Pancreatic Cancer in my Black Lab Mix

by Connie
(Colorado)

I adopted Buddy on February 14, 2011 from the Humane Society. He was a beautiful and smart black lab/cattle dog mix and they estimated him to be 8 years old but the birth date was unknown as the previous family picked him up as a stray. I adopted him two weeks after my dog Wiley died from hemangiosarcoma at 11 years old.

Buddy seemed fine for about one week, then he started having issues with diarrhea. I took him to the vet and they said it was just from stress of being in a kennel at the Humane Society for three weeks. They put him on meds. However, the bowel issue seemed to be off and on that point on. They vet then said he had irritable bowel.

About one year later Buddy started getting bloody diarrhea a lot. I took him to the vet again and this time he was diagnosed with colitis. He went on a different medication.

Despite his bowel issues, he was playful and loved to get belly rubs. He seemed to be fine.

Then in April of 2012 his bowel issues started getting much worse. They put him on a stronger medication and that helped a little but didn't eliminate the problem. Then he killed a prairie dog and got sick from that. New medication for that.

Suddenly Buddy started losing weight rapidly - 20 pounds in two months. He seemed lethargic - no energy and wanted to just lay around. When going for walks he would stop as if there was no more energy to go on.

Took him to the vet again and they did some blood work. They found that Buddy had high liver values and high insulin ratios which indicated cancer of the pancreas. He then had an ultrasound to find he not only had pancreatic cancer but that cancer had attached to his liver with nodules throughout. They also indicated it might have spread to his lymph system. Buddy could not eat, was nauseous. Buddy then suddenly couldn't walk. The vet said it is "time". So I had to put him down.

I really could use some prayers as I am really going through it. In the last two years, I have lost my brother, my dog Wiley (2011), my friend Sam (2011), my best friend Patti (2012), my dog Shannie (2012) and my dog Buddy (2012). I've had a horrible two years.

I agree with other comments here - love your pet as if every day could be their last. I only was able to enjoy Buddy one year and 9 months after adopting him. However, I know that my adoption was the best thing that could have happened to Buddy. He was such a happy and loved boy. Every time he saw me he would roll over on his back and want his belly rubbed.

I'll miss all my dogs - Wiley, Shannie (who also died of cancer), and Buddy. All three dogs died of cancer. I have all of their ashes so they will be with me all of my life.

Connie
(Submitted Saturday, Dec. 08, 2012)