I don't even know how to write this. I think Canyon won't be with us for much longer. She has a big mass on her spleen, and two-thirds of those spleen tumors in golden retrievers are malignant. Starting in February she started losing her appetite. We attributed it to her bad hips, which flare up from time to time. But, yesterday I took her into the vet because she has been vomiting and hardly eating. She just doesn't seem like herself.
The vet thought he felt a mass around her spleen area, but wasn't sure. So, he ordered some blood work. The blood work came back that she is losing blood somewhere. Today I brought her back in for X-rays where they found the mass. It is behind her liver, stomach and spleen and he says it is fairly large. Her liver is also enlarged. Chances are the tumor is bleeding, and if it is malignant, that means it has already spread the cancer cells all through her abdomen.
There is a 33% chance that it is a benign bleeding tumor, and a very expensive surgery could remove it and cure her. But, she is 9 years old, and the statistics are really against her. It is a very common cancer in goldens (they call it the silent killer because by the time you discover anything is wrong with them, it is too late). The average lifespan for the dog after finding this kind of tumor is 6 to 8 weeks. And, I would hate to put her through major surgery, when it is likely to be a malignant cancer that has spread to her liver and other organs. I would rather her final weeks be as pain free as possible.
So, we have decided to bring her home from the vet and try to keep her comfortable and happy as long as we can. We are all very sad, and I have no idea how to explain all this to Becca.
Aging is for the weak, and everyone else
2 months ago
24 comments:
Oh this just makes me CRY. I love Canyon. She is the SWEETEST dog ever. When I fed her and gave her water in Korea, she would just sit there looking at me with this look of patient adoration. I'm so so sorry, Katie.
Katie, I am so very sorry. Pets become such a huge part of our lives, don't they? I have no idea how to help you explain it all to Becca and the rest of this might sound depressing but it is meant to make you feel not alone. My friend just had to put her cat down for similar circumstances (found a cancerous tumor but too late, had spread and he was in pain, unable to move well) and our in laws just had to put one of their dogs down. It was horribly painful for them to say goodbye but he had been ill for a while and it finally got bad enough that they had a discussion trying to come up with one reason to keep him alive that wasn't about them. When they couldn't, the knew it was time. Still so sad. Love on him now and decide once you and John weigh everything out. Sending you big hugs from Vegas!
I'm so sorry to hear that - what an exciting doggie life she has had - she's been to more states and countries than I have, I think! I agree that it's the hard but right decision not to do surgery - with four pets of our own, my heart goes out to you. We have a New Moms group here at work, I'll ask around for advice on how to explain to Becca.
--Mandy
I'm so sorry, Katie. How sad I am for all of you.
I'm so, so sorry, Kates. What heartbreaking news. Canyon is a sweetheart. I hope she stays comfortable.
I am in tears right now. I am so sorry Katie. We love Canyon and I will make sure Roxy says some doggie prayers for her.
I'm so sorry Katie! What a good dog Canyon is, too.
We are so very sorry. Canyon is such a sweet dog. we loved having her come down to see us. I wish I had the right thing to say. Just love on her as much as possible. I know when we went through this just telling the children that God needed to take the dog back home to heaven seemed to be okay for them to understand. We have missed her as much as the three of you. We are thinking of you and praying for her to be comfortable.
Love your alaskan neighbors.
Oh Katie. Just pet her lots and don't worry about explaining it to Becca. She won't remember, good or bad, she just won't. My suggestion would be to let her make of it whatever, and let it be. We took Cal to my grandmother's wake this week and just let whatever happen. He walked right up to her and said, "Jane's sleeping!" and left it at that.
But my point is, I'm so sorry.
Canyon is the best dog in the world. I'm so sorry.
It is so hard when your dog has to go. I cried/sobbed like when Louie, Piper, and especially Tigger died.
I loved having Canyon stay with us and your video of Canyon, Becca, and the stick. A good dog becomes one of the family. You will always have beautiful memories of that dog.
Why does everything happen when the men are gone? Your dad's comment was very difficult to read. Abby will be nine later this year. Nine years is a good life for a dog. That is like 63 or something right?
Oh, I'm really sorry. How sad. I don't think a 2-year-old can possibly understand it, which for me would be an up side: there's no hope for explaining it successfully, so I wouldn't have to be upset that I wasn't managing it right. If it were my toddlers, I think I would go with saying that the cat (I'm thinking of our pets here) had died, that the cat would not be here anymore, and that I was very sad that the cat would not be here anymore and that's why I was crying.
I'm so sorry to hear this. But FYI, one of the vets at the practice I work at prescribes herbals, and she has a patient with a splenic tumor who is being treated with a Chinese herbal. It keeps the bleeding under control, and the dog is comfortable. Just in case you're interested.
I can't even find the right words to say. I guess I am literally at a loss for words over such tragic news.
I'm so sorry Katie.
Noel
Oh my gosh- this is so sad. I don't even know what to say. I can't imagine losing one of my dogs. And- those golden retrievers are just the sweetest babies, aren't they?
Canyon has led a rich a varied life with a very loving, warm family. She has seen the world. Enjoy her time, smile at her as she smiles at you. -Mark
I feel like we are losing the most wonderful dog ever. Canyon is a very special, special dog.
Love,
Mom/JoAnne
Oh Katie I am so very sorry about your lovely dog - hope you are able to enjoy as much happy time with her as possible...
So sorry to hear about your dog!
Please give her a good belly rub for me. I love that dog...we had a great time at the Barton Creek dog park this summer. I'll be thinking of you guys and her...<3 Susan
So sorry to hear about Canyon. Our previsous dog developed a condition that had fluid building in his lungs and for his comfort we opted to have him put to sleep. Not exactly the same scenario, but the same understanding that it's tough to have a beloved pet get sick. You're doing the right thing by making her comfy and giving her the love she has clearly deserved (and received) all these years.
I loved dogsitting for Canyon because she is such a sweetie. It really is one of the worst things that can happen because all they do is love but you are great doggy parents and she's had a great life so far.
I am sorry. This is terribly sad.
I and in tears. I wish there was something we could do.
We LOVE Canyon and you. I know that this has to be terrible to go through. I send you smiles and hugs during this sad time but know you will all get through it.
Becca will be fine. She will look back at pictures and video of one of the best damn dogs ever and be filled with joy.
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