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Missing my Dog Spanky

by Spanky's Parent

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.

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Mar 15, 2017
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Addie
by: Ramona's mom

I hope that Addie does as well with radiation as my Ramona.

She was clumsy and spaced out but started getting better over time. It is a financial hardship as I refinanced my car to pay. I had to try and I thank God every day for any time we have. It will be 4 years in August.

I hope for you and Addie the very best.

Mar 14, 2017
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Addie's Brain Tumor
by: Anonymous

Your boy Spanky is beautiful. I can imagine him happy in his new life with our Father, still loving and joyously remembering you.

In January 2017, my girl Addie (pit bull mix) had her first seizure in the middle of the night. Panting, eyes closed, sitting in her urine. Rushed her to ER and several hours later, after 2 MRIs, a CAT scan, and ultrasound, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Didn't think she'd make it through the night so I stayed beside her in the ER.

Two days later she began radiation treatment. Without it she would be gone in 8 months. With it, perhaps 15 or more. I am emotionally and financially exhausted. But Addie is my family. I love her unconditionally. She is slower, more clumsy, and extremely loving because of her experience.

Addie takes prednisone, Keppra, and Gabapetin every day. She had one seizure a few weeks ago but the meds have been adjusted. The radiation is supposed to shrink the tumor and hopefully remission.

I pray for all dogs and their loved ones will endure this and other illnesses.

Feb 10, 2017
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Ramona is still kicking.
by: Ramona's mom

I don't know why I am so lucky but I still have my Ramona. She is still taking phenobarbital twice a day. She was determined to appear to be cured by her neurologist. She is 10 now and still tries to romp like a young dog.

There is no explanation for it but I am glad I waited and gave her a chance.

It's been 42 months since they said she might make it 15 with radiation. I think I'm blessed.

Dec 21, 2016
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Kody's Gone
by: Jaye

Kody, my toy poodle, was put down on Dec 17th. Exactly one month before his 16th birthday. Although I miss him terribly I'm still in a state of shock at the suddenness of it all.

Two weeks ago I heard a crazy bumping noise and look over to see that he was in a full seizure and the bumping was his body against the closet door. I freaked a little but when it stopped I rubbed him and talked to him and after a few minutes he seemed ok. He did a lot of pacing but I didn't understand what that meant at the time. Since he had a vet's appointment in two days I thought I would wait.

An hour later he had another seizure and this time I took him to the emergency vet. He was given diazepam and a prescription for phenobarbital after blood tests were normal.

I didn't want to start the prescription until I spoke with his regular vet. After getting the ok from her I started him on the pheno.

Things seemed to go downhill rapidly from there. Within two days he wasn't walking and two days after that he wasn't even standing. He would lie in his bed with such a look of sadness that it broke my heart.

I took Kody out since he couldn't walk I would hold him so he could "do his business". On that faithful day it was icy and I fell. It was only later when taking him out again did I see that during the earlier fall his leg was broken. He NEVER whimpered or cried or showed any sign of distress.

I knew then that I had to stop this, I called the vet and my best friend in the world was relieved of all suffering and pain.

Two weeks. He went from playing outside, (of course not as energetically as before, I mean he was almost 16) to lying in the bed barely moving. I miss him so much.

Sep 21, 2016
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Max
by: Joyce

Max (our cocker spaniel - age 11) started about 18 months ago having "episodes" - confused - walking in circles like he was drunk and then seemed to come out of it.

Two weeks ago we picked him (and his sister) up from kennels (we'd been away) and he cried constantly - he's always been a bit of a "mommy's boy" so we put it down to that.

Then the day after we brought them home, he had a massive seizure. The Vet did various tests - all were clear and last Thursday the Vet told me he felt sure that Max had a brain tumour.

I was devastated - the following day Max never got off the bed until about 3 pm when he suddenly stood up - I lifted him down and he started to walk down the passage and he fell after 2 steps - he eventually made it outside and squatted for a pee but his back end collapsed. I lifted him up but he was so disorientated and walked in circles and kept collapsing.

I had my baby put to sleep that afternoon. I am absolutely broken - I can't believe that he went in 9 days - I miss my beautiful boy so much.

Apr 19, 2016
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Diesel
by: Steve Canby

Thanks for all your comments... sincerely.

Diesel, our 7 year old pitbull, has been our strength and life. We are in Swaziland Africa with no real veterinary services.

I didn't know what was wrong, but your many comments have made it clear. It's not something that will rectify itself.

He is laying down most of the day, stumbles around in circles, bumps into walls, gets agitated if you try to make him open his eyes, twitches, good appetite but vomits sometimes, shows he hears but does not react to my voice.

I'll say goodbye now and take him to the vet.

The upside is that his mate is now a couple months pregnant, so we shall see him again soon.

Nov 01, 2015
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Chas
by: Anonymous

Reading these comments have been helpful to me. I had to put down my 9 year old Boston yesterday, and my heart is broken.

His first grand mal seizure was July 5th. More came quickly, and he was put on Phenobarbital. This helped for a while but then he'd have more seizures and then cluster seizures - more than 3 in 24 hours. We upped the dosage. Again, it helped for a bit with a seizure here and there and then cluster seizures. We upped the dosage to the highest we could. At this point he was losing his bowels in the house and throwing up occasionally.

I'm a teacher and gone for long periods of time during the day and was terrified of what might happen while I was gone. The new dosage helped and he stopped having accidents. But he could no longer play or get excited without having a seizure. He slept a lot. The after effects of a seizure were getting worse and lasted longer.

On Friday he had two seizures within a couple of hours, after having at least one seizure a day for the last week.

Yesterday I took him in. He seized as soon as we walked into the vet. I held him through the whole process and felt him slip away.

I'm heartbroken and wishing there was something else I could have done. I miss him terribly. I try to think of him in those seizing moments and the hours after where he couldn't walk or see. But I also think of those times where he seemed okay. Not perfect but not suffering. I pray I made the right choice. I known I did. It's just so hard.

Oct 11, 2015
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Brain Tumor DX
by: Linda

Hi everyone

My 12y/o beagle, Joey, had his first seizure on Fri. August 21st. I thought he was having a stroke. I rushed him to our 24 hr emergency vet clinic where they told me it was a seizure.

After a full blood panel, urinalysis, an ultrasound of his abdominal area and x-Rays of his chest area, the only thing that came back was a very high WBC count and a slightly enlarged liver. Since the WBC's meant either inflammation or infection he was placed on a strong antibiotic and we made another appointment for the following Friday.

On the Monday, he had another seizure. I called the clinic and they said to keep an eye on him. On Friday when he was scheduled for his appt., I couldn't even get him to eat or move. I had to postpone his appt to later that day. New blood tests showed no decrease in WBC count, so we knew it was inflammation. His specialist vet, who also treats him for his Addison's disease, watched his movements and listened to his symptoms since his appt there the week before. She said without an MRI ($3000) she couldn't give a definitive dx, but was very certain it was a brain tumor.

I thought I'd have to put him down because he was so weak. But then she suggested we put him on a palliative treatment of Prednisone to give him a few more months of quality of life. She gave him a steroid shot that day and thankfully the pred worked like a dream, basically confirming the brain tumor dx.

It's now been 6 weeks. His pred has been decreased from 20 mg a day to 10 mg. Next week we will go down to 5 mg a day. Although his appetite is still great, I'm seeing less interest in his walks, no longer wanting the love and attention he adored, and less energy overall.

I know we won't have him much longer, but I'm so thankful I got even a few wonderful weeks to love up my boy before I have to say goodbye.

Sep 25, 2015
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The pain is so real!
by: Anonymous

We just went through this with our 11 year old pitbull boxer mix Thor. He was my heart and soul. Out of nowhere in May he started having grand mal seizures. We put him on a high doseage of phenobarbital but they kept coming every 5 to 6 days. And then he also started cluster seizures where he would have 3 in a 24 hour period. All his blood work came back normal so the Vet was confident it was a brain tumor.

So 3 months from the time he had his first seizure we put our baby down and it just about killed us but we could not let him suffer anymore.

Thank you for letting me share our story, post like this are like therapy for me. We have since adopted another dog and plan on giving him the wonderful life we gave to Thor. We miss him every day but we will get through it.

I hope this post can help someone who might be going through the same thing.

Sep 02, 2015
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Ramona is still here and happy.
by: Ramona's mom

It's been two years since my Ramona was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor after several days of gran mal seizures. I opted for radiation therapy- 20 sessions. I had to get a loan. She was only 6.

She is still here today wagging and kissing me and helping me deal with the passing of my father yesterday. No one knows how she is still alive but I think she is a wonderful gift. She will be 9 October 30th.

Sep 02, 2015
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Going to miss you Roscoe
by: Anonymous

My 9-1/2 year old cocker Roscoe went to the vet for an infected tooth 6 weeks ago, but never seemed to recover. After multiple visits to the vet, it was determined today that he has a brain tumor. It's midnight and he began pacing 4 hours ago and has stopped only occasionally to blankly stare at the wall. I decided to put him down tomorrow. I can't bear the thought of my buddy suffering and to see him in this condition. Going to miss you my friend!

Aug 31, 2015
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Missing my Molly
by: Betty

I also am feeling the pain of losing a pet, my girl Molly just weeks shy of 13.

She started having seizures in Dec. 2014, maybe one a month. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor by her symptoms. She was on seizure meds and they seemed to control them until Aug. 11; she had two that night. At 2 am on Aug. 12 she began having one every 60-90 minutes until her last one happened under 60 minutes. She was also urinating with the last few seizures which is not good. At that point I gave her liquid Valium, rectally (given to me by my vet). That stopped them until I could get her to the vet.

I cried knowing what was going to happen. I couldn't let her continue to go through those awful seizures. Because I loved her so much, I had to let her go. So I held her little face in my hands while she relaxed and fell asleep. I kissed her a thousand times and said goodbye.

I sleep with her towel every night; I miss her more than words can say. Thank you for this blog.

Aug 05, 2015
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I feel your pain
by: cdray

My dog Dallas of 13 years (Cocker Spaniel) had the same symptoms you've described. It was heart wrenching to see him decline so fast.

Last month he was fine, healthy and playful, then suddenly this. First he was dragging his right hind leg, then both hind legs. He was constantly panting and began drinking water non stop. His eyes would turn red and he would shake like he was cold; I understand now that those were mini seizures.

He was depressed and didn't want to go outside like he used to. He would all of a sudden start urinating and pooping in the house, something he never did. I would have to physically carry him to the park so that he could go to the bathroom. He wasn't able to walk a straight line and constantly fell over. He would lean against the wall or me to provide support. Then he started walking into things and stare at the walls appearing disoriented.

The doctors were treating him for arthritis and an ear infection believing that is was why he was falling over which didn't help. I had to start feeding him with a fork because he wasn't able to see his food. After one feeding he started to have a major seizure and I rushed him to the hospital.

Like you they said that they could run tests including MRIs to see if he had a brain tumor. I would have done anything to save my baby but then the doctor talked sense into me. She said, "what would you do if it was a brain tumor? Are you willing to spend thousands of dollars for radiation therapy and keep him in pain not giving him a good quality of life?"

I put my baby to sleep 3 days ago and it was the hardest decision I've ever had to make. So I do understand your pain and believe that you and I did the right thing for our kids.

Mar 29, 2015
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The greatest gift of love
by: Anonymous

A friend once said to me "Euthanasia is the last thing you wanted to do, the decision you would do anything not to make. The fact you made it means it must have been right as you would have avoided it if you could." Very true words indeed.

"Euthanasia: the greatest gift of love, when you take away their pain and trade it for your own."

Mar 21, 2015
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My dog is experiencing the same thing :(
by: Eileen

I first want to say how sorry I am for your loss.

My vet told us that our dog has a brain tumor. The first sign was sudden onset of difficulty seeing and then a few days later total blindness. He is bumping into things, circling and seems confused as if there is a disconnect in the wiring.

Teeth chattering, mouth puffing, increased appetite as well as thirst. Runny nose, difficulty breathing. We believe the tumor is pressing on the optic nerve and is in the frontal lobe. He paces and whines. He doesn't whine all the time though. He is able to still go up and down the stairs but the rear legs are getting weaker. He has a massive tumor in the right hind leg and the vet said he may be hypothyroid.

He is still very happy and very loved but I have noticed that he doesn't like going for rides anymore in the car and he doesn't come into the bathroom to get blown dry when I dry my hair. Two of his favorite things. I am not sure when to make the call because his spirits are still good.

Feb 21, 2015
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So sorry
by: Cathy

I hate to hear about your dog. I myself am facing the same problem as you. My yorkie I have had for almost 15 years has kidney and liver failure. She is walking in circles, stumbling, and staring off into space. Now seizures. I put her on phenobarbital and she can hardly stand up.

I hope it gets better for her. I hate to think that I will have to put her down too. She is my baby and I am devastated by all this. I am up with her nights with her seizures and cry most of the time trying to deal with this.

I am so sorry for your lost. I know it is terrible.

Feb 09, 2015
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Seamus
by: Diane

My heart goes out to all of you who have posted here; I am going through similar issues with my 12 yr old doxie.

It is so confusing because the symptoms are often shared; he was first diagnosed with Horner's, then Cushing's. He started showing mild signs of CCD that worsened dramatically over a short period of time. I had every test performed that could be as soon as I noticed changes in him, such as cardiac work-up, blood panels, abdominal X-rays/MRI. I live in a rural area and there was no one local who could perform an MRI of the skull, the vet seemed reluctant to refer me, citing it would make no difference in treating him, as he "wasn't a candidate for surgery."

Trilosane didn't help his Cushing's. I have had to ask repeatedly for Anipryl; they wanted to "wait and see."

Now I wish I had insisted on a referral; at least I would have an answer. Also, he had a recent ear infection; I had seen the excess wax before and wonder how long it had been untreated by one of the vets who stated it was "just wax." It is heartbreaking to try everything and have nothing work.

I am feeding him by hand now, palliative care. No seizures, thank God. This is so hard.

Jan 14, 2015
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Emmy
by: Joann

We have a chocolate lab Emmy that is 9 1/2.

Right around Christmas she began just laying around being very lethargic. A few days later we notice the right side of her face drooping and she couldn't blink her right eye. We took her to the vet who thought she might have an inner ear infection. They ran blood tests and put her on medication.

A few days later Emmy got worse, she was stumbling, falling down the stairs, running into things. It was like she lost memory of our house. She started having tremors/seizure where her body was jerking and her head would flip back and her legs would go straight out. Then she couldn't get out of bed.

We took her back into the vet and she was looked over and it was suggested we take Emmy to a neurologist. We scheduled the appt. Overnight Emmy got worse. We made an appt to put her down that Saturday but were really struggling with the decision. We took her in and our vet suggested we take her to the emergency vet to get a 2nd opinion as she had never seen a dog present with facial paralysis and go downhill so quickly. We opted to take her to the emergency vet at the university downtown.

The vet there thought Emmy had Brain Cancer but gave us additional meds to help calm her anxiety until we could get to the neurologist that Tuesday. That Sunday Emmy started to get better. She was walking around and it was like she knew who we were again. She was responding to her name and eating. We thought well maybe she will be ok.

We took her to the pet neurologist who told me Emmny was an interesting case because she was presenting with so many different symptoms she did not fit one diagnosis. So we left there with different meds. Predisone and Doxicycline. That was on Jan 6th.

Emmy is hanging in there and has had good days and bad days. We still don't know what is wrong with her and wish we could find some answers. The neurologist did not think it was brain cancer as Emmy can do things dogs with brain cancer should not be able to do. So we are at a loss as to how to help her recover completely. It just sucks to have to watch our beloved Emmy go through this and not be able to fix it.

Sep 25, 2014
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Missing my 11 yr old golden retriever, Haylee
by: Kim

Sorry for your loss of Spanky. I just read your dogs' symptoms, and my girl, Haylee, came down with the same symptoms and went downhill quickly.

I did not put her through a lot of testing. The vet checked for a UTI and ran basic bloodwork. The bloodwork was all normal, except she was mildly anemic. She was bumping into things this last week, collapsed onto my other golden retriever, and paced back and forth, walked into the corners of our wall. It was strange and sad behavior. I did not have a clue what was happening to her, but vet suspected a brain tumor.

Also, she came home from the groomers months ago, just trembling & shaking, I never considered those were seizures or "mini seizures" Groomer said Haylee was just embarrassed & shook due to having her hair shaved down like a lab.

I, too, wanted her to have her dignity and I had to make that very difficult decision the other day to have her put down. As much as I agonized over what to do, it's an unselfish decision to spare her suffering.

Aug 18, 2014
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Running out of hope for Zoe
by: Anonymous

My 8 1/2 yr old Boxer Zoe started having seizures 1 week after having a cancerous growth removed. The vet put her on Phenobarbital 6 weeks ago and now she's a complete zombie that only walks in right hand circles. She can hardly get up unassisted and has had many accidents in the house. We've reduced the dosage to 1 pill per day 2 weeks ago from 3 per day. How much longer should it take for us to see some improvement? Our vet keeps saying be patient but I'm about at my wits end. The vet thinks it could be a brain tumor but it seems like such a coincidence that the seizures started 1 week after surgery.
Appreciate your thoughts.

Aug 07, 2014
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Update
by: Ramona's "mom"

It's been one year since I took Ramona to OSU vet hospital with GM seizures and found she had a brain tumor. She was only six so I got a loan and opted for radiation therapy as her tumor is inoperable. It was a lot of work and heartache back then but I'm happy to report that one year later I have a happy, healthy, tail wagging girl.

She is 85 pounds now and it's very difficult to find any symptoms right now. She plays a lot. I know we're on borrowed time. The vets are surprised by how well she is doing. I'm very grateful to have her and hug and kiss her every day.

I understand that this treatment is not usually available for older dogs and I extend my deepest sympathy to those who have lost a pet to this condition. I know the agony of watching my pet suffer. I almost let her go but we had to try whatever the vets said would help.

Jun 14, 2014
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My Maggie is going through this today
by: Katya

It sounds as though you did everything right.

My 15 year old Maggie had 10 seizures a week ago in one hour. On Phenobarbital now, it seems fairly clear she has a brain tumor and I know what a nightmare I'm facing, since I lost my first Yorkie in 1996 and still cry about it. This is the most perfect relationship I've ever had in my life.

This site has helped me because I was deceiving myself that I could have months with her. Until this episode, I even thought she would move with me in two years to Florida, that's how good and healthy she has been, playing like a puppy at 15.

Even tho she's been great, for the last two years, I have realized I have been on borrowed time as Yorkies frequently do not live past 13, but now, I realize I can lose her any day, and at best, a couple of months. All we can do is try to show them how loved they are until the last second.

Jun 07, 2014
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Missing Buster
by: Dana

My black lab Buster was my constant companion. We took walks together and played. He was a good dog.

About three weeks ago Buster started to act strangely. He paced around in circles and did not seem to be himself. He seemed to be hungry all the time. We took a trip to camp and he really did not seem to want to get into the truck, and when he did he had problems. We did, however, walk about 3 miles into the camp with no problem. At camp he had a fight with my sister's dog and he even nipped at me. He also nipped at another person at the camp. We walked out about 3 miles with no problem.

One week later my husband called me frantically from the vets. Buster was having a massive seizure. It was horrible. My husband wrapped him in a blanket and took him to the vet. The vet said it was a problem in his brain, probably a brain tumor. We elected to have him put down.

I have never seen my husband so upset. I wish he did not have to go through this, but I do not know if I could have. We are having Buster cremated and we will spread his ashes in and along the water at camp. There he can retrieve sticks from the water for eternity.

Losing a pet is very difficult.

May 30, 2014
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Need your encouragement.
by: Amanda

My ten year old chihuahua mix, Maxwell, began drooling and lost all motion in his legs around 6 p.m. last night.

I rushed him to the emergency vet where they told me he was experiencing a cluster of seizures. After 30 minutes, they finally got them under control due to the high amount of Valium as well as phenobarbital.

Overnight, they tried to decrease these medicines, but when he is not sedated he is paddling constantly. They gave him a dose of steroids this morning, but it hasn't seemed to work. The vet said it was neurological and the result of a brain mass or tumor.

His chances are slim, and I don't even know if he will make it out of the hospital if he does not stabilize. I feel your pain for Spanky and commend you for being a strong pet owner and knowing when to let go. I'm not sure if I can do the same for Max.

May 20, 2014
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Our lab Razz
by: marion

Well, we are going through the same thing. The vet has put him on phenobarbital, and said it will take a week to 2 weeks to work. W are going to see a neurologist tomorrow but feel we won't be bringing him home. I am brokenhearted!

May 19, 2014
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Lost our beautiful lady today
by: Mandy and Lynda

Lady was 12 and had her first seizure 6 weeks ago. The vet said it may never happen again or it could. She had a seizure panel done and all was normal. So no real answer.

Saturday she had another seizure, we raced her to emergency and she seemed fine after. Until 9 that night she had another.

Sunday she was almost back to normal, until 3.30 this morning when she was seizing around five minutes apart.

We finally managed to get the vet out at 10.30, poor lady seized continuously for nearly seven hours.

It was the worst nightmare we have ever been through.

Rest in peace my sweet baby you didn't deserve this. We love and miss you much more than you could ever dream of.

Feb 26, 2014
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Ramona update
by: Anonymous

Ramona is still doing well. No more seizures. Some minor side effects from radiation, the worst being a decrease in vision. Her mood is great. She is very playful and finally taught her brother Bob to play tug-o-war. She is barking at the neighbor's cat right now. I know it's borrowed time but she is currently showing no signs of slowing down. I made the decision for radiation knowing that I would be the only one affected. I live alone and have no children except my critters. Thought I'd interject a little hope. The OSU vet hospital doctors and staff are wonderful. I wish they'd treat me!

Feb 23, 2014
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Missing my baby
by: Andrew

My boxer Kassi was having seizures every other week for a couple months and then didn't have one for about 2 1/2 weeks and late last night she had her first of 12 seizures under my supervision, possibly more throughout the night and morning, and that is when we decided to give her a good breakfast and took her in and was very hard to deal with holding my best friend till she past away. A lot of thinking was going through my mind and sorrow throughout the day whether it was the right decision. Your stories help me so much. Thank you.

Sep 21, 2013
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Cluster Seizures
by: Veronica

My Ariel just passed away on July 18th, she had a series of cluster seizures and I also had to put her down. They also told me it a brain tumor, she did not look well at all but I second guess. I wish I could have done more

Sep 20, 2013
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Happy for you, Lisa.
by: Anonymous

Lisa: So happy for you, brings tears to my eyes. Good for you for your diligence!! Inspiring...

Sep 20, 2013
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Ramona
by: Lisa

I opted for radiation therapy. She is sitting next to me waiting to go in for the last treatment of her daily 4 week therapy. She has had no burns, a little stomach upset the first week but other than that, she's only gotten better. She's happier and more energetic than 6 months before her first seizure. They expect her to get better after relaxing from treatment.

So far I'm very happy with my decision. She is happier and I have hope to keep her for another year or two and, if she doesn't show symptoms for over a year, I can re-radiate. It is expensive, around $5,000 but I had a benefit for her and donations keep coming in. This has been a life altering experience for me.

The vets at OSU are GREAT and driving up here every day I've met so many wonderful, supportive pet owners who are doing the same thing as me and most are happy with their choice. I'm changing vets because mine would have my joyful energetic dog dead by now instead of playing tug-o-war and chasing her brother.

I'm not offering advice, just saying how things are going. I'm so glad I got a second professional opinion and asked the tough questions.

Sep 19, 2013
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Ruby, our English Bulldog, Seizures and Brain Tumor
by: Brian

On March 1, 2013 our 5 year old English Bulldog has 2 seizures. One at 5pm and one around 3am that night. We immediately took her to the vet and she was kept for observation. They suspected a brain tumor but wanted to rule out all other issues. The MRI and scan showed an inoperable brain tumor.

We went to a cancer doctor and was given three different options:

Option #1- Palliative radiation- 4-6 doses of radiation. $4,000 range.
Option #2- Definitive radiation- 20 doses of radiation. $8,000 range.
Option #3- Radiosurgery (aka cyberknife) - 3 doses of radiation. CT/MRI scan with gold seed implants before. $13,000 range.

We wanted to extend her life and also make sure she didn't have to go under to many times.
We went with option #1.

It's been 6+ months since the treatments and she is on anti-seizure medication and is still the same playful dog. We enjoy every moment, day, week, month that she's still with us.

Our other bulldog is a year older, deaf and in great health. We enjoy the both of them and know
that things could change at any time.

The cancer doctor put it into perspective. In the LA area they treated a dog with the Cyberknife Option #3 and within 3 months the dog had passed.

It's a tough decision to make with regards to your dog's quality of life and also balancing options and costs if you have two dogs as well.

I hope this helps.

Sep 01, 2013
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Lisa, please let your dog go...
by: Anonymous

Lisa, it's the hardest thing in the world to put your dog down; you lose a best friend. Or more, a pseudo child. But I know several people who have spent thousands trying to heal, make more comfortable, and/or prolong the life of their beloved pets only to have them continue to suffer and pass away within the next six months or less. After which every one has said "I'd never do that to him/her again".

I know you need to feel like you did all you could. It sounds like easing your dog's suffering and helping him on to the next world is the very best thing you can do. Even if you had so much money that wasn't a consideration, that would still be the loving choice. I believe dogs know when it's their time and appreciate your kindness. Wish we could do the same for people we love, when their time comes.

Aug 09, 2013
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Searching for answers
by: Lisa

My 6 year old Airedale, Ramona, suddenly had a gran mal seizure 1 week ago. One minute she was fine the next she was foaming at the mouth chattering her teeth and looking downward. Then, suddenly, she ran sharply to the left, hit the kitchen cabinets, fell over, became rigid and stopped breathing.

Not knowing what was going on, I thought she was choking and tried to check her mouth. When I found nothing, I stuck my hand in further, pushed down on her tongue and she started breathing again. She had begun paddling while I was reaching in her throat. Slowly, she regained her composure and got up. I still thought this was a choking incident but took her to the vet the next morning. He said it was a seizure and if she had another one sooner than a month he would put her on an anti-convulsant.

The next day she had another seizure, and then 2 hours later another one. I rushed to her the University hospital, an hour away where she had two more seizures. (In hindsight she had been a little preoccupied lately, and actually pooped on the floor right in front of me.) Once on medication, the seizures stopped. I decided to have the MRI and CSF done as my vet had already cleared the bloodwork. She has been home 2 days.

During this time I found out that she has an inoperable brain tumor/lesion. I have been so sick with grief and horror this week, that I've lost 7 pounds and I'm only 4'11". Today is the first day I've felt like I could talk without bursting into tears. The vet called and told me that Ramona is a very good candidate for radiation therapy.

I saw one post on here with a positive result from radiation treatment and am trying to figure out how in the world I can come up with the money to have it done. I've also read many stories of devastation and defeat and suggestions that the best thing to do is put her down. This is hard because even though she is a bit odd and forgets to "go" outside, she still loves me more than anything, follows me, wags her tail when I say nice things, greets her brother (I won't let them play because she's groggy on medication and he's a lot bigger than her. Jaybob the golden.)

I'm beside myself with panic as I don't know what to do and I'm terrified to leave her alone. Does anyone know anything about the effectiveness of radiation treatment because I will have to get a 2nd mortgage on my house (if they will let me) to pay for it. I also don't want to make her suffer. I love her so terribly much.

Jul 11, 2013
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Black Lab
by: Anonymous

On March 29th at 5:15am my black lab (10 years old) had a seizure. This was the first that he had ever had one. It was heart wrenching to watch and I was at a complete loss as to what to do. At 7:30 that same morning, I received a phone call from my daughter while I was at work, telling me that he had another seizure.

I contacted the vet and explained what happened. They instructed me to bring him in. He was put on Phenobarbitol and an anti-anxiety medication. The medication made him real lethargic and when I voiced this to the vet, and she suggested cutting the dose to 1/2 pill once a day. Since that day, he's had 6 more seizures, the latest one being last night at 10:30pm.

The vet initially stated that it was either epilepsy or a brain tumor. She also stated that she would not treat it any differently if it was epilepsy or a brain tumor. We've noticed symptoms that appear a day or two prior to his seizures. He tilts his head to one side, acts as if his ears are bothering him and gets "clingy" and whiny. He will just start whimpering for no reason.

A little more background... In May 2009 we noticed a lump on his side about the size of a pea. By late August 2009 the lump had tripled in size. We had the lump biopsied and found that he had a mass cell tumor. We had the surgery to have it removed and found that he was borderline stage 2 going into stage 3 cancer. The vet stated that they got all of it and that he was lucky. They took out a 2cm x 3cm tumor. Since then his body has become riddled with fatty tumors.

I don't want to see him suffering like this and I don't want to have him become a "medicine guinea pig" either. But then again, I don't want to have to have him put down (just had his "sister" pass away from kidney failure on June 3, 2013).

Every time he has a seizure, it's like it ages him more and more. He has more difficulty getting up after he's been laying down and has difficulty doing simple things that he used too. We've also noticed that he seems to be "dragging" his feet more when he walks.

Apr 05, 2013
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My sweet standard poodle
by: Anonymous

Just lost my 14 yr male standard poodle, and can't stop crying. Although he had lived a long, active beautiful life with me, I still think he might've been here a little longer if not for an apparent brain tumor finally doing him in. We put him to sleep just two days ago before he had any seizures - thank goodness it never got to that point.

In his old age, Jaxon also had 4 herniated discs in his back, which was increasingly making it difficult to walk. Acupuncture was helping with that, but the past few months, Jaxon started limping with his front leg and really couldn't walk or stand by himself at all at the end, and when he did, he would go in circles.

Soon after, he stopped eating, and his last few days was starting to get a bloody nose intermittently. (This was what made the vet think he had a tumor). We were carrying him everywhere, but even up to the end, my valiant poodle didn't have any accidents in the house and was fairly alert, recognizing everything.

Thanks for sharing your stories, everyone. It makes me feel a little better, knowing that Jaxon didn't have to go through what some of your precious doggies did. They just don't live long enough, darn it. My deepest sympathies to you all.

Mar 12, 2013
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My boy Bailey
by: Anonymous

I woke up Sunday morning to my little boy having a seizure. He had one every half hour. Then Monday morning he had one too. I took him in and the vet called me later with his test results. Very healthy except for the seizures. She also mentioned that it could possibly be a brain tumor. I have been checking out everything I can. I know I am not alone. You all have gone through this too. Thank you all for sharing your stories. Bless you all.

Feb 19, 2013
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Standard poodle
by: Anonymous

To the lady who is dealing with her standard poodle and seizures, I recently went through this with my standard poodle. She, unfortunately, did have a brain tumor. I opted for the CT Scan which showed a mass in her brain. She took Phenobarbital and prednisone for almost 6 months. I was able to get a little bit of "my Millie" back. She had a seizure on Feb. 9 (first one since we started the medication) and I decided to let her go peacefully from this life. Her symptoms were coming back, and her tumor was pressing on an optic nerve and she couldn't close her right eye. I wanted it to be peaceful in the end and not from a seizure.

My prayers are with you as I am still grieving the loss of my sweet girl. I have only lost one other pet before and it was from natural causes. I finally understood what people meant when they said "I would know". I felt it was the last loving act I could do for my faithful companion.

Praying for your sweet baby.

Jan 03, 2013
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Standard Poodle had cluster seizures
by: Anonymous

My, healthy, happy, smart, athletic, 9 yr old standard poodle woke me up on Dec. 23 having a gran mal seizure. She continued to have several one right after the other. We got her to the Emergency Hospital, where they put her on Valium to stop the seizures, although she continued to have them that day and into the next, although further apart.

Her blood work was normal, one lung partially collapsed due to the seizures. They put her on phenobarbital, and added prednisone after they were unable to stop the seizures totally.

Her last seizure was 12/24 at 2 pm. Brain tumor was mentioned, as was epilepsy which is not common in older dogs. I did not opt for the MRI, although beat myself up over that. I brought her home on 12/25 and to date (1-3) she has not had a seizure.

She was "off" when she came home being a bit lethargic at times, restless at others, panting, eating up a storm, and having an insatiable thirst. She is better now being more with it, responds to all the commands she knows, goes to the door to go out, caught 5 out of 6 balls today. She seems to be slowly getting back to herself as the meds increase in her system.

I will begin weaning the prednisone on the 9th, and again 14 days later until she is off it. She has no other signs of illness.

My husband died at 53 due to a brain tumor, so it is something I am having a lot of difficulty believing. This dog is so close to me, and has been my companion, helping me deal with the death of my husband, and other illnesses of family.

I am hoping for the best here, although I am afraid I may be fooling myself. I will care for her as long as I can, and the thought of losing her frightens me to no end. I cannot imagine life without her. I pray she beats this.

Dec 13, 2012
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Good night Sweet Sophie
by: GAYLE

I too just lost my little Beagle, Sophie, today to a brain tumor. She died in my arms and I think she knew it was time. I held her for about three hours today and she lay there just like a little baby. I thought she had "doggie dementia" back in May but she started with seizures, head bobbing up and down, clacking her jaw and then three days ago she stopped eating or drinking. She was so weak she could hardly lift her head.

I took her to the vet so they could make her feel better, but due to her being 14 years old and her weakened state, they recommended putting her down.

I want you to know that a human and dog relationship is the strongest of all kind. She could communicate with me with her eyes and I know she was telling me today to let her go. If I could have made her better it would have been the best Christmas present, but I know she is not suffering from this horrible condition. God bless my little Sophie in doggie heaven tonight. Rest in peace sweet girl.

Dec 05, 2012
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Our Boxer
by: Anonymous

I am so sorry. These pets are our family.

Our boxer, Kahlua, is 11 years old. She began having seizures a little over a year ago and put on phenobarbital and another drug, Keppra. Just recently she began to show signs of confusion and pacing for hours. But last night when I came home she was like her old self and happy to see me. She slept a long time and woke up just like before, very confused and didn't eat, which for her, is highly unusual.

It's heartbreaking to see any animal like this and I know I will know when the time comes to do what is best for her. I actually feel at times that she doesn't know who we are. Our daughter is coming home for the holidays and will be very sad to see her. We will miss her terribly and can't imagine our home without her any more.

I wish all of you luck that have pets with these issues or any sickness at all. But it's good to know there's always someone out there going through the same thing.

Nov 01, 2012
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Thank you
by: Anonymous

I'm going through this with my JRT Miri, my beloved friend of 13 yrs. She is on blood pressure meds which helps some but starts pacing at night. I expect it will not be long before I have to face the inevitable. Her pain meds are not every 6 hours but she does usually make it through the night. She gets disoriented and tries to bite me at times when she starts the pacing. The rest of the time she seems normal but very old.

Thank you for sharing. It's nice to know we're not the only ones.

Oct 28, 2012
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I'm facing losing my friend
by: Linda

I lost Misty, a Lhasa Apso, 2 yrs. ago and cried for weeks. We had her buried on our back property with a solar angel to watch over her at night and lilacs planted in an arc around her.

Now, I am facing the loss of her daughter, Katy. She's 13 yrs. old and has begun to have digestive problems, wakes us during the night with pacing, panting and shaking.

I cannot bear the thought of losing her but will do what I have to so she isn't in pain.

Please give me some words that will calm me through this. I've had 2 nights of crying in 3 days when she does this as I know this isn't normal but don't know what more I can do. Will I really see them again some day?

Oct 12, 2012
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What a loving Mom you are
by: Anonymous

I cried and cried while reading about your love of Spanky and how hard it is to lose one of our furry family members.

I lost one of my beloved huskies last year and am now again, facing this difficult situation with her son. Every day I watch and like you research, only to find that I have done all that I can do. God knows when it is time for his children to return home and as hard as it is for me, I know, like other lost loved ones in my life, we will be together again. I have made a beautiful memory garden for my first husky and it now serves as a peaceful, gentle place to remember and honor our time together.

Spanky knows how much you love him and you WILL be together again!

Sep 20, 2012
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Barkley
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for your kind words. It's so hard to get through each day and I can't help thinking about any signs that I might have missed or something I should have spotted, it's so hard.
I also wish we had been able to have a couple of days with him where he could have been really spoiled rotten or at least had a bit more fussing when I dropped him at the vets. There was just no reason to think that he would not be back home in a few hours with maybe some medication for the seizures. Still just can't believe how quickly everything happened.

Thanks again and hope that you too will soon be able to remember all of the good times with Barkley without having to feel so sad at the same time. That's what I'm am moving towards. I know we're a long way off as I burst into tears every time I think of him, look at photos of him, look at his bed, his bowl, his blanket etc... pretty much everything reduces me to tears at the moment.

I'm sure time will heal and just leave us with lots of beautiful memories x

Sep 20, 2012
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Barkley boo
by: Anonymous

I am sorry to hear about Bailey. We ended up putting Barkley down last wed and I am still in shock and torn up about it. I understand how you feel, I keep thinking I should have spoiled him more and a few more days would have helped, but in the end we just have to realize that they left knowing they were loved and could not have been given a better life by anyone.

I can tell you, our other 3 are getting a whole lot of attention now. We are almost walking on eggshells. I made a comment a few months back when our husky was diagnosed with diabetes and went blind within days that Barkley was strong as an ox and our healthiest pet. I will never live saying that down. I know it's not the cause but I feel sooooo guilty.

Love your other dog more than ever and think of this one often. I post a new pic to Facebook every night. I still tear up, he was such an unbelievably loyal, kind, good dog. I will
Miss him forever. FYI, it was a tumor for mine, the vet was sure of it due to the facial seizures.

My heart goes out to you, but rest assured he is not suffering and he knew you were there at the end.

Sep 19, 2012
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Bailey Boo
by: Lynsey

We have just had our beautiful boxer Bailey put to sleep at 8 1/2 years old. I am completely devastated and it still doesn't seem real. Bailey has never been ill and was a healthy, energetic dog. No one ever believed he was 8, they always thought he was a puppy as he was full of life.

He had no health problems and I took him and our other boxer (Murphy) out for a long walk and a run on Monday afternoon and everything was normal. They both got into their beds when we got home and when I put their food out later Bailey yelped a little when he got up but I thought that maybe he'd laid funny or ached a little after so much running around. He ate all of his tea and everything was ok.

At 3 in the morning we were woken by a noise and came downstairs to find him staggering around the kitchen seemingly unaware of where he was. I got him back onto his bed and stoked him and he seemed fine so went back to bed.

I phoned the vet first thing in the morning and made an appointment. He had a seizure in the kitchen about 30 minutes before the appointment, he went rigid and was frothing at the mouth. After the seizure he wouldn't settle and kept trying to 'climb' up the walls in the kitchen, and licking the glass on the french doors. I took him to the vets, she checked him over, said she would keep him in and do blood tests, urine tests and give him some drugs for the seizures. She told me she'd call back in a couple of hours to let me know the results.

I gave him a stroke and went off thinking that I'd pick him up in a couple of hours and that they would prescribe him drugs for the seizures.

One hour later the vet called me to say I needed to get back to the vets, they were going to have to put him to sleep and there was nothing they could do for him. He had apparently starting fitting just after I had left, they kept giving him more and more drugs but she said he was fitting continuously and none of the drugs were stopping it. She said it was probably a brain tumor that had grown rapidly and was now pressing on part of the brain that was causing the seizures.

I still can't believe it. If he had been ill or had shown any signs that maybe it would be a little easier to understand. To think that less than 24 hours before we had been out, running around and everything was fine is still unbelievable.

I'm now beating myself up wondering if there was something that I missed, something I should have noticed and feeling bad for the times when I told him off for things. If only we'd had a couple of days to get our heads around it and spoil him rotten. I feel completely empty and Murphy (his brother) is completely lost, just keeps pacing around the kitchen and watching the door waiting for him to come home :(

Sep 12, 2012
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Collie Barkley
by: Hazel, Site Editor

Hi, I am sorry to hear about your Barkley.

You are right - when our dog's quality of life is reduced down to almost zero, it's time to do the humane thing and let go. You are doing it for Barkley, and he will be grateful.

Please be strong and may you find peace in your heart. Remember, Barkley will always love you and be there with you, in your heart.

Take care.

Sep 12, 2012
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Collie update
by: Anonymous

I am the last poster with the 9 yr old collie.

The vet advised me to wait until Thursday to see, it's Wednesday morning and I am calling the vet today.

My Barkley boy hasn't been able to get up for two days now. I used a towel to help while keeping my legs on either side so he didn't fall over but he just can't hold his weight up. His face is now twitching randomly but not a seizure. He has been awake for about two hours in the last 48. He is more lucid now and recognizes me but what kind of life is it?

I am afraid today is the day. He is a wonderful dog and life will not be the same without him.

Sep 10, 2012
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I am in the same boat with my collie
by: Anonymous

He is 9, he started having gran mal seizures 3 months ago in clusters of 3. The vet put him on phenobarbital and it kept the seizures at bay and they only occurred once a month, until a few days ago. He had 11 in a row in less than 24 hrs. Vet dosed him heavily to regain control but we fear brain damage.

Now that I read this post I fear a tumor. I thought it was the meds, but he can't stand for long, he falls a lot and walks into corners and stands there, he can't stop pacing and falling. He has to wear a diaper because he will just start peeing with no regard.

I am in dismay at the thought of putting him down, but I don't want him to suffer. I would hate to think it was the meds and I could have just waited a few more days and he would be himself again.

I am writing this on my phone, sorry for any typos. I hope this helps someone else. I will re-post the end results in the hopes it does help another.

Sep 08, 2012
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My sweet Millie
by: Anonymous

As I read everyones posts it brings tears to my eyes. I, too, am going through this with my sweet Millie, a standard poodle. She is 6 1/2 and I feel I haven't had nearly enough time with her.

I first noticed something wasn't right about 4 months ago. She started pooing in the house, right in front of me. A few weeks later I noticed constant pacing around the kitchen table, wasn't eating her food normally (She was leaving crumbs) and whining. I took her to the vet, did X-rays and got her some pain meds. I told the vet that she just wasn't right and I didn't think she could see. She seemed to feel a little better with the meds but was just not herself. She wouldn't play ball (her FAVORITE game) and whimpered when she tried. She would also walk right through my irises outside instead of going around.

About two weeks ago, Millie had a violent seizure. I had never seen anything like that. I knew right then something was wrong with her brain. I took her to the vet and she ran several exams and tests and referred me to a neurologist. Her blood work was normal but her vision was gone in her left eye as well as weakness on her left side of the body. she was also circling to her right in very tight circles. She had two more seizures that night and one a day later.

The neurologist thought it was a brain tumor but said there was no way of knowing for sure without a CT or MRI. we started her on phenobarbital and prednisone and I ended up getting a CT scan. After the scan the doc thought it was an infection, so she went ahead and prescribed two antibiotics. Unfortunately, the spinal tap didn't show an increase of white blood cells or protein. So, at this point, I'm keeping her on all of her meds and just praying for the best.

The only other treatment option was to have surgery and radiation. The only place for radiation is at the vet school 4 hours from here and she would have to stay 3 weeks, plus it's not a cure. That is a lot for a sick baby to go through. She has shown some improvement. She is barking, wagging her tail, jumping around, and playing ball. The side effects from the meds don't seem as bad now either.

I had made myself sick worrying about when to have her put to sleep. I didn't want her to suffer. The vet told me that anytime I want to is OK, but if I wanted to wait what signs to look for. Once I made up my mind to go day by day, i felt a little more at peace. My mom watches her during the day and I pick her up after work. I don't have any kids, so my dogs are my babies. She's trusted me her whole life and I don't want to fail her now. I know that she's being loved as much as possible during her final weeks and I'm happy for that. I've told her to let me know when it's time and pray that she does. I've shed so many tears and my heart literally aches. Many people don't understand the bond between humans and dogs.

Thank you all for posting your stories. They have helped me a lot through this process.

Aug 20, 2012
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My best friend, Daisy Mae
by: Anonymous

Today, I found out that my 9-year old Boxer, Daisy Mae, has brain cancer. Our vet said she had a hard reaction to the anesthesia he administered to run the x-ray. He had to administer the antidote even before he started the x-ray. He did get enough pictures to see the mass pressing on her eardrum.

Our options are limited because of the bad reaction. She would have to be sedated to have the body scan, MRI, and surgery to remove the tumor. Chances are very low that she would make it through another round of sedation. So, we have decided to continue to love her until the time comes to help her leave this world.

We have had many dogs through our 36 year marriage, but Daisy Mae has been our angel. What will our life be without this beautiful soul? I can only hope to meet her again in Heaven.

My vet has a sign on his wall. "Heaven is the place where all the dogs you've ever loved come to meet you."

Love and prayers to all of you going through this heart-breaking time.

Jul 30, 2012
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Brain tumor
by: Anonymous

I just had to put down the most wonderful, beautiful, best friend I have ever known!
That was Rosebud, my 18.5 Shih Tzu.

She has had a lot of various health issues in her life and the last 2 years I had carried her to eat, drink and go to the bathroom since she became blind with glaucoma and could not see.

3 days ago she started having violent seizures & convulsions where her whole body would stiffen up and she would let out these horrible screams/cries. I rushed her to the vet and the vet said that she has some sort of brain disconnect most likely a brain tumor. Rosebud kept having seizures and crying and I could no longer see her live in pain and I had to make the most difficult decision of my life and that was to put her down.

I miss her every day and will always but I do find comfort that she lived a long and happy life and is out of pain.

Jul 21, 2012
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Ginger, life is sad without you
by: priscilla

Will I ever be whole again? Ginger, my little dog of many years, had a seizure and died on the way to the Vet. Ginger died 3 months ago. Nothing is right or the same with her gone, don't know what to do. I cry daily. Empty house, empty heart.

Jul 18, 2012
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Rocky 4 1/2 yr old boxer
by: Anonymous

I have just lost my best friend Rocky on Monday 16th July.

It started back in Nov 2011 when Rocky started having seizures. He had up to 4+ a day it was very scary. I took him to an overnight vet and they kept him in for the night. I picked him up the next day and they told me he has epilepsy and gave me phenomav,100mg twice a day.

He was ok on the phenomav for about 5 months until he started having facial seizures. I took him back to the vet and they gave him a blood test and said up his pheno by another 50mg a day. I did that and he didn't get any better so to another vet he went and had full bloods done and they came back clear. The vet said he had seen this before and said it's most likely a brain tumour.

Rocky got worse an worse - he kept walking around the same track in the yard for ages, then walking into corners and getting stuck in strange places and crying.

He was so tired from walking he was swaying on his feet. He then fell over under the stairs and made a sound I will never forget. He couldn't even get up. He looked like he was in real pain so I felt I had no choice but to put him down.

It has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Now I feel even worse as I didn't get the MRI done but all the signs were there. I can't stop my mind from racing and thinking the "what if's".

I am so sad without him. He was the best dog ever. I miss him so much!!

Jul 12, 2012
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Thank you for your story
by: PJ

To Spanky the Dog's parent:

Thank you for your story. We lost our older Sheltie to violent seizures. The first one lasted over ten minutes. When we understood what was going on from the emergency vet, we took him to the vet and let him go. I had to do the same with my childhood dog and it isn't easy but it is the best gift to give to a good dog - freedom to go to heaven. I heard someone on TV recently who had a near death experience and she said she saw white stairs and a beautiful blue sky. There were cats and dogs running up and down the stairs in pure joy. She was clinically dead for four minutes and came back to tell us. What a gift for dog and cat lovers to know that there are pets in heaven.

Our dog died on May 17th and the new puppy we are getting was born on May 28th. Life goes on.

Jun 09, 2012
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OUR CHILDREN
by: Miss Jerry

I am so sorry to hear about Spanky.

Brandy, who is a rescue toy poodle( I got in Dec 2007 after losing Cookie to a blood disorder), is 14 or 15. She started with seizures May 28th. I realized they were seizures on June 5th when I came in from work and she was backing up crying but very touchy when I held her up and saw that little head locked to the right. They were not like the seizures my Cookie had. The vet, due to clean blood work, said a brain tumor is most likely.

Thanks to the sharing of so many people I know the symptoms have been there about 2 months. Since she had cataracts when I got her and can see very little out of only one eye, the running into things did not set off any alarms. I too know it will be time soon but do not want her to suffer. She is on Phenobarbital for now. The seizures have stopped for the most part - she was having them every hour almost for a day and a half and the vet said we can use the drug.

It is in God's hands, He gave her to me and I will know when it is time to let her go. But like all of you, that is not a time I look forward to. Thank God for a vet who is so caring. Thanks to all of you who share your pain with those of us who will have to walk the same road.

Jun 03, 2012
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Crystal
by: Tomorrowsdream

Could Crystal be blind? That is how they act, because they don't want us to know. They hide it well. Have you had her to the Vet to have her checked? When my dog went blind, she was getting into cupboards and closets. I think she was disoriented, but it was not dementia. He had me fooled for awhile, but I finally figured it out. It was tough because he knew the house pretty well, so had no trouble going out to potty or anything, but just started doing very strange things. I hope you get some answers about your baby soon.

Jun 03, 2012
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What is wrong with Crystal?
by: Crystals Mom

Crystal, who is a cross Lab/Collie type dog, has been part of our lives for the last 12 years after finding her at the SPCA. She has recently starting to behave in a way that I think she may have dementia or something along those lines - she seems to be disorientated at times, at night she's very restless and tries to get into the strangest of places from the shoe cupboard to small corners. The only way I can get her to settle is to lie on the couch with her at night and cuddle her. She then manages to sleep a little but eventually wakes up and paws at anything that is close to her, including my face if it's close. It's almost as if she doesn't want me to leave her side at all.

Do any of you know what she could be suffering from and if there are any homeopathic or natural remedies to help her or should I put her to rest as she doesn't appear to be her happy self.

Thank you.

Apr 08, 2012
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Just found out my IG has a brain tumor
by: Melissa

I have a 15 or 16 year old (she's a rescue so we are not entirely sure) Italian Greyhound, Willow, that has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. I did not opt for the MRI, but based on clean bloodwork and symptoms it is very likely the vet has told me.

After doing all this research I now realize I could have seen signs earlier - the clumsiness that developed about 2 years ago, the recent hearing loss, the occasional spaciness. But she has always been a pretty healthy, happy, silly little girl! We are so deeply bonded, the thought of losing her is too difficult to put into words. She IS our daughter and has the BEST personality.

The reason I decided to seek out the vet though was because she started waking up in the middle of the night YELPING (the most awful, mournful sound I have ever heard and ever want to hear in my life). She will do that for a good 20-30 seconds, which feels like 10 minutes. She would be hunched over and trembling. I thought it was some kind of musculoskeletal pain... until I started researching. I now think this is a seizure. It has happened 4 times in 5 days, and we noticed last night when it happened (3 a.m.) - her eyes were moving back and forth; she seemed somewhat responsive but not totally. If she tries to stand while this happens she falls and her right front leg knuckles over for a time during and after.

She has also had a marked decline in her balance occasionally. Her appetite is strong and all her bodily functions are normal. Her body is in great shape, and it seems so unfair that this is happening. I know she is old, but people that meet her are always utterly shocked that she is her age, she acts and looks like a pup still. (she's white so there is no greying that has taken place). She is still having a lot of good moments - almost all day she is peppy and excited to go outside and even runs a bit, like she used to. She seems aware most of the time, and still wants affection but her neck and shoulders seem touchier than they used to.

She is on a NSAID right now, prescribed by the vet but I'm not sure it helps anything. I am afraid to get her on Pheno or anything because of what I've read and I'm not 100% sure these are seizures. Anyone else experience similar seizures? I know when the time comes I can make the hard decision, but I also know she is still loving life at the moment...

I hope I have more time with her, I pray I do, but the stories here make me think I will not have much time.

I am so, so sad that word does not do what I am feeling justice in any way - despairing, distraught, hurting...

Thanks for letting me post this!

Mar 04, 2012
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Missing Jimmy
by: Anonymous

It is very difficult. I lost my yellow lab Jimmy 5 months ago to a brain tumor. We had no idea he had it and overnight he got bad. I still cry and miss him so much.

Jan 29, 2012
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Rocky's mum Linda
by: Jody

I know exactly what you are going through and I'm worried to death about my 5 year old Akita Alfie. He had his first fit 3/4 weeks ago and lost bowel and bladder control and another one that evening. We thought he'd be ok but yesterday morning he collapsed in the kitchen biting his own tongue and losing control of his bodily functions again but this one lasting about 2 minutes. We rushed him to the vets and blood work came back normal but told he either has a tumour or blood clot on the brain.

He now is on 60g diazepam twice a day for 4 weeks to see if the dosage is high enough and are considering a CT scan to find out the definite problem. My poor Alfie has so many of these syptoms and I don't know what to do for the best. Has your Rocky had any more fits since being on the medication?

Jan 27, 2012
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Take comfort
by: Powder's mom

Dear Spanky's parents,

Please take comfort in knowing that Spanky was well loved and taken care of by you. I am certain that Spanky felt your love and devotion. You made his life a good life. That is what is important. You truly acted in his best interest.

Jan 04, 2012
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My Husky Rocky 12-1/2 years
by: Linda

After reading many of the comments below, my Husky Rocky also had many of the symptoms that many of these dogs had. I too accounted it to old age.

I first took him to vet in February 2011 concerned that his "running" in his sleep may be something. The vet told me that it is normal for dogs to do this and don't be too concerned about it. She ran tests because he had lost weight and was more concerned about that. All his tests came back fine. He was also dragging his back paws and thought this was due to arthritis in his hind legs. I put his on medication for his arthritis. My husband took him 4 days a week for a mile and a half walk and he did great.

Everything seemed fine until this summer when I noticed he was gradually getting worse with his hind legs. It was very hard for him to stand for a while and he would squat to be comfortable. He starting pacing way more than normal. Sometimes hours at a time. Then one dreadful October night not too long after that he had a grand mal seizure. We were stunned to find out from the emergency vet that he had brain tumor and would probably have another one in a couple of weeks that would be worse. At this point he could no longer walk and we felt that it would be inhumane to keep him alive. We made the decision to put him to sleep and not let him suffer. I still cry daily for him and still beat myself up for not seeing any of the signs.

Wait for me at the Rainbow bridge Rocky. We love and miss you so much!!

Jan 02, 2012
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Husky Kody 3 1/2 years
by: Rhonda

My dog Kody is 3 1/2 yrs old and this past summer after turning 3 he started having seizures. I took him to the vet and was put on phenobarbital 64.8 mg two pills twice a day. He has been on this med for 6 months and still having them 3 over the past 2-3 weeks.

He shakes his head and scratches his ears like other postings I have read - this could be a sign of brain cancer. The other thing he does is drinking lots of water, whimpering or whining occasionally.

The past week my vet put him om diazapem to see if it will help with the seizures. Any ideas or comments are welcome!!

Dec 16, 2011
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To Newfie's Mom, Kim
by: Sylvia

From the symptoms you have described, I would also conclude your baby is having a brain tumour. That "running" in his sleep is also a seizure.

That is what started the problems with our precious Goldie. He a beautiful golden retriever, 13½ years old, and our precious baby too. We rushed him to the Vet hospital in the middle of one night soon after he got a 'grand mal' or continuous seizures. They had to put him on a continuous Valium drip to stop seizures.

Diagnosis without an MRI was a brain tumour.
But I wasn't willing to give up even though they recommended euthanasia. I transferred him to the best Vet Hospital in Ontario, and here the doctors put him on Phenobarbital. This is not a cure, but only serves to prevent seizures. It stopped the seizures for a while, but has a debilitating side-effect -- loss of coordination of limbs. This lasts for about 10 days, and afterwards your baby will be able to walk about on his own. You have to help him get up and walk (use soft towels to support him).

Goldie didn't walk into walls, but after about a month, he started getting seizures again. We had to increase the dosage. And still the seizures came now and again. After 2 months he completely lost his appetite, and even though I hand fed him with tasty home-cooked meals, there was a point when he refused, and I had to force him to eat - soft food of course and the best of beef and chicken.

His health deteriorated very quickly after that. He was sad and I knew he must have been suffering. He needed a lot of help to stand or even walk a little in the yard. Use soft towels around his belly to help him walk or stand up.
Sadly we had to make that most difficult decision only about 2 months after diagnosis.

Get your Vet to go to your home, and hold your dog close while that final infusion is given. It will be the saddest moment in your life, but it will end his suffering. It will be your last expression of devotion and love for your precious baby. These are our babies -- they are such gently souls --it is very sad to let them go.

Dec 16, 2011
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My Newfie Bear
by: Kim

I have read a lot of comments about dogs with brain tumors and some are very similar to what my 10 1/2 year old Newfoundland is going through right now but one part is not. Bear is not walking into walls or rubbing his head on things. I was told he had a brain tumor which was the cause of his sudden seizures. We now think he may have been having seizures for the last six months. He had started acting funny while sleeping. It was like he was chasing something in his sleep, whimpering and thrashing but when I would try to wake him, it took me a long time. No other symptoms.

Yesterday, I came out to the front room and he was in the middle of a full blown seizure with foaming at the mouth and loss of bowel control. After it was over, he would come to my husband and I every couple of hours looking at us like he needed something but only wanted to be petted. He never does that. He is coming to me, laying his head on my lap and just letting me pet his big ole head. He usually only wants that for a couple of minutes once or twice a day. He has a hard time getting up now and has had at least 3-4 more big seizures like this in the last 24 hours. He is eating normally and drinking water normally. He just walked by as normal as can be but he seeks different places to lay down now.

Is it possible it is not a brain tumor? I know Newfies only live 8-10 years but he is my baby. I have been unemployed for three years and just got a job that pays less than my unemployment. I definitely cannot afford an MRI. Is there something natural I can give him? Is it possible he suddenly contracted epilepsy? I don't know what to do at this point.

Thank you all for sharing your stories. This is a very comfortable forum!

Nov 22, 2011
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Missing Jimmy
by: Anonymous

We lost our 10 yr old yellow lab Jimmy on Oct 6. The vet ruled a brain tumor as well. He had many of the signs you wrote about - we too thought it was old age.

We lost our home to the Minot, ND flood in June and then our beloved Jimmy. We miss him so much. We were totally blindsided.

Nov 10, 2011
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My Dog Missy
by: Julie Harris

We lost own baby girl Missy on the 8th November 2011. Still can't believe it's real. She took a really bad turn for the worst and we couldn't let her suffer, but it was the hardest decision, even when you know you're doing the right thing. Our pets love us so unconditionally and are such a blessing. I feel like there's something missing, and that is she was a part of our lives for 11 years. She was a beautiful placid loving pitbull - no they are not all bad dogs, depends how you bring them up. Bye my friend. xoxox

Nov 09, 2011
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update
by: Anonymous

I posted this on April 22nd last year and I am happy to report that Carmine is still doing okay. Make sure the Vets that are diagnosing your pets are giving you all the options. Love and peace to all of you!

On Feb 26th of this year, my 6 year old Boston Terrier, Carmine, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I frantically posted on this page hoping to find some answers. I knew Carmine was not acting right since October and I went to 3 vets only to be told he was feeding off my energy of worrying about him.

After a day of him standing in the corner, I finally told my Vet that there was something wrong with his brain and they sent me for a MRI which confirmed him having a Marcoadenoma (brain tumor). I decided to do radiation therapy - 16 treatments to be exact and today, almost two months after his diagnosis, he is back to my little dog doing all the things he did that made him special. I was very nervous about the radiation therapy because he needed to be put under every day but he came out with no side effects. I am not sure if I would have done the therapy if he was older but being that he was only 6 I needed to give it a try.

There are options out there that can be and will be costly but no price can be put on my best friend's life. I wish everyone luck and much love for what you are going through as I know I am one of the lucky ones. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Nov 09, 2011
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Our little Sandy
by: Anonymous

We just had to put our dog to sleep yesterday because of a brain tumor. She had been suffering from various conditions of the eye which would never completely get better.

Then yesterday when we woke up her eye had gotten red and swollen on top and was very sore and was draining. We took her to the vet who took one look at her then told me it was cancer in the brain. The cancer had broken through the barrier that separates the brain and the eye which then revealed the truth - the eye problems had been caused from the brain tumor all along, but was not until it reached this point that they could diagnose it.

So I had to make one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make and have her put to sleep. I could truly tell at this point that she was suffering and I couldn't bear to let her go through this anymore, so I said goodbye to my beloved little dog and held onto her as she passed away from this world.

Nov 05, 2011
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My dog Missy
by: Julie Harris

Hi, We have a dog Missy who is 11 years old.

She has been having seizures, falling a bit, goes a bit blank sometimes and gets a bit confused, lost weight and will only eat certain foods.

Our vet is sure it's a brain tumour and is only a matter of time until we have to make the dreaded decision but I don't want her to suffer.

We have had her since she was 6 weeks old and she has grown up with all our kids. I cry just thinking about losing her, but that's life. She has blessed us so much and we love her heaps. Pray for us to be strong when the time comes :)

Oct 14, 2011
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My Totchy
by: trenna bear

Well after reading this site and your letter, I am convinced that I also did the right thing with my Totchy! He too had all the signs and I had blood work and x-rays to prove that there wasn't anything else it could have been. He slowly deteriorated to the point he could not function without my husband or my help. He cried a lot and it went on for 7-8 months before we could bring ourselves to part with him. He was a great companion of almost 11 years. He was 1/2 American bulldog and 1/2 pit bull.

Sep 22, 2011
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To the Mom of River
by: Sylvia

Your account of River's health issues made me feel very sad. It is really upsetting to see a big dog fall. I cried every time my beautiful golden, Goldie, fell.

Goldie also developed a brain tumour, which caused seizures. He lost coordination of his legs just like River. I used towels wrapped around his belly to hold him and prevent him from falling. The vet precribed Phenobarbital to prevent seizures, but that is not a cure.

Your beloved River seems to have a good appetite, which is most encouraging. As long as River can eat and drink, he is trying to recover. Give him everyting he loves to eat -- steak, lamb, fish, etc. If he stops eating and you have to almost force-feed, you will know that he really wants to go.

I am so sad for you and River. When you feel that there is no quality of life left, I think it is then you will know it is time. So hold him close when the vet gives those final injections. It is your last act of love. You will always have regrets no matter how ill your beloved pet is.

Sep 22, 2011
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I don't know what's right!!!
by: Anonymous

I'm so sorry for your loss! 8 years ago I rescued a beautiful Golden named River. She had a sad beginning like most rescues and she was a challenge, but I stuck with her.

About 3 years ago I found her disorientated, vomitting and unable to stand or walk. I took her to the vet where they thought it was old dog disease. She stayed there for almost 4 days until she could walk again. She partially recovered and then relapsed a few months later. After that she was never right.

Now 3 years later she can barely walk. I have to carry her outside to go potty. She falls at least 10 times a day.

Three weeks ago I took her to another vet for a second opinion and to see if there was anything I could do to help her. He said putting her to sleep would not be a bad thing. That I have taken her further than most. My husband never really liked her becausee she was a challenge, but she is so sweet and she is still eating. I don't know what to do. What kind of life is this for her? When do I know it's time? Or maybe it is so past the time that I don't see it anymore. I don't want to give up if she isn't. She has never had an MRI, but both doctors think it's a tumor.

I sit here crying looking for answers. How can I give up on such a fighter???? Please help me!

Sep 09, 2011
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To Diamond's Mom -- so sad for your loss
by: Sylvia

To the Mom of Diamond Dee:

I give you my deepest sympathies. I feel your pain as I have been through this too. Although your heart is broken into pieces, you will love again, and realise that absolutely nothing could be done when a beloved dog is diagnosed with a brain tumour.

I was absolutely horrfied too when my beloved Goldie got his first seizure -- which turned out to be continuous (a cluster) until I got him to the emergency Vet hospital in the early hours of the morning. They told me the very sad news of his tumour and nothing could be done. I tried my best to keep him comfortable with phenobarbital, but after 2 months of treatment, the seizures were back, and we just could not let him suffer. And so very sadly we said good bye to our precious boy as the Vet gave him those final injections.

It has been 6 months, and I still cry very often, but have come to accept it as something that was beyong my control. So please accept this very sad loss of Diamond as something you could not prevent. God bless you.

Sep 09, 2011
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Diamond was this girl's BEST FRIEND
by: DIAMOND

Border Collie mixed with a lot of Princess, I have had Diamond for a little over 14 years. She was my everything; I sit here crying as I write this note because it is so hard to express the love and sadness that has manifested uncontrollably.

My Diamond began to have seizures on August 26th. I will never forget it, it was the most frightening act I have ever had to witness.

The vet I took her to took my money and provided no support whatsoever. I was given 4 Phenobarbital tablets, a HUGE bill (cash only), and get this, was told this should get her through the weekend until I can get her to a VET. You got it!!!

The following Monday, I rushed her to another vet, and got the sad news of the possible brain tumor as the culprit to her condition. Sadly enough, I wanted to do a brain transplant, and anything else I could think of to keep her with me and to know that I was doing all that I could for her, because she did all she could do for me. She waited until I got engaged and knew that I would be taken care of before she decided to part from me. And for that, I love the licks, kicks, and tricks she gave to me.

Diamond Dee you are loved and will be truly missed. Bark a lot and prance like Mommy.

Sep 05, 2011
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Tyke & Snippy - We miss you every day
by: Anonymous

Within a matter of 6 months we have had to put two of our blessed angels down because of cancer. Our Tykie had cancer in his hind leg ligament, he was only 6 years old, and our precious Snippy developed a brain tumour, she was 7 years old.

Snippy deteriorated so quickly, the first signs that I noticed was on Monday, 29th August 2011, her eyes did not look right, so I took her to the Vet where they diagnosed her with SARD's and told me that she would be okay as dogs supposedly adapt well when blind as their other senses are heightened. We were most distressed about this, and after a lot of crying, etc. we decided to get a second opinion and made an appointment with an Opthamologist for the Wednesday. She carried out all the checks, plus urine & blood, and came back and told us that Snippy's vision in one of her eyes was slightly less than the other, but nothing to be concerned about. Little did we know. On Thursday morning Snippy was most distressed and restless, I could not calm her down, she was pacing incessantly and I could not settle her down. I followed her to see what she wanted only for her to slide to the ground in a seizure. I have never been more scared in my life. We rushed her to our local vet and all this time (about 30 minutes) she did not wake up. She came to at the Vet's rooms. They put her on a drip and later that day sent her for a MRI scan and we received the news that there was a tumour pressing on her optic nerve and we had to make the hardest decision of letting her go. It was so sudden, and our home is so empty. We have 5 other doggies, but Snippy's place is empty and there is a giant void in our home and hearts.

I keep running everything through my mind to see if I missed the signs. She was so full of life, running, eating, drinking - no major changes - until Monday.

She had a skin condition which I treated and therefore when she scratched herself on the furniture I thought that she was itchy and trying to relieve her itchyness, I didn't know that it was a sign that there was more wrong with her.

To our dearest Angels, keep each other company on the other side of the rainbow, and know that we love and miss you both dearly. Nothing can ever fill the void in our hearts that your passing has left.

Aug 14, 2011
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So Glad I Saw This!
by: Anonymous

I just had my dear Vanessa (a Malt-Szu) euthanized on 08/04/2011. I never really knew what was wrong with her as I was told it was just old age, old dog disease, senility, etc. Her eyes were very cloudy and the vet thought he saw something, but could not see clearly through the cloudiness, so her behaviors were labeled as senility.

I took a picture of her 2 days before her death and it confirmed what I thought I had noticed 7 months earlier. One of her eyes was bulging dramatically and the other was noticeably smaller. She would fall frequently, had trouble getting up the stairs and down, would walk through her food/water dishes instead of around them, stood in the corner with her face to the wall like she was under punishment. Truth is, she forgot how to get to the bedroom! Stood on the wrong side of the door as she could not remember how it opened.

She sometimes did not recognize me and frequently would get startled by my movements through the house. I could go on and on. She also liked to rub her head a lot against anything and everything.

It comforts me to know that she very likely did have a brain tumor. I was feeling guilty for putting her down over being elderly!! Something was clearly wrong, but at nearly 15 years of age, she was too old for any drastic treatment.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Jul 29, 2011
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Very sorry for your loss
by: Anonymous

I am so very sorry for your loss. I know exactly what you went through, I am going through it right now.

My 9 year old "little girl" chihuhua had her first seizure on June 10. I was devasted, didn't know what was happening and I thought she was dying. Since then she has had bloodwork done several times, urinalysis, x-rays and ultrasounds. I took her to 2 vets in the city and once I got a 2nd opinion, that vet referred me to the Vet College in another city. The diagnosis from the vet college is a collapsed trachea and most likely a brain tumour.

She has been home for a week and a half now and I am worried sick about her. Her appetitie has increased a crazy amount, and same with her thirst. She pants a lot and is quite lethargic - but she is on 2 anti-seizure medications (Potassium Bromide and Keppra - as in the last week she has a lot of short seizures). She is also now on prednisone, and an antioxidant for her liver to heal (they think that the 1st medication Phenobarbitol harmed it already), and also medication for a bladder infection. My poor Little Girl.

I feel bad for having thoughts of when is the "right" time to put her down. She still eats, drinks great and is happy to see me. Her energy level is pretty much 0 and doesn't like to go for walks anymore. I am heartbroken and my heart hurts so much when I think of the time that will probably come sooner than later when I will have to make that hard decision. I don't know how I will be able to handle it.

Jul 15, 2011
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My Condolences
by: Anonymous

I am so sorry to hear about your loss today. Klee was so young too.

It was exactly a month ago that my wife and I had to put down Pluto. It literally was one of the most difficult decisions I had to make in my life. I just could not stand seeing Pluto going through any additional pains and suffering. At least his ashes are now back in the house he loved. It was great to watch him on my digital camcorder the other day. I only wish I have made more recordings of him.

Yes, both Klee and Pluto are now over the rainbow bridge ...

Jul 15, 2011
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Love for my Klee
by: angie love for my klee

Well today July 14,2011 I had to put my pup down because she had a brain tumor. Klee was 3 yrs old. My heart is so broken right now. I know I did the right thing but it hurts so much.

If you ever would like to talk plz email me at kleesamone@aol.com.... My family tells me to get over it. I can't - no one understands.

Thank you for sharing your story.

R.I.P KLEE AND SPANKY

Jun 24, 2011
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More about Pluto
by: Stuart

Back in January of this year in the depth of winter, I would never have thought Pluto would not live past midyear. He has always been very agile for his age. His brain tumor was also subtle and just crept up on him very quickly over the past two months. Besides all the symptoms I have already described in my previous comment, I also noticed behavioral changes. He used to love apple and broccoli, he would just sniff at them and walk away over the past two months.

Behavioral changes are indeed mentioned in a number of websites on Brain Cancer in Dogs. There is also mention of loss of hearing, though it is not clear about the timeline of this loss. That is, is the loss supposed to happen at the early stage? I noticed Pluto became hard of hearing sometimes after 2009 but he appeared to be perfectly normal throughout 2010. This is all very confusing. Have other owners who had dogs that were inflicted with brain tumor also noticed loss of hearing going back at least a year?

Jun 24, 2011
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So Sorry about Your Babies
by: Spots Mom

I am so sorry for your losses.

The brain tumor that killed my Sweet Spot was very subtle. Two months before he died, I just noticed he didn't feel well. He ate, drank, played, but in the house he just had a look of "I don't feel well" on his face. I took him to the vet and they thought I was crazy to have the dog's blood and urine checked and he was fine. He just didn't feel good.

Within a month and 1/2 of keeping watch and rechecking blood, he then started to walk to one side. Didn't seem to be able to catch the balls or run as fast. His focus was off. He started pacing the floor and staring at me as if he needed something, but I didn't know what to do. He had a couple of accidents in the house and then started going to the wrong door to go out or come in. Got blocked in doorways and walked into the cabinets.

He saw the doctors 5 different times in the two months I was tring to figure out what was wrong with him. The specialist said from the symptoms he thought brain tumor.

After that diagnosis Spot died 9 days later. It was horrible the last day and I should have put him down the day before, but he seemed better that day, by morning he was almost comatose. I still feel badly it was hard for them to get a vein and administer the shot.

Our house of 7 dogs went to 6. His brothers were so sad and confused. I never realized how much Spot was the glue to our little pack of dogs. Nelly the 2 year old rescue just stares out the window. She and Spot used to play together more than the others. Spot was 10-1/2...

After much thought and considering my age, I went on Petfinder.com and drove 5 hrs to rescue another border that LOOKS a lot like Spot. I know he is not Spot and we named him Jeep. He is 6 months old. The dynamics of the house have changed once again and there is happiness flowing thru the house. Nelly is happy to have a playmate and the others are starting to think he is kinda cool. WISH I could keep him out of the pond.

My border collies are Jake 14, Zip 10 1/2, Moochie 10 1/2, and the Pyreneese Sophie and Dudley 8 1/2 - we should be losing a lot of dogs in the not to distant future, hopefully to old age. I don't want to see them go thru what Spot did. All my doctors were surprised that I picked up on his "not feeling well" but without diagnosis nothing could be done until the last minute of letting him go.

I love my Sweet Spot now and forever. I am so sorry for your loss as well. I want you all to know that we have done the best we can for them and I am so glad to have had him in my life and the memories that he left behind will be forever cherished. :)

Jun 23, 2011
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Sharing your pains
by: Stuart

I lost my 14 year old, black and tan Dachshund Pluto on 6/15.

About 2 months ago, he started having great difficulties climbing stairs and keeping his balance. In hindsight, it was a bit more than the regular arthritis. He went out to the patio to do his bathroom thing but when I opened the outer (glass) kitchen door to let him in, he bumped into the glass because he tried to get in the house from the wrong direction.

Right around the same time, I started to hear regular whining and whimpering, which I now know was a sign of pain and discomfort due to the brain tumor.

Less than a month ago, he started to pee in the house a few times each day, which he had never done before. He also started to drink huge quantities of water.

My wife and I finally took him to the vet on 6/2, who prescribed Anipril but after 2 weeks, we noticed no improvements. While the vet recommended MRI for his brain, we did not go for it because our girl Daisy-Mae, a pretty strawberry blonde long-haired doxie has been going through chemo after her cancer surgery in the urethra and has racked up some very large vet bills for us. The youngest doxie Newton also has been costing us dearly due to his chronic skin infection, which requires weekly shots and we are also battling his persistent Cushing's Disease.

It all ended on 6/15, after not having eaten or had water for almost 24 hours, Pluto ran off to the wetland area some 2 houses down and he refused to return home with my wife, who tried to put the leash on him. The town animal control arrived and Pluto was laying in the bushy area. He was picked up without a fight and was transferred to the local animal emergency clinic. The attending vet told my wife Pluto was in very serious condition and we needed to make a decision.

I got back from work just before 7 from NY and my wife and I went to see Pluto at the emergency clinic. While he was somewhat alert with the IV, he struggled to get up on the examination table under a blanket. He was in a lot of pain. The vet told us Pluto probably would not have long to live if he went home with us. The vet left us alone for an hour and by 8 pm, we reached that very difficult decision to put Pluto down.

We waved down the vet, who was outside the room but she gave us another hour to be alone with Pluto. At around 9 pm, we told Pluto how much we loved him and he (his ashes) would be at the house he loved so much in a few days and said the final goodbye. We would have done more for Pluto if it was not for the other two sickly boy and girl. But Pluto always looked so healthy, not knowing that he was being killed by this silent killer.

While his exact ailment has never been determined, I have a greater than 95% (perhaps 98%) confidence level he had a brain tumor given all the symptoms. He came to our house as a rescue when he was 9 but he brought much joy and happiness to us - he was always a very happy dog.

Pluto, I will always miss you.

Jun 09, 2011
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Dear Rosee's mom
by: Anonymous

While reading your story of your wonderful Rosee, it seemed all too familiar and I started to cry.

Willow had the same symptoms and I did the same thing as you...looking for answers on-line. That's when I found this site.

I kept looking at Willow and wishing she could talk to me; tell me how she felt and what she wanted me to do. I'm sorry to say 'Welcome' under the circumstances, but all of us here completely understand what you're going through. I am so sorry for your terrible heartache. My head knew I was doing the right thing but my heart couldn't understand....there was a hole in my heart.

I will be thinking of you tomorrow with love and prayers. We may not know each other however I hope you can feel the compassion and understanding.

xo, Willow's mommy, Carolyn

Jun 09, 2011
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Saying goodbye to Rosee
by: Rosee,s mom

Since January, Rosee has been having seizures. That first day was terrible - she had 4 grand mal seizures within 8-12 hours. We thought we lost her then. After starting phenobarbital the seizures lessened but she was walking like she was drunk. After a few weeks the drunkenness subsided and she was better. I was amazed when reading your post how much it sounded like my Rosee.

During the last six months, Rosee has been exhibiting strange behaviors - Walking into furniture, seeming like she couldn't see but then could find extra food on the floor. She became withdrawn from us standing in strange places staring at walls. She would press her head on the refrigerator and just stand there. She would walk under the open coffee table instead of walking around. She would go behind the couch which she never did. She has lost urinary control, so we put her on incontinence medication. Now she has started to lose control of her bowels but not all the time. She still eats well and likes her treats but pants excessively and paces, and puts herself to bed during the day (she sleeps in a crate).

One day she seems ok and the other she is not, I didn't know what to do. I got online and searched her symptoms several times trying to find an answer of what to do for my baby I have had for 10 years. Slowly she is losing strength and coordination. She no longer demands the affection she used to beg for. If I sit on the floor she no longer attacks me with kisses and sits in my lap. (she is 50 lbs)

On Tuesday, I was writing a paper and Rosee came over and just stared at me. Her stare was the face of misery. I feel she was telling me she has had enough. I have felt almost guilty thinking of putting her down. She was still eating and accepting treats, she still gets up sometimes after much coaxing, she can walk slowly but at times loses her balance. But that look, she was telling me, she wanted to be done.

Friday, tomorrow, at 10:15, Rosee will sleep comfortably.

The tears say goodbye to My Rosee, a fawn colored English bulldog who looks like she has permanent black eyeliner on her eyes. She was a mother of three very healthy bullies in 2003, and was the best mommy bulldog there was. She knew when you were sad, upset, or sick and made sure her support was at your side. It was my turn to return the favor.

Goodbye and we will always love you, Rosee.

May 19, 2011
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Farewell to my Buddy
by: Bandit's buddy

Like so many others who have written on here, I too am sorry for your loss.

I say this because as I write this comment, I was looking for more answers as to why my Buddy is now totally different. Bandit is a 10 yr old Fancy Brindle boxer, who has been with me since his beginning. He has helped me recover from a divorce, 2 lost jobs and provided hours of laughs and joy. He now has brain cancer and falls prey to several seizures a day (even with med's), a blank stare at me as to wondering who I am or why this is happening to losing control of body functions. I know what has to be done but my heart just cannot accept it. However, in the next few hours I will need to allow him to go and play without worry once again.

May 08, 2011
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To the parents of Spot and Willow
by: Sylvia

I am truly very sorry for your loss. Our beloved pets mean the world to us. I lost my beloved dog, Goldie to brain tumour on March 7th, and even though it has been two months, I miss him very much, but I am beginning to accept it as the right decision.
We put our pets to sleep when the doctors give us no other options. We see our beloved girls and boys go through so much pain and hardship due to debilitating disease. So, when recovery or some quality of life is not possible,we have to let them go peacefully.

May 08, 2011
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Spot Passed
by: Anonymous

I put a comment on here not long ago. Spot passed away 9 days after the brain tumor diagnosis. Wish there were more I could have done for him. Letting him go was the hardest thing. I am not really liking this brain tumor/neurological issues. Now Zip is exhibiting signs of bell's palsy...He is missing Spot so much. He doesn't want to live without him. So Very SAD for us all.

May 08, 2011
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My heart will mend...
by: Willow's mommy

I know how difficult it must have been to see your loving Spanky go from good to bad to worse. My heart goes out to you.

My dog, Willow, had the same problem and it happened so quickly. I just put her to sleep 2 days ago. My head knows I did the right thing but I'm wondering when my heart will understand. The death of a loving pet can be extremely difficult. I found comfort in reading Spanky's story knowing I'm not the only one who has dealt with the tragedy of saying goodbye to a companion and friend.

Now, Spanky and Willow are playing and jumping around together with all of the wonderful fur friends. Take care.

Apr 29, 2011
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Zaria
by: Allison

I have a 4 1/2 year old American Bulldog. Hands down she is by far the best dog-friend anyone could ask for.

Two weeks ago she started acting sluggish and like she was becoming fretful of everything. We took her to the vet and they said she had cataracts in her right eye, they gave her some meds and said she would be fine.

Sunday night the bottom fell out, she just kept walking around in circles, bumping into stuff and finally the seizures started coming. I was livid. We went back to the vet Tuesday and they diagnosed her with having Epileptic seizures. She has since been on a decline - the Phenobarbital has not helped.

We are now faced with the decision of having her euthanized. We have been keeping watch duty at night so she won't fall and hurt herself. She has been in the house with us all this week and Friday she has been laying down and sleeping all day.

We will take her to the vet Saturday morning with very heavy hearts. We know that this is the best thing for her as she doesn't know who we are and cant hardly get around now.

So to all of you that have lost pets I understand your grief already. I found this site by accident but I'm so glad I did. I guess all of our pets have changed our lives.

WE WILL MISS YOU ZARIA.

Apr 25, 2011
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So Sad
by: My Sweet Spot

My Border collie Spot who is 10-1/2 yrs old was not feeling well. I just noticed how he laid and looked like he was in pain. He was not moving much. I took him to the vet where they were perplexed as to why I brought him and I said, "He just doesn't feel good." He was dehydrated and his urine was 10-10 so they put him on kidney food.

We got a second opinion and new test and his kidneys were fine. But he seemed to be getting worse and wobbling, falling down, having blank stares and pacing. Sometimes he gets stuck in doorways, goes to the wrong door to go in or out and forgets why he went out to begin with.

We tried the brain food and it upset his stomach. He had a few accidents in the house. As of now after seeing the specialist and without CT scans and MRI's, he diagnosed a brain tumor and put my dog on prednisone. Said it should help with the pressure in his head.

I am not sure how long he will be with us but I knew the moment he stopped acting like himself that something was terribly wrong with him. I am not ready to let him go yet and hope that the med's help.

Say a prayer for Spot please.

Apr 02, 2011
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Brain Tumor in Dogs
by: SYLVIA

This story on Spanky is very sad.

I have just lost my beloved golden retriever, Goldie, to brain tumour. He was 13½ years old. He developed multiple seizures in the middle of the night and we rushed him to an emergency hospital. He had to be put on a valium IV immediately to stop the seizures.

After several tests the doctors diagnosed his condition as a brain tumor. They recommended putting him to sleep that night, which I refused. He was then put on phenobarbital tablets to prevent seizures.

A month went by, and he got accustomed to the side effects of phenobarb, and his appetite was good, but he was unsteady on his feet. A couple of weeks later he started losing his appetite and gradually became weak. He kept falling even though I was so careful about staying by his side while he walked in the backyard.

Once again the doctors recommended I put him to sleep to end his suffering. And so with heavy hearts we agreed.

This is one of the most difficult and painful decisions one could make about our best friends.

Rest in peace beloved angel Goldie, I miss you so much and will love you forever.

Mar 30, 2011
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There is always joy
by: Anonymous

It is both heart-warming and heartbreaking to read all the different losses due to brain tumors. I have to say that, although you must go through the stages of grieving, consideration to your future happiness can be in adopting another wonderful friend.

Like you I had lost my beloved whippet suddenly last September. Three months later we were lucky enough to adopted another wonderful whipppet from WRAP, Whippet Rescue and Placement, and have not looked back. We all are so happy, that we are considering a mate for our adopted friend.

Although he looks a lot like our other dog, he has his own wonderful lively personality that has brought life and love to our home again. There are countless pets that could benefit from the wonderful parent you are and fill an empty spot you may have in your heart.

Mar 30, 2011
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Peppi
by: Charles and Odette

What a beautiful site. I came here to find out more about brain tumors in dogs, and found all I believe the answers I wanted.

Our beloved Peppi, a 16 year and 4 month Lhaso Apso left us last night. All the symptons mentioned were showing. I thought the blindness was just old age (and it could have been), but the loss of stability, rubbing of the head, staring at walls etc. were there.

I had him outside at 12:45 AM and he collapsed and went into seizures. Thankfully there is a night emergency Vet service in our city. We brought him there after talking to them, the diagnosis was swift and with really no options.

I held him and at 3:05 this morning; he left peacefully, no more pain or concerns.

I buried him in our back yard early this morning so he will always be with us.

Our hearts are very heavy today, but reading some of the other stories has made me feel strangely more at ease.

May you all who have gone through this, or are looking at the prospect, take strength in that we are all in the same position. It is a responsability we take on to receive the undying love and affection of our pets.

Mar 26, 2011
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Bella
by: Anonymous

I want to say thank you to this site and the people who have responded on this issue of tumors in their dogs. Over the past month my dog Bella has become a different dog and after a few trips to the vet and no obvious causes we have settled on a brain tumor as the cause. I was looking for an answer as to how I could help her or if I should make that hard and final decision and end this suffering. Your kindness and helpful stories have given me the strength to do the best thing for her.

Bella is a beautiful dog and has been my best friend for the last eight years. She has seen me through the best and worst times of my life and I owe it to her to not let her live like this.

Thank you everyone and best wishes.

Mar 24, 2011
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My loving and loyal pet is gone....
by: Anonymous

Most recently I put my best friend to sleep, she was a 15 year old Shih Tzu, the best pet in the world. I don't think I will ever replace her with another pet. I spend most of my days thinking about how wonderful she was and missing her. Please tell me this pain I feel inside will go away.

I love you Princess. Rest in Peace. I will see you again someday.

Mommy

Mar 19, 2011
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Brain tumor
by: Anonymous

My best friend Izzy started doing the same thing yesterday - she will not eat drink and cannot walk straight. My heart is breaking, I don't know what to do. I'm afraid to walk away from her, she might fall. Dr. told me the same thing there's nothing he can do.

Deb

Mar 15, 2011
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My Best Friend Chester
by: Anonymous

Today heaven became a better place. My two year old Boxer was taken from me by a tumor I never knew he had. Watching him suffer through seizure after seizure will haunt me forever.

I thought that reading these posts would show me how stupid I was for not seeing the signs early but all it has done is make my heart hurt more.

After my wife died two years ago, you were my best friend. I will miss you and love you always. Chester, rest in peace bubby.

Feb 16, 2011
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In memory...
by: Anonymous

A View From Rainbow Bridge

Death is nothing at all. It is as if we slipped away into the next room. 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.

Feb 04, 2011
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To Mommagator
by: Juli

What wonderful people you and your husband have been for taking care of Dixie and putting her needs in front of yours. I believe that God gives each one of us dog lovers one special pet in our lives, how we take care of that pet is up to us. Maybe God wanted you to see how much you could love, how much you could give, how much you would sacrifice, and ultimately how hard you will grieve. Dixie is that special pet and you have done well. When the time comes it will be hard but remember that the most humane thing to do is the hardest. Be with her when the vet administers that last act of kindness and speak to her, your voice is her one great comfort in this world. I will keep you and Dixie in my prayers. Please keep us updated on her.

Feb 02, 2011
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Dixie
by: Momagator

We found out at an early age that Dixie had a liver shunt. She is a 10 year old yorkie. Due to other health issues they were not able to surgically repair the shunt. At that time they told us that she had maybe 2 years to live, and that was 8 years ago.

On and off over the years Dixie has had issues because the ammonia level would build up in her brain, and affecting her bladder and kidneys and she would have seizures associated with the shunt.

Over the past months her problems have become worse. She paces, refuses to eat, walks through the house, and walks in little circles. She runs into things, walks very unstable and at times she does not seem to know us.

A couple of weeks ago she became very ill. Our vets suspected a stroke. At one point we thought we were going to lose her. After several days on IV fluids and medication, she seemed to be better. The vet warned us that it might be a temp. fix. Well it was... last night she started the circling, unstable walking, falling while walking, refusing to eat. She was up all night. Head pressing, walking, and staring at the walls.

I called the vet this morning, they stated that this was what they feared. They have put her on another medication, that they prescribe for doggy alzheimer's. They said if within 2-3 weeks we did not see a difference, that their thoughts are that she has a brain tumor. They also stated that we would talk then, but it is their opinion that since she has so many health issues, that they feel it would not be a realistic option to send her to a specialist. That our family needed to get ourselves ready to perhaps make a decision that we have been avoiding.

Our vets have told us that we have given Dixie much more than most would have done. That we have loved her, spoiled her, babied her, taken care of her, and accepted her little accidents. Over the last 2-3 years my husband and I don't take vacations together so that one of us will be able to take care of her. That we have perhaps done all that we can.

I feel really helpless right now.

Any words of encouragement or wisdom?

Feb 01, 2011
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Tara
by: sue

Tara started to have fits and would collapse. We took her to the vet and they said it was a kidney infection.

Over the months she started to bite other dogs, and would walk round and round in a circle, shake her head, and drink loads of water.

Today Tara was put to sleep. She had a brain tumour. She was a lovely rough collie, who was rescued from Bridgend. We couldn't see her suffer any more.

R.I.P Tara, go play at rainbow bridge. Love you...

Jan 28, 2011
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Sharing your Grief
by: Anonymous

I so dearly understand your loss, and my heart goes out to you. But please know you did the most humane thing for your beloved Spanky.

It will be one year Feb. 13th 2011 that I had to put my beloved Maggie (9 1/2 year old Shih Tzu) down.

She just one day started jerking her head uncontrollably. I was at the vet every day for a week, put her on the meds for seizures, but they would not stop. She went into grand mal seizures, the head jerking never did stop, and she had a seizure while I was at the vets office.

My Vet and I had talked about the treatments that we could do, and believe me if there was anything at all that I could have done to save my Maggie I would have. In the end we all must go to be with our maker. I surely could not let her suffer any longer.

I thank the Lord that I had her for the 9 1/2 years she was with me.

Jan 18, 2011
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To Heartbroken Kristin
by: Juli

I cried when I read about you losing your beloved dog on Christmas day. My heart goes out to you. We lost our boxer just two days before that and I know the terrible pain you are going through. Sometimes words just cannot express how special these companions are to us. You are in my prayers and thoughts. May God bless you and watch over during this difficult time for you.

Jan 05, 2011
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Boston Terrier Carmine
by: Anonymous

I am so sad reading all these posts as I have posted last year regarding my Carmine. I have blogged about our experience and I am happy to report that Carmine is still doing well. I wish all of you nothing but love and happy memories... http://macroadenoma.blogspot.com/2010/03/carmines-journey.html

Jan 05, 2011
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A dog named Ute
by: Anonymous

I had to have my beautiful boarder collie mix put down yesterday, I'm heartbroken. I now believe she had brain cancer that had metastasized from a sarcoma she had removed two years prior.

She was my constant companion for 13 years. I still expect to see her waiting for me when I walk in the door, or sometimes I catch a glimpse out of the corner of my eye and for a second think it's her.

I'm crushed by having to see her go into seizure and the sad look she had.

I feel like a piece of me is gone.

Jan 05, 2011
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To Erin friend of GiGi
by: Juli

My heart goes out to you on your loss. The final act of kindness is the hardest. Bless you for having the strength to put her needs before yours.

I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts and my wish for you is to have this pain replaced by the great memories of what a wonderful companion GiGi was.

Jan 05, 2011
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To Samson's owner
by: Juli

Hang in there - We just lost our beautiful boxer Zoie to a brain tumor on Dec 23rd so unfortunately I know what you are about to go through. I had never had a boxer until we rescued Zoie, now I never want to be without one. Their loving personalities are unbelievable.

What an angel you are rescuing a senior dog but I'm sure you already knbow that. Samson is lucky to have found you and vice versa. It is difficult when a special pet leaves us for many reasons, we feel the loss of companionship, a sense that we were responsible for the well being, and the fact that many people don't understand your grief.

Please know that there are people who understand and care, I will keep you in my prayers every day. Take what time you have left and let him know how much you love him. God bless you and may God watch over you.

Jan 02, 2011
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A Great Companion
by: Anonymous

Although my best friend Samson (11 yr old Boxer) is still with me, I know in my heart his days are numbered. I have only had Samson 13 months; I rescued him and he has been the greatest dog. I lost my last boxer after 14 years to cancer and it took me another 8 years before I could get another dog.

Samson was full of life and you would have thought he was a puppy. I first noticed a change in him about 3 months ago. After many trips to the vet (who keeps telling me its his age), I have come to terms that it is probably a brain tumor. He displays all the symtptoms that have been discussed here.

I am glad I found this board as reading all your wonderful comments will help me deal with the final days when it comes to that.

Jan 02, 2011
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Bye bye Gigi
by: Erin

Even though I am so very sad to say good-bye to my best buddy and companion, I know she is in a better place.

After reading other posts it has made me feel better. She may have had a brain tumor - we never did find out, but she spent her last Christmas with me and I am grateful for having my little buddy.

After a few hours of pacing and running into walls and falling, she finally settled down and a couple of hours after that she had a massive seizure. Thank God her vet was so compassionate - he kept his cell phone on his night stand (yes, he actually gave me his cell #) and when I called him at 2 am he met me at the clinic and we put her to rest.

I miss my little dog so much; it's only been a few days. I hope it gets better. I'm sure it will.

Dec 27, 2010
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Loyal Friends in Spirit
by: Yvonne

Just to say to all those who lost their beloved pets - we should try to remember all those wonderfull times we had with our loyal friends and be comforted by the fact that our pets are looking down on us from above and are still by our side in spirit.

I had a Tibetian Terrier Winston who was 20 and died this year but I know he is with us in spirit.

Best Wishes to all for 2011.

Dec 27, 2010
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Our Beautiful Boxer Zoie
by: Juli

Zoie was diagnosed with adrenal gland cancer and a brain tumor in April. The vets felt she would probably only have a few weeks to live. She made it 8 months.

But on Dec 23rd when we awoke the brain tumor had consumed her ability to move. We rushed her to the vets immediately. After she was examined by both our Vets, they told us it was time to say goodbye.

My husband and I held her tightly and told her how much we loved her as the final act of kindness was administered. We are heartbroken beyond words. God bless the Angel that brought her to us and I ask that same Angel to take care of her and until we are with her again.

Dec 26, 2010
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Heartbroken
by: Kristin

In hindsight, I recognize symptoms. My peke mix was abandoned and I adopted him in 1999. His vet estimated his age this year at 14. He was such a good dog, I can't imagine anyone not wanting him. Over the last few months, he started losing weight, then started having accidents in the house, which had never happened before. I was going through a divorce and had to move twice within 3 months, and really thought it was stress.

He has always had a weak back left leg. He started having trouble getting into the car, getting up and down steps. I attributed it to age and the fact that he's had disk problems in the past. Then he started falling over randomly when walking. You could tell when he walked, he curved just a little to the left. In October, he fell over and started kicking (vet called it paddling) and panicked when he couldn't get up. I calmed him then stood him up and he was fine. This happened off and on the last two months. Thursday night he started whimpering. I had no idea why. Didn't seem to be in pain. But he just stared at me.

Friday morning was the first time I really knew something was very wrong. The whimpering increased and he wasn't able to stand on his feet. Kept falling over to the left. He just laid there, head up, looking around. Then within a couple of hours, he was unable to lay there normally and was flat out on his side, kicking or paddling periodically. Every once in a while he started what sounded like panicked barking. I stayed by his side, tried to keep him calm and soothed. The whimpering was constant. I fed him lunch meat - his favorite - but he had trouble eating. If I held him in a standing position, he was able to try to eat on his own, but had trouble getting food in his mouth and keeping it there. His head drooped slightly to the left. Friday night/Saturday morning at 2:30am he had his first seizure. At 7 he had a second. He was unresponsive after this one. Couldn't hold his head up, didn't look at us when we spoke and called his name.

So on Christmas morning at 8 am, I rushed him to the emergency vet. She said every symptom he had indicated brain tumor. She told me what options I had but that with his age and how quickly it was advancing, at best he had a few weeks. I couldn't do that to him. I couldn't let my sweet boy suffer. So Christmas morning, Reesi was put to sleep.

Three months ago, I lost my beloved cat of 12 years. Her liver and kidneys failed. I can't put into words how heartbroken I am. My heart goes out to each of you who have lost your beloved pets as well.

Dec 21, 2010
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I lost my best friend
by: Anonymous

I just put my Brutus to sleep and my heart aches everyday...I pray I did the right thing.

He was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. He had surgey in Oct but another mass came back on his neck. He was 15 yrs old and my best friend. It hurts so much and I miss him so much. I try to believe I did the right thing for him and I didn't want him to suffer. He is my heart. How do you deal with the grief?

Dec 21, 2010
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Still hope for Christmas
by: Aly

Our beloved whipped died in my arms in September. I have cried, prayed and hoped to get another one like our Moet, who had been with us for 7 years and passed within an hour of having a seizure.

On December 2, yes Virginia there is a Santa, not only a Santa, but God and angels. After what was only months, but seemed like years I found a rescue whippet that not only looked like my guy, but had a similar name, Cosmo "Mo" we call him. Very easy and close to Moet.

Could this really happen, that is where the angels come in. As I said on December 2, 2010 one showed up at my home with this adorable dog, who has worked his way into our hearts and for the first time in months I not only have stopped crying but feel whole again. As only someone who has lost their 'friend' can understand.

So thank you God, angels and WRAP for making not only our Christmas, but our life!

Dec 14, 2010
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The ones we love.....
by: Sherri

My mini schnauzer "Sherlock" asked to go to be with his sister in doggie heaven the first week of Oct. He was 16. He was my best friend, constant companion, and protector. He had been having health issues, but then one day, it was like he was having vertigo. Off balance, walking in circles, vomiting, eyes twitching back and forth, scared, and as the day worn on he shook and shook.

I took him to the vet, who said it was likely he had had a stroke. She gave him some medicine to calm him and let me sit in the kennel with him for two hours as we watched for the effect. He did become calmer. But as I watched him it was clear to me he was asking to be let go. He was tired of his old body and the way it was always betraying him.

The Dr asked if I thought he was better, I said yes, but this is all artifical isn't it ... she said yes. I decided to fulfill Sherlock's request to go. I could see it in his eyes. Please Mom, let me go be with Daisy...

The staff was fabulous - they laid a pink blanket on the floor, dimmed the lights and I held my little man in my arms as he passed on. It was seamless ... he passed so peacefully.

As pet owners, our greatest act of love is to let them go when they are ready, and they will always tell you, if you listen.

I miss him every day ... but it was his time and he told me so. He was loved each and every day and still is. His essence will always be with me.

Nov 29, 2010
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Helpful Book
by: Anonymous

So sad to lose our furry four-legged friends. My 13-1/2-year-old lab has vestibular disease and is struggling with it. It's hard to know how much to let them endure, but I am told this is temporary. I have lost other dogs in the past and it is indeed gut-wrenching. One of those times the vet who performed the euthanasia gave me a book called "Dog Heaven." It's a children's book and is just wonderful - I have passed it on to several people who have lost their pets. It is very comforting and helps with the grief. The illustrations are wonderful for all ages!

Nov 22, 2010
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R.I.P. my Taco baby
by: Anonymous

On November 8, 2010, I lost my dear little chihuahua named Taco. He was 8 years old and was vibrant and full of life.

A few months back I noticed that he would just stand and stare at me without blinking. Also he stopped jumping up on my bed, so I would have to lift him onto the bed. I thought that maybe he stopped because he was afraid to jump. Then he started to lose weight 2 weeks prior to the seizures. We tried to give him vitamin supplements and also took him to a vet that ran tests and treated him for dehydration. This vet was not able to find out what was wrong and blamed us for his weight loss.

His symptoms only got worse and he started having seizures. We took our beloved Taco to an emergency vet center (which had a wonderful supportive staff) that then told us that our Taco had a brain tumor and gave us the option of progressive treatment or euthanizing him.

We decided to bring him home as he was stable at the time, and we wanted to say our final goodbyes. My husband made a bed for him in the living room where he was watching over him. He usually slept in bed with us, but that wasn't safe because of the seizures.

As weak as he was he managed to make his way back to my room to get in my bed. I put him in bed next to me and held him closely. Later that night he had a very violent seizure and we knew it was time to say the final goodbye, as painful as it was. We called the emergency vet center, and they were available,as late as it was, to help our baby.

It was so sad to see such an energetic little dog be stripped of his strength in such a short period of time. I will miss him dearly.

Nov 11, 2010
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Jedda
by: Nell

11/11/2010

On Sunday night I put my beloved Belgian Shepherd, Jedda, down. She too probably had a brain tumour and even though I know it was the kindest thing for her, that gut wrenching decision to let them go is never easy.

People who don't have animals don't understand the grief. After my husband died Jedda made me feel safe when I had to live on my own; she was a big, hairy thing to hug when the days and months after my husband's suicide were too much to bear.
I was very lucky to have her in my life.

RIP my darling girl.

Nov 10, 2010
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Winston my Faithful Friend R.I.P.
by: Yvonne

I had a lovely loyal Tibetian Terrier named Winston for 20 years and 5 months. He was so loyal and had been with me for more than half my life through thick and thin.

When he was about 16 he seemed to have problem with his sight. He had cataracts and vet said he would be too old to remove them. He adapted to his new handicap and was able to have a good quality of life. Through his whole life he came everywhere we went and never went to kennels.

Later he started to walk around in circles and we put it down to his sight loss. We adapted our kitchen to be Winston-friendly so he wouldn't hurt himself. His appetite was great and had regular visits to the vet. They said he had a tumour or dementia. They did say he wasn't in any pain, so we carried on as best we could.

Then one day he had a fit, but recovered well. He was put on medication and the fits abated but he seemed to be falling easily and would find it hard to get up, like his balance was gone. I would sit him on my lap and feed him daily. He slept with us in my arms and the family would take their turn in the night looking after him. We were trying to get him a doggy wheelchair to help him walk. Even up to the end he loved his food and cuddles. He had such a great personalty.

August last he had continuous fits and we were told that nothing could be done to save him. It was awful having to say goodbye to him. We buried him in one of his favourite spots in the garden where he used to pinch the pansies on me when he was a pup. I know he is watching over me now. He will always be missed.

Nov 08, 2010
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Marsha - your dog probably didn't have a brain tumor :(
by: Dina

Marsha - your post alarms me. Your vet should have recognized these symptoms as vestibular disease. Look it up and see if the symptoms match your dog's. The counter-clockwise circling, head tilt to left, loss of use of limbs, and eye fluttering are all symptoms. This disease is frightening but is not life threatening. It will clear up in a couple weeks at most. Some dogs have it only a couple days.

But, maybe your dog did have a tumor too. I just hope your vet didn't jump to that conclusion and euthanize based on those symptoms alone, especially the eye fluttering (nystagmus). I know many dogs who have survived this just fine.

Sep 28, 2010
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How to stop your pain
by: Aly

Having read from one person who lost their beloved dog, how do you stop the pain? I ask further how do you cope with the pain of having a part of your faomily, in essence you being taken away from you?

The answer is something that I don't have for anyone else, I can't even answer this for myself. I am consumed with the loss, beating myself up for not seeing signs that I now know indicate this problem. I'm finding it hard to move on.
People are a comfort and believing he is in a far better place helps. Thinking of the future without him is bleak. I wish to get to a place to have another lovely friend to walk, talk to and have give me the unconditional love my whippet did. I take some comfort that I held him in my arms when he died, it was quick and he did not suffer. Rainbow Bridge poem has helped.

Sep 28, 2010
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RIP Eddie
by: Marsha

This past Friday, I had to put my spunky little 17 year-old Jack Russell/Westie Terrier mix, Eddie, to sleep. I can't believe that just the day before he was running around just fine, even playing with our other dog, Buster.

He was fine on Friday morning when I left for work. It was a different story when I returned home. I noticed Eddie was stumbling, trying to walk and he could not walk in a straight line, he just kept circling. I have no idea how long he was doing that since I was at work all day, but I suspect it had been a while as he was panting. I tried to let him rest, then put him on his feet again, but he still couldn't walk. By the time my husband arrived home ten minutes later, I was sobbing because I knew this wasn't good and because of Eddie's age, that he likely wasn't coming back home with us.

We rushed him to the vet and after examining him, the vet determined that Eddie likely did have a brain tumor because of the way his eyes were also fluttering back and forth. The vet said there wasn't much that could be done to help him, which I knew, and so we had to let our little friend go. We had him for 16 years and after reading the other posts on here and how young some other dogs were, I know that I was blessed to have him that long. I am also thankful that he didn't suffer any of the other symptoms prior to what finally happened to him.

The only change in behavior we have noticed over the last several months was how clingy Eddie became. He was always right behind us, and often getting under our feet and tripping us. I also noticed that he had suddenly developed a lot of energy which amazed us given his age. And finally, we noticed that he was constantly licking the carpet or the dog beds, which he had never done before. I have no idea if those were symptoms of the tumor or not.

This is the second dog we have lost due to a brain tumor. In 2006, our 10 year-old Golden Retriever, Ariel, suffered a massive seizure due to a brain tumor which resulted in us having to put her to sleep as well.

I am having a very hard time dealing with Eddie's loss because it comes on the heels of having lost our cat Riley unexpectedly last Thanksgiving. I still hadn't completely dealt with Riley's loss and now I've lost another wonderful friend.

Sep 28, 2010
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I Miss My Baby Tonka (Schmoo)
by: Anonymous

I had to put my baby down on September 9. He was about 12 1/2 years old. He had the same symptoms that Spanky had and I took Tonka to a specialist and they told me he had brain cancer.

I miss him so much and still cry when I think of him. Will this pain ever go away? I want him back so bad it hurts. My husband thinks we should get another dog, but I just can't right now.

Does anybody have any advice on how to get over this empty feeling and hurt?

Sep 26, 2010
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My Beloved Dog, Dallas....
by: Donna

My dog Dallas, who is a Maltese and about 13 years old, had his 1st seizure last week. I don't know his exact age, because I took him in when his owner no longer wanted him. That was about 11 years ago and he is also the father of my other Maltese, Bijou who is 12 and have had him since a puppy.

After the 1st seizure, I took Dallas to the Vet and they said he might not have another one for another year or it could be weeks, or months, but when he does, keep track of them.

Last Thursday his 1st seizure started at 6:00 AM, then 12:30 PM, 1:48, then 3:30 in the car as I was driving him to the Vets. He was put on Phenobarbital & blood was drawn, to make sure his other organs were working properly, but I had to wait for the results. I filled the prescription within a hour and he had his 1st pill at 6:00.

Then my true nightmare began - he was having seizures every half hour, twisting his body, drooling, and then he basically was screaming. My 17 year old son & I were horrified. I called the Emergency at 8:30 and the Vet called in a prescription for Valium.

I started my dog on Valium and finally around 11:00 PM, he fell asleep. I was up every 3 hours to give him more Valium, until the Pheno kicked in. The same the next day & night.

The seizures have stopped, but my baby Dallas walks around like a Zombie. Not real alert, walking into things & swaying as he walks. He still is eating & drinking water, so I am holding onto that little glimmer of hope. But after reading several stories, I know I am just prolonging the inevitable.

I feel he is suffering and have been crying for 3 days and can't continue to watch him in this condition. I know I have to let go, so I will talk it over with my son.

I thank you for your stories, because I know he is only going to get worst, so it is time to let my Baby go...

Sep 23, 2010
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Wish I found this sooner
by: Aly

Your description is exactly what happened to my beloved Whipped. Sadly he died Monday after having a major seizure, it was truly horrible.

He was to the vet for his shots last month and checked out OK, never having a sign we could put our finger on, yet all small things, rubbing his head, walking into the gate instead of through it. We put it down to having flown him over from England last year with us and being a bit disorientated.

He compensated, never cried much just sounded like a coffeepot perking. On Wednesday he had a slight problem with his back leg, cried a bit. He was off his food, yet when we hand fed him he would eat.

In speaking to the vet they felt it was a brain lesion and nothing could have been done, no vet opens untill 8 am in our town and this happened a little after 7 am, he was gone by 7:45.

We are heartbroken, he was so beautiful, a fawn brindle, with such a gentle nature and wanted to be with us, checking where we were all the time.

Sep 21, 2010
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Thor
by: Anonymous

I am sorry to hear about your wonderful puppy! The vet should probably make a definitive diagnosis before making any decisions. Unfortunately, there could be an enormous number of reasons why Thor is seizing, both complex and simple. Thor could be reacting to the food you are giving him, too. Our Maggie was diagnosed with a brain tumor and I did some research about it. We stopped giving her store purchased food and made her a combination of bread, eggs, hamburger and rice. She loved it and it certainly helped with the seizures along with the Phenobarbital. Of course, there was no stopping the growth of the brain and she lived another happy 6-7 months before she left us.

I was adamant about giving her every option as long as she wasn't suffering. I will pray for you and Thor. I hope that it is something simple that can be taken care of with meds and/or food.

God Bless.

Sep 20, 2010
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Thor
by: Judy

I was just googling for some answers and found this site.

I have a bull mastiff/boxer mix. He is only 13 months old. He started having seizures in April of this year.

I took him to the ER vet when he had his first one and they told me to take him to my vet. I took him to the vet and he was put on phinb and valium. He was doing pretty good only having a seizure maybe once a month when the weather was stormy.

However, on Friday he started having seizures and has had them all weekend. He slept all day Sunday and I had to keep checking on him. He did not respond to any noises. He is very unstable when he tries to walk - he is bumping into walls and walks thru things instead of going around them.

I hope I don't have to make that dreadful decision.

Thank you for this site.

Sep 02, 2010
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Missing my Buddy boy
by: Carol

Buddy was only 4.5 years old. He started having seizures one year ago. We were told it was probably epilepsy and he was put on medication.

During the year he still had some seizures and his medication was increased. He was having side effects from the medication - difficulty getting up, weight gain and lethargy.

In May he had 2 really bad seizures just days apart. At that time we decided if he were to have any more we would not let him suffer.

Last Friday night he had his worst seizure ever. After each seizure a part of Buddy was lost.

Saturday morning he went to doggy heaven. I miss him so much, but I know he is not suffering any more. I had a dream last night that he was with my grandmother (who passed away years ago) and my previous dog Max. They were all happy.

Run free my friend, run free.

Aug 30, 2010
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Thank you
by: Anonymous

Thank you for posting this, and explaining symptoms of a brain tumor. It is helping my decision today to say goodbye to my beloved dog and friend of 10+ years. I am grateful for your help.

Aug 30, 2010
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Spanky
by: Anonymous

I feel your loss whole heartedly. He was extremely blessed to have you in his life.

My Amer.Eskie of 17yr is suffering from the same symptoms for some time, and got worse for the past few weeks...her left eye is half shut this morning. I fear her time to go to the Rainbow Bridge is near. Meanwhile, we are keeping her as comfortable as we possibly could.

God bless our bestest friends, and bless all of you.

Gigi

Aug 27, 2010
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Spanky
by: Gwen

I'm so sorry for your loss today. Spanky was lucky to have you to love him for 9.5 years. RIP Spanky.

Aug 26, 2010
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My Mastiff mix, Charlie, has suddenly started acting strange
by: Gwen

I have a Mastiff mix named Charlie. He is 8 1/2 years old. I rescued him from the dog shelter 4 years ago. He is the love of my life. I have severe back trouble and had to quit work two years ago. Charlie has been by my side the entire time. He's my constant companion.

About three weeks ago, he started acting strangely. He would yelp out for no apparent reason and then start pacing the floors and panting constantly. I took him to the vet every few days and no "pill" they gave him helped. They did no blood work, no urine tests, nothing. Just assumed from my description of him yelping that he must be in some kind of pain.

After 3 visits and yet another "pill", I decided to take him to another vet. She was wonderful! She did a full exam, all of the lab tests she could think of, and found nothing wrong. While we were there, Charlie did his yelp and then bolted from the exam room (the door was ajar slightly and he just pushed his way out). He was running hysterically around the office.

The vet said his yelp was not from pain but rather from fear. She shook her head and said it did not look good. In her many years of practice she had seen similar behavior before. She thinks he has a brain tumor. Over the past week he has progressed to self isolation. His "safe place" is on my bed in the back of the house. (He used to be by my side constantly, even following me to the bathroom! I miss that...) He now gets confused when he's let outside and constantly runs to my car like he thinks he's going bye-bye; when he comes out of the bedroom to get a drink of water (only a couple times a day) he often can't find his way back to the bedroom and becomes fearful and starts running in every room yelping.

I'm so sad for him (and me). He's still eating, although he now won't eat his dry dog food anymore (which he's eaten every day of his life) - he eats only canned.

I know the end is coming and it's coming way too fast. Thank you to everyone that has posted on this site. It has encouraged me that I'm not alone.

I wish you all hadn't had to go through the pain of losing your pets, your friends. God bless you all.

Aug 17, 2010
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Pippa
by: Gillian

We have a 11 and half year old cross who, up till 2 days ago was a picture of health.

However we went to bed Sunday only to be woken at 12.30 by a strange sound. We turned on the bedroom light only to find Pippa having a seizure, it was horrendous.

I phoned the vet who told us to see how she went on through the night, but she had another one at 5.30. I took her to the vet first thing Monday morning and the vet said the prognosis isn't good because a dog of her age just don't start without an underlyin problem, i.e. live or kidney failure os a brain tumour. She then had another seizure so they kept her for tests. They came back negative for the liver and kidney problem but she does have an infection, but the vet said she still thinks it is a brain tumour so we have to take every day as it comes now.

However she is fitting nearly every 2 hours now and can hardly walk and keep herself upright so she is going back to the vet tomorrow and we will have to discuss what our options are.

She is a wonderful dog who is loved so much, but there comes a time when you have to think about your pet and think enough is enough, it's not fair to suffer. She has had a good life and I take comfort in that.

Aug 14, 2010
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Time to say goodbye...
by: Anonymous

RIP Comet...it really sounds like you did the best for your best friend. I have not gone through having to put a dog down yet, but my day is coming...and I absolutely dread it. I think it's harder to put an animal down and cope with emptiness than it is to see a human pass away...maybe it the unconditional love...I don't know but it's going to be very very hard on me.

I love what you and your girlfriend did to make his last evening on earth as comfortable as possible for him.

Aug 14, 2010
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Time to say goodbye?
by: Anonymous

..Unfortunately, Comet my little 14 year old Bull terrier was put down this morning. After writing here last week, his health spiralled downward. The medications caused him to refuse to eat, making him very weak. The spells of being startled and constantly being scared of something had gotten the best of him, there seemed to be no relief for our buddy.

My girlfriend and I decided to put him down if his quality of life was to continue to decline, it was and quick. We had the vet take several X-rays of his body.. the edema was worsening, his lungs were 2/3 congested last week, and today after taking meds for that week.. fully congested.

His head contained a small "something" within the left ear, not a tumour though. So that was somewhat of a relief! Dementia is the prognosis and medication to slow the onset and somewhat relieve symptoms, then the issue with pulmonary edema. That needed to be addressed as well. There were a few tumours in his abdomen causing the edema, they needed to be removed or looked into further. Cataracts, torn ACL, Vestibular disease, recent deafness and just old age... he was 87 (14) in his years.

It was just too much for our little Commie. We said our goodbyes last night, my girlfriend gave him a bath (he loved baths) and cleaned him up for his big day in the morning. He finally ate a meal of Chinese food and fortune cookies and ice cream too! Slept the best he had in days, he seemed real relaxed and peaceful.

Best wishes to all who have shared you stories here... Spanky has a new playfriend - Commie!

Aug 12, 2010
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Shih-Tzu symptoms
by: Doug

We have a 13 year, 8 month old named Mops. At 26 pounds, not your typical Shih-Tzu.

Four days ago he had his first seizure. It started with him yelping in pain. Then he struggled to his feet and stumbled around in a somewhat circular pattern. His head was tilted downward and to one side. His back was arched and his torso turned, hence the circular walking pattern.

He has had 6 more seizures since the first one. The vet did not at first think it was a brain tumor. Now he does. Mops was given Gabapentin to help quell the seizures. It worked for less than 24 hours before another episode occurred.

As of this writing, we are monitoring him. Most likely we will soon have to say goodbye to our wonderful companion.

What joy they bring into our lives! Truly, they are gifts from God.

Aug 12, 2010
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Brain tumor symptoms
by: Lana

Thank you for your story! It has helped me understand what is happening to my sweet golden retriever, Sammy.

He has a growth on his head and, due to his age, 12, the vet said it was best to leave it alone and just let him have quality of life not quantity. I agreed.

His tumor has grown to about 3 times its size in just a few months, maybe almost a year. I knew he didn't have long so we have just made him comfortable and loved him the best we could. But recently he is showing signs just like your dog did. He has not had seizures, thank God! He has recently started to just walk around the house and just stare at the walls and what not. We found him behind the bathroom door looking at the wall today. So sad for us.

My whole family has cried all evening knowing what we have to do. He wimpers sometimes and runs into walls on occasion but the constant pacing is telling me that he is really no longer with us and he doesn't even seem to recognize us.

I feel ashamed to have let it get to this point and feel we must make a decision soon to have him put down.

It is a very difficult decision to make because he is my son's dog - they have grown up together and are the same age, 12! They have spent every night together on my son's king sized bed for years and years. But the selfishness has to stop and it is time to put him out of his misery.

Thank you so much for your information; it has helped me to know exactly what we need to do. May your sweet baby rest in peace and may our sweet Sammy get the relief he deserves. God Bless you and your family and thanks again.

Lana

Aug 11, 2010
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Time to say goodbye?
by: Anonymous

Sounds like you are really having a hard time with your best bud. I have a dog that had dementia - she does what your dog does as far as panting, however Anipryl seems to keep that minimized. The panting is an issue off and on. Eats like I own a food mill or something, but at some point the quality of life has to play a role. I really dread that day.

Our good days still outweigh the bad, but I can see changes that aren't for the good. She gets startled alot, and my vet too said it's the cateracts. She had an ear infection - that was a real treat - and she's lost her hearing, but we still manage. It takes a lot of my time, but at the end I will be able to lay my head on my pillow and know I did everything I could to help her.

You've got other issues that I haven't experienced with my dog. I wish you the best and we will keep you in our doggy prayers.

You will know when the time is right...

Aug 10, 2010
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Time to say goodbye?
by: Anonymous

After reading just about every post here, I still sit confused.

I have a senior Bull terrier rescue that my girlfriend and I decided to take on over 7 years ago. He was so healthy and full of life we simply could not understand why anyone would give him up.

Last year I came home for lunch to find him laying on the floor in his vomit, eyes reeling back and forth and his body shaking. I started to cry because it was such a horrible sight. Called the Vet and brought him in for a check-up, he said that it was Vestibular disease and he will more than likely recover. OK... He did eventually recover, but his head tilt is still evident several months later.

Then the chronic eye infection in his left eye, same side as his head tilt. It was said to be a plugged tear duct. Vet would give antibiotics and send him home, the eye would clear up and everything would seem fine for a week or two after the antibiotics and then it was back. Even after multiple daily saline washes.

Months later his hearing has completely gone now and he is being startled randomly! Eating from his bowl or laying down, he jumps as if he was frightened by something. Vet said may be a behavioural issue coping with his cataracts and hearing loss... Canine dementia?

Then the bouts of being startled became worse, the dog is acting crazy, as if seeing things that just were not there! Same craziness you would find with fireworks... but the house is quiet and sometimes even dark.

A month ago things have just got to the point that something has to be done - now he is panting uncontrollably, even in his sleep. Seeing things, shaking his head like he had something in his ear, refuses to eat and is very restless. He walks for hours around the house, following you, lays beside you briefly and jumps up startled.

Another vet trip left us even more confused. X-rays revealed fluid in his lungs and no real indication as to why, no real symptoms of CHF. The vet mentioned that he possibly has a brain tumour, prescribed diuretics and something to help aspiration (furosemide/theophyline) and deal with his lungs first.

He now seems less startled by whatever was bothering him, possibly a bout or two by the afternoon followed by an hour or so of panting. Still somewhat restless, has no real mobility issues other than old age and a bit of a head tilt. No appetite - bull terriers are voracious eaters - and tends to hide and pant when he is not under foot. His left eye infection is also on it's way back, just as it does after a week without the antibiotics.

There will have to be a solution over the next couple weeks or I have to give up, he has been the most polite old man... I owe him a great deal of respect and will never forget!

Update to follow...

Aug 04, 2010
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saying goodbye
by: Mandy's momma

My shih-tzu poodle mix dog had started to have mini seisures also. She was having accidents in the house and eventually just started to go potty on some puppy pads in the house instead of going outside. She either didn't want to eat anything or acted like she was starving. She became terrified of thunder, fireworks, or any flash of light(including my camera). She was rubbing her eyes/head a lot too. She lost weight (3 pounds in a few months) and wasn't acting like herself, but she was pretty old.

She was just two months shy of her 16th birthday when I had to have her euthanized. It was heartbreaking but I also couldn't bear to see her suffer.

That last night she played with her doggy cousin, went for a walk, ate a plate full of her favorite food, and went to lay down in her usual spot. She got up after a while and her back end tipped over. I went to check on her and tried to stand her up but she couldn't stand. It got worse, she was curling up (like trying to touch her nose on her tail) and couldn't stand at all.

I took her to the emergency clinic. The Vet said he suspected cancer (symptoms neurological). At her age, and with her symptoms, I didn't want to bring her back home just to prolong her suffering. It was a very hard thing to do.

I think we, as owners and close friends, deep down just know when it's time to say goodbye. It's so hard to do and we miss them so much. But it is the most humane way for our beloved pets to pass on. Only time will help heal your broken heart, but try to treasure your good memories of your very special friend.

Take Care and God bless.

Jul 30, 2010
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My Beautiful Dog
by: Anonymous

Do you and your beautiful dog a favor..take your dog to the vet, have them put her on Anipryl or the generic Anipryl for dementia. If it is dementia, you will see a change in your dog in about a week.

Don't buy Anipryl online because the online stuff isn't made in the USA.

The pacing will pretty much stop along with the panting. My dog has been on it for 7 months now...getting along pretty good. If she didn't have cataracts and kidney issues she'd be doing really good.

I also purchased some soft chews that soothes and relaxes my dog...I got it at PetSmart and I can't believe how well they help calm her down. Now my dog climbs in and through everything, so we've had to gate off 1/2 of the house. We've had to fence off the pool as well.

The dementia is heartbreaking, but once you get your dog on a plan, it helps...otherwise you will have to invest money in either mops or paper towels and some good odor spray for your floors, because they just go whenever they have to, wherever they are... it takes patience and love. You will find it will consume a lot of your time.

Jul 29, 2010
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my beautiful dog
by: Anonymous

My little dog has possible brain tumor or dementia,very hard to watch her go through this.
She was a rescued dog so don't know her exact age but around 12 to 13. She circles a lot and paces around, she still enjoys food but I have to guide her to food most times. Vet said in January it was possible brain tumor but they didn't offer treatment for it there. She doesn't appear to be in pain, sometimes the odd whine.

I hope I'm not being selfish keeping her alive but she seems to have some enjoyment in life with food and still recognizes home when she has been out for the day. I can't put her to sleep yet.

Jul 28, 2010
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Sweet Mollie
by: kicknckn

I completely understand your concern with Mollie.

I have a 13 year old Lhaso Apso that does the same thing...CCD Canine Cognitive Disorder. It's like dementia. I currently have her on 5 mg Anipryl and she's doing a lot better. She still paces, bumps into things, tries to fit her body into any space she thinks she can... I have pillows between every piece of furniture I have.

It's very sad sometimes - it is like she has no idea where she is. But then I hold her and woo her back and she's good. Until she shows signs of pain or can't hold her bowels, or her quality of life is diminished, I will not put her down. Feel free to email me at kicknckn[at]yahoo.com (replace [at] with @).

Jul 27, 2010
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Sweet Mollie
by: Anonymous

On July 5th, Mollie, my 10 year old Shih Tzu, started losing control of her hind legs. Within hours she started drooling, and could not stand. She was admitted to our local vet hospital.

After all blood work, x-rays, CT scans came back negative, Mollie was discharged with an unknown diagnosis. Possible Coonhound Paralysis although she had no known contact with a racoon.

Mollie started to show signs of recovery within a week of being home, but 1 week later is now walking "drunk" again, and not drinking water (does eat wet food from my palm). She is still relieving herself outside, but I'm noticing she bumps into things she would normally know were there, and she circles a few times while walking. She never wimpers and barks are far and few between.

I am so sick reading these comments thinking she may have a brain tumor. Not sure if I should have the MRI done? Just to find out yes she does have a tumor, then what? I'm selfishly just wanting to know that the glimpse of my sweet girl I see every once in a while is enough to keep her going. or am I allowing her to suffer for my own good?

Jul 26, 2010
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Coming to grips
by: Anonymous

I wrote a few weeks back about my mastiff, Izabel. Sadly, we have learned that she has a brain tumor. She is only 3. We have her on prednisone and are enjoying the time we have left with her as much as possible. She still likes a short morning walk and will even bring me toys when I take her outside. She prefers to be lying down and continues to have an unsteady gait, but it doesn't seem to be getting worse.

As long as she is happy and enjoying her life, she will remain our companion. I know, though, that when the time comes that I can't say that, I will do the right thing for her.

Jul 14, 2010
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We feel your pain
by: Debbie - Baltimore

I went to this site because my sister-in-law's dog, Duncan, was just diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor about 30 minutes ago.

He has been experiencing the same symptoms (without the seizures) for a few weeks now. She has spent a fortune trying to find out what was wrong with Duncan, but the money didn't matter to her. She just wanted to find out if there was something that could be done.

As I sit here crying about Duncan and your sweet dog, my sister-in-law is trying to come to grips that she has no other choice. I've been through this with our dog Precious with breast cancer.

Believe me when I say, I really feel your pain. God bless Duncan and Lisa and everyone that suffers having to make this decision, even though they know it's the best thing for their best friend.

Jul 11, 2010
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Trying to prepare for the worst
by: Anonymous{PJ}

We finally had to put our 5 yr old golden retriever, Rebel, down last Mon. REALLY miss him bad but knowing someday we'll be reunited gives me some peace of mind.

Jul 11, 2010
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Hoping for the best
by: Anonymous

I have a three-year old English mastiff named Izabel. Last weekend she went from being fine one minute to having trouble walking the next. She has an unsteady gait and gets nervous about walking around things in our house. She is doing more head-shaking than usual and does have a lot of waxy substance in her right ear.

We had been up to the cabin the week before and had to give her several baths in the lake after she kept finding dead fish to roll in. Lots of opportunities for water in the ears. I pointed that out to our vet the other day, but he said there wasn't any bulging going on in her eardrum, so he didn't suspect a middle ear infection. He said they are rare. I have spent $1000 already and have no answers.

I have an appt. tomorrow with a neurology vet. She does seem a bit better. She is still eating and drinking, no seizures, even brought me a couple of toys yesterday while I was sitting outside with her. It is odd.

I am praying for a middle ear infection. We had to put our Eng. bulldog down two years ago, and it was gut-wrenching. I pray that we won't be making that decision again soon.

Jul 01, 2010
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Seeking Advice
by: Anonymous

No, I don't think rubbing his head on the furniture is an indication of pain. I truly believe if an animal is in pain, they will let you know by either whining or howling. This is just my opinion tho...your vet should be able to tell you if he's in pain.

Jul 01, 2010
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My 17 yr old Am Eskie
by: Anonymous

See you vet, my dog also has dementia, same symptoms 5 months ago. Put her on Anipryl and she's 90% better today. I know it's not a permanent fix, but it sure helps her alot.

Jul 01, 2010
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to all!
by: Anonymous{PJ}

My heart aches for all our loving,trusting friends who can't speak for themselves! & for their owners! I felt so alone in this but know now I'm not.

Jul 01, 2010
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My 17yr old Amer.Eskie
by: Anonymous

First, my condolences to all of you who lost their best friend/companion/baby.

My 17yr old Eskie was rescued from a pet store that my husband insisted of getting for me due to me being dx with a uncurable debilitating illness. He was afraid I might get lonely after years of working full time.

Anyhow, I fell into with Gigi the first time I saw and wanted to protect her regardless of my own health issues.

She is the most intelligent, best behaving pooch I've ever known.

Since 2 yrs ago, she started showing signs of aging, after my other dog died suddenly. She watched him grew up literally.She was diagnosed as having demantia this year.

She started deteriorating rapidly this year. She often stands in one spot as if she's not sure where she is, she lost control of her bowel movements, stumbles and falls all the time. Since this week, I noticed that her head tends to tilt to the left and loses her balance and trips on herself on the left side too. My gut feeling tells me that she has some kind of brain tumor and her time is limited.

Just thought I'd share.

Jul 01, 2010
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Seeking Advice
by: eleni

Why do these things always happen to the best animals? I have a boxer, he will be 9 this year. He has had 5 mast cell tumors in the 8 years I've had him. At X-mas he was diagnosed with underactive thyroid, and has also just been diagnosed with Cushing's diseas. He had a seizure on Sunday and I took him to the vets. He thinks my dog has a brain tumor, as his right side of his face is drooping. He also wobbles a little when he walks, and keeps rubbing his head on furniture. I have decided against putting him through the testing and possible treatment that's available, as he has been through so much already. If I was in my 60's and fell ill with this, I wouldn't want treatment as I believe we get these things for a reason. However, I'm worried that I'm letting him suffer now. Does his rubbing his head indicate that he's in pain? If anyone has any advice please post a comment.

Jun 30, 2010
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Trying to prepare for the worst
by: Anonymous{PJ}

That sounds so encouraging! Dr. did prescribe Cerenia {used for motion sickness} but he only took one pill then he was hospitalized for 3 days so they could observe his behavior. So now he's just on prozac & his thyroid meds but I'll ask him about vertigo. I know what that feels like since I suffered with it a few times!! Thank you so much for responding...it gives me hope!

Jun 30, 2010
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Trying to Prepare for the Worst
by: Anonymous

I had a golden retriever that was terrified of storms...had similar symptoms as your dog. The vet treated her for vertigo and it took about 4 weeks for her to settle down. Meds and a lot of rest did the trick for us, but it took a little of a month and she finally came back around.

Jun 30, 2010
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Trying to prepare for the worst
by: Anonymous

We had to board our 5 yr old Golden retriever for a few days to leave state for wedding. He was normal the day we left him... played frisbee, etc... but definitely not himself when we returned.

Our part of the city had a tornado touchdown about a mile or two from where we had him kenneled but the area he was in just got really bad hail & I understand all the dogs with him were upset.

He walks in circles with his head down, pants & becomes very confused at times & pushes his head into corners/walls & tries to crawl into areas he's too big for (like end tables,under our bed.)
He has some appetite but acts like it hurts to open his mouth.

Blood work & x-rays show everything normal so the vet thought we should treat him for OCD with prozac but might take 2-4 wks for results... maybe.(He's only been on it 3 days.)

We've put in over $1000 in vet bills this past week & MRI will cost another $1200 if we go that route after seeing what prozac does. He doesn't whine or act like he's in pain - He wags his tail when we talk with him. It hurts so bad to see him like this!!

Jun 28, 2010
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Feeling Your Pain
by: Sara

Today I had to do the same thing for my dog, Sammie. It was hard but it made me feel better to know the symptoms were the same.

Jun 22, 2010
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Confused
by: Anonymous

Saturday morning my 6 yr old dog started having seizures so I rushed him to the vet ER. They just said it was an isolated incident and sent him home. He had another later that night and continued having them throughout the day on Sunday so again he was taken to ER. They put him on phenobarbitol. Now he can't be left alone without going absolutely crazy. This is a dog that used to sleep all the time and was very used to being left alone. On Monday (our first day when everyone had to go to work) he tried to knock the AC out of our bedroom window to get out. I am so afraid that he is going to hurt himself or our other pets, any advice?

Jun 20, 2010
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Ginger my Boxer
by:

On June 14th at 1:30 in the morning I had to put my 9 year old Boxer Ginger down. She started having seizures on Saturday night. We rushed her to Animerge and the vet there said it probably was a brain tumor. They put her on Phenobarbital and she had 2 more seizures. I had to put her down.

I have lost 4 dogs in the last 9 years. This was the worst. In the past I always had another dog at home. I am having a really hard time with this. I am still wondering if I had done the MRI, maybe it was something else that could be treated. I live alone and find it very lonely without her. I miss her so much. I would hate to see her in pain.

All the symptoms started 3 weeks ago and she had every one associated with a tumor except seizures until that night. I do look at it that hopefully she was not in pain very long. She did have a good life but it hurts so much. I will miss her dearly.

Jun 18, 2010
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Simular Situation
by: Anonymous

Get the shots...know in your heart you did all you could before you make a life changing decision. That's just my opinion.

Jun 18, 2010
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Similar Situation
by: Ashley

Our sweet cocker spaniel Maggie is 15 years old. She's had perfect health until this past December when she had a really bad ear infection and then another one in February. In mid-May she started having similar symptoms as before, only worse. She circles to her right, falls to her right, walks the wall to her right and sometimes has trouble getting off the floor to stand. She has her normal large appetite. The vet put her on Prednisone which we are keeping her on (5mg 2x). We were originally told it could be idiopathic vestibular disease and to give it a few weeks or that it could be a brain tumor. I took her to another vet last week for a second opinion and she said the same thing or that it could be a inner ear infection and the outer ear was cleared up from the prednisone so she was given a 14day antibiotic shot to see if she impoved any. It's been 6 days since and sometimes I think there is improvement (she'll walk around in the middle of the room with no problem, etc) and then sometimes I think there isn't any. We were told if we thought there was improvement that she needed to get another shot at the 14day mark but I don't know what to do. It's so hard when they get sick and you just don't know what to do. I just wish she could tell me how she feels.

Jun 18, 2010
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We wait, we cry, we snuggle
by: Anonymous

What were the results of your tests?

Jun 18, 2010
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My Bud Babes
by: Anonymous

Has your vet ruled out CCD...it's dementia for dogs. My dog had alot of the same symptoms everyone on this page is talking about and we put her on Anipryl and she's doing great. It's not a forever fix, but she's doing tremendously better.

I know it's hard to put your best friend down. None of us want to see them suffer. I would ask your vet about CCD (Canine Cognitive Disfunction) just to make sure. My Lhaso Apso has been on it now for about 7 months.

My heart goes out to you and we'll keep you in our doggy prayers.

Jun 17, 2010
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My Bud Babes
by: Anonymous

After seeing two doctors and reading the comments below, I know that my beloved Buddy has a tumor. And we will have to put him down soon. I dread that day. But it's coming soon.

We saw our regular vet on 5/18/10 and he thought at that time this was the case but he could not be certain with out testing because all of his blood work came back normal. The only way for us to be certain was for us have a CT scan. At the cost of 2k to 3k we could not afford this. Our human son starts college in the fall.

After a few weeks on prednisone and a steroid we saw no improvement, actually we saw his balance become worse. So yesterday we saw another doctor. She confirmed what our regular vet stated. And based on the records and what we told her, he is deteriorating. Maybe another month or so. It breaks my heart that my little mutt hitting walls because his balance is off or he jump the way he once could. Now when he greets me at the door he can only wag his tail profusely. He has always followed me around the house like my shadow. He still tries to do that, but quickly will just fall down because he can't stand, or bumps into a wall. I try to get him to stay but sometimes he doesn't listen. He is now hesitant to go through his doggy door. This is proably because he can't see that it is opened. His peripheral sight is fading.

I don't know what to do. Put him down now or wait until he gets worse. But I hesitate because what if I am wrong and he is not as sick as we think. I don't know what to do.

Jun 10, 2010
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We wait, we cry, we snuggle
by: Kim

I am waiting for biopsy reports as I am reading this. I have an 11 yr old Boston Terrier female named Lucky. Me and my family have been the lucky ones. She is a joy!! She has a twin brother named Spooky, he is quite upset and won't leave her side.

Our story mirrors everything I've read...its just a matter of time, probably tomorrow when I get the results of a the biopsy (brain tumor, already progressed.)

We adopted them sight unseen 4 yrs ago as rescues and have had the most wonderful experiences with them. My heart is breaking. My family's hearts are breaking. I have always had a houseful of beloved pets...they are family.

Please keep us in mind today and tomorrow. I will update.

Thank you...Kim

Jun 08, 2010
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Sebastian
by: Anonymous

I understand completely what you are going through. My one and a half year old hound mix recently went through the same thing.

On April 27th he was aggressive toward me and had a seizure. I rushed him to the ER vets, and they told me it was an allergic reaction to something. I then took him to the regular vet, and he concurred with ER vet.

He got better after a couple days. He had several more episodes, each getting worse, followed by more visits to the regular vet, along with another visit to the ER vet. The ER vet told me now that he had epilepsy, and gave him Phenobarbitol. He got better again, then got even worse. I took him to another vet for a second opinion. She said not to worry, to make it through the holiday weekend and she would call the Neurologist.

Well needless to say, my baby Sebastian passed away in his sleep on May 29th. No one could tell me what was wrong with him. He was having seizures, excessive drooling, stumbling, lost sight (pupils enlarged & not retracting), relied on me to guide him to go outside. Between April 27th and May 29th, he went from 89 lbs down to 76 lbs. Also he lost most of the muscle on his head and face. He was still eating and drinking though. All of his blood work showed that he was 100% healthy. The vet did a necropsy on him and said that his organs were in perfect condition. But he suspected that he either had a brain tumor or an infection of the brain.

It is a terrible thing to lose your beloved pet, without any answers. I felt so helpless because I couldn't do more for him.

Jun 07, 2010
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Boxer-Ginger
by: Yvonne

My 10 year old boxer Ginger is showing signs of a brain tumor. I noticed at first she was following me around, being right under my feet, almost tripping over her. Then one day her left side started going limp. I brought her to the vet which they think could be Fibrocartilage-embolism. They took ex-rays and did blood tests which came back normal. Now I do notice her shaking head and hitting her head into walls and door ways. She does have a little trouble going up and down the stairs. She pulls to the one side when going up or down. I did notice the panting but thought it could be the prednisone she was prescribed. She is almost off that. I hate seeing her like this. Very heartbreaking to see her not being her normal happy self. The vet said it could be a brain tumor but would not know without a MRI. I do not have the money for that and spent thousands on my other boxer which had cancer. She is such a sweet dog and can't seem to imagine my life without her. I have lost 2 dogs in the last 5 years - one was a boxer with cancer at 5 years old. Ginger is all I have right now. I live alone and she gives me such joy to see her when I come home. I love her dearly but if it is a brain tumor I will not let her suffer at all. She never has had a seizure so trying to keep the faith that it could be something else. Please say some prayers for my Ginger.

Jun 04, 2010
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Valen the Pom
by: Alison

I really feel your pain!! I am sitting here watching my dog Valen, with similar symptoms. He is only six years old and has always been so hyperactive. I haven't heard him bark in a week (which he always does).

It is so heart breaking to watch him stumble around and not know who I am and can't recognize where my voice is coming from.

We originally thought he had dislocated his hind legs but his symptoms just got worse over the last week (unsteady, running into things, shaking and whimpering). I took him to the vet this afternoon and although they can't confirm a diagnosis, the vet said it looks like a brain tumor. He was given steroids today but has until Monday (2 days time) to show some improvement.

I dread what Monday will bring and how my 2 other dogs will cope.

All we want is to keep our pets safe and healthy, and to be totally helpless is killing me. My heart goes out to anyone dealing with a similar situation, but I do know that our pets know we love them and that's the best we can offer.

Please pray for my best mate Valen!

Jun 02, 2010
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Chloe, the boxer
by: Carin

My boxer girl, Chloe, was only 5 years old this year and we had to say "goodbye" to her this morning.

She had been dx with epilepsy last Nov. but now I wonder if it was a brain tumor. The last two weeks she went downhill fast, first being in a lot of pain, not wanting to walk or be active at all, when normally very playful. Finally this last weekend, she began stumbling, falling over, no control of her balance at all, circling, walking into objects that had been there forever. This morning she was crying out in what I thought was pain. Vet said they thought it could be a tumor but would have to do a spinal tap, very risky, to know for sure. Already blind in both eyes by the time we got to vet. Either way, she would probably not get better. I did not want her to be in pain or suffer, so I said goodbye to my girl---bless you all and your much loved furbabies.

May 30, 2010
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My sweet Ginny
by: Ginny"s mom

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

My 8 yr old female German Shepherd had a few seizures a month or so ago and tonight since I've been home from work she had 6 of them in 3 1/2 hours. I'm going to be by her side until I get her to the vets in the morning, I'll be there when they open.

Hopefully it won't be too late but she deserves the best care and love I can give her. I know in my heart that she'll let me know when it's her time. It's a hard decision to make but then I can't watch her suffer or lose her dignity. My heart goes out ot you.

God bless.
Rest in peace Spanky and run like the wind.

May 29, 2010
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Helpful to read encouraging words
by: Glendale

I pray for all of you losing and suffering with your pets.

Today we put down our 17 year old German Shepherd/Collie mix. It was a hard decision as all of you know. After reflection I think we all know when it is no longer fair to keep hoping things will get better when they only get worse. No one will ever replace Spanky or any of our beloved pets, but we can continue to share our love and care for those in need.

Remember the good times and let yourself cry for your loss.

May 26, 2010
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Becky - so sorry
by: Anonymous

My heart goes out to you. Becky...at the end of the day, you have to know you've done everything you can for you "daughter"...or you will forever and I mean forever be haunted wondering if there was something else.

I understand the tears, I am crying with you. It is very very hard to see our pets that show us unconditional love sick.

Do you have a hospice group for animals in your area?

Talk to you vet...they know the best. If she's in pain, you don't want that. If she's not, give her all the love you can.

Let us know how things go for you.

May 25, 2010
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So sorry
by: Becky

I am now going through this with my 8 yr. old American Bulldog. I have taken her to two different vets, spent hundreds of dollars on blood work, x-rays of the heart and chest, ECG's and multiple other tests, and all they have told me is "she is fine, we don't see anything wrong."

Then I was told by a friend it may be a brain tumor, so I got on-line and found your page and after reading the symptoms I think this is what is going on with "my baby", the first seizure was 2 weeks ago today, I had to give her cpr because I almost lost her, then last Tuesday she had 3 more, the second being the worst, she lost control of her bladder then.

I came in from work this morning and she was so happy to see me, I got her her breakfast, went in the other room for a minute, came out and she was sitting in the chair with her eyes all bugged out and her hair standing, so I got her up on the sofa and sat with her comforting her, where I still am right now and as I sit here I've noticed she didn't eat all of her food, and she loves to eat . . .

I'm not sure what to do, what my next step should be, I have a 10 year old daughter, my only child, that calls my dog "her sister". Oh what can I do? I don't want to be selfish and keep her here for us, but I "need" her, she is my best friend . . . I must go for now, it's hard to see through the tears. Please anyone reading this pray for my dog.

May 24, 2010
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any news
by: sarah

Read your blog Cathy - how is your lab? My lab Gemma had what has been diagnosed as another major stroke yesterday evening with what appears to be mild seizure - vet can't do anything so we wait with baited breath for her to get up again - she can't eat, drink or stand up unaided for more than two minutes, breaks your heart....

May 24, 2010
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My heart breaks for you
by: Cathy

I came to this web site because our wonderful black lab, Faith, has an appointment today with her vet. I'm so scared that she has a brain tumor. She has some of the signs but no seizures. She is 10 years old and so loved. Whoever reads this, please pray for her. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Spanky. I can only imagine how painful. God bless!

May 22, 2010
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Any other signs
by: sarah

Just googling what is wrong with my own 8 yr old lab and waiting for vets call...all signs pointing to a brain tumour except no seizures and we are waiting with fingers crossed hoping it will be her ears...She had a benign tumour several yrs ago and all has been ok since then.

My heart goes out to you all.

May 20, 2010
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Sossie
by: Anonymous

My deepest sympathies to you Tony. It was probably the worst day of your life.

13 years of wonderful companionship and always a sparkle in her eye you will never forget.

You did the right thing, and I can imagine how heavy you heart is. You and Sossie were sharing a wonderful moment basting in the sun.

We never want to see our companions in pain. But we never want them to leave us either. We just need to love them all we can while we have them, which sounds like you did consistently.

Sossie will always be with you in spirit... give yourself time to grieve and lay out in the grass in the sun and when you feel that breeze come over you...think of Sossie..she'll be right there with you.

May 20, 2010
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My Best Bud
by: Anonymous

Eric:
My deepest sympathies to you. You had a very tough decision, but I think you made the right choice for your best friend. There is an emptiness within that will be hard to be filled. It's ok to cry and give yourself time to grieve. His spirit will remain with you forever and memories that you can cherish. The unconditional love that our pets give us lasts a life time. They touch us in so many ways it's unimaginable. Some of our best companions have 4 legs.

Lois M

May 19, 2010
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Sossie, died today..
by: tony.b

Sossie was a german shepherd / doberman cross. She lived to be almost 13 yrs old. She was never sick a day in her life. Always had a sparkle in her eyes.

About 6 months ago, her back legs started to give her a little trouble, but that didn't slow her down. She was always eager to play and go for a walk. Sossie always had that puppy personality.

Yesterday evening while lying in the grass, enjoying the sun, Sossie had a seizure, caused by a brain tumor, and she didn't come out of it. Her head had a steady shake, her eyes were twitching back and forth. I could tell at times she had lost her vision, temporarily, and she could not stand without falling over. This blew my mind.

I let her sleep through the night, hoping it would go away, it didn't. I always said I would never let her suffer. The next day, Wednesday, May 19 at 11:45 am, the vet gave Sossie a needle and she very quietly went to sleep.

It was the hardest thing I ever did, but the vet said it was the right thing, and I know that. I always said, I would never let her suffer.

May 05, 2010
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My Best Bud
by: Eric

Just this morning at 5:30 am, I had the unfortunate task of deciding to have my 14 yr old corgi-Doolie put to rest after having several grand mal seizures since 7 pm yesterday.

I know by what I've read in this website that I did the humane thing. I know he would never be the same, especially since his change in attitude towards me the past 18 months. He became increasingly aggresive to the point of biting me whenever I tried to pick him up or doing anything such as bathing, brushing or using the dremel tool on his claws. I had to muzzle him for any of those events. I noticed he lost weight in his hind end and how slowly he walked around the house. He did run quickly on his daily walks and didn't require a leash at all.

The vet at the hospital said she had seen this many times before and more than likely had a brain tumor. His quality of life would have been diminished. I had to make the logical decision and put my emotions aside for him not to suffer.
I loved that dog like a parent loves their kids.
I'm crying as I write this, but sharing this seems to help.

This is my second round with this since I had to do this with my golden retriever in 2003 that had to be put down due to the effects from Rimadyl. I feel for all the people who have lost their best friends to this. Thanks to all.

May 04, 2010
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Hearing your pain...feeling it too
by: Missin my Sammy

Just 20 hrs ago I stood with my 12 yr old Lab and stroked his head while he took his last breath. The vet confirmed that Samson had a brain tumor. It had never been diagnosed, we never had any indication of a problem, and before 12:20am on May 4th, he had never shown any symptom other than the occasional "senior dog" shaking (and I was informed that this is normal for older dogs).

I miss my Sammy more than I ever thought I could. However, I know in my heart that more tests and drugs and more painful nights were unfair to my pup.

Thank you for sharing your story -- while I knew I made the right and humane choice, it is nice to hear that I'm not alone.

I'm very sorry for your loss and hope that Spanky and Sam may enjoy the extra heavenly play time before we join them.

Apr 28, 2010
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You will know when the time is right
by: Anonymous

When is the right time? Unfortunately, my answer to your question is simply, you will know. I have cared for our Maggie night and day since she was diagnosed with a brain tumor back in October. She not only had the brain tumor, but diabetes and she was blind. The phenobarbital kept her seizures under control and she received insulin injections twice a day. I cooked her a special diet every day to help control her seizures. She was my happy and loving angel until last week when she started limping and unable to put weight on her right hind leg. The left leg soon fell limp as well and Maggie could not longer walk around. She continued to eat heartily. I knew the time was coming so I made that phone call. It was probably the hardest thing that I have had to do in a very long time.....letting her go. While I wanted to be selfish and hold on to her longer, I knew she was whimpering and groaning because of her pain. Maggie is playing with the angels now in a better, peaceful place. She came into our lives and we are better people because of her. Maggie's paw prints will remain in my heart until I see her again. God bless all those who are having difficulties and let your heart guide you as to the right time.

Apr 26, 2010
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Say a prayer
by: Juli

Tomorrow is our last chance for a miracle. Our Boxer Zoie is showing multiple signs and symptoms of a brian tumor. She goes to MSU tomorrow to find out what if anything can be done. Zoie is 7 1/2 years old. We rescued her 3 years ago from a bad situation. Upon rescue, she was not only thin, she had chewed the hair off her paws from allegies, had a stage 2 cancer tumor on her side and she had heartworm. Immediately we had the tumor removed (all went well due to our wonder vet), put her through heartworm treatment (successfully), and put her on a special diet for her allergies (now under control). This dog has become one of the greatest joys of my life and my heart is breaking. How can one wonderful wonderful dog have so many bad things happen to her in her life. To all dog lovers who read this, please say a prayer for Zoie. Thank you.

Apr 23, 2010
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Maverick
by: pam

My Jack Russell Terrier Maverick is 15 yrs. He was having seizures, then stopped eating and started vomiting. He was hospitalized with pancreatitis. His pancreas, liver, kidney values were off the page. He was given a feeding catheter and blood plasma tranfusion. He was not improving. I brought him home and overnite he started eating. But he started having seizures again. He was up to 1 every 3 days. I came upon a website, it is http://canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com. Please visit this website. It is very informative about seizure meds, and about what you can do about seizures, diets, supplements, etc. I started Maverick on the liver detox diet from their website and he has not had a seizure since February! The vet thinks he has a brain tumor. He has been tested for cushings but the results are in the "gray" area. My vet still thinks he has cushings.

He drags his back left paw and it knuckles under. Since I started him on a supplement called Doggone Pain and another one called NZymes, his walking is alot better and he has his old spunk again.

I do not want to put Maverick on a lot of meds, I watched my other Jack Russell Macgyver who was 17 yrs, suffer from taking so many meds, before he was put down in December.

Please everyone visit the Canine Epilepsy Guardian Angels website. Your pet does not have to have epilepsy in order for you to benefit from this website.

Good Luck to everyone,
Pam

Apr 22, 2010
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My Dog Carmine and his Journey
by: Anonymous

On Feb 26th of this year, my 6 year old Boston Terrier, Carmine, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I frantically posted on this page hoping to find some answers. I knew Carmine was not acting right since October and I went to 3 vets only to be told he was feeding off my energy of worrying about him.

After a day of him standing in the corner, I finally told my Vet that there was something wrong with his brain and they sent me for a MRI which confirmed him having a Marcoadenoma (brain tumor). I decided to do radiation therapy - 16 treatments to be exact and today, almost two months after his diagnosis, he is back to my little dog doing all the things he did that made him special. I was very nervous about the radiation therapy because he needed to be put under every day but he came out with no side effects. I am not sure if I would have done the therapy if he was older but being that he was only 6 I needed to give it a try.

There are options out there that can be and will be costly but no price can be put on my best friend's life. I wish everyone luck and much love for what you are going through as I know I am one of the lucky ones. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Apr 22, 2010
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When is the right Time?
by: Anonymous

It's wonderful to hear your story. I know with my Lhaso Apso, I feel like I am on borrowed time. Some days are good, some are bad... more are starting to be bad than good. But I deal with it. I just look at all the 13 years of joy she's given to everyone and I wouldn't feel right not giving her the same in return. To me animals "Pay Forward"... so I am trying to catch up with my bill! She's diagnosed with CCD (dementia)- a brain tumor has been ruled out by an MRI. The hardest thing I will have to do is to put her down when she gets to the point her quality of life is suffering. I cry every day about it already, so I can only imagine how difficult it will be when the day comes. So while you have time, just give all the lov'n you can and don't complain about anything.

Apr 22, 2010
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Update
by: Anonymous

This an an update to my comment, "When is the right Time?"

After a few touch and go days, our 14 year old Shih Tzu bounced back and I realized that the advice some of you gave me about not making a hasty decision to put her down was very sound advice!

The vet has followed up weekly and is now saying that she might be suffering ffom vestibular disease or possibly throwing tiny clots causing mini stroke symptoms. That is not to say the original diagnosis of a brain tumor is out the window, just that there might be other things happening. She is now on 1/4 baby aspirin a day. She did have one seizure (her second in total) last Sunday but it was very short (maybe 30 second) where she lost control of her bladder. She was able to get up and walk around with no signs (except of being frightened) of damage.
I realize her days are numbered, but I remain grateful for each and every day she is able to enjoy eating, walks and our company.

Of course it will be hard to lose her, but I am more at peace with the idea that she has lived a great life and that our lives are that much richer for having adopted her into our family.

Apr 21, 2010
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Just been told
by: Toby of Oxford

We have just arranged for our 10 year lab to be put down tomorrow due to a brain tumour. We have had Toby as a puppy and has been a great companion to the whole family.

He has been showing symptons for quite a while but it was diagnosed as Cushing's Disease. Had we been more knowledgeable we might have recognised the 1st tell tale signs 18 months ago.

We are dreading going to the vets. We know that time is a great healer but we know it is going to be so hard and the home will be very empty without him. That said we know it is the right decision for Toby.

Apr 18, 2010
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Shadow
by: David B.

I just had the same thing happen to our dog Shadow. I have been feeling guilt about letting her go, but to read your story really helped me. Shadow started walking around continuously. She even tried walking behind my TV. The hardest part was that a few weeks ago she seemed ok. Then all of a sudden the compulsive walking started. When she stopped she would lean against the wall. I fought it and fought it, but the decision was made. I have to be honest that I am and was second guessing myself until I read your post. Take care and thank you.

Apr 05, 2010
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When is the right time?
by: Anonymous

Selfishly speaking...never. We never want to say goodbye to our 4 legged companions. NEVER. Unfortunately we have to make that unbearable decision once in a while. It is never never never an easy decision.

As hard as it is, you have to look through the dog's eyes...when is enough enough? The million dollar question. If I were a dog, I would not want to be stuck with needles or a lot of meds. I would not want to have to wear diapers because I can't hold my bowels any longer. If your dog is in pain, believe me they will let you know. You have to make the hard decision...don't jump to a decision immediately...especially in your case where this was the first occurence. If it were me, I'd just wait and see what happens next. In the meantime, I would give all the love I could to my dog. The quality of life...is the deciding factor.

We are selfish and always want one more day...and one more and one more. When the time comes, you will know it and you will have a sense of peace of what you have to do. I am not saying it will make it any easier...but you will know in your heart you did all you can do. One day at a time right now. Keep us posted how things progress.

Apr 05, 2010
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When is the right time?
by: Anonymous

This site had been a god send!

My 14 year old Shih Tzu had a seizure a few nights ago. After that her eyes were moving rapidly from side to side. I took her to the vet right away and he said she has a brain tumor, gave her a cortisone shot, prescribed non-drowsy dramamine and said the next 24-48 hours were critical.

Well, 72 hours later the eye movement is all but gone, she is standing and walking (though a bit unsteady) and falling on her face from time to time and mostly sleeps.

I realize in hindsight that this condition must have been around for a while and it would account for the unexplained bouts of falling down (vet ran every blood test during those incidents with no diagnosis) and of course the slow and steady decline in her health.

I realize the prognosis is not good. The vet said we can prolong things with anti seizure meds etc, but I am struggling with how I know when I am keeping her alive for myself and when is the right time to let her go and end her suffering. She isn't in obvious pain (no panting or yelping) but do I really want her to get to that point?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Apr 02, 2010
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Beagle Bailey
by: Lois

Bill:

My condolences to you and your family on the loss of Bailey. I have recently talked to people on how to really survive the loss of a family pet, because I know my Buffy's day is probably not far away. You can never ever mentally prepare yourself for the loss and I know the pain will last for years. We have to remember the good days and all the love and joy you brought into Bailey's life.

We hate seeing our family pets get ill, but when they do you have to make a hard decision and think of their quality of life and not yours...that's what I am having problems with. You did the right thing, just keep remembering the good times.

RIP Bailey.

Mar 31, 2010
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Beagle Bailey
by: Bill

We just had to put our 9 year old Beagle down last Friday due to seizures and brain tumors. He went down hill real fast. I left home for a road trip on Wednesady of one week and came home 8 days later. From the time I left until I got home he no longer could jump up on the bed and as I held his head for over an hour he did not even know who I was.

Our vet said we could try all the procdures but we would never have our Bailey back so we elected to have him put down.

I have never cried so hard or felt so bad in my 60 years of living. He was the best dog I ever had and I will never replace him.

Mar 29, 2010
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Bandit
by: kelsey

Lois,

Thank you for your kind words. It helps hearing other opinions and means a lot to me. I wish you the best with everything.

Kelsey

Mar 29, 2010
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Nittany
by: pat

I just had to put my best friend Nittary, a chocolate lab, down on 3/26/2010 due to a brain tumor. I kept telling myself that his falling and seizures and blindness were due to something else, but really I knew. I couldn't stand it anymore that he was falling and panting and banging into walls with no dignity left.

I miss my boy terribly and my house is so lonely. It leaves you so hollow. I really don't even know if he knew me when I was trying to say goodbye but I hope he was in no pain. I miss him terribly and always will.

Mar 25, 2010
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Bandit Boy
by: Lois

My deepest deepest sympathies go out to you Kelsey. I am sure you had a lot of happy and wonderful years with Bandit Boy. Those memories will make you laugh and cry for several years to come. Grey Hounds are wonderful companions. I am sure he didn't want to leave you any more than you did... and I hope you had time to talk to him before he left. He probably wasn't in pain, he just let you know it was time for him to go and he wanted you there and you were. It takes a long time to heal after the death of a dog, especially when they were such a dear companion... take your time and find comfort helping other people who have greyhounds. RIP Bandit.

Mar 25, 2010
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bandit boy
by: kelsey

Everyone who has lost a dog, I am so sorry for your loss and now can relate to you all.

Saturday night my 14 year old Italian greyhound died at home with me. 3 months ago he was diagnosed with an enlarged heart and has been on heart meds ever since. I heard him yelp on Sat. So I went to find him breathing slower than ever. I knew it was not normal. I got him when I was 9. I am now 23 and lost without him. I don't think I can ever accept this. My heart hurts so bad. I wish I could hold him again. Thank you for all of your stories...
I just hope he wasn't in pain.

Mar 23, 2010
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MAGGIE AND JACK
by: Lois

Oh my heart just breaks for you. I spend alot of my time crying too with just 1 dog with CDD. I definitely feel your pain. It's so hard to watch our companions leave us. Like I told Catherine on the post before yours...kicknckn@yahoo.com is my email. I have 2 other ladies, one is in Arizona and 1 here in Florida and we have a great support of each other. We all have sick dogs. Don't do this alone - the pain is to great. Sometimes I feel that nobody understands. Take time to talk and be with Jack and just love and keep him comfortable. I pray the vets can do something for the skin graft. Keep us posted.

Mar 23, 2010
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Lucy
by: Lois

Catherine:

Don't just jump to brain tumor right away. I thought that was Buffy's diagnosis too...it wasn't. After a trip to the vet and a few tests..CDD. She did the same stuff Lucy does...pants, paces about drives you nuts. The vet put her on 5 mg Anipryl and the symptoms decreased dramatically. Buffy (13 year old Lhaso Apso) also lost a lot of weight at the beginning...I had to start feeding her small portions 6 times a day and now she's gotten better. Her hearing went prior to the CDD, but her eye sight has gotten worse. She has kidney issues, so the Vet recommends leaving the eyes alone. She's not to the point of running into stuff yet...bright light is her friend. The vet also put her on Flex 2500 soft chews, a health supplement for her joints. She use to go outside to do her messes, now she doesn't care so I try to take her out about every 2 hours. Lots of water so she doesn't dehydrate. It's a full time job. She sleeps well and doesn't go out at night.

So don't jump to brain tumor...unless your vet gives you that diagnosis. The internet is a wonderful tool but also a very dangerous tool sometimes.

I wish you luck - If you need a support shoulder, kicknckn@yahoo.com is my email. Hang in there kiddo...love and patience is the key.

Mar 22, 2010
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Lucy
by: Catherine

I've been searching for sites like this ever since I noticed changes in Lucy, our nearly 16 year old Australian Shepherd. I have 4 of these wonderful dogs (3 now, including Lucy, as I had to have Spike put to sleep last month because he was having violent seizures at age 14).

At first, Lucy's symptoms appeared to be simply old age (arthritis, loss of body mass) but she managed to get around pretty good for an old lady. Cody, her brother and constant companion, still acts like a young dog. However, Lucy's symptoms gradually got worse. Some days she was unable to stand up, so I moved her from their spacious enclosure to the garage, where I could keep a closer eye on her. She has started wandering about aimlessly, sometimes in circles, and panting constantly, but doesn't appear to be in pain or distress. She still has a good appetite and her bowel movements are regular.

After reading several of these posts, I'm convinced we are probably dealing with a brain tumor. My fears are that she will start experiencing more severe symptoms but my goal at the moment is to keep her as comfortable as possible until she lets me know it's time.

My heart is breaking but I know that Lucy knows she is loved.

Mar 14, 2010
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 21, 2010
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 07, 2010
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Lil Miracles
by: Anonymous

God bless the four legged angels that guard our hearts.

Nov 14, 2009
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

Sep 29, 2009
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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
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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
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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
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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 05, 2009
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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.

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