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Robbie's Fight Against Prostate Cancer

by Linda
(Ohio)

Robbie is a 6 yr old collie. We noticed that he was having problems with bowel movements - going several times a day and it seemed like it took him a long time to do it. We attributed it to his dog food and switched a few times before we realized it was something else. It has been raining continuously here in Ohio and when we went to dry him off, he cried.

He already had a vet appointment so we figured we'd ask about the soreness in his back hips which we thought was arthitis.

Anyway, Robbie had a hip/pelvis x-ray and his hips are great. It did show that his prostate was very large though which is a very bad sign in a neutered dog. His needle biopsy was inconclusive so the vet did a core biopsy which showed cancer.

He is now on piroxicam which is a mild chemo - no hair loss etc, anti-inflammatory, and pain reliever all in one. So far he is doing well on that.

I'm just wondering if any herbal supplements will interfere with this? The vet told us there is no cure and he could have a few months or a year which makes us very sad. In the meantime we are just taking one day at a time and making him happy and comfortable.

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Oct 06, 2021
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Our prostate cancer protocol
by: Anonymous

To my fellow dog lovers suddenly facing down prostate cancer – I know what you are going through.

Life was normal until one morning I rushed my 12 year old beloved miniature poodle into the vet ER after he was suddenly urinating constantly and in increasingly painful distress. They immediately found blood in his urine and an ultrasound revealed an 11 mm mass within his swollen prostate. Cancer was highly likely, but we declined the fine needle aspiration to confirm, as my poor little guy needed to go home and rest... and I needed time to calm down, think and research.

I next spoke to my regular vet by phone, who prescribed twice daily Carprofen (an anti-inflammatory) to slow the progression, and Gabapentin for pain as needed. So we started there, and amazingly, things gradually improved. But after more research, I opted to add thrice daily CBD for pets, and twice daily turkey tail mushroom + turmeric treats formulated for dogs along with a keto diet of mostly fresh meats, cheese, eggs, etc. – basically any dietary or medicinal protocol or product that I could think of that held scientific promise for fighting cancer without lots of drawbacks.

We'd originally been given a survival time of a couple weeks to 8 months. We're now at 9 months post ER visit, and our little boy has been almost entirely symptom-free for months now – normal potty schedule, normal energy levels, pain-free happy doggie. I almost can't believe we've been so fortunate, so while I have no idea what the future holds, I do know that this mix of things – Carprofen from the vet, CBD tabs, turkey tail + turmeric dog treats, and keto food – has bought my dog many healthy months of normal dog life. We don't even use the Gabapentin, as he's never signaling any pain, and I'm just overjoyed at this.

Anyway, I hope this helps someone else out there win back some quality time with their beloved dog, as I know it's all very sudden and bewildering when they get sick... but there are things you can try.

Jun 28, 2019
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What did I do wrong
by: Rue's Mom

My dog Rue was a healthy happy dog who just turned 9 at the end of March. He was fully paper trained when I adopted him at 2yrs of age and never had any problems until May 6. He arched his back like a cat before pee/poop.

I took him to the vet the next morning & after blood tests x-rays & calls to specialists she told me he had prostate cancer.

I told her whatever it takes no matter how much I was willing to live on the street if necessary. She said even if I had $1M he would only have a week.
He went to sleep on the 10th.

I have continued to ask myself over and over what did I miss what did I do wrong because Rue did nothing but bring happiness - up until the end he did what he felt was his job - licking mom's tears away.

I too am looking for answers.

Blessings to you and Robbie!

Apr 30, 2019
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A Few Suggestions that Helped Us
by: AnnMarie

My Little Rickey, a 65 lb. almost 11 year old Bluetick Coonhound has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was neutered at six months old by our Vet and prostate was the last thing they thought of until a 3rd sonogram revealed the growth; they had been looking at the bladder The peeing and straining symptoms started last Fall and even though he was examined by two of his regular Vets, they thought it was a reoccurring UTI. In retrospect, they both ignored the slow pooping that I described for this very regular TWO & a half poops a day Hound Dog. We are just about to begin the anti-inflammatory meds. My TIPS: Keeping him on anti-biotics has kept the urine control issue controllable and we do sleep at least six hours a night as long as I follow a routine of a final pee at 9pm or later and 3-4 small poops after dinner.(plus the antibiotic) He gained weight because I was treating the soft stool with rice or potatoes added to his meals. After ok-ing it with the Vet that dogs can have Metamucil I substituted Metamucil for the starch and lightly sprinkle it on his food along with blending at least a teaspoon of Metamucil into sugar free peanut butter and giving it to him after each meal. It seems to solidify the poop to a fairly normal size and with minimal pressure, Rickey is able to poop much easier. Before the Metamucil, Rickey was pooping like an old dog; barely able to arch his back (NO arthritis). Finally, we ask the Angels to watch over him and all of you. Interestingly, my husband was also diagnosed with prostate cancer seven years ago, He had the "45 radiation treatment" protocol, which I combined with energy work and he continues to be well. No matter how long or short a life is, or how sick they are, it is never easy to lose one.

Apr 23, 2019
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My little Andy
by: Anonymous

Our little Andy died Friday. He had prostate cancer. He was 11 1/2. We found out 14 months ago he had it. He took piroxicam for a few months but then it started hurting his stomach. It is so hard to lose your best friend.

Mar 09, 2019
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Misha
by: Fatima

Thank you to everyone on this board for sharing your stories. They sound very familiar to Misha’s story.

Misha is a 10 yr old Siberian Husky who I absolutely love and adore. This is his story. Misha came into my life as a rescue. For the past 6 years he has had an amazingly healthy life. Never any health issues.

About Sept of 2018, Misha started to pee in the house, which he has NEVER done. At first, we thought it was just an accident. But then as it became more consistent, we thought it was behavior.

Within the month, I noticed that his urine was really yellow with a strong smell of iron. I immediately thought of a uti. So, I went to the vet and lo and behold a severe uti. We treated it and it got better but then it came back again. We treated it again and it went away... This repeated several times. We ran tests... blood work beautiful... X-ray beautiful... nothing but that darn uti that keeps showing up in a urine analysis test.

Toward the end of 2018, Misha began urinating so much and was to the point if he couldn’t make it to the back door, he even urinated on himself.

Since nothing else was shown, I discussed the possibility of incontinence with my vet. It’s very possible due to his age so we started to treat for that.

It wasn’t until mid January 2019, when out of the blue I saw pink in his urine. Took him back to the vet and blood was now found in his urine. We did an X-ray and it showed a grainy dark spot in his bladder. Thought it was bladder cancer. We did an ultrasound and it turned out that it was his prostrate. Did a biopsy and prostate cancer was confirmed.

Our vet and all my research shows just how rare this is and it is the most painful and highly aggressive cancer a pup can get, and of course it’s inoperable. Misha’s prognosis was 2 months.

I tried everything I could to give him a fighting chance. He is on Piroxicam, Tramadol, Gabspentin. Then I went to a holistic doctor and he placed him on several supplements to try and build his system up so he can naturally stop the cancer from spreading. I changed his diet to all organic human grade food that was high in protein, high fat, and I also gave him vegetables. Russell sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, kale, and broccoli are known to be amazing at combating cancer. Very very low carb and sugar, since sugar feeds the cancer, and we wanted to starve it.

Misha did very well with this for about a month. But he and his body are giving us signs that this is not working. For the past 3 days, he is peeing pure blood, his stool had a black tarry consistency (which is blood from his intestinal tract system), he wants to eat but he can’t hold anything down. He is panting even with a double dose of pain killers...

It’s time. It’s not just a bad couple of days... Misha is telling us, and his body is clearly giving us the signs of the cancer spreading. I’m a strong believer that it’s better to be 1 day too early than 1 day too late. I love him so much and this is the most unselfish thing I can do for my baby who had loved me so unconditionally... I don’t want him to suffer and I want him to have his dignity.

This type of cancer is so misleading, because he looks great on the outside.

Love your pups every minute! I truly wish nothing best for healthier days for you and your pup! Misha will be rolling around in dog heaven today. God help all those cats when they find out that their arch nemesis is coming. 💚

Feb 23, 2019
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Heartbroken: Our sweet Doogi
by: Brock

Our loyal, faithful and loving companion of many years Doogi was diagnosed with prostate cancer a couple weeks ago.

Doogi is a smaller rescue chihuahua-terrier mix that we were blessed with about 10 years ago. He has a sister named Pixi that came from the same rescue center about a year after Doogi. They are like Old Dan and Little Anne from Where the Red Fern Grows. Doogi has gone everywhere and done everything with us.

He is undergoing palliative chemo, meds and being showered with love and attention to sustain his quality of life. He’s a real trooper, still making his regular security patrols around the property. I so wish that there was a cure for the scourge of this nasty disease prostate cancer.

We would try and do anything that might work as long as Doogi is comfortable. His prognosis is not good, maybe 3-6 months. However, the treatments are allowing him to continue to enjoy life in the interim.

Please pray for Doogi and our family as we take our final walks together. We are doing the same for all of you and your furry friends who are experiencing the same situation we are. When the time comes, as hard as it will be for us, we will make the decision for him so that he does not suffer. We will miss Doogi dearly but he will live on in our hearts with all the fond memories and the love and joy he blessed us with as our loyal best friend.

Brock and Diana Gibson

Nov 23, 2018
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Archie
by: JOHN London

Archie is 9 and just been diagnosed with the same. Just reading about Robbie, we will ask the Vet for the same medication. Let's hope it works, even for a while.

Good luck Robbie and Archie.

Aug 13, 2017
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Living with Prostate Cancer
by: Gus' Mom

This has been interesting to read. I adopted Gus, a large beagle mix, in March along with another senior dog from Best Friends Animal Society.

He had a rather intense history; he'd been picked up as a stray outside a reservation in Tuscon and was 82 lbs. A beagle rescue group pulled him, but his medical conditions were significant so he was sent to BFAS where he spent nearly a year losing weight (now 35 lbs), and fixing up infected eyes and ears.

I fostered him at first and had surgery for one of two necessary CCL surgeries. I noticed he didn't pee as much as he tried, and sometimes would "air pee" for several minutes. Then he started having accidents in the house but I thought he was struggling with his recovery from surgery.

About 6 weeks ago he started having to go out about every other hour during the night, and I noticed him straining to defecate. Then his appetite, which had been so intense I was using a slow feeder, withdrew. I took him to the vet, and an ultrasound followed up by a prostatic wash and urine test confirmed he has prostate cancer.

He has good days and bad. The night time situation is exhausting for both him and me. I'll ask my vet about some of the things you all have mentioned to see if that can help with his symptoms. It's beyond sad; though I've only had him for 6 months, he's the sweetest boy and bonded with my other dogs.

I don't plan on chemo or other treatments to extend his life for a matter of months. But I do want to know what is best for him - is he hurting (I know it hurts him to sit and lie down, or settle down). What ultimately does a dog in with Prostate Cancer - the inability to relieve themselves at all?

Jan 21, 2017
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Baxter
by: Anonymous

My 12 year old Bernese/Collie mix was just diagnosed with prostate cancer. His story is identical to Robbie's. He was having a horrible time pooping. It would take him a long time to get it out and felt like he had to go a lot but nothing would come out.

We switched his food and that seemed to help but then the struggle to go persisted. He had blood work done in November and had lost 6 pounds. He is a lean dog as it is so this was concerning.

I took him back yesterday and they told me he has a mass on his prostate. I am shattered. They said if the Piroxicam works he will have more time. I am so sorry to hear about Robbie and hope he is ok.

Aug 01, 2016
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Prostate cancer and holistic treatments
by: Barbara

Hi,

We have a 10 year old male, neutered mixed breed dog (husky/lab). He was neutered at age 1 1/2 years old.

Two weeks ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. We caught it early as he has no symptoms (it was an incidental finding on an ultrasound). I work in a vet office so we were just checking his abdomen at the suggestion of one of the vets (he had a GI issue back in April).

So, after consults with his primary vet, internal med vet, oncologist and a holistic vet we decided to start him on Holistic remedies (Chinese Herbs, oncology supplement, Neoplasene) and UVB Ozone therapy.

He eats dehydrated raw food (holistic vet thinks we should add organic food and never feed commercial food in dogs with cancer).

I am debating about starting chemo (Pirixicam). His case is more unusual than most since vets typically see dogs once symptoms appear.

I don't want to be a pet owner that is now "looking" for symptoms it is too worrisome. And i just want to give him the best quality of life we can, just like the rest of you.

Jan 16, 2015
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15 year old with prostate cancer
by: H Bain

Our neutered 14-year-old Spaniel cross was diagnosed with prostate cancer approximately 6 months ago, along with liver cancer and lesions on his spleen. He was given 3-6 months which his just passed around his 15th birthday.

Right away we started grilling him fresh fish and making a veggie smoothie with dandelion greens, sweet potato, apples, parsley and carrots. He's done really well these past 6 months though he's also been on Metacam and more recently Tramadol for pain.

We notice that he pants through the night, like some others have noted, pees and poops often, and in recent weeks no longer has a steady stream when he pees. His back end is also weakening, which I've been told could mean the cancer has spread into his bone.

When he was diagnosed I thought he would be gone in a couple of months, but I believe whole foods have helped keep him a bit healthier.

It's clear to us that he'll likely need to be put down in a couple of weeks, if not sooner, so our goal is to keep him comfortable and to do it before things get really bad.

Jan 14, 2015
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Piroxicam - wonderful drug extending our time with Logan
by: jeanne

Approx 1 year ago we noticed our Logan (English Setter, rescued and neutered at approx 4 years old) was straining to poop. We x-rayed, looking for possible blockage, tried diet changes. Wasn't until he had a bad UTI in July that x-rayed again and saw an enlarged prostate and colon compressed. Sonogram and needle biopsy by the specialist said Prostate Cancer. He was given a few months to live.

We started on Piroxicam in mid-July - and now 6 months later Logan is still doing GREAT. Recent x-ray showed a normal looking colon and no swelling in the prostate. I've spoken to several vets that Piroxicam can reduce swelling in prostate and bladder cancer for a long time.

We're cherishing every day and I thank the piroxicam for that. No side effects here.

Nov 20, 2013
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Spanky with possible prostate cancer
by: Anonymous

Spanky is a 10 1/2 year old who is undergoing neutering today and biopsy for possible prostate cancer. He is my best friend and I love him so much. I would appreciate any suggestions on treatment. I have been told that Chemo and Radiation would not prolong for long and would lessen his quality of life for what he has left. I would do anything to prolong his time and quality of life. Any suggestions would be GREATLY helpful. Please be specific about diets that have helped. I have always feed him Pedigree.

Oct 02, 2013
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My boy
by: Anonymous

My lovely boy was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with a prostate tumour. Castrated at 8 months and now only 8 years old. He sleeps a lot at the moment and is on treatment to help, but the time seems to be coming too quickly when we will have to take that final step. It breaks my heart.

May 04, 2013
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Mychal's (Mick) daignosis with prostate cancer
by: Michelle

I noticed during this past winter that my dog was panting a lot during the evenings especially. I just figured because the furnace was on and it made him hot. Then not too longer he started urinating on the floor which from day one since I've had him he never did, and he would not climb the stairs at bed time.

So I brought him to the vet. They took a urine sample which showed he had a severe UTI. Two rounds of one antibiotic didn't help, so they took an x-ray and put him on another antibiotic which seemed better. The x-ray showed something in his bladder but they couldn't quite tell, so we went on the assumption he had bladder cancer and scheduled an ultrasound which better showed that it is actually Prostate cancer. He is also on piroxicam and finishing up the rest of an antibiotic.

Mick is an 11 yr. old Golden so I will only treat him to be comfortable. He no longer urinates in the house and climbs the stairs like he always has. When I see he can no longer go on, I will have him put to sleep. He has led a great life and I will always treasure him.

Apr 11, 2013
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Losing Our Best Friend
by: Anonymous

We too are in the midst of caring for our terminally ill dog, diagnosed with prostate cancer mid-February 2013.

We rescued him over 9 years ago, beautiful little guy, golden retriever mix, at the estimated age of 8 weeks.

He started having problems last fall with defecating and urinating. We thought it was just because of changes in his diet, we've had him on a home cooked diet for years but due to travel, switched to a high grade canned food. He was neutered at 6 months and still, he ends up with prostate cancer. If the prostate gland no longer functions after a dog is neutered, why not remove it?

He's currently under medical care and we've been given maybe a few weeks or months. We're giving him Piroxicam and just started Tramadol to keep him comfortable, he has good days and not so good days.

As heart-breaking as it is, we've set up plans to bring in a mobile vet unit when the time comes. With all the new medical technology out there for humans, why are we losing our beloved friends so early to something that maybe could have been avoided?

Apr 11, 2013
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Prostate Cancer and Herbal Supplements
by: Karen

My dog Patch was diagnosed with prostate cancer around a year ago. We decided against Chemo and as a result were told by UC Davis that he would have 2-3 months on Piroxicam alone. We started to see a holistic vet, changed his food, added the prescribed supplements to his Piroxicam and yes started acupuncture. He loves his new diet and his acupuncture even more. We love that a year later we still have our best friend who is happy and active.

Mar 22, 2013
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My dog was put to rest today
by: Anonymous

I just had to put my dog to sleep today. He had prostate cancer, diagnosed in December. He had no symptoms when he was diagnosed, just a lump by his tail.

I did notice he was drinking a lot of water, and in late September, his tail wouldn't go all the way up like it used to. But I never thought anything was wrong. He was on Rimadyl, and Tramadol by the end. He stopped eating four weeks ago, and I would feed him with my hand, but it wasn't enough to stop the weight loss. He had such problems going to the bathroom, I would walk him 5 times a day just so he could go.

It was a really hard decision, because Rufus was such a great dog. But I know that he isn't suffering anymore.

I wish you the best of luck with your dog. Enjoy him while you can, and know when it's time to let go...

Jan 19, 2013
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Irish Rose Riley
by: Sheila

Interesting comment about the neutering of a dog possibly being improperly done. I was also told that it is rare for prostate cancer in a neutered dog. Now the comment about possible incomplete surgical neutering leaves me befuddled. However, we did get 13 1/2 years of good life with Riley which is already 2 more than the normal life span for an Irish Water Spaniel.

Jan 19, 2013
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Beautiful Irish Rose Riley
by: Sheila

I posted on this site when our Irish Water spaniel was first diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Dear Riley led a very wonderful life with so much affection and care for 3 1/2 months after his diagnosis. He finally got to the point where medications did nothing for him and he could no longer pee except when he was lying down. As a loving pet mom I knew the day had come when we had to let him go.

It tears at my heart even today, 4 months later, but know he had a wonderful and happy life and could not have had even one more good day left in him.

Jan 18, 2013
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Virulent prostate cancer
by: Kathy

My sweet loving buddy, goofie rescue golden retriever mix, my Jackie, was diagnosed one month ago with prostate cancer with tumor surrounding urethra. He just completed 2nd chemo and doing very well--peeing pooping and eating--makes me so happy.

However his prognosis is no better -- 2-3 months at most. He is on peroxicam with other meds available for nausea or diarrhea. I will not allow my boy to have any pain or anxiety so am trying to prepare myself!

It's horrible -- and so shocking since he has never exhibited any signs of problems-- I just noticed he was having problems urinating and took him to my vet right away.

I've been with other pups thru cancer, and they survived, but this is the most virulent and destructive. Just keep your pups happy and pain free.

Jun 28, 2012
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Woofie's battle
by: Anonymous

We adopted a Siberian husky/aussie mix who was 6 yrs old. We had him 2 months then was diagnosed. He was treated with piroxicam, but I also gave him nettle root, maitake mushroom, and cooked his food (chicken, carrots, beets, spinach). He also liked baked Kale. It's been 3 yrs, but now he's incontinent after being cathed for retention. He still likes his walks but spends 80 % of the squatting without success. Now I have to force pills down him to keep his appetite going. We gave it a good run, but I feel it's mean to flog him with meds.

May 14, 2012
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Irish Rose
by: Linda

I hope your Irish Rose does better than Robbie did. It sounds like he is feeling pretty good at this point. Unfortunately we had to end Robbie's pain on July 4, 2011.

During the night he started to cry and was in a lot of pain. We took him to an emergency vet clinic and the vet said he could give Robbie a pain shot, but we would be right back in the same spot in 24 hrs. We had to think of Robbie and not be selfish so we had him put to sleep. I would have loved to give him a shot and have him another 24 hrs, but that wasn't fair to Robbie.

We now have a 1 yr old tri-color collie but I still feel sad when I think of Robbie. He was my sweet boy and sure didn't deserve what he went through. I know our current vet had suspicions that our other vet, who neutered Robbie, did not get the undescended testicle when he was neutered. He told us that prostate cancer in an unneutered dog is rare and even more rare in a neutered dog. You trust your vet to do the right thing so we would not have known.

Hope Irish Rose hangs in there.

May 14, 2012
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My beautiful Irish Rose
by: Sheila

Darling Riley, my 13 year old neutered male Irish Water Spaniel, has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

We don't know how long he may have - according to what I read, the prognosis is likely about 30 days from the diagnosis. I am spoiling him rotten with specialty meat diets mixed with raw organic veggies. I do cook the food though to reduce risks.

So far he is still fairly active and happy most of the time and I hope that our love and care will give him quality of life until it is time to say goodbye. He is currently on anti-inflamatories and antibiotics to treat any possibile infection in the prostate. Surgery or chemo are not an option at his age.

May 27, 2011
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Robbie
by: Linda

We talked to our vet about removing Robbie's prostate and it would make in incontinent so that won't work either.We're just going to have to try the anti-cancer diet and antioxidents.Hopefully it will extend Robbie's life.Thank you for your comments.

May 27, 2011
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my best for Robbie
by: Erna

It is so sad to hear about your beautiful collie Robbie and his prostate cancer. And agonizing when you see him in pain. It is so difficult for an animal to understand what is happening to him.

Is surgery and removal of the prostate an option?
If not, then the best you can do is to make him feel as well as he possibly can with a good diet.

I am sorry that you, too, have to deal with all the pain that comes with the possibility of losing your beloved collie, but there is always hope.

A nuzzle for your Robbie from another collie lover.

May 22, 2011
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Herbal and Dietary Supplements for Prostate Cancer
by: Hazel, Site Editor

Hi, Linda,

I am sorry about Robbie's prostate cancer, though somewhat glad to hear that he is doing well on piroxicam.

So far, I haven't read anything about herbal remedies or antioxidant supplements for cancer interfering with piroxicam. If anything, it is likely that correct use of supplements may actually enhance the chemo treatment.

If you haven't already done so, please visit our pages on Herbs for Cancer and Dog Cancer Diet for more info.

In addition to herbs, antioxidants are also essential to help fight cancer. For prostate cancer, try coenzyme Q10 and/or quercetin.

Good luck and keep us informed of progress!

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