Pup's Page
| IN MEMORY OF SEPTEMBER MORN' SUNSHINE | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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MAY 1, 1990 - MAY 25, 1998 I LOVE YOU ALWAYS PUP | ||||||||||||||||||||||
On May 25th 1998 my heart dog Sunshine died with my head on his chest in the veterinary ER. Sunshine saw 5 veterinarians in both Canada and in our state of Wisconsin . He showed little to no symptoms. We took him to the veterinarian due to a minor lack of appetite and small loose stools. All the doctors felt he had pancreaitis and his blood work gave them no reason for concern until the last 2 weeks. He was however panting more. I stated from the beginning and to all the vets that *I felt* he was bleeding internally. No real reason, just our bond I guess. I was correct. My dog started bleeding from his gums the morning of May 25th. We took him to the ER and on his way OUT of emergency for a scope in Milwaukee he collapsed. I had him put to sleep. Upon autopsy it was found he had hemangiosarcoma and it was in his liver, spleen, intestines, lungs and heart. I am doing this page in hopes that you do not make the same mistake I did by not *INSISTING* on a MRI, x-ray or scope from the beginning. I feel I was somewhat discounted. Remember YOU know your pet better than anyone. I have dealt with veterinarians in Canada, the USA and Australia and it is my understanding if caught in JUST the spleen your dog has a good chance of making it. This page will be updated when I have more time and aquire new information. Most common symptoms I have gathered from other owners who lost their dog to this vascular cancer: PANTING GOING OFF THEIR NORMAL FOOD YET STILL EATING SNACKS SMALL STOOL SUBTLE BEHAVIORAL CHANGES LIKE SLEEPING IN A DIFFERENT AREA BLOOD TESTS SHOWING ONLY BORDERLINE ANEMIA INITIALLY SADLY MOST DOGS SHOW NO SYMPTOMS | ||||||||||||||||||||||
HEMANGIOSARCOMA This cancer is named for the cell type that it originates from; therefore, hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer that comes from hemangio meaning blood vessels or blood and sarcoma meaning malignant cancer This type of cancer tries to build blood vessels in a way which essentially makes blood blisters and disrupts normal function. These blood blisters also rupture easily causing bleeding from the cancer sites. This is becomming a very common form of cancer in dogs and most often affects older, large breed dogs. More male dogs than female dogs are affected and the two breeds that get it most often are the golden retriever and the german shepherd. This type of cancer is a silent killer since it usually doesn't show itself until it is advanced. If the dog shows any early signs, they include a decreased appetite, weight loss, weakness, pale gums, vomiting, and possibly abdominal distention. Most of the time the dog doesn't show ANY signs until the cancer has really taken over and they are bleeding from the blood blisters. The most common organs affected with hemangiosarcoma are the heart, lungs,liver and the spleen, very vascular organs. If the spleen is affected, the spleen enlarges with these lumpy blood blisters which bleed easily. Usually by the time this is diagnosed, the cancer has spread to the liver and other sites in the their body. Understand, this is a very difficult cancer to diagnose. When surgical removal of the cancer would really help the pet long term it is often too late. Fifty percent of these patients have already had the cancer spread to the rest of the bodies at the time they are diagnosed. Besides the heart and the spleen, this cancer can be in the mouth and in the bone. It can spread to the liver, kidney, other areas in the abdomen, and to the lungs. Unfortunately, the most common way our pets make it to a veterinarian is when they collapse either from acute anemia or from heart failure. That's why it is such a shock to the owner. Many owners will tell you their dog was still running and playing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
LIVER PHOTO Vet info hemangiosarcoma Woodside pet info HemangioInfo Hemangiosarcoma Encyclopedia of canine vet In Memory of BEAR MAGIC Lambchop | ||||||||||||||||||||||
