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Thyroid Cancer in Greyhound

by Elaine
(England)

First hi to all,

I first found this site last year when I lost my greyhound Sonny to liver cancer, at eight years. Some of you may have read the article. Well now I face it again with my other greyhound who is nine.

I found a swelling in his neck. He had a fine needle aspirate, and a biopsy was done during which he bled profusely. Results from the biopsy revealed something resembling adenocarcinoma. Surgery was scheduled but I was told that the cancer was most likely invasive and x-rays would be needed to see if it has spread to the lungs.

Although the lump could be felt easily while the dog was standing, it might not be so easy to get at by surgery. The vet suggested a CT scan and now he has been referred.

Naturally I want to give him the best but part of me thinks surgery is risky as it is in a very vascular area. The scan is one thing but the operation is another, and there is no way I can put him through more like chemo etc.

I will know next week what is going on with the scan results. I was just wondering if anyone else had similar diagnosis.

He is my oldest and longest rescue and if the scan reveals it to be inoperable, are there any suggestions for herbal treatments etc.?

Thanks for listening.

Elaine

Editor's Note:

Elaine, you may want to read these pages if you haven't already done so:

Canine Thyroid Cancer
Herbs for Cancer
Dog Cancer Diet

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Oct 10, 2014
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Re Mango
by: Elaine

Just would like to say how sorry to hear of your loss of dear Mango. May you be filled with wonderful memories of Mango to help you in the difficult days that are ahead. How I wished for mine to be in their own homes at the end, sadly in my case that never has materialized. So I was happy to read Mango was at home in his bed.

With my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Mango.

Sep 22, 2014
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Mango my greyhound
by: Coleen

Firstly thank you Elaine for your kind words, with reference to my beautiful boy Mango, my 10 year old Brindle greyhound.

Since my last written piece telling you about his thyroid cancer tumour removal, and the diagnosis 6 weeks ago, the last 2 weeks have seen the tumour return with a vengeance, it had grown into his throat, pushing his windpipe, making it difficult to swallow, and he started to cough.

The last few days of his precious life, he went down hill rapidly, and then it progressed to his lungs, he looked very poorly, so... It was time for us to make the inevitable decision to call the vet to the house, and put him to sleep...and so he was, peacefully and without pain and discomfort in his own bed.

We are devastated and heartbroken, it has been a week on and although we have 2 other greyhounds, his huge character and beauty is greatly missed. Cancer is so cruel.

Coleen

Aug 14, 2014
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Re: Mango
by: Elaine

Hi Coleen, so sorry to read about dear Mango and what you are going through. This site is a good source of support and advice. Take each day as it comes; make every day count as when the day comes you will have many wonderful memories you have created to help you with that difficult process.

My Spike had a good source of omega-3 and I fed foods to boost his immune system . I think there is a section on here about cancer diets.

Thinking of you both.

Aug 14, 2014
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Thyroid cancer in my greyhound
by: Coleen

My beautiful greyhound brindle boy called Mango was diagnosed with thyroid cancer a few days ago. He had the tumour removed, but the vet could not remove the rest, as it is growing around vital areas of his neck. Also there was a lot of bleeding during the operation which the vet was very concerned about.

After a biopsy on the tumour, the outlook is not good. It may spread eventually. We feel very sad, he is 10 years old and such a calm, laid back affectionate boy.

However he seems to be fine, still eating, walking, playing with his toys, so I guess we have to hope he is here with us for a good while and enjoy him.

I would like to feed him foods to slow down the cancer if possible, I would welcome any advice please. It could help him live longer. Thank you.

Jul 10, 2013
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SPIKE (20/04 2003 -06/07/2013)
by: Elaine

Hi,

Just wanted to update this original post of mine.
Spike crossed the bridge on Saturday 6th July 2013.

Sadly he developed another condition Lumbar stenosis, and became unable to move his back legs and was in such pain that I set him free.

RUN FREE SPIKE ON YOUR NEW ANGEL WINGS
SLEEP YOUR SLEEP
DREAM YOUR DREAMS
GO PLAY WITH ALL
THE BEAUTIFUL GREYS THAT'S
GONE BEFORE YOU.

RIP SPIKE (Dark Times)
Love and miss you, my sweet sweet boy

Mummy, brother Hazy.

Jun 11, 2013
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For the Lady with Willie
by: elaine

Hi just saw you reply to my Spike forum.

Firstly I am so sorry you are going through this.

Spike saw a specialist and so far he is okay as regard the tumour. His parathyroid glands were unaffected so he does not require thyroid supplement.

He had cancer in his left thyroid gland and only his left thyroid gland was removed. I must admit I was worried too as he bled a lot during biopsy.
But under the oncologist he was fine.

I am so glad you have a specialist to do this procedure.

Spike did very well from surgery and was on pain relief. Since surgery he has other issues not related to thyroid gland with his spine and heart.
He celebrated his 10th birthday in April.

I do hope your Willie is okay. The institution where you are going is well known here in England too. He will be in a good place for treatment.

Please let us know how you get on. Prayers are coming your way. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Jun 07, 2013
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My Greyhound
by: Theresa

Willie was just diagnosed with this thyroid cancer this past Wednesday at Tho Ohio State university in Columbus,Ohio.

His prognosis so far is 3 + years after surgery. He had an ultrasound needle guided aspiration due to the bleeding possibility. Then x rays and that is all good. We go Tuesday for the surgery coordination. He will be there 2-3 days depending on how well he does.

This is all so new and scary to me. They have a greyhound program out there so that helps. I see this is from October, any recent news?

Oct 21, 2012
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Thyroid cancer in sighthounds.
by: Anonymous

Hello Sam,

Firstly thank you for your reply. Secondly I do hope and pray you have more time with your beautiful little whippet girl. Take photos of her and enjoy each and every day with her.

I can tell you that since posting my ad Spike has undergone surgery for tumour removal - he had left side thyroid lobe removed so does not need thyroid medication and as the parathyroid glands that deal with calcium are OK following surgery he does not need calcium monitoring either.

They did manage to successfully remove with good margins, which means his median survival is good.
He had no evidence of spread to abdomen or lungs.
I am so grateful that I still have him. Chemo in the end was not needed. Although I dread it coming back in the future, I just now look forward to hopefully celebrating his ten birthday in five months' time. Should it return before then there's no way I could put him through anymore - he has been through so much.

Will hold you and your whippet in my prayers. I feel for you and understand what you are going through; my heart breaks for you.

with love
Elaine

Oct 21, 2012
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Thyriod Cancer in Sighthounds
by: Sam

Hi Elaine

I totally feel for you - my 9 year old female whippet has just been diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. I elected surgery after x-rays, bloods and ultrasounds confirmed there were 4 masses. Sadly a chest x-ray confirmed another small mass in her chest region, and the vets were not able to remove all the masses and the thyroid gland had to be removed.

She is currently in recovery at home. We have said no to chemo or radiation. Apparently it is very rare in sight-hounds especially whippets. Hopefully the surgery has given her some more time with us. Naturally it is a very upsetting time for us but we feel we have done our best for our girl. We are in Australia.

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