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Leukemia Took Away My Dog Rambo

by Conrad Pearson
(Benoni)

Hi All,

Its very sad to me that my dog had to be put down today. He had leukemia. About two weeks ago, he just stopped eating. He used to eat anything but this time it was different, like he didn't have an appetite.

I took him to my vet Saturday but we couldn't find anything immediately. He gave him some antibiotics, but yesterday I noticed that his right eye started colouring darker from the bottom up. He also started bleeding from places on his ears and nose.

He was still walking and running to a certain extent, but still wouldn't eat. He did drink a lot of water though. He even wiggled his tail slightly and still responded well to his name. This morning my wife took him back to the vet who is a very dear friend of mine and they took some blood for tests, he was later diagnosed with leukemia.

We had to make the decision to have him put down as he was really suffering and I didn't like it at all. He was like my son. He would always run or walk with myself or my wife or daughter wherever they would go and would always protect them when anybody unfamiliar to him would approach them. He was the best friend ever and even a better protector. He was only 4 years of age.

I am still devastated - as I am typing this now I am crying my eyes out as this is a great loss to our family. He was a Boerboel Labarador cross, same as his mom. His mom outlives him, she is 8 years of age now. I will get another friend for the family, but there will never be any new addition that will be what Rambo was to our family.

We will miss you my boy, we already do. Thank you for the 4 great years of looking after the family and for just being a true friend.

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Jun 20, 2021
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Sorry for your loss I too am suffering x
by: Anonymous

I'm so sorry for all your furbabies 🐕🐕💜

I'm struggling terribly after my 5 year old German shepherd Zeus had to be put to sleep last Saturday. Our hearts are broken and my house doesn't feel like a home. He was my best friend, my world and my heart aches for him.

For Zeus it came on so suddenly he wasn't eating well, wasn't enjoying his walks and when I took him to the vet I wasn't expecting the news I got. His spleen was enlarged, had pancreatitis, high temperature, no platelets and swollen lymph nodes. I was told clinically he looked OK but he was chronic.

I just can't except he's gone. He was honestly the best companion and family dog I could have ever wished for, and not having him here is really breaking my heart.

Rest easy my precious boy.

Feb 14, 2019
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SAVING DANTE
by: Anonymous

I feel all of your pain. Our Gordon Setter, Dante, was diagnosed with leukemia by our vet on January 11, 2019, and we were referred to an oncologist on 1/12/19, who confirmed the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

She recommended we start chemo, and the first shot was administered that day. Blood was sent to a special lab to determine if the blood disease was B, T, or unclassified cell type. B has the best prognosis, unclassified is fatal.

We found a miraculous dog nutritionist, Mark Ching, and saw him 3 days later. He put Dante on a special diet, CBD (3), mushrooms, and other herbs and vitamins.

Dante did miraculously well, with almost complete recovery from the cancer symptoms; great appetite, energy, firm stools etc.

When we returned to the oncologist, the test results were not back, but her blood test lab results showed no change, and she opined it was probably unclassified cancer. That's when misinformation caused us to make a terrible mistake, which haunts us to this day. When she told us the second chemo would not have a negative result, we consented.
When we took Dante to Mark and showed him her blood workup he was astonished she would administer the next chemo when the first had no effect.

Now, he was faced with fighting the chemo and the cancer.

Since that day, it has been an uphill battle. The next morning, after severe vomiting and diarrhea, we rushed him to the emergency room, where they pumped him with IV fluid and anti nausea and diarrhea medication. After a rough afternoon, where he almost died, he started to come back.

That was 25 days ago, and we're still struggling. Although he has no pain, or swelling lymph glands, and his poops are solid and he has not thrown up again, his quality of life deteriorates; difficulty walking, loss of appetite except for a nutritious beef sausage, which we wrap all his pills in so he'll take them, and some bladder leakage.

We have, like all of you, cried a river of tears and have broken hearts, only to be re-broken again when he has a bad minute, hour, or day. Always on high alert, interrupted sleep, and always afraid. No way to live, but we are willing to do it for Dante.

Nov 14, 2018
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Sadie Bear
by: Anonymous

AML took our 15 month old hound lab mix last month. I noticed she was peeing more than usual. Noticed some blood, got it checked out. Blood work came back and was diagnosed on a Saturday and was unable to walk and control her bodily functions 3 days later.

Almost unthinkable to fathom she deteriorated so quickly and so young. We were just starting a life together.

Feb 14, 2017
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I lost my girl
by: Anonymous

I am sorry to hear about Rambo.

My lurcher Missy was diagnosed in Nov 2015. She was my best friend.

It took her so quickly. We kept her comfortable and until the day she didn't want to go for her walk, which was her favourite thing. When she didn't want to go for 'walkies' we knew that was time.

It's been well over a year now and I still struggle.

Dogs are a massive part of a person's life and wellbeing. They say time is a healer but I believe you just learn to live with the pain.

I cry sometimes and as I write this.

She is running free at Rainbow Bridge...

Nov 02, 2016
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Glorious dog
by: Anonymous

My heart breaks as I read these tributes to the wonderful animals you all have loved and lost.

We found out yesterday that our adored golden-doodle Buddy has ALL. We are in shock and so very very sad. He is the best dog anyone could hope for, so loving, so patient, so kind. My kids are broken over this news. It just doesn't get better than the ole buster boy.

I think we will try prednisone and see how he does - I don't want to be selfish and make him suffer. I know there is no cure but he is still somewhat himself. He is 9 years old - I had hoped for so much more time.

Jun 10, 2016
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So sad
by: Anonymous

We have just lost our younger golden retriever to acute leukaemia. He was always so fit and well and then suddenly he wasn't so hungry and within a couple of days had a very high temperature and was unable to walk properly.

Not wanting to put him through the trauma of chemo, we put him on steroids which gave him 2 weeks where we were able to spoil him rotten and say our tearful goodbyes.

It was all so quick. He was only just 9. Our older goldie is missing him dreadfully, as are we all. We will never forget our dear friend and guardian.

May 01, 2015
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Henry R.I.P.
by: Anonymous

My best mate was put down today due to leukemia. The house is very empty now, his welcome bark, his chase up the stairs, his playtime with his squeaky toys, finished. He understood everything I said, his eyes told me so, but he has left me with nothing but memories and an empty heart. God bless you my little friend.x

Jul 13, 2014
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So hard to say goodbye to my furry brother
by: Annette D.

I found out recently that our family pet "biggie" is suffering from leukemia in an advanced stage. He is losing his appetite and losing weight, hard to swallow food, decrease in appetite, constantly thirsty and his happy days have come to a rather immediate halt.

I was devastated to say the least when I heard the words of a very nice and reputable vet saying "your dog "biggie" has leukemia and it is in a very advance stage". I had an instant attack of sadness and a loss for words as I broke down in the place - I felt like I was the one diagnosed! Our family pet is so intelligent and loving and protective and it's unimaginable to be without him.

We have to make a decision asap because it's too late for help - there is 6 rather large tumors throughout the lymph node area that is incurable.

Please everyone out there who reads this and finds any lump on their animal - GET THEM CHECKED ASAP. I found it very difficult to find strength to deal with this but I'm praying. God bless any and all pet lovers across the world who love their animals like we do.

Sincerely heart broken...
Annette

Aug 17, 2013
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My puppy died
by: Rusty

Leukemia took our beautiful German Shepherd away yesterday August 16, 2013. He was just one year
old and so protective and loving to us.

He was very smart and knew how much he was loved. He was always waiting for us when we came home from work or anywhere else. It took only 6 weeks from beginning to end. He actually had 3 different trips to the vet, each time taking blood, ex-rays and all other sorts of test. His blood on July 23rd was just fine but on August 13th when his blood was taken he had no white blood cells and couldn't fight off the disease. Didn't have the money for a bone marrow transplant to see if that would work, although the possibility was very small.

So young, so beautiful and so strong - those are the things we must remember as we watched him take his last breath.

No more pain Rusty, we love you, there will never be another you!

Lots of love, your best friends

Mar 19, 2013
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My Ernie
by: Anonymous

So sorry to hear your sad news. I lost mine over a year now and it is still very painful. They are a big part of the family aren't they? Hope it gets a bit easier for you.

Mar 19, 2013
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So Fast
by:

I am still in shock at how fast it happens. My Molly, a miniature Schnauzer, was my baby. She would have been 10 next month.

She was fine and playing on Friday March 8th, she didn't want to eat Saturday and by Sunday she was unable to walk up steps and stumbled when she walked. Monday March 11th she was diagnosed with ALL, and needed a blood transfusion. It was progressing so rapidly we decided to have her put down. One of the hardest decisions of my life. It took only two days.

She had full blood work in May for some dental work and minor procedures and her blood work was fine. My heart still aches.

Dec 21, 2012
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My Angel
by: Barbara Beach

So very sad to hear about Rambo. My precious little angel Belle left us this week, with ALL. It took only 3 days, and she was gone, her little body couldn't fight, she was only 6. My heart is breaking, I loved her more than life itself; she was my world. Will love her forever, she will always be in my heart.

Oct 23, 2012
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Our Tommy Boy
by: Cutri

We put our black lab Tom to sleep this morning with the help of our vet Chris Preston. We have just buried him in the front garden of our home that we have shared with him for just over 7 years of his life. He was an amazing animal who just loved people, we know he thought he was one himself.

Tom endured an unfair amount of knee operations in his lifetime, even one that went horribly wrong that he had his right back leg removed. Through all the issues he just kept loving us.

About a week ago he started going off his food, so on Sunday we decided to take him to the local vet to get Tom assessed, where the vet took a blood sample, told us to keep his fluids up and not to worry that he was not eating.

On Monday we received a phone call telling us that Tom has leukemia. Wow, this poor guy had been through so much already that we were in disbelief of another hurdle that has been put before him. The vets will tell you that there are treatments, but we decided against putting Tom through any more pain.

I would like to thank everyone who has made a contribution to this site, as I could relate all the symptoms that our boy Tommy had to the stories that I have read here. We know we made the right decision - we could see that he was very weak and when the vet put the sleep needle in Tommy was gone in under 5 seconds.

God bless him - we thank him for showing us unconditional love, everyday of his life xxxx

Sep 01, 2012
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New diagnosis
by: Anonymous

I am so sorry to read about Rambo and the others that have succumbed to this terrible disease.

My little man, Newman, a rescue who we think is about 6, was just diagnosed with leukemia on Thursday. We will know next week whether it is ALL or AML. For now, we will try the chemo. By all accounts he is acting fine!

He started snubbing his food a month ago and I thought he had broken a tooth. Imagine my horror when blood tests revealed leukemia. I have not noticed any other symptoms. X-ray revealed his spleen was a little enlarged. He started prednisone last night but his appetite had actually started to pick up a few days ago. His first treatment is Wednesday.

I have cried my eyes out for the past week and I know the sorrow of losing a treasured pet. I hope I am doing the right thing. Prays and a big hug to all of you.

Jul 30, 2012
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Think of the happy times!
by: Anonymous

My thoughts are with you as my dog had to be put down last Nov. I was heart broken too but I have a beautiful picture of him on my wall, which gives me great comfort! I am crying just thinking of you but keep strong and remember the lovely happy times they give us!

Jul 26, 2012
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Mine too
by: Michelle

My beautiful Dino boy has just been diagnosed with acute leukemia today. He is spending the night at the hospital getting a blood transfusion and then we start chemo tomorrow. If he doesn't respond well, we will stop. we just want a little more time with him. I will miss him so much and my heart is broken!

Jun 11, 2012
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Tribute to Raffles
by: Anonymous

I just lost my dear friend and companion Raffles to this dreadful disease on 31st May. It was all the more distressing because of the unexpectedness of it, he just went downhill so fast, all over in about two weeks.

He was a 7 and a half year old Rottweiler, fit, apparently strong and healthy, in his prime and looking fabulous. He gave us so much to love and be proud of, never putting a foot wrong his whole life.

My last Rottie boy lived to be 13 and my hope was that we'd have Raffles to something approaching this great age.

He is dreadfully missed and the gap he leaves will be hard to fill.

Shine on, Raffs, you were a star.

Apr 18, 2012
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I know what you are going through
by: Clint Rhoades

I feel your pain. Two days ago on April 16th 2012 I also had to make the difficult decision of putting my best friend down.

My six year old rottweiler had suddenly lost her appetite in February. We had bloodwork done several times and it turned out to be Leukemia. Our vet suggested that we try putting her on Prednisone which helped considerably for several weeks. She was in a great mood most of the time and was even still chasing squirrels in the backyard. The best thing was her appetite came back. Even though she was eating more than she did when she was healthy she continued to lose weight. At the end, my 120 lb dog had lost over 30 lbs and was too weak to stand on hardwood floors. It is a horrible disease. I will miss her forever.

Mar 22, 2012
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Carli, my 9 year old is dying of Leukemia
by: Anonymous

Carli lost 11 pounds in 4 weeks right before Christmas. She was diagnosed with Leukemia and we had to choose whether to put her on Chemo or just Prednisone. The chemo could keep her alive longer, but she would be sick from the chemo. We opted for the prednisone which so far has given us 3 more months of her "old normal" happy self up until today. The prednisone is no longer effective and she stopped eating 2 days ago and won't drink today. Her right eye is swelling and she had a little blood tinged drool coming out of her mouth. I am incredibly sad as are my kids. We know that she may only have hours or possibly a few days left.

Feb 19, 2012
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Acute Leukemia
by: Lisa and Bunker

Thank you for your story. I just found out yesterday that my 6 year old Golden has Acute Leukemia. He, like Rambo, loved to eat and just stopped about a week ago. I have fed him chicken and rice for now and he is eating; however I know it is just a matter of time.

As we have no children he is my son. I just lost my other Golden not even a year ago and to go through this again is unthinkable. I am heartbroken. You never forget your furry friends.

My heart goes out to you and your family.

Oct 25, 2011
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My loyal friend Ernie
by: Anonymous

My dog also has just been diagnosed with leukemia and we are all very sad too! My dog is a little older than yours at 8yrs, but still young!

We are just taking each day at a time and will have him put to sleep when we can see that he has given up! Can't imagine him not being here either and just like you said he is just like my son. I think it is a good thing when you do have several dogs at a time so you at least then still have others to focus on.

Hope time will get easier for you all.

Sep 08, 2011
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So sorry
by: Anonymous

So sorry about Rambo; I feel your pain as I have just lost my best friend too. He had a bone tumour so as much as it hurts we had to let him go as we did not want him to suffer. We miss him a lot.

My prayers are with you.

Aug 05, 2011
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Crying With You
by: Rich

I'm so sorry for your loss. Anybody in here is going through such a sadness over the horrible C word, or other ailments our four legged friends suffer. I hope time soon eases your pain. I read a great quote this week that really hit home. 'Time heals all wounds...give time time'. Just always cherish the good memories.

Aug 05, 2011
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You are not alone
by: cindy

Good morning Conrad. Your boy was so darned cute! I know how much you love him.

My Mollygirl is 11 and is fighting Leukemia and Mast Cell cancer, it is hard to watch. She is comfortable but every day my heart breaks a bit more knowing she is sick and declining. When she, too, stops eating I will know it's time. So I was wondering which is worse; an acute attack of illness and then put them down or chronic illness for months and then put them down? They both suck and they both hurt. But just remember, it's the price of love....and we can't live without our dogs and the wonderful love we share with them.

Prayers of healing to you and your family. Your boy thanks you for putting him out of his pain.

Cindy and Mollygirl

Aug 05, 2011
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Sorry about Rambo
by: Kathy

Our thoughts & prayers are with you. It is just heartbreaking when you lose your 'best friend'. I hope you can feel better as time goes on.

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