My Dog Has Cancer :(

BigVrunga

BigVrunga

Well-known member
I just found out that my dog Mickey has nasal carcinoma, and we're probably going to have to euthanize him when the tumor on his face gets too bad or starts causing him pain, etc.

I grew up on a farm and had a lot of animals, but Mickey was best! The toughest, most badass dog I ever met and at the same time the most loyal and caring animal Ive ever known.

He beat coon hound paralysis at 12, defeated a massive heartworm infestation at 14. And now, still pretty spry at 18 years old, that f u c k cancer is going to end up taking his life away.

I just wanted to give a shout out for my bro Mickey - he is and always will be the greatest dog ever!! Please send some mojo his way if you got any...I dont expect him to beat this one but anything that'll help I'd appreciate:)

Thanks,
bv
 
I have two Mastiff puppies that are getting cysts so I know how hard it is when they get sick. I wish there was a way to make your dog better. Sounds like he has lived a long happy life with you. I'll be thinking of you. Give him a hug for me and love him while hes here.
 
thats really sad, im a animal lover and i get really sad when stuff like this happens. Best wishes to you and your dog V
 
really sorry to hear that man, but you are looking for his best interests not wanting him to suffer
 
Thanks guys - I could fill this whole forum up with stories about that dog...lol:) He's kicked so much canine ass...

At 18, he's been living on borrowed time for quite a while I guess.

Thanks for the well wishes - Im just gonna try and make his ride out as peaceful and happy as possible.

BV
 
Im so sorry to hear that :( . best wishes to you. 18 is a heck of a great life for a dog :) . He sounds like a trooper though . keep us posted. post a pic of him!
 
sorry BigV, loosing a pet is something that is never easy. Sounds like hes lead a life any dog would kill to live for just one year and he had an owner who he'll never forget and an owner who will never forget him.
 
Isn't there anyway to cut out the cancer so he can live a little longer?. Really sad. I just don't like to see animals put to sleep. I mean when humans get really sick we don't put them to sleep...
 
Isn't there anyway to cut out the cancer so he can live a little longer?. Really sad. I just don't like to see animals put to sleep. I mean when humans get really sick we don't put them to sleep...
Click to expand...

Well I had a good talk with the vet about that today - the tumor is right on the side of his muzzle so surgery might involve removing part of his face, and extensive radiation therapy. His heart is weak from overcoming the heartworm attack years ago, and having to put him under daily anesthesia would probably do him in.

The treatment would cost thousands, but if I knew it would save my bud I'd be all for it! It would most likely end up making him very scared and uncomfortable, and he'd die anyway.

I thought maybe Id try everything I could on the homeopathic side of things just to ease my mind that I was doing everythign I could to help him out. Maybe add good doses of anti-oxidants and the like to his food everyday...but that's probably only going to make me feel better:(
I bought him a good size London broil tonight and all his favorite treats - he's gonna spend every day in the lap of luxury:)

Man! We've had this dog since he was a couple weeks old and he's just been such a great friend and companion. Such a tough bastard too! In all his 18 years he never lost a fight -I remember when I was maybe 17 this pack of coy dogs started coming alarmingly close to the house every night, Mickey would stand watch all night patroling the property. One evening the wild dogs were making a big racket and you could tell they were right across the road, my Dad went in the house to get a rifle and before we could grab him Mickey charged across the street and just started kicking unholy ass. He came back with his fur ruffed up and a little blood on his face - and that was the last we heard of those coy dogs !

Aw **** Im goin' on:)

BV
 
So sorry BV. 18 is a ripe old life, but even though you know it's coming it's still the hardest thing ever to see a friend go. Sounds like you and the vet are doing the right thing, though I would try some alt therapies just to buy him some time.

Lots of fish oil and B12 shots. My dog loves the pills as a snack and it really keeps him young and healthy at age 11.
 
im too selfish to put down my pets.... its stupid i know, but its too hard for me to not give them every last chance and hope...... its sad because you forget that your dogs wont be with you forever....

if i were you, id do what you are doing right now, just spoiling the crap out of him.

my pup (8 yrs old) got stepped on by my dad's dog (hes a big dog) about 6 months ago.... since my dog is low to the ground, small and long (shih tzu) the bigger dog stepped on a part of his spine, causing it to form a gap and almost paralyzed him.... my mom told me that if he couldnt get fixed, we'd put him to sleep, but me and my dad opted to buy him a doggy wheel chair.... but hes fine now.......but we dont know for how long....
 
Wow Ms.Gimpy that's rough - I hope he's going to be OK! Does he have any trouble walking now?

Today I was actually contemplating calling the vet and telling her I wanted to treat the tumor - but I know its not the best thing to do at my Dog's age. I read that the oldest living dog is 27 years old today...kind of gave me a glimmer of hope that if we could somehow kick the disease he'd have a while to go.

It's funny because its like he's a celebrity at the vet's office...he just keeps coming back after they tell us he should be dead over and over again.

Dont think he's going to pull it off this time though unfortunately:(

But yea, he's going to live like a king until he leaves the planet, Ill make sure of that:)

BV
 
Just reading these things brings a tear to a grown man's eyes. Sorry, to hear about your dog. They are heartbreak hand grenades just waiting to detonate. My dog is going to be 9, and this little 19 pound bundle of love has led me through the toughest times in my life. I'm fortunate to be his human.
 
BigVrunga said:
At 18, he's been living on borrowed time for quite a while I guess.
Click to expand...
Wow. What a full life. He was blessed and I am sure your were too.

I'm trying to remember where I heard this, but I'll paraphrase: People often think that sometimes pets (loved ones) live so long because they are just not ready to stop living. But in reality they are holding on, just waiting until their masters (or loved ones) are strong enough to live without them on their own. Be strong. All dogs go to heaven. :)
 
My dog is 12...18 is a long life for a dog and it sounds like you both enjoyed all 18 years!

Sorry, BigV! :(
 
The thing I like about dogs is that they have no concept of death. They don't worry about anything, they don't think, "I have high blood pressure", "I wonder how long I will live". They just live and are happy to be alive living in the moment and giving unconditional love. I have had few dogs as a child, but since I have lived in apartments I can't have a dog which really sucks.
 
All the mojo I've got BigV, coming to Mickey AND you.

Try not to let his death bring you down (I know, easier said than done), do your best to celebrate what a great life he had. Get together with any family and friends that knew Mickey, and tell all the stories you can think of and drink beer the whole night.
 
Thanks for all the great sentiments guys, I really appreciate it:)

All the mojo I've got BigV, coming to Mickey AND you.

Try not to let his death bring you down (I know, easier said than done), do your best to celebrate what a great life he had. Get together with any family and friends that knew Mickey, and tell all the stories you can think of and drink beer the whole night.
Click to expand...

That's the plan...my kid bro, Dan, lives in AZ, and Mickey is actually 'his' dog (we got Mickey as a puppy from his best friend when Dan was like 9 years old). When I called him and told him the news he was really upset, but decided if it came to us having to put Mickey down he'll fly home immediately so we can both be there.

My other brother is 15 and doesnt seem to grasp the severity of the situation at all. Mickey used to guard that kid like he was his own pup when he was a baby - hell the dog's been part of the family longer than he has!

I think when I do finally get my own home (Im in an apt too, and it does suck), Im going to find a Black Lab/Irish Setter puppy and name him Mickey the 2nd lol:)

BV
 
that is too bad, BV! dogs are part of the family man! its like losing a kid or a brother/sister!

my condolences! :(
 
I always wanted an English Bulldog. You are lucky to be able to have a dog in an apartment. I have a chinchilla though, he is almost like a dog!. SHhhhh...don't tell him I said that!
 
I always wanted an English Bulldog. You are lucky to be able to have a dog in an apartment. I have a chinchilla though, he is almost like a dog!. SHhhhh...don't tell him I said that!
Click to expand...

LOL chinchillas are neat - is he mean? My dog is actually at my parent's house which is like 90 miles away. I cant have pets in my apt, although ive considered sneaking in a hermit crab. :)

BV
 
BigVrunga said:
LOL chinchillas are neat - is he mean? My dog is actually at my parent's house which is like 90 miles away. I cant have pets in my apt, although ive considered sneaking in a hermit crab. :)

BV
Click to expand...


No he is not mean at all. He has his own personality. He is like a dog. You can tell when he is happy, he hops around a lot in his cage when he wants to go in his ball. When he is upset about something he crys and it sounds like a donkey. Also when he plays sometimes he wags his tail. They are great pets, nothing like a boring guina pib or gerbal, much more interactive pets.
 
T-Bone said:
No he is not mean at all. He has his own personality. He is like a dog. You can tell when he is happy, he hops around a lot in his cage when he wants to go in his ball. When he is upset about something he crys and it sounds like a donkey. Also when he plays sometimes he wags his tail. They are great pets, nothing like a boring guina pib or gerbal, much more interactive pets.
Click to expand...
is that what that is, i thought mine was having nightmares..........

they are just upset?

i have had one for many years, but she was never fully domesticated (doesn't like to be held of played with)

she is a Beige name Chantelle
 
macedaddy said:
is that what that is, i thought mine was having nightmares..........

they are just upset?

i have had one for many years, but she was never fully domesticated (doesn't like to be held of played with)

she is a Beige name Chantelle
Click to expand...

Yeah, upset worried, here strange new noises that they are not familiar with...They have excellent hearing. You can domesticate a Chinchilla, ours wasn't too friendly at first. You just have to take them out and play with them. Pet there ears that calms them down. If you get bit it doesn't really hurt that much at all. They just have to get used to you. Mine even likes his chin rubbed. If you put your finger under his chin and rub he turns his head into it!. Here is a link of chinchilla sounds,

Invalid Link Removed
 
BV, I had to put my cat to sleep last winter. He was 18 as well and had cancer in the mouth. Rescued him when he was just a few weeks old. It's tough as hell letting them go. Sent some mojo over this morning.
 
BV, I had to put my cat to sleep last winter. He was 18 as well and had cancer in the mouth. Rescued him when he was just a few weeks old. It's tough as hell letting them go. Sent some mojo over this morning.
Click to expand...

Thanks bro, I really appreciate it. When the vet told us it was cancer I nearly lost it...it was awful.

Mickey's still in good health...we've decided we're going to do everything we can to try to heal him without getting our hopes up too much. Ive stayed up all last night reading about natural cancer treatments for dogs. Diet, nutritional supplements, etc. Some herbal stuff, like PawPaw and Graviola, look particularly promising.

The tumor is right on the side of his nose under his skin - I wonder if some type of transdermal salve would help deliver the right mix of ingredients right to the cancer cells.

BV
 
Sorry to hear this BigV. It makes me happy to hear how much you love your dog, as there are so many people out their that treat animals like sh*t. There needs to be much stiffer penalties for animal abuse IMO. My cat is 14ish and she got very sick a few months back. She is much better now, but the thought of losing her broke my heart. Hopefully you can get a few more years out of Mickey. Best of luck to you and Mickey, and like you said, treat him like a king til he leaves you.
 
BigVrunga said:
Wow Ms.Gimpy that's rough - I hope he's going to be OK! Does he have any trouble walking now?

BV
Click to expand...

Hes doing really well right now, but now he walks with a slight drunken swagger in his hind legs, its really cute in a sad way... the doc. said that one more good stepping on or bad jump from the couch (which he still insists on doing) could be the end of his legs.....so everyday is always iffy, but its been months, so im not as paranoid. worst case senario is the doggy wheelchair,theres no putting him down :)

at your dog's age i would just spoil him silly, all the surgery would not be fun.... and as everyone knows surgeries are all slightly dangerous.
 
How about some green tea, BigV?
Seems to have some anti-mutagenic properties.

Not sure how you could get a dog to drink it though. :think:
 
How about some green tea, BigV?
Seems to have some anti-mutagenic properties.

Not sure how you could get a dog to drink it though.
Click to expand...

That's on my list too, I need to find some bulk decaffinated extract. As long as there's meat by near it, he'll eat it!

I dont post much here but i saw this and had to ......so sorry BV your in my thoughts...........
Click to expand...

Nice to see you toughchick401, and thank you...:)

BV
 
Just ordered some canine anti-oxidants and digestive aids, along with a product called 'N-Tense' , which is a formulation of Graviola and a bunch of other extracts that are purported to support its effects.

Graviola is supposed gravitate toward cells that use a lot of energy, and cut off their ATP production...it's been shown to be an effective cancer treatment alongside radiation therapy. I was reading about it all day, even found one forum post where a user claimed it cured his elder dogs facial tumor.

Invalid Link Removed

Also orderd the topical tincture:

Invalid Link Removed

We've got him on a high protien/fat low carb diet with a ton of fish oil right now, and are going to start the herbal remedies as soon as they come in.

Also trying to get him up and about to strengthen his back legs, and just keep his spirits up...my Mom looked out the window yesterday and he was actually running across the lawn going after something.

Im not expecting anything, but at least we're doing everything we can.

BV
 
StellaArtois said:
that sucks, and is the main reason i don't get pets, want to avoid the attachment
Click to expand...

SA,

I hear you, but I would rather have ten heart aches in my life, than 10 question marks. I believe it is better to have loved and lost, than to have never have loved.

In the end, this is a short ride, find out who reverberates your love and never let them go. Because my friends, I will see in the after life. The tears I shed here, not a fart in the wind of eternity.

You make a living out of what you get, but a life out of what you give. WC

I will give it up anytime, for my dogs.

BV- Sorry 'bout your pooch. Suffer, but look for some new loving when you are ready! Nothing heals sadness like new LIFE!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top