If you live with dogs for long enough eventually you will encounter that ‘C’ word at some point. Even when you feed the very best diet, care for the dogs in the very best possible way, exercising their minds and bodies and really engaging the dog into their veteran years – cancer will sometimes enter the picture. When/if it does – be prepared.
We are quite lucky that our oldest Stafford is still enjoying every day with us at 15 1/2 years old. Her appetite is terrific. She still barks and wants to be with us. She enjoys her 2 daily (very slow and short) walks. Her bloodwork is good. Her heart is strong. he still has a spark in her eyes. She is on a small plethora of supplements including Tumericle, Love Bugs, Origin and Petandim. Today I ordered Yunnan Baiyao capsules to start her on as well. She eats a raw diet with lots of organ meat, muscle and ground bone. She recently began getting anti-inflammatory drugs twice daily for her painful arthritis in her feet, shoulders, hips and spine. She seems happy and content.
Today she was diagnosed with Canine splenic hemangiosarcoma but we do not think it has ruptured or is bleeding in her abdomen – yet. We took the news well with the understanding that this type of cancer is one of the ‘bad boys’ and will eventually be why we will have to make a decision for her…..but not today.
Located adjacent to the outside portion of the stomach, the spleen is responsible for the storage of red blood cells. When the spleen is affected by a tumor such as hemangiosarcoma, the risk of abdominal bleeding and subsequent death is likely. Unfortunately, dogs suffering a hemangiosarcoma are highly susceptible to the acute effects of a splenic rupture. Surgery to remove spleen will remove the entire tumor. However, surgery is somewhat complex and given her age its simply not an option we feel is doable.
The most unfortunate fact about hemangiosarcoma is the disease metastasizes rapidly. Unfortunately, the best prognosis is usually only another two to three months, even with the best of treatment and best of care. Our options are very few, and hemangiosarcoma proves 100% fatal. We plan to spend the next few months giving her whatever she needs, enriching her daily life with food games and puzzles, short walks, ear scratches and lots of love. Today, Pnut is happy. Today we celebrate her life. Tomorrow is never promised even in the best of situations.