Cancer and Dogs

[western blot]

My dog had a mast cell tumor removed in early October. Surgery went well, clean margins etc. I researched and researched and decided to change her regular kibble diet to the 'canine cancer diet' to prevent it from returning. Everything seemed to be going well, no new growths or anything.

But today while she was laying on the floor something just didn't look right to me... I investigated further... the color of her foot pads were pale, I checked her gums, pale, even under her hair the skin is pale. So I went back to my dog cancer literature... I need to get her to the vet asap... have an apt for tomorrow.

In the meantime from what I can piece together... it seems like the cancer may have spread possibly into her bone marrow... which would cause the 'anemia' that I believe I am seeing.

Long story... I apologize I'm very upset and emotional. Does anyone know of a dog cancer online support group... I have so many questions that I want to ask and I want to know what other peoples experience with this has been.

Any good websites where I could find such a thing would be greatly appreciated.

[RebelGSD]

I am so sorry, it could also be hemangiosarcoma and she may be bleeding.

[crboggs]

After having a good bit of experience at the Small Animal Hospital at Auburn University, I can highly recommend them to anyone who lives in that area. We took our labrador there for cancer treatment and surgery and they were awesome to deal with. Very professional and accommodating.

[Countrymama]

Tessa passed of cancer almost 2 yrs ago but I'm not sure what kind. They said that she was likely sick for some time (they think since she was 3 and she lived to be 7) but that her diet was what slowed it down for all that time. She was on BARF since she was 6 months. She may have lived longer but when she went through a window after an intruder and swallowed glass, it spread the cancer fast. I don't think her being spayed had anything to do with it.

[eleanor123]

My pet brouno a 10 year german Shepard passed away in june this year,He was one of the best pet i owned and very obedient and a loving one.

[connor22]

Cancer is an unfortunately common disease of dogs - 1in 4 dogs will die of cancer according to the Morris Animal Foundation. For dogs over 10 years of age, approximately 50% of deaths are cancer-related. Like humans, there are many types of cancers and many clinical signs seen.

[sigtrovert]

I lost my 8yo Gunter to cancer ofliver that had spread to spleen and was so sudden in manifesting itself that x ray didn't detect, only exploratory surgery.

I'm not really a cook and can broil chicken and make salads, etc.so raw diet was not practical. Tried to do research on dried foods taking care to not include corn, only grain was rice and decided upon Nutro Ultra forlarge breeds. He did not get people food, except for a kiddie cup size of vanilla ice creat every 6-8weeks. Treats were Nutro Lamb and Rice. AsI'm thinking about another dog, is there a premium bagged food that would be good to use?

Gunter had his senior wellness check and annual rabies, bordatella, distemper, parvo vaccinations just a few months before cancer discovered and wonder if these vaccines given at same time, too hard on system and should be spaced out? Vet recommended the only teeth cleaning he ever had done about 6 weeks later and about 6 weeks before cancer discovered. Seems a post saying maybe not procedure: but anesthesia also a culprit. Was also on K9 Advantix and Heartguard every month: but 2 weeks between these applications. If Heartguard preventative is used to slowly kill off heartwormsin dogs if infestation not severe, possibly the cumulative effects over years of dosage could be damaging?

I thought I was being careful and responsible with Gunter; but seems like I made some mistakes from what was read in this thread, due to vet suggestions, so don't want to repeat? Will undoubtedly get another rescue dog due to their need, so know I'm rolling the dice there!

[LisaT]

Originally Posted by sigtrovert

I thought I was being careful and responsible with Gunter; but seems like I made some mistakes from what was read in this thread, due to vet suggestions, so don't want to repeat? Will undoubtedly get another rescue dog due to their need, so know I'm rolling the dice there!

Sometimes, you can do everything "right", and still not stop the beast that is cancer

So, we try, with each dog often a little smarter - better foods, more enlightened vaccine schedules, etc., but in the end, we can't control genetics, we can't control the environments, and all too often, we have no control over these disease processes.

Your boy wouldn't want you to feel guilty, but learn what you can to help your next dog as a way of honoring your dogs that have gone before. Be kind to yourself in grief...

There is also more cancer info here: Cancer - GermanShepherdHome.net

[LaneyB]

My English Bulldog died Dec. 15 from a brain tumor. She started having seizures in Oct. My cat died from a lung tumor that metastasized to the liver. We were so lucky with him because the lung tumor was encapsulated and we were able to do a lobectomy. He lived 2 more years before the liver mets caused symptoms.

[rwolf15241]

Our beloved Kingy has passed. We had to put him a sleep today. The cancer affected his front leg 2 years ago, and his rear legs this week, so he could no longer stand. He will be missed !!