return to Natural Dog Health Remedies

Missing my Dog Spanky

by Spanky's Parent

Spanky's last days

Spanky's last days

I just put my Cocker Spaniel down after 9.5 years of a great companion.

My dog had mild seizures several years ago only twice. I did not think anymore about it and the vet said not to worry if they don't come back.

Several years later my dog began shaking a lot. The vet said my dog was having mini seizures. As time passed my dog began to rub his head into the bed, furniture, chairs any object and I thought it was just scratching his head.

After some time had passed, my dog began to run into walls and just stand there lost. After several visits to the vet and believing it was an old age thing, my dog started stumbling, pacing, panting, falling in the pool, trying to walk through items instead of around, fell in his dog bowl and could not get up.

I rushed him to the vet and was told he had a brain tumor. I could have had lots of tests done to find out what the status and growth of it was.

After taking the dog home and watching him slowly lose his mobility, I decided it was not fair to watch him suffer any longer. I wanted him to have his dignity. Unfortunately I had to put my best friend to sleep a couple days ago. I have visited this web site several times thinking there must have been more I could do.

I have been reassured from several people and my vet that it was the best thing as he was suffering.

I miss him so much and hope anyone reading this can learn from the symptoms. We all know our dogs and know when they are not acting the same.

I love you Spanky... Rest well.

Comments for
Missing my Dog Spanky

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 14, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Meggie and Jack
by: Julia

I lost my Meggie April 2nd 2008. I had her for 8 lovely years. I was given her because the lady could not control her. After 3 yrs on she was the best dog at training doing anything I asked of her. She had just 1 litter and I kept her son Jack.

Meggie suddenly started having nose bleeds. I took her to the vets and they straight away said it was a brain tumour. I sadly had to let her rest after 3 months. It broke my heart.

Now Jack is ill. He had a lump removed last week. It was not good. The wound is very large and skin graft is dying. I am at my wits end with worry. He also is showing signs of a brain tumour. I am just waiting for an answer. The vets keep going round in circles. I spend all my time crying. My poor Jack. Please dont leave me like Meggie.
Mar 13, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bulldogge
by: JG

To the person with the 8 year old golden.... My dog had 7 seizures in two days and was put on Phenobaritol 120 mg per day and she is 53 lbs..... she has had only one breakthrough seizure after only being on the meds about a week.

Hopefully your dog will improve to a point where you are comfortable in feeling she is happy and not suffering. Phenobarbitol can cause side of affects resulting in loss of coordination especially in the hind end... this is what was happening to my wicken, however I thought it was her getting worse. I cut back on her dosage and she is 100% better for it. She is only 5 years old. Now I realize her symptoms were not getting worse, but she was overdosed. That said I do not blame my vet... because I know they started her on a higher dose and in another week she will be tested to see what her levels are and how it's controlling her seizures, and they will in all likelihood lower her dose so she is on the minimum that will keep the seizures at bay. How long it will last we don't know. her seizures are focal seizures at this point and what happens is... her head bobs uncontrollably.

It's nice to know there are people out there going through the same thing and that I am not alone.

Good luck with your Golden and I hope the results you'd like to see happen.

JG
Mar 11, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Duke our boxer
by: Teresa

As I begin to research the possibities that our boxer Duke may have a brain tumor, it seems many of the symptoms listed are those he has presented. It was about 2 months ago that he began having seizures. We related it to the possibility of the dog food being contaminated, but now second guess that. We switched his food and the seizures stopped. This past weekend we noticed behavioral changes which were unlike anything we'd seeen. He was barking at dogs he has socialized with regularly. He also growled which has never been a behavior trait. He also began urinating where he was lying. Again, not normal for him at all. We took him to the vet and ran blood tests. They found his lymph node was enlarged and suggested it could be brain cancer. This came back negative but his symptoms have not improved. Based on the symptoms, circling, being dazed and forgetting how to do simple training, the vet and we think it could be a tumor. We are going to give antibiotics a go but do not want to see him suffer. It isn't fair to him and he deserves a good quality life. He is loved by our entire family and this is very difficult for all of us including Duke. My heart goes to those who have lost a pet.
Mar 11, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To Maggie's Mom
by: Lois

My heart goes out to you and Maggie and your family. Buffy has not gone through any seizures that I know of. I do have an appt for the eye doc to look at her eyes. My Buffy is having alot of the same symptoms of a brain tumor except for the seizures. It just kills me to see her like this. I have been crying alot, but I am not giving up on her until she's experiencing pain. I can't put her through any more needles. I appreciate your reply and support more than you could ever know. I wish Maggie well and you strength. I seem to pray for more dogs at night and I do human beings. Have a wonderful day.
Mar 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Dog Tanner
by: Anonymous

Tanner is a nearly 8 year old Golden Labrador Retriever. She has been the best dog I have ever had. She started having cluster seizures about six months ago and she was put on phenobarbitol after she experienced seven seizures in one day. Since being on the meds, the seizures did not stop but they did appear less frequent but the vet increased her dose.

Twelve days ago we came home to find that she had another seizure. There was a little drool on the sofa and she was pacing the floor. She continued to have three more seizures and we rushed her to the animal hospital. She remained in their care for three days. She had a total of ten seizures. They prescribed Bromide and started her on a dose of 17ml for the first five days. She has been on her normal dose of 2ml twice a day for five days and she is getting worse. She is panting, pacing, starring at walls with her face pressed against them, stumbling, falling into her food and tripping over her legs. She still has an appetite and she is drinking. She knows her name and she wags her tail when she sees the leash but other than that she is not the same dog I have known.

We took her to the vet again today and they ran tests for her liver, kidneys etc. Her bromide levels are good and all of her tests came back good. There are two possibilities - either she has been unable to fully come down off of the meds or she has a brain tumor. We are pretty sure it is the tumor but we are giving her a few days to see if she improves. It is highly unlikely and I know deep down that we are going to have to let her go. Watching her go through this is very hard and we know it is hard on her too.
Mar 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Lhasa Apso
by: Maggie's Mom

Lois,

I am sorry to hear about your Lhasa. It sounds to me that your little one has cataracts. This might be the cause of your dog tripping and falling because the vision has decreased. Our Maggie had diabetes which caused her cataracts and then glaucoma. She had to have her eyes removed. We went back and forth about it but she did very well adjusted to her vision loss and it was almost like she never had a problem after a while until she recently was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She is on Phenobarb and is doing quite well on that and the fresh, homemade diet we give her. We know we are on borrowed time with her, but as long as she is happy and not in any pain, she will remain with us. Think about feeding your pet fresh food and look into the correction of her cataracts. God Bless.
Mar 09, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Another helpful poem...
by: Anonymous

A message from our pets...

A View From Rainbow Bridge

We are here with you and whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by my familiar name. Speak to me in the same easy way, which you always used. Put no difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we shared together. Play, smile and think of us. Pray for us. Let our names be ever the household word that they always were. Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should we be out of our mind because we are out of sight.

We are waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well.

Mar 08, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My 13 year old Lhaso Apso
by: Lois

Our dear Buffy we rescued from a Shelter in Texas 11 years ago, she will be 14 this August 2010. Recently our Vet diagnosed her with mild stage of dementia and she has been on Anipryl for 3 months now. She was pacing and panting terribly. The Anipryl seemed to stop the panting and decreased the pacing. Her appetite is good. But I am seeing the same issues that Spanky had and I really really am having a hard time admitting that maybe it's more than dementia. She can no longer hear. Her eyes were starting to get glazed over but seems to be progressing rapidly. She stands and looks at walls, she's fallen in her food bowls and into the pool. I haven't witnessed any seizure activity. She has a good appetite, sleeps moderately good, hacks during the night.

I am having a really hard time dealing with all of this. She's my buddy and I don't want to lose her even though I feel as if I am on borrowed time with her, it saddens me more than anyone could ever know.
Mar 08, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you for this site
by: Debbie

I've never felt so alone. I had to put my loving best friend Simba to sleep this past Sat. morning, March 6th. She would have been 16 yrs. old in June. I adopted her from a shelter when she was three and it's been the two of us.

Although I can't confirm it was a brain tumor, her symptoms seemed to indicate it. Late Friday night she stood up and started shaking violently from head to tail and then would fall down. Through the rest of the night I kept holding her (something she didn't normally like), petting, speaking softly and singing to her. I knew in my heart this was the end of our wonderful life together.

Simba was a shepard mix and was treated for arthritis over the last several years with low dosage of Rimadoyl and Tramadol (sp). At first I thought she had a stroke but after reading about brain tumors I've changed my mind.

The messages on this site have really helped me. Good Bless all of you and your pets.
Mar 07, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Our Darling Girl Jazz
by: Maxine & John

Jazz came into our lives at the age of 4. We rescued her from a bullet. Her heart was full and so was ours. Jazz was a boxer and the most loveable dog I have ever owned. She never did anything wrong, well only one thing, got sick and had to leave us. We had to put her to sleep 1 year ago today 8th march 2009. Life isn't the same without her. Our hearts are broken. She had been having seizures but they were under control, then last January she didn't know where she was and kept pacing and wouldn't eat or drink. Drugs were trialed but to no avail. God love you Baby...
Rest in peace. You are released of the misery of the last few weeks of yr life. I know you are still around us. We talk to you often and constantly kissing your photos.. See you again one day my precious one.
Miss you so much and love you always.

Mum and Dad
xxxxxxxxx
Feb 28, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		The decision...
by: max

Vets are people, too. Some vets will use all the medical tools that are available to keep the dog alive. Some vets will suggest to put the dog to sleep if they are not playful enough. And there are vet opinions in-between. Search the internet and this website to get different points of view to help you in your decisions. The bottom line is that you, the owner, will have to make the final decision. And that is very difficult. I went though this recently. It is very painful. Try to do what is best for your dear dog. My brother-in-law had to put two dogs to sleep in his lifetime. His advice to me was, "You don't want your dog to suffer needlessly." God bless you in this difficult time.
Feb 27, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Dog Duke
by: Anonymous

I am having a hard time trying to decide what is best for Duke, he is only four years old and he started having some aggression issues towards the end of 2008 into the beginning of 2009. He was always a sweet and gentle dog but at the time we thought he was trying to be the alpha dog in the house. When my husband and I were relocated to Fort Knox last April, Duke was still not acting like himself and by June of 2009 we had to rush him to the vet because his head was tilted and was walking crooked and into walls. I was then referred to a specialist where we laid out a ton of money and before they were to do a spinal tap the CT scan showed two areas they believed to be tumors. I did not do the spinal tap instead we tried medication and he has been living on steroids and high doses of them.

At this point none of the doctors know what's wrong and although he has good days he has a lot of bad ones. He has the shakes or tremors which I was told can lead into seizures, has no muscle mass left and is still aggressive and sleeps a lot.

I wish someone would tell me what to do. I have been told and read that aggression can be him saying he is in pain. What do any of you fellow pet owners think?
Feb 26, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Dog Carmine
by: Anonymous

My 6 year old Boston Terrier, Carmine, was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor this past Tuesday. I had no idea that Boston Terrier's were prone to getting brain tumors or I would have been looking for symptoms a lot longer. In October he started acting funny (walking slowly, not wanting to play, drooling on our walks) and I have been bringing him to the Vet since mid October only thinking I was nuts. I finally said last week "SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH MY DOG'S BRAIN!" He has not had any seizures and I am hoping he won't. I'm looking into radiation therapy but I am trying to do as much research as possible before I make a decision. Has anyone had any luck with radiation?
Feb 26, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		12 year old companion
by: JG

To anonymous who lost her 12 year old dog. I know how you feel about getting another dog with thoughts of going through this hurt again. Take the time to grieve before you make any decisions either way. You gave your dog a wonderful life and provided medical attention that he needed throughout his life.

Their leaving us is a part of owning pets, but I know how you feel. My girl is only 5 and has started these seizures... small focal seizures. She's on meds (phenobarb) and she was sooo doped up that I cut it back. I can't have her looking depressed, not controlling her hind end while walking etc. She's better already. She too may have a brain tumor. As long as she's not in pain, is eating and loves her walks and her buddy (my other dog Hershey), I will do all I can.
You will get another dog one day...it's just not today or tomorrow or maybe even next week.
JG
Feb 26, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Dog Hank
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your story. My lab, Hank, is almost 14 years old and has been "diagnosed" with a brain tumor. I have not put him through any formal tests, but he has many signs. It started with eye problems. Now there is an unsteady gait, LOTS of pacing, excessive appetite, head shaking, etc. He also has terrible arthritis, but is on pain meds. He still greets me with a wagging tail and a smile! I'm not sure when he will be at the point where he will let me know he's had enough, but I don't look forward to it. Thanks again for your story. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
Feb 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bulldogge's Mom
by: Maggie's Mom

I totally understand your pain. The vet should be checking the Phenobarb levels to make sure that it is somewhat regulated. Uncontrollable and a lot of "peeing' is a side effect of the Phenobarbitol. We have accepted that fact because both Maggie and her daughter have diabetes and excessive urination comes with the territory. It just takes some getting use to and putting some waterproof pads around. I have Maggie on a freshly made food of hamburger, toast, boiled eggs and rice. The seizures have stopped since I make this mixture for her. I know it is just a matter of time, but we are doing everything for her that we can and she is happy, playful and eats heartily. She does not cry or wimper and is not in any pain whatsoever. She is happy to see us as we are her. Give the food a try and bulldogge's blood levels checked. Do some research online as well. God Bless.
Feb 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		This poem helped us...
by: Anonymous

If it should be that I grow frail and weak, and pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done, for this the last battle can't be won

You will be sad - I understand, don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship stand the test
We've had so many happy years, what is to come - can have no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so, when the time comes, please let me go

Take me where my needs they'll tend, only stay with me until the end
And hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see

I know in time you too will see, it is a kindness you do for me
Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I've been saved
Don't grieve that is should be you, who has to decide this thing to do
We've been so close through all these years, don't let your heart hold any tears

Smile, for we've been together for awhile.
Feb 21, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		my bulldogge
by: JG

My dog Wicken is a 5 1/2 year old bulldogge cross. Last Sunday I woke up to the bed shaking. I figured one of the 2 dogs (I also have a daschund, miniature) was scratching. I put my hand on Wicken and her head was bobbing quickly up and down. I knew she was having a seizure. She was alert and knew what was going on around her. It lasted about 3 minutes and she was perfectly fine afterwards. That day she had 3 and on the Monday she had 3.

I took her to the vet and they did blood work and could only say from that test that she seemed to have a high red blood cell count, but it could be due to dehydration from the seizures. We started her on phenobarbitol 2 times per day @ 60 mg.

That was one week ago today and she had another seizure this morning. She seems uncoordinated, restless and really clingy. I took them out for a walk and she was running like the wind and seems unfazed. But again when getting home she seems clumsy and pee'd the bed.

I have been told that she probably has a brain tumor, due to the type of seizures and the sudden onset. I figured this to be the case before I was told... just hoped I was wrong.

I can't see her suffer, and I need to know if she's in pain, or when it's time. I will keep her on meds as long as she is comfortable. She is eating well, she seems happy. It breaks my heart. My daschund, Hershey, has been with her since he was 8 weeks old, and I have never been able to take one out without the other because they are that close. One goes to the vet and the other comes along. Hershey in particular will have an extremely hard time adjusting if she leaves us. I just need some moral support.
JG
Feb 19, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Peaceful
by: Anonymous

I am sorry to read about your loss. Our Maggie is still doing well on the Phenobarb and food I cook for her. I wish that vets would include a better diet for ill pets because I swear that Maggie is doing so much better because of her freshly made diet of rice, eggs, ground beef and toasted bread. I know that we are not going to have our Maggie very much longer, so we will continue to give her as much attention and love as we can.

God Bless.
Feb 19, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Similiar circumstances
by: Carolyn

I lost my newly adopted, much loved Boxer, Frazier, to a brain tumor. He was a very happy, playful, well-trained, approx. 2 year-old when I got him in Oct, but looking back he was beginning to exhibit signs(circling)even then. Seizures started in November. He was started on Phenobarb and Thyroid on Dec.9, and improved. By Christmas he was convulsing frequently and very confused. He would get into corners and not know how to get out and the circling was getting more pronounced. Potassium bromide was added to his meds and again he improved for a short time. By January 07, he was beginning to snap at me. As a last ditch effort Prednisone and Doxycycline were added to his meds. He improved for a while but started to decline rapidly and died Feb. 03. The necropsy revealed a 4cm x 2cm Astrocytoma.
Feb 19, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same Symptoms
by: Robin

We had to put our 12 year old german shephard down this week due to a brain tumor. Back in August she started with the head tilting and walking along the wall to hold herself up and not eating. We took her to the vet and without even doing any test advised she had a brain tumor. SHe was prescribed predinose to try to shrink the tumor. It was touch and go that weekend but she pulled through. Well on Monday Feb 15th she starting with the head tilting again, this time she was falling and acting like she was drunk. She starting vomiting and just looked at me with a look like please help me!! She was shaking and panting. We rushed her to the vet who again without doing any test advised she had a brain tumor. After much decision with the vet we decided to put her down. This is our second dog we had to put down within 6 months now we lost both dogs. So god bless to all of us to have to make this decision and RIP our beloved pets.
Feb 08, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sorry for your loss...
by: Anonymous

We put our dog to sleep after 15 years of companionship. We noticed behavioral changes in him within the past 18 months and even took him to the vet. He was losing his hearing and had CCD. But during the past few months we noticed a clear deterioration in his behavior and physical abilities. He wandered aimlessly for a few hours at a time, slept all day and most of the night and had no interest in anything except dinner time. Sometimes we had to show him where his food bowl was because he couldn't find it. He not only had all of the symptoms of CCD but was also having mini-seizures that lasted for just a few seconds and sometimes made him fall. Since our dog hid his pain, it was difficult to realize how much pain he was in. Inevitably we made the difficult decision to put him to sleep at home in our arms with the help of a vet. Thank you for sharing your story and I'm sure it will help other dog owners go through the difficult time of saying good bye to their dear pet.
Feb 07, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Heartbreaking
by: Anonymous

I am so very sorry about Spanky. Rest her soul. You did what was best for your special friend.

I have a 7 yr Beagle mix who began to develop seizures about two months ago in addition to neck discomfort. During the past two weeks her seizures are occurring frequently and during the past few days cluster seizures. The vet put her on pheno the other day. This morning she had three seizures. I am beginning to believe it is more than just epileptic; I feel she has a brain tumor. She lacks the energy she once had as a Beagle; rubs head on carpet; is in discomfort. Today is Sunday; the vet's office is closed. I watch my sweet girl and my heart aches. I am anxious to get her to the vet.
Jan 29, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Peaceful
by: Anonymous

I am so very sorry about Beto. The decision you made was very difficult but in those times of sadness remember how happy he was, his tail wagging and not in any distress. I am confident that he is in a peaceful, beautiful place right now. God bless.
Jan 28, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		update about Beto
by: Anonymous

Thanks to Maggie's mommy for her advice. Last thursday my Beto was really bad. The prednizone wasn't working anymore. He was very agitated and banging his head on the walls. He kept tripping over everything and getting trapped everywhere. I would make him lay down on my lap or on his pillow and he would sleep for a few minutes and then panic and get up again, just to wander around and hit the walls...I don't know if he had headaches, but he must have been in pain...He hadn't eaten the previous night and hadn't peed in 48 hrs...I couldn't bear seeing him like that, it was not right...We euthanized him on Friday...He's in peace now but we miss him so much. The vet said it was the right time, the right choice...but was it? Did we give up on him? I guess I'll never know...
Jan 28, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Mia
by: Patty

I am sorry to hear about your dog. I know it is very hard as my Mia die Tuesday morning. She had a brain tumor, but her symptoms came on suddenly, well at least the bad ones. Early on or about 2 or 3 months ago, I noticed her shaking her head. I did not think anything of it. She acted like she had something in her ears, so I cleaned out her ears and went on.

On January 4th she has a seizure. We took her to the vet. He said well let?s wait and see.

(In Feb Mia would have been 11 years old and she was a Sheppard mix rescue. I have had her since she was about 6 months old.) Mia also had a sinus infection which I now know that in older dogs means there could be a tumor.

On January 24th Mia had 3 seizures one hour apart. We took her to the vet and he gave her phenobarbatal and said ?at her age it is likely a tumor?. I felt so bad we could have had her looked after the first seizure. But she was 11 years - would I have put her through cancer treatment at that age I don?t think so.

Tuesday morning she died quietly in her sleep. I miss her so much.
Jan 25, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		my Louis
by: Louis' mum

Sorry to hear about Spanky. I have my own but similar dilemma with my 11 year old poodle, Louis. He has suddenly become very lethargic, he yelps when you touch him, he seems to stare into space and is generally acting very strange. I have taken him to the vets this afternoon and after a thorough examination the vet diagnosed brain tumor. My thoughts are now, do I get a 2nd opinion or arrange MRI scan. I really don't know what to do and like you, I don't want to be thinking perhaps I could have done more. His quality of life at the moment is poor although he seems to enjoy his walks still (he's just a bit wobbly). When he is indoors, his sypmtoms seem worse. He appears not to know where he is or what he should be doing, staring at walls and into his water bowl for long periods of time and wandering around aimlessly. I guess I will just have to wait and see how he is over the next couple of days. It's a terrible time for him and for us, I wish I had the answer.
Jan 23, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Robin
by: Anonymous

I just want to tell you how sorry I am to hear about Spanky. I have gotten my last two cockers from the rescue and the last one was 8 when I got her. She is a wonderful dog and loves life. She swims and enjoys parks. The other day we noticed her acting strange and called the vet. The next morning we took her there and he said it could possibly be a brain tumor, we had to keep a close eye on her. I pray every day to be able to keep her a little longer. She needed a home so bad and I knew getting into this I wouldn't have her as long as a younger dog. Life is really hard but if anything happens to any of my three I would probably give an older dog another chance, sometimes we just have to do hard things. Get another cocker from a rescue-the rewards are endless. Love, Robin
Jan 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Response - Nala
by: Anonymous

Sorry to hear about your dog, but happy about your soon to be new addition. Maggie, article below, is our dog and she is doing very well on the food I make for her and the Phenobarbital. I am not sure about aggressive behavior as we have not seen it, but one must ALWAYS be careful with pets around children healthy or otherwise. We have all heard the horror stories about loving pets that attack humans or children all of a sudden. I would discuss your dog with your vet, but it is unclear whether or not your dog is suffering. Two years ago we were advised by many relatives and friends to let Maggie go when she developed glaucoma because they said she was suffering, etc. The specialist we took her to removed her eyes and for the past two years (prior to her alleged brain tumor) she has been happy and very normal blind. It would have been a huge mistake on our part to let her go. You should discuss the suffering with your vet before making any decisions. As I said previously, if your dog still thrives attention, likes being petted and eats heartily and regularly, you may just need Phenobarbital or an antiseizure drug and try the fresh food I posted about. It really works. Don't be too quick to make a decision. I wish you the best.
Jan 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Heartbroken over Nala
by: Christine

We are heartbroken and confused about what to do with Nala. She is a 14 year old Sheppard terrier mix and was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Dec. She hasn't had any seisures but has all the other symptoms. (Rubbing her head, not knowing where she is, circling and pacing, accidents and falling.) She still wags her tail and looks happy but other times I feel so bad for her. We are afraid to leave her alone with our 16 month old b/c we hear that dogs with brain tumors can become aggressive. All of our family says we should let her go b/c she is suffering and it will only get worse. But we don't know if that is the right decision. We have an appointment to put her down tonight but are still torn. We have another baby on the way in July and really want her to be at peace b/c more will change and confuse her. I will be in the hospital for 5 days after having a c-section. She took being separated from me with our son very hard. Does anyone have any advice?
Jan 20, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Beto
by: Anonymous

Our Maggie was acting similar to the way you have stated, circle walking, restless at night, etc. and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She has been on Phenobarbital which kept her from having seizures, but seemed difficult to control. I read about the low protein diet on this website and Maggie is so much better. I give her hamburger, rice, hard boiled eggs and bread for food. There are many recipes but this one worked best for her. She no longer is up at night restless or pacing, sleeps all night now and is having fewer "pee" accidents. I highly recommend this. My vet told me that basically it would be time to put her to rest if she stops eating, doesn't like to be petted any longer, etc and as long as we can handle the accidents, she is happy and not suffering. I hope this helps you.
Jan 20, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Beto may have a brain tumor
by: Beto's mommy

Our 10 yr old boxer Beto may have a brain tumor. About a month ago he started acting confused, walk in circles and get trapped in corners. We thought it was senility so we got Anipryl, but seemed to get worse. He did not pee for 36 hrs so we took him to the vet but all his tests were normal, except for high calcium. By this time he also was tilting his head and twitching. The vet said it could be a brain tumor. But tests and treatments are expensive and may just give him a few months more. So we just gave him prednizone and he was doing better, but he has bad days plus side effects. He's still confused and not the same...he may play a little sometimes. When we're not home he soils the house (and eats it! sorry). He's very hungry and thirsty, but may be due to the prednizone. We don't know if it is time to let him go, we don't think he's in pain, but last night he seemed very lost and panicky. What to do? he's so restless I don't get a lot of sleep...but we love him so much!
Jan 16, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rat Terrier Murphy
by: Anonymous

We have a 16 year old rat terrier. He is a spunky little dog but is having episodes of pain when at rest or sleeping. We think he has a tumor of some kind. Will be doing x-rays on Monday to rule out spinal problems. He fell off a 5 foot high deck about 5 years ago. At the time he was not affected by the fall, simply got up and acted as usual. We have been told that the blindness in his right eye is the result of the fall. Have had him on steroids but only getting a little relief. We cannot afford the terrifically high costs of an MRI so are considering euthanasia. Not an easy thing to do but his quality of life is not what it should be. I feel we would be selfish to allow him to continue with this suffering. I feel we are in denial and hoping we can treat him with meds but know in my heart that we will have no choice but to help him out of his pain. He will be waiting for us on the other side with our other dogs. (smile)
Jan 12, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Diagnosed with Brain tumor?
by: Anonymous

My 9 year old lab fell over one day while on a walk. She got right back up so I didn't think much of it. Then she started acting strangely. She would occasionally have accidents in the house and would back away when I tried to love on her. Then she started slipping and falling down. I took her to the vet who told me it was most likely a brain tumor. After two seizures I took her to another vet who told me the same thing. She put her on pheno. I took her to a dog neurologist. Same diagnosis, and suggested I spend a fortune on a MRI. Devastated, I went home and researched. It seemed like the symptoms were worse after she ate. I threw away her kibbles and started making her food. I gave her eggs, cottage cheese, plain yogurt, and brown rice. What did I have to lose? I told the neurologist about the association with eating and she said if my dog's liver isn't functioning properly that she could be converting the protein in the dog food to ammonia. However, the blood tests did not show any problem with the liver. I continued to make her food. I found low protein recipes on line. My dog very slowly improved. After about a month she was having very few unusual episodes and seemed much more herself. My husband said it was probably the pheno, but I kept making her food. After 6 weeks there were no episodes and she was running and wagging her tail. We drove her 13 hrs to Florida and she was perfect. Since I was going to be without a kitchen for a few days I stopped in to a dog health food store to get a high quality canned food that only had chicken and veggies. The lady also gave me samples of the same brand of dry food. I gave my dog the can plus the sample that night and the next morning. By afternoon she was close to death! She was barely moving, had difficulty breathing, wouldn't eat. I couldn't see a vet until the next afternoon, and I was sure I was going to have to put her down. I carried her to the vet and she just lay on the floor. The vet took blood tests and hydrated her, and mostly comforted me. I took her home and expected she would not last through the night. The next morning my girl greeted me with a tired smile and a wagging tail. She gradually ate yogurt, rice and chicken broth. Soon she was back to her old self! Her blood tests still show no liver problem but you will never convince me to quit making homemade food for her. I am sticking with the low protein diet and she is running and playing and has no sign of any brain tumor symptoms!
Jan 08, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Boxer Zeus
by: rcancona@gmail.com

As I type this I have my 8 year old Boxer Zeus on my lap. Unfortunately, I know this time is limited. A few weeks ago he began to have spastic fits with his mouth, then about a week later they were full blown seizures. He's on a small amount of phenolbarb, and it seems to keep the seizures down, but it makes him so lethargic. Lately I've noticed him wandering around, not walking very well and not seeing very well. From these symptoms and from the vet's comments, I'm sure he has a brain tumor. I raised him and his brother Thor from puppies, so I'm really attached to him, but I don't want to put him through lots of expensive tests and horrible medicine to only prolong his life a couple months. Does anyone have any ideas of other possible treatments that can make him comfortable? I'm hoping I can keep him going until spring, but I don't know if that's possible. I'd be interested in anyone else's experiences.
Jan 07, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Maggie
by: Anonymous

I am sorry to hear about all the problems people have had with their wonderful dogs. Our Maggie developed glaucoma due to diabetes and had her eyes removed several years ago. She is a strong Lhasa and recovered nicely from the surgery and adapted well to her blindness. In late November during the dinner hour, Maggie had a grand mal seizure. It was truly horrible. We rushed her to the Vet who finally had to give her IV Valium to stop the seizures. They told us that more than likely she has a brain tumor and gave her Phenobarbital to take to prevent the seizures. The first blood test came back that her levels were low. I started giving her l.5 tablets at dinner time because during the night she seems to be having seizures regularly. She gets up pacing, making little circles faster and faster until she falls down, etc. I usually will give her another tablet or half of one which seems to quiet her down in about an hour or so. She is happy otherwise, plays with the other dogs, eats quite heartily and loves to be around my husband and I. I do not want to make a rash decision to terminate her life and at the same time, I don't want her to suffer (which she does not appear to be doing). Does anyone have any advice? I would like God to make the final decision when it is her time, but also want to do the right thing. Any advice would be appreciated.
Jan 05, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Dog Maxx
by: Dee

Maxx is 11-years-old and my best companion. I'm a widow who had open heart surgery, and he was there for me day in and day out. He has kept me going. The day after Christmas he started coughing and we rushed him to an ER vet. They took x-rays and confirmed he had congestive heart failure. They put him on meds, and his prognosis was fair...but this week he has had 6 seizures. The vet doesn't know if it's epilepsy or a brain tumor and I can't afford the testing. He exhibits no signs of a brain tumor, at least to me. He is just the same lovable dog he ever was, never confused, except for the seizures that occur at night when he's sleeping and cause him to urinate. We are going to treat him with phenobarbitol for now, a small dose, and see how it goes. I pray it's not a brain tumor, but I don't know for sure. Before he has the seizure he howls and then just passes out. When he comes around he is fine, although he has little appetite.

Please say a prayer for us that this is not a brain tumor. There is nothing else that points to one, no other symptoms. For once I would be happy with a prognosis of epilepsy.

Tell me what you think please. Do I have my head in the sand and not being realistic. If he is showing no signs of confusion or anything, can I hold out hope.

Thanks
Jan 04, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Precious Boy Koa
by: Sharon

New Year's Day we had to put our 14 month old German Shepherd down. I believe that he had a tumor as he would go into what I call the twilight zone and on this day he attacked me and if my husband had not been home, I am not sure if I would be on this blog? My heart aches for my boy, but I know he had something wrong with him.

From the day that we got him at 7 weeks old, I said something was wrong. At first I thought he would go blind? The vet ran all the tests and we could never find anything. He had really good days, but each day was a new challenge and you never knew if that would be the day that he would snap. I did see 3 different times, what I believe to be seizures.

I do have guilt of putting him down. My boy loved my husband and I and was an amazing dog when he was normal. He did not know what or who he was attacking when he went after me. I am determined to find answers and peace in this journey.
Jan 03, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Missing Sara
by: Anonymous

Thank you for this website and for all of your stories. We have just been through a similar nightmare. Our 7.5 year old Golden Retriever started to have grand mal seizures out of the blue in early December. She went in for urine/blood analysis and observation. 48 hours later she suffered a series of seizures that ended with one lasting for close to 30 minutes. We rushed her to the vet hospital where she had several other seizures until they gave her intravenous valium. The valium stopped the seizures and they sent her home on Keppra three times a day to control the seizures. We had her blood tested for thyroid issues which came back normal. She really never recovered after the first bout of seizures. She was lethargic, seemed drugged to the eyeballs, was getting aggressive, walked with a different walk, did the circle walk, shook her head all of the time and would have mini-seizures staring off into space. When she slept she would whimper and groan. She even growled at my husband when he asked her if she wanted to go for a walk. We were willing to keep trying with the drug therapies, but she had several other seizures last Monday/Tuesday. We had to make the heartbreaking decision to let her go.

I feel devastated by her loss and have been plagued with guilt, wondering if we should have done more. The vets all said her age and her breed pointed to a brain tumor. We will never know, but we did feel she was suffering and that she was no longer the dog we knew and loved so much. We didn't want her aggression to turn on our children. She was a beautiful, sweet girl, this has all been so overwhelming and sudden.

Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Dec 31, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Oscar's vet visit
by: Oscar's Dad

Just got back from the vet. He said with the loss of the right eyesight / and smell - it doesn't look good.

He said he doesn't like to do anything drastic when the dog looks so good and his tail still wags. He likes to see them not so responsive before going to the final stage.

He doesn't think Osci will improve only get worse. That really saddens me more than you can imagine.

But he said miracles do happen and since we are not 110% sure it's a brain tumor, you just never know.

But with no elevated temperature and his white blood count normal, he said it almost completely rules out an infection....so that mostly points to a tumor.

We're gonna take it easy thru the weekend and see how things are on Monday when he's back in the office (if we need him).

So all is fine as of right now. Lets hope it's a good weekend. Happy New Year, REX
Dec 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		prayers for you and your dog Oscar
by: Anonymous

I will pray for you and for your dog, Oscar. I know how hard it is to worry about your sweet dog. I hope the vet can give you good information about what is going on with your beloved pet. Just thought it would comfort you to know that I will pray for you and Oscar.

Tara
Dec 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Oscar is in bad shape
by: Oscar's Dad

My little dog Oscar....9 yr. weiner dog, has been so sick for some time. He is getting worse. The vet says no doubt is a tumor. I'm scared to say the least. I don't know how i'll go on without this little character in my life. I miss him already and he's still here !!

We've been thru so much together. He has all the classic symptoms of brain tumor and it hurts to read this column and have them verified.

I'll keep you all posted and let you know what happens to Osci in the coming days. We have a vet appt. tomorrow morning 8 AM.

Keep Osci in your thoughts please......

Oscar's Dad.
Dec 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Sweet Boy Taco
by: Laurie

Today I picked up Taco's ashes. My wonderful golden retriever-chow mix was put to sleep last Tuesday. For a long time we were treating what I thought was arthritis pain, but recent observations began to point to a possible brain tumor. He was unsteady on his feet, walking over & through things that had always been in the same location, standing and staring into corners, leaning/hugging the walls when walking around a room, increased hunger and loss of weight, and occasionally walking in continuous circles.

He was over 13 years and I did not want to put him through aggressive treatment, so finally was forced to make that most difficult decision. I miss him terribly and only hope he did not suffer too much or too long.

My best wishes to anyone else dealing with an ailing animal-friend.
Dec 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Worried about Gus - Our family will keep yours and Gus in our prayers
by: Mary

To Gus's family,I am so sorry. Our Minnie Pearl just started with the same thing last Thursday.
The meds have been great. She is back to the old Minnie Pearl. She even knows when it's time for the meds and tries to slip away to hide. Maybe your vet should try these amd see if it helps before you have to do the worst. Our family will keep yours and Gus in our prayers.
Dec 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		worried about Gus
by: Todd Houlette

We're pretty sure our dog Gus has a brain tumor as well. He started having seizures a little while back and his temperament has completely changed. He now will growl at people, is obsessed with his food and does not stop pacing the house. We've witnessed about four seizures, the last one being the worse. He kept falling down afterwards and his balance was completely off for about an hour.

We've had all types of blood, urine, neurological tests done on him and everything looks fine. Our biggest worry is that he's gotten aggressive with our kids sometimes. He was always the most lovable dog but recently he bit my youngest son above the eye and left a considerable cut over his eye that I'm sure will scar. It breaks my heart to put him down, but I can't risk the well being of my family. Someone please tell me it's ok to put him down.
Dec 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Beautiful Golden Girl
by: Anonymous

On Nov 15 I wrote about the symptoms my Golden Retriever, Harmony, was having that were the same that most of you wrote about. She had to leave me on December 7th as the suffering was becoming unbearable. It happened so fast, she was only 10 and never had a sick day in her life.

I miss her so much, as there was just the two of us, but it had to be. I and the Vet are sure it was a brain tumor, although we didn't have an MRI done. All the symptoms were there.

I want to thank all of you for sharing as it made it bearable for me to know that I was not alone in this.
Dec 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hi Mary
by: Anonymous

I am very sorry to hear Minnie Pearl started having seizures. The symptoms sound very similiar to what we experienced in September this year with our Sheltie Nicholas 6.5 years old. After three grand mal seizures he was given phenobarbital. Then, continued to have petite seizures (lip twitching). The phenobarbital controlled the seizures to some degree. I decided to have a Neurological Surgeon see Nicholas and then had a MRI performed on him. I was then told Nicholas had a brian tumor. I am not sure how many people have MRI's performed on their pets but I had to go that route to get to the cause of his symptoms. The doctor never said Nicholas had a brain tumor until he performed the MRI. He did say based on the symptoms an MRI would be the only method to determine if it was a brain tumor. However, we were never told it was a brain tumor until the MRI was performed. We were told the symptoms could be due to epilepsy and that is treated with phenobarbital. But if you find there are still, symptoms with that medication, you may want to have an MRI performed to find out if a brain tumor is indeed the cause of her symptoms or the seizures are due to epilepsy of some other cause. My prayers are with you and your family.

Dec 11, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Loving our sick dogs
by: Mary Horton

This is the first time I have been on the site. We have a 12 year old spitz mix, Minnie Pearl, and last night she started having seizures - she had 4 before 6am this morning. Our vet says its a brain tumor. After the seizures she paces in circles, rubs her head on things, and gets lost in corners and seems not to be able to see. At 9am we gave her the first doses of prednisone and phenobarbital - no more seizures thus far and another dose due at 9pm. Does this sound like the treatments yopu started with Spanky? I don't want to lose her but I don't want her to suffer. We lost a Lab that was 16 last year so I know your pain. They are so much a part of the family. Thanks for listening. Mary
Dec 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Lost our sweet girl
by: Anonymous

Just this past Saturday we had to put our beloved 15 1/2 year old black lab down. She had some dental surgery that she never really recovered from. At first we thought the seizures were the result of a combination of things, stress, the sedation during surgery and even the pain killers. However, after reading some of the other posts, I am pretty sure she must have had a brain tumor. Her condition deteriorated every day for a week or so. She was no longer the faithful companion we knew. She did not know us and was continually walking/pacing until she would collapsed. Her mind was gone to the point that she could not figure out how to get out of a corner. It broke our hearts. My husband and I could not bear to see her suffer any longer. We are happy that Duchess is not suffering any longer, but we miss her terribly.
Nov 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Marley's brain tumor
by: Amy

My beautiful 12 year old Golden Retriever, Marley, was diagnosed with a brain tumor a month ago after she had 2 seizures. The neurologist put her on zonisimide, which has made her very zoned out and wobbly on her feet. She still had what they refer to as "focal seizures", and then a few weeks later had another grand mal seizure, so the neurologist continues to increase the dosage of zonisimide and has now added potassium bromide to the mix. While these drugs have, so far, prevented another grand mal seizure, they have ruined Marley's quality of life. All she does is sleep. She can barely walk without falling. I have to hold her up while she eats. The vet says that the side effects of these drugs will decrease over time but then she is still battling the brain tumor. Hard to tell if the symptoms are related to the side effects of the drugs or the brain tumor. It breaks my heart to see her this way. Like someone said in a previous post, is it right to make her suffer like this? I think not. I go back and forth trying to decide what is right and I think it is time to put her down. :-(
Nov 15, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Meg - my brave little girl
by: Shari

Meg is 10 years old and is a Mini- Schnauzer. I have four others but she is the queen. About a month ago, I had a toe removed from one of her back feet (She had a toe bed tumor). Then the lymph node on the back of her same leg swelled up. The vet did remove the lymph node and sent it away. The cancer had spread. She was fine ever since, until this morning at 4:15 a.m. She had a seizure which was continuous. He did give her Valium but no result. It is 7:00 p.m. and she is still having seizures (at the vet clinic). The vet does not think she will recover. I am going to send her to the Rainbow Bridge at about 8:30 p.m. Please think of us then.
Nov 15, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My beautiful Golden Girl Harmony
by: Anonymous

Thank you for this. My beautiful golden girl has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor and I can see all her symptoms in your precious pets. It is so hard to believe, in August she was running on the beach and swimming with her best friend and now she doesn't know anyone, not even him. I won't go into all the details as you have all been there or are there now. As I prepare myself for what is to come, I have your letters to help me go there. I would especially like to thank Tina for her poem as it has let loose the flood of tears that has been building in me since accepting the truth only this past week. I will surly bury her in my heart. Thank you all, and we have all been blessed by the love of our beloved companions.
Nov 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Lil Miracles
by: Anonymous

God bless the four legged angels that guard our hearts.
Nov 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Buddha The Bulldog
by: Anonymous

I know how this feels....sadly I have been watching my little bully for the last three weeks since he was diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor. Watching him every day, wondering if this is the last. The sadness is unreal, and my heart is broken. Thanks to all who have shared here, it gives me some comfort to know that I am not crazy over my dog, I love him, just like all of you.
Nov 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Our beloved chocolate lab
by: Anonymous

I too am comforted to hear we ended up doing the right thing for our 12yo chocolate lab. A few days ago she had bad seizures. The worst during the night and which she never really seemed to fully recover from. She couldn't get up during that event and her hind legs seemed paralyzed. She obviously didn't have her wits about her or know what was going on. When we took her in the ER vet said very likely brain tumor as all other tests were ok. The vet said we could wait and watch and maybe try some steriods/PB but that's about it and would not stop the inevitable. So, after a few hours of observation with no improvement and with a heavy heart and tears we let her go and had her put to sleep. I still wonder if we should have tried more but the more I read it sounds like at best you may get a few more days/weeks and they would likely be painful and/or distressful to the dog.

We miss her dearly but know that it was her time and we didn't want to prolong her suffering any more than absolutely necessary. God bless.
Nov 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		faithful friend
by: Anonymous

I suspect my faithful friend of 11 years has a brain tumour as well. Although she has developed cataracts her behaviour has changed.
Oct 25, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		sorry for your loss
by: Prancers mommy

So sorry for the loss of Spanky. Im going through something similar to you all. I have a 9 yr old Italian Greyhound named Prancer. We rescued her at 3 yrs old and she has been having seizures ever since. Drs say its epilepsy. She is on pheno and bromide 3xs a day. Seizures are still about once a month. This past 2 weeks Prancer has been very restless, falling up and down stairs, falling over, hind weakness, basically acting drunk! I think her eyesight and sense of smell has decreased, also. Dr said blood work is great, not her liver. Going to a neurologist next week. It sounds like brain tumor.

I dont know what I'll do without her. All I can tell you is my family has given sooo much to this precious baby girl. She was sooo badly abused, and is now treated like a princess. I hope the news is not too bad. I'll never let her suffer. So scared...I'll have to wait and see.

Thank you all for your stories. My heart goes out to you. Thank you!

Prancer's mommy.
Oct 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Just made the call
by: Pumba's Mom

I just made the call to have our 11 year old Pug put out of his suffering. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in August and we have been monitoring him since. We have him on Prednisone to help alleviate his discomfort of his back legs and help with the "drunken gait" that he has acquired. He has his good days and his bad but he has become bowel incontinent and he can't stand up from lying down without having an accident. We know it is the right thing to do but it is hard when he has grown up with our two teen age children.

Think of us on Friday Oct. 30th.
Oct 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Saying goodbye
by: Dee

Hi,

I'm so glad I found this page. It has given me the strength I am going to need very soon. My 14 year old toy poodle, Samson, began to have seizures just a month ago. I took him to the vet and he said he had all the symptoms of a brain tumor. I couldn't afford an MRI to be certain. He put him on anti-seizure, (phenobarbital) and he responded well. I was suggested cortico-steriods to help with any swelling on the brain. He responded well to that also. Through research I found an immune system modulator called NK9 by American BioSciences. All these have been very helpful. He has gained weight back. He is not in any pain right now. I am looking into tumor reducers for canines at this time. I know I am only buying some time. But I am making the time count as best as I can. Our little Sammy has the sweetest disposition and loves everyone and everyone who ever met him loves him. So soon enough I'm certain we will have to say goodbye to our beloved boy.

But what I would truly like to share with all my pet owner friends of canines, felines or others, is this: before our furry little friends get sick, we need to keep their immune systems in good working order. This requires supplementation and diet. Pet foods in cans or even kibble are not healthy for our pets, even the most expensive ones. Dogs were not meant to eat grains. They are carnivores. They need meat. If possible, buy good hamburger or chicken that is free of antibiotics and hormones. The food we feed them out of convenience is truly the cause of most diseases. If you have to give them canned or kibble, check the ingredients label.
Just as you and I need to keep our immune systems in working order, so do our pets. So if you ever intend to get another animal or already have others in your household, learn from our valuable experiences so we don't have to go through this again. If we are going to lose them, may they just go to sleep at a good old age. We need to educate ourselves. I feel for all of you.
Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My dog Precious
by: Danena

I am going through the same thing right now. My Precious has been with us for 13 years. She is a mix of Scottish terrier and corgie. She goes everywhere with me. At first we thought she had an inner ear infection but that was just a symptom. We now know she has a tumor. I just took her to the vet a couple of days ago. He gave her a couple of shots and basically I just put off a few days what I know I am going to have to do. I had to put down a mare that I had for 20 years and that hurt so bad. I guess I just wanted to put off just for a little while the pain of losing my best friend. But that is what good owners and family do they put what's best for the one that has the illness before anything or anyone else. I am so glad I found this site. I feel for all of you. And may your loss less with time and fill your heart with very happy memories.
Oct 09, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		thank you for sharing
by: Tara

My beloved miniature schnauzer Joey is going through the same symptoms many of you have written about...your stories help me to realize I am not alone. Back in February he had his first seizure. I had hoped they would stop but instead he began having them every week and then more often. He has lost bladder control, walks in circles, sometimes stumbles, paces from room to room, yelps for "no reason", other times he yelps if he bumps into a door or a chair, very sensitive to touch, sometimes doesn't recognize me, doesn't want me to touch his head, stares in the corner or tries to get behind things in the corner, i.e. plants, furniture. I've talked to the vet and he said it sounds like a brain tumor. We've run blood tests and all come back normal. My dog also didn't respond to phenobarb or potassium bromide. In fact, instead of it calming him, it made him hyper and extremely manic so I took him off because it was so extreme.

It has been so sad to see Joey not be the same happy playful dog. I've made the very painful and sad decision to put him to rest on Tuesday. I've realized he is not going to get better and I can't let him suffer...he no longer has a good quality of life. When I look at him - when he is not moving around and he is still, he looks like he "should" be "fine"...like the cute precious boy that I brought home 12 years ago. But then as I watch him longer and stay with him, I see that he is fading and suffering and it's not fair to hold on to him...

I love him so much...he has been the light of my life. I remember when I first saw Joey. I got him on Thanksgiving day 1997. He was the PERFECT Thanksgiving present. When I saw him I fell in love with him. I'm so happy that I've had him as long as I have. I am very blessed. It's hard to let go but I know if he could tell me, he wouldn't want to live this way. We've had a wonderful life together and I will miss him. I know that even though he won't be home to greet me each day, he will forever be in my heart. I pray that you rest in peace my sweet Joey. I only hope that I see you again and can love on you. I will treasure this short time that we have left together. You are always in my heart.
Love,
Mom
Oct 07, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks for the answers
by: Anonymous

Thank you everyone for posting this info. I just had to put my beloved dog of 14 years down this morning, they say it was a brain tumor. I thought she was having strokes, but after reading the symptoms, it definitely had to be a tumor. She had an awful seizure last night (and one before in December that left her right side of her face paralyzed) and didn't recover. It's the hardest decision to make, but I couldn't watch her suffer anymore. Reading these posts made me feel comforted and not alone in my grief, so thank you. And to anyone reading this and going through the same thing, it's the right decision to let them go when they're suffering, as wrong as it feels. I know I have a long road ahead, but I know I'm not alone, and neither are you. Hang in there.
Oct 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		11.5 year old Weim with brain tumor
by: Anonymous

I am so sorry for your loss. My 11 year old Weimaraner has been diagnosed with a possible brain tumor after a grand mal seizure. Her first one was a month ago and she was put on the phenobarbitol, and has not had another one. Her back legs are weaker, but she is still doing well on stair, jumping on furniture, and seems pretty good other wise. Any ideas how long she may live?
Sep 29, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		You are not alone
by: Pepsi's Mom, Janice

Sept 25th was my miniature schnauzer, Pepsi's last day with us, about 3 weeks before my son first witnessed him having a grand mal seizure, twitching and tremulous.

The next week I was outside and heard him yelping as if he was in pain. I came to see him getting up and shaking himself.

Over the next days he fell over on his side, yelping and tremulous and incontinent. I recorded what I saw. The vet used this information to help diagnose him with a possible brain tumor as his bloodwork was normal and his x-ray showed no evidence of tumors or liver damage. He was put on medication to help him. He continued to get worse, sometimes he would be walking normally and suddenly he would halt, his front legs would spread out and his head would hang, or if you called him he would look blankly forward. I went to pat his head one day and he ducked as if to say don't touch me there. He moaned while sleeping, ate less, and sometimes seemed afraid to go down the stairs.

The last day he was very short of breath and would not get up, moaned constantly, and refused to eat or drink. It was hard to watch so I did what I knew was best for him - to put him to sleep and end his suffering. Mine goes on without him after 10 1/2 years. He was one of my little ones who brought joy in my life. The quietness is deafening, but the memories of him irreplaceable. RIP Pepsi.
Sep 26, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Feel your pain
by: Jake's Mom

Just had to put our 13 year old black lab down this a.m.. He had a seizure two weeks ago today that lasted 1 1/2 hours. We took him to the vet and he put him on phenobarbitol. The past two weeks have been a nightmare of watching him deteriorate. He walked in circles repeatedly, inside the house and out. He was confused, walking into things. The only time he layed down was when he fell down. I called the vet 2 days in a row and they assured me he would be okay once the pills kicked in. I just knew something else was wrong. This just wasn't my dog anymore. We took him to the vet this a.m. and now he is gone. We loved him and are grieving.
Sep 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Going thru the same thing
by: Ricky's Mom

Thanks for your story. I have a 12yo greyhound who started having seizures about 2 months ago. He had always been healthy but started having trouble walking and getting up. Then he became more vocal. We thought it was just old age until the seizures began. He had 4 within a few days. He went on phenobarbitol which kept him seizure-free for almost 2 months but this past weekend he had 2 more seizures so his pheno has been increased. I know I will have to put him down soon bc he can barely walk and is started to whine. I don't want him to be in pain. Thanks for your story it is helping me gather the courage to do what I know is the best thing for my boy, Ricky.
Sep 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Spanky's mom...You were describing my precious pup -
by: Anonymous

I would like to say that I also just lost my dog 12 days ago, she started having seizures at 9.7 yrs old. We medicated and controlled the seizures for the most part of the 26 months, but her health started in a downhill spiral that was filled with the return of seizures, pacing, circling (running in circles the last 2 days of her life), stumbling, walking into everything... She was blind, but this became not a typical kind of blindness - she was not aware of surroundings, the unsteady gait, loss of smell - she couldn't smell anything in front of her. At the end 2 days the seizures turned hard GMs again, and the pacing and no longer walking, but running...in circles, was just more than any of us could go on with.

It has left me without my precious constant companion, the pain is all but unbearable.

An hour long observation visit to a new vet 5 weeks before my baby died diagnosed most likely a brain tumor causing her terrible symptoms. It was heartbreaking. I'm about afraid to get another dog, this hurts so bad.

I hope this helps someone concerning symptoms their dog is having to rule in or out a brain tumor. Hopefully, it will not be one, it's EXTREMELY HARD to WATCH THIS OVERTAKE YOUR BABY!!!
Sep 08, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A Poem
by: Tina

A subscriber of the Ontario Argus has written to the editor asking, " Where shall I bury my dog?"
We would say to the Ontario man that there are various places in which a dog may be buried. We are thinking now of a dog , who so far as we are aware, never entertained a mean or unworthy thought. This dog is buried beneath a cherry tree, under four feet of garden loam, and at it's proper season the cherry strews petals on the green lawn of his grave. Beneath a cherry tree, or an apple, or any flowering shrub of the garden, is an excellent place to bury a good dog. Beneath such trees, such shrubs, he slept in the drowsy summer, or gnawed at a flavorous bone, or lifted head to challenge some strange intruder. These are good places, in life or in death. Yet it is a small matter. For if the dog be well remembered, if sometimes he leaps through your dreams actual as in life, eyes kindling, laughing, begging, it matters not at all where the dog sleeps. On a hill where the wind is unrebuked, and the trees are roaring, or beside a stream he knew in puppyhood, or somewhere in the flatness of a pasture land, where most exhilarating cattle graze. It is all one to the dog, and all one to you, and nothing is gained, and nothing lost - if the memory lives. But there is one best place to bury a dog.
If you bury him in this spot, he will come to you when you call - come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death, and down the well remembered path, and to your side again. And though you call a dozen living dogs to heel they shall not growl at him, nor resent him coming, for he belongs there. People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, who hear no whimper, people who may never really have had a dog. Smile at them, for you shall know something that is hidden from them, and which is well worth the knowing. The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master.
Sep 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Spanky
by: Hazel

Hi,

First, I want to say I am so sorry for your loss. Spanky looked so cute and lovely and I am really sad to hear that he had gone through so much.

And secondly, I really want to thank you for taking the time to tell other dog parents the symptoms of canine brain tumors, although I am sure it was hard for you to do so, having lost Spanky recently and still missing him so much.

I want you to know that what you have written down is extremely helpful for other dog parents and I am sure many dog parents appreciate what you did. I have actually put a link on my Canine Brain Tumors page to your Spanky's page so that dog parents looking for information on dog brain tumors can read about your first-hand description of the symptoms.

On behalf of all dog parents, thank you again and I wish you well.

Take care.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Cancer Forum

NEW!
Join Our Community!



Subscribe to This Site:

XML RSS

Enjoy This Site?
Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service?

Copyright© 2008-2010. Natural-Dog-Health-Remedies.com