Dog with Bladder Cancer

[goofyandmore]

The Dis members have been so helpful to me on other posts, I was hoping someone might have some thoughts on this: my 11 year old weimeraner has bladder cancer. The vet said that eventually the tumor will grow and block her ability to urniate. He explained to me that bladder cancer in dogs is not curable. So, no matter what treatment we choose, he says that she will pass away from this in a matter of months.

However, the vet said that there is a doctor who is extending dogs' lives by lasering away most of the tumor. Yes, it grows back and will need to be removed again. But he said that some dogs are living for another year and he believes the quality of life is better with this procedure.

I have also read about the use of anti-inflamatories which have in some cases caused a remission. But this is not suppose to be the typical result.

I know that being unable to urinate would be extremely painful for her and a horrific way to experience the end of her life.

Meanwhile, I just spoke to someone selling natural supplements who claimed they can shrink tumors.

Any thoughts? thanks

 

[L107ANGEL]

I really have no advice but wanted to offer a hug

 

[goofyandmore]

thank you!! I needed that,and here's a flower for your kindness.

 

[Christine]

Many years ago, one of my dogs got bladder cancer. She was 12 years old. I went to every specialist to see if there was anything I could do and, as you have found, it is not treatable. We did use a prescription anti-imflammatory (I think it was mistopropal--or something like that) and it did seem to reduce the inflammation for awhile and allow her to urinate better. I also contacted a homeopathic vet in North Carolina and he sent me some stuff to use that wouldn't cure her but would possible make it more manageable.

I did the best that I could for her but ended up having her put to sleep about 6 months after her diagnosis.

I'm sorry you have to go through this--it is heartbreaking.

 

[chrisney]

We had a much loved Keeshond who developed bladder cancer at the tail end of a multitude of disasters...rocky mountain spotted fever, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, diabetes, cataracts and then the cancer. We were blessed to have a vet who cared about Frodo almost as much as we did, and she did some major investigating and decided to try the super anti-inflammatory. It had to be prepared at a formulating pharmacy since it wasn't available in dog strength. It kept our Frodo going for another year, and the bladder cancer didn't directly cause his death, a stroke did. Well worth the time and investment because it allowed him a decent quality of life. We had another dog who became Frodos eyes and lead him around the yard. He's gone too now, for a year. So sad that their lives aren't as long as we'd like. We have two Keeshond clowns now who make us laugh, and brighten our days, but oh, what we'd give to see our first two again.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I wish I knew something to help but I don't. I'd probably investigate the laser treatment, though, too. It's so hard when our pets get older and start getting sick. Focus as much as you can on keeping her comfortable in the time she has left since you're not going for a cure, just palliative care.

 

[goofyandmore]

chrisnee and Christine, I thought the anti-inflamatory might be the best bet since the vet is saying even if we laser away the bulk of the tumor, it will grow back, and maybe even quicker.

chrisnee, can you find out anyway the name of that anti-inflamtory? I know it was a long time ago, but that would be very helpful. I have read about the anti-inflamatory used with arthritis called Piroxicam. My vet said he has known about it for years, and wasn't too enthusiastic about it. He said if we didn't choose the laser surgery, he would use the anti-inflamatory but was also worried about its effect on her stomach since she is just getting over gasterentritis.

What made both of you choose not to do the laser surgery? My husband doesn't want to do it, saying it will grow back and will probably spread even faster. But the vet thinks it will give her more time of comfort while acknowledging that even if we do the laser surgery, best case is that she lives about 8mths.

I am so confused and want to do what is best for her. All thoughts are welcome.

 

[Christine]

I didn't do the laser surgery at the time because it was not an option (this happened about 8-9 years ago).

 

[Poohy]

My story is very much like Christine's. My dog lived for about 9 months after the original diagnosis. We used the anti-inflammatory for those 9 months and she really didn't seem to be in pain until the very end and that is when we decided to put her to sleep.

Hugs to you. I know it is a hard road ahead. Just enjoy your puppy with the time you have left.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

My Mom's Pomeranian has this. In November he had the tumor removed from his bladder. The vet prescribed the anti inflammatory drug also. He did have one episode of bleeding from the drug but none since then. About a month ago he started straining to pee again. The tumor is back. He is urinating but the poor dog lifts his leg for so long and nothing comes out. It is very heart wrenching to watch. I know my mom doesn't want to put him to sleep but when he starts to suffer, what else can be done? Right now he is still acting normal and eating. It's just sad to see a pet go through this.

 

[james'mommy]

No advice just wanted to give a It's a hard decision to make to decide that quality of life is more important than quantity.

 

[chrisney]

Yo got the right name! It was peroxicam, and we had it formulated and flavored for Frodo. He experienced none of the possible side effects, and it did him a lot of good.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I can't believe this thread is here right now. My female sheltie was going out and squatting to pee often. The vet tested for diabetes and UTI. The UTI was positive so he treated her with 2 courses of antibiotics. Then found a lesion on her private parts. The biopsy came back as transitional cell carcinoma. She just had a chest xray today and there is no tumor in her lungs but her inguinal lymph nodes are enlarged. She may or may not have bladder ca. I really don't want to know as there is no way we can afford expensive treatment with 2 kids in college. He is starting her on Piroxicam after he gets it formulated. I hope it helps her. I am sad to hear the poor prognosis here.

to the OP.

 

[goofyandmore]

Breezy Carol, that sounds simiilar to our story. Our dog was on 2 rounds of antibiotics for a bladder infection. But he did an ultrasound that showed a polyp on bladder. he still wasn't sure if it was cancer. then, 2mths later, he did another ultrasound and the tumor had doubled. he still has not give her the anti-inflamtory you mentioned which I have read can be very helpful. some dogs have been reported going into remission. I will say a pray for your collie that it all works out. is your vet in NJ?

 

[barbaragerhardt]

My sweetheart dog was diagnosed with bladder cancer this past week and has started to receive the piroxicam and cytotec this week. I live in New Jersey and would like to know if anyone has heard of a veterinarian in Ridgewood NJ who uses laser to remove the bladder tumor. My dog has received the piroxicam in liquid form and I read that the liquid should not be used. Does anyone have any information on this topic to assist me? Any help would be appreciated. I'm just not ready to give up hope.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Breezy Carol, that sounds simiilar to our story. is your vet in NJ?

Our "family" vet is in Maryland where we live. He has been great and got the Piroxicam for us. Susie is taking 4 mg in capsule form. It really has made her more comfortable. The vet got us a lot of information about different possible chemotherapy courses of treatment and gave us the name of an oncologist vet in PA, either Philadelphia or West Chester (I can't remember). But, it sounds like the prognosis is 6 months with the Piroxicam or 12 months with the chemo. I just can't see putting her through that, and the expense, for 6 months. Don't get me wrong, I love the dog and I have already shed many tears, but I don't think she would know why we were "torturing" her with IV's etc.

Prayers for all the furbabies effected that they stay comfortable and loved.

 

[goofyandmore]

Breezy Carol, there was an article in the NY Post over the weekend about neoplasene which they are injecting in tumors. Supposedly, they are disappearing. But with my dog's situation, the neoplasene would have to be infused into the bladder via a sewed in catheter. The infusions occur once daily until the tumor disappears, if it does. I know my dog would not be happy with procedure. I made an appointment with a holistic vet to discuss if this is a good option or others. thanks, carolyn

 

[barbaragerhardt]

Who is your dog's veterinarian and what options did the vet recommend? I'm in a state of panic and would greatly appreciate some advice, since you live fairly close to me. Thanks Barbara

 

[goofyandmore]

I know the feeling. I am going to pm you.

 

[Iansmom]

hugs to all that have to face this dilemma.

Hugs to all that have already faced it.