Canine Bladder Cancer (tcc)

Hi Cathy, there is lots of info here about food and extra system boosting vitamins etc,

It is a horrible horrible thing to have to find out. Although we know we wont have them forever it isnt something you ever imagine happening..

We stuck to Tango's ordinary food and just used Metacam and anti-biotics when needed , toward the end she wouldnt take her medicine no matter how disguised it was, having always been a bit of a fuss pot over food etc.

But make the most of every day, you never know some dogs go on for a long time, there is a dog on here still doing well after two odd years, it's worth putiing up a fight!

God bless

To Tango's Mom--

I am so sorry to hear your sad news.  I have been away from the board for a bit as it seems too many people are saying goodbye to their babies this holiday season.  When I signed on again and saw your posting, my heart dropped for you.

I know things had gotten tougher for poor Tango recently, but it is still heart breaking to say goodbye.

We'll put you in our prayers tonight.  I hope time will ease your pain.

Marty & Gentle Annie 

Thankyou all so much.

This last week has been very hard.

Yesterday a week after 'that day', I found myself keep thinking this tiome last week, I relived the whole day almost.

I still feel guilty and yet I know that the time was right, she had lost a lot of weight in that last month and had stopped eating a few days before, but I suppose we all hope for a miracle, and that we wont have to make that decision.

The vet said for her it was no worse than having her vaccination, but I felt like I had let her down, that I couldnt do anything for her, other than what I did.

I am sure that as time goes on I will come to terms with it, but it is all still very raw at the moment.

We are having a little burial for Tango on sat at 10.30 am UK time so I hope that will bring some comfort.

God bless you all.

Hi new to this so i hope you can bare with me.

My one and only "kid" was diagnosed with bladder cancer today. Not a very good prognosis...about 90% of his bladder is a tumor.

His name is "Rock" an SPCA dog that I have had for over 12 years now. He is my buddy, friend, companion and child and after reading alot in this forum today you all understand that.

Started to pee all the time with a significant amount of straining. Never went in the house but suddenly couldn't stop. Then the blood in the urine came.

I'm sort of the "tough seeming guy" all my life...(just ask my ex girlfriends) and nothing effects me (please bare with me) but this is breaking my heart. Much more than previous break ups, and even more than some human losses. I don't think most people who know me understand the feeling of this because "it's a dog" comment comes with it. He's not just a dog he's my best friend.  

Been going through what a lot of you have seemed to go through. First it was Cushings ...got that under control with the Lysodren (but borderline Adddison's) then the infection possibilities. Went through the antibiotic processes.

Finally the Vet who I like very much said I think an Ultrasound should be done. I think he actually knew all along the possibilities...elevated protein in the urine, straining etc.

Did that today with the obvious bad report.

I guess what I need to ask is that are the treatments for us or for the dog? I don't want to put him through misery for my sake. I want him around forever but is it really fair to him?

Do i get tired of cleaning up his constant peeing...yes. Do i want to keep him around me for as long as possible if he's not suffering...yes. I want him around forever.

Anyway thanks for dealing with my rambling but I don't want to think about him not being around and the people on this forum seem to understand that feeling.

Thank you for this forum-

Rocks Dad

Sorry ..forgot to add "Rock" is a 13 yr old Keeshond. One of those dogs that people always say looks like their owner (must be the graying hair).

Anyway after talking to the Vet today he suggests the Peroxicam treatment regimen with the Cytotek (may not be rthe right name).

Was honest in saying it's not a cure but might help his longevity and discomfort. As long as he's around longer and not suffering I will try it.

thanks again

Hello Rock's dad, and welcome,

I think unless it is caught real early, all we can hope for with this disease is containment.

My dog Tango was put on Metacam which is similar to piroxicam but a little milder and did really well.

The vet told me when I took her back three months after diagnosis that he really thought she wouldnt have made it this far, and yet she did well for a further ten months, only really going downhill in the last 4-6 weeks.

I never think 'it's just a dog', they become part of our family and lives, they are a special gift and show love and forgiveness that puts people to shame.

Only people who have been where I have or who love their dogs can truly understand and I have seen that in this last week.

As for Rock, I would give him all the help you are offered, make a real fuss of him and hope and pray that he has some quality time left.

At night or when you are out I would contain him to one room preferably with a easy clean floor, because otherwise he will 'wee' all around and that makes it hard, cos altho we understand , no-one wants a house that stinks, and I used to let Tango out every hour on the hour, to keep her bladder as empty as possible, but I am at home a lot of the time and I know that isnt an option for everyone.

Anyway really hope things go well for you both.

God bless.

Jackie

Thank you Jackie-

I understand what you say is very true about accepting Rock will not be cured and can only hope for some containment. It just came about so suddenly I guess it left me a little shocked.

Just suddenly a couple months ago he lost all control of his urinating. He was up until that day a dog that could sit home with the run of the house for 12, 14 hours and never have an accident. There was no gradual loss of control...just wham... suddenly has to go all the time.

Other than the constant peeing he seems pretty good otherwise. He has some days where he's a liitle lethargic and doesn't seem to want to eat much but generally he still seems to think he's 2 years old (like his dad sometimes lol).  I guess that I can be grateful for that at least.

I have had to keep him confined in the kitchen at least at night and when I'm out... but luckily like yourself I can work from home a lot so I am here to let him out. Every hour or so as you said. It just bothers me because he always had the run of the house and now when I put him in the Kitchen and gate it he just looks up at me saying like why am I in here? The puppy dog eye look.

After seeing the ultrasound pictures yesterday I can see why he has to go so much. There is very little of his bladder left open and was told the next major concern will be blockage.

Guess it's just the old one day at a time but I do not want him to suffer. The Lysodren/ Cushings treatment was enough. I guess that really didn't need to be done after all since the peeing was a far deeper cause.

Anyway thanks and this is great place to at least let out your thoughts and feelings.  Good Luck to all going through this situation.

 Rocks Dad

Dear Jax,

I was saddened to hear about Tango. I was just on the website and like the other responses, words are not enough, but the fact that we have all either gone through this or will at some point, brings us together. Even though Tango was deaf, she knew how very much she was loved just by the way we touch our babies and stroke them especially at that time like that. Beezer seemed to know while I was holding him and walking him for the last time how very much we meant to one another. The look he gave me right before he passed, said it all. Tango is in a better place, renewed and happy once again. Hold on to that in the days ahead. It will take time. I believe you wrote me that you had a Border Terrier at home also. Having another pup certainly helps lighten the heart. My best to you at this time.

Sincerely,

Debbie

Thankyou Debbie, that means a lot to me.

It is long haul coming to terms with the loss of Tango, I honestly didnt know how much it would affect me.

I am very glad we had her buried in an animal cemetry where I know her body rests.

I believe her spirit is free, and renewed as you said.

I do have another little dog, she is a border /beddlington terrier cross, and I love her immensley.

She too is missing her big sis, and her grief is quite obvious, she doesnt understand properly but we have overdosed her on affection of late.

I toed with the idea of getting another dog, but I am just not ready yet, maybe one day.

God bless all, will drop in from time to time.