Blood & leaking urine, but not UTI

[Sudilar]

Check into bladder cancer. Was an ultrasound done?

[Mjer]

Hi Sue,

Thanks for responding. They did not do an ultrasound....said we had to go to an internal specialist for that. However, I talked to the vet again the next day on the phone (after I posted the first message) and she said that she thought it was bladder cancer.

We are in a real tough position right now. The vet said we should have her put to sleep as soon as possible so she won't suffer. She said the medication she was on (anti-inflammatory) would possibly shrink the tumor, but would only extend her life about a month or even less.

Tessa (our dog) was in really bad shape on Wednesday. Since she has been on the medication, she has been better. She gets excited about going on walks, barks at the mailman, runs to the door to greet us when we come home. However, the rest of the time she just lays under our kitchen table.

It is really hard to think of putting her to sleep when she seems "almost OK", but at the same time, I don't want it to get really painful, really fast and then have her suffering.

We just aren't sure what to do.

Teresa

[Sudilar]

Oh, my heart goes out to you!!! In October, we went through what you are going through now. I still can't get over the loss of my GSD Shiloh to bladder cancer. I will be back later to post what happened and what we did for her. I am so sorry you have to go through this. Hugs.

[Sudilar]

This is Shiloh's story of bladder cancer. http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthre...bladder+cancer

The Piroxicam is supposed to shrink the tumors and buy a few months time, but Shiloh could not keep anything down, so the pills did not help her. We did not send her to Rainbow Bridge until we knew that there was no hope and she was suffering. I can picture those days now, as I type. The cancer was swift and deadly.

If Tessa is still having good days, I would wait. When the time comes and nothing works any more, then you will know. My heart goes out to you. I know EXACTLY what you are going through. Prayers for you, your family and Tessa.

[Sudilar]

How is Tessa doing today? I hope she is having a good day.
Before I would make any decisions, I would be sure to get a definite diagnosis and prognosis. Please keep me updated and if there is anything I can help with...let me know.
Hugs.

[Mjer]

Hi Sue,

Thank you again for all your support, my heart goes out to you too, for your loss.

Tessa slept really well last night. She was able to jump on our bed, so she got to sleep in her usual spot. I woke several times and checked on her and each time she was sound asleep, breathing normally.

She was a bit shaky this morning though and started coughing, so that made me nervous. However, she was excited to go for a walk and she ate and has kept her medicine down.

We are just going to take this thing one day at a time.

This has really been a shock for us. Like your Shiloh, this came on so fast for Tessa. Plus, we never use any type of herbicide or insecticide at all! We have two boys who have autism (caused by the thimerosol preservative in their vaccines---just an aside, I read the vaccine thread on this board, there are a lot of smart people here). So we are very careful about not exposing anyone (animal or human) to any type of toxins.

We also found another vet we are considering switching to. They have Saturday and Sunday hours and two other people we know highly recommended them. I think I would feel better knowing that we had care available 7 days a week if we need it.

Take care,
Teresa

[Sudilar]

Yes, it is important to be able to contact the vet as soon as possible.

When questioned about the pesticide/herbicide possibility of causing bladder cancer, my vet said that cancer can strike at any time. Each time a cell splits, there is a possibility for a mutation...it can happen as simply as that. So he said that cancer can strike at any time for no apparent cause, to any animal.

It sounds like Tessa is doing fine, so hang in there, Tessa!! I hope you have many good healthy months ahead of you. You will be in my prayers for that!!!