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My Beagle Tipper is Dying of Lung Cancer

by Christopher D.
(St. Paul, MN, USA)

Tipper at her first formal portrait as a puppy.

Another formal portrait of Tipper as a puppy

Tipper engaged in one of her favorite activities...a ride in the car

Tipper

A week and a half ago, I took my beloved, sweet, 11 year old Beagle, Tipper, to the vet for what I thought was kennel cough.

The vet took a chest x-ray and told me she had some very bad news.

Tipper had extensive tumors in her lungs and has only weeks to live.

Right now, she is happy and eating well but just is bothered with a minor cough from time to time. She still enjoys our walks, trips to the dog park and to Dairy Queen where she gets a plain, uncooked hotdog as a treat. (Since she doesn't have much time left, I have decided to spoil her with every treat I can think of that she loves).

I remember when I went to look at the litter of beagle puppies, she was the first one to run up to me - It was like she picked me. We became fast friends after that and have had a wonderful 11 years together.

The past week has been a living hell for me. I am just grieve stricken that it is going to end soon but I am trying to stay strong for her so I can give her the best summer she has ever had but it is getting harder. I am terribly afraid she will get sick while I am at work and die alone and I won't know if she suffered.

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Mar 05, 2019
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Help breathing
by: Jayne

Will a humidifier help her breathing? I can’t find any information about home care to help breathing?...

Nov 21, 2018
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Regarding dog with lung cancer
by: Anonymous

We are going through a similar issue. Our dog has 3 tumors, one in spleen, lung, and one around the heart.

We have been using prednisone to help with the breathing from the lung tumor, also turkey tail mushroom for the heart tumor, we are also using CBD oil, and just recently added APOCAPs.

It’s been about a month and half since we had find out. Some days are better than others. He is still eating and has some energy. But recently lowering the prednisone the coughing and phlegm has gotten worse. It’s hard since this is our first dog.

I hope the best for those going through this difficult time with their family member. Lastly I say if your dog still has energy, is eating, and you have the resource and time to provide the best quality under a veteran care, it’s worth a shot. Chemotherapeutic options for his age and advance stage were not options we decided would improve his lifespan by much more.

Nov 04, 2018
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CBD Oil Query
by: Joanna

My dog was diagnosed with lung cancer last week. I originally took him to have a lump on his leg x rayed, turns out the cancer had spread and now his lungs are covered in tumours, with one of them applying pressure against his heart.

The vets have advised me to put him to sleep when I feel the time is right. I appreciate this is in my dog's best interest as I could not bear to see him suffer. He’s lost his appetite, gasping for air (on and off), and doesn’t really have much interest in things apart from when it’s time to go for a walk.

The vets have advised his heart could fail at anytime. I would like to do everything I can to help him before I let him go.

I have noticed a few on here have used CBD oil. I’m considering using this but I know I may have to wait a few weeks to see a result but I’m scared in case my dog passes away within that few weeks.

Is it too late to try CBD oil? I don’t want to risk making him worse or is it time for me to let go? Bearing in mind I currently have him on painkillers to help the pain with his leg.

Jul 15, 2018
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Lung cancer
by: Sally

Our sweet Shitzu/poodle (Buckie) was diagnosed with lung cancer 3 days ago. He is almost 14 yrs old and has been struggling with his appetite for about 3 weeks and also has a minor cough occasionally.

He has lost several pounds very quickly and struggles to get through his meal. After the first few bites he gags and coughs and has such a hard time getting the food down. The Dr said that the tumor is pressing on the intestines.

The lung can be removed but we are struggling with the pain that will be caused with the surgery at his age. It is so hard to know what to do. It would be an easier decision if he was younger! He has always been extremely healthy so we were totally shocked with the diagnosis.

Jun 28, 2018
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Paul and Phoebe
by: Liz

Xanax is an appetite suppressant and a sedative. It's mostly used for anxiety. Amitriptyline, however, is an antidepressant and muscle relaxant which is why it's better for breathing issues with tumours that are pushing on the trachea.

I can promise that the actual lung cancer is not painful. It's complications from it that causes the pain so this is what you need to focus on. Coughing may cause chest or back pain. If the cancer is somewhere else ie: bones, pain relief is needed. Pardale-V is a chemical drug I give Holly for that pain.

Is Phoebe's cancer outside her lung? Has it originated from another part like Holly's (hers started in her bones)?
Find me on facebook if you would like to chat more and I'll advise as much as I can from my own experience with Holly.

Liz Jazzie Lancaster.

Jun 28, 2018
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Thank you for Phoebe advice
by: Paul

Thank for for this response. XX My vet prescribed doggie Xanax yesterday so I gave that to her. I did not notice her breathing slowing down but I’m not sure if this helped relieve the stress she has been in even though breathing rate was not reduced. How would I know that?

I also wonder if this Xanax is inhibiting her desire to eat because she only seems interested in eating in the PM. Hopefully my vet will answer these questions and we can talk about Amitriptyline as well. Anything, if possible, that will help her not be so distressed at working so hard to get the necessary oxygen, works for me.

I hope you are right in saying the lung cancer will not be a source of pain for her. I did give her another doggie Xanax this morning, so I guess I will try to monitor her disposition throughout the morning and afternoon. I guess one final question I have is this....how do I know if she is doing better, and not as distressed, while breathing? The Xanax seems to make her drowsy so I can’t tell if her energy level is rising with this pill taking it’s effect.

Sigh....I feel for my little girl. I hate that she has to go through this. She truly is my best friend.

Paul

Jun 28, 2018
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Paul's Phoebe
by: Anonymous

Paul, can you get hold of Amitriptyline? 12mg for her size can be given daily to help with her breathing struggle. Supplements on top of the CBD OIL (2 HOUR gap though) that fight cancer are Dr Mercola's mushroom complex, Marine Phytoplankton and Astralagus. I have my Parson Russell with lung cancer on all of those and she's doing well (vet is amazed). Phoebe won't be in pain with the cancer but struggling to breathe will distress her, hence the Amitriptyline which relaxes the muscles around the trachea. I have my own paid prescription ones I give her but I think vets can give it to you Xx

Jun 28, 2018
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When is enough, enough?
by: Paul

My 12.75 Bichon Frise, Phoebe, was diagnosed by chest X-ray with Lung Cancer this weekend. We brought her in because her breathing rate is faster, over 60 per minute, and she is much more lethargic, which makes sense seeing she is working harder to breathe. The life expectancy for Bichons is 12-14 or possibly 15, so she is right there in the middle. I’m grateful she has been blessed with a great trouble free life up until this point.

We will not go down the operation or chemotherapy road so I ordered some CBD to help her deal with this. My biggest concern is not knowing how she is doing. Her appetite has changed, but she still wants to eat...her choice of foods now, not mine. She doesn’t seem to have much energy and her wheezing at night does concern me. The Vet seemed to think these symptoms are not life threatening now and this was not the time to end her life. I just look at her and wonder if she is in pain. I wonder, is she happy to still be living, or is this disease more trouble to her?

I don’t want to prolong her life if she is suffering but I also don’t want to end her life if she still prefers to be living, so I’m using her diet as the main symptom to monitor. If she still desires to eat, I will assume she is not in pain enough to end it all. Of course, there are other symptoms that are secondary that I also will be watching for....can she walk okay? Can she perform her normal bodily functions okay? Can she hold down her food okay?

If anyone has any other words of advice, I’m all ears.

Thanks, Paul

Jun 18, 2018
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Like you I grieve
by: Anonymous

Sorry to hear about your lovely dog. My dog has had lung cancer for over a year. But now his mass has spread and doubled in size, it is presently pressing on his trachea. He never complains even when he fights to get breath. I do not know how I am going to part with him but I know that I am going to have to.

Jun 09, 2018
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CBD OIL HELPS
by: Liz Lancaster

Give him CBD oil, Mushroom complex, phytoplankton and Turmeric with curcumin. All fight cancer cells. My Parson Russell has metastatic lung cancer diagnosed last October. She was given three months. She's still going strong, eating, drinking, walkies etc 8 months on and the vet is amazed. I started her on all those supplements as soon as we had the diagnosis.

Apr 24, 2018
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My heart is breaking...
by: Marji

Hi all, my chihuahua/mini pinscher mix dog Ruby Ru was just diagnosed with Pulmonary Cancer.

About a month or so ago, her vet told us she had a mass located under her left rib cage/chest area and the thing that kills me is, we rescued her a year ago being told they had just removed a mass from her groin area.

With that being said, we just assumed they took a biopsy then and come to find out, they DID NOT. Man, talk about feeling dumb and at fault for not doing more research on her last year when we took her than finding out now to a second mass. I am heart broken but I don't want to give up just yet as this poor little girl came from an abusive background and it took us the entire year to work on teaching her to trust and to LOVE again.

Now she's just so sweet and loving, I can't believe this is her ending??? I HAVE to believe and find someone out there that can do something to help her. This is not for me but for HER as she deserves to live a longer, happier life.

If anyone knows anything I can do, options or vets that are specialists in this type of cancer, PLEASE let me know. I live in SoCal currently. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening and possibly helping us out.

Feb 09, 2018
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Chilli
by: Pamela

My Golden was operated on a huge tumor in Dec. 2017. It appeared suddenly and we had to remove her kidney and gall bladder (with two more cysts). As she is only 6, we hoped we would be free of cancer for at least a few years...

But one month later, she started to have bad days, not wanting to eat or stand up. We discovered her cancer had spread to her stomach, liver and lungs. And there is also an internal hemorrhage due to the liver, leading to loss of blood.

The vet gave her a few days, but its been a week now. There have been some very good days this week, but today she is having a very hard time breathing. I don't want her in pain, but I don't know if I have the courage to tell the boys it's time...

Feb 05, 2018
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Our beloved choco
by: Anonymous

Our 10 and a half yr old catahoula died 2 days after being diagnosed with lung cancer. It was devastating. How could we not have seen the signs. She passed away in her bed where she slept all the time. We spent all weekend petting her and telling her we loved her and what a good dog she was. Choco will always be in our hearts and we think of how brave she was.

Jan 23, 2018
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Thank you
by: Meg

Thank you for posting this.

My 6 year Akita Roxy has just had X-rays and they’ve found a tumour and lesions in her lung. She’s still the same dog except a cough and occasional breathlessness. She’s been given months.

I kept blaming myself, what could I have done? How could I have stopped this but I’ve realized this was always how it was going to be.

Your post really made me feel a sense of calm knowing that someone else went though this too and probably countless other, what a sad thing to lose our best friends.

Thank you,
Meg x

Apr 12, 2017
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Great Appreciation
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for your story. It gives me hope and knowledge, so I know what to ask the oncology vet on Monday and what to expect, in some way. All I want is to make sure Patty is comfortable and happy in her last days with us.

Mar 18, 2017
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1. Oncologists. 2. There is always hope....
by: Kerrylea

I just wanted to let you know that although lung cancer can progress very quickly in a dog, sometimes it does not.

Our Pomeranian, Freckles, had been experiencing mild coughing episodes as well as lethargy for a while when I took him to see his regular vet in June of 2016. At that time, the diagnosis was unclear but it was thought he might be dealing with either respiratory allergies or gastric reflux problems. I was told to treat him with Benadryl (an antihistamine for allergies) and Pepcid AC (an antacid). At first, I thought he was getting better but eventually headed back to the vet in September for x-rays and blood tests. At that point, he was diagnosed with primary lung cancer and referred to a veterinary oncologist.

The oncologist presented us with surgical and chemotherapy options and then, when we told him we could not afford to pursue these routes of treatment because my husband was unemployed, he referred us back to our regular vet. I was quite surprised by this because we had come to him hoping to get some information and some medications that would help us keep him comfortable as his condition declined due to his illness. He would not even prescribe medication for the cough that Freckles was clearly exhibiting during the examination!

I decided to ask a veterinary cardiologist for her reaction to what had transpired at the oncologist's office. She referred me to a different veterinary oncologist and wow, what a difference! This kind woman spent a great deal of time with us, answered all of my questions in detail and laid out many different options.

As it turned out, surgery was contraindicated due to the tumor's location and I decided against chemotherapy. She prescribed an anti-inflammatory, an antibiotic, a different antacid than I had been using and a cough suppressant.

Freckles began to feel better almost immediately. In fact, he started acting a lot like a puppy! The cough syrup worked well--a little too well, in fact. What happened was that I forgot the cough syrup one night and later realized he hadn't coughed at all without it. So I stopped giving it to him... and he didn't cough at all! When the antibiotic treatment was finished, however, the cough slowly returned so the oncologist prescribed a second course of it. When we finished the antibiotic, the cough returned once more so it was decided that he will simply stay on it permanently.

It is now March 18th of 2017. Freckles was diagnosed with lung cancer in September of 2016; first saw his regular vet in June of 2016 and his cough probably first began about three months prior to that. This means that his cough and his malaise started a full year ago! And, thanks to the three medications he takes, he is happy and now cough-free!!!

My point here is two-fold: First, it is important to realize that every dog is different and every cancer is different. There is always hope that your dog will beat the odds in one way or another. Secondly--and I cannot stress this enough--it cannot hurt to get a second (or even a third!) opinion about your dog's diagnosis and treatment. And it could well make a world of difference to both you and your dog!

Feb 25, 2017
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Raleigh boy
by: Anonymous

I'm so sorry about your fur baby. My beautiful, 11 year old, black lab has been diagnosed with lung cancer. He has brought our family fun, love, loyalty and silliness. He is that dog that you say "he was the best dog I ever had" no matter how many dogs you have had in your lifetime.

We are signed on with Lap of Love animal hospice which is an invaluable service. When it is time for him to pass I will call the hospice vet who will come to our home and assist with putting my pup to rest. I really do love him enough to let him go even though I wish he could stay.

Dec 10, 2016
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In same boat
by: William

My beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Annie, has been diagnosed with primary lung tumor. She seems okay even though she has a slight cough. I thought that I had to put her down on 10 December 2016, but my vet refused to euthanize her since she was still somewhat "healthy" and it turned out the one medication she was given for her cough wasn't agreeing with her, so the vet switched it.

It was comforting to know that. I was also told that the tumor is not painful? Not sure if that is true (but that was what the vet and radiologist told me.)

I really pray that she will die on her own terms and I don't have to go through the pain of putting her down. My only comfort in euthanizing her is my parents will be there waiting for her! I wish you the best of luck with Tipper!!!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers!

William

Oct 19, 2016
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Our lulu girl
by: Beagle fan

I am so so sorry to hear about Tipper.

We had to put our Lulu down this past Saturday because of lung tumors that were bleeding. She developed a cough and in less than 3 days and she was too far gone for treatment. We had her 12 years and are devastated.

Aug 02, 2016
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Losing my Maggie
by: Anonymous

I am so sorry to hear about your Tipper. My girl Maggie was diagnosed on 5/14/16 with lung cancer and passed away on 7/5/16. She got real sick all of a sudden and my husband and I were on the way to the vet with me next to her telling her it was ok to go and she passed on her own. I know she is in a better place but I miss her so much. The house is just too quiet. She would have been 12 on 8/10/16.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Just enjoy every day with her.

Apr 12, 2016
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Sorry for your loss
by: Bonnie

We lost our Shih Tzu to lung cancer on June 9, 2015. He was fine on Sunday and so sick on Tuesday when we put him down. It was so hard but we knew we had to do it. He has a twin sister that is lost without him. They had never been apart in 12 years. Remember that letting go is the best gift we can give them when it is time.

Apr 12, 2016
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Emma
by: Anonymous

I am so heartbroken for you. Beagles are such loving pups and obedient. I lost my Emma two days ago from lung cancer and no words can explain the void. She was so good and so obedient to the very last minute when she went on to table to be put to sleep. She was a good girl, my little girl.

Feb 22, 2016
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My beagle is sick too
by: Steve

My Samantha is 9.5 yrs. old. It started with bladder cancer. Now it has caused lung cancer. Have her on prednisolone. This has stopped the cough but she is out of breath and can't climb stairs or get up on the couch. When she drinks water she throws up.

I think it is time to do what I hate to think about. I'm going to the vet soon to see what they think. If they check the lungs and the % is low I'll let that decide what I do.

I live alone and this is very hard.

Thanks, Steve (and Samantha)

Jun 08, 2013
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Cancer took my Abbey
by: Regina Patton

My Abbey, a sweet goldendoodle, 8 1/2 years old, also had primary lung cancer. We had only 1 week and 1/2 from diagnosis. Start with a dry cough for about 3 days only, nonspecific pattern. Tried everything to save her, went to one of the top oncologist. She had a mini stroke and the next day in the middle of the night went into respiratory distress and we had to make the awful decision to put her down.

It truly was devastating and the longest ride to the vet hospital.

I feel for all of you who are suffering like we did. We are lost without her. Doing a lot of crying. Made her a rose garden with an angel. Picture collages. Running out of things to do to cope.

God bless you all and will pray for all your pets health and miracles of cure. Wish we had had one.

Mar 07, 2013
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Lung tumor
by: Archie

My gorgeous dog Archie died 3 days ago of lung cancer; we tried everything we could to save him. His lungs were being drained every five days, he was having chemo, in the end we had to do the right thing. I don't know how I'm going to get through this, it's completely heartbreaking. I've never experienced this pain. He was my boy and my world. I also have his sister who is a year older than him, I need to keep strong for her. I'm trying to do what I can to keep her excited and calm, but this is truly the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with.

Dec 29, 2011
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I know your Pain.
by: Anonymous

I'm very sorry that your Beagle Tipper is ill.

I also just found out that my 11-year-old Chihuahua has cancer near her trachea.

Since then I have been crying every time I look at her. All my memories of our life together just come flying at me. I can't imagine my life without her.

The worst thing is thinking about how much she is going to suffer as a result of this cancer. I wonder if she is in pain and what she is going to have to go through if her throat completely closes off.

I am also afraid that at some point I may be forced to euthanize her. I know that it may be the best for her so that she won't suffer but I am not sure I can do it.

When I cry, my family tells me that she is old already and that it may just be her time to go. This makes me so angry because her age has nothing to do with how much I love her. For now, she is eating well and she looks okay. I know that I should just enjoy the time with her but it is so hard for me.

They have given me prednisone to see if it will relieve some of the breathing issues she has been having. I guess all I can do is pray and hope that she will not suffer too much. Also, I guess I need to enjoy the time I have left with her.

Nov 09, 2011
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I'm very sorry..
by: Jennifer

My dog Bear was diagnosed with heart and lung cancer just from an xray. He is still with me and it gets so difficult. I break down every time I turn around, every time he doesn't want to eat, or if he's just tired...

Please just know there are others going through the same thing, and we wish you and Tipper well. I understand the pain you are going through, and I want you to know that I am so very sorry for you both. God Bless You Both!

Sep 07, 2011
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Tipper
by: Robert

My wife and I just found out similar news about our 11 year old Corgi mix I adopted 10 years ago.

She has an inoperable liver tumor that has caused her liver to enlarge to over double its size. Right now, she is still the dog I have always known.

However, her enlarged liver is putting pressure on her intestines and will cause her end instead of the actual cancer. It is absolutely devastating to know each day will slowly get worse and worse for her until she starts showing pain and then we must make the difficult decision.

Not everyone can understand how difficult it is to lose a dog. I think that is why it is so easy to feel alone when suffering through this. When people are sick, most everyone has a great support system. This is not always the case with pets since not everyone can relate to our feelings.

Just remember that you are not alone in this. This is without doubt the most difficult thing I have had to go through in a long time. But I just keep telling myself that the 10 years of joy, memories, and unconditional love my dog Cloe has given me is something I wouldn't give up for anything, even if it means I have to endure a long time of sadness once she is gone.

Sep 02, 2011
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NO CANCER
by: Anonymous

On today our Vet informed us that Snickers is cancer free! Thanks for all of the prayers of hope.

Aug 02, 2011
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Snicker's Journey
by: Milton Washington

Carolyn and I learned the biopsy results of our 9 year old cocker Snickers. He has Epitheliotrophic lymphoma. This is a rare k9 cancer. He started chemo today as well. We are devastated.

Reading Tipper's journey was helpful in easing our pain. Thanks for sharing.

Jul 31, 2011
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Keep Strong
by: Rich, Ligonier PA

My heart goes out to you and Tipper.

Jul 12, 2011
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Be Strong...
by: Hazel, Site Editor

Hi, Christopher,

I am so sorry about Tipper. It must be hard to get the news so suddenly...

Please be strong for Tipper - dogs can pick up on our feelings and emotions and if you feel stressed and depressed, so will Tipper.

Try to enjoy each and every day with Tipper and create lots of happy memories...

Take care and have a good summer. We will all pray for you and Tipper.

Jul 12, 2011
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So sorry....
by: Kathleen

My heart aches for you! I am so sorry to hear the news about your doggie Tipper. I hope you can find comfort knowing that you are giving this dog so much love and the best life ever. The vets can say all they want about "time" but only the Lord knows when it is time - it could be months! You just live every day to the fullest with Tipper. Tipper looks so happy and sweet!!

Jul 11, 2011
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Tipper
by: Karen

I'm so sorry - I had a wonderful old dog die of the same thing. The best I can tell you is it was quick. I would never want one to suffer. Good luck to you.

Jul 11, 2011
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Tipper
by: Carla

I'm so sorry for you and Tipper...I would spoil my dog in the same manner...for sure. I am sending you Angels, Blessings and Hugs to help you through this time...it's all I can do.

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