Lost my baby to liver cancer

Lost my baby to liver cancer

by Jessica Lansberry
(Cheyenne, WY)

My lil' Reno Casino, our 3 pound, 12 year-old Pomeranian just passed away Feb. 1 of liver cancer. It was a very brutal thing to go through.

About 2 weeks ago, he vomited a couple of times and seemed to have a high fever. With no problems before, I was concerned and took him to the vet. The vet did a blood test and thought he may be suffering from cholingiohepatitis.. I know he doesn't use drugs or share needles, so I was wondering how a dog gets hepatitis!

Last week, he was better than ever and eating normal and playing and very alert. Then on Friday, he seemed depressed and not happy... by Saturday, I was feeding him using an eyedropper to keep him hydrated and any proteins and recommended nutrients and electrolytes, to keep him healthy during his treatment on Prednisone. His legs were getting very stiff and he had problems walking. I searched this site, read many of your sad stores and tried to find any information I could. Sunday morning at 4:00, I woke up to hear my baby crying, like a yelp...

I took him to the vet on Sunday; and found out his liver was shutting down; he was in the early stages of jaundice, and his arms and legs were seizing up on him. By that night, he couldn't walk or move out of his bed and vomited everything; including undigested food he ate on Thursday night. It was then that I knew he probably wouldn't make it very much longer. As I was getting ready to call the vet to see if we could get him put to sleep, he released his bowels and let himself slide away. It was tough, I couldn't bear the thought of picking the time to put my dog, or any dog to sleep. It was too fast. Too sudden. I have an unpatchable hole in my heart, that hopefully with support from others will eventually get better, but right now, I am bawling my big fat head off thinking of him.

Thanks for listening. My heart goes out to everyone on this site that has lost their loved ones.

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Lost my baby to liver cancer

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Mar 13, 2010
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Liver problems
by: Anonymous

It is hard to know what is causing my dog's liver problems. The vet says bacterial hepatitis but it can also be caused by cancer. She is 15 so I do not know if she can fight, she is in the hospital this weekend and has lost so much weight. She was always a very hungry dog and just started being picky about her food two weeks ago. Has anyone else been told it was hepatitis? I do not know how far to go to get a diagnosis of cancer at this stage.

Mar 10, 2010
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Nico
by: Barbara

We just found out that our little Nico, 13 yr old Maltese, has nodgules on his spleen and liver. He has no signs of illness and the only way to find out if it's indeed cancer is to do surgery. I can't bear to put him through that, but what if it helps him live a few more years? They said they would remove the spleen and biopsy the liver, if we decide not to - it could rupture. I feel for all of you that are going through this as well. I can't stand the thought of losing him. Do I do the surgery or let him enjoy the rest of his days and hope for the best?

Mar 10, 2010
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Our Heroes
by: Cat

I just lost my 12 year old Beagle to liver cancer a week and a half ago, and I am devastated. It is amazing how all of our stories are similar. Certain cancers such as organ/liver cancers are very hard to detect early?even in humans. Our pets cannot speak or let us know that there is something wrong. I take comfort in knowing that in the early and mid stages of liver cancer there are not any severe symptoms and so our dogs still had wonderful qualities of life, eating, playing, feeling safe and secure, enjoying our company, walks, etc. In the latter stages is when all the serious symptoms usually occur.

My Beagle had symptoms one year ago of pain in the back, low levels of specific gravity, and high cortisol levels. Unfortunately, we could not find out why she had these symptoms, after several lab results and doing x-rays, we also had no access to ultrasounds.

My dog?s symptoms during the last month were lack of eating; only eating treats. The last week she did not eat well at all and started to vomit and have diarrhea and that is when we did the x-ray and seen a mass close to the spleen and liver. Right until five days before we decided to do exploratory surgery (blood, urine, fecal, tests were all fine).

It is amazing before she started to vomit how she still wanted her walks, was jumping on the couch, begging for a treat, following me around, trying to play, and asking for a belly rub. Now how many humans do that when they are very ill? During the surgery the Vet seen the tumor and it looked malignant and it had metastasized so we opted not to wake her up and put her to sleep (out of pain).

It touches me deeply to know that our pets will give themselves to us completely right until the end!

Please remember if you have lost your pet, that your pet gave you as much as she or he could in his or her lifetime, and for him or her it was complete. And for us we feel it was not complete, and that?s why we mourn. Our pets are out heroes!

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Mar 10, 2010
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Submitted by: Cat

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I just lost my 12 year old Beagle to liver cancer a week and a half ago, and I am devastated. It is amazing how all of our stories are similar. Certain cancers such as organ/liver cancers are very hard to detect early?even in humans. Our pets cannot speak or let us know that there is something wrong. I take comfort in knowing that in the early and mid stages of liver cancer there are not any severe symptoms and so our dogs still had wonderful qualities of life, eating, playing, feeling safe and secure, enjoying our company, walks, etc. In the latter stages is when all the serious symptoms usually occur. My Beagle had symptoms one year ago of pain in the back, low levels of specific gravity, and high cortisol levels. Unfortunately, we could not find out why she had these symptoms, after several lab results and doing x-rays, we also had no access to ultrasounds. My dog?s symptoms during the last month were lack of eating; only eating treats. The last week she did not eat well at all and started to vomit and have diarrhea and that is when we did the x-ray and seen a mass close to the spleen and liver. Right until five days before we decided to do exploratory surgery (blood, urine, fecal, tests were all fine). It is amazing before she started to vomit how she still wanted her walks, was jumping on the couch, begging for a treat, following me around, trying to play, and asking for a belly rub. Now how many humans do that when they are very ill? During the surgery the Vet seen the tumor and it looked malignant and it had metastasized so we opted not to wake her up and put her to sleep (out of pain). It touches me deeply to know that our pets will give themselves to us completely right until the end! Please remember if you have lost your pet, that your pet gave you as much as she or he could in his or her lifetime, and for him or her it was complete. And for us we feel it was not complete, and that?s why we mourn. Our pets are out heroes!

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Mar 07, 2010
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Our Cooper has liver cancer/tumor/jaundice
by: Mary Ann

Yesterday we took our dear baby Cooper a 12 year old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier retired champion show dog to a vet in Arrowhead because he had not eaten in 6 days and was vomiting every half hour the first of those 6 days.
The vet said he was jaundiced and blood work came back with anemia and other signs of a cancerous tumor on his liver. The vet asked us if we wanted to hospitalize him and start ex-rays sonogram, surgery and chemo, and if not think about putting him down.
It was the saddest day of our lives for my husband and I. We took Cooper home and cried most of the day and through our tears immediately went searching for more information and found a health food store in Blue Jay "Carsons Herbals" on HWY 189 and the herbalist Katie Carson has made a liver cancer tea " Essiac with milk thistle for 14 years with good results in dogs and humans.
I started him on it yesterday along with the anti-vomit pills, and he actually ate 4 little bite sized pieces of chicken I baked for him with onions and a little pepper! We were overjoyed it was the first food he had in a week.
I added the tea to his water and get him to drink every 2 hours or so to keep him flushed and hydrated. The herbalist gave me gentle liquid vitamins/herbs and a dropper to give him once a day too.
His urine is dark yellow, and he still is getting up every 8 hours or so to urinate outside.
Watching him in this state is heartbreaking. We have never felt this kind of excruciating grief at the possibility of life without Cooper.
I pray for all of you dog parents that have lost your babies or are suffering with very sick dogs as I am now. My heart breaks for you all as I read your stories.
I will keep you posted if this Essiac tea has good results.
Please keep Cooper in your prayers thank you : )

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Mar 07, 2010
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Submitted by: Mary Ann

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Yesterday we took our dear baby Cooper a 12 year old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier retired champion show dog to a vet in Arrowhead because he had not eaten in 6 days and was vomiting every half hour the first of those 6 days. The vet said he was jaundiced and blood work came back with anemia and other signs of a cancerous tumor on his liver. The vet asked us if we wanted to hospitalize him and start ex-rays sonogram, surgery and chemo, and if not think about putting him down. It was the saddest day of our lives for my husband and I. We took Cooper home and cried most of the day and through our tears immediately went searching for more information and found a health food store in Blue Jay "Carsons Herbals" on HWY 189 and the herbalist Katie Carson has made a liver cancer tea " Essiac with milk thistle for 14 years with good results in dogs and humans. I started him on it yesterday along with the anti-vomit pills, and he actually ate 4 little bite sized pieces of chicken I baked for him with onions and a little pepper! We were overjoyed it was the first food he had in a week. I added the tea to his water and get him to drink every 2 hours or so to keep him flushed and hydrated. The herbalist gave me gentle liquid vitamins/herbs and a dropper to give him once a day too. His urine is dark yellow, and he still is getting up every 8 hours or so to urinate outside. Watching him in this state is heartbreaking. We have never felt this kind of excruciating grief at the possibility of life without Cooper. I pray for all of you dog parents that have lost your babies or are suffering with very sick dogs as I am now. My heart breaks for you all as I read your stories. I will keep you posted if this Essiac tea has good results. Please keep Cooper in your prayers thank you : )

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Mar 03, 2010
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update on Petey
by: Regina

Oh Rhonda I am so sorry... My heart aches for you for I too was in the same state a week ago, unable to breath or speak without breaking down. My Petey made it through surgery. Our biopsy came back yesterday and the margins were clean. Petey is now cancer free. A huge sigh of relief and I feel truly blessed to have my sweet brittany for as long as the lord will allow.

I hope that your outcome will be a good one. Just know that your special dog loves you. The support of family and friends helped me immensely, and I hope you have a good support system. Hang in there, I will be praying for you and Riley.

Mar 02, 2010
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Riley and probable liver cancer
by: Rhonda

Well I am reading all of the posts and just can't believe maybe I am going to lose another dog to cancer in just three years time. Our dog Kemo was 6 and he died of leukimia Nov of '06. We got Riley in Dec '06 and he had a liver biopsy today but the vet said the liver looks lumpy and that is usually cancer. If it is I too would like to know how long he might have so I can arrange for the same mobile vet to put him down at his own home with his mommy holding him. I am crying so bad I can't breathe and can hardly deal with this. He is such a special dog, such a goofball with so much personality. Oh GOD I don't want to lose him. I pray that there is some chance or miracle.

Feb 27, 2010
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My Brutus
by: Carrie

I lost my big teddy bear of a dog, Brutus on Feb. 22, 2010. He was a large, beautiful nine year-old Alaskan Malamute. He started not being as interested in eating his food but he still ate treats and cat food and would search for any people food laying around. I finally took him in to the vet and they checked him out and gave him his annual shots. The vet really couldn't tell that anything was wrong but at the end of the visit she asked if I wanted to get lab work done to make sure. I agreed.

The lab work came back with really high levels of a liver enzyme. She really didn't suspect cancer though because the calcium level was only slightly elevated. She gave me some pills to give him and I was to have him rechecked in a month. I took him in last Sat. for his recheck and the results weren't good. His liver enzyme was still off the chart, his kidney values were elevated, the calcium had increased, and he was slightly anemic.

The vet then suspected cancer and felt around his back and sides, commenting that his weight loss was more than just fat, he had lost a lot of muscle. She said to bring him back on Mon. for an abdominal x-ray to see if it was something that can be treated.

On Sunday, I almost took him to the emergency animal clinic because he wouldn't eat even treats and his breathing looked labored. I even loaded him in the car but when we got to the clinic, he noticed a dog in the street and seemed interested in going after it. I decided that he didn't seem that sick at the moment and that he could make it until the next day. We went to the park for a walk and he even started jogging.

The x-ray the following morning showed a large mass in his abdomen but they weren't sure which organ it was on. The vet said that they could do exploratory surgery to see if it was something that could be operated on but if it wasn't, she would recommend putting him down. I agreed to the surgery and left work and went to the clinic to see him before the scheduled surgery. I took him to the park and to PetsMart. He actually seemed pretty normal. As he went up to greet people in the park, I couldn't believe that this was quite possibly his last day alive.

It wasn't long into the surgery before they called me into the exam room. I knew then it wasn't good news. The young vet said it was the largest tumor that she had ever seen and she was surprised he was still alive with a tumor that large in him. That's my boy though, big and strong. Both of the vets told me the tumor had started to bleed and I was lucky I had him there because he could have bled to death at home anytime. If they had tried to remove the tumor, they probably couldn't get it all and there wouldn't be much liver left. He would most likely go into liver failure.

I feel a lot of guilt about not taking him in sooner before the tumor got so big. Thank you for reading this. I'm also sorry for all of you who have lost your dogs to this disease.

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Feb 27, 2010
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Submitted by: Carrie

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I lost my big teddy bear of a dog, Brutus on Feb. 22, 2010. He was a large, beautiful nine year-old Alaskan Malamute. He started not being as interested in eating his food but he still ate treats and cat food and would search for any people food laying around. I finally took him in to the vet and they checked him out and gave him his annual shots. The vet really couldn't tell that anything was wrong but at the end of the visit she asked if I wanted to get lab work done to make sure. I agreed. The lab work came back with really high levels of a liver enzyme. She really didn't suspect cancer though because the calcium level was only slightly elevated. She gave me some pills to give him and I was to have him rechecked in a month. I took him in last Sat. for his recheck and the results weren't good. His liver enzyme was still off the chart, his kidney values were elevated, the calcium had increased, and he was slightly anemic. The vet then suspected cancer and felt around his back and sides, commenting that his weight loss was more than just fat, he had lost a lot of muscle. She said to bring him back on Mon. for an abdominal x-ray to see if it was something that can be treated. On Sunday, I almost took him to the emergency animal clinic because he wouldn't eat even treats and his breathing looked labored. I even loaded him in the car but when we got to the clinic, he noticed a dog in the street and seemed interested in going after it. I decided that he didn't seem that sick at the moment and that he could make it until the next day. We went to the park for a walk and he even started jogging. The x-ray the following morning showed a large mass in his abdomen but they weren't sure which organ it was on. The vet said that they could do exploratory surgery to see if it was something that could be operated on but if it wasn't, she would recommend putting him down. I agreed to the surgery and left work and went to the clinic to see him before the scheduled surgery. I took him to the park and to PetsMart. He actually seemed pretty normal. As he went up to greet people in the park, I couldn't believe that this was quite possibly his last day alive. It wasn't long into the surgery before they called me into the exam room. I knew then it wasn't good news. The young vet said it was the largest tumor that she had ever seen and she was surprised he was still alive with a tumor that large in him. That's my boy though, big and strong. Both of the vets told me the tumor had started to bleed and I was lucky I had him there because he could have bled to death at home anytime. If they had tried to remove the tumor, they probably couldn't get it all and there wouldn't be much liver left. He would most likely go into liver failure. I feel a lot of guilt about not taking him in sooner before the tumor got so big. Thank you for reading this. I'm also sorry for all of you who have lost your dogs to this disease.

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Feb 26, 2010
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Battling Liver Cancer
by: Regina

Dear Ellen,
I too am feeling your pain and my heart goes out to you. My almost 12yr old Brittany was diagnosed with liver cancer as well. After a very trying week of Dr appts. and tests, he had surgery yesterday to remove the mass. The surgeon said it was one of the most difficult surgeries of its kind that he has ever done. I questioned my choice to go ahead with the surgery but my regular vet reassured me that it was in fact the best thing for him. He is in the ICU, and it is very difficult to see him in that state. Right after surgery I was able to visit with him. I talked to him and sang the jingle I always do featuring his name with several rhyming variations of his name. He responded by increasing his heart rate. His prognosis is 6 months to a few years. I love that ol' dog more than words can say and I will do everything in my power to ensure that the remainder of his days in this life are joyful and painfree.

Feb 23, 2010
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TO ELLEN
by: Jessica

Ellen,
I am so sorry that you have to go through this. I am thankful; on one hand that my baby was at home when he passed away. I was at the point that I knew I was going to take him in the next day to be put to sleep, but it was so hard to make that choice that day. I was still holding out hope that it was something else, as the vet (not my regular vet) wasn't sure (it was a Sunday) and his blood work person was out.

After I knew, I did give him Advil to help ease the pain as much as I could. We were packing up his stuff to go the vet's office at 12:30 midnite when he started to relieve himself, I knew what was about to happen, so I held him the entire time... But, I am thankful that he was in my arms, with his blanket, with his favorite toy and with his family when he moved on. I would like to send you a dozen prayers right now, and am so very, very sorry for your loss.

Feb 23, 2010
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My Tilly
by: Ellen

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Reno. It is never easy. I am at this site because my 14 yr old furry buddy has cancer to her spleen and liver, and I am heart broken. I want to bring her home because I need to finish cuddling with her. I just don't want her to suffer so I am checking things out to see how much time she would have. Thanks for this forum. My heart goes out to all you dog parents.

Feb 12, 2010
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Heart broken in St. Louis
by: Nancy

I am right now feeling your pain. I just lost my 12 year old lakeland terrier. He woke up Wed. morning and was walking kinda funny. I thought it was old age, I've seen him walk like that before. But this was different. He went outside to go to the bathroom and just stood there shaking in the cold. He wouldn't come when I called him so I ran out and picked him up. I put him on his bed where he just stood there. Kinda like a statue. I kept an eye on him and after a while I thought this is not right and took him in to the vet. The blood test showed very high levels in his liver and the vet wanted me to take him to this specialist and get an ultrasound. The specialist came out and took me into this room (not good) and told me he had this large mass (tumor) on the outside of his liver and she also thought the liver ruptured because there was something elevated in his spleen too. She told me they could operate and clean it out but given his age and a great possibility that the tumor was cancer, he would probable be in a lot of pain in recovering and in his old age. I am completely devastated!!!! All this in 1 day. He was never sick in all the 12 years I had him....I am in complete shock!!!! I loved that dog so much.....

Feb 10, 2010
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We understand
by: Erin in MN

I am so sorry for your loss. We just experienced the sudden, sudden loss of our Wheaten Terrier named Millie to liver cancer. She was only 2 1/2 years old.

The vet said the cause was most likely careless breeding, but we didn't care why or how, all we knew at that time was that our baby girl (we have no children or other pets) was gone. She was our first pet together after being married 2 years, and was our pride and joy.

The vet treated her for a bladder infection weeks prior to this, and we were informed the symptoms explained in the media I've read on the subject were due to the antibiotics. Had we only known...although her cancer was at a very late stage apparently.

She was the love of our lives, and it is amazing how you go from constantly asking them to move, or playing with them, or petting them, or walking with them...to picking their ashes up at the vet and paying the $1500 bill for the surgery.

Our vet recommended a therapist who deals specifically with pet loss, and we have an appt. with her in two days. We never knew such a job existed, but now we know all too well why it does.

I send my love to all of the dog owners who have lost their dogs to this terrible disease, and I'm happy to donate to the cause so in the future other pets can live longer, stronger lives.

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Feb 10, 2010
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Submitted by: Erin in MN

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I am so sorry for your loss. We just experienced the sudden, sudden loss of our Wheaten Terrier named Millie to liver cancer. She was only 2 1/2 years old. The vet said the cause was most likely careless breeding, but we didn't care why or how, all we knew at that time was that our baby girl (we have no children or other pets) was gone. She was our first pet together after being married 2 years, and was our pride and joy. The vet treated her for a bladder infection weeks prior to this, and we were informed the symptoms explained in the media I've read on the subject were due to the antibiotics. Had we only known...although her cancer was at a very late stage apparently. She was the love of our lives, and it is amazing how you go from constantly asking them to move, or playing with them, or petting them, or walking with them...to picking their ashes up at the vet and paying the $1500 bill for the surgery. Our vet recommended a therapist who deals specifically with pet loss, and we have an appt. with her in two days. We never knew such a job existed, but now we know all too well why it does. I send my love to all of the dog owners who have lost their dogs to this terrible disease, and I'm happy to donate to the cause so in the future other pets can live longer, stronger lives.

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Feb 07, 2010
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Thank you for your support
by: Jessica Lansberry

Thank you so much for your very kind words and blessings. Rick and Brenda and Hazel, I am so very sorry that you have went through this too.

I would like to send you my prayers and blessings as well, and hope for the very best to you all.

To be honest, there is a never a time that you would choose to lose your loved one. Whether a puppy or a senior dog.

God Bless to you.

Feb 03, 2010
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Prayers for you during this very difficult time
by: Rick and Brenda

Bless you and your lil Reno Casino! Tears are covering the keyboard just reading your story. It was just a very short three months ago that we lost the love of our life our 12-year-old Sandy to liver cancer and we understand and feel every pain you are going thru right now. Please please please know that you are not alone and though the pain never goes away it does get easier to live with and the beautiful memories do start to overpower the torment. You and your beautiful baby are in our constant thoughts and prayers!!
God bless!

Feb 03, 2010
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Sorry about your loss
by: Hazel

Hi, Jessica,

I am so sorry to read your story about little Reno Casino. It must have been hard to accept the fact because as you said it was so sudden and so fast. But in time you will feel better and we are all here to support you.

I know that liver cancer at its early stage does not have distinct symptoms, and when the symptoms show, usually it is too late to do anything. However, I was still surprised to hear that everything happened so fast...

I really appreciate your taking the time to write about Reno's conditions - it must have been hard but I am sure many dog parents will find the information useful. I have put a link of my page on Liver Cancer in Dogs to your page, so that more people can read about this horrible disease.

On behalf of all dog parents, thank you for your information.

Take care and, don't forget, you are not alone. We dog parents and dog lovers are all here for you!

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