My dog has a tumor...

oneisa

The last week has been really tough for me. My 6 year old Cane Corso, Astro, has a tumor behind his eye. We have taken him to an eye specialist who says that the only way to know if the tumor is cancerous is to take the tumor out and the only way to do that is to remove his eye. The doctor said that if it was his dog, he would absolutely go ahead and have the surgery. He will only loose about 15% of his field of vision.

We checked with his regular vet and he thinks that even though Astro has arthritis, we should probably still get 2-4 good years with him. My husband and I both agree that we are going to have the surgery... it is scheduled for the 12th of February. My biggest concern is that I don't know how Astro is going to take it. I hope he adjusts well after the surgery.

Has anyone had to go through this? How did your dog handle it? Any suggestions on making it an easier adjustment?

Thank you!

GeorgieGirl

Well, I had to go through this only with my cat. He had a very malignant, extremely fast growing cancer in his third eyelid. He was much older(18) then Astro and the vet recommened that we remove his eye due to the fast nature of the cancer and to keep the cancer from spreading to the eye structure itself. I can't remember how much if his field of vision he lost, but I elected to remove it.
The first fews days were tough, mainly due to his age. The vet had him on ab's and pain medication and that helped him alot. After about a week, he was much more comfortable and I have to say that I was amazed at how quickly he adjusted to having only one eye. He was completely back to his abnoxious self within about four weeks. He had his moments and I'd second guess my decision to put him through the surgury. But over all he handled it very well and came through it like a pro.
I think that your dog will adjust just fine. He will learn to adjust how he sees things and I think you will see a relief in him when he is no longer uncomfortable from the tumor. I now Arthur was much happier.
I hope that Astro's surgury goes well and that he makes a quick and full recovery. Please give us an update.

oneisa

Thanks for the response! It is nice to hear someones experience. I hope Astro adjusts quickly. Will post an update after the surgery.

Spades

Your pup should bounce back just fine. I have seen many cats and dogs that have had their eyes removed and they live happy lives. Don't move things around in the house until he gets used to things again. Walk him around your yard until he gets a feel for it again. Remember, dogs use their noses more then their eyes.

oneisa

Thanks! I am at peace with him loosing his eye. I just hope that we have a few more years with him. I love him way too much!

Tomorrow is surgery day. They will send of the mass to be tested and we will probably know sometime next week if he has cancer. I am hoping that they can remove the tumor and that if it is cancer, it hasn't spread.

GeorgieGirl

Best of luck to Astro on surgery day! I will sent him well wishes both for a spedy recovery and that he will be cancer free...Please keep us updated on how he did with the surgery and his recovery.
GG

oneisa

We had the surgery today. Astro did really well in the surgery and is resting at home with us tonight. The vet said he should heal in about 10 days. I will keep y'all posted on how it goes.

As far as the tumor goes... turns out it is a nasal tumor that was spreading and causing the pressure on his eye. We won't know until Monday whether it is cancer or not but it most likely is according to the doctor. He doesn't recommend chemo or radiation because all it will do is make him suffer. There are some meds they can give him if it is cancer to help slow the growth of the tumor but he told us to start preparing to say good bye to our sweet boy in a few months. We will know Monday how long he has.

As I write this I am crying... I love my baby boy so much... Thank you for all the support.

dch

I'm really glad to hear that your boy came through the surgery, and glad you had the surgery done!

Now at least, he will have less pain and be more comfy no matter how much time he has left.

There are things that you can try to help him feel better and that may keep the cancer from spreading too fast. When I had dogs with cancer, This is what I put them on: (I'm not saying anyone else should do the same as I did. I'm just sharing what I did, you need to do your own research and be sure that you look up all warnings about anything that you find!)
IMO this was the safest way to go. Did I buy them more time? Well my vets and I think it bought my Boxer 7 months he wouldn't have had normally. He had a huge tumor in and around his heart and had to have the fluid drained from the Pericardial sack around his heart, 1 time every other month.
Vit. B complex, 50 mgs. twice a day (with food) Vit. C. 200mgs a day.
1 cup of Essiac tea. (mixed in with food.) 1 tablespoon of Echinacea 2 times a day., Milk Thistle 500mgs per day. Vit. E 200 to 400 iu, Fish oil 1,000 to 2,000 mgs.
I also put them on a totally raw diet: Buffalo meat, heart, liver, one raw egg, goat yogurt and I juiced their veggies: Carrots and spinach.

Here is a great article on grain free dog foods: http://www.dogcancer.net/nograin.pdf

And lots of petting and doggy messages! They love that and it will help relax both of you.

Good luck and lots of well wishes.

GeorgieGirl

Im glad to find that Astro went through surgery with flying colors! It will be a huge relief for him and bring him so comfort.

Im sorry to hear that he more then likely has cancer. I hope that with your love and support, he will be a comfortable and happy in his remaining time with you. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Please keep us posted and know that we are here for you if you need us. Please feel free to use my shoulders and kleenx as much as you want.
Hugs and doggie licks to you both..
GG

mellotune

Oneisa, did you hear from the doc yet? It's Tuesday already. How's Astro recovering from the surgery? Hope he's feeling better now.