Bone Cancer

@Carolyn63 (1403)
United States
January 25, 2013 8:50am CST
A few years back, a lovely older Rottweiler showed up at our shop. She was very sweet. We took her in, of course I did. When it comes to animals I have an invisible sign that says, sucker. Okay, we all know it says pet lover. Anyhow, we took her to the vet and they said she had arthritis and we started her on meds for it. About a year and a half later, we ended up having to leave her at the house for a few days. She always came to work with us, but we had to replace the motor in our truck and she just had trouble getting in and out of our small car. Once the truck was fixed we began bringing her with us again. At first we thought she was acting like she was pouting because of not being with us so much. She didn't want to leave the shop and get in the truck to go home. Then she didn't act like the wanted to get up and do much of anything. She was still eating well. Still very gentle and loving. A few days later I took her out to walk her and noticed a small lump. I called the vet immediately. He said most likely it was the arthritis but we made arrangements to get her checked out. When we went to load her up in the truck she had real trouble getting in. We had a ramp we used by the way. When we got to the vet I had to go get help getting her out. The vet felt of the lump and knew immediately, it was bone cancer. He gave her a shot to relax her. She laid down completely flat on her side. Something she just didn't do. I immediately broke down into tears. That small lump, it wasn't small at all. From her position it was the size of half my rib cage. I asked the vet, could she have had it from the start and he said no, it's just that aggressive. I was heart broken. We didn't want her to suffer so we made the decision to end her pain. Is bone cancer common in such breeds? I know some breeds have concerns with hip dispasia (sp). but what about cancer? In between regular check ups, are there signs to look for? This lump appeared out of nowhere. It was so small! We miss her terribly. She wouldn't have hurt a fly.
1 person likes this
2 responses
2855994
@2855994 (126)
• United States
26 Jan 13
Oh my goodness! This is a sad and beautiful story! It is beautiful because the love that you had for your pet really poured from your writing. It is so wonderful to that you took in a stray animal and added more years to its life by showing it so much love. Of course, the sad part was the ending. I am so sorry that you lost your pet. However, you did what you felt was best. I hate stupid cancer. My favorite aunt in the world passed away from bone cancer a couple of years ago. I agree; bone cancer is very aggressive and intrusive. She was gone only six months after her diagnosis. My thoughts are with you and yours!
Carolyn63
@Carolyn63 (1403)
• United States
28 Jan 13
I'm sorry to hear about your aunt. We've known many whom have suffered from cancer. The fact is that where I live has the highest rating of cancer in the USA. Many people recieved compensation from local companies, but that doesn't resolve the cancer issue. I have to assume that the chemicals in the ground also affected animals here. I've never known so many with cancer as I have since I moved here. It's beyond belief! One friend went through all the treatments and went into remission. But not for long. When the cancer showed up a second time he refused the treatments. They gave him less than a year but he lived several. One never knows. It's just truly devastating. Thank you sweetie.
dainy1313
@dainy1313 (2370)
• Leon, Mexico
25 Jan 13
Hello Carolyn I hope that you are fine. It`s very sad to read about your dog, I`m so sad. Cancer is so advanced that our pets are not safe of it. I had a kitty whos ear was attacked with cancer. We stopped her suffering too. We had to. It`s so sad. I wish pets were safe of cancer but cancer is such intrusive desease that doesn`t make difference between living beings. I pray for all those people suffering cancer and chemios, God please assist them in their sufferings... Blessings Carolyn... dainy
Carolyn63
@Carolyn63 (1403)
• United States
28 Jan 13
We had once adopted a dog that we knew in all likelihood would suffer with cancer. They had already gone in and removed a mass. But he was 7 years old and we didn't want him to spend the rest of his time, no matter how long or short, in a small kennel. We had him for about 5 years. He was mischevious. He loved to frighten our uncle but sneaking up behind him and barking. He wouldn't attack, he would simply make him jump and then turn away. The cancer created nasty sores on him. It hurt to see this, but knowing he had some great years with love and other dogs to play with helped. I add my prayers to yours. Thank you, and blessings.