Roundybout Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 Hey all, About three weeks ago my dog, Bear, started acting a little strange. He started throwing up at night and drooling a lot more than usual (He's a 7 year old Newfoundland). He's also been eating very strangely, chewing his food far more than he used to with his jaw making a 'clicking' sound while chewing. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. There is nothing stuck in his throat and his poop and whatnot is normal (sorry to be graphic). Took him to the vet yesterday. He has no sign of infection. His temperature and blood sugar are both fine. What wasn't fine were his platelet and protein levels, which a blood test showed were a little low and a little high, respectively. Now, the vet couldn't say what was wrong at all. There are a lot of things that could be wrong. But, if he had to guess, there's one thing. Liver cancer. Newfoundlands are a higher risk for it. It would explain the drool and the throwing up (nausea). The only other thing I believe it could be would be heartworms or some sort of poisoning. However, without X-Rays, we cannot be sure. He ate some this morning, more than in a while, and went for a short walk, which I thought was good. He still won't drink anything, which is very strange. You'd think with cancer he would want to drink a ton. I've been something of a mess during this whole situation, and I was wondering if any of you fine people have been down this road before. I am still in shock about this. His checkup in August was perfect. How could this have come up so fast? Not to mention, around Christmas time. If any of you are the praying type, send some prayers for both him and me. It's gonna be a rough Christmas. -B.E. (Mike). 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 So sorry to hear this Mike. Yes, I've been through it numerous times with our various labs (yellow labs and black lab). They really are best friends. Will say a prayer for you all. Love Newfies!! Really wanted to get one but we don't have a house that's big enough...so we went with another yellow lab. Stay strong brother. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billsfansinceday1 Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 Heartbreaking. Our last Golden Retriever had liver cancer so we did the right thing for him (tearing up here). Anyway, we had an ultrasound done which confirmed the cancer. Heartbreaking. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marv's Neighbor Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 I feel your pain. We're on Golden Retriever #6. This one I found online at the SPCA, so not exactly sure how old he is, but after going through that a number of times, it's not easy! All you can do is your best, both for you and for your very special dog. Best of luck! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundybout Posted December 13, 2017 Author Share Posted December 13, 2017 Appreciate it guys. I think the worst part is not knowing exactly what is wrong, only that he's very sick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 1 minute ago, BillsEnthusiast said: Appreciate it guys. I think the worst part is not knowing exactly what is wrong, only that he's very sick. Your reference to poisoning is very real. My folks had a dog in FL that was acting the same way...in FL the condo association puts out rat poison in the area. Sometimes dogs eat that crap. Not saying that was it, but it could be a number of things (antifreeze, grapes, chocolate, etc). Newfies are about as smart as labs when it comes to food - eat anything in sight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo716 Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 48 minutes ago, BillsEnthusiast said: Hey all, About three weeks ago my dog, Bear, started acting a little strange. He started throwing up at night and drooling a lot more than usual (He's a 7 year old Newfoundland). He's also been eating very strangely, chewing his food far more than he used to with his jaw making a 'clicking' sound while chewing. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. There is nothing stuck in his throat and his poop and whatnot is normal (sorry to be graphic). Took him to the vet yesterday. He has no sign of infection. His temperature and blood sugar are both fine. What wasn't fine were his platelet and protein levels, which a blood test showed were a little low and a little high, respectively. Now, the vet couldn't say what was wrong at all. There are a lot of things that could be wrong. But, if he had to guess, there's one thing. Liver cancer. Newfoundlands are a higher risk for it. It would explain the drool and the throwing up (nausea). The only other thing I believe it could be would be heartworms or some sort of poisoning. However, without X-Rays, we cannot be sure. He ate some this morning, more than in a while, and went for a short walk, which I thought was good. He still won't drink anything, which is very strange. You'd think with cancer he would want to drink a ton. I've been something of a mess during this whole situation, and I was wondering if any of you fine people have been down this road before. I am still in shock about this. His checkup in August was perfect. How could this have come up so fast? Not to mention, around Christmas time. If any of you are the praying type, send some prayers for both him and me. It's gonna be a rough Christmas. -B.E. (Mike). Hey mike. So sorry to hear that. I lost my best friend 2 years ago as well She was the sweetest, cutest beagle she stopped eating one day and we took her to the vet and she had cancer i couldnt put her down. So I just tried to make her last few weeks as comfortable as possible for her stay strong mike. Your buddy needs you to be strong for him 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cripple Creek Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 Sorry Mike, hang tough. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundybout Posted December 13, 2017 Author Share Posted December 13, 2017 16 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said: Your reference to poisoning is very real. My folks had a dog in FL that was acting the same way...in FL the condo association puts out rat poison in the area. Sometimes dogs eat that crap. Not saying that was it, but it could be a number of things (antifreeze, grapes, chocolate, etc). Newfies are about as smart as labs when it comes to food - eat anything in sight. Rat poison killed off a buddy's terrier. That was a sad story. And you're not wrong about eating everything in sight, Bear has tried to eat everything from pickles to spiders. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 Tough times when you lose four legged freinds. We lost ours a year ago and still have not tried to replace her. The pain will fade, and the memories will stay. Keep him comfortable as possible, and you will know in your heart what the best next step is. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoBills808 Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 29 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said: Your reference to poisoning is very real. My folks had a dog in FL that was acting the same way...in FL the condo association puts out rat poison in the area. Sometimes dogs eat that crap. Not saying that was it, but it could be a number of things (antifreeze, grapes, chocolate, etc). Newfies are about as smart as labs when it comes to food - eat anything in sight. I had a dog die from antifreeze poisoning. You'll know it because they start vomiting and acting drunk and wobbling. Ethlyne glycol crystals eventually destroy the kidneys. I hate losing a dog. Sorry to hear about yours. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heavy Kevi Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 1 hour ago, BillsEnthusiast said: Hey all, About three weeks ago my dog, Bear, started acting a little strange. He started throwing up at night and drooling a lot more than usual (He's a 7 year old Newfoundland). He's also been eating very strangely, chewing his food far more than he used to with his jaw making a 'clicking' sound while chewing. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. There is nothing stuck in his throat and his poop and whatnot is normal (sorry to be graphic). Took him to the vet yesterday. He has no sign of infection. His temperature and blood sugar are both fine. What wasn't fine were his platelet and protein levels, which a blood test showed were a little low and a little high, respectively. Now, the vet couldn't say what was wrong at all. There are a lot of things that could be wrong. But, if he had to guess, there's one thing. Liver cancer. Newfoundlands are a higher risk for it. It would explain the drool and the throwing up (nausea). The only other thing I believe it could be would be heartworms or some sort of poisoning. However, without X-Rays, we cannot be sure. He ate some this morning, more than in a while, and went for a short walk, which I thought was good. He still won't drink anything, which is very strange. You'd think with cancer he would want to drink a ton. I've been something of a mess during this whole situation, and I was wondering if any of you fine people have been down this road before. I am still in shock about this. His checkup in August was perfect. How could this have come up so fast? Not to mention, around Christmas time. If any of you are the praying type, send some prayers for both him and me. It's gonna be a rough Christmas. -B.E. (Mike). This is horrible news and very sad. I had a German Shepherd who had the exact same symptoms, and yes unfortunately it was liver cancer. It took 3 vet visits to diagnose, but the symptoms just kept getting worse. The day before I took her in the final time, she wouldn't even eat peanut butter. First she was throwing everything up, then lost interest in eating. Only difference is she did drink water. Look out for a positive response after drinking water. Even though he doesn't drink alot, if he seems more lively after a good drink, it could def be cancer in the liver. After the second vet visit, they gave her an IV and she seemed great, recovered even, for just a few hours. False hope. Sad to say she left us at just 8 years old. I feel for you, brother. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 1 hour ago, Marv's Neighbor said: I feel your pain. We're on Golden Retriever #6. This one I found online at the SPCA, so not exactly sure how old he is, but after going through that a number of times, it's not easy! All you can do is your best, both for you and for your very special dog. Best of luck! I am also on Golden #6. Lost the first 5 to some form of cancer. People who don’t have dogs don’t realize what a loss that is. Sending thoughts and prayers through this difficult process... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royale with Cheese Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 Lost my dog back in 2009 and it was difficult. Hoping for the best BE. 2 minutes ago, Augie said: I am also on Golden #6. Lost the first 5 to some form of cancer. People who don’t have dogs don’t realize what a loss that is. Sending thoughts and prayers through this difficult process... I've heard before that Golden's have more than a 50% chance of getting some sort of cancer in their life time? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 1 minute ago, Royale with Cheese said: Lost my dog back in 2009 and it was difficult. Hoping for the best BE. I've heard before that Golden's have more than a 50% chance of getting some sort of cancer in their life time? I’ve heard some vets label them as cancer dogs, but they are the greatest things on earth! I wouldn’t want any other breed despite this issue. (My wife may disagree...) Mine have lasted anywhere from 8-13 years, with the current one just having turned 8. AWESOME dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royale with Cheese Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 Just now, Augie said: I’ve heard some vets label them as cancer dogs, but they are the greatest things on earth! I wouldn’t want any other breed despite this issue. (My wife may disagree...) Mine have lasted anywhere from 8-13 years, with the current one just having turned 8. AWESOME dogs. I've never owned but also have never not loved one that I came into contact with. I have a 9 year old dog now that I married into (wife had him before we met) and when it's her time, I am thinking about a Golden next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundybout Posted December 13, 2017 Author Share Posted December 13, 2017 16 minutes ago, Shotgunner said: This is horrible news and very sad. I had a German Shepherd who had the exact same symptoms, and yes unfortunately it was liver cancer. It took 3 vet visits to diagnose, but the symptoms just kept getting worse. The day before I took her in the final time, she wouldn't even eat peanut butter. First she was throwing everything up, then lost interest in eating. Only difference is she did drink water. Look out for a positive response after drinking water. Even though he doesn't drink alot, if he seems more lively after a good drink, it could def be cancer in the liver. After the second vet visit, they gave her an IV and she seemed great, recovered even, for just a few hours. False hope. Sad to say she left us at just 8 years old. I feel for you, brother. That's the thing, he had an IV yesterday at the vet because he was so dehydrated, and he still acted the same. No real improvement, though like I said, he went for a short walk this morning. He just plain refuses to drink any water. Sorry to hear about your loss! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 1 minute ago, BillsEnthusiast said: That's the thing, he had an IV yesterday at the vet because he was so dehydrated, and he still acted the same. No real improvement, though like I said, he went for a short walk this morning. He just plain refuses to drink any water. Sorry to hear about your loss! Not sure what will happen with Bear, but if it's bad news, will you get another Newf? After we lost our black lab this past summer, our younger yellow lab was bored and seemed to miss him. So we're getting my daughter a dog this Christmas. I must be going crazy thinking about the social adjustment of our remaining dog (but I'm a Bills fan so that explains the lunacy) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sig1Hunter Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 No possibility of some kind of issue / infection in his mouth / teeth? Did you get a full blood panel workup done? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundybout Posted December 13, 2017 Author Share Posted December 13, 2017 3 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said: Not sure what will happen with Bear, but if it's bad news, will you get another Newf? After we lost our black lab this past summer, our younger yellow lab was bored and seemed to miss him. So we're getting my daughter a dog this Christmas. I must be going crazy thinking about the social adjustment of our remaining dog (but I'm a Bills fan so that explains the lunacy) If anything, we will get a rescue dog. I think we will try for another newf, or maybe another big dog. For some family reasons, we need to have an easy going dog. If it was up to me, I would adopt a retired racing greyhound since those need some love, but are skittish as heck. Just now, Sig1Hunter said: No possibility of some kind of issue / infection in his mouth / teeth? We took a look. No dice, his teeth and jaw seems to be ok. That was one of our first ideas, actually, that he had a piece of something stuck somewhere in his mouth. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBill Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 Mike sorry to hear this....they are truly a part of the family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 been there a number of times Losing a dog sucks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamrock Posted December 14, 2017 Share Posted December 14, 2017 16 hours ago, BillsEnthusiast said: Hey all, About three weeks ago my dog, Bear, started acting a little strange. He started throwing up at night and drooling a lot more than usual (He's a 7 year old Newfoundland). He's also been eating very strangely, chewing his food far more than he used to with his jaw making a 'clicking' sound while chewing. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. There is nothing stuck in his throat and his poop and whatnot is normal (sorry to be graphic). Took him to the vet yesterday. He has no sign of infection. His temperature and blood sugar are both fine. What wasn't fine were his platelet and protein levels, which a blood test showed were a little low and a little high, respectively. Now, the vet couldn't say what was wrong at all. There are a lot of things that could be wrong. But, if he had to guess, there's one thing. Liver cancer. Newfoundlands are a higher risk for it. It would explain the drool and the throwing up (nausea). The only other thing I believe it could be would be heartworms or some sort of poisoning. However, without X-Rays, we cannot be sure. He ate some this morning, more than in a while, and went for a short walk, which I thought was good. He still won't drink anything, which is very strange. You'd think with cancer he would want to drink a ton. I've been something of a mess during this whole situation, and I was wondering if any of you fine people have been down this road before. I am still in shock about this. His checkup in August was perfect. How could this have come up so fast? Not to mention, around Christmas time. If any of you are the praying type, send some prayers for both him and me. It's gonna be a rough Christmas. -B.E. (Mike). Cardiac fine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sig1Hunter Posted December 14, 2017 Share Posted December 14, 2017 15 hours ago, ShadyBillsFan said: been there a number of times Losing a dog sucks Me too. So often a friend will try to comfort and say "I wish they would live forever". Whenever someone says that it makes me think. I'm glad they don't live forever - that's what gives so much value to every moment. The early morning kisses, the late night chin scratches, spit soaked tennis balls, and chewed up remote controls... they would mean nothing if they were guaranteed life. Whatever the outcome Mike (And I hope you get more time with Bear), the memories of the good times and unconditional love will sustain you. There will never be another Bear, this is true... but when the time is right, open your heart to another sweet soul to share life with. Life is always better with a dog. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pine Barrens Mafia Posted December 14, 2017 Share Posted December 14, 2017 When i lost my schnauzer I was devastated. Mercifully I got my pei not long thereafter and she has been a joy to me since 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundybout Posted December 14, 2017 Author Share Posted December 14, 2017 5 hours ago, Shamrock said: Cardiac fine? Blieve so. What makes it weirder is that he has no fever or diarrhea, and again, he refuses to drink. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo_Gal Posted December 14, 2017 Share Posted December 14, 2017 I am so sorry to hear about Bear. I hope they find out what is wrong with your Bear, and you have many, many more years with him. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundybout Posted December 14, 2017 Author Share Posted December 14, 2017 Dropped my buddy off at the animal hospital for xrays. Doctor was actually optimistic! Keep praying guys. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted December 14, 2017 Share Posted December 14, 2017 2 hours ago, BillsEnthusiast said: Dropped my buddy off at the animal hospital for xrays. Doctor was actually optimistic! Keep praying guys. Thats good to hear, hope is in the air..Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweats Posted December 14, 2017 Share Posted December 14, 2017 Sorry to hear this...... My dog had cancer and was just barely hanging on. When we took her to the vets to finally be euthanized the vet said to me, "to finally let a good friend go is the final act of kindness that we can give them". I always remembered those words.........and it made it a little less painful to put her down that day. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundybout Posted December 14, 2017 Author Share Posted December 14, 2017 Just got back home. Ultrasound revealed a sizable tumor in his abdomen - stomach cancer. Untreatable even if I had the cash for chemo and surgery. Bear's been given 3 weeks, enough for Christmas. Holy living ****. I'm a little in shock. Sweats, I'm going to keep that in mind when the inevitable comes. Thanks. 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBill Posted December 14, 2017 Share Posted December 14, 2017 4 minutes ago, BillsEnthusiast said: Just got back home. Ultrasound revealed a sizable tumor in his abdomen - stomach cancer. Untreatable even if I had the cash for chemo and surgery. Bear's been given 3 weeks, enough for Christmas. Holy living ****. I'm a little in shock. Sweats, I'm going to keep that in mind when the inevitable comes. Thanks. Sorry to hear this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoBills808 Posted December 14, 2017 Share Posted December 14, 2017 Sorry to hear that. I've lived with dogs as pets and guard dogs and hunting partners since I was born, and it never gets easier when they go. My dad always said dogs have bad memories but good intentions and if you treated them right they die without a care in the world. There's a great symbiosis between humans and dogs but I always try to keep in mind the emotional dependency runs a lot stronger on our side...sounds like you gave this dog everything he could have wanted. That's a win in my book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mead107 Posted December 15, 2017 Share Posted December 15, 2017 That was our dogs name. 6 years old. Heart problem. Had to put him down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted December 15, 2017 Share Posted December 15, 2017 So sorry to hear the news, he will always be in your heart and eventually the pain will fade, but the love he had for you will last forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo716 Posted December 15, 2017 Share Posted December 15, 2017 1 hour ago, BillsEnthusiast said: Just got back home. Ultrasound revealed a sizable tumor in his abdomen - stomach cancer. Untreatable even if I had the cash for chemo and surgery. Bear's been given 3 weeks, enough for Christmas. Holy living ****. I'm a little in shock. Sweats, I'm going to keep that in mind when the inevitable comes. Thanks. Sorry to hear that man that is never a good feeling. Please, give him all the love and attention you can in the next few weeks be the best friend he needs and soak in every second with him Stay strong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cripple Creek Posted December 15, 2017 Share Posted December 15, 2017 1 hour ago, BillsEnthusiast said: Just got back home. Ultrasound revealed a sizable tumor in his abdomen - stomach cancer. Untreatable even if I had the cash for chemo and surgery. Bear's been given 3 weeks, enough for Christmas. Holy living ****. I'm a little in shock. Sweats, I'm going to keep that in mind when the inevitable comes. Thanks. My vet said a very similar thing...keep that in mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundybout Posted December 15, 2017 Author Share Posted December 15, 2017 Really appreciate it guys. He's not in any pain, and it hasn't spread. We will make this the best Christmas yet. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted December 15, 2017 Share Posted December 15, 2017 Our first dog Ivan was the smartest and gentlest dog you have ever seen. He was trained to be companion to a child and they got divorced in first year of child's life - wife got house, husband got dog and dog got no home. We thought he was a mute until some salesman bothered my wife and he came running from couch by window (refused to lie on floor so we compromised and gave him his own couch) standing on back legs and barking at salesman. Salesman ran away literally. He died from cancer; we tried surgery to save him and vet was amazed how well he recovered but the cancer reoccurred. Our second dog Kingston (we just called him King) was a runaway (he did not intend to, it is the breed) whose own apparently gave up bailing him out of pound. He jumped fences so we had to put double high fence for him. He would chase squirrels when walking him and get off leash so we told him "no more squirrels" so he never chased a squirrel. even in yard. We had him chipped and bailed him out several times. He was lying on floor which was not unusual; he had a crate but he preferred floor during day. An hour later I found him still on floor which was unusual - that dog had ADHD is any dog had one. My wife and I got him onto a large towel and carried him to vet. She said he had internal bleeding from cancer and he was weak from blood loss. She could fix it but likely cancer was terminal. I hate ankle nappers but the large dogs have such short lives. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 15, 2017 Share Posted December 15, 2017 Sorry to hear this Enthusiast. So tough. Give Bear a hug for all of us. Sounds like a great boy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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