> Forum Page

Our Cody is Suffering from K9 Liver Cancer

by Dave
(NJ)

About two weeks ago Cody did not eat his breakfast one day and then another day not his dinner. He vomited once in that week. I have two other dogs and they do get upset stomachs so I put Cody on the ID prescription can (bland) food. That Sunday he vomited and did not eat. I took him to the emergency vet. They took blood and said all was OK - but his liver enzymes were a little high. Took Cody home with antibiotics and would continue on bland diet.

Later that same day Cody started shaking and breathing heavy. Took him back to emergency. They did an ultrasound. Vet said they found nodules on liver and an enlarged lymph-node outside of liver. They did an aspirate. Tests results were that they "suspected" lymphoma. Exploratory surgery would be the only way to know for sure. They gave us pain killers at that time too.

We went to an Oncologist who said just about the same thing. He said that Cody's being lethargic, not eating and the vomiting all point to the liver but he cannot put any name on it until exploratory surgery. He put Cody on steroids. This helped his appetite a bit. He is still VERY lethargic. He drinks a lot - we know it is because of the Prednisone. He still goes outside to "potty." Called the Oncologist to tell him steroids did not give him energy. Again, he said we have to decide if we want the surgery or maybe it is time to say "goodbye." We cried.

Cody is a Golden Retriever, a bit over 10 years old. When we asked the Oncologist what the prognosis is if he does have liver cancer - he said days or weeks. If he has liver disease - they can treat but quality of life will not be good and cannot say how long he would have.

Cody is resting at home. We are a wreck. We have not decided what to do. We are against the surgery. That seems mean to do that to Cody at his age to find out ... he has cancer and days or weeks to live?! It does not seem like Cody is ready for us to do anything else. We are not sure, though.

As you can sense - we are concerned, confused, and hurting a lot.

(Submitted Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013)

Comments for Our Cody is Suffering from K9 Liver Cancer

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 27, 2013
Rating

Cody
by: Anonymous

Good morning,

Thank you to those that have commented.

Cody has passed away. We are grieving. He was such a loving and caring friend.

Jan 26, 2013
Rating

How is Cody?
by: Anonymous

Today is the 26th and I am wondering why no one mentioned some care alternatives for you? Please reply as I have a similar situation I am dealing with and have been successful.

Jan 15, 2013
Rating

Understanding Your Pain
by: Brad

I know how hard it is to suffer with your pal going through what he is going through.

Our little Bandit has a tumor about 4 pounds and he is losing weight. He is still eating but it is not easy for him. I have had several wonderful best friends over the last 52 years and it is never easy to make it through this trying time. You realize that you gave them the most loving home you could and that they were so glad to have you as an owner and their best friend.

My previous dog, Buddy, had to be put to sleep at 8 with bone cancer. It broke my heart and my wife's, but those 8 years were a blessing for him and for us.

We've had Bandit for almost 12 years and each day I wake up and see him bounce up the stairs (slower and with some difficulty)and eat something is a good day. His tumor is growing and he is too old to operate on, the doctor said he would only have a 20% chance of making it. So, we just take one day at a time and when he starts to suffer, then we'll have to make the call.

Cody sounds like such a great family member and all you can do is keep giving him your all until it is time. It's hard, but having him for ten years has been such a blessing. Golden Retrievers are such wonderful dogs, my wife likes them too, but we have never had one, yet. They are so loving and great with families. We have friends that have them.

Keep strong and thanks for caring so much for such a great friend. God Bless.

Jan 15, 2013
Rating

Thanks, Scott
by: Anonymous

Thanks, Scott. We are taking a picture with Cody tonight. We have so many pictures (we have three dogs) and none are with them and us! Thanks!!

Jan 15, 2013
Rating

Caution advised at his age
by: Anonymous

Losing a 10 year old dog is a tough pill to swallow, and I know because I've had that happen. We all want our pets to live to the extreme of 18 or 19 years. Some do, but the tough reality is that a lot do not. 10 to 12 years seems like the real world numbers most of the time.

I lost my dog Jake at just over 10 years. He had a bone cancer and we tried to get him more time by having his front leg removed. But he did not survive his recovery from the surgery. His heart could not take it. He crashed and died. That was over a year ago now and it still hurts. While euthanasia is tough to decide upon, at least he would go in comfort and you could be right there to see him through. We did not get to say good-by to Jake and that was the worst part.

Take a parting photo with him asap. you'll be glad you did. My sympathies are with you.

Scott L.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Cancer Forum.