Lab Mix Jake May Have Thyroid Cancer

Lab Mix Jake May Have Thyroid Cancer

by Linda
(Pikeville, NC, Wayne)

Just found out my 11 yr old Lab/Greyhound mix, Jake, probably has thyroid cancer. I am devastated.

We had him since he was 4 weeks old, and he is one of the smartest dogs I've had the pleasure of knowing in 55 yrs.

I also know he probably only has 6 months to a year left, if it is indeed cancer.

Blood work today wasn't conclusive, and vet was vexed at thyroid level over 7.??? But that tells ME, yeppers.

Jake has visibly degenerated significantly in the last 6 months. Gone from 91 lbs to 67 today. (Ironically, vet told me when he was 91# to put him on diet! When he was 81, vet was pleased.)

I will do ANYTHING for this dog so he doesn't suffer, but surgery is out of the question at this point. Will I know it's time to put him down? And can I do it? Two questions I'm not ready to face! Plus, his hips are going to pot, have him on Glucosamine/Chondroitin. Dogs are so stoic when it comes to pain.

I guess the only thing left for me is to love him unconditionally and give him more biscuits!

Thanks for listening!

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Lab Mix Jake May Have Thyroid Cancer

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Jan 24, 2012
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Thank you
by: Anonymous

Hazel,

You are such a sweetheart!!!!! Jake is hyper, not hypo. But thank you for pointing that out. Done my research. We have ordered couple of bottles of Resthyro (NVH) from Petwellbeing.com, and also some ESSIAC tea which one of your subscribers highly recommends. Vet just wants bucks, I just want Jake okay! I knew after first day of diagnosis that hyper is common with cats, not so with dogs. My concern now is that we can address this before it affects his heart beyond repair. From what I've read, this could be an issue. I will keep you updated, and thanks again for such a wonderful site, and outlet!

Linda

Jan 23, 2012
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Hyperthyroidism or Thyroid Cancer?
by: Hazel

Hi, Linda,

Are you sure that Jake has hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is not thyroid cancer - it is a condition in which the dog has an overly active thyroid gland, which is the opposite of hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is very rare in dogs (common in cats), whereas hypothyroidism is common in dogs (my dog was diagnosed last year). Please check again with your vet.

Jan 23, 2012
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Jake
by: Linda

Got that dreaded call from vet today. Jake, indeed, has hyperthyroidism, i.e., cancer of the thyroid. I'm at a loss at which crossroad to take. He's 11 yrs old. How to approach this, treat it. From research, this could adversely affect his heart, which would kill him before cancer does.

I'm leaning towards homeopathic treatment, bungleweed, hawthorn, lemon balm and valerian. Has anyone had success with this? Or is it worth putting an 11 yr old dog thru surgery, radiation, etc?

As stated before, I'm committed to his quality of life. But he's degenerating fast. I have to get off the fence and make a decision! Tears on my cheeks!

Linda

Jan 15, 2012
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Thank You!
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much, Hazel, for your sources of information on how to confront this battle. It is overwhelmingly appreciated, and I will do what I have to do to maintain Jake's health.

Thank you for an awesome web site also.

God Bless You!!!

Linda

Jan 14, 2012
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ESSIAC tea/capsules
by: Hazel, Site Editor

Hi, Linda,

I am so sorry about Jake. I hope he is going strong.

I remember a few dog parents commenting on using an herbal remedy ESSIAC tea/capsules to treat their dogs with cancer, with good results.

Here is one post:

Essiac Capsules and Our Labrador's Thyroid Cancer.

It doesn't hurt to try it.

In addition to this herbal remedy, some other dog parents also reported success using Budwig Diet (flaxseed oil and cottage cheese).

You can read more about these on Dog Cancer Diet and Herbs for Cancer.

Please stay positive and strong for Jake, and remember, you are not alone. You can always get support here!

Keep us informed of Jake's condition. Good luck!

Jan 13, 2012
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THANKS
by: Anonymous

Awwww, thank you Mary Ellen!!!! Tears streaming for you and for me!

Jan 12, 2012
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Cherish your Pets
by: Mary Ellen

It has been a little over 2 months since we lost our beautiful Chocolate Lab Coco age 9 years to cancer - he had lymphoma and leukemia.

It was a difficult decision to put him to sleep; he was our best friend and also the best dog we ever had. We did not want him to suffer so we had him put to sleep.

When a beloved pet shows no quality of life, that is the best time to say goodbye and cherish all the memories you have forever. Dogs have a way of showing you that their time is near. Coco was good at hiding pain like all dogs are and we could see that it was getting difficult for him to motivate. Not eating well, losing weight only to keep going with the meds but giving him other problems as well. When he was diagnosed with cancer it was so far advanced that we only wanted him to have peace and comfort. Our vet said he was glad we made the right decision to put him to sleep and not prolong the situation.

Good luck in the decision you make for your pet. I am sure you will make the right choice when it's time and love him and enjoy him while you can because they are with us for just a short time.

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