My Dog Skookie has Liver Cancer

by Jen

My dog Skookie is an 11 year old Labrador.

About 2 weeks ago, she started eating less, losing weight, becoming lethargic, and "huffing" like she had something stuck in her throat. I took her to the vet last Saturday. The vet suspected a possible upper respiratory infection and possibly something with her liver. He gave her antibiotics and took blood. I was told to feed her anything that she would eat - even people food to try to increase her appetite.

I bought canned dog food and that worked a little, but she only ate about 1/3 of a can at a time. I couldn't get the results of the blood work until Tuesday. She had very elevated liver enzymes and high bilirubin.

Vet said continue with antibiotics, if she doesn't get better or gets worse, call back. Called back yesterday as she was lame in one leg and her appetite had decreased even further. They did X-ray and found mass in her liver. Her liver was taking up most of the abdominal cavity. I was told all we can do is maker her comfortable. He gave her steroid shot to hopefully help with pain and help with appetite.

Last night she vomited and refused to eat this morning. I don't know how much longer I have with her. She's been the one constant in my life.

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My Dog Skookie has Liver Cancer

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Apr 17, 2013
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Is it Liver Cancer
by: Heart Broken

I have a 10 year old female mix of beagle and boarder collie. Just after Christmas we noticed a bit of weight loss, but thought it was due to the elimination of treats. She was overweight. Then we noticed some vomiting. One day she was in our backyard and I was watching her lay on a snow pile and started to shiver and quake. We got her inside and it eventually stopped. Then the vomiting started to increase. Went to the vet and was told she was "near end" liver stage. It was quite a shock.

That was about 6 weeks ago. X-rays show a mass on her liver and then some smaller ones. We began treating it as if was a toxin or infection at first. After nearly 4 weeks, there was little improvement. The vet advised that it was not a bacteria so to discontinue the antibiotics. Everyday she gets thinner. Almost every day she vomits. She eats so little and vomits most of it. We just had some blood tests done to see if she could handle an exploratory as the 2nd x-ray show some of the smaller spots were gone. We are also checking for cushing's disease.

If she can, should I put her through this? She is weak. I don't know what to do. Recovery is a concern. If it is indeed cancer, the vet said they will just close her back up but if it's something lodged, or something else hopefully he can repair or remove what damage has been done.

Either way, I don't want her to suffer and I don't know if an exploratory is right and will I be causing more harm. It sounds like liver cancer from what I have been reading from others. I cry every night. Has anyone thought their dog had liver cancer but found it was something else?

Mar 21, 2013
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Liver Cancer
by: Anonymous

My dog was diagnosed with liver cancer as a result of an x-ray and her symptoms. Loss of weight over a short period of time, lack of appetite, drinking excessive amounts of water and bloody urine.

She was very active right up to her final days but when the end came, it came quickly and the need to put her to sleep was obvious. I have been through this before with other dogs. It's very very hard but as a dog owner, you have to realize the difference between doing what is best for your dog versus doing what is best for you. Within reason, there is no "getting better" with afflictions such as this. Do what is best for the dog and allow them to pass in peace, surrounded by the ones who love them.

Dec 05, 2012
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My 15yr old Westie has cancer
by: Distraught

Can someone help and tell me what to do for the best, I can't imagine a life without her.

She has lost a lot of weight and looks so poorly, with no life or condition in her.

The vet finally recognised the problem, lymphosarcoma, and gave her a steroid shot which has really picked her up and she ran and played with her toys. On Thursday she goes for another injection then tablets.

Will this keep her free of pain until the end arrives?

What do I do when the inevitable happens?

Mar 19, 2012
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Wyatt
by: Anonymous

My Jack Russell of 11 years is going thru the exact symptoms. We took him to the vets on Saturday and they told us he had cancer in his liver with at least 14 lesions. They gave him chemo. He is not really eating much. He is our whole world. We are so broken hearted. We are going day by day and constantly praying.

We will pray for Skookie and all others enduring this tramatic experience. God Bless.

Mar 18, 2012
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God's Little Gifts
by: Dan Lenzi (medtechdal@yahoo.com

To all "us" dog lovers....they are truly God's
gift to us.

I lost Razzie to subcutaneous lymphosarcoma in May. She was 16 and soon to be 17. Now my Schnauzer (Alex) who is 15 is experiencing vomiting and lethargy... suspected liver (since the vets says his liver feels enlarged). His symptoms started overnight. When we are in trouble we visit sites for support only to discover how many of us are on here for support, love and understanding...

I hope Alex's diagnosis isn't terminal, but I want to take time to thank all of you for you loving stories. When this life has ended for us too, we (TRUST ME) will all be reunited. Keep your Faith!

Mar 02, 2012
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Dottie the wonder dog
by: Anonymous

My dog Dottie was diagnosed today with liver cancer that has spread to the spleen. Her belly is so large and hard but yet she acts like nothing is going on. We are devastated but are going to enjoy our time with her. I can't stand the thought of her suffering so we will make a decision if she gets to that point. It's crazy how fast the tumor is growing. :(

Jan 18, 2012
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My Dog Ted Has Liver Cancer Too!
by: Anonymous

I am sorry to hear this. My dog Ted a 6 1/2 year old chocolate lab was diagnosed with liver cancer on November 28th. He is rapidly going downhill. Twice I have allowed the fluid to be drained from his abdomen which has given him some relief. It has filled up this week faster than before and he is extremely uncomfortable. I know the decision I need to make but this is one of the most difficult as it is so sudden and he was so healthy. I feel your pain.

Dec 25, 2011
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My Little Angel Sparky
by: Anonymous

My baby Sparky was diagnosed with liver cancer yesterday, 12/23/2011.

There were no signs to alert me something traumatic was going on with him. The day before the diagnosis, he was his normal self in the morning, (happy, sweet and loveable) but in the evening he would not touch his food and was acting lethargic. He felt very hot so I took his temperature which turned out to be 105.5.

I took Sparky to his vet. We did an ultrasound and found out Sparky at eight years had liver cancer. The doctor did want to keep him until Christmas Day before we found out what he was suffering from. I have never heard of a disease that attacks so quickly and becomes so fatal.

Sparky was also diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. A double whammy. My vet said I could take him home over the holiday as long as he wasn't suffering. So far he just lays around and still drinks water but doesn't eat.

I have decided on Monday, Dec. 26th, I will put him down. It's been 3 days since Sparky became ill. The doctor sent him home so he could be with me on his last few days of his life.

It is Christmas Day today, the last day I will have my Sparky beside me. This is one of the hardest things I have ever gone through.

He is my best friend and let me tell you this hurts so much. I have been sitting by him since he became sick. He is a fighter and I will miss him every minute of the day.

This is dedicated to Sparky "the best little man in the world". I love you always Sparky.

Your mom

Aug 29, 2011
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Lost my best friend/companion of 9 yrs
by: Woody

My Chow of 9 years passed today of liver cancer. He had surgery the end of Feb 2011 and some quality life through the last months of his life. Everything was tried and still he lost his battle. At the end he had bile with blood, a clear sign that the time had come... I will miss him with all of my heart. RIP Woods, 8/29/11

Mar 24, 2011
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In response
by: Jen

It was less than a week from the time the diagnosis was made - I think 4 days. Skookie had been struggling for a week or so before that with gastrointestinal issues (vomiting every couple of days), and it finally got to the point that she wasn't eating - that's when they decided to do the xray and came up with the diagnosis.

Mar 23, 2011
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My dog has been diagnosed..
by: Anonymous

How long was it from the time you got the diagnosis until death? My dog was diagnosed with cancer both in the liver and spleen on Monday.

Mar 14, 2011
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Condolences
by: Anonymous

I am sorry for your loss.

I too have just found out my dog, Hunter, who also is 11, has the same disease. I found out when I had her teeth cleaned.

I hope Hunter doesn't suffer as she is not yet, but her tumor is quite large and growing rapidly.

Sep 07, 2010
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Update for Skookie
by: Jen

Skookie lost her brief battle with cancer on Saturday morning 9/4/10 at 4:10 am.

I was with her and holding her. Although there were some very tough moments in which she was in extreme pain, she did die peacefully and pain free.

I will miss my Skooks greatly.

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