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Australian Shepherd with Prostate Cancer

by Diane
(Colorado)

Joe Powder - White Aussie

I have an 8-year-old Australian Shepherd, named Joe Powder, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 2 weeks ago. When I took him to my vet her couldn't urinate or defecate and was in really bad shape. After draining his bladder the vet did an ultrasound and was able to see the mass on one side of the prostate and determined that the tumor was pushing down on his urethra and colon. He performed a needle biopsy and found some suspicious cells.

It was decided to put my dog on Prednisone (20mg) once a day along with Valium (10mg) as needed. Within hours, I took Joe out for for a walk and he was able to pee and pass some stool. My vet was really surprised that Joe got some relief so quickly and let me take Joe home.

Joe was wobbly for a day or two, but is now eating well, drinking gallons of water due to the Prednisone and eating anything that is offered. This last week I have added Essiac herbal compound and Hemp seed oil.

My concern at this time is that Joe is unable to hold his urine and it is freaking him out. I have decided to withhold the Valium and hope that his over expanded bladder can regain some tone. I have been looking into saw palmetto as a possible remedy for the prostate and bladder issues.

I am treating him to improve his quality of life for as long as he has with me, but not giving up on a remission. I would look forward to any input from others who may have been through this heartbreaking situation.

Thanks for your interest.

Diane

(Submitted Friday, March 29, 2013)

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Jul 24, 2014
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Shetlie with Prostrate Cancer
by: Barb

My 12 yr old Sheltie BJ was diagnosed with prostrate cancer in June 2014. Took him to a vet because of non stop diarrhea and rectal exam. They felt the tumor which is pressing into his anal canal. They didn't feel that was the cause of the diarrhea though. They didn't know why.

Since the vet said the cancer had spread and because of his age, I was told to take him home and when he no longer was interested in life, eating and in too much pain to bring him back in to be put to sleep.

The vet sent me home with some medications, one for the diarrhea and the other for inflammation and pain. We started him on Essiac tea/herbs and although it's probably too late to stop the cancer he's no longer on any meds.

He's still barking and carrying on whenever he sees a UPS truck and eating well. No more diarrhea but he does feel the need to try to pee often and strains to poo. No accidents in the house as of yet. One thing though is he is always way too hot. Even clipping all that fur didn't help that any.

It's now going nearly 2 months since diagnosed and so far so good. It's one day at a time.

Jun 20, 2013
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Prostate Cancer, Husky, 9.5 Yrs Old
by: Kerry

Hi,

My Husky Mix was just diagnosed with prostate cancer. This was determined by a stomach and chest x-ray. The stomach x-ray showed an enlarged prostate and the chest x-ray showed 2 small nodules that look like cancer. I am having a needle biopsy done tomorrow to confirm that it is cancer. I REALLY hope the chest x-ray was misread. Unlikely, but that is where my hope is for now. He just acts so normal right now, the prescribed piroxicam has really helped him. How is your Australian Shepherd? Any suggestions on treatment?

Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

Kerry

Apr 02, 2013
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My prayers and thoughts stay with you
by: Pennys Mom

Thankfully, with your background you have some knowledge of what to do. Keep fighting, keep searching and don't let anyone tell you to quit. I was told this. If I had listened, I would not be enjoying the company of my baby today. Keep everyone posted on the progress. Due to the situation I am dealing with, I have become very intense on the subject of cancer in our animals. We need not only to know how to treat it, but how to stop it from happening.

God Bless you and Joe Powder.

Mar 31, 2013
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Thanks to Penny's Mom and Elaine
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your kind and supportive words. I spent the day cleaning and rolling up my large area rugs - a heck of a lot easier to mop up. He has always been an well housebroken dog and it is really upsetting to him to lay down and end up in a puddle. I have an appointment with the vet tomorrow and I am definitely going to ask about reducing the pred.

I didn't mention that I was a Certified Vet tech for years and watched many beloved pets come into the hospital fighting for their lives. Right now I just take it a day at a time and I will look for a holistic vet.

Thanks again for your input!

Sincerely, Diane

Mar 30, 2013
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Thinking of you
by: ELAINE

Hi just would like to say I hope you have many more happy days with your baby. What a gorgeous looking dog. I have not dealt with this particular type of cancer, but have had several other dogs with various types of cancer. I am so sorry that you are facing this, but there will be others here I am sure that are going through or have been through this particular type of cancer and I am sure will be able to help.

Love
Elaine and the greyhounds

Mar 30, 2013
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Bladder problems
by: Pennys Mom

When my dog was diagnosed with cancer, she was put on prednisone, too. She started to pee all over the place, which she never did before. I was told that it was the prednisone and to cut back the dosage, which I did. It solved the problem.

Contact a good holistic vet and get some help naturally. That is what I did and my baby is still with me 9 months later with a decent quality of life. I had been told to put her down because her cancer was too advanced to do anything about. Have hope and fight for your dog.

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