surgery, but in hindsight, that was probably the wrong decision. I just hope the Love you and Jesse share will bring you some peace and comfort…
I think I’m caught up with tonight’s posts June. I was happy to read that your vet has returned from vacation and you will be seeing them tomorrow.
Until then I know you are taking it moment by moment with Jesse, appreciating the time you have left with her. Cancer is tough and these splenic tumors are especially nasty.
Hopefully she will have a restful evening and you will be able to guide the course for her. I know what you’re facing is scary and especially sad. I do not wish it on my worst enemy.
Miss Heidi (my pit bull mix survivor) and I will pray for you and Jesse in hopes that you will gain strength through your love and connection.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Hi June, I have been away from computer/posts, and I am sending prayers for you. Prayers always help me, and I hope you will have some comfort in them.
Hugs, Donna
Thank you so much Carolyn. Sorry about your lovely Lola. I just can’t see putting her through surgery with her case. Dogs are very special and loyal friends and nothing can replace their love or ours for them. Their lives are just too short. Thanks for wishing me peace and comfort. Crying a lot and spending as much time as possible with my wonderful Jesse. She is comfortable and we’ll see how she does tomorrow. Thank you for your kindness. It really helps.
Perfectpaws5, very nice, lovely spiritual words. Thank you so much. I will treasure those thoughts. I know time will heal, but you have to go through the grieving. She’s still with us, but not sure for how long. Many thanks.
Suzanne, I never heard of Rainbow Bridge before. Wonderful.
Oh please just go to RAINBOW BRIDGE.com…it’s suppose to be a place just before Heaven where all the dogs who are very loved…pass and stay at the bridge till their owners pass…they are all well and happy and are playing till one will stop and know you are there…then you go on to heaven the rest of the way together…but you have to read it …its very beautiful and on here you will read of it when trying to comfort someone…..its just peaceful thoughts to know they are whole again…out of pain and waiting for us when its our time…..Suzanne~
Hi June, the Rainbow Bridge is that wonderful place where all sweet animals go when they can’t be here with us any longer. They cross over and wait for us on the other side. Then when it is our turn to pass over the bridge they are there waiting for us, tails wagging, giving us their slobbery kisses, doing their little doggie happy dance for us.They are no longer in pain, or old, or weak or deaf. And they are sooooo happy to see us. Some of us here imagine that since we are all connected on this blog that maybe our sweet furry kids are playing together there. This is a hard time for you and no words will help but there will come a time when you will be past this and you can enjoy the memories of happy times with Jesse. I had clipped a little of Tobe’s long silky ear fur and my husband got me a locket for it so that part of him is always with me. It has been over 4 mos now but I can still so easily cry thinking of him, there is still a very physical ache in my heart, but I can also smile now thinking of some of the cute things he did, his gentle, quiet strength to see us through a few rough times. He was only 6 lbs but strong in spirit and gave us so much joy and comfort as I am sure your Jesse does for you. Just hold her and kiss her and feel her breath on your cheek. She knows you love her, She has years and years of proof.
My story is not over yet but I wanted to write. My 9 yr old Chihuahua Murphy became ill last Thursday. He was fine in the am and when I came home around 5:00pm still seemed normal. But, around 7:00pm I took one look at him and realized something wasn’t right. I offered him a piece of chicken and he refused it. I went to pick him up and he cried. My boy is a larger Chihuahua at 13lbs and has never even had a cold. He is extremely food motivated, so not eating chicken was very alarming to me. My immediate thought was to call my vet in the am. But his appearance was haunting me. At 10:00pm I checked his gums, not sure why it didn’t occur to me sooner. His gums were terribly pale. We rushed him to the emergency vet in our area. They quickly diagnosed blood in his stomach. Everything was a whirlwind from there. Ultrasound determined a mass in his spleen. The Dr. could not tell us if the tumor was cancer just a 50/50 or 60/40 chance is wasn’t. He was put on an IV and given oxygen through the evening. We consulted with our vet and he confirmed to do an ultrasound of the other vital organs to determine if they had signs of cancer or cancer nodules. No cancer symptoms showed on the ultrasound. Still not a definitive answer, the cancer could be microscopic and it wouldn’t show on the ultrasound. But good news! Murphy was holding his own. At 8:00am the following morning a decision needed to be made. Surgery or put in down. With the information we had, surgery was our choice. Our vet was kind enough to explain that if during the surgery any cancer is prevalent that the surgery should be stopped. Again, this would be cancer that the surgeon could see and not microscopic cancer. Heart wrenching was the next several hours. The surgeon called and Murphy had pulled through just fine and was in recovery. No cancer was seen and his liver appeared healthy and normal. Two days have passed and Murphy is home:) He is still a little slow which is to be expected but he is doing great. Walking, eating and giving kisses. We are praying for a negative pathology report, which we expect by the end of the week. Reading these stories motivated me to write. Each story is unique and the circumstances are unique. In the end, we all love our dogs as part of the family. Find your own peace in knowing that what ever decision you made was made out of love and based on your individual circumstances. God bless, all our four legged family members.
I am so happy for Murphy and that he is home. Please let us know about pathology – it should be negative. I always think Gatorade or Poweredge or something similar, and Pet Tabs, are good in addition to everything – just as a backup to the major things we do.
Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way for Murphy!
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Thank Goodness! I am so happy to hear good news at times when we are heartbroken over so many others. Thanks for taking the time to write a good result letter to us.Please keep us posted on the pathology test, fingers are crossed!
Hugs, Donna and Sasha
It’s been three weeks since Murphy’s Splenectomy. The biopsy determined he has hemangiosarcoma. Devastating news that he has this aggressive cancer. But that being said, he is doing well. Eating and playing! Enjoying all the attention he is getting. It’s weird but I didn’t think he could get more spoiled…happily I was wrong. My husband and I have been through every emotion possible. But we are cherishing the months we have and grateful that Murphy is doing so well. We opted not to do chemotherapy. Since his surgery getting in the car and then a vet visit is full of anxiety for him. Our decision is that the time he has will not be spent at the vets getting intravenous chemo treatments. Tough road but we will walk it. Thanks for all your prayers and many hugs to all the dog lovers on this site.
God Bless you and Murphy!!! All the best to you
Sharron I so sorry to read that Murphy has cancer. The good news is that you got that nasty spleen and tumor out and you are not dealing with that ticking time bomb.
I’m glad that you have been given this extra time to spoil and give extra lovin’s to him for the rest of his days here with you. I know you are making the best of what you’ve been dealt.
Hugs to you all!
Von & Miss Heidi
I just wanted to update everyone on my Sasha. She started acting weak, and I brought her in for a check up. They did the blood work, and they suspected she had Cushings Disease.I brought her in today for an ACTH test. This has been going on since the 7th of this month. She drinks a lot of water, panting, not having accidents in the house, due to doggie door. She is just not herself. Well, the prognosis…..after I have spent over $400.00, Psycho Drinker. I just got off the phone and this is what I’v been told. I think I’m going to go join her at her water bowl with my bottle of wine.
Hope I bring a little CHEERS, today.
Sasha’s fine and I’m broke.
Donna . . . good to be reassured it’s nothing serious with Sasha. I hope she has many more years with you!
My blonde cocker Poppy-Boy is 13. He has been on CHF (heart meds) for about 2 years. Vetmedin is awesome. He collapsed with the white gums etc 2 weeks ago. The mass is 6cm (abt 3 inches) and a fine needle aspiration biopsy showed no cancer. You are right, the large ones have a chance of being benign.
After being in hospital for 10 days to recuperate, he had another bleed. He could stand but is now immobile and on a pee pad. He went from 13.2 kg to 10.7 in the 14 days & has no appetite. On Day 9 he ate a whole tin. After the bleed-out on Day 10, he is weaker and fed by syringe. I can live with the USD$2500 treatment so far, but I think this is the end. I will go to the vet tomorrow. I think it may be sadder if I put him through a splenectomy and he dies from the post-op OR he recovers paralysed on a pee pad. It is so cruel and wrong to have to die from a benign tumor.
I even hoped he would pass on with the second bleed; up to me, it is so hard to let go.
Bless all of you who spent your hard earned money on your boys & girls. They loved us with their lives, we only do what is right.
GOD BLESS you and Poppy…sometimes I just don’t know what to say…it’s so hard to go through this~~~~ Suzanne
is poppy okay? i read this as you were going to the vet to see if you could do more for him? i would do everything, if there is another option – i know more surgery is scary – to give him another chance at responding to something.
i meant poppy-boy. i know that’s his name.
MarjTan . . . so sad to read of your Poppy-Boy. It is so difficult to see them go through these medical issues; having to make the difficult decision that is in their best interest. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
RIP and run free over the rainbow bridge Poppy-Boy!
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Sorry that I apparently misread your original post. If there is something more that can be done, I pray for that outcome. I didn’t mean to be insensitive or harsh. đŸ˜¦
Thank you for the love & prayers! I see the vet in about 6 hours time to ask him about options and the prognosis if we do the op. We delayed the splenectomy to wait for the less intrusive biopsy results. I am in Singapore; we sent the aspiration / biopsy slides to the US, IDEXX Vet Labs. That’s why it took 5 days.
My brother is a radiologist. He says a rupture hurts so I don’t want him to die in agony. If the vet says he is too weak for the op, I will let him go with dognity. At least we can control the end.
Von & Miss Heidi, I do believe they all wait for us. xxoo to you.
Marj
It breaks my heart that you and your beloved pooch are going through this. I am sending you positive thoughts and hugs across the miles.
We went to see him; he won’t recover for an op. He was in his own world. He acknowledged me when I patted him & then my husband got a small head lift. Vet says that he was in pain & on meds. We held him when the needle went in. He gave a small sigh and left to be with the angels. I am sure he is running and barking after a little orange ball somewhere. That’s him in the picture a year ago.
Love all!
Love to you Marj…..I believe it was for the best…no more suffering. I had to do the same for my girl. Brings tears to my eyes and a longing to hold her….But we have to know we are all here for only a short time….and they are only …”A breath away” Suzanne
Marg I’m so sorry that you had to say goodbye to Poppy. “Left to be with the angels” is such a peaceful thought. I know it wasn’t easy and wish you and your family peace in knowing he’s no longer suffering or in pain. God Bless!
Von & Miss Heidi.
So sorry..I know it’s been a tough emotional time for you and your husband. Find peace that you did everything possible and were by his side loving him until the end. God bless you both.
Sharron
When I came home from the vet’s, my other dog,Hanna, sniffed my arms and then went to Poppy’s rest area and sniffed hard with her tail down. She circled a bit and then left. She is only 6 and they slept near each other but did not play much as Poppy was quite a bit older and more sedate.
It’s 2am. I heard a soft moan and I went into the living room to see Hanna in an upright sit position right where Poppy lay 2 nights ago. She refused to leave and come into the room. She sometimes got the treat of sleeping in the bedroom & loved it. After about 2-3 minutes, she followed me.
Poppy has been in and out of hospital but how did Hanna ‘know’ he was not ever coming back? Maybe it was my tears but I’d like to think she was saying good bye to her friend. I am non-Catholic but was glad when Pope John Paul II said “the animals possess a soul”. Feel strangely comforted. Good luck everyone still fighting the good fight.
Animals are amazing, aren’t they? It’s sad that Hanna is mourning too. I know you all will help one another get through it. Hugs!
They do have a soul. Hannah is an amazing dog.
We had to put our beloved Chihuahua Murphy down yesterday. He had his Splenectomy exactly 32 days ago. He recuperated well from surgery but the biopsy gave us the horrible news that he had hemangiosarcoma. He did have a wonderful 30 days of normal life. Eating, playing and being treated like a king. I’m trying to find solace in that and the fact that he isn’t suffering from this aggressive brutal cancer. But I am heartbroken and the dr.’s told us 3-6 months, wasn’t prepared for 30 days and then only to have to hold his head while he went sleep. Ugh…so sad. I don’t regret the surgery because we did have these wonderful 30 days but I have learned this is a very aggressive cancer and the surgery on a ruptured tumor doesn’t have a good outcome. God bless everyone that’s fighting for their beloved baby. They are so special and deserving of all this emotion.
Sharron – so sad here to learn that Murphy is no longer with you. As you said, you got 30 wonderful days with him. May memories of him fill your heart with the good times shared. Run free beautiful boy!
Von & Miss Heidi
I’m so sorry Sharron. I went through the same thing and wouldn’t give up those few extra weeks for anything.
Oh Sharron. I am so, so very sorry for your heart must be very heavy. While reading your post, your love for Murphy shines through. He was comforted when you were there at the end. I just know he had a great life and I know he had a great home with you. My condolences to you and all who loved him. In a law of physics, energy can neither be created nor destroyed. It simple changes form.
Love & Tears, Marjorie
I just wanted to comment after reading all these posts. I am so sorry to hear all these stories about much loved dogs – it really is devastating.
But I wanted to add a little hope to those people and dogs out there who have just found out about a tumour. My old (but fit and healthy) 13.5 yr old Labrador had a sudden bout of extreme lethargy back on 23 July. The tumour on his spleen was found to have ruptured. I opted for surgery – he had a splenectomy – the tumour came back cancerous and it will spread. All terrible news.
However – it is now 22 October and he has had a great 3 months of lovely walks, relaxing in the sun, swimming and killing his toys. I have even given him a few bites of cheese (I am normally very strict!). He recovered so quickly with no problems whatsoever. If his time to head for the rainbow bridge came now, I feel content he had a great life with minimal suffering.
Best wishes to all xx
BlackRiverDog,
Thanks so very much for sharing your story and hope with us! You have been blessed for this extra time with your dear friend and it sounds like you’re making the most of the time given you.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
p.s. Sorry for my delay in responding as we’ve been out of town since 10/18 and I’m just now catching up on my various discussion forums.
Hi, hoping someone can give me some insight. Over the course of about 3-4 months, Trixie- my 12 year old pointer, whippit mix, was brought to the vet because of incontinence. She had uncontrollable urination. The vet put her on Proin in pill form. She started taking it with/hidden in food, weeks later, we would have to hide it better, weeks later, she started to spit the pill out and just eat the food, and then she stopped eating altogether. Since then, she has lost about 10 pounds. It seems that she is hungry, I go to give her something, she smells it, and then isn’t interested. If she eats something one day, she won’t eat it the next. She became very picky, but picky to the point where now she is starving herself. She ate nothing yesterday. I prolonged bringing her to the vet because I assumed this picky eating was because of the pill Proin. Finally, yesterday- she was too skinny and I brought her to the vet again. They did an xray and bloodwork. She has a mass in her stomach, no telling if it is attached to just the spleen, just the stomach, just the liver, or all three. Her gums seem to be fine, eyes are normal, no bloody stool or bloody urine, she wanted to chase geese this morning and almost got in a dog fight while walking her. I am very confused… shes 12, should we do surgery? She is extremely active, boating and jumping in the water, could she have caused damage, or is this mass completely unrelated to her appetite? She doctor said the bloodwork determined that she has some sort of infection, prescribed her amox and prednisone for the swelling. He said he expected her to be extremely anemic and it showed the opposite. She will not eat and getting these pills down her throat is a nightmare with a locked jaw. I’m guessing the next step is an ultrasound and then if it isn’t predicted to be cancer, possible surgery if she gets strong enough? Any suggestions anyone? Anything I can look for? I just have this feeling it isn’t cancer, that something else is going on.
Samantha,
Sorry to read of Trixie’s health issues. I think your best source for information will be your vet. If you’re not happy with their treatment plan or want another opinion, I’d encourage you to go to another vet.
As for how to get Trixie’s pill down, our girl Heidi does the lock jaw thing too. If you hold her over the muzzle, she will have to open her mouth to breathe. When she does, you can drop the pill to the back of her mouth/top of the throat. When we do that, coupled with massaging Heidi’s neck/throat, she swallows the pill without incident.
I will say a healing prayer for you both!
Von & Miss Heidi
Dear Samantha, and Von and Miss Heidi
Yes, your vet is the best reference, but rather than a vet, perhaps a few different vets, including a holistic one. We’ve seen three different vets before the spleen issue, and only the third one suggested and did the ultrasound – the days after was surgery, the other two were shooting in the dark. I truly believe a consultation with multiple vets is the best way to go, since the signs of a spleen tumor are vague, and only an experienced vet, who has seen this a lot, can make a guess. You maybe lucky to have one, but I was not, so this is just something to think about.
Good luck to you.
I’ve said before that Miss Heidi was in the “dumb luck” category of splenic tumors. She has had the same vet for about 5 years now and her tumor was felt upon physical examine while palpating her tummy. An xray was done to confirm . . . no ultrasound was necessary. I don’t think her tumor was any larger than others reported here; about the size of a baseball.
But yes, sometimes it is necessary to get additional options to confirm or explore other options with another vet if necessary. I don’t think others who are not veterinary professionals (as I assume most in this group are not vets) can give very good advice . . . only anecdotal and based on our own personal experience. That was what I was trying to say to Samantha.
Also wanted to mention, the tumor is the size of a tennis ball. It was to my understanding that the larger the tumor, the less likely it is to be cancer. I know that this could obstruct her stomach and obviously reduce her appetite. I read a lot about dogs taking Proin and how people swear it was the Proin that killed them. This whole thing just seems too coincidental for her to stop eating because of the pill and now she has a mass. Do you think its torturous to put a 12 year old weak mut through this surgery?
Dear Samantha
Last Tuesday, four days ago, our dog of 11.5 years, a standard poodle was emergency hospitalized for spleen growth, and we opted for the surgery. She had a slow bleeding and a growth about the size of tennis ball. She was all perfect and happy, it happened on an afternoon she completely collapsed.
She is today (Friday) back home and recovering well. We do not know the results of the biopsy, but I am seeing a holistic vet tomorrow, and have started all the natural healing regime, which I’m aiming to do no matter what the outcome of pathology is. Benign or malignant, it is all about how the body of your dogs responds to it and we need to give every chance to resume self healing and gain strength!
I wanted to share with you my experience as our dog is almost as old as yours. Since she is otherwise healthy, and this kind of spleen removal surgery is mostly performed on older dogs anyways, we decided to go for surgery no matter what. She survived well, the nurse said she even was up two hours later, and wanted to go out and pee! Also, a serious hospital can run tests and see if your dog’s organs can sustain a surgery (heart, kidney) and this is also a factor.
I wish you good luck and hope my mail will help you deciding. I am sitting next to my dog, she is sleeping and her breath is calm and steady, and this is all it matters.
Molly
PS. I wrote you a much longer reply earlier today but the system kicked me out and said “Sorry this cannot be posted”. I will follow up later on other posts. Thank you all who posted here since 2009, this has been an incredible source of information and support for me this week.
Hi Molly and welcome!
I’m so glad to hear that your girl made it through surgery and look forward to hearing more good news đŸ™‚
Prayers coming your way!
Von & Miss Heidi
Dear Samantha, I’m sorry to hear about Trixie’s problems. I don’t know anything about Proin, or how/if it could be connected. I feel doubtful about damage from an active lifestyle though….Really I just wanted to say don’t lose hope – read my post above – there is a little bit of hope đŸ™‚ The vets will know more if an ultrasound is carried out – and then they can advise you from there. I went ahead with the op on my dog because, although weak at the time, he is usually a fit an healthy dog which is obviously a good start for a big op. He did really well after the op – day one he was out of it but ate and drank anyway, day 2 he was up and about in slow motion! By day 3 or 4 he was completely back to normal and by day 7 it was as if nothing had happened! All dogs differ but it goes to show some dogs make a fantastic recovery making it all worth it đŸ™‚
Hope this helps a tiny bit and I hope Trixie’s outcome is a good one, sending my best wishes xx
Sorry – Samantha – my post above is posted under BlackRiverDog!
I am writing my story hoping that it can help others discover spleen issues with their dogs. Our dog (11 years standard poodle) was perfectly healthy and active. About two months ago, she once did not want to go stairs up. We did not pay too much attention, and when mentioned to the vet, she told us that it must be arthritis. Once she stayed with our neighbors, and refused to eat. Again, we thought she was missing us that weekend and was depressed. Around month ago, I walked her, and everything was normal until I stopped to talk with a neighbor. My dog sat down and she could not get up. Her rear legs were weak. I went to the vet the same day, they did the blood work, was good, checked her hips and her blood work was ok. When I insisted she must have some issues, they tested for Addison’s disease. One of the vet asked if I wanted to have her X-ray for hips, but I refused since I thought her hips likely had some arthritis and I would want to treat it with supplements. Another issue I recall now is she was restless in the night, moved from one place to another – we thought she was hot, or did not like her pillow anymore. She also was biting herself in her stomach, which we thought was her skin itching (the vet gave us Benadryl).
Last week, as I posted above, she was emergency hospitalized and spleen removed. The growth was about the size of a tennis ball. She is recovering well, and we are waiting for the pathology. The doctors could not see spreading on other organs, but were very direct and told us to keep our expectations very low. Given the size, they said, it likely is a bad form of cancer.
In sum, if your dog looses appetite, gets weak in her/his rear legs, and restless when sleeping – something is bothering in the stomach, and that something needs to be checked with ultra-sound. Do not waste your time with arthritic supplements, expensive tests like Addison’s, and anti-allergy meds – do the simple ultra sound, even if the blood work is ok, and much more so if it is not, and if your vet does not do it, just go where you can get that service. While I cannot say whether this would have saved us the surgery and the news – whatever it will be, I am looking back at all the signs and can see that this all was clear, the dog was telling me that, I just was not listening, was incredibly uninformed and so were the vets we’ve been to. I know this all sounds vague, but if your dog is somewhat older, and has all these signs at once, it really is not rocket science, now I can tell.
Good luck to everyone, and thanks for all your posts. They were an incredible source of strength to me this past week.
Thanks for sharing more of your pet’s situation Molly. I know it can be terrible trying to find answers when the vet doesn’t seem to be able to find any. I’m just glad that you were able to get to the bottom of it and that your girl is still with you, for whatever time that may be.
Having worked at a veterinary clinic for about 6 months this year, I can tell you from that limited experience, there are a lot of nasty things that can go wrong in a dog’s belly region . . . some more serious than others (with bloat being perhaps the worst!).
Again, thank you for taking time to share more of your experience and learning from it.
Thank you Von. Yesterday, I had a vet house visit her she gave her B12 injections and these did miracle. Immediately after she was able to walk even run, got energy and is sleeping well, snoring as I type this. I am also feeding her raw goat milk, good for stomach since she is taking pain meds, and antibiotics, large amounts. As for the rest, tomorrow starting Chinese herb to stop bleeding, – nothing esoteric here, even the surgeon herself said “I am specialized in emergency care, and do not have training in herbs, but this one seems to be working for many dogs.” The herb is Yunnan Baiyao. Food is all cooked, chicken, salmon and ground beef. She does not want veggies, though the doc said sweet potato and green beans should be fine. Just sharing my days’ experience hoping it can help someone. Good luck to all and I’ll keep you posted.
That is wonderful news Molly. It’s always good to hear of miracles!
If you are not familiar with “Wallace the Pit Bull” you may want to look up his story online or over at Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WallaceThePitBull).
He was diagnosed in the fall of 2012 with a very aggressive form of cancer which first showed up on his spleen. He had the splenectomy but the prognosis was not good, with only a few months expected.
His owners did a lot of research and had him on a holestic treatment which they are certain prolonged his life beyond their most optimistic expectations. Unfortunately, he recently cross over the rainbow bridge but he lived a very full life even in his later days.
I’m glad you’ll keep us all posted!
Von & Miss Heidi
What an amazing story – thanks for sharing! I 100% agree with Wallace’s parents it is about quality of life and pain free treatments. I myself am a scientist and do not believe in miracles, but I do believe that body can recover (if it can), and self heal, it has all mechanisms and we need to activate them. Whether it is homeopathic, Chinese or western medicine, it does not matter if you manage to have your dogs’ body work and help itself. It is also true that science knows close to nothing about cancer treatments, especially this one, so all we can do is keep trying.
Please continue sharing more stories like Wallace’s, and more good experiences in discovering and treating spleen tumors, be it post-operative, or otherwise. We need more hand-on experience shared, especially those that worked.
Update on my dog…The pathology showed the bad type of cancer. Even though the cancer has not visibly spread, and the liver was not affected, the doctor said that her lungs and heart may as well be affected (even if not visibly). What is puzzling me is that she is doing so well, she is back to totally normal. Unfortunately, the doctor said,…it is normal that dogs get very well after the surgery to surrender soon after. Call me in denial, but I simply do not believe it and plan to go on and do whatever is out there to treat her, as long as she is happy, and pain free at the same time. I am scared of getting too sad to have her not fight anymore, and will have to focus on what’s positive now. (How am I going to do it? I feel like crying most of the time.)
Hi Molly, I have been following your story and praying you would get good news. I posted my story here and received wonderful support but my story ended sadly. First, let me say, I can relate to every emotion you are having. We had our Murphy’s spleen removed on a Friday and he was home with us by the following Sunday. He was a little slow but eating, playing and in great spirit. I was certain we would get a negative result to his pathology. I went as far as to think maybe they made a mistake – when we got the call a week later with bad news. Murphy got better each day and we enjoyed him to the fullest. Every day was a full day of spoiling Murphy and loving him. It was hard some days to hide the tears but he made it easy. I did think my God, how will I know if he needs us or is in pain or ?? In the end, he was perfect until he just wasn’t – all within an afternoon. The symptoms were the same as the day we took him and ultimately had the spleen removed. You’ve done everything possible and your baby knows their loved. It’s been about a month since we said goodbye to Murphy and it still hurts but he left this world with love and that’s all any us can really do. Stay strong and enjoy the time. Sharron
Sharron, it pains to me read your story as it is so much like mine. Yes, also here she is so well and good one week after the surgery, cheerful and full of joy, and yes, the doctor said, she maybe very well until she collapses again, just like you say. I also did not believe the test, and spend hours googling today “can tumor test be false positive”. I asked the doctor if she has ever seen a wrong test she said “no”…Now, Sharron, has Murphy also clean pathology on other organs? Also, what do I do if I am away from home for a few hours and she has her symptoms back? Were you there when it happened. Thank you so much for sharing the story with me again.
Hi Molly,
I decided against Chemo because Murphy became very anxious getting in the car after his surgery. For us, we decided not to but that is such a personal decision. I too, hunted the computer and I did start him on ” I’m Yunity” a mushroom treatment that had some decent supporting statistics. My husband and I both work, I had shortened my days slightly once he became ill – I left that morning at 9:00am he was 100% fine and when I returned at 3:30pm he was lethargic. Hard to explain, he wasn’t in real pain but when I touched his stomach he reacted. I’m going to talk straight and tell you, I just knew. I spent some time with him and had decided that I wanted to see my personal vet and not have to go to emergency vet. By 6:30pm we were at our vet and he ran a blood test to confirm. My vet was wonderful and I was glad not to be at the emergency hospital, which is where his surgery was done. He received great care but it was a cold place to me. There were no visible signs of cancer on the pathology from the liver. I’m sending you hugs and would love to say, give yourself a rest. You seem to have an amazing energy – spend your time with your baby. You could have many, many, many months of time. The doctors do not know, all they can do is give you their educated guess. All the best, Sharron I’m here, just ask.
I too am sorry to learn of your pet’s pathology results. I applaud you, for your willingness to continue on allow her to be herself as long as she’s happy and pain free.
I cannot really say much more and certainly not any better than what Sharron has said about her beloved Murphy. I pray that you are able to continue forward as others have when faced with such a poor prognosis. Again, I look at Wallace the Pit Bull’s wonderful life in his final days. It has been clear, even after his death, that Roo & Clara enjoyed some of their best days with Wallace after his splenectomy & cancer diagnosis.
Hugs to you both!
Von & Miss Heidi
Thank you, Von and Miss Heidi. I am hoping to be able to hide tears, give her strength and have the joy of having her around for every day she is here, and strength to let her go is she stops fighting.
Hi Molly,
Hope you and your girl are doing well!
Hi Molly, I lost my dog 1 month ago. I didn’t even have the chance to remove the mass. Whether it is homeopathic, chemo or a combination that you decide upon, I am glad you have her with you. I am sending positive thoughts your way for both you and your l’il gal. I believe we all have the strength to soldier on for the ones we love. Stay strong.
Right now I am very confused as to which way to go. Chemo seems to be making dogs sick, and is not curing just extending their lives. But I will have an appointment and hear what an oncologist has to say. Given that this cancer is so bad, holistic approach with nutrition, vitamins, herbs etc.. seems the only way to go, since nobody knows how else to detect or cure this one or what really the prospect is; they all say is bad, bad bad, but I cannot go ahead and jsut cry and cry waiting for her to die. I am inclined to try out something and prefer the variety that holistic offers over chemo, though conventional vets usually consider holistic more of an anecdotal success, totally baseless they say. What is left is trial and error.
I cannot tell you Marjorie, how much I am sorry for your loss. Please know that I can feel your sadness through every space and letter of your typed message, and can only tell you “I know how it feels”.
Part of the decision whether or not to pursue a treatment including chemo is how well she will handle it. Our girl Heidi does not do well with ANY discomfort and didn’t like the effects of pain meds on her, even for short period of time. (She’d look at us like “why do I feel like I’m drunk?” and was simply pitiful.)
For us had we been faced with the possibility of chemo, we decided we would not subject her to that. That seemed more inhumane for her, than enjoying what time she did have . . . which we would have hoped would have also been while she was still happy and pain free.
Von, I went to the past blogs and saw your puppy Heidi was lucky to have a benign tumor and has happily recovered. This is amazing, and I am very happy for you…By reading through your story and subsequent blogs however, I could not spot any glimpse of hope for those dogs diagnosed with bad tumors. It seem all of dogs surrendered very soon after the surgery,…Are there any such stories in this blog?
I wish I did have more good news cases to share Molly. Yes, on this site, most are very sad and tragic. I think it is partly the nature of us humans as we look for answers when things go wrong, hence the internet searches that have probably brought us all here.
Wallace the Pit Bull’s “brother” is Hector the Pit Bull, once of the Michael Vick dogs that was taken from a dog fighting ring in VA. He too has been diagnosed with a splenic tumor (several months ago) and so far, they have not done the splenectomy because of another medical condition that makes surgery riskier than for most dogs. So they are living day-to-day not even knowing if he’s got cancer or what his real diagnosis is. They have a FB page from him as well and you can read a bit more about it in the April 2013 posts, especially the 4/18/13 one.
I am also aware of other situations, but admittedly most are not of the “dumb luck” variety we’ve had with Heidi. There isn’t a day that I don’t feel blessed that she is still with us and in general good health. (She does have some side effects from the removal of her spleen which you’ve probably read about since I’ve posted about her fainting spells since springtime.)
Like other have said, I wish there was more information out there about splenic tumors . . . and what causes them. If I were rich, I’d endow a veterinary school research project to try to learn more for others in the future. When I was working at the veterinary clinic earlier this year, our vets (there were 6 of them!) said they had seen very few splenic tumors or cancer of that nature. During my five months working there, we never had a single case. So it may be that it’s relatively rare too, I don’t know.
Wish I had more factual answers and not just anecdotal perspectives and opinions. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about my “friends” on this forum and all of the dear pets who have faced this dreaded disease.
Agreed, Von. I know what you mean about how they can tell us, “No more, Mom.” 5 years ago, I had a 15 year old spaniel with advanced lymphoma. With the side effects and the poor prognosis, I let him go with dignity when he could no longer digest food. Although weak, he walked out of the door himself on the last day.
In the end, it is the quality of life that matters. Fingers crossed that the herbal medicine (TCM) will bring improvement. xxoo
Has anyone tried diet based approaches and did they work?
I found this,…http://www.caninecancerdiet.com/ and a few others. Please send your thoughts.
This looks very promising and since it can’t hurt, I don’t see a downside to trying it. My wonderful Lola collapsed on a Friday, had surgery, and passed on Saturday morning. Everything was such a whirlwind, and in hindsight, I’m not sure that surgery was the right thing. She was my love, and three months later, I still miss her more than words can express. What prompted me to write is that I was pretty careful of what I fed her (though I did not feed her a raw or holistic diet). She loved eating so much, and after she was gone, I found myself wishing that I had indulged her more because she loved her treats so much! All this is to say, follow your heart and let your love be your guide… I wish you and your dog the best, and I will be pulling for you.
Funny you mention treats. Heidi loves her Yummy Chummies, a salmon treat that is made in Anchorage, AK. After her post surgery recovery, we had to create more inside activities for exercise so we started playing “Manna from Heaven” which was sorta like a carnival game played in our living room (where she has her supper).
We break up the Yummy Chummy squares into halves and my husband and I each have 7 pieces to throw. We use her dish in the middle of the living room floor as the target. Us humans keep score for the number that go into (and stay in) her bowl. Heidi is of course the big winner as she sits and waits for the manna to fall from heaven . . . and she chases the pieces around the living room as they bounce and ricochet around.
Good family fun for everyone!
That sounds pretty awesome. Heidi is a lucky pup đŸ™‚
carolyn, thank you for chiming in. i know how it feels to ask “what if” questions. i am exhausted from all the research. internet is great, but full of information that cannot be made sense of! from what i’ve seen, it is very hard to be optimist here, as i could not find a single forum that gave me a glimpse of hope. the more i read about this tumor, the less i am hopeful. i have no idea whether the books like this are a scam or a concentrated effort of a few lucky ones to share their “recipes”. either way, it is good to know that there are people like you out there who went through same trauma and with whom one can share feelings. also bad to know at the same time as i wish nobody to be in my shoes.
my heart goes out to you…
Sharron, thank you for sharing your painful memories. The prospect of returning from work, and seeing her in pain or seizure is something I cannot easily get over. I have no idea how people who work do it. All I wish now is to be with her, and not go to work. It is hard for me to resume any normal activities. Between energetically looking for some wonder remedy on all sites I can google, and crying, being there for her and cooking food, there is very little left for work or anything else. I just do not see how can next few weeks and months, if I am lucky, be serene and in any ways normal. I am trying to stay positive, as I think she will know if give up on her, but this is the hardest, let me tell you.
Molly, I have just read your story and comments – researching on the internet and crying is exhausting:-( Since July when my dog had a splenectomy I have done so much research! It is easy to be despondent but I have learnt to be positive now. After all my dog recovered well, is enjoying life – is bouncy, playful, interested – that is good enough for me! You would never guess what has happened to him! In the back of my mind I worry about the cancer catching up with him all of a sudden, but at his age, he is on the home straight anyway. I will just make sure his last day on this earth is a dignified one. He is my best friend and I will be devastated – but we sure have had a fantastic time together! How is your dog now? xx
Thank you for your caring message, BlackDog. It means world to me. I am totally conflicted by the contrast in her prospect, and her current well being. After one week of surgery, she is well, cheerful, at times tired, yes, but all rather normal and you could not tell a thing by looking at her. But it is the prospect which was given to me by the doctor, who I cannot get out of my mind. In one moment, I tell myself: look at her – it cannot be! The other one I think “as we speak, the cancer is spreading all over her”. As if it were some sort of bug going around at high speed spreading the bad cells. Now, BlackDog, did you change anything in your dogs diet, and did you opt for any treatments after the surgery?
Molly,
I have not changed my dog’s diet (except now he has the odd little bit of cheese for a treat!) as he was already on a very good quality sensitivity diet. I do sprinkle some multivitamin powder on the food now which I didn’t before – I thought it would be good for the recovery. I have read soooo much on diets for dogs with cancer – but decided as he is an old boy I would not get dragged into all that – and just let him live the remainder of his life as is mapped out. Due to his age again, I have not opted for any post surgery treatments. I too find it difficult to believe there is anything wrong with my dog when you look at him and wonder if the pathologist was mistaken! I hope you can move on from the exhausting business of shall I do this, that etc etc soon – I feel much more at ease with it all now – knowing all is fine now and not dwelling on it. I even sort of feel “comfortable” knowing if my dog suddenly takes a turn for the worse, at least I know what it is……..
My advice is just try to have nice times together – my old boy is back to his hour long walks now (in fact it didn’t take him long) and we have a lovely time together (just the 2 of us) on these. I take him to different places every day – out in the car (he loves a car ride). We are going away for the weekend tomorrow – he is coming too (he loves a hotel break!).
Hopefully, your dog will soon be able to have some gentle walks – she sounds like she is doing well. What sort of dog is she?
Take care – and please ask if you have any other questions……
xx
My dog is std poodle, and I wish I were in your shoes to have her to 13.5 and plus. Yes, she can walk already, we are taking it easy, per doctors’ advise, I am waiting for her stitches to get out before feeling safe to embark longer walks. Thank you for your encouragement to go back to normal. I know I will need this advice the sooner the better, right now, trying to sort out things to “do” about it, and while I am not thinking about drastic diet changes, since I have her on high quality diet already, I think I will go on and add some herbs, and supplements, and lots of nice time together, and see what happens. Most of the sources I read repeat the same things to use, so it seems that fish oil, a few Chinese herbs, and all anti-cancer best sellers like broccoli or garlic cannot hurt.
I’m sending prayers your way. I have been following your posts, and sending hugs to you.
Donna and Sasha
Molly, please let us know how you and your dog are getting on, I hope you are feeling a tiny bit better.
Add me to the group thinking of you Molly. I hope you’re both doing well.
just found out my beloved pitbull x staffy has multiple benign spleen tumors – for months (actually over a year) i was taking her to the vet about a lump in her belly that was very hard to see and feel and eventually my vet said to do an ultrasound test so i just had that done today (i just got home and googled benign spleen cancer and found this site) and the vet “thinks” its benign because she has had them for such a long time without issue – she is fit and healthy albeit and older dog at 14 years
i am very hopeful she will be ok after the surgery she will have next week to remove the spleen and i was slightly concerned that this could maybe come back or i could maybe do more damage by removing it
my story is remarkably similar to sarah’s story in that nobody could feel or see it except me when she was relaxed and laying on her back with feet in the air and then it looked like she had a whole orange in her belly – it is a HUGE lump that is completely invisible when standing or not relaxed
i will update next week when she has it removed
Mark I’m glad that the vet has diagnosed the lump(s) and has a course of action for your girl. I don’t know why, but I seem to be reading about more and more pit bull/mixes having splenic tumors. As you probably have read above, our Miss Heidi was 9 y/o when she was diagnosed with a successful splentectomy of a benign mass. I will pray for the same outcome for your girl. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
surgery all done and the spleen (and liver) was tested and it was benign but apparently the spleen was about to burst, the vet said i got to it just in time.!
it was an expensive operation (almost 3k) but it was worth it – anything that can give me a few more years (hopefully) with my best mate is well worth it
she has recovered v well so far (she is a tough old girl) and the only problem im having is trying to keep her from jumping up on things and getting excited and running round the house, she thinks she is all mended even though its only been 2 days from the surgery
Mark that is really good news! Keeping them still can be a challenge especially if it seems like they are back to 100%. If you haven’t already, please read further down from last week, when Molly talked about what happened with her dog right after the splenectomy.
Heidi still has bouts with her getting too excited or over-exerted causing her to “fall out” and in some cases actually blacking out. For her, it’s been nearly 18 mos.
One day at a time . . . enjoying each as a new gift! That’s how we’re going about life here with Heidi. I’m so happy you’ve been given more time with your girl too!
Mark, good luck with the surgery. My dog is also older and survived surgery v.v.well. If there is any advice I can give: Do consider getting in touch with a holistic vet. A good surgeon will also suggest using chinese herb Yunnan Baiyao three days before the surgergy, and three days after. Give it a try, it cannot hurt. GOOD LUCK!
Long due update. Sorry for the silence. Taking care of my dog after the surgery and trying to keep up with everything else. She was given a grim prospect, and amazingly did v. well for three good weeks. Absolutely back to normal, and beyond. I had her on holistic treatments, Neoplasene, ozon, Myers…whatnot. She really did well. Last two days she became unwell though. All of a sudden again, great supper at 6 pm, at 10 am we were in the emergency hospital. The same docs who did the surgery said she would not survive the night, the bleeding was back. But she did. She is now back home, recovering eating and sleeping. We are going to see the vet later today, but I am now ready to forget again all the bad prospect and trust the sparkle in her eyes. Will keep you posted. Wish all the best to all new bloggers, and do keep good faith.
Thanks for the update Molly. Still keeping you both in our prayers here in Wisconsin.
A quick update before the weekend. Two days after two different vets suggested she should be put down, my doggy is well, up and eating like a lion, running and chasing squirrel. To their credits, two emergency vets assumed it was recurring bleeding (and it likely was) she would not survive for more than a few hours. To my credits, I knew deep inside she would survive, we gave her huge amounts of Yunnan Baiyao (which emergency vets btw looked at as it was some medieval witch craft, but hey did not have better ideas to offer), and she did survive and is well. Now, my regular vet (holistic) thinks she may have been too active, bled a little, and exacerbated by chasing squirrel and other dogs. Fair enough. We’ll now keep her on the leash for at least a week. Our vet gave her B12 and acupuncture today. Let me tell you: if you are a skeptic about acupuncture for dogs, like we were, just do it. The results are immediate, from a lazy dog and weak walk, the nose starts dripping and she gets up like a puppy 5 mins after the needles. Tomorrow, we are off for the weekend with her, long scheduled beach getaway. We were thinking to cancel and whether it is safer to stay home, as she was unstable just a couple of days ago, and decided we all needed some change of scenery and going back to normal life to enjoy. So, we hope the night tonight will go well, and we will have an uneventful weekend especially the Sat night. Hugs and good thoughts to all, especially all paws going through this and other emergencies. We love you all.
Sounds like your girl has plenty of life left in her. I’m glad she’s doing as well as she is and hope for many more days/weeks/months!
Thank you Von. We are back from the weekend on the beach, and she is doing great! I hope it will last. She is still sore on her belly (when I touch her) and I know this is not over, but so far so good. How much one can appreciate a day now! Every day is a blessing!
Happy to hear your baby is continuing to enjoy all the love being showered on her. All the best, Sharron
Last Wednesday, 20 Nov 13, I had my 12 yr old lab mix at the vet for annual shots/check-up. The vet felt Harley’s abdomen and became concerned. For about the last 6 months Harley seemed to be gaining weight, I thought she was just slowing down as she was getting older and putting on a few pounds. The vet suggested an ultrasound and we scheduled it for Friday the 22nd. The ultrasound revealed a very large tumor on her spleen. There was no indication of spreading from the ultrasound images. The vet performed emergency surgery on her yesterday afternoon. The tumor and spleen were removed without complication and the vet saw no visible evidence of spreading. The tumor was nearly 15 lbs, obviously had been growing for a while. We have never seen an illness or indication of a rupture at any time. Harley came home today and is recovering very well, surprisingly well! We have to wait about a week to find out if it was malignant or benign, praying for a good outcome! Harley has been with us since she was 6 weeks old, in 2001. We are a military family and Harley has lived in 4 states and Japan, everywhere we’ve gone, she’s been with us. My kids were 6 & 7 when we got Harley and they are both in college now. Fortunately they live at home so Harley is surrounded by love! Whenever the time comes we will be devastated to lose her. She is truly a member of the family and we love her so much. We have always dreaded her getting older, knowing we would long outlive her, we aren’t ready to let go. She’s a fighter, she very strong and we aren’t giving up! Appreciate thoughts and prayers, hope to post a happy outcome soon!
Heather your story is similar to ours with Miss Heidi. We had a “dumb luck” outcome as referred to by the originator of this blog . . . and I pray for a similar outcome for your Harley. She is so very fortunate that at 15#, that thing never ruptured. Now if the pathology can come back benign, that would be wonderful. Please keep let us know how once you vet gives you the results on the tumor.
Best wishes,
Von & Miss Heidi
Dharma our now 10 year old black lab mix had a similar tumor and spleen removed 13 months ago and she is doing great. I kiss her every morning we wake up to share another day. There is occasionally a happy outcome. Hope you experience good news. The news of her benign biopsy came just two days after surgery.
Joyce, congrats on the great outcome! What a relief! This is exactly the outcome I’m praying for!
Hi Heather,
Hoping you continue to get good news. So far, sounding good…tumor didn’t rupture and Harley is home doing well after surgery. Please keep us posted. Keeping you in our prayers. Sharron
Thank you Sharon and we appreciate the prayers. We are very lucky. Waiting for the test result is killing me! I wish you all a Happy Thansgiving! Heather & Harley
I just got the pathology results and it turns out Harley’s tumor was cancerous. The vet gave her 4-6 months. I just can’t believe it. She is healing well from her surgery and gets the staples out tomorrow. I’m just sitting here in shock right now. I was so optimistic. I guess we will just have to enjoy every day, I’m just not ready for this. I’m still praying that she will have more time and feel good. I just can’t read thru the previous posts again right now, too overwhelming. But are there any good news stories, life after surgery? Are there cases where dogs live longer and the cancer doesn’t come back right away?
It depends on the cancer….with hemangiosarcoma I would say that the cancer works pretty fast to develop elsewhere where blood vessels exist. The dog just gets tired faster and sleeps more.
I have a friend whose 11 year old Golden Retriever had a spleen with a mass removed in Texas on September 27 and they have relocated to Spokane WA and the dog has been fine. Initially the owner noticed pale gums first and so took him to his vet, the spleen was palpated by their vet and removed with a tumor that was just starting to bleed, it was lymphoma.
Dog recovered from surgery and lived his life….swimming, romping, chewing toys and being loved, enjoying SNOW. he had a great day romping on November 23rd by the 26 his will to live was gone, every movement he did he was tired.
Remember your dog lives in the moment. They love us through and through. I believe they don’t really want to leave us. It is most unfortunate that their bodies are not made to live long lives like us. Its written in their genes in the very beginning of their formation in the womb would you believe how they will grow and age and what will develop in their body that brings them to their end of life. No body really dies of old age, its the mechanisms that develop or fail as a result in a system by a particular time. @ work in my research we work with cell signalling, and we are just on the brink of learning how to turn on a cell’s signal or in effect turn it off. Fascinating research.
My blessings are with you, take many photos, take videos of your dog in all those cute enduring behaviors that you’ve grown to love and surely miss. Take your dog to places they enjoy, sit and love them. So that you will have good memories and be able to look back during the grieving process. If you can find safe stamp ink, you can try and take an ink stamp of your dog’s nose (dry it first) each dog has a unique nose print just to them. And place it on paper safe. Also, quikcrete from Loews is a great product to make paw prints. You can place saran wrap in a frisbee, or deli cup filld with quikcrete (plaster of paris or plaster) and make paw prints for the garden or for a book end, or paper weight while the dog is able to press his weight into the form, those are the perfect ones. OR choose a muddy paw print in the yard and pour plaster of paris or quick crete directly into the pawprint. I did this and have many reminders that warm my heart of my passed on dogs.
Heather I’m so sorry to be reading this message. As Monica already said, enjoy all of your time with your beloved Harley. You never really know how much longer they have here with us. Wallace the Pit Bull was diagnosed with cancer after his spleen & tumor removed. In Sept. they gave him mere months and he lived a full life for nearly a year.
Sending prayers your way!
Von & Miss Heidi
P.S. One thing we did right after Heidi had her splenectomy was creating a photo book through Shutterfly or Snapfish. It was a nice way to put together memories, as we continue to create new ones.
My posts are somewhere on here, but I just wanted to let you know my Lab had his splenectomy on 23rd July and like Harley’s, it turned out to be cancerous. My boy has had the time of his life since – he recovered no problem and has been playful and active – actually maybe more active than he was before! So he is in month 5, post op, and loving life! I am making the most of our time together, taking him on new walks, holidays, he has some new toys, and I have taken some excellent photos (all along the same lines as Monica Kelly). I have also made sure we have some special quiet stroking times together. He is showing no signs of slowing down at all – he is 13.5 years old and is very puppy like! As I may have said in a previous post, I feel strangely at ease with the situation now – I suppose because I know when he goes downhill I will know why…..
Wishing Harley a speedy recovery x
So sorry Heather. I know it’s such tough news to digest. There is hope in the fact that Harley is doing good after surgery and you will have well time with her. It will never be enough time under any circumstances with our four legged family members. The advice of previous posters is so true…..spoil her and make the time count. A certain peace comes with the knowledge that you’ve done everything to help them in their fight and keep them from any suffering. I pray you have lots and lots of healthy months ahead.
Thank you all for the encouraging comments. Harley’s staples were removed yesterday and she seems to still be improving. The news has started to settle in. Since she is acting so normally, not sick, we are just going on with our normal lives and trying not to think about the negative aspect of this. Of course we are treasuring the special moments and making sure Harley knows how much we love her!
Hugs to you and Harley!
I wanted to post an update on my Harley girl. In November 2013 she had a large (15lb) tumor removed, days later we were told it was cancerous. The vet gave her 4-6 months. We just passed the 7 month mark and she is doing great, better than before! She is 13 years old but has a renewed energy. I was deployed to Afghanistan a few months back so she’s at home with my kids and other dogs. My pray is that she beats the odds and makes it until I get home in December. I’m glad we elected to have the surgery, it was definitely a good outcome for us. Prayers to all of you and your furry friends!
Hi everyone, I just wanted to share what I consider a happy ending. In Nov 2013 my 12 year old lab mix had a very large splendic tumor removed, then the cancer diagnosis came 10 days later. The vet gave her 4-6 months to live. They didn’t offer chemo I assume because of the aggressive nature and her age. Well, Harley is a couple months shy of her 16th birthday and is alive and well! She never had a single treatment for the cancer other than having the tumor removed. She’s very special to us and received lots of love! Her sight is going and she doesn’t have the strength she once had…. but cancer did not claim her. There is hope and there are happy endings. I feel incredibly blessed to still have my baby Harley with us 3 years on from the diagnosis. Merry Christmas to all!
Thanks Von, the waiting is stressful but no matter the results we are enjoying good times with Harley and cherishing every one of them. She seems a little sore but her recover is going better than I expected!
Yep I remember how it was for Heidi in her recovery. She really seemed to dislike the “drunk” effect of her pain meds. We kept her calm and down (off furniture & beds) by having a mattress on the floor in the living room, where I slept with her for those first couple of weeks (until the stitches came out).
I continue to pray for a strong recovery and good news from the vet this coming week!
Heather, this is very hopeful since the tumor had not ruptured, I am sure Harley will be well! A (small) note of caution: don’t get Harley be too active, the wound can start bleeding from the surgery. My girl also recovered well from the surgery and had a serious set back, which (one theory goes) was due to her lots of jumping and (if there is bleeding) moving the blood clots around. She is back to being herself and well, but we had a huge scare last week almost lost her, and are now keeping an eye on her, leash walks and no wrestling for now.
Thanks Von & Molly. She has been pretty calm so far but seems in good spirits. I worry that she may get a little overly excited with relatives coming in this week for the holiday. She will want to jump up and greet everyone… We have to be extra careful to not let her over do it! Hope your dogs are happy and healthy too!
Heather one thing we noticed about Heidi, and in fact she had an episode this afternoon when my hubby and BIL came home after being gone for the weekend . . .
This past year (since about April) she has become faint to the point of blacking out when she’s gotten over exerted or excited. It started as overplaying (chasing her ball, etc), sorta like I might be light-headed or faint from over exercising. Too much running would cause it with her . . . or just hyperventilating from excitement.
We now know the symptoms before she falls out and faints, but still, even like with today’s incident, we can’t 100% prevent it. Best we can do is try to keep her calm as she starts to keel over hoping she doesn’t actually lose consciousness.
It starts out as her being excited and panting, then followed by a hacking cough and a drool. Once the drool starts, it is only moments until her legs fold under her. We help her to lay down and try to get her to breath slowly by petting while reassuring her. She has actually fainted maybe 3 or 4 times, the last time about 6 weeks ago when I was home alone with her. Her eyes rolled back and I was sure I was going to lose her. Thank God, she recovered!
The theory goes that after the splenectomy, a blood organ, she has less total blood capacity so as she gets over-excited, her heart isn’t able to move the blood through fast enough with the rapid heart rate. That causes her to get dizzy to the point of possible or actual fainting.
Our vet said she could run a lot of expensive neurological and cardio tests, but at nearly 11 y/o we opted to not run the tests. For us we know we can no longer run her with her ball, not allow her to get overly exuberant.
She does not seem to have any post-trauma affects once she recovers. I do monitor her gums for paleness or generally being cold after such episodes. Generally within a couple of hours, they are back to normal too.
Sorry if this seems to be TMI, but I wanted to alert you to a possible side effect of the splenectomy since there is a capacity of blood no longer in their system without it (if that makes sense).
I should also say this is all anecdotal and based on a possible theory . . . and not based on any formal diagnosis from our vet. We have been able to note a cause & effect relationship, however, which for our girl has been essential in order to try to reduce the possibilities of such incidents. We’ve done really well . . . that is until today since that was her first incident since the one with me (alone) 6 weeks ago.
Von, thank you so much for the heads up on the fainting. I would be terrified if that happened to Harley and I was unaware of this. I hope we can find a good balance so she can still play, and she loves to run, but I don’t want to endanger her in any way. I’ll be so happy if her life has been extended and she has good quality of life as well. I’m very optimistic, she seems very good now, I just can’t imagine that her days are numbered. But I’m also realistic and still praying for the best! I’m so happy you’ve gotten so much extra time with your Ms. Heidi! Thanks again!
I was happy to share our experience . . . I surely don’t want to scare you or anyone else reading here. But given how it’s gone so far with our girl, I felt whatever firsthand experience I can share could be useful to others.
Heidi has been able to play quite a bit. She runs the fence line out in the backyard where a police K9 lives. She gives him one or two “laps” of the fence and then trots back up towards the house. She has also continued to chase Mr. Squirrel and Mrs. Bunny in her yard, without incident.
The ball chasing has to be limited now . . . no more long, multiple runs and no more acrobatic jumping. She also enjoys playing inside with her toys especially the “Mean Kitty” (a stuffy squeaky toy). Everything is in moderation and controlled/supervised.
The biggest thing is when she is very excited, like when we come home after a long day away (which was what happened 6 weeks ago) or just after an extended absence (like yesterday). She is still very active, playful and in good spirits. We do count every single day as a blessing beyond her surgery back in July 2012.
Von, I am so glad you shared the story as it is exactly the same what happened last week to my girl. She jumped around and wrestled with other dogs, and had a huge set back spent a night in the hospital, and was feeling just like you describe. I tried to communicate this to Heather in my reply above, but you described it all! I wish I knew I should not let her play, as I was so happy she was back to normal, and she really was. Now we are more careful, adn she is doing great, going out and walking and playing but anything more exciting is now a no.
One more thing,…my vet suggested that she wears a little skirt / bandage / tight tshirt,..something around her belly as a support. Also in case she jumps, such that insides do not bump around and are protected by the support. We made one for her, and I think is a great post-op support.
That’s a good idea. I hope it’s helping her. Heidi really seemed disinterested for that first week or 10 days. She did want up on furniture, however, which was a challenge to keep her from jumping up (and then down).
As for your girl’s symptoms, I’m glad you were able to figure it out too in order to keep her from overdoing it. I sorta liken it to someone who has a heart arrhythmia that causes faintness.
I think there is so much about the splenic tumors and the side effects of splenectomy that they don’t really understand or haven’t studied. But I have connected with some other people who have similar incidents to what our girls have experienced post-op.
We are in the US and are looking forward to Thanksgiving. If you are too, we hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving filled with love and friends!
Von & Miss Heidi
Hi Von, happy Thanksgiving to you too and to everyone on this blog! A quick follow up and update on our end. For all here going through surgery or just had one: take the advice of minimum of two weeks “no stairs, no jumping, etc” seriously, and do take it easy with your dogs. Our dog felt “too well” after the surgery, was very active (which I am afraid we encouraged and even liked) and we had a big setback last week. Now we are much more careful. The little skirt-support we made tight for around her belly is helping, because in case she does jump or plays with other dogs in the park, she has some support for her belly so it is not too shaken. Other things that worked well: raw goat milk for any digestive issues as well as a replacement for a meal if she does not want to take the meds when mixed with the meal or is simply picky (warning: your dog can like it too much and start refusing water, so it is a real spoil engine raw milk, the dogs like it too much and get v. quickly used to it!). Herbal supplements for energy, strength (Max formula) and vitamin B-based shots. Also, watch for her stool. If it is too dark (chocolate) it likely has/had some internal bleeding, so go with Yunnan Bayio with no hesitation.This all worked so far quite well, and we have marked a month now since the surgery, so far so good. She is happy, running like a puppy, eating like a lion and sleeping like a baby.
I just wanted to report that Harley is recovering nicely from her surgery. It’s been 2 1/2 weeks and she is doing great. I was talking to my kids about her tonight and we all agree that it’s apparent she not only feels better, but she actually seems happier. There is a spring in her step again! I’m just so happy that she’s feeling good and we can all enjoy her for as long as possible! It will truly be a Merry Christmas and Harley will unwrap her package of pig ears as she has done every Christmas for the past 12 years! She’s a pro at unwrapping presents that smell yummy!
It is so good to see another pet recovering from surgery and doing well. My Sasha is still a strong girl. We are one of the lucky ones. My heart still hurts for the ones that were given the chance of surgery and the pathology came back cancerous. I still pray everyday for everyone on this blog. I am wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday.
Love from Donna, Jimmy, and Sasha
Hurray for Harley!! I’m really happy to be reading this as well. Every day is a blessing with these survivors. While I’m happy for the positive “dumb luck” outcomes, I still feel sad for those who had a less fortunate outcome.
May they all run and play, enjoying each and every day given here to grace us with their companionship and love.
Hugs from Von & Miss Heidi
Great to hear the update on Harley – she can look forward to her pigs ears!!
Sending hugs from me and my old black Lab! xx
I’ve been doing more research on splenic tumors and found this medical article that seems pretty thorough, even if at times, a bit wonky. http://www.animalmedcenter.com/faqs/category/the-indications-for-medical-and-surgical-management-of-splenic-disease1 .
Miss Heidi is doing well, although not being able to play in the snow is frustrating her.
Von
Hi Von, thank you for the article. I have been trying to keep up with the posts and think about all of you all the time. Those who have lost their precious friends, those who are celebrating their recovery, and those making the most of the time left together are all in my heart and prayers. This will be our first Christmas without little Tobe. There was one musical snowman that he just went crazy over. It was bigger than he was yet whenever it played he would run up to it and snuggle it and try to carry it to his bed. No other decoration was ever touched. Thankfully, we have our little rescue dog Sam who we have come to the conclusion is a poodle doxie mix. We call him a doxidoddle and say that he is his own kind of ‘designer dog’. LOL. What a wonderful new name for those formerly known as ‘mixed breeds’. We have no clue what his previous Christmases were like but he is enjoying this one for sure. He is a sweet old guy and more and more I am certain that Tobe somehow guided him to us. I wish all of you a blessed Christmas filled with new memories and cherished old memories. Hugs to all of you and your furry kids from Meg and ‘new’ old Sam in California.
So good to hear from you Meg. I’m happy to hear things with the doxidoodle is going well. They seem to come into our lives whether we realize we need them or not.
We hope your holidays are joyous and filled with much love and memories in the making.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
P.S. I know his name is “Sam” . . . but ya know . . . I just liked saying (typing) DOXIDOOOOOOOODLE!
LOL, yes, I know what you mean. Love the sound of that word and can’t say ‘doxidoodle’ without singing it to the tune of Yankee Doodle!
It sure has been quiet here for the past couple of weeks. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the holiday season. Happy New Year. . . one and all.
Quiet is probably a good thing! We had a wonderful Christmas and our Harley feels great! She does seem to get out of breath easily but let’s face it, she’s no spring chicken! She opened her Christmas wrapped pig ears like a pro and even helped unwrap the other 2 dogs’ gifts (she’s a little smarter that the other 2 and she’s a natural gift unwrapper!). It’s easy to forget the diagnosis when she seems to feel so good, but it’s always in the back of our minds. So happy she’s still with us and feeling good 5 1/2 weeks post surgery! Happy New Year to All!
I’m in so much pain. It has been a week since we rushed my pug Ozzy to the emergency vet on Christmas Day. I’m so hurt and angry I don’t know what to feel, it’s so overwhelming. That little boy was my world. He was my best friend. He started urinating and drinking a lot the week prior. I ran by the vet and told her what was going on and asked if she needed to see him. She said he probably just has a urinary tract infection and called in a script. She said call me in a week and let me know how he’s doing. I gave him his antibiotic starting Friday and by Monday he stopped eating. He started to vomit and I thought it was from the medicine. He was playing and acting normal. Tuesday morning I called the vet’s office because he vomitted again and my vet was not in. This was Christmas Eve. I called back a couple of hours later getting kind of worried at how sluggish he seemed to be. The office was closed. I left a message asking them to call me. No one ever called. He seemed to be acting normal other than getting sick here and there. He just slept most of the day which he has done for almost 7 years. I wrapped gifts and he laid next to me snoring his head off. We opened gifts on Christmas and he played and played with his new balls and was having the time of his life. He was himself. I just figured it was the urinary tract infection that had him sleepy and the meds for it. Christmas night around 6 I started to worry about him when he vomitted again and I was going to stop at nothing to get him help. I called a different vet I had previously seen at times and they had a number for an emergency clinic. We scooped him up and took him there. He walked himself in and they examined him. They said his heart sounded good and his lungs sounded clear. I told them I was going to be at the vet’s office the minute they opened the next morning after Christmas for xrays and bloodwork. We didn’t make it that far. We went to sleep at 11:30 and I woke up to him being restless in bed and a couple of times sitting on the floor just looking at me. At approximately 5:20am I heard him climbing in my closet and I jumped out of bed and scooped him up and he appeared to be having a seizure. I ran to my daughter’s room and had her hold him so I could try and find the vet’s number. He seemed peaceful at this moment but something just wasn’t right. I had no idea what had happened. I called the vet and he called me back within two minutes and asked me what was going on. I begged him to just meet us at the office. We only live 5 minutes from there and the vet said he could be there in 10 minutes. My van was completely iced over and I couldn’t even see to drive. My daughter (17) was kissing him on the head and telling him it was going to be okay. We pulled into the parking lot and it felt like FOREVER for the vet to show up. Ozzy’s breathing became more shallow as the time went on and I knew when he passed because my daughter started screaming his name and rocking back and forth crying. I had been rubbing his back the whole time and he was just looking up at her with his paw on her shoulder, we ran into the office and when my daughter laid him on the table. It was just silent. The vet listened to his heart and felt his body and said he had died of a spleen mass rupture. He walked in the other part of the office and brought in a black bag that looked like a trash bag and I about completely lost it. Who does that? I was still in shock and starting to cry in realization my baby had just died. I’m so lost without him and the pain is nothing I’ve ever felt. I loved that pug more than I liked people for sure. I have so much guilt I can’t even breathe at times. What if I would have went sooner? Why didn’t I spend more time with him? Why didn’t I play ball with him a lot more? Did he really die of what they said? Was there a chance he could’ve saved him? Why didn’t the emergency vet at the first place we took him to that examined him for an hour figure it out. Google is driving me crazy with everything I look up. Was he in pain? Did he know how much I really loved him? Will I see him again? The questions and answers and second guessing everything is just driving me crazy. The thought that I caused the cancer by different things…..etc… This week has been the shortest yet longest week of my life and it’s getting more painful knowing no matter what answers I get or don’t get I can’t bring him back. The biggest one…….I should’ve known. I’m probably not ready to read things about other dogs, because I get angry when I see someone saying how their dog lived and recovery is going great and Happy New Year and all of these things. Christmas will never be the same and neither will my life. I loved him more than anyone will ever know. I am afraid to talk to people because I’m afraid they will make me cry over just asking how was your Christmas? The worst ever and I want to punch them in the face. I’ve lost family members and none of them hurt this bad. There’s even part of me that thinks Karma did this to me.he was so sweet and the smartest coolest dog ever he didn’t deserve it. I deserved it more. I have read a lot about grieving a close pet and sometimes it helps and sometimes it makes it worse. I think I’ve stopped being obsessed with youtube videos of info on spleen cancer. I feel like I’m going crazy thinking what if the vet lied and he just told me there was nothing that he could’ve done and it probably had already spread just to make me feel better? I just need to try and move on slowly and eventually I will get there. I haven’t folded a stack of clothes in 7 years and not had Ozzy knock them over. Yesterday was the first time and I cried the whole time. I used to cut dates short if I didn’t like them or they were boring so I could see my dog. He was much better anyway. I will miss my Ozzy butt more than I can even stomach. Sorry this was so long. RIP OZZY….Mommy and Chelsea love you with all of our heart. 12-26-2013
Theresa, my name is Paula and I lost my beagle Perry over a year ago. I haven’t been able to have my posts go through lately, so I pray this one will. I cried and can’t stop thinking of what you wrote. Please email me at mrperrypotter@yahoo.com.
I know exactly what you’re going through. I related to every word you wrote.
Theresa, I see my post went through. It’s been over a year since my Perry passed and it hasn’t got better. They say time heals, but it hasn’t. My husband still cries daily for him. The holidays we’re even worst, little perrys birthday was xmas eve.
I’ve read hundreds of posts on here and felt all their pain, but yours makes me the saddest. I feel your pain, your anger at the world. And when people say it will get better, I say it doesn’t.
I’m still angry at the vets, I will never trust them.
No words will make you feel better, so I won’t even try.
There’s alot of real caring people on this site, and I did feel a little comfort from their words though.
You did more than anyone I know to help your little Ozzy, so please don’t feel guilty. I know exactly how you feel, I keep running different what ifs, through my mind all the time. But as one gal Suzanne said on here, when it’s their time to go, there’s nothing we can do to change it. I believe it to be true.
Our only hope, is that we get to see them once again,that’s all we can hope for.
Hugs, Paula
No vet in the two times we went through this just felt the dog and gave a answer like that. ALL the Vet’s did an ultrasound to detect, X-ray and then ultimately surgery. I hope you change Vets, this guy doesn’t deserve your monies anymore. Whenever I have a problem or a hunch on a dog my Vet says bring it in, an OWNER knows the dogs better than anyone.
Hi Teresa. I. am so sorry for your loss. At this time words just don’t seem to help, in fact nothing seems to help. It’s been almost 5 months since we lost our Sasha and I miss her as much now as I did the first day without her. I cry every day and reading about your loss has brought on floods of tears again. Teresa I really feel for you. I hope both Ozzy and Sasha and everyone else’s babies are the best of friends and are waiting for us at Rainbow Bridge.
Take Care. Jeanette
Dear Theresa,
I too am here in tears reading your message. I really haven’t been responding to other messages but I felt compelled to respond to you. It has been almost 5 months now since our Stella has been gone. Some days are better than others. I don’t cry every day like I used to but definitely some things I read set me off. I still can’t even look at pictures of her without crying. I can finally talk about her though without bursting into tears. We are not even home for Christmas this year because seeing her stocking and Christmas hat while unpacking the other things would have just been too difficult for me. I was in the same situation as you, reading everything on the internet, second guessing and what iffing myself to death. We had lost our first dog to hemangiosarcoma a little over 5 years ago and never in a million years thought we would be dealing with cancer again so soon. We only had our rescue dog 1 year and she seemed to healthy and happy. It happened so quickly and even made it through surgery but never recovered and we had to make the decision to end her misery. There were absolutely no signs until it was already too late. But still I blamed myself for not seeing it sooner. We gave her the best food and treats and tried to do everything right in that year. by the time the cancer was detected and she was operated on, it had spread to other organs and attached to her stomach. They had to closer her up and hope for the best. Unfortunately it was also a quickly mutating cancer. Chemo was not even an option. Here we were trying to do everything right for our girl to make up for her unknown past trauma and ultimately we were helpless. My husband and I even raise money for K9 cancer research every year dedicated to our first boy hoping they will soon find ways at early detection and cure but it isn’t here yet. LIke I said I never thought life would throw us this again so soon. But sadly cancer sucks plain and simple. at this point in my life I am not even sure if we are going to get another dog even though I love animals so much. The pain of losing them early is just too much.
I don’t want to get too long but wanted to let you know we are all here to support you and know what you are going through. I am here for you if you want to message me privately.
this thread reminds me of this story and maybe not everyone has read it from the book Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul, so I will post it here. My condolences to you. You will never get over the love of a dog who has passed unexpectedly, it doesn’t matter how many dogs you have at the time you know that one is missing, you will never replace him/her. A new dog will lessen the pain is all. And yes, I do believe when a dog passed on, they are with us in spirit. They never leave us. When you dream those dreams they are really visiting you. And I’d like to believe that we will see every single one again, yes. Bless.
Why Do Dogs Leave Earth First? a child answers
“Being a veterinarian, I have been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named, Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found that he was dying of cancer.
I told the family that we couldn’t do anything more for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog, in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me that they thought it would be good for six-year-old, Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. The young boy, Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a long while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animals lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ” I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. what came out of his mouth stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. it has changed the way I try to live. He said, ” People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life– like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The six-year-old continued, ” Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
My 10 year old Silky Terrier was fine on December 17th and died on December 20th. I am sitting looking at a blue floral tin of his ashes and a clay paw print, and am still reeling in disbelief and grief. He was a little slow (attributed to age), still ate and drank just fine, but we notice some blood in his urine and took him to our vet. He was found to be anemic and an ultrasound showed a large mass that engulfed spleen and hid one kidney. The mass was rupturing and he was bleeding internally. Our wonderful vet, did many tests to see if liver was involved, or any other signs of cancer, but levels were barely elevated. He received a transfusion, fluids in order to stabilize him for surgery, and the estimated cost was close to $2000. We got to be with him the night before surgery, and I could not sleep, imagining that this may be our last time together. My husband and I, along with the vet, determined that we would take the surgery one step at a time. She went in as exploratory, if all was clear she had the approval to remove tumor and spleen. However, she found that the mass had invaded the liver and was cancerous. There was nothing much she could do. She called with the news and we made the decision to let him go while already under anesthesia. So right before Christmas, dealing with this myself, I had to also explain this to our 6 year old. I know that we did the best we could for him, and that he was treated royally by our vet, but I just keep wondering how this could have been missed; how we did not see some sign. I will try not to dwell on that and just try to remember the wonderful 9 years of cuddles and laughs that he gave us.
Dear Melanie, and all the people who have suffered/won/lost or have just been harmed by this vicious plague placed upon our pets,
I have a few words of hope and possibly comfort for you who need it.
I was 44 in 2003 and never even thought I’d ever have a pet of any kind. However, I walked into a store and a sad little 3 week old pocket-male pocket Beagle was in the store-front. He locked eyes with me and I with him. I knew that he knew I was for him but boy was my wife going to be mad (she claims now she never was).
I drove home a few miles shifting gears while he climbed my arm and mewled. The wife rained hell down upon me for weeks but he stayed and as I worked from home, I spent every spare moment teaching, training, playing, but most of all loving him. We had lost our only son to stillbirth a year before and I knew God gave this gift to me to heal my soul.
We did it all from A to Z, and he seemed lonely so my wife of all people spotted a baby brown doxie a few weeks old and I bought her for her as well as a friend for Perry. They caught on at once and He protected that little girl doxie with his life. If she barked in another room and he was in a deep sleep, he beat me to see if the doxie was ok, which she always was,
Our only vet in a small backwoods California town in North San Diego County renowned for their apple pies charged us $8000.00 and found no reason why his back legs just all of a sudden gave our on him in his 8th year (he was strong as a bull) He would have blood spotting and occasional slight vomit but nothing from the vet,
Hi stomach started to grow large and we tried several vets until being advised to go to an animal hospital near Hemet CA, which we did at once. He was finally diagnosed correctly as having a massive splenic tumor. (Although no one can tell anyone why, PLEASE TAKE MY ADVICE AND STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING RIGHT NOW AND THROW OUT EVERY SINGLE CHICKEN DUCK, OR ANY SUCH TREAT MADE IN CHINA, OR MADE TO LOO LIKE IT’S PROCESSED HERE BUT ORIGINATES FROM CHINA!!
I am a 6 ft 5 300lb private investigator for over 20 years and I am trying to save future pets from shortened life by begging their owners to resist the temptation no matter how strong to get those twisted strips, chew ropes, or anything supposed to be from the good old USA, unless you make then organically yourself with a drying machine of some sort. When I lost Perry, 3 July’s ago, I thought I could never feel sorrow or cry again like the loss of a son.
I was wrong. I have no appetite, we give our doxie all of our love and now that our vet has diagnosed her with an enlarged heart, we take turns 24 hrs a day to make sure her medicines are taken and we bring her everywhere we go. I created a memorial corner for Perry, including his leash around the beloved picture of him and our doxie “Baby’, much to the wife’s consternation, but she finally relented.
It’s a measure of how much you and your pet really loved each other by the incredible steps we take when we sense they may be in danger of any type. This was taught to me by realizing that they return us with 100 percent unconditional love and expect nothing but that they have chose or have been chose by the right person,
I can only hope this helps you and others as it took close to two years to even put it in words .
with care and love to all
Mike and Paula
RIP Perry
and his little sister Baby
Mike, Paula, Melanie and all those who had kind words and felt my sorrow typing my story about Ozzy, thank you. It has been exactly a week today and the pain is still as fresh today as the first day. I can’t sleep I have nightmares one after another all night long. I wake up every morning at exactly the time I heard him moving in my closet that last day. I feel like I am in a Ground Hog Day Movie the nightmare version. People are so cruel and there needs to be more awareness of spleen cancer and more compassion from your veterinarians. I’m kind of torn on the last one, because I had one vet that prescribed the meds in the beginning that I would want there when I was crying, but the other vet I would want there doing surgery on him if there was a chance to save him. He has been a vet for over 30 years and lacked what I call bed side manner, but you could tell if you had an emergency he was the one to be there. I have weird thoughts about how I always say things happen like they are supposed to and I didn’t find him gone coming home, or he didn’t just die laying in my bed, he died being held by my daughter kissing him and telling him we loved him and me stroking his back waiting on the vet. I swear I think he died literally one minute before the vet pulled in. Almost like he had cancer and didn’t want us to know how bad it really was. Yes, I know it sounds crazy. Just let me believe what I want for now. I’m in too much pain to hear anything different. I still can’t shake the feeling that I did it. By buying him things that were cheap at the Dollar General from China like Mike stated above, or feeding him foods from the store that he loved but weren’t “dog food.” I fed him Blue Buffalo food Salmon kind and he hated it the only way he would eat it is if I put a little shredded cheese on top. Spraying things in the house, not demanding they do an ultrasound, karma from decisions I made that I thought were best at the time, reading the fact he was a full pedigreed pug and his DNA may have not helped because of his chromosomes. I know…all of this is babble, but I don’t have anyone to talk to that supports my grief. All they can say is……sorry about our dog and I want to scream and say he wasn’t just a dog. I too, like Mike, work from home, so I was with him a lot of the time and he was my shadow. I used to sing “Me and my shadow” when I would walk down the hallway. He would wait outside the shower while I bathed. He would sit in the front of my van and wear a seatbelt and look at my daughter after school with this look like, get in the back you know the front seat is mine haha. He didin’t look like a dog he looked like a baby. Everyone thinks they have the cutest dog…..and just like I read somewhere else. I did have the cutest. I had the same dog growing up for 25 years and I never cried over him like I have Ozzy. The other dog was an outside dog and I’m sure that makes a difference. Ozzy would meet me at the door everyday and on grocery day would look through the bags to see what I had bought. He was the most loyal friend I have had and will ever have. My daughter was going on with her life and her friends and I had Ozzy to keep me company and still think I was the coolest mom. The feeling was likewise. I thought I had more time. I just thought I had more time. đŸ˜¦ and he was gone before I could hold on. Look at me I wrote another novel. Oh well, he deserves the words and so much more. I just wish I could rewind my life and save him. I can fix anything and I can’t fix this. RIP Ozzy, Perry, Baby and all of the other little fur babies that weren’t so lucky. We love you.
Hi Theresa,
First let me say and the words just don’t seem enough, I am so sorry for your loss and the pain that comes with that loss. Trust me when I tell you that I and I’m sure everyone that has taken the time to find and write on this blog understand how much you loved Ozzy. It’s unfortunate that people close to us and in our daily circle don’t seem to understand or just can’t find the words to comfort us as we grieve the loss of a pet. I’ve had many special pets and have lost all of them to old age. That is painful enough but losing my Murphy to this horrible disease was the worst. He was 9 years old and the combination of it being too soon and the helplessness as I dealt with his sudden turn from healthy to not healthy and almost losing him, Vets, surgery, diagnose and then ultimately losing him after all that is beyond heart wrenching. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that you gave Ozzy a special life filled with love. Please don’t second guess one thing you did or didn’t do. Find comfort in all your wonderful memories. Time will heal your heart but you will never forget or replace Ozzy. It’s been a couple months since I lost Murphy and I cry less and my thoughts of him are happy thoughts. Keep your heart open and know that when the time is right a very lucky pet will grace your path. Not replacing but filling the emptiness. I’m sure Ozzy would want it that way. Hugs to you! Sharron
Theresa, please do not beat yourself up over what you did or did not do or feel guilty. I understand, I did the exact same thing. Second guessed all my decisions and choices. It seems like it might be part of the grief process since I see my human patient’s families do the same thing when the patient dies. My vet’s own dog had a splenic tumor that ruptured so she helped me to realize that we do not know what causes these tumors to form. My Tobe only had dog food from the vet and only snacks were boiled chicken breasts, organic lettuce, carrots and broccoli and watermelon and cantalope due to dietary restrictions, yet he still developed the tumor which eventually leaked and he became severely anemic and died. He was 15 1/2 with heart problems and could not tolerate surgery. On the other hand my friend gave her dog everything ‘bad’, chews from China, the cheapest dog food she could find, grapes, raisins, even chocolate covered raisins until I met her and explained things we should not give to our dogs. Her dog was never sick, lived to be over 17 years old and just died of old age basically. I know this is just anecdotal but I do believe as others have said that we do the best we can with the knowledge we have at the time and just like with us, when it is our time, it is just our time. I also thought I would go crazy with grief. I love Tobe more than the world. He was my soul dog who was with me through the death of loved ones, kids moving away, my own health issue. He was beautiful, sweet, loving, gentle and smart and with me constantly. Even my sons called him my third child. I think we have to focus on anything good or positive…I was with Tobe when he died, I loved him every minute of his life….he knew he was loved…he had everything a little dog could want….he did not suffer for a long time, etc. Grieving is so painful but please do not feel guilty. You LOVED your dear dog and that is what he felt and that is what he knew and that is what he took with him.
I too wish I had some words of comfort to share with those who have lost their beloved family members to these terrible splenic masses/tumors.
All we can do is the best we can, day-to-day, with the advice and counsel from those we trust . . . namely the vets who we look to for professional advice. Unfortunately, there are seemingly many vets who have little to no experience with splenic tumors hence the missed diagnosis for so many.
During my tenure at a local vet clinic, I mentioned Heidi’s situation to the owners. While they had heard of them and had maybe seen a few, they said it was a rare condition. I do not know of any splenic tumor cases handled in our two location practice during my five months of working there. Bloat, on the other hand, we had what seemed like a case a week of that.
I am so sorry that so many are hurting; missing their canine friends. Please try to keep the good times and memories present in your mind and try to let go of the guilt and second-guessing. I am of the strong belief that each and every one that crossed over the rainbow bridge knew they were loved and that their people did the very best they could for them, 100% of the time!
Hugs to you all.
Von & Miss Heidi
Not having such a good day. I miss Ozzy so much. I actually left the house and drove and cried the entire time. The guilt is eating me alive. I just need to talk to someone who has been through this and lost their precious baby like I have. Please anyone. I don’t know how to give personal messages or anything. I need to talk on the phone. I feel like I’m going crazy đŸ˜¦
I can call you in the morning EST. Where can I reach you?
Carolyn, My email is trr7410@hotmail.com. We are going to have a blizzard here so if anyone would like to talk I’ll be around. Just email me and I’ll give you my number.
Hi Theresa
I emailed you wIth my number so you can be called right back
Thanks
Paula
Theresa
Please email me at mrperrypotter@yahoo.com and we can trade numbers to talk my name is Paula
Bye
I lost my 10 year old Shepard mix just two days ago to a similar situation. We had no idea he had a basketball size tumor growing within. He was running around during the day and that night he started to show signs that something was not right. The very next morning he would not get up from his bed and breathing heavy. Took him to the vet and found a large tumor inside. His temp was very low and was extremely pale. He was already bleeding out and had no blood pressure. We had to make the heart wreching decision to put him to rest for the vet said that it was only a matter of time and he could end up suffocating. He was my baby, my friend and and my heart is very heavy. Dosent seem like things will get better. I just could not understand why I did not see the signs and how could this happen so quickly….It just did not make sense.
Reading your stories of similar situations has helped me understand more of what happend to my baby and to start the healing process. I cant bring him back and there will always be hole in my heart. All I can do is try to remember the good times and be thankful for the 10 years we had together. I just want to thank everyone for sharing their personal stories and hope that everyone and thier furry children a Great New Year!
Lou, I’m so sorry for your loss. 10 blessed years-you are so right….enjoy the memories. The happy memories don’t erase the sadness but they sure get you through it. Hugs, Sharron
Thank you Sharron. It has been difficult for me and my family. Just still in shock that it happened so quickly. It gets better than worse. Something will set me off like seeing his food bowl and a full box of bones that he did not get to enjoy. I have two boys, a 1yr old and a 2yr old so things have been very busy in our household and have not been able to spend as much time with my Jake as I would of liked to. I cant bare to empty his water bowl or take up his bed. Just too soon. I just hope he knew how much we loved him and are missing him. Thank you for your words of support it has been most helpful. And I thank everyone for sharing. It’s comforting to talk with those that have been through similar situations.
Lou-Lou
Theresa, my heart is with you as I read your messages, and I feel all the sadness you feel, as if it were mine. Please consider taking a therapy and someone professional to help you getting over the grief. This grief is real, and it is immense. A good therapist knows that dogs are our family, and our children, and how to help you coping with the loss. It is great that people on this forum are so compassionate and calling you (thank you all on behalf of all!), but you also need someone local and for a longer period of time, and you need a lot of help to get through this, and it still maybe difficult. You have to take your condition of sadness seriously, and help yourself, and your loved Ozzy would not want anything else for you but you staying happy and healthy as he knew you. Good luck to you dear Theresa, and take care.
Theresa, still thinking of you. I know it is still so hard at this time in the grief process. Just know there are others out there that understand exactly what you are going through.
I wanted to second what Molly wrote. Seeing a professional was a really big help to me. I found a group therapy session that was specifically for pet loss. I also wanted to add that I found a very helpful website, rainbowbridge.com.forums. It is filled with posts from others who have lost their beloved family members, furry, feathered , scaled etc they are in different stages of grief some fresh, some years past. I cried with them as well as posted myself. It was so cathartic to me. I even made a new friend who lost her cat a few days before I lost my Stella. We still email periodically.
Hugs to you
Vivian
I am so sorry for all of your losses. We recently said goodbye to our rescue beagle Rosco at 10 years and 10 months old. We adopted him when he was around 11 months old. He was greedy, stubborn, sensitive, loud, and was truly a blessing in our lives. He appeared to be so healthy up until he refused to eat chopped apples dropped into his bowl followed by his refusal to eat dinner later that night. All he could do was lay down and looked extremely lethargic, so we took him to the vet the next morning. The vet took his temperature which was normal and then recommended taking x-rays and doing an ultrasound. I was thinking maybe it was an infection of some sort and when the vet told us that the x-rays and ultrasound revealed he had a partially ruptured splenic tumor and that the prognosis was bad, I was in such shock. We made the tough decision to put him to sleep the following morning on 1-23-2014. I still can’t believe he is gone, but I know he lived one hell of a life while he was with us. I was hoping for another 3 years with him, but am grateful for the years we were able to spend with him. This blog has given me a better understanding of how devastating these splenic tumors can really be. Had it not been ruptured, we would have opted for the surgery. Again, I am sad for all of your losses and hope that good will always prevail.
I think if you catch a rupture in the early stages, you can save the dog thru surgery. In oct 2011 my boy went through some weird pattern of behavior as well. I lost a dog prior to a spleenic rupture only to find out 6 weeks later we were euthanizing due to cancer.
But this time my husband told the vets to do what they could. Spleen ruptured. We got the dog to the E-vet, pathology results 3 days later it was just BENIGN. I was thrilled. And he’s still with us today. There can be positive outcomes. My boy is 9 years old, and we love him everyday. Blessings!
My Boston Terrier just underwent removal of her spleen today. A week ago I took her to see her vet regarding a growth on her face. She had just been to the vet for her annual checkup two months prior and got a clean bill of health. She recently had been vomiting occasionally and was sleeping a lot. Her sleeping a lot I attributed to her age. She’s over 11 years old now. I was thinking about her vomiting and needing to have her checked out, but it wasn’t until the growth appeared on her face that I took her in to the vet. The vet was not concerned about her growth on her face–it is age related and harmless. However, he was concerned about her spleen. When he palpated her abdomen her spleen was enlarged. He ordered a urinalysis and ultrasound. After the test was run (her results were good) he said he needed to talk to me. The technician brought in a box of Kleenex. I was not prepared to hear that my little dog was very ill. My dog’s vet said that 90 percent of the time tumors are cancerous so he was approaching my dog’s tumor as cancerous. Blood work was taken and I left the office to wait on the results of the test. Waiting to know the outcome of tests is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to experience.
The blood work results were excellent. My dog’s vet is cautiously optimistic from the blood work. Surgery was scheduled for the following week. After the surgery today the vet continues to be optimistic. He said it did not appear to be a cancerous tumor but until the pathology results are in we won’t know for sure.
That’s where we stand now. I will feel better once I know for sure my dog does not have cancer. I feel that my dog is one of the lucky ones as described in this blog–not only from the standpoint of the tumor being benign but also how it was discovered before any bleeding had occurred. Benign tumors are dangerous if they rupture and we caught the tumor before it had a chance to seriously hurt my dog. I am so grateful for that little spot on my dog’s face that popped out just over a week ago! It may very well have saved her life.
Kathy welcome to our little family here. I’m so happy to know that your vet found the mass through the physical exam & palpitation. Like you, I’m hopeful for a favorable pathology report. I hope you will keep us all posted on her recovery and the prognosis once your vet knows more.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
As an update, my dog is cancer free. It was a scary two weeks waiting for the results of the biopsy to come back and tonight my vet called with the good news. So glad my dog was one of the lucky 10 percent to be cancer free.
I remember that feeling. That is so awesome Kathy!
That’s great news Kathy. I had begun to wonder about you and your girl.
Von & Miss Heidi
My Babygirl Nala died today and it was a spleen rupture…..she bleed to death. Had i read your blog before she would still be here today. I miss her.
I am so sorry for the loss of Nala. My Lola died suddenly last August from a splenic tumor and I missed the signs, thinking her slow periods were as a result of aging. I still think about her constantly and miss her so much every day. My heart breaks for you.
I am so very sorry to hear about your Nala. It is just so painful, no words for it when we lose these precious ‘kids’ of ours. We lost our little Tobe a year ago this month and of course I miss him terribly and still can easily tear up just thinking about his sweet little face and loving ways. Even if you had read the blog sooner it may not have changed anything. I also think about all the kind people on this blog who helped me through the loss of my dear little guy so please know that there are good people out here who really do understand your heartache and care about you. So glad to hear the update on Sasha…what a lucky little girl. So happy for you.
Mel please add me to those who are with you in spirit as you mourn the loss of your beloved Nala. It is so difficult to lose a pet, knowing we do all we can to protect and care for them.
Run free Nala, knowing how much your people loved you!
Von & Miss Heidi
I am so sorry. Words cannot express the loss you are feeling. But I know how you feel and I was told by a Vet that it is not a painful way to die, they just get very tired and sleepy and pass on in their sleep. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Splenic tumors were new to all of us here. Some of us just winded up lucky to realize that something was wrong. I also thought my dog Sasha was just aging. There’s nothing any of us could really do,but run to our vet and pray. I think of everyone daily on this blog.
Update on my Sasha, she’s still doing well, spleen was removed August 24, 2012. She’s still one lucky spoiled dog,
I miss talking to Von and Paula. Hope everything is good.
I think of everyone here too, wondering how folks (and their pooches) are doing. Glad to know Sasha is doing well.
Miss Heidi is coming up on her two year anniversary in July. She’s slowing down (she just turned 11 in January) but she is still very spunky and playful around the house.
Von
That is so good to hear. I love success stories.
My Toby aka “Junebug” who was the most handsome Siberian Husky alive on the whole earth was bleeding from somewhere and we just could not figure out from where we checked him everywhere, every inch of his body and found nothing. He was eating fine, nose was always wet, he played hard everyday as usual with our female Sibe Cassa and all these small blood spots at different times of the day never consistent was being seen on the floors. I took Toby into the vet explained what was going on, my vet asked me if it was ok to leave him there because I had errands to run and had to go to my parents place as well and I said that would be fine, he told me he wanted to run some tests and if he couldnt find something on one test then he wanted to call me to get my ok to go on to another so I wouldnt have a huge bill. ( I LOVE MY VET!) about an hour or so later I was at my parents place when he called and asked me ” are you sitting down”? and I said no why?? he said well I am going to ask you to sit down and try to be calm (he knows how much I loved that dog) I told him ok I am sitting down what the hell is going on?! He said I started a physical exam just feeling around Tobys stomach area and as well did see the blood droplets happening onto the floor, decided to do an xray and an ultrasound and blood work and he has a mass the size of a bowling ball almost inside of his spleen… I about fainted.. and said oh my god so now what? He said well you have 3 options.. you can take him home and enjoy the time you have left with him… or you can opt surgery.. or decide to put him down. Of course I decided surgery that was my only option period, I asked him what are his chances? He explained about 50/50 and the first thing to be done is a blood transfusion before the surgery and he told me to have the blood shipped there was about 300.00 a pint however because he is so awesome as well as his entire team one of his vet assistants volunteered her dog as Toby’s donar! I said what if they dont have the same blood type?? my vet chuckled and explained that every dog has the same blood type they are not people like us that have differrent blood types I did not know that! so I learned that and was in total awe. Once the blood transfusion was done then the surgery was next to remove his spleen, my vet explained in most cases once he gets inside, most dogs have hundreds of smaller tumors all over in other places so I did not like hearing that, he went on to explain that yes dogs can live without their spleens I didnt know that either. He was just preparing me for the worst, which I appreciated even though I wanted to be hopeful of the entire outcome and remained possitive, I knew he was in good hands. Toby went in and my vet once again told me he was calling me after the blood transfusion to let me know step by step how each event was going. OK blood transfusion went great! next call.. Tobys surgery went great! No other tumors was seen anywhere! Toby remained at the clinic because that was my decision for a week I was too scared that his large incision would tear or god only knows at home when he played and ran ect… I went to see him everyday he was feeling soooo good that one morning they told me he had chewed through the wood framing of the 6 ft chain linked kennel door and managed to get out and when they came in the morning he somehow got into the area where all the cats being treated that were each inside the stacked metal cat kennels u see on wheels (very large) he was tormenting them all by barking and up on his hind legs trying to reach them all … oh my when this was explained to me I was in shock but my vet and his team was pretty much laughing and saying to me he wants to go home…he telling us all he is ready and missing his family I asked my vet what do I owe you for the damage? He laughed and said dont worry about it, its ok. LoL Toby comes home and he was doing awesome…about a year later one morning as the regular routine went he was let outside to roam the fenced in yard and to do his business and he went potty.. walked over to one corner of the fencing and just collapsed I’m freaking out I have 3 sons who rush outside went back inside and grabbed a bedsheet.. Im yelling get him in the Jeep as I am calling my vet.. they used the sheet as a gurney to lift him up and carry him safely to the vehicle and placed him in the back seat.. Toby was still breathing my vet is telling me get here as quick as you can we will be waiting.. I just wasnt thinking that clearly and was probably going 90 miles an hour there.. I pull up and my vet and his team was waiting outside by the side door which I pulled right up to and he already had his stethoscope and opened the back door and climbed in… I am crying and waiting.. he steps back out and said “I am so sorry .. he is gone” my vet hugged me knowing my knees were buckling. I just couldnt and didnt want to believe it. That dog was a huge part of our lives and I did everything with him and my female everyday we had them both and to even think of not having him around no more devistated me for a very long time, he was only 8 years old. My female almost a year later at 14 had to be put down due to arthritis it was so bad her hip would pop out of place and she could no longer make it up the stairs we would carry her to bed. Talk about a double whammy with in a years time. I know both are in a better place and we will see each other again one day.. I picture them both waiting for me at heavens gate and its going to be awesome. If you was wondering which I forgot to mention the bleeding was coming from Toby’s urinary tract due to a stone blockage if I remember right so he had that going on as well at the same time as this horrible nightmare. I always wondered though if this tumor was due to the fact that the breeder I bought him from had linebred him because she was in the show world and explained she was after a certain “type” for the showring. My vet didnt think that was likely.. I just wish I knew what causes this crap besides what they “think” does. Who knows. My vet even told me after the surgery he was going to have me get the option to see the actual tumor once it had been removed and Toby was in recovery, which my 3 sons and I did, it looked like a large liver.. looked like a huge blood clot, my youngest asked the vet why is there a little chunk right there missing out of it on this side? and he explained that is where we took a biopsy out to send to Ames, Iowa for the pathologist to test to see if this is benign or malignant. it ended up being completely benign, which I thought was hopeful. My vet explained that when Toby collapsed that day.. his blood ended up attacking itself… so that was crazy hearing that. cant imagine what was going through my dogs mind. I miss him and Cass everyday and often think of them both… will never ever forget them.
Connie it is so difficult to let them go especially when they give so much to us. I agree that they are both in a better place, running free and without pain. Try to remember Toby and Cass during good health and love the memories you have with them.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Hi Connie, I am so sorry about your loss of your beautiful Toby and Cass. I think I speak for all of us on this blog when I say that we love our dogs like our children and they are a huge part of our lives. This month it is a year since I lost my little Tobe to a splenic tumor and my heart will always ache for him and I will miss him all my life. He was so special to me so I really do understand the pain you feel. You did everything you possibly could for your furry kids and they had excellent care so hopefully, you can enjoy thinking about all the good times and keep them close with those memories and memories of all the funny, cute things they did….all the things that made them special and unique. They knew they were loved because you showed it in every way.
Thank you so much Meg and Sam and Von & Miss Heidi I lost Toby June 2009 and Cassa November 2009 I swore to myself I was NEVER EVER getting another dog…. well or so I thought. My sister was getting ready to go through a divorce and her soon to be ex bought her a little silky terrier male for Christmas 2011 or somewhere around that time, and she asked me to take him because if the ex kept him he would have hardly any life with his work schedule and she couldn’t keep him at the apartment she was about to move into. I told her NO WAY I said no more dogs.. it first of all hasn’t been long enough for me and my heart still aches with what we all went through NO! So then she brings him to our parents house one day knowing I was going to be there without telling me.. I took one look at him and then told her “I hate you” LoL and I took him home and love him to pieces he is 3 now and such a good boy in every way that I promised him a little girlfriend which we just got a little over a month ago, a little female silky terrier we named “Bella” the males name is “Teddy Bear” and man what a load of fun it is every single day oh my word! I never pictured myself with any other kind of dog but Siberians since they are and always will be my favorite breed.. these little guys are amazing as well and have so much love to give and are so happy to be with us day in and day out…they make us laugh sooo hard, energetic.. humorous beyond belief and such clowns at times my stomach hurts from so much laughter its unreal! But most of all you see the love and emotion in their eyes when they look at you with such expression no matter what the case and for no reason at all, but yeah at the same time its such a change these guys you can carry anytime compared to my Sibes LoL We are very happy we took him and think it was meant to be. its too bad we cant upload pictures on here.
Hi Connie, so glad to hear you have new loves in your life. Someone once told me that my Tobe could never be replaced BUT he could have a successor. So…now he does. We also said “No more dogs” after we lost our Charlie then our Tobe. So I decided I would look into rescue…’for in the future’. Well, long story short, went to the first rescue volunteer function, saw a sweet older dog, full of love, non shedding, housebroken, non barking, non chewing little guy but between 8-10 yrs old so no one had picked him. We fell in love with him and needless to say, almost a year later we are so happy and feel blessed that he came into our life that day. We are convinced that somehow our Tobe wanted another dog to know the love he had felt and in some way guided us to Sam. Sounds like you had the same thing happen and I am happy for you.
Thank you meg and Sam I am glad you gave that lil’ guy a happy love filled home! I know our dogs watch over us from above đŸ™‚
My 14 year old Bear starting having blood in his feces last Sunday. He had blood work and an X-ray which shows a large mass on his spleen and he is badly anemic. The vet told us our options and said he will probably not survive surgery and that the mass will eventually burst. We have decided to euthanize him soon so he does not suffer. He doesn’t want to eat anymore and as painful as it is for me to let him go, I can’t watch him suffer anymore. I am thankful for the wonderful years he gave us and I am heartbroken.
I am so sorry Donna. My heart breaks for you.
Donna I’m so sorry to read of your Bear’s tumor. The most difficult gift of love we can give them is to help when it’s time for them to cross over the rainbow bridge. You are among friends here, who empathize and feel for you.
Run free Bear, knowing your people loved you very much.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
We lost our beloved 13-year old lab, Luna, to a splenic tumor on May 2. It was nowhere on our radar just two days before we had to put her down. Please bear with me as I explain. The story is a little long.
In November 2013 Luna was diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis (LP). Her symptoms included exercise intolerance with excessive panting. Her bark changed, too. Her voice and her breathing had a raspy quality. 80% of the dogs afflicted with LP are labs. The prognosis with LP is not good, since it essentially means the vocal cords are not operating normally. That affects a dog’s ability to breathe. Because the muscles that control vocal cords can’t move, when they need a deep breath, they can’t get one. That makes them pant more. It becomes a vicious cycle. The excessive panting causes the tissues to swell, further cutting off air intake, and the dog can essentially suffocate. LP is not curable, and it is progressive from one-sided paralysis to complete paralysis. Luna’s LP was severe enough to cause symptoms, but not complete paralysis.
With LP there were limited options. The standard approach is a tie-back of one or both of the vocal cords. The biggest risk in this type of surgery is that the airway, while now open for breathing, is also open for food/water intake resulting in aspiration pneumonia. This surgery was not a good option for Luna based on her age. Along with our wonderful vet, we were pursuing other non-surgical options and alternative therapies including laser treatments. Luna was receiving laser treatments every third day, which seemed to be helping.
On April 30, Luna was at the vet’s office for her regularly scheduled laser treatment. We told the vet that we were concerned. Her breathing pattern had suddenly changed. The LP was characterized by excessive panting, but now her chest was heaving more than “normal†(there is no normal with LP, but we knew it was different). During the exam, the vet also noticed that her gums were pale. We agreed that we should do blood work, xrays, etc. to determine if something else was going on. We left Luna for tests. Needless to say, we were totally unprepared for the diagnosis. We could see on the xray that her spleen was very swollen, to the point that it was pushing her other organs out of place. The cancer had spread to her lungs. The spleen could burst at any time causing her to bleed to death. There was no hope. The vet had left the IV in place from the earlier sedation and testing. He asked if we wanted to put her down immediately.
No, no, no, no, no. This couldn’t be true. Perhaps it was our own inability to deal with the facts, but we opted for giving her a steroid shot and took Luna home. We knew she didn’t have long, but we needed some time to face the inevitable. We gave her a two-day doggy bucket list. She went swimming. She rode in the boat. She ate cat food without a reprimand. We went for a ride in the car (this time, not to the vet). Two days later, we knew it was time. It was an agonizing decision, but we knew it had to be done. Her ashes were returned to us on May 8.
Her bed, her bowls, and her toys are all still in place. I cannot bear to wash her nose marks off the door. She was much loved, and is sorely missed. We loved you, Luna. Thank you for 13 wonderful years.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Luna. It sounds like she was cherished by you and your family. I hope the love you shared will help you through this difficult time.
Oh Margaret, I also am so sorry for the loss of your dear Luna. I remember vividly how it felt when we lost our little Tobe last year to a splenic tumor. I thought my heart would break I loved him so much for 15 1/2 years and my heart aches for you. I also know the feeling of not wanting to put away the bowls, beds, etc that remind you of her. Here is what we did-I moved the bed next to my chair and folded his blanket in it and it will stay there indefinitely. He had two little beige food bowls that said “Good Dog” on the side so I filled one with crushed abalone shells and placed a large cream colored candle in it. The other one we use for things like keys and small items on the dresser. It may not make HGTV decorating hints but it is meaningful to us to get the little memories of him as we pass the bowls. We also kept his sweater, collar and leash. Maybe you can do something similar with your Luna’s things. It is comforting to have items they used remain around us. You may even want to take a photo of her nose prints on the window. Little things do mean a lot to us when we have lost anyone we love. We also have his ashes with his photo on the front of the box and his collar and tags on top. Eventually a little rescue dog found his way to us and I am sure our sweet Tobe somehow, someway, guided us to each other. It is funny that although he absolutely loves his beds, he has never tried to get into Tobe’s old bed. Please know that those of us who have faced the loss of our dearest furry kids understand what you are going through right now and can remember our own pain of loss and we grieve with you so you are not alone. May God bless you and dear Luna. Hugs from Meg
I am sorry for your loss! What a beautiful tribute to Luna.
It is so tragic when these nasty splenic tumors show up totally out of the blue. I’m glad you were able to prevent a rupture. So know that Luna didn’t agonize in pain from such a fatal outcome.
Hugs,
Von & Heidi
I’m so very sorry for you loss.
The stories I read on here sound all too familiar. I am deep in my grief as I write this. We were forced to put out beloved, 11 year-old australian shepherd mix, Rudy, to sleep early this morning due to a ruptured tumor on his spleen. Rudy was absolutely fine yesterday… he played, took his usual naps, ate all his dinner and even went for his nightly walk with my husband. We awoke to him being extremely lethargic, unable to walk without staggering, breathing rapidly, and drooling. We took him to the vet right away, and after x-rays and blood tests, it was determined that he had a cancerous tumor on his spleen which had ruptured, causing him to bleed internally. His blood pressure was extremely low, and he was dying right before our eyes. We knew that putting him down was the most humane thing to do for him. It all happened so fast and we are having a hard time wrapping our brains around the fact that he is gone. It’s hard to believe that he was (what seemed) totally fine yesterday, and gone today. He was my best friend; he knew my heart, and I knew his. I’m just devastated.
Oh Leslie, I am so very, very sorry about the loss of your dear Rudy. The pain of losing our furry kids is just horrible and you had no time to prepare for it either. In some ways, a blessing to know he did not suffer long, had a great last day, and enjoyed his life to the end. But on the other had, there are just no words that can ease the grief. Just please know that you are not alone. So many of us on this site ended up losing our dearest little dogs and we understand. Hugs, Meg
Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you’re devastated and I wish there was something I could say to take away your pain, but the truth is that it just plain sucks to lose your BFF this way. I hope time and especially the love you shared ease the ache in your heart.
Prayers for your Rudy, we are so sorry. We are all sharing your loss, and are here for you. There was nothing you could do, and it is so sad, sometimes there is no warning. You did the best you could do for your Rudy.
Leslie . . . add our prayers and thoughts as you mourn the loss of your beloved Rudy.
Hello everyone is almost a year since i wrote a year since my Brownee passed away and im feeling depress again I feel as tho it was just yesterday that I said goodbye.
Hi, I remember your Brownee, like it was yesterday. We never let go of our feelings. It seems like our hearts are torn forever. The only happiness we feel is in the thoughts of joy and love they gave us. I am saddened by the short lifespan they all have, and for the ones that never had a full life in dog years. I am saying a prayer for you and your Brownee. Take care.
Thank you so much Donna means so much to me I just wonder if he’s watching over me if he knows I miss him so much and that I often cry in silence for his loss that I wish I could hold him one more time my heart will hurt forever I hope he knows his brother necio and candy miss so much…
Your post tugs at my heart and I can feel how much you miss your beloved Brownee. I too would give anything to hold my beloved Lola one more time… I wish you healing and peace.
Thank you Carolyn I miss my big boy so much im sorry for your loss I hope Brownee is with Lola in rainbow bridge đŸ’œđŸ’œđŸ™đŸ¶đŸ¶
I too remember your story and Brownee. Hugs to you as you continue to heal. I agree, their doggie lives are simply too short!
My sweet bagel (Bassett/beagle) Bandit is sleeping next to me peacefully 3 days post op from having an emergency splenectomy. 5 days ago was a normal day until he went out in the evening and came back shaky and panting. He laid down and seemed as though his tummy hurt. He had pancreatitis a year before so my husband and I were convinced it was a repeat episode so we slept on the couch with him and decided to take him to the vet first think in the morning.
I took him in the next morning and was devastated yo learn my sweet boy nearly bled to death the night before!!! We decided to hospitalized him immediately and check his heart and liver via US before going to surgery Monday morning. His heart and liver were clear and the internist said she felt the mass would likely be benign because she didn’t feel hr would still be here with such a large hemosarcoma.
He did great through the surgery and was a bit slow to start eating but 3 days post op he is doing great. Back to his dopey self and even prancing around wagging his tail.
Now we pray and wait for pathology!!! Holding on to the hope that the internist is right with all my might!!!!
I never knew about splenic masses before but I will never forget how sudden and horrible this past week has been!
đŸ¶đŸ¾đŸ’™
Carey . . . God bless you precious Bandit. I pray for a positive outcome and continued recovery from the surgery! You’re very fortunate that he didn’t bleed out. Scary stuff for sure.
Von & Miss Heidi
Carey, Prayers coming your way for Bandit. Every now and again there is a ray of hope, given the chance, for a positive outcome. I consider some of us the lucky ones, our beloved fur babies make that chance positive. Please keep us posted on his recovery. We all know what you are going through. If I can say one thing about all the wonderful people posting on this site is, you are not alone. I found comfort here.
Hooray! Very happy for you and Bandit! Yes it does run you through an emotional upheaval. He’ll be sore for a couple of days and if anything like my boy will be bouncy in a few days. (Don’t let him bounce!—he needs to heal, my dog got so bouncy he created a pocket of fluid in the incision area, I thought he herniated but they said, to make him be low activity which we did and it went away. That was 2011, and he’s still here. God bless & happy tails
Monica and Bivin
PS. canned 100% pumpkin helps them poop, just add 1 tablespoon to their meals…the pain meds tend to slow things down.
Thank you for all of the kind words. We are 5 days post op and my Bandit is doing amazing. He seemed a little painful yesterday so we added an anti inflammatory for a few day to get him by.
He is playful and happy and back to stealing scraps under my 1yo son’s high chair!!!
We go for follow up tomorrow with the vet and I go between wanting the pathology back now to never wanting to take that call.
I hope and pray that everything happens for a reason and the growth is benign and we never have to hear the word sarcoma again!!!
A little reminder that the Fourth of July is next Friday, and as we all know, fireworks will be happening in the states that allow it. Please, protect your pets as they are frightened by the loud unexpected noise that will happen that day. The animal shelters fill up with runaway pets. Please, if you have outside pets, please let them in that day and evening, (or better yet, the whole night).
For the babies that crossed over the rainbow bridge, I’m sure they are guarded and protected in loving arms till we meet them again.
Hugs, Donna and Sasha
Thank you for this post and for all the comments! I was doing research regarding the correlation between vestibular and splenic masses, as our vet mentioned it this morning. Our 12 1/2 year old border collie had a mild, short idiopathic vestibular event this morning. Our vet could find nothing amiss and the dog had blood work done recently along with some minor surgery to remove a few benign superficial lumps, so we knew she was basically healthy. He suggested an ultrasound, just to check her spleen, and while he was doing that, he looked at her liver and kidneys. All checked out ok except for a small area on her spleen. He’s not worried right now, but wants her back for another ultrasound in about 6 weeks. I had already planned to do that, but after reading this post, I have no doubt that it’s worth doing. A few years ago, we lost an otherwise healthy 10 year old dog to an adrenal mass that we didn’t see coming. He got sick and within 10 days, he was gone. Our vet tried to remove the mass surgically, but the complicated nature of the mass was too much for the dog to make it through surgery. Because of that, I agreed to the ultrasound today, yet I probably would have agreed to it anyway, just to be safe. I sure wish I’d known enough to get health insurance on the border collie when she was young, but we manage to cover her expenses and she’s worth every penny. I DO have insurance on our second, younger dog!
Best wishes on obtaining a diagnosis and treatment plan. It is so difficult no knowing and seemingly waiting for something to happen. In the meantime, enjoy every day that you have with your precious girl.
Von & Miss Heidi
Update: no changes to the suspicious area of her spleen. The vet has done 3 ultrasounds so far, and he sees nothing that indicates any immediate action. He wants to do a re-check on the spleen in 6 months. He did find an odd area on her liver with the last ultrasound, so we’re going to have that checked again in 3 months. All her blood work is ok, so the liver/spleen anomalies may well just be “stuff that happens to tissue as it ages”, our girl is 13 now. Fingers crossed. She’s had only 2 more vestibular incidents since that first one. One was mild, the other was about the same as the first.
It has been 2 years since my dog Zoey was diagnosed with this terrible cancer and almost 2 years since we lost here. I stop by here occasionally to see what advances they may have made on this cancer. So many stories sound so similar to the story we went through. So many memories.
I have another dog now but Zoey remains in our hearts forever and not a week goes by when we don’t mention her. I have never cleaned her nose prints off my back door. My prayers to everyones dogs and also for a cure to be found for this terrible cancer.
It seems all of the world’s grief is contained the many emails about splenic masses. My precious Golden girl is now one month away from her 16th birthday. A year ago, she was diagnosed with a stable, benign splenic tumour, but otherwise remarkably healthy for her age. A kidney infection was treated last month, and very little difference in the mass was found on examination at that time. However, this last week a cough, producing bile, and a marked reduction in her energy and appetite prompted a visit to our vet today. It is now felt that the spleen has enlarged to the point where it is pressing on other organs.The sad reality is that, short of giving her sleep before she is otherwise ready, little else can be done except watchful waiting – and praying to make the right decision when the time comes. We have established several markers, and by closely monitoring her daily activities, hope we will know when to make that sorrowful decision on her behalf. The ‘markers’ we have chosen are: a morning roll in the grass, walks around our yard, and a little playtime with her daughter each day. We were also taking a short, slow walk each evening, but I think that is no longer a pleasure. Choosing to monitor activities that are familiar and measurable might not work for everyone, but it just might help to keep track of the changes in our beloved pet’s condition.
Hi Barbara, Indeed many sad stories with a few happy endings. I believe your decision is loving. Our four legged children want to be home. Your girl will enjoy the love and routine she’s been so lucky to have for 16 years. Rest easy and enjoy her. You will know when it’s time. Sending prayers your way. Sharron
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Barbara I too stop by here every now and again to see how folks and their beloved canine family members are doing. Your golden girl is living a full and long life; she’s lucky to have you.
As was already said, you will know when the time is right for her. Enjoy your time together and savor the moments shared.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Almost a week has passed since my initial comment, and changes continue to take place, as we carefully monitor our beloved girl. The panting is more frequent, as is her snoring. But giving up our walks is not yet an option; she lays near the door, waiting for me to get her leash. After our little walk this evening, we had to be helped climb the 3 steps into our house.
Last week our vet suggested the retching cough might be aspiration pneumonia, and knowing this is a strong possibility, we have her on ABX. There has definitely been less bile produced in the last few days, but not much improvement in the dry cough. Watchful waiting….
Regarding her diet, this is now the marker we are watching, and probably the one that will tell us the most as the days pass. There are still daily patrols around her yard, and an occasional roll, but the energy to do much else is no longer there. Close monitoring and watchful waiting….
Just thought I would add a little ray of hope for others…..my name is Milo, a black lab, and I am now 14. My owner originally put a post on here in July 2013 to say how well I was doing after a splenectomy, which ended up as a cancerous diagnosis.
Well – I am still here – enjoying life – a bit slower, but I am over 14! For anyone interested, I have an ordinary grain free complete diet – oh – and my joint supplements.
Best wishes to all, both canine and human x đŸ™‚
Milo it’s so nice to hear back from you! I remember your story and so happy to know you’re doing OK. Congrats on beating that nasty cancer!
P.S. What joint supplement are you taking? Miss Heidi is going to be 12 in January and I’m sure would benefit from them too.
Von
‘Blackriverdog’–My female Kuvasz “Sashka’ (10.5 yrs. old) was found to have a large mass in the spleen, and also lesions(s) on the liver on August 11th. I had taken her to the vet after she had a second spell of weakness..The vet performed a physical exam, x-rays of the abdomen, and ultrasound. On the basis of that she felt that Sashka has hermangiosarcoma, and gave her a prognosis of 1-2 months without surgery.
On the basis of research I have put her on a few supplements, as well as Chinese herbs. From what I have read the sad stories far outweigh the happy outcomes such as your own with Milo. Could you relate how you treated Milo? Did he have the spleen removed? Did you use chemo or some other alternative approach? And what about diet?
Sashka is 3 weeks past diagnosis, and doing well. She is eating well, and does not appear unwell, although she cannot endure any sustained exercise very well. I have been keeping her inactive over the past 3 weeks out of fear that activity could cause a rupture of the tumor.
I am trying to raise funds to take her to a larger clinic in order to do further tests to see if she is a good candidate for surgery. If the vet(s) feel surgery is a good option in her case I would probably have the spleen/tumor removed if I can first raise the needed $$.
Diet–currently I am feeding her fresh meat lightly cooked, eggs canned fish, blended vegetables, and a vitamin/mineral supplement. She is also getting some Orijen dry food–about 20% of total food intake.
Below is a link to the page where I found the protocol which I am using, minus the vitamin A/D megadoses, and the accupincture. In the article there is a Chinese herb mentioned called ‘Yunnan Baiyao’ which is supposed to help control bleeding. It has a long history of use by Asiatic militaries to control bleeding in wounded soldiers. Some holistic vets are prescribing it for hemangiosarcoma because of the risks of inter bleeding. I just thought I should mention that because it may help others–I cannot vouch personally for it’s efficacy except to say Sashka has been on it for 10 days and so far no bleeding episodes that I am aware of. It can be found online at carious supplement shops Thank-you in advance for any details you might provide re the treatment(s) you used for Milo.
https://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2012/07/31/the-hardest-cancer-how-to-treat-hemangiosarcoma-in-dogs-holistically-with-herbs-and-supplements/
Thank you for sharing this link, it’s an interesting post with very helpful information for a treatment option without surgery in an older dog. I’m so sorry that you and Sashka are dealing with this. I hope this helps her and makes her comfortable and that you can work out the funding to be able to take the best course of action.
Annran–thanks for your kind comments. I found that site purely by accident while researching HSA. I do find the holistic approach very interesting–and one advantage is that at least to some degree it can be practiced at home. This is important for me as I live in a rural area, and cannot drive due to a visual disability. It sounds like there are cases of holistically treated dogs doing at least as well as those receiving chemo, and without the nasty side effects. Sashka continues to rally. She is eating well, and seems to be feeling fine, except that she cannot tolerate physical activity that well i.e. her heart rate elevates rather high, and she tires quickly. I don’t really know what to expect with this–I lost two other dogs to cancer years ago, and they were worse off after diagnosis. However, I have read that HSA is not a painful cancer. Without being in denial, I am trying to keep my spirits up. I guess I can only take this one step at a time, and take what each day brings. BTW, I am also an artist, and primarily paint and draw birds and animals.
My dog Bandit(12 to beagle basset) was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma in June. His spleen had ruptured so he required emergency surgery to remove the spleen. There was no visual sign that the cancer had spread and some heart arrhythmia he was experiencing pre/post op resolved completely before his 2 week post op check up.
He has healed amazingly well from his surgery and 2+ months later he is acting like a puppy again.
We immediately changed him to a grain free diet and add a bit of pureed pumpkin or carrots for fiber. I also mix in Omega 3, 6, and 9 from caplets I pop and squeeze over his food. I get the triple omega ftom Costco.
I am hopeful we caught his tumor in time and that it didn’t spread. I am so surprised and greatful he is doing so well when I was preparing to be losing him only a few short weeks post op.
I am convinced miracles so happen…even when dealing with such an insidious diagnosis!
Norm, I am very sorry to hear about Sashka. Milo did have his spleen removed – it had ruptured already. The spleen was sent to the lab for diagnosis – it came back as a malignant cancer but they could not say it was hemangiosarcoma or another form of cancer. My vet did not see any nodules on any other organs during the operation, but this is not to say there was none as he did not really have a chance to look properly – Milo had lost so much blood. He did not have any chemotherapy – just some painkillers/antibiotics following the surgery. He recovered really well and I made plans to give him a lovely last few months of us together….but against the odds he is still here 13 months later! Although the odds may say Sashka has hermangiosarcoma, there is a small chance she may not, although obviously your vet’s opinion is what counts.
Milo has a complete grain free food (similar to Orijen) and that’s it (and some joint supplements). I do think maybe the cancer he has is a rarer one than the more common hermangiosarcoma as he has done so well.
My thoughts are with you both.
Hello Von and Miss Heidi! My joint supplements are Seraquin – they taste OK once you get used to them – I eat them as treats or on top of my breakfast. My owner does not know if it is down to them that I still get about well for my age – but she will keep me on them as I am doing very well. Best wishes to you both, Love Milo! đŸ™‚
Thanks Milo. Give your people a hug for me too!
Von & Miss Heidi
Blackriverdog–thanks for the reply. I am happy to hear Milo is doing so well. I hope he continues to beat the odds. Sashka is doing well this morning. Ate a hearty breakfast and had a 1/2 mile walk. There is obviously something going on, because she is tires during that effort, whereas earlier this summer she was going for 6.5 miles, and also doing 5K runs. I am wondering if there is still some low level blood loss occurring. Because of my lack of $$ I have not yet made a move to get her mass removed–I am working on that. I feel rather worried about the delay, as if it is cancerous it may be spreading. The vet gave her 1-2 months, yet approaching 1 month she has only improved. I don’t know how much hope that should give me re the possibility of a positive outcome. I also wonder if the Chinese herbs, and antioxidants I am giving her (N acetyl L cysteine, IP6 with inositol, and a mushroom complex) are slowing the cancer down–if indeed it is cancer to begin with. Thanks again for your update on Milo, and your supportive remarks–it is nice to hear a success story with this disease.
Our 4 1/2 year old English Pointer started exhibiting odd symptoms a week ago. Stiff walking, less energetic, doesn’t want to get up to eat or drink but will eat/drink if I bring the bowls to him. This all happened overnight. After x-rays and ultrasound, they found nodules in his spleen, coarse liver, and gastric wall thickening. All could be related, or unrelated. The specialist wants to do a fine needle aspiration, but I think I just want him to undergo surgery since I have a feeling it’ll need to be removed anyway. He is only comfortable laying down but still gets up to go outside to the bathroom. He will tremble until he relaxes enough. Very discouraging because he’s so young đŸ˜¦
Katy best wishes to you and your pet. It can be so unsettling to not know. If you have doubt about the course of diagnosis or treatment, get a second opinion. I hope for a optimistic prognosis.
Von & Miss Heidi
Thank you to all for sharing your stories. I, too, am devastated by the rapid loss of my rescued German Shorthaired Pointer, Max, who was just 9 yrs old.
Last year on Friday, 11/18/13 – my sweet boy laid down in bed with me and his brothers Joey & Tucker and never woke up. I was shocked and continue to be devastated.
The preceding Monday, I noticed his gums looked pale and he wasn’t up for his nightly run. The following day he was fine – gums looked great, appetite and energy level normal. Thursday morning his abdomen was distended, brought him to the vet where he was misdiagnosed …. The following night he was gone within a week all I had was his ashes – my beautiful boy was gone.
For almost a year, I’ve struggled with how he passed until today. Learning of a dog on Facebook, Puma, a rescued pit bull and her recent passing from hemangiosarcoma. My eyes are swollen with tears and feel his death as strongly as I did upon his passing. He was a great dog, a wonderful brother and best friend.
I do want to say that Max died peacefully – and from what I’ve learned – bleeding out is said to be a gradual, nonviolent and painless death. That alone is the only comfort I have.
Some encouraging research from Penn State using a compound extracted from Chinese Yushi mushrooms has extended the lives of those dogs treated with increased doses of up to 100+ days. However, this venomous condition is fatal even postsplenectomy.
To all of you – thank you for sharing your heartbreak and love. To all those 4-legged friends who’ve gone too soon – wait for us because we’ll see you again.
Rest sweetly my sweet Max – xoxo
Your story breaks my heart and I am so sorry for your loss. I too am struggling to deal with the loss of my beloved Lola – still, after more than a year later. I know that Max’s spirit is still with you and hope his love brings you some comfort.
Hi Carolyn
Wrap both your arms around your waist & squeeze really tightly – that’s a big hug from me to you :). Thank you so much for your condolences for Max. While he is gone far too soon – he lived a life of long hunts in the woods, happy runs on the beach and goofing around with his family and doggie friends. His constant smile is what I miss most.
My sincere condolences for your loss of Lola. While it’s difficult without her, what a lucky girl to be so loved by you.
I can’t help but wonder if heartworm preventative or treatment of dogs that are heartworm positive could have an influence on a dog’s susceptibility to acquire the cancer. Max was found as a stray at around 3 yrs of age, heartworm-positive and successfully treated. I adopted him shortly thereafter. All my pups receive monthly preventatives. Since the cancer is extremely rare in humans – I wonder if the toxins in the treatment/preventativescontribute to the onset of the tumor. So sorry – too analytical đŸ™‚
Hugs to you, Carolyn!!
Lisa
Thank you, Lisa!! I too wonder about causes… in addition to being on heartworm preventive, Lola had chronic inflammation in her intestine, and she was on anti-inflammatory medications for quite a while. Thanks so much for your kind words and hugs!
Keeping you in my thoughts – please let us know how he’s doing. I love English Pointers .
I just wanted to write a success story because
I haven’t found many on here
Which filled me with dread
Me cen though I had been through it with my dads rottweiler years previous
Stitch is our 6.5 year old rottweiler, I hate it when people pull a face at the word rottweiler as these are the most Gentel dogs I have ever known
Stitch came to us and was brought up with our little boy
He is our baby just the same !!!!
It started where he got a hot spot and was taken to the vets
Rotts suffer from skin problems and all of stitches symptoms were put down to this.
One weekend my father said there was something wrong as he had been off his food and this was not right !!!! He had started to lag behind on walks
And i noted his breathing was funny after a walk
We tried to kid ourselves
He is getting on, he is coming up 7 etc
however hesring my dad made my hubby take him to the emergency vet
He arrived back flooded with tears
Could b stomach cancer as stitch has a football size tumour !!!!!!!
It sounded like he had no hope
But he had to go back the next morning
I thought about mackintosh my rott who lived with us when I was little
at the age of 10 developed a football size tumour on his spleam and the splean was removed and he was fine
He lived to 13.5
A good age for this breed
We took him the next morning, stitch had xrays and ultra sounds and blood tests which wer all great
The vet decided to operate and remove the splean the next morning
Howver she wouldn’t know if this had spread until she had him open,
We cried and cried and decided if it had spread then we wouldn’t wake him back up
He went in the next morning
At 8.30
The vet said she would ring us if she found any issues upon opening out baby up.
1pm came and I was beside myself but my partner told me that this was really good as she hadnt called us !!!!!
At 3pm I wouldn’t wait a min longer and called them
To find stitch had just woke up and was very active, we could collect him at 4.45
Wooooo hooooooo
He came home and was very down that night
But he was eating already !!!!!!
The next day everythjng changed and he was like a new dog
We were worried sick he was now doing to much
He was like a brand new dog and all those signs we put down to him getting older or his hot spot had all gone
However the day before the stitches were coming out
We had a huge scare
We were stroking our baby when we felt a hard golf ball lump in his neck and I immediatly thought the lymph nodes
Our baby had cancer and it had got him
I had read that much bad stuff
We cried and cried
He was so happy how could this be ?
We took him in and she was so happy to see stitch so happy
And was ready to get th stitches out
When I broke down and told her about the lump
She felt it and said to me
That this was not the lymph nodes as this was to far down
The lymph nodes are closer to the jaw and ears
Thank goodness
She advised us
This was a neck muscle
And that’s why it was more prominent when he moved his neck !!!!!!!!
Thank the Lord
There is someone looking down on us
Stitch is only 6 years old and it would kill me
As he is now so happy
I would advise anyone to go ahead and get the splean removed
I had many doubts after reading the Internet
People don’t bother with the happy stories and only write the bad
It’s been worth it for our stitchy
The emergency vet told my partner it was so huge that it had spread all over the stomach to the splean
This wasn’t the case and I am furious he said that to my partner
The tests confirmed this wasn’t the case
I now give stitch
K9 immunity plus from amazon
After I read these are good for dogs and the immune system
Yes designed for dogs with cancer
And I think my baby’s lump was benign but his coat is amazing after only a few days and I am sure they are doing him The world of good
Please don’t give up if your going through this
As I have been there with a 10 year old rott o
Which is a very good age
And he went to 13.5 years
And then stitchy only 6.5 years old
But to see him so happy
Made it worth the heartache
The vet decided to operate the next day
The Bloods were fine which was a very good sign, there werent any signs
It took me a month to look at this after my little Fiona was quickly and devastatingly taken from this disease. I thought it was my fault – she was only 9. Reading your stories has brought me some comfort. I had no idea that this was so common – I wonder why as if there is anything we can do to prevent it. So much love – it’s clear that it outweighs the loss, but it is hard hit and hard felt. Thank you all for sharing.
Kim, I am very sorry for your loss. The compassion of the people on this site helped me, and I hope you find some comfort. And yes – the love does live on, forever.
Oh Kim, I am so sorry for the loss of your little Fiona. The people on this site also helped me in 2013. I think all of us who have shared here can understand so well what you are going through. For me, my little Tobe was the sweetest little guy and loved beyond words, of all of my dogs through the years, he was my ‘heart of hearts’. It was devastating when we lost him although we knew it would come since he was not a surgical candidate at 15 with heart problems and the vet said his tumor would most likely start to leak at some point and he would become anemic. I am sure you gave your little Fiona so much love and caring and kindness so I know she knew she was loved and therefore you would do your best for her. It is probably especially hard for you getting through this first holiday season with memories of Fiona. Hang in there and please know that there are others out here who really do understand your grief. At first the memories seem to bring a few tears but after a while I hope they can bring a smile as you relive precious moments with her. Hugs to you.
Kim,
I’m so glad that you found this blog and the rest of us who have had to deal with this scary disease. Like you, I wonder why there isn’t more scientific information available to prevent the death of so many beloved canines.
My prayer for you is that the wonderful memories of times with Fiona will continue to help you through the rough periods of loneliness when you feel her loss the deepest.
God Bless . . . and take care,
Von (and Miss Heidi)
My Chocolate Lab Bozeman is now experieincing all these symptoms and I fear the worst after reading these posts. The worst part is that Bozeman is only 4 years old and was in perfect health two weeks ago. We are waiting for more results but he has pale gums and eyes and loss of appetitie and an enlarged spleen. Blood count is very low and he just seems to be breaking down. We are hoping for a miracle but it’s not looking good.
Sorry to all those who have exeperienced this,
Its not fair! My boy is so young and had such a great life ahead of him.
Luke
I am heartbroken. My girl Winnie was lively and walking for two miles each day until two weeks ago. The weather here has been so cold and icy the dogs have not had their daily walks. She seemed to slow down during this time and I took it that she was a little arthritic.
Saturday I came home from shopping and her stomach was large and firm. On the advice of my vet I took her to the emergency vet. They showed me on the X-Ray that she has a tumor that has filled her whole abdomen.
We got Winnie as a rescue 13 years ago. We had two different opinions on her age by different vets- one saying she was 2 and one saying she was 6. We put her smack dab in the middle at 3 and counted her birthdays since then. So she is roughly 16 years old.
My vet doesn’t have an ultrasound machine so yesterday I had to take her to the animal hospital (emergency vet). We came through ER again because otherwise we would have had to wait until tomorrow.
Winnie waited most of the day at the animal hospital and the ultrasound told us nothing. The mass is too big to be sure if it is coming from the spleen or another organ. The option was surgery without any prognosis or success or take her home to die. My girl has a heart murmur so they wanted cardiology to see her first but their answers were not answers at all. The Internal medicine vet told me my dog has lived older than most dogs her size so she was considered at the end of her lifespan, but if everything went well she could survive and live longer. She would probably develop a heart arrythmia after surgery but they could treat her with cardiac medications. How long could she live- ballpark? They could not say.
My vet also has been no help. She told me she could live through surgery, it could be benign, she is high risk for surgery, she may have cancer, she may not, it’s up to me to decide.
As a family we decided against surgery. This is killing me. I want her to live so bad. I am taking away any chance for her to get rid of this tumor. But my family does not think she will live through surgery and her last day will be full of fear, anxiety and pain if we allow surgery.
Today we (me and the other two dogs) all laid around the house while the family was at work. She does not want me out of her site so I have not had a chance to cry until now when my family is home and acting “normal” for her. She at times looks uncomfortable and at times very peaceful. But she is not sleeping. Just resting all day with her eyes open. A few times she started to pant. She does not want to eat unless it is a tasty treat. I have cooked her chicken and steak and feed her bits at a time because she has no room in her abdomen for a normal meal. Sometimes she eats a bit, other times she does not.
In my heart I know I am doing the wrong thing by not getting her surgery. In my heart I know it is the wrong thing to get her surgery. My heart must have two sides, and neither side agrees.
This is excruciatingly painful. It is a knife in my heart and soul. A large part of me that is full of her life and joy is dying with her. We are not going to euthanize her, and want her to die here at home with her family.
I’m so sorry to hear your story and I’m glad you found my site. There is no right answer. Yes, your 16-ish dog might not survive the surgery, or you might spend a truckload of money for an extra month or two (probably not a year at that age). And while I completely understand your desire to have her die at home with her family, I would like to suggest that you consider having a home-visit on-call vet lined up if indicated when the time comes. Either that, or get some sedatives and have them on hand. The image you have in your mind of a peaceful and graceful death at home might not match reality, and I’d hate to see you have to live with discovering too late that she’s actually suffering and you have to watch.
I am so sorry and totally understand your pain and mixed feelings. No one is giving you a definitive answer because there simply isn’t one. We chose surgery on our 11 yr old boy who had a tumor on his spleen. Sadly it was cancerous and we lost him within 6 months of surgery. You’ve given Winnie a long wonderful life and that’s amazing. She knows she’s loved. It’s one of the hardest things to choose to euthanize but it’s a loving decision. Please consider along with your vet a plan so your Winnie doesn’t have to suffer one minute longer than necessary. That I believe is a gift of love. Again, I’m so sorry. Don’t be so hard on yourself with the decision of surgery. Love her and make this as easy on her as possible. Hugs..Sharron
Sent from my iPhone
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Sounds like my first dog whom we did surgery to find out his tumor was hemangiosarcoma. We started out with the idea he’d die at home. But He would rest and wait for me to get home from work. My husband would say the dog would never move until i got home into the driveway, and then he’d get up and greet me and wag his tail and try to be himself. He had internal bleed outs. Vet refused to do further surgery to locate these bleeders. He actually gave me a drug to overdose the dog; but I could not. The dog would go into deep sleeps, and I bought “this is it” and then he’d be himself again. He was very thirsty. And occasionally hungry. He would become lightheaded and anemic. and towards the end looked pregnant. I was heart broken with the ups and downs; the hopes and fears. I lost sleep, i didn’t eat, i lost weight. “Its not a harsh death”, I was told “when they finally bleed out its painless, they feel super sleepy and then just die in their sleep”. But I couldn’t even do that. A very good friend of mine, a Vet, not my dog’s vet, went to my vet and got the necessary drugs and the written approval to “take over the case” and euthanize. She first came to my house and gave him the sedatives that would have overdosed him…that I had and couldn’t, and left for an hour but because of all the liquid in his body his circulation was bad. And he was just as lively when she returned if not just a little subdued. I asked him to lay down. And I held his head and watched those beautiful hopeful brown eyes full of love, devotion and trust watch me until their light left his body, my beautiful dog passed, he was 7. It is a hard decision, it was unfair to loose him so young. It took me 10 years to get over his loss, didn’t matter that there were other dogs in the house. One is missing and you know it! I do feel I waited too long to let him go, i should have let him go when he was still in charge of himself. …………My third dog tried to die at age 7; emergency surgery to save a rupture from a spleenic mass; i was ready to let him go; but it came back benign! Still amazes me, and he is 10 years old today. And to this I say Give them a chance if you can.
I would want her to go for surgery, to know if it is benign or not. Then, you will be giving her the extra chance.
Thanks agilepooch. I know how bad dying can be and I will check tonight for the on-call vet. It is something I had planned to do today, but today we just lived in the today. I have done hospice nursing so I know how bad things can get. This weighs heavy on my heart.
The Internal medicine doctor just called me. Which was unexpected as we had left it that I would call her again in the morning. I finally got the answers she did not give me yesterday.
She told me they could not guarantee they could remove the tumor. So at that point they would not take her out of anesthesia. She believes the average life span of my type of dog is 12 years old and that my dog has exceeded that life span by at least 3 years, maybe longer. Lastly- and most importantly she answered the question I have asked four vets (our primary vet, the two ER vets, and her) what would you do if this was your dog? None gave me an answer until she did today.
She told me if it was her dog she would not do the surgery. That meant a lot to me.
Winnie’s Mom . . you are in my thoughts and prayers! It is never easy to see them age and become vulnerable to illness and disease. The tumors and potential for cancer are the worst in my opinion.
As others have said, it is difficult for anyone to really make the decision for you or to tell you what to do other than to say that nobody wants to see their beloved pets in pain or suffering.
I pray that the decision comes to you at a time when you’re able to accept WInnie’s fate. Know she knows how much you and your family love her and only wish the best for her.
You are in our thoughts tonight.
Von & Miss Heidi
Thanks Sharon as well for your comforting reply.:)
Thank you Von. Prayers are so important and they mean a lot to us. Winnie is having a hard time walking but got me up at 3 am to potty. I carried her down the three steps to the backyard. Did this again this morning and she only accepted a few bites of steak for breakfast. One piece I had disguised Yuunan in. She figured that out pretty quick and spit it out. lol She then ate it when I asked her too. She is still drinking water.
She is still interested in the other dogs, the smells of the yard and keeps watch on where I am. The boy dogs stay close to her and are being very kind.
I did get the numbers of two visiting vets. One does not work on Thursday. I will call the one that does today and make a plan just in case. I keep telling myself to be strong about this. I remind myself this is what I signed up for when I brought her home to become family. But she is special to me. I guess I have accepted her fate which is why I accepted the family’s decision to not have surgery. She has lived past a normal lifespan. I think I wanted her to be cured of the tumor so she could then die of a more gentle fate. Maybe have a heart attack in her sleep or something like that. But the reality is that it could end with kidney failure, shock on the operating table, a deadly heart rhythm during or after surgery. Giving her surgery does not guarantee her a later more peaceful or natural death. Tumors do not seem like a natural death which is why I contemplated the surgery. If she would have been 12, 13, or 14, I would have had them perform the surgery.
I wish they had suggested and ultrasound last year when I noticed some bloody discharge after she defecated. The vet did a work-up and told me it was just her anal glands and they expressed them. Told me when this happens just bring her in to express them. I think this was the start of the tumor. She also became incontinent when she slept. The doctor attributed that to old age. She is not incontinent any longer so I think it was the tumor pressing on her bladder a certain way back then.
Anyways I am rambling. My husband is home so I can grab these few minutes to cry while I write. When he leaves I need to pull it all together again.
My heart goes out to anyone else who is going through this or has gone through this. My heart sings for those who had good outcomes with surgery or other remedies.
Winnie’s Mom-I am so sorry to hear that yet another sweet dog and her family are going through this terrible ordeal. We lost our little poodle Tobe 2 years ago in April. He was 15 1/2 and had a splenic tumor. He also had heart problems and some kidney function tests were abnormal. Our vet said that he might make it through the surgery but that he might not ever really recover. I had the same thoughts as you and others have mentioned. Do we give him a ‘chance’ or do we let him go naturally or do we euthanize him. He was the most special of all the dogs who have been part of our lives and I loved him beyond words. We decided against surgery thinking that he would suffer too much. He did well for quite some time and then suddenly he became listless, weak, short of breath, vomiting. The tumor started leaking and he was rapidly becoming anemic. Vet said that to let him go ‘naturally’ at this point might not be a comfortable ‘die in your sleep’ type of death but instead a distressful time for him, short of breath, gasping, in pain. I still could not make the decision to let him go via euthanasia. Vet gave him some fluid, some pain meds, an antiemetic to buy him and us some time. For 3 days I held him, kissed him, told him how much we loved him. Finally he became very short of breath and distressed. At that moment we knew we had to help him along the path that his little old body was headed and we brought him to the vet to be helped along on his journey. It was very peaceful to see him drift off to a sleep in my arms and no longer restless, struggling to breathe. I was of course crying and sobbing and depressed for days afterwards but I felt comfortable in our decision. We will all, always, second guess important decisions in our lives and I did that too. Lots of what if’s. But now, 2 years later I am clear that what we did was what he would have wanted. I still get teary from time to time, have his photo by our bed, wear a lock of his hair in a locket. Someone sent a phrase to me that I keep on my desk-“…and my friend, when I am old, and no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I shall leave this earth knowing with my last breath that I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.” Bless you and Winnie. I know you love her as I loved my Tobe. Most importantly, Winnie knows you love her.
Hi everyone. It has been over 2 years since we lost our beloved Zoey to this cancer. It was so hard. Now 2 years later I have 2 more dogs because I really just couldn’t live without dogs in my life and I know Zoey would understand. You know, her nose marks are still on my back door, I never could wash them off. Anyway. I was reading up on the pros and cons of getting your dogs spayed before they went through a heat cycle. One of the cons was the small increased possibility of hemangiosarcoma. My Zoey was spayed young as was the thinking of the day 15 years ago and was just wondering if this might be a pattern. Still to this day I keep looking for answers which may never get. My prayers to everyone going through this with their beloved dogs.
Winnie died last night at 10:30 p.m. in the arms of her family. We never left her alone these last days so although emotionally painful we felt it was best to allow her to die at home. I had called the mobile vets in my area (and beyond) and sadly found out that none of them come out on the weekend. Not one. The hospice vet service could not come out to see her until Monday (after promising them to pay whatever they wanted for mileage because we were a “bit” out of their area) but in my heart I knew she would pass before then.
I think my decision about euthanasia may have been different if she appeared to be in great pain, or if I did not have family to be with her 24/7 when I had to work. And I called off on Friday even though I felt guilty about this. I just had to stay with her. So the dogs and I basically spent four days on the couch and in bed with her. Her last day was spent with her family until I got home from work. I haven’t eaten for days and each day I silently grieved. My husband is crying in his room right now. I think I can hold the tears because I have spent more time grieving her then he has.
In the last few days she rested more then she slept. When I started to see her in distress I started the Tramadol. This seemed to help and she could sleep for short periods then. Always the good girl she still let me know when she had to potty and I carried her outside and waited for her. My daughter and her fiancé have slept over the last three nights and we put a mattress on the living room floor for the dogs.
Winnie started to die when I carried her from the couch to my bed to sleep for the night. She went limp in my arms. I laid her on the bed and called the family in. She died while we stroked her and told her how much we loved her. I know you are supposed to remove the body quickly, but I slept with her in my arms until early morning. The little dog laid next to me.
When Winnie was dying the boy dogs jumped on the bed and lay down together. When she died they both turned around and faced the wall. They lay like that, in the exact same position for quite awhile. Then when we had accepted her death, we comforted them.
I just want to say to anyone going through this how sorry I am. I would have had the surgery done if they knew which organ the tumor was coming from and if they felt they had a good chance of removing it. They could not give me one glimmer of hope that the surgery would be successful. If they could not remove it (and again they had not idea until they cut her open) they told me they would euthanize her on the table. I understand why they would want to do that. But that just did not seem like and acceptable death to me when I promised her in my heart I would hold her until her last breath. I thank God that he allowed me to keep that promise but it is very hard right now.
Oh dear Winnie’s Mom . . . I weep tears for you and your beloved Winnie. She lived a full and loved life and died with the comfort of being with you and your family. I believe from all you have shared with us, she wasn’t in pain and was made to feel just a little better with you at her side over these last few days.
May she now run free; playing over the rainbow bridge with others that have preceded her. Take the time you need to grieve and remember all the joy she brought into your life.
RIP Winnie!
Von & Miss Heidi
Winnie’s Mom,
I’m so sorry for your struggles and your loss and I’m crying for you and your family as I type this. I know Winnie was glad to be able to be home with her human and canine family when she passed. Dogs are stoic, we know that, even if she had been in pain (and it doesn’t seem like she was), it meant more to her to be home and comforted than anything else. Aside from being sick, she had the ending that any of us would want, with love, compassion, and companions close by. Sending love, sympathy, peace and strength to all of you â¤
Von and arrran I want to thank you for your comments and your tears. Thank you for sharing my grief with me. The human heart can be beautiful and I am reminded of this as you comfort me.
Today the funeral home picked her up for cremation. I let the dogs see her again for the last time and the baby dog just trembled as he sniffed her. My heart went out to him and my Kosmo. Kosmo is my rescue who was scheduled for euthanasia at the pound due to heartworm. His sister was taken to a Dachshund rescue while he was left there to be euthanized, away from the family he had loved. He was very hard to love at first because his grief was immense and he had very little interest in me. I promised him I would not let him grieve alone this time and would comfort him. This is what Winnie would want. She took him in and loved him while I only tolerated him at first. I should mention when I got him that he left the room when I walked in because he seemed to not like girls at all. But time changes all things and eventually he opened his heart to me and I did the same. But this taught me something valuable. I needed to give love even when it seemed my love would not be returned. It took 5 years for that dog to love me. But love me he does. He even gives me kisses now. I will not let him or the baby dog down.
For all of us who are dealing with this or who have dealt with this I want to tell you again how sorry I am. This sucks so bad. Over and over again I tell myself “This is what you signed up for when you brought the dog into the family”. This is what we signed up for. This was our promise the day we walked them into the door, and showed them where the water bowl was. Every time we stroked their hair, or gave them a tasty treat we knew in our hearts that this is the contract we made.
Dear Winnie’s Mom, I am so very sorry to hear of Winnie’s passing but what a blessing for her to go surrounded by all who loved her so much. It is all any of us could hope for when our own time comes. However I know how painful it is for you know and how much grief hurts. It sounds like you were an outstanding family for her and you loved her and she loved you in return. You are so correct that we make a promise to them the minute we take them in, for better or worse, we are in it together. After our little Tobe died we said no more dogs, too much heartache because we love them like our kids. Then, before long there was this little old toothless but absolutely darling ball of fur with huge brown eyes and a little wagging tail looking up at me asking for a chance to be loved too. The rescue group director said no little dog could ever take Tobe’s place but one might be a successor. So our little Sam helped us grieve for Tobe and we made him the same promise as you have made to your furry kids…..this is your forever home, you are part of the family now and we will do the best we can for you. Most of all we will love you always and forever. You gave Winnie a wonderful life and it sounds like you are also giving that love and kindness to some other lucky little dogs. The love we have for our sweet dogs lives on as we pass it along. Again, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Dear Winnie’s mom, I am so very sorry for your loss. I feel your pain and I wish I could say something to make it go away, but I think time is what makes us able to focus on the love and wonderful memories instead of on the emptiness created by the loss of beloved furry kids. I lost my wonderful Lola to a horrible splenic tumor that we didn’t even know she had until it burst. I was not prepared to make any decisions – she was 13 and obviously aging but still going for long walks and loving her food – so on Friday night it burst, I opted for surgery because I couldn’t wrap my head around losing her, but after coming out of the operation apparently successfully, she died early the next morning. It still hurts to write this and my heart still aches, even thought it’s been a year and a half, but she is still with me and I can still “feel” her kisses. I thought I could never bear to have another dog, but a few months ago, Maggie came in to my life, and she is awesome. Maggie will never replace Lola, but she was in need of a home, we took her in and she has given so much love and we love her. Sorry to ramble on, but what I’m trying to say is that despite the pain, it does get a little easier and you will always feel a part of Winnie is with you. My heart breaks for your loss, and I am wishing that you find peace and comfort in all of the love and happy memories… Carolyn
Thank you all for all your words of comfort. They helped me through the last couple of days in ways my friends could not because you understand this pain. I come here again today for just a dose of that medicine called comfort as I re-read your words.
The last two days I have been trying to clear the house of the black grief that has filled it. I burned candles, talked in a cheerful voice and am trying to restore the light that grief takes away. My dog’s death bed has fresh linens, and the shades are up to fill the room with light. This has helped the dogs because they lay in the bed with me this morning and did not seem distressed. We then did dog training for fun and they will have a walk if the temp gets over 20 degrees.
I am going to schedule Kosmo for his dental next week and I will instruct that they take biopsies of his fatty tumors while under anesthesia. I also will schedule an ultrasound in the near future because they missed Winnie’s tumor when the vet checked her last spring. I also got off my butt and bought doggie stairs to help protect Kosmo’s back because he jumps on my bed.
Right now I can’t see myself getting another dog. I felt the same way before I met Winnie. But who could resist that stray black dog in the snow? I think God will let me know when I am strong enough for another gift that breaks my heart.
In the end this journey, this pain was worth it. I will refrain from posting any further unless it is to comfort or help others through this.
Hi Winnie’s Mom…you sound like a wise and wonderful person. I know exactly what you mean about this blog helping more than friends. They all try to say the right things but those who do not have dogs often just do not really understand how we grieve for them often as much as we do when a human loved one dies. It is different but no less deep and painful. The kind words from those who had been through it here before me helped so much. We had lost other dogs but usually they were much older. Also sometimes I think we are just closer to some more than others or we love them in a different way. My Tobe was just so special to me. He saw me through the death of both of my parents and the last of my human kids leaving the nest. Luckily my husband understood my grief. For me, as I mentioned before, we said ‘no more dogs’. However Tobe’s little spirit had other plans for us and a little rescue dog Sam came into our life. We joked about that but now we actually have a feeling that Tobe really did somehow direct us to him or him to us. He has some of the same mannerisms of Tobe and when he saw Tobe’s bed he went over, sniffed it, wagged his tail and rubbed his little face all over it like greeting an old friend, but then went into his own bed and has never again gone into Tobe’s bed which I have moved to a corner of the bedroom.Can’t part with it much like another writer could not wash her dear dog’s nose prints off the window. I knew how she felt. So my friend, I wish you all the best and hope that each day brings a little more sunshine into your windows and into your life. Thank you for sharing your sweet Winnie with us, it is always comforting to know that there are others ‘out there’ who love their doggies so much. Meg
Hi guys. Just an update on my dogs. I almost lost Kosmo this week. Took him in for his dental. They performed X-rays of his chest and abdomen as I requested. No tumors! But…….a very small amount of mineral deposit in his stomach. Had a radiologist review it and he said it was insignificant and to go ahead with the anesthesia and dental cleaning. He eats dirt on occasion and they believed it was a very small amount of little gravel pieces that would pass.
As you can guess it was not insignificant. He should not have had the dental until he passed the gravel but hindsight is 20/20. He woke up sick after the dental cleaning. Continued to be sick for days. Everyday I took him to the vet for fluids, pain injections, antibiotics, more X-rays. More blood work revealed he now had pancreatitis.
While checking his stool we found he had passed a shard of glass. Yes glass! Thank goodness it was tempered glass but still- glass! He seems on the mend now. Eating and drinking but a bit tired from the weight loss of not eating for four days. I am of course worried about the radiation from the additional X-rays and cancer risk. But keeping him alive now is the priority.
I can’t leave him alone in the yard for a minute anymore. I still miss Winnie so much. Not sure if I will ever get over that.
Hi Winnie’s Mom. Sorry to ehar about Kosmo’s little digestive issue with the rocks and glass, but glad to read he’s on the mend.
I’m sure you will always hold a special place in your heart for Winnie . . . they never really leave us, do they?
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
My heart goes out to everyone here. Right now I am asking for prayers for my friends dog, Harley, who is having splenic tumor surgery tomorrow. Harley is very much loved. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers for us.Thank-You
Also, my Sasha, a lucky dog, survived the splenic tumor surgery, and her pathology came back benign. She is living proof, there is a bright side sometimes, if the tumor is found early enough. Like the Vet told me, you got your old dog back, lts going on 3 years, and she still does not realize how old she is.
To the many friends I have here, thank you.
Donna and Sasha
Prayers being sent Harley’s way! Yes there are a few bright side stories to be told. It’s so unfortunate when they not such good. Miss Heidi is also coming up on three years (July). She just turned 12 in January.
Hugs to Harley and his human companion family.
Von & Miss Heidi
Thank You Von, but I have sad news. Harley passed this afternoon. His little body just gave out a day after the surgery. So sad, my friend is heartbroken.
Donna sorry to be so late getting back here. Please pass our on sympathies to your friend. May Harley run free, free of pain and disease.
Von & Miss Heidi
Sasha will be 13 in August, 2015
I just wanted to let everyone know about my beloved pet, Sasha, who survived the spleen/tumor surgery, and we held onto her for a few good years. Sasha, fell and knocked her hip out of socket, and could not be put back together. We had to make the tough decision to put her down, on Monday, January 16th, 2017 at 5:00 PM. My heart aches for her everyday. She was 14 years old and 5 months. She was my baby. Love the thought she was a miracle dog to survive the surgery she went through removing the spleen. Run to the Rainbow Bridge, Sasha, I’ll meet up you one day. I love you.
I am posting to see what you all think about our current predicament! My dog Bandit is 12. He had his speen removed June 23, 2014 and the pathology came back with the dreaded Hemangiosarcoma. He has defied the odds and is here and the vet routinely reminds me he is a miracle dog! He bounced back from surgery and hit the ground running and hasn’t looked back. He had labs at 6mo out from surgery and they were amazing!! He has had a minor ear infection in the past few months and recently just completed treatreatment for a pretty nasty UTI.
My issue is he has become terribly neurotic lately. Sitting under me trembling and absolutely stuck to my side eveevery moment. He is acting fearful of things that have never bothered him before yet when his sister want to play he pounces around like a puppy. He has always been on the neurotic side but this is getting ridiculous.
I am taking him in this weekend for recheck after his UTI and am going to ask about anxiety meds for him I think.
He is my baby and I am overwhelming grateful to still have him by my side even though he was given a death sentence last summer. I am hopeful he continues to beat the odds and kick Hemangiosarcomas butt!!!
Hi Carey,
Interesting to read your post about Bandit and how he has beaten Hemangiosarcoma since last June!
Hopefully the vet can help with his anxiety when he goes for his check up, and he will feel more like his normal self soon đŸ™‚
Others on this thread may remember my old dog Milo was diagnosed with a malignant splenic tumour (the lab could not specify) back in July 2013( aged 13) after a splenectomy – which he also overcame!
Sadly, he has just been put to sleep – but mainly because his back legs were beginning to fail him and he was struggling on his walks. He has been a great friend and had a great life, full of adventure!
I read all about Milo’s story on here a while back while going through the surgery with Bandit. I am do sorry you had to put him down! So glad he had a great post cancer life however!!
Run free Milo! I’m so glad that you were able to have some more time with your people!
Dee you are in my thoughts . . . it is never easy even when you know you are doing the right thing for them.
Hugs!
Von & Miss Heidi
Carey,
I’ve found that Heidi has become a bit more clingy as she’s gotten older. Not really one to suffer from separation anxiety, lately (the last 6-8 months) she acts like we’ve been gone for days when we return home from even short errands like to the store or to go out to supper.
Maybe Bandit is just aging and becoming skiddish with things. I wonder about things like blindness or hearing loss too, since sometimes those sorts of aging issues can change a dog’s demeanor.
God bless and keep you and your beloved Bandit!
Von & Miss Heidi
Sorry to hear about Milo.
hey all just an update on my trixie who i mentioned here nov/dec 2013
she is still doing great, in fact you wouldnt believe that she is almost 16 years old as she still at times runs around like a puppy dog, there was zero complications from the splenectemy and i cant even see any scarring or any mark at all there now
heres a quick pic of her just now on my bed showing off her belly lol
she does have some other issues now like cushings disease (she is on trilostane or something like that – cant remember the name) and she has the dizzy dog problem aka idiopathic vestibular disease
she also has a small heart murmur that im currently seeing the vet for and i cant remember exactly what the vets have said they think its a “strange sound” but they think its probably very minor
still im getting it checked out with an ultrasound next week
von: my trix is the same now – i cant go anywhere without her crying for me the whole time im gone, she is SO SO cligy now wanting to be with me wherever i go
dee: sorry to hear about milo but it sounds like he had a great life which is excellent to hear
That is such good news Mark. Glad to hear Trixie is doing well and living past the initial scary diagnosis! It’s amazing how some so easily recover. We can’t see Heidi’s tummy incision now, nearly three years later. Having just had my own belly surgery, being cut from the navel to my bikini line, I sure wish I would have such a clean scar.
Savor every day you have with her . . . love and spoil her.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
My “heart dog” Cage died within hours of surgery to remove the spleen. He had internal bleeding but we opted for the surgery hoping he could survive. It was so sudden and I still have nightmares about that day. Cage seemed to be perfectly healthy and actually had his shots a week earlier. There was no time to prepare for his death. There was no time to say goodbye. It has been a year and a half and know I will miss my “heart dog’ forever. I am glad that some of you have had better outcomes. Value every moment with your dogs!!!!!!!!
Michele, your comment could have been written by me about my Lola… I had virtually the exact same experience and I miss my “Lolabolaheart” every day. My heart goes out to you. I am very grateful for so many of the wonderful people who write on this site – their kindness and compassion help me so much.
My heart hurts reading about your experience with Cage’s spleenectomy! My dog Bandit is a month shy of a year post op and I still have horrible nightmares of what could have been! Prayers to you and your family as you heal and hopefully decide to open your hearts and lives up to another animal in need of a loving home!
So sorry to read about your loss. We are going on two years since our similar experience. Our dog Stella was completely healthy then we found a huge mass on her while petting her. The next day she was in the vet and had emergency surgery. Unfortunately they could not remove all of it and she never recovered. We chose to do the humane thing a week later and put her down. We lost our first dog 4 years ago to Hemangiosarcoma as well. We were not able to operate because it was so advanced. We had him 6 short weeks after diagnosis. Having had two dogs die of cancer now in such a short amount of time, we are truly fearful of getting another dog. I know exactly what you are going through. Hugs to you. I don’t respond very often anymore but wanted to reach out to you since we had this similar experience.
Dear Michele. It is so heartbreaking to read about your beloved Cage. I can only imagine the pain of your loss. Know that you did the most you could for him, hoping for the very best. These nasty splenic tumors are just evil . . . and it is so unfortunate that our canine companions can we walking around one day seemingly healthy as can be . . . only to have such a tragic turn of events the very next day.
Hugs to you and your family.
Von & Miss Heidi
Thanks for your kind words. I agree that spleen tumors are evil and when your dog dies so quickly you feel like it just is not real. I keep my dog Cage’s picture where I can look at it everyday and try to remember the good times. But sometimes I just have what I call “bad Cage days’ when the nightmare day of his death haunts me. He was found in a trash bin with four other puppies with Parvo and was the only one to survive. He survived Parvo but could not survive the evil of the spleen tumor. Cage may not be with me but is always in my heart!!!!
I lost my 13 year old Alsation cross on sunday night. She had vestibular disease, a hole in her eardrum due to ear infection being left and undiagnosed by my vet! She had several nodules in her spleen and her liver was enlarged to 2x the size. She also had degenerative arthritis in spine and hips. She had been poisoned at 2 years old which thank God she and my older Pitbull survived and my puppy Doberman who was only 4 months old but the Dominant Pitbull we lost as he consumed the larger amounts. Then 2 years back our neighbours poisoned the rats that were on their property which came into ours being dizzy and dying and both my Alsation cross and now 9 year old Doberman played with and bit into poisoning them severely. Luckily we detected it early. But doctors said the damage to central nervous system was done and irreversible. Now my Doberman I lost in February because of internal bleeding! Doctor said there was nothing they could do! My Alsation they told me not to operate her spleenic mass as she would not survive the surgery. So instead we kept her comfortable and medicated for all her conditions. With her liver being compromised she then developed Epilepsy on 13th May 2015 and was put on Phenobarbitone and Hepavet. So she has been on this till sunday when she passed. I’m begging anyone for information on how there dogs passed with the spleen rupturing as I need closure as she had a epileptic seizure and came out of it and then stood up and lied down again jerked cried out and defecated and stopped breathing but blood began to pour from her nose. And even though my beautiful baby was gone continued to bleed hours after death. It was so sudden, I thought she was having a normal seizure I just need to hold her through it and comfort her and we would get passed it. But after the seizure she died. My heart is broken and I’m wanting with all my heart to know if my baby died from. She made noises and bled for so long even though she wasn’t bleeding the doctor told me on seeing her she is dead but…. I don’t understand how she could continue to bleed and make noises hours after her so called death.
very strange that they would jump to placing the dog on phenobarbitone it needs several weeks to take effect from what I was told. 2000 My 16 year old Rottweiler had a seizure 4 days before her death and we were told it was the body starting to shut down.
As far as spleen rupture….one Veterinarian told me that it is not a painful death that the dog bleeds internally gets dizzy light headed and eventually falls asleep and dies. The one dog we had with hemangio just kept growing larger and larger with fluid retention until I could not take it any longer and gave him a peaceful death.
While that maybe true being not painful I am not so sure, because the 4th dog we have whose spleen ruptured at age 8 in 2011 stood in my kitchen with an arched back and tail tucked all signs that something didn’t feel right, he made it to the Emergency Vet he walked in and laid down, emergency surgery, today he is 10 years old and I take every moment with him as a miracle. His tumor was benign.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your fur Baby from this dreaded disease. My beagle-Bassett had his spleen removed after it ruptured last June. He is an absolute miracle. His spleen ruptured then managed to reinfuse so he did not bleed out. It bought him the time we needed to get him into emergency surgery. A week later the pathology came back with the worst news possible…hemangiosarcoma. it has been over a year since his diagnosis and he has remained healthy and happy…aside from a diagnosis of Cushings Disease a few months ago.
When his spleen ruptured he seemed lathargic and out of it but not didn’t seem in pain. He didn’t have ANY outward signs of what was wrong. He had pancreatitis a few years ago and had the exact same symptoms so we felt he would be fine to wait to see the vet the next morning. We are extremely lucky his spleen reinfused and didn’t cost him his life over night. My husband even said ” I will sleep downstairs with him…he will be fine until morning. It is not like he is going to die or something”.
My heart breaks reading about the other not so good outcomes people have experienced with these terrible splenic tumors. It reminds me to hug him a little tighter and to be patient with his cushingoid behavior because we are *so* lucky to still have him.
I am so very sorry this is all so very hard for one’s heart. Perhaps there was so much fluid present that it encased her lungs and that air escaped very gradually and therefore made sounds.
July 8, 2015
It has taken me 23 days to be able to write this. The saddest day of my life happened on Monday June 15, 2015, when my best friend Blanca left my life. She had just turned 9 on May 9th and was a Puggle (Beagle/Pug). It all happened suddenly and my heart has never been so broke. Blanca brought so many great things into my life and we did a lot of things together. One of my favorite things to do with her was to go the beach (just me and her) and walk, swim, and lay in the sun. She saw me thru a divorce, moves, and different jobs. She never cared about anything besides being together and having fun. I miss her so much. I am single with no children and live alone, so it really was just me and Blanca. She was my kid, and I even called her that. I spoiled her rotten and gave her the very best life possible. She made me a better person. I never thought I could put someone else before me and yet I did it so easily every day for 9 years with Blanca. She showed me how to love unconditionally and for that I will always be thankful. When we moved, she was always the reason I made new friends with everyone in the neighborhood on our walks. When I didn’t feel like leaving the house, she was always the reason why I did. She kept me moving forward. I am just not sure what life looks like without her yet. I try to get more into acceptance about her death every day, but sometimes it seems nearly impossible.
Blanca was always close with my parents. We lived at their house for almost a year while I was getting divorced. She helped my relationship with my parents in words that our indescribable. Again, for that I will always be grateful. She loved her Grandma and Grandpa and spent a good amount of time with him. When we would pull up to their house, she would cry and bark with over-excitement.
On Saturday morning June 13th, my Mom called me in the morning to tell me she was worried about Blanca. She had been with them the last few days due to my busy nursing school schedule. Blanca didn’t eat her dinner the night prior and was very lethargic. She told me, I better get home. As soon as I arrived she was barking as usual and greeted me at the door. Her tail was wagging and she was happy to see me. However, I knew as soon as I looked at her something was wrong. “I said, Oh kid.†My mom and I rushed her to vet before they closed. The Vet started feeling her tummy and said, “I feel a mass, we need to do an X-Ray.†I started sobbing. Within 10 minutes the Vet confirmed what he felt and showed us on the X-ray. She had a 6-8cm mass on her spleen. He went over the option of surgery and he referred us to another vet hospital. I asked him what would happen if I did nothing and he said, “she will either bleed to death or starve to death.†I asked him if he could do the surgery at his office and he said, “yes but not until Wednesday because someone else would have to come there to do it and she didn’t have that long.†He explained some other options. When you are that upset, you kind of forget what happed exactly and of course don’t know the right questions to ask. I was shocked beyond belief. Just the week prior, we were at the beach! We brought her back home. That day all she did was sleep. I had to carry her from room to room with me, brought her water bowl to her, and carried her outside to go potty. The next morning, I just sat by her. I talked to her and she just kissed me.
Sunday, we decided to go get a second opinion. The next Vet confirmed everything and did an Ultrasound and bloodwork. It was strange, on the way to get the second opinion; Blanca kind of came to life again in the truck. She sat on my lap and wanted the window down and even barked at another dog. Once we arrived at the Vet, I even put her on her leash and she walked in. After, her tests she wanted to go outside and walk around. She was almost herself for a few hours. Long story short, we brought her home. I was even hopeful for a good walk with her that day. She took a few bites of food. I took her to the park for a walk but she just stood there. It was so sad to see. That evening and night all she did was sleep again. We went to bed that night and I kept waking up and checking on her. Her breathing was so lite; I had to feel her at times to make sure she was ok. I brought her a drink of water in the night and she did take it. The next morning, she could barely walk down the hall. We went outside and she did go pee and then just lay down in the grass. I carried her back inside. She went straight to her bed. I noticed her breathing was very heavy. I knew what I needed to do for her that day. I wasn’t going to put her thru the surgery for an additional 3 months. At 8:00am, I called the Vet and made the appointment at 10:00am. It was a very long two hours; however I knew I was doing the right thing for her. She wouldn’t even look up anymore, it was bad, and it was time.
10:00am, at the vet office. I promised myself to be strong for her. I didn’t want her last thing to hear was me crying. The girls in the vet office were upset and crying. They loved her too. The Vet Tech explained to me the process and took her in the back to start the catheter on her leg. Blanca came back in the room in the Vet Techs arms and I said, “Hi Sisâ€, one last time and her tail wagged. Breaks my heart. I brought her favorite bed and put her on it. The Vet came in. I asked him to please make it fast. I did ask him if she should be lying down, as she was sitting up on her side. I believe he said No, I don’t really remember at this point. I don’t remember him saying he was starting the IV either, but my Dad said he did say that. I just held Blanca’s little face in my hands and was telling her I loved her the whole time. I will never forget how horrible it was to watch her fall down. AWFUL! I just kept telling her I loved her. It took about 30 seconds total. I saw her eyes just freeze. The Vet came over and confirmed her heart had stopped. She instantly was starting to go hard. I couldn’t handle it and ran out of the room and outside into the parking lot screaming and crying. I don’t remember the ride home. Since, I haven’t been the same. People, say it gets better and I am not sure I believe that just yet. I physically hurt.
Looking back, I have some regrets. In March 2015, I did notice Blanca was slowing down big time. She was sleeping more. She was getting more grey hairs around her face. However, her appetite was still good and we still walked everyday just not as fast. A year prior, I thought she was developing arthritis because she started limping sometimes (not all of the time). I started giving her Glucosamine every other day in her food and it did seem to help some. Sometimes, on our walks I would have to stop and rub her little legs and could feel how tight her little muscles were. Again, I thought she was just getting older and slowing down. I even was verbal about my concerns to my parents in March and stated out loud, I thought she might have cancer. I did nothing and listened to everyone telling me she was just getting older. I don’t know if it would have mattered even if I would have done something after learning about splenectomy, but yet it still bothers me. I think we all wonder, if…and…
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To lose a dog is a lost that no words can describe. She saw me at my most vulnerable moments. I didn’t even go the bathroom alone. What other living thing does all that stuff with you? My life will never be the same. I am grateful for the 9 great years we had together. I do feel as though we should have had a few more years together. I always knew the day would be awful, I just didn’t realize how awful. The aftermath is even more devastating. My house is so quiet. My walks are lonely and scary. My parents house doesn’t even feel the same and that is where I grew up. My days are no longer routine. My heart is broke and I miss my friend. I love you Blanca!
Joni, I know how painful your loss is, the emptiness, the physical hurt, the unrealness, the what-ifs, the total devastation you are feeling. I wish I could say something to make you feel better, but the truth is that it totally sucks. For me, the pain was all permeating, and it took me a year before I stopped crying every day. I still miss my Lola acutely every day and carry her with me in my heart. That said, I can assure you that it does get better, and over time you will learn to live with the terrible loss and remember and feel the good times and the love. You will feel better even though you don’t believe it now.
I was three years ago yesterday that Miss Heidi had her spleen and tennis ball sized tumor removed. Fortunately, she survived the surgery and the tumor was benign. Today she’s living out her time as a senior canine (she’s 12 1/2 years old), in relatively good health.
I know how devastating these nasty splenic tumors can be; and that if it weren’t for “dumb luck” (and a very good vet) . . . Heidi could have been one of the disasters too.
To those who have lost their canine companions, no words that I can offer can make that pain go away. I trust that they all knew how much you loved and cared for them. They give back in so many ways because of your love.
To anyone finding this page while searching the internet for answers, please know that not all splenic tumor diagnoses are a death sentence.
I think of many of you who have lost your pet and only hope that the pain as somehow subsided and that you’ve been able to open your heart and home to another family pet.
Hugs to one and all,
Von
Hi Von and others, I am so glad to hear that Miss Heidi is doing well. You and so many other people on this site were so supportive when we lost little Tobe from his splenic tumor in 2013. He was 15 1/2 and could not have surgery due to heart and kidney problems and his tumor did not rupture but instead developed a slow leak over a few days which caused profound anemia. As you might remember, we adopted little Sam shortly afterward. We didn’t plan to get another dog but his sweet, gentle personality won us over. He was not adopted sooner because he is older and deaf but what a wonderful, perfect little guy he is. He loves everybody, does not bark, housebroken and never gets into anything. Sadly, in March he had a nosebleed and was diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous tumor in his nose. He is on oral chemo drugs and still enjoying life, walks, food, friends to the max but it is heartbreaking to anticipate another loss. We think he is about 12. One thing we learned from the excellent veterinary multi specialty center where he now goes for oncology care is about an herb that has been used for splenic tumors. It is called Yunan Baiyao and it controls bleeding. It has been used in dogs during surgery with excellent results and is also now being studied for human pediatric gastric tumors at some university medical centers. It has been used in China for years. For anyone reading this whose pet has a tumor of the spleen I would suggest researching and talking with your vet about this herb. One emergency vet we saw highly recommended it after Sam’s initial nose bleed and biopsy but the oncologist said he is not as impressed with it. But….it is definitely something to talk about with your vet, especially if you have no other options. As a nurse, I normally do not consider herbs or many alternative treatments but sometimes they do play a part in mainstream medicine and it is sure worth a discussion with your vet or doing some research on your own. Just use good, unbiased, websites, like university medical centers, veterinary medical centers, etc. and not the websites promoting the product. .I hope all of you are doing well and send hugs to you and to all of your furry kids and my heart aches for those of you who have lost a loved one. Meg and “Sam”
Thanks for your kind words. I wish the outcome was different for everyone who has lost a pet or had to make a difficult decision because of these horrible splenic tumors!!
Von & Miss Heidi
My Golden will be 15 on March 7th. They found his mass in June 2015 during a check up. I live in fear every day not knowing if this will be the day. i can’t bear the thought of him being scared or hurting. I lost my 13 1/2 year old border mix on New Years Eve morning. I found out she had lymphoma in May 2015 and she started to fail and I had to let her go. Less than 3 months before I was told that they had these problems I had used a topical flea ointment. Everything in me said not to use it. I am against pesticides and chemicals of any kind. I should have listened to that inner voice. Both of these babies were happy and healthy. They only ate Newmans Organic dry and I use distilled water. I protected them all those years and now I feel like I caused their illness. I don’t know how I will get through what’s ahead with my Golden. He is eating good and acting fine but slow getting up. I am terrified every day.
I agree with you on this I asked my vet if pesticides could be the cause and he said no … I dont believe that.
Dear J Bird . . . my condolences to you on the loss of your one furkid and the diagnosis on your Golden. Seeing them age is a difficult thing; especially knowing their mortality is really so short lived.
Please do not beat yourself up in trying to figure out “why” as really, in the larger picture, it matters little. The fact of the matter is pets get illnesses and diseases similar to humans. And as we all live longer, the chances of falling to such are increased.
Enjoy every day that you have with your precious guy, knowing you are doing the best for him.
Hugs to you,
Von & Miss Heidi
JBird-
Spleenic issues are quite common in my breed, the Greater Swiss Mt Dog, that some owners have the spleen removed during a spay or neuter. I lost my first Swissy a month after his spleen ruptured, he was 7. collapsed and couldn’t get up, The tumor that initially bled out was hemangiosarcoma, we had it removed and he recovered from surgery. And since it bled out, it seeded the cancer everywhere within, when he started micro bleeding, no vet would go back in to find them. Heartbreaking. He gave me this trusting look that I’d help him, I will always believe he didn’t want to die. But I had no choice. My 3rd Swissy, just didn’t look right late one night 3 nights before his 8th birthday. He was staggering and looking hunch backed. Got him to the EVet and he collapsed, they found a tumor, removed the spleen, blood transfusions, he recovered, told my heart to fear the worst. The tests came back benign! What a gift. I fell in love with the dog all over again. He survived to see 8 and died at 10 years of age from other causes. Do not live in fear. Your dog will pick up on it. Live every day to the fullest like they do; don’t think about tomorrow, most of our dogs live this way đŸ™‚ i was told they do not feel pain during a bleed out, they just feel super sleepy.
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(_o_) 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. Erica Jong
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Since this issue is prevalent in Goldens as well, there are more scientific studies done to help prolong life. Such as the mushroom, when my first swissy was dying the mushroom was only available from out of the country now its readily available: http://www.modianolab.org/cancer/cancer_hemangiosarcoma.shtml and https://news.upenn.edu/news/compound-derived-mushroom-lengthens-survival-time-dogs-cancer-penn-vet-study-finds
Hi Monica, yes, I think your info about the mushroom listed in the study link is accurate. I wrote in this blog about the supplement that was given to our little dog for the bleeds associated with his nasal tumor and that I had found university studies indicating it was being used in veterinary medicine for splenic bleeds and also in human medicine in pediatric gastric cancers. Our dogs were treated at a large, university associated veterinary specialty center in the San Francisco Bay area of California. The supplement was not suggested by our regular vet for the splenic tumor in Tobe but was suggested by one (but not all) of the specialists treating our last little dog Sam with the nasal bleeding. So, good thing to ask vets about and sometimes worth a try. I don’t have the box anymore that it came in but I believe it was called Yunnan Baiyo or something similar and had Chinese writing on the box.
did you use Frontline? pesticides that you spray for bugs or flies can put a dog into seizure and death.
I am so sorry to hear about your Golden and the loss of your dear border mix. I understand how painful it is to lose a beloved dog and to also wait and watch. I first started on this site in about 2012 when our 15 yr old toy poodle was diagnosed with a mass on his spleen which the vet doubted was cancer but did predict that it would rupture or leak. Due to heart problems our little guy was not a surgical candidate so we did as you did and lived with fear that each day could be the day. His never did rupture after watching it for 2 years with ultra sounds but it did start to leak suddenly and over 3 days he went down hill very fast and he was so anemic that he became short of breath and gasping and we had to let him go in April of 2013.. He was a lucky dog who never got fleas for whatever reason so we did not use any topical or other flea killing products but we did give him all of his vaccinations. Vet told us there was nothing to indicate anything was causing so many cancers and splenic masses. Some masses might be caused by trauma, rough play with another dog (we had a playful Jack Russell) or a fall. We then got a wonderful, sweet, little rescue dog who was about 10-12 yrs old and he lived only 2 years with us because he had a nasal tumor. We had him on oral chemo drugs and gave him 9 medications a day for months but we could not save him and we did not want him to have any pain so when medications stopped working and he was having nose bleeds and struggling to breathe we had to let him go this last December so my heart is still breaking. The oncologist who treated him at a major veterinary medical center said they are just seeing more and more cancers and no real cause. Dogs are living longer so they are seeing more but also changes in the environment in general are playing a part too. He said he doubts current suspicions that vaccines, flea products, or food are causing it but it could be a combination of things. For example nasal tumors occur more often in long nose breeds, in smoking households, and may be associated with chemicals used on lawns but there is no direct or proven link and with our last dog, he did have a long nose but we did not smoke or have a lawn but who knows his past history. The splenic tumors occur in all size and shape dogs. So, guess we won’t know for awhile. Again, I am so very sorry for your loss and for your current struggle. I know too well how it all feels and my heart aches for you and your dear Golden.
Happy Valentines to all the fur babies, and remember to watch your chocolate, that your babies do not consume any.
my rottie had a tumour in the spleen and luckily was saved another hour and we would have lost her 3 weeks now and today she has all of a sudden got weak back legs and looking poorly will the op have had an effect
Tracy sorry to hear of your Rottie’s failing mobility. The weakness in the back legs could be totally unrelated to the splenic tumor.
You didn’t mention how the spleen issue was addressed or how old your pet is.
I know for our Miss Heidi, having her spleen removed led to some other side issues but nothing related to gimpy legs or joints. (She has those too, but she just turned 13 last month.)
Best wishes to you and your furkid. I pray for a good diagnosis and speedy recovery.
Von
Good Morning and Happy Palm Sunday!
As more time passes, I grow increasingly thankful for having Miss Heidi in our lives. She is now 13 years old, and coming up on her 13th “Gotcha Day” anniversary (April 1st).
She had one of these nasty splentic tumors that was found under #3, dumb luck, when her vet found the lump during a routine annual exam as she palpated her tummy. That was nearly 4 years ago, and thankfully it was benign.
As Heidi been aging gracefully, the white blaze on her red face can no longer be distinguished as her whole face is white now. The white “socks” on each of her feet now runs up the entire length of her legs to her shoulders and hips.
Recently, she started to slow down however. She was becoming more and more lethargic; often coming in from her potty trips dazed and confused. She’d stand in the kitchen, seemingly not knowing what to do or where to go. She was also showing increased soreness in her joints. Just standing seemed uncomfortable to her. She seemed only interested in sleeping, either in bed or on the couch.
We got her into her vet after about a week of these symptoms. After running a number of labs, she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and arthritis. With meds for both, we have our spunky, spry senior girl back.
She is again active and playful, engaged with her people and interested in the world around her.
I share this because we had started to fall into the rut of believing whatever was happening with her was the result of having her spleen removed. I’ll admit, my husband was feeling the day was coming when we’d be making that decision to help her cross the rainbow bridge. Even the thought of it, without verbalizing, resulted in teary thoughts.
We feel fortunate for every day we’ve been given with Miss Heidi; but also are realistic enough to know that day is coming . . . we just hope we know when it is here without letting her suffer a single day. For if she suffers only to delay ours, we will have failed her.
I think of the many people who have come her to share stories; sad & tragic stories, about their canine family members who have had to deal with these terrible splenic tumors. We all ponder why . . . we all wonder what we could have done differently to prevent it.
Enjoy the blessings you have been given; even when they have seemingly been ripped away in a horrific manner. Know your pet knows how much you love them and have looked out for them each and every day.
God bless and keep us all!
Von and Miss Heidi
Jennifer I don’t know if you will even get this message as it was written a while ago. But I wanted to thank you. Your story echoed mine. I lost my love a month ago and I am beyond devastated. Your words brought me comfort. I guess because somebody feels like I do. I am guilt ridden and in agony. I’m traumatized from what happened. It’s the worst thing I’ve ever been through. My Labradoodle was my child.
Kerryn, I am so sorry for your loss. I too sadly understand exactly how you feel, and it is just awful. It’s been over two years, and I still miss my Lola every day. The pain will become less acute, and you will be able to remember the happy times and smile. My heart goes out to you.
I just lost my beautiful boy yesterday. Rex was a 10 year old Keeshond who I thought was in pretty good health. Then one morning he was walking with his back legs in a tripod position and he was trembling and was obviously in pain. I took him to the vet and they did an ultrasound, xrays, blood test and it was discovered that my boy had a large mass on his spleen, they also suspected cushings disease, he has pancreitis and his adrenal glands were enlarged. He had blood in his tummy and his urine had signs of degested blood. With all this information I searched the internet for answers and it was so difficult to make a decision. The vet I was gong to said that he thought my boy was a good candidate for surgery and then sent me to a veterinary university hospital to get a second opinion. The vet there told me that in these operations they can bleed out and need blood transfusion. Also because of the enlarged adrenal glands his blood would clot rapidly because of the cushings disease and so they would have to get that under control first before surgery or he could throw a clot and have a stroke and die. Ok so where did that leave me, I had the money to do the operation and would gladly pay any amount to save my best friend and I was horrified and angry when the Vet suggested that maybe it was the cost of the operation that made my decision to euthanise my little man. Well NO that is not why, this is why I made the hardest decision of my life to put my little man to sleep. I bought him home wrapped in my arms and a tiny 8 week old bundle of fluff, he has been the biggest joy to me, he is so loyal and always loved me absolutely unconditionally. My daughter said on the days that I work he would lay in the hallway all day and just watch the door for my car to pull up. So I was not going to allow my little boy to have to experience even one tiny bit of pain without a guarantee that he would not suffer and no one could give me that guarantee. There was a strong chance that this was cancer and they couldnt tell me if it was until they did the operation. So for me taking into consideration all the problems this beautiful boy had I made that heartbreaking decision. Was it the right one, I dont know, was it the wrong one I dont know. but what I do know is my decision was made out of pure love for that little dog and I know he will not suffer.
Dear Jane. Our beloved pets trust that when that time comes, we will make the best decision possible for them so that they will not suffer in pain.
I know it is difficult to make the decision especially when you get wrapped up in “what if” scenarios after the fact. Cherish all of your memories and great times together. Rex would want it no other way.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
First, let me say I am so sorry for the loss of so many 4 legged family members. Several years ago my 10 year old Doberman Alex wasn’t acting right. I took him to my vet and they said he had a mass on his spleen which had ruptured. They were able to stabilize him but when they opened him to remove his spleen he had several suspicious looking areas on other organs…nothing definite, but…I didn’t want to put him through the pain of surgery and healing only to die a couple months later of cancer so he never woke up from his surgery. A week ago during her yearly routine, my vet felt something not quite right on my 11 year old Doberman Skylar. X-rays revealed a mass on her spleen. She had surgery the next day and her spleen was removed. The tumor hadn’t ruptured and there was nothing “suspicious” on any of her other organs. She came home two days after surgery and is doing great…no signs that she just went through major surgery. I had her in today to have her stitches checked and received the devastating news that the tumor was hemangiosarcoma. Sooo, it’s time for tough decisions. Skylar has Von Willbrands (SP), a bleeding disorder. She also has Wobbler’s or vestibular instability. In the past year, she had emergency surgery for pyometra (she was a rescue we adopted 4 years ago and was never spayed) and bloat. My vet is saying if we do nothing, prognosis is 3-5 months. Or we can do Chemo and then possibly a year. The cost would probably be close to $5,000. If treatment could offer her a couple of years, I’d do it in an instant but with everything she’s been through I don’t want to put her through more for what amounts to at best a few months. My inclination is to not do anything further but I have a couple of weeks of serious soul searching before I need to make a decision.
Dear Gayle . . . I’m just catching up with things here after been away for Memorial Day week. I’m so sad to read about your two beloved Dobies. I will pray for Skylar in hopes that she’s able to recover and have more quality time with you and your family.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
I continue to pray for all our fur babies. I just want to say I know everyone has different outcomes when diagnosed with splenic tumors. My Sasha is one of the lucky dogs. I just want to give hope to someone that is not sure what to do. I was told Sasha had a 50-50 chance. I gave her that chance and had her surgery, that saved her life. That was 4 years ago. She’s now 14. My heart goes out to every fur baby, and all I want to say is, there is hope sometimes. â¤ï¸
HI Donna. I’m so happy to read that Sasha is still doing well. Thank you for sharing and giving others a reason for optimism.
Yes there are a few out there that to have a good outcome and we’re happy that Miss Heidi is coming up on her 14th birthday soon, thanks to great medical treatment for her splenic tumor back in 2012.
Von & Miss Heidi
Donna . . . I was so saddened to read of Sasha’s passing! I know how much joy and love she gave you! She had more than four great years after the splenic tumor was found . . . how fortunate for you both.
Run free Sasha!
With deepest sympathy,
Von & Miss Heidi
Thank you Von, for the condolences. My girl was given a chance, with her surgery, and I did have her for over 4 more years. I could see she was growing weary, yet, she still had a lot of quality in her life. Its really sad, we could not get her hip back in the socket, and the doctor said she was not a candidate for surgery. To make the call to end her life, was so heartbreaking and so tough. I’ll remember this for the rest of my life. She was my baby, just like a teenager, 14years 5 months. Oh, how I miss her.
Thank You Von, for your kind words of comfort.
Donna
We have a female beagle who was 10 years old but in great shape. We often take her out to restaurants with us. One night, I reached down to give her a small dab of vanilla ice cream, and she refused to eat it, which is unheard of in a beagle. She was shaking and quite in distress. We left immediately, took her to the emergency vet, where her gums were found to be grey and she was going into shock. She had a transfusion and was stabilized. No metastases were found on a chest x-ray, but ultrasound showed a huge splenic mass had burst. She had a splenectomy, and after two weeks was back to her normal self. Diagnosis was a stromal sarcoma. The science says median lifetime expectancy is 1.5 years, with 80% not making it past 2 years. I wish there was more science on chemotherapy regarding stromal sarcomas – the only data I can find is not promising but the numbers of dogs studied is very small. Anyway, we are happy to have a few more months with her in good shape.
So sorry to hear that your beloved beagle had one of these nasty splenic tumors. She was fortunate that you were right on top of it and got her into the emergency vet so quickly. So many ruptures bleed out, giving the pet a very poor prognosis.
Enjoy every day with her; I know she will enjoy every day with her people!
TS Von & Miss Heidi
This has been so helpful to read so many stories as we go through this with Cody, our beloved 13 year old Bichon and as we are trying to decide whether to have the splenectomy. Cody also has 3 kidney stones (noted in xrays along with the baseball size mass on his spleen after he had two seizures suddenly and we knew something was wrong). He has not been the picture of good health just FYI and has other issues including half his teeth have been removed and those left are now once again in bad shape but we don’t want to have them cleaned again under anesthesia, he has lots of skin issues and about licks areas raw sometimes, he is a overweight probably, has had both back knees worked on. He still is a love, with a wonderful personality, and we love him dearly. We don’t want to put him through surgery at this age and Chinese herbs have been recommended (Yunnan Baiayo), but we have not yet had an ultrasound either to get the rest of the facts. At his age and with a fast growing growth that will most likely continue to grow if not removed, what are your thoughts on the risks and benefits of having the surgery and has anyone tried the Chinese herbs to help prevent internal bleeding (recommended by our vet actually)?? Right now he is eating and drinking again and seems comfortable and mostly sleeps but I worry about the sudden rupture that can happen apparently. One thing I got for him a year ago because we can go on longer walks is a pet stroller which has been the greatest investment ever, just FYI, and it allows us to now take him around the neighborhood and get fresh air. Thank you, Julie
HI Julie. So sorry to read about your Cody’s situation with one of these nasty splenic tumors! I would say that we have all had to weigh the options, with advice from our vets.
As for “my thoughts on the risks and benefits of surgery” . . . and the use of herbal therapies/meds . . .
I personally believe that left untreated (i.e., tumor removed) it will continue to grow and eventually rupture and the dog will bleed out and die. That is not an outcome I’d be willing to risk happening.
I can’t imagine how any herbal treatment can prevent internal bleeding if the spleen were to rupture. (Have you see a photo of what a spleen w/tumor looks like? I’d be happy to share what Heidi’s looked like . . . during surgery . . . the tumor was also about baseball/softball size.)
At the advanced age of Cody, your real decision is going to be about quality of life moving forward and what “end of life” outcome you feel would be best for him. I know how we would approach it with Heidi . . . she will be 14 next month . . . and was “only” 9 when she had her splenic tumor successfully removed.
I wish you the best with your beloved Cody . . . hug him just a little tighter each day. He no doubt knows how much his is loved.
Von
Hi Julie, So sad to hear about your dear Cody. I wish the best for both of you. We lost our 15 1/2 yr old toy poodle to a splenic tumor that began leaking. We knew Tobe had the tumor but because of his age, heart and kidney disease we opted to watch and wait as the vet thought that it would not rupture unless he fell but it might begin to leak. She felt he was too high risk for surgery. He lived for several years after the diagnosis as the tumor was small. One day he stopped eating, became weak and short of breath. We took him in and vet said labs showed a low hemoglobin indicating the tumor was leaking. She suggested we take him home, love him as usual and that he would become short of breath and struggle to breathe as his hemoglobin dropped more and that we would need to ‘help him along’ to cross over the rainbow bridge. It was very sad as he was our baby who had filled our empty nest after kids were grown. We later adopted another older dog who developed nasal cancer with nose bleeds. He was started on Yunnan Baiayo to help with the bleeding by an extremely respected veterinary critical care specialist at a veterinary specialty/emergency care center connected with a major university. I am an RN, always very skeptical about herbs and supplements, but we researched this herb and it is being studied for use in pediatric GI cancers and was used for years in China on battlefields to stop bleeding. We decided to give it a try along with traditional chemotherapy. In researching the herb, I found several mentions of it being used during surgery on splenic tumors so it sounds like your vet is on the right track and maybe meant to use it during surgery. I don’t know if it prevents something from rupturing, only that it is said to control bleeding like in wounds or cancers. Our vet said just to see how it worked, if he felt worse on it we could always stop the treatment. Unfortunately our poor old guy lived only 9 months after his cancer diagnosis despite chemo but we felt we had done all we could to help him. There is nothing worse than what you are going through right now and my heart aches for you and your dear Cody. Take care of your baby and of yourself too. PS–we had a stroller for Tobe too. He loved going out even when he was too old to enjoy long walks. Meg
Just a week ago our dear Drogo, a 4-yr-old English Lab went through an emergency surgery. That morning he had two vomits, didn’t want to eat, which is always a signal of alarm on him, and was a bit lethargic. The thing is that just a month before he was diagnose with ehrlichiosis canis and had the proper treatment, but that day we thought that the bacteria was still on his body and further treatment was needed. During the morning he went to the bathroom and the poop was really brown, and I know that might mean blood on the stomach. When I checked his gums they were really pale. We rushed to the emergency clinic and after X-rays, blood text, ultrasound, and liquid extracted from his stomach (blood) we faced one of the worst moments in our live: he had a mass on his spleen that ruptured and it was bleeding into his abdomen. The vet told us the worst scenario possible: hemangiosarcoma. The surgery removing the tumor and the spleen would give him 3 extra months and up to 9 month considering chemo. The surgery went well and the vet said that the tumor was big, that the organs around looked good, no metastasis was found in the thoracic x-rays but the analysis of the spleen was the final word. My husband and I have Drogo since he was 29 days old, he has been filling since then the place of the kids that we still don’t have. For us, he is family. The waiting of the results was a nightmare, and an incredible relief the news that the tumor was benign. He has been doing great during the recovery and will have soon the staples removed. Already playing and with lots of energy. The surgery saved him! Even when the vet told us the worst outcome we decided to go for the surgery, please, never assume that is cancer from the beginning. Unfortunately, these tumors won’t give a signal that they exist until is, almost always, too late. Acting fast after they are noticed, can make the difference.
Y.
Hurray for Drogo’s great outcome! As scary as it was for you, this is as good a result as you could hope for. I’m hopeful that he will have a long and healthy life from here on out!
(Our Miss Heidi is going to be 14 next month . . . and is several years past her splenectomy surgery to remove her benign tumor & spleen.)
Von & Miss Heidi
My 11 yr old astafford has just developed a spleenic mass ..just by chance i could feel it during his tummy rubs at night.am now faced with huge op which can still lead to a fatality
Or euthanased as i would not just let the spleen decay.
What a new year. 2017.
Praying for guidance
Korina. What has your vet suggested? I would take my lead from them, with the total of all of the circumstances being considered.
It can be frustrating to seek advice and not know what to do. Each dog is different and has medical history that can make a difference as to what treatment (if any) that you decide upon.
I’m glad you found the tumor by chance and that you have some options at this point.
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you work through making the right choice for your beloved canine companion.
Von & Miss Heidi
i wish i would have read all of these posts before. My sweet boy Buddy was diagnosed with a spleen tumor the week before Thanksgiving. He was what i thought in perfect health. A 10 year old golden who was the best dog in the world…so sweet with a gentle soul. Because the vet thought it was cancerous we opted not to do surgery (which i now deeply regret) we lost our sweet baby on December 26 when our family decided that it was best to put him down. He was having difficulty breathing. Christmas night he stood in the hallway disoriented…he would not lay down. He was not himself. in addition to regretting that we did not choose surgery i am living with a tremendous amount of guilt. Here our sweet boy who just minutes before seemed to be “dying” suddenly had this burst of curiosity and happiness as we walked into the vet. I will never forgive myself for going through with this. He was standing loving on all of us when the sedative started to work. He was so scared and didn’t know what was going on. He tried to fight it as his back legs weakened. I helped lay down with his head on my lap. I whispered to him how much i loved him as i rubbed his sweet silky ears…and when the vet came in to do it; he said he is already gone. The sedative was enough to let him go. I will never forgive myself. This sweet animal did nothing but love me and i feel sick that i didn’t do more to save his life. It makes me sad that everything has to come down to money and what we can and can’t afford. I have so much love for animals but will probably never get one again knowing that i let him down. To anyone reading this please know that i loved my sweet boy and my heart is breaking.
My heart goes out to you. I’m sitting here writing this with tears rolling down my face, knowing just how you’re feeling even though it’s over 4 years ago since we were in exactly the same situation. Take one day at a time and try to think of all the good times you shared together and the unconditional love he always gave you. Take Care xx
Thank you for replying and for understanding. I know it has only been a week but I can’t stop crying. My kids have been very supportive, my son especially. He loved Buddy too; they all did. It has been hard on all of us but hardest on me. I walked him and fed him and just loved him! He was so good and so beautiful. At one point we had a rabbit and Buddy was friends with him. He was so gentle. I also have a 4 year old cocker/poodle mix; Penny. She is my “devil dog” I love her, but she is very strong willed and definitely has a mind of her own. She loved Buddy. We actually got her to keep him company while we were at school and work. She has been by my side loving on me. She knows I am hurting.
Dogs are so smart! I just love them so much.
Dogs live in the moment with every breath they take. They remember the past because they know their people and love them so. I am so very sorry yo lost your love. These are difficult yet kind decisions we make. It never seems long enough that our dogs are with us.
By the time they are mature to know us and the routines of our lives it’s time to depart. Try not to get caught up in the “what if, could have”. Try to remember the dog in his happy moments , I know this all too well. I am so very sorry for your loss Blessings in the New Year & may you find peace.
Debbie,
It is so easy to let hindsight torment us after the fact. Please try to find comfort and peace knowing your beloved Buddy is not suffering and will not die tragically from a splenic tumor rupture.
He knew how much you loved him and cared for him. They trust us to make the best decisions for them . . . and you did that.
I know your heart aches for him and your loss. May God help to bring you comfort over time.
Love,
Von & Miss Heidi
Thanks to all of you for your kind words. I had to come back to work today. It was very hard to get off my couch but life goes on. I will forever love my sweet boy and he will always be in my heart. My advice for anyone who has to face this terrible situation; do the surgery! I will forever regret not doing it. I would have been more at peace knowing I did everything I could for him. We had a good month together and he was okay up until Christmas Eve night. He was with us on Christmas morning and got to open his toys; for all of that I am grateful.
Blessings to everyone and their babies. I wish everyone love and good health!
So amazingly my pooch BoJangles is 13 and was attacked by our young dog. We were so upset Bo,as we call him, is a sweet boy who I’ve had since before my husband and kids. He was fine just a small bite wound but I took him to the vet just to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. The vet checked him over and declared him healthy pending the results of his routine blood test. The next day I received a call that his blood work came back slightly anemic and they wanted to do a scan to make sure he didn’t have cancer. So we took him in and his ultra sound revealed a tumor on his spleen. The doc wanted to take it out that day so we went all in knowing it was most likely cancer. When they got in to take it out it was as big as a basketball!!!!!!!! This bright red aweful thing was removed and tore as they removed it! Bo is recovering having dodged a huge bullet and our family is so blessed that this random series of events occurred helping us save our Bo Jangles!!! Now we are praying to hear that it is not cancerous. We shall see!
I’ve just gotten through reading all of your stories. I’m so sorry to hear of some of the outcomes. Praying for continued comfort and peace for you and your families.
Good Morning Sara. I’m so thankful for your Bo, that his splenic tumor was caught through such a random series of events! I will pray for a favorable, non-cancer, outcome!
I know you will enjoy every day with him, knowing he has been spared having that nasty thing rupture.
Best wishes,
Von & Miss Heidi
Hi everyone, well it seems you have all given me the reason my beloved Spikey died last week. He had all the symptoms you have described and he died suddenly last Thursday. Im sitting here crying because I didn’t know. he’d been to the vets who originally thought it could be liver or kidney issues, then cushings but then they decided everything was ok!!!!! even though I described every symptom you have all mentioned, there was never a mention about the spleen. I can only hope that he died peacefully and quickly, but I’m so sad that we didn’t know. He knew he was loved, that I’m sure of, but we’ll miss his beautiful face every day. Sending love to all of you who are going through the same things and wishing you all the very best xx
My heart is breaking for you as I know all too well and too recent how hard this is. I talk to my Buddy everyday! I ask him to wait for me and I will meet up with him again one day. Unfortunately, I don’t have any words that will make your pain go away; but please find comfort that you are not alone and most importantly your Spikey is not either. You will see him again. Hugs, Debbie
Thank you xx – maybe Spike and Buddy are messing around together đŸ™‚
Annette & Debbie . . . my deepest sympathy going out to each of you. I pray for all of our 4-legged family and hope they run free when these ugly splenic tumors cut their lives short.
Know that Spikey and Buddy are running free of disease and pain . . . and loved you very much.
Hugs,
Von & Miss Heidi
Thanks xx
Hello friends. I wanted to let everyone know that on Tuesday Miss Heidi crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. At the age of 14, she had a very full and wonderful life . . . even after her diagnosis and removal of her spleen + tumor nearly 5 years ago.
Over the past year, she had increasing symptoms that indicated abnormal brain function. At times it was as if she had doggie dementia and over the past couple of months, tremors and shakes would over come her . . . so much so . . . she was clearly frightened by whatever was going on in her mind.
All of the wonderful people here will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I hope each of you continue to have a good life with your canine companions.
And for those who have lost your furry friends, I believe they are all running free together in Heaven. I trust we will see them again one day.
Best wishes, one and all!
Von
Oh Von, I am so sorry for your loss of dear Miss Heidi. She was a very special dog and lived a good long life with someone who loved her and someone for her to love back. What more can any of us ask for in this life. I imagine her running free and playing with my little Tobe and sweet Sam. You were so kind to me when I lost Tobe to his splenic tumor in 2013. My heart aches for you. Rest In peace dear Miss Heidi.
I too wanted to give my condolences and say how appreciative your words were when we lost our Stella to cancer in 2013. I was so happy to read of Heidi and other dogs who beat that terrible cancer! Hugs to you. We still don’t have a dog in our lives but hopefully soon.
Vivian
Thank you Vivian.
We too will open our hearts and homes to future pets . . . just not yet. We’re thinking about doing rescue and/or fostering . . . maybe even “Dogs on Deployment” to help our service families cope with “what to do with fido” when called up to service our country.
Having Miss Heidi in our lives was a blessing . . . one we will never forget.
Von
Oh Von, we have both had our “Lucky Pups”, go the same route as survivors of the Splenic Tumors removed. We were granted extra time with them. My Sasha experienced the doggie dementia also. I’m sad to hear Miss Heidi has crossed the Rainbow Bridge this year also, but feel Sasha is greeting your baby at the bridge crosswalk. I send love to you at this time, as I know your heart is broken, they take part of it with them. Take care my friend,
â¤ï¸Donna Maes
It is encouraging to add that my Sasha girl was 14 years and 5 months, and she did have a life as Miss Heidi’s, full of love. We both are lucky too, to have that unconditional love for that long. 2017 will always be remembered in my mind as the year of Sasha and Miss Heidi â¤ï¸Donna Maes
Von, I am so sorry for your loss. You have been so supportive to me and so many of us whose beautiful doggies battled (and lost) splenic tumors, and I hope now we can provide some comfort to you. My heart goes out to you.
Thank you so very much ladies. This group was very important to us when Heidi was first diagnosed with the splenic tumor, so paying it forward to others was simply a natural thing to do.
Our days are getting better, but I’ll admit our home seems so very quiet and empty these past few days.
I hope Heidi’s legacy will be to encourage others to live every day with joy and happiness.
God bless!
Von
Thank you Von, for paying it forward after Heidi’s surgery. Sasha had her surgery scheduled a short while after Heidi’s. I had asked for prayers during her surgery, and was comforted with so many prayer responses. If I didn’t have this site to help me cope, I wouldn’t have been so informed about splenic tumors. I gained confidence in my decision. I’m saying to you, Thank you.
My home became silent also, January 16th. I decided in April to share my heart again, as my Sasha would want me to do. I welcomed another pup into our lives again. Nothing will ever replace my beloved Sasha, but my heart was still open to share again.
May you find peace and happiness also, Von.
â¤ï¸Donna Maes
You’re welcome Donna. I’m so happy to read that you have a new family member. They can never take the place of a lost family member . . . only the space . . . as one friend told me many years ago about another loss.
We too will open our hearts and homes to future pets . . . just not yet. We’re thinking about doing rescue and/or fostering . . . maybe even “Dogs on Deployment†to help our service families cope with “what to do with fido†when called up to service our country.
Best wishes to you and yours!
Von
We started our first stint as foster parents to a couple of little hound mix littermates. We picked them up on Wednesday evening . . . they are 6 wks old. The female (now called Sissy) is about 4.5 lbs and has short hair. Her brother (we call Bear) is a 5.5 lb butterball . . . rolly polly and with long fluffy hair.
They have been a joy to have. They will be with us for 2-3 weeks until they are big enough to be spayed/neutered. Then the Wisconsin Humane Society will put them up for adoption.
WHS is also where we adopted Miss Heidi from, so we’ve always been supportive of their efforts with donations. We’re happy to be fostering for them now!
Von
I am very sorry for your loss. As the others said, you were so sweet and kind to all of us when we suffered our loss of our beloved fur babies. God, I miss my Buddy everyday. I do find comfort in the fact that he is waiting for me and I will see him again. I hope too that you find comfort in that. I will be thinking about you and praying that you find peace in all the memories and love that you shared.
God Bless you and your Miss Heidi,
Debbie (Buddy’s Mommy)
I find comfort in that too. Buddy, Sasha, Tobe, Sam, Heidi and all of the others who had splenic turmors are running and playing . . . and waiting for us!
Hugs,
Von
My dog just went in for a splenectomy, for some nodules on her spleen. One of them had erupted because we run every day, and she has no symptoms of cancer. So we are praying it is either benign or non cancerous.
Good Morning Holly. I’ve been away for a couple of weeks so I’m just catching up here.
I hope that by now you’ve received a good prognosis on your canine friend. Sounds like you caught it early.
Hugs to you both!
Von
Please help me I’m haveing a hard time dealing with this I had to look for a vet that was open on Saturday march 25,2017 , it was also my birthday and I dread every one I have after this one now cuz my beagle ,Copper that I had sence he was 8 weeks old and was 13 when this happened had ruptured his spleen he was getting big knots all over his little body I took him to two different vets they said he just shook her head and didn’t even examine him band said he’s old best not to do anything then charged me 100 bucks . Well a few months went by and I don’t know how but my dog had ruptured his spleen he was little and jumping in and out of the truck I fiqured is how it happened I don’t know for sure but the vet on march 25 2017 told me it would cost up to 2 thousand buckstobtrtband keep him alive and would probaly live another 6 months at the most and I just didn’t have the money . I put him down and I wish I didn’t I should of sold my car and kept him alive and if I could do it over I would I miss him so much they gave him the shot that put him to sleep first and his tongue did the weirdest thing it swirled up in the air then his head fell and he was asleep I didn’t even give him his last meal he died hungry and copper loved food more than anything I feel so awful it all happened so fast I was alone and I had to carry to carry his dead body out and put him in the back seat of my car I drove him home and buried him in my yard it was awful it still is I cry everyday it was the worst thing I ever had to do and I regret it so much I played God it was my choice and I killed him before his time I don’t think I can stand this please help me cand I seriously don’t think u can help me anyway I feel I did wrong by copper and really I don’t even know why I’m telling you this I’m just hopeing for some peace of mind but doubt u can help me sorry if I wasted your time thank you have a god day!
Dana, I feel your heartache. My 13 year old Lola, who I had since she was 9 weeks old, collapsed suddenly due to a ruptured spleenic tumor. I was completely unprepared to deal with it as she had received a clean bill of health a few weeks before. It seemed surreal when the emergency vet recommended putting her down and I was in denial so I opted for surgery at great expense and maxing out my credit cards. she survived the surgery but died the next morning. I can still hear her in my head sighing deeply for air… it still hurts so much to think about it and I miss her so much. I feel so guilty that she died on a cold steel table in a strange place after being cut open for no reason, and I think I will always feel guilty for the way everything happened and want a do over… I’m just saying this because you have nothing to feel guilty for. You did the best you could, and there is no guarantee that surgery would have helped Cooper at all, and it may have caused him extra pain. I am so sorry for your grief and pain, but please don’t beat yourself up. I wish you peace.
Hi Dana,
I hope you find a way to bring yourself peace. I’m sure it’s what Copper would want for you. You obviously loved him and gave him a beautiful life. It’s been four years since that frightful day when I rushed my boy to an emergency vet at 10:00pm. We were told he had a ruptured tumor on his spleen. The pressure of what to do what tremendous. We opted for a pricey surgery only to get a diagnose of hemangioma carcinoma. We did bring our boy home and have two decent months. But whose to say, he underwent a surgery and three miserable days in emergency care. All he really wanted was to be home. Can I recommend volunteering with a local animal rescue group. Possibly fostering a dog/puppy in need. I find great comfort caring for my fur babies and volunteering. Truth is our fur babies will never live long enough. Loving and receiving love from them comes with the price of losing them at some point. So, free yourself of the guilt and do something wonderful for another animal in need. Take good care!
Oh Dana, I am so sorry about your loss of Copper. I can tell how much you loved him and what good care you gave him through your writing. I lost my sweet little Tobe when he was 15 1/2 years old in 2013. He had a splenic tumor and the vet said he was too old and had a bad heart and recommended against any surgery. She said to keep him from jumping and falling like down the stairs to try to prevent the tumor from rupturing. We did the best we could but one day he just stopped eating and acted weak. We took him to the vet and exam showed he was severely anemic from the tumor leaking. She gave him some meds but said he would only last a couple more days since he was loosing blood internally. I asked about euthanasia and she said we would know when it was time. Well, a couple days later he could hardly breathe due to so little oxygen getting to his body from the anemia. It was horrible to watch him suffer and I felt we had waited too long to let him go. We brought him in and the vet said “Sometimes you have to help him along to cross the Rainbow Bridge” which we did. It is the last gift we give our beloved pets, a peaceful death with dignity. Another vet later told me that vets will not put a dog down if they feel that he has a good quality of life left. That most people wait too long for their own needs and do not consider that their dog may be suffering silently. Dogs hide their pain till they just can’t do it anymore. So, that said, please do not be so hard on yourself. You loved Copper so much and did everything he would have wanted you to do. I have been a nurse for 48 years and have seen countless families deal with loss of loved ones. I know that no matter how great the relationship, how much they did for their loved one, most people seem to find something to feel guilty about. It seems to almost be a stage of grief. I think what Sharron told you is great advice. Try to give that wonderful love you gave to Copper to another little dog by either rescuing one or volunteering at a shelter or fostering. There may be another little guy who needs some love. We did that after Tobe died and wouldn’t you know it, we adopted one we fostered for 1 day. He needed us and we needed him. We felt that Tobe guided us to him and that maybe we made little Tobe happy knowing that another dog was getting spoiled and loved. We felt that it was our way of passing on the love we had for Tobe and keeping that love alive. Bless you Dana and I hope you can soon smile at the happy memories you shared with your Copper. Hugs.
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Dana I’ve been away from the computer for a few days so I am just reading your post and the loving responses from others here.
There is really nothing more that I can add other than to encourage you to find comfort and peace remembering the wonderful times you had with Copper.
Splenic tumors are so random and unpredictable; there really is no way to second guess your decisions at the time.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as I know Miss Heidi welcomed him over the rainbow bridge with a friendly wagging tail.
Hugs,
Von
Dana,
Just as Von has said, there is no second guessing. You did what was right at the time. The tumor had a 50/50 chance it was cancerous.
My Sasha, And Miss Heidi are all there greeting your fur baby.
Hugs, Donna
Hello, my Charlie Brown Bear was just diagnosed this afternoon of a tumor on his spleen about the size of a grapefruit. My head is just reeling. Week before last I took him in as he seemed lethargic. The vet did a geriatric blood work up and was told that his thyroid was low and would need to be put on medication for the rest of his life. Our vet wanted to do a follow up and redraw blood and see if his thyroid glands were improving. So last Friday I took him back in. At that time she also took his temperature and it was 104 degrees and Charlie Brown’s white blood count was elevated and I was told he had an infection somewhere but couldn’t pinpoint exactly where. So I was sent home with two different types of antibiotics last Friday. The vet wanted to see Charlie Brown today and see if his white blood cell count had gone down. She took his temperature again and his temperature had gone up to 105 but the white blood cell count remained the same. She was going to send me to a specialist and see if he could shed some light on what was going on with my little man. Dr. S took some x-rays first and that is when she discovered the tumor. I knew it was bad news when both the vet and her lead assistant came in the room. So tomorrow morning she is removing the spleen and sending the tumor to a pathologist. Charlie Brown is an American Pitt Bull and is one of ten siblings. We had his momma KaliAnn who passed away from cancer in February 2012, so cancer was a great concern of mine. We kept Charlie Brown and also one of his brothers’ and a sister. They just celebrated their 8th birthday on August 3rd. This news was the furthest thing from my mind at the time. Now I hope and pray this is not the end of the line. I will be taking both Ben and Daisey Mae in also and have them tested as well. I will post again tomorrow after the surgery. I am sending hugs and prayers to all the fur babies and their pet parents that have unexpected horrific news. Take care.
Prayers for your Charlie Brown, there are success rates, including my Sasha, that had the tumor and spleen removed and no cancer. Keep the hope alive your fur baby has the same results.
Hugs
Prayers sent for Charlie Brown Bear!
As Donna said, some have had success stories to share including the tumor being benign. I hope your beloved pet will be one of the lucky ones too!
Hugs,
Von
My annie was just diagnosed with splenic mass- they didn’t see any blood spots but said it may have affected the liver and I shouldn’t do surgery? May have? She is showing no symptoms other than a UTI. I am devastated- if surgery was an option how long do they live after? I am completely devastated
Gail, my Harley had a splendid mass removed. The biopsy indicated an aggressive cancer and the vet gave her 3 months to live. She lived for 3 1/2 more years until we had to put her to sleep because of immobility. She was 16 years old and we cherished everyday with her. I do not regret surgery but was cautioned from the beginning that she might not survive it due to the size of her tumor. I would do your own research, maybe get a 2nd opinion, and go with your gut. I pray the best for you and Annie.
So many variables. The age/condition of the dog affects the likelihood of surviving surgery in the first place. The nature of the tumor (benign/malignant) affects the post-op lifespan, and you don’t know that until you get it out. And of course, there’s the cost of surgery, which is a factor that can’t be ignored.
Here’s one thing I know for sure, which I pointed out in my original post: if you don’t remove the tumorous spleen and it ruptures, the dog will bleed out and die. That is a certainty. Once you accept that, the rest of the decision comes down to evaluating risk: surgical, financial, quality of life, etc.
Hi Gail. So sorry to hear about Annie’s splenic mass. You’ve already received very good advice . . . I would suggest a second opinion too.
As for the decision regarding surgery, we did had Heidi’s mass removed and fortunately it was benign. She lived several more years before old age (14 1/2) necessitated that we do the right thing for her earlier this year.
We pray for you and your beloved Annie . . . I’m glad you found our little group here.
Von
Thank you so much for responding to me. Please keep praying for my Annie! â¤ï¸
Hi Gail . . . been wondering how your Annie is doing. Did she have the surgery?
I’m not sure if people are still active on this site, but I’ve found it interesting to read the stories here. A little over ten years ago, my husband and I had a dog, Belle, who died suddenly from a ruptured hemangiosarcoma that we didn’t even know she had. She was ten at the time. Belle was a mixed breed that someone had abandoned as a pup at a store near our home, but she was obviously part German Shepherd.
Now we have Bella, whom we adopted from a rescue. The person who dropped the litter off had both parents, so we know she’s half Great Pyrenees and half Anatolian Shepherd. She was twelve in November 2018. For most of the past year, she’d seemed to be having problems. In May 2018, she was mildly anemic, but with iron supplements, that had cleared up by July. During the past couple of months she appeared to be having hip trouble, ie., difficulty getting up and managing stairs. Arthritis, we thought, and she did better with Rimadyl. She was also losing weight. We had her to the vet three times in 2018. They did blood work twice, as well as thorough physical exams, and were stumped.
Week before last, my husband noticed her ears felt unusually warm. I felt her nose, and it was, too. I took her temperature and found she had a fever, so we got her to the vet the next day. Antibiotics seemed to take care of whatever that was, but while examining her, the vet felt what seemed to be a baseball-sized mass on her spleen. He’d last examined her in December and hadn’t felt anything. Last week we took her for an ultrasound, and they saw a mass that was attached to her spleen and possibly to her liver and mesentery, but no indication of it having spread elsewhere.
Four days ago, our vet operated and removed Bella’s spleen and a four-pound tumor. It wasn’t attached to the liver or mesentery. It was so large, he had to use both hands to hold it and he had to make an incision much larger than normal. He said it had two lobes, and each was about the size of a softball, so either it had grown since he’d felt it or he just hadn’t been able to feel all of it. He said there wasn’t a lot of bleeding and he didn’t see any tumors elsewhere in the abdominal cavity. The pathology report isn’t back yet, so we don’t know for sure yet what it is.
Bella seems to be rapidly recovering–eating anything we put in front of her (well, as long as it’s something she likes–she’s always been a bit of a princess!) and even going for short walks at a rapid pace that she sets. And she doesn’t seem to be having trouble with her hips either, so we think the monster tumor had something to do with that.
We have two other old dogs. Both were adult strays when we got them, so their age isn’t certain. However, we think Missy is also twelve and she appears to be part German Shepherd. Buster is around nine and is probably half Boxer. I plan on having blood work done on both of them in the next few weeks. I also agree with Holly that ultrasounds are a really good idea for older dogs so that’s also on my calendar.
We realize that at Bella’s age death isn’t all that far off no matter the outcome of this, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed that she has a decent amount of good time left. It was encouraging to read here and in other places that the larger masses are more often benign. I hope that turns out to be the case here.
We did the splenic tumor removal and it gave our pup 4 more years. We lost her to other issues. She was 10 at surgery time, and passed at 14. Her tumor was benign also. I feel we gave her the life option rather than the inevitable rupture and she would have died. She was one of the lucky ones.
Take care and I hope your pup has good results too.
Our girl Heidi was a similar story to Donna’s. She had a benign tumor that was found during her annual physical exam . . . the vet could feel it when palpating her belly and abdomen area. She lived another few years, until May 2017. There isn’t a day that we don’t think about her, but she lived a full and wonderful life with us.
Now we have a couple of older rescues . . . Smokey the 14 y/o pit bull mix and Lizzy the 7 y/o Australian shepherd. They are great together and complete our home.
Prayers that Bella has a good result from the lab and more quality time with you!
Bear is recovering from his splenectomy, a softball sized mass on the spleen, all blood work and imaging clear. After 6 days of an emotional marathon, the results came back as a Splenic Stromal Sarcoma. A “low grade” cancer. I’ve never heard of this and cannot find a lot of data on it. I requested a second slide analysis. I was told of an 18 mo. lifespan and that the lungs would be targeted next. I opted for surgery just 2 days after the ultrasound showing the mass. No biopsy, just remove it. Bear is 13. He’s recovering nicely so far. I’m also his breeder, he was born in my hands. Feel I need to also be his usher to exit. I have hopeful news for dogs taking Turkey Tail mushroom to shrink tumors with success. I intend to explore this as well. Reading others’ experience is heart wrenching and I must say, I don’t know if I can go through this kind of torture any longer in loving a pet so much. Big hugs to everyone going through this.
HI Kat. I’ve been away on vacation and just catching up on some internet things.
I am happy you found this resource, even though it’s been relatively inactive for some time now. Many of us have had very successful outcomes with these nasty tumors.
Our Miss Heidi’s was benign, but like you we had it removed before knowing one way or the other. She was older as well, and did have three more great years, to the age of 14 post-surgery.
I hope your bear does equally as well!
Best wishes,
Von
Hi Kat. I hope this finds you and Bear doing well. It’s been about a month and I was thinking about you. Best wishes, Von
Hi Yvonne,
Thank you for checking in! Bear is very well, returning to his life with energy. Luckily I spent my time off from teaching nursing him back. I’ve supplemented his new/better food with handmade food which he likes. I’m planning to give turkey tail mushroom as an anti tumor remedy. His prognosis post op was 1.5 years. I think about his life as a celebration and will try to give him a good exit of possible:)
That’s great news Kat! I’m happy to know you saved Bear and he’s recovering well.
I hope Bear is doing well. It is heartbreaking to go through this. We all know, and feel your pain. I wish they lived longer, but was blessed with 4 more years after surgery. Sasha was 14. I now own 2 more dogs, 1 1/2 Maggie May and 2 yr Lucy LuLu, they bring my house back to the happy place, but I still miss my Sasha girl.đŸ’”
Hi – thanks for the article. I just wanted to let you know the Mar Vista web page is now at a different URL: please replace “http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_splenic_masses.html” with “https://www.marvistavet.com/splenectomy.pml”
My 12 yr old Norwich Terrier scheduled next week for removal of spleen and tumor ,I am counting the day ,she also had a episode of Vestibular and by accident my vet at home felt the tumor .
She does have Cushings and is on medication ,other
then the Vertigo episodes ,she eats, plays and is a healthy dog.
Hi Susan! Prayers for a successful outcome for your girl! Our Miss Heidi was also diagnosed by accident through a physical exam when the tumor was felt. She’s fortunate it was found before it ruptured.
Von
My 11 year old Lab Retriever Fudge developed a hairless lump on her neck. Took her to the vet the same day I found it, last week. She had a needle aspiration done and it came back next day as a Mast Cell Tumour. She went in two days ago to have the tumour removed and had a chest x-ray done to check for spread. That came back clear. Also an abdominal scan to check her spleen and liver. A mass was found on her spleen. She had her spleen removed. Spent one night in the vets and we brought her home yesterday. She doesn’t know that she had a major operation. She is just as she was before she went in ……absolutely fine. We now have the wait for the biopsy results of both tumours. I think we were very lucky that the spleen tumour was found. If the vet had not scanned her and found it, who knows when it might have ruptured. Now praying for good results on the biopsies.
Pat I hope you received good news and prognosis for Fudge.
As you might have noticed, this sight hasn’t had much activity in the past couple of years. You’re in my thoughts & prayers for a positive outcome for your beloved Fudge.
Von
Thank you Von. Thank goodness the results were good. The Mast Cell Tumour was low grade so should have no further problems as the Vet got a good margin. The spleen mass was a benign haematoma so it was by pure chance that it was discovered and removed before it ruptured. We are now almost three weeks post-op and Fudge is fantastic. The wounds have fully healed and she is back to her normal exercise. I don’t know what I would have done if the results had been different. Here’s hoping for another few years with our lovely girl. xx
Any update on Fudge? Those of us on this site have gone thru similar situations so you have found an understanding group. In 2013 when my little Tobe was diagnosed with a splenic tumor he could not have surgery due to age and heart and kidney issues. His tumor began to leak and he became severely anemic and eventually we had to let him go. I remember all the support I received from this group and especially remember Von with her Miss Heidi. Such kind and caring people. After little Tobe we adopted an older rescue dog who was wonderful but had nasal cancer so we only had him 2 years. We currently have an adorable and very loving little rescue cockapoo who fills our hearts with so much joy and reminds us that the love we have had for one dog gets transferred on to the next and the next. The new dog isn’t a replacement, its a successor. Good luck to you and good health to Fudge. Hello to Von.
Meg, she is fine thanks. The Mast Cell Tumour on her neck was low grade and the mass on her spleen was a haematoma. So good news all round. She is back to normal as if nothing had happened. Thanks for your concern. x
Pat so happy to hear the good news for Fudge! It’s great to see them “back to normal” . . . and that they don’t know how serious their situation was. Miss Heidi was the same for several years after her surgery to remove the tumor (also benign).
Meg . . . nice to hear from you in this thread too! I hope you’re doing well!
Von