Dog Community

Tumor / Cancer? Boxer

Posted : 6/7/2006 12:51:40 AM

My boxer Tuff E. Nuff had xrays in Dec. as he was having some arthritis difficulty. Slight hip dysplasia was found on the left hip, and the vet said his knees were basically "Shot to *ell!" They put him on deramaxx.. This helped fast.. And he was to continue taking it. But I am not real wild about these kind of meds, and so I started him on glucosamine/chondroiton and took him off the deramaxx.. Tuff then had surgery to remove 5 surface fatty tumors.. as w/ boxers, any lump that comes up, it is safer to remove it and have it checked.. After the surgery, Tuff began losing weight.. yet his appetite increased big time! I took him in to have him examined.. An xray was done as he's always had a sensative digestive system, and I had a feeling that this was something that should be checked out. The xray revealed a large mass inside his right ribcage area. The vet could feel the lump when checking his abdomen just under the edge of his ribcage.
Basically, the vet stated that we could do a ultra sound, but that it wouldn't tell us if it was cancerous.. I've asked about a needle biopsy.. but I'm not so sure this vet really knew the answer.. as she stated that she didn't feel that you can get enough information by a needle biopsy.. *hmmmm* She stated that if we opened him up, it was most likely cancer.. as boxers are very suseptable to cancer. And if it was cancer, there wouldn't be any sense in 'bringing him back" off the table.. *huge sigh*
So.. The choice was to just love him, and as long as he wasn't in pain, showing signs of suffering.. that we should just let him live what life he has. Tuff has been active, but slowed down alot. and he is allllllways hungry.. The vet says that the tumor has pushed his stomach into a smaller than normal size.. Yet he wants to eat all the time! She said that's because his system doesn't "realize" that his stomach isn't that big.. Not so sure that sounds right.. I'm just really confused..
He was a beautiful 85lbs.. of muscle.. Now he has wasted down to a skin and bones 60lbs. Yet.. he will still give a lizard one heck of a run for it's money!
It's so hard.. I will never let him suffer.. Not ever. I don't believe in that.. Tuffy is actually my service animal.. My balance is very poor.. He is so very precious to me... He doesn't seem to be in pain.. The time he shows the most discomfort and stress, is night time.. He wakes panicky.. and he pants... and his heart seems to race.. I use Bach's flower rescue remedy.. and this seems to help him calm down and sleep.. But lately, it doesn't seem to work as well.. and it does have alcohol in it, and Tuff has always been given Pepcid A.C. and phazyme when necessary. I think he's the ONLY boxer that CAN'T clear a room w/ gas! He just doesn't pass it, and it causes him pain and discomfort if I don't make sure he has those two meds every day.
I was told by this vet that deramaxx could be used for pain. I'm not too comfortable with that.. I'm wondering if something else couldn't help him sleep and relax at night.. I am seriously considering seeking another opinion.. and would like to see a holistic vet. Being disabled my funds aren't so mighty, but whatever I own.. is worth selling, because this dog means everything to me.. He's always there for me, and I'd give up anything for him. I love him so...
I'd be greatful for any input. I'm wondering if Deramaxx can cause tumors? Only because he had no sign of any tumor in Dec. xrays, then in April?? A huge mass! Just seems odd...
Last night he was very distressed.. and I thought for sure that today was the day I would lose him... but then he perked up in the afternoon.. even running down the side of the mountain.. Shocked the heck out of me! But then again tonight.. he was breathing a bit harder and faster than normal.. And now??? He's in bed and sleeping peacefully.. I'm so darn confused.. Please.. if anyone has any suggestions? I know that sometimes ppl on the outside looking in.. might see things differently than from my viewpoint..
Thank you for reading this,.. I apologize for it being so long... I am just heartbroken..
God Bless,
Karen n' Tuffy aka Tuff E. Nuff
and please... No "White boxer myths".. We've bred and owned boxers since the 50's.... and are WBF (white boxer friendly)

dyan

Posted : 6/7/2006 7:13:52 AM

Oh Karen, I feel your love AND your pain for your sweet dog. How old his he?
Here is a wonderful link to read to find out about Deramaxx
[linkhttp://www.dogsadversereactions.com/]http://www.dogsadversereactions.com/[/link] go to the NSAID section. Lots of testimonies and tributes to dog that took these drugs there, and lists of adverse reactions. I have been working with many of these people that have put together this website for a few years..it started with the injectable heartworm shot and expanded to NSAIDS and even vaccinations. You know it is a dangerous drug to many dogs, but it has also helped many more. So you need to read all you can and decide, that is all you can do.
I bet someone will come along here with an idea or two for your dog at night. Forunately I have not had experience with this...but some people here might have.
I want to wish you and Tuff love and good luck!

forpaws

Posted : 6/7/2006 7:30:21 AM

Oh Karen, I am so sorry for you and your boy.
In addition to what Dyan posted, I am going to add have you tried Yucca root, not the extract or herbal pill, but the actual Yucca root in his food. You can get it frozen at Wal Mart. Boil it and pull the strings out of it then feed him this. It is a natural anti inflamitory. I use it for myself as well as my arthritic dogs.
Another thought came to me. What if you add some puppy food to the mix of his food. This may help him gain weight and keep him from being hungry. I use this method when I have an immaciated rescue to help put weight on them.
Thinking of you guys and wishing you both the very best.
Give your boy a kiss on the mug for me.

jessies_mom

Posted : 6/7/2006 8:20:55 AM

Karen; I am so sorry about Tuffy. I agree with forpaws about adding puppy food to what he's eating. I don't have any suggestions to offer but just wanted to send you and Tuffy hugs and warm wishes; kep us posted about him.

calliecritturs

Posted : 6/7/2006 11:52:53 PM

The best way to slow a cancerous tumor is a cancer diet -- essentially it's one with no grain carbs, high in antioxidants and using fat to get energy from ... pretty high in protein but with a LOT of veggies for the antioxidants, etc. Carbs feed cancer -- so starving the cancer can really help.

If you go the holistic vet route, try for one that does traditional Chinese veteirnary medicine -- the Chinese have STRONG medicine for cancer -- they see cancer from a whole different perspective than regular vets do.,

[linkhttp://www.chi-institute.com]http://www.chi-institute.com[/link] -- they have a locator that you may be able to use to find a good TCVM vet near you.

I have a cancer diet I'd be glad to send you that I got from Dr. Clemmons at the University of Florida at Gainesville -- it's full of other herbs, etc. that can be super helpful in treating cancer.

I use both a regular and a holistic vet. One dog we had which had mast cell cancer we treated with chemo, but also using the TCVM stuff to help augment the chemo but also to control the chemo side effects. This was a dog who had already had surgery but we knew we didn't get "clear margins" and he remained cancer-free for the rest of his life.

There ARE things you can do for cancer. Don't just give up.

Karen Y

Posted : 6/8/2006 12:00:29 AM

ORIGINAL: dyan

Oh Karen, I feel your love AND your pain for your sweet dog. How old his he?
Here is a wonderful link to read to find out about Deramaxx
[linkhttp://www.dogsadversereactions.com/]http://www.dogsadversereactions.com/[/link] go to the NSAID section. Lots of testimonies and tributes to dog that took these drugs there, and lists of adverse reactions. I have been working with many of these people that have put together this website for a few years..it started with the injectable heartworm shot and expanded to NSAIDS and even vaccinations. You know it is a dangerous drug to many dogs, but it has also helped many more. So you need to read all you can and decide, that is all you can do.
I bet someone will come along here with an idea or two for your dog at night. Forunately I have not had experience with this...but some people here might have.
I want to wish you and Tuff love and good luck!

*OOPS*! Tuff isn't a puppy as my post said. He is 9 yrs old .. Sorry about that Dyan and all...
Thank you (((Dyan))) I appreciate your kind words... I am going to research the site you gave me here.. I know that last night before I posted here, I had spent about 2 hrs reasearching online sites in ref. to NSAID's... It's so hard to know exactly what to think.. as it is so complex.. and each pet is so different... It gets frustrating trying to figure out what the RIGHT move to make is.. I stopped by the vets today and asked if there was anything that would help him relax at night.. sleep better... and was given Ultram (Tramadol) I didn't take what they had.. as I already have some here at home.. that was my own and the pharmacy told me it is the same thing. And I won't give it to him until I research it... Tuffy's got a extremely sensative stomach. He gets a max. strngth Pepcid A.C. in the a.m. and one in the evening.. And after his evening meal.. I give him two extra strngth phazyme gelcaps.. (I poke a hole in it to make sure it gets to him quicker) And Tuff eats Prairie brand dry food.. Chicken anc Rice. It's dry, but I soak it in hot water til soft, then puree it.. as it is easier for him to digest. MUCH less tummy aches then. (The vet told me that his digestive system is probably failing.. and suggested we puree his food into a gruel) This does help.. His stools are pretty much normal. Once in awhile he will have a loose one, but the very next one the same day is normal! Basically, grains seem to cause him distress.. and the "Prairie" brand doesn't seem to have it.. Lots of trial and error w/ foods to get the right one that will work for him. Anything rich causes him gas pains and a noisy tummy. As crazy as some may think I am.. I've learned that a heating pad on his tummy when it is squeaking and squirming.. along w/ the phazyme.. gives him quick relief! Seriously, it does.... I was shocked myself when I tried it.. Tuff just calms down and will actually roll his tummy toward me to allow me to put it on him....
Soooo I'm afraid that puppy food will be too rich for him.. I just want to find out what this "tumor" is... Just so hard to know if I'm doing the wrong thing.. Being on dissability leaves me with minimum funds..I am presently looking for whatever I can sell to try to get him to a holistic Dr... I am just scared it will be too late...
Today Tuffy and I were in wal-mart.. and since he is a service animal.. they allowed him to have his pic taken with me.. He did good... Looked great in the pics.. I will definately cherish the photos when they arrive in 2-3 wks.. I pray I can find some answers for him.. and maybe a miracle will come....
Bless you for your kind words.. and help..
Karen and Tuffy...
Tuff loves to sing.. lol

Karen Y

Posted : 6/8/2006 12:10:10 AM

ORIGINAL: forpaws

Oh Karen, I am so sorry for you and your boy.
In addition to what Dyan posted, I am going to add have you tried Yucca root, not the extract or herbal pill, but the actual Yucca root in his food. You can get it frozen at Wal Mart. Boil it and pull the strings out of it then feed him this. It is a natural anti inflamitory. I use it for myself as well as my arthritic dogs.
Another thought came to me. What if you add some puppy food to the mix of his food. This may help him gain weight and keep him from being hungry. I use this method when I have an immaciated rescue to help put weight on them.
Thinking of you guys and wishing you both the very best.
Give your boy a kiss on the mug for me.

((((forpaws))))) Thank you so much for your condolenses... I appreciate it greatly... I was at Wal-Mart today, and strange as this sounds.. I was at the vegetable counter.. and found myself looking at the roots... don't know why... as I know nothing about them.. but how ironic to come here tonight and find this from you! I'm a believer in things happening for a reason.. And that ppl are placed in our path by the higher power for a reason.. *smiles* So who knows.. maybe I "felt" your words as I stood there... Luckily living here in Sedona.. known for the powers of healing.. The local stores will carry this Yucca root! We have a health food store here.. and I will go get some! And will read up on it too.. I'm prepared to try most anything.. I do want to ck to see if it will cause his gastric system any problems though.. as he is ultra sensative.. I've never had a dog that had a sensative intestinal system, but Tuff has sure taught me alot...
Tuff's arthritis isn't so bad though.. I mean.. he had that one "attack".. and ever since I started the glucosamine/chond..... he has done well... He runs like a goofball at times.. Even now.. when he is so gaunt.. he gets a wild hair now and then.. God Bless him... The "demon" is this mass that was detected in the xray of his right ribcage... This is what I think is taking him away from me... *huge sigh* And I just want to find out as much as I possibly can about it...
I will ck out the yucca plant though.. and thank you sooo much for telling me how to do it an all.. I appreciate the input so very much!
Bless you....and I will definately give him a big smooch.. He gets tons of them... I love him so.....
Karen n' Tuffy...

Karen Y

Posted : 6/8/2006 12:11:55 AM

ORIGINAL: jessies_mom

Karen; I am so sorry about Tuffy. I agree with forpaws about adding puppy food to what he's eating. I don't have any suggestions to offer but just wanted to send you and Tuffy hugs and warm wishes; kep us posted about him.

Thank you sooo very much for your kindness... we appreciate it.. and will definately keep you updated.. Bless you for your words...
Karen n' Tuffy

Karen Y

Posted : 6/8/2006 12:30:43 AM

ORIGINAL: calliecritturs

The best way to slow a cancerous tumor is a cancer diet -- essentially it's one with no grain carbs, high in antioxidants and using fat to get energy from ... pretty high in protein but with a LOT of veggies for the antioxidants, etc. Carbs feed cancer -- so starving the cancer can really help.

If you go the holistic vet route, try for one that does traditional Chinese veteirnary medicine -- the Chinese have STRONG medicine for cancer -- they see cancer from a whole different perspective than regular vets do.,

[linkhttp://www.chi-institute.com]http://www.chi-institute.com[/link] -- they have a locator that you may be able to use to find a good TCVM vet near you.

I have a cancer diet I'd be glad to send you that I got from Dr. Clemmons at the University of Florida at Gainesville -- it's full of other herbs, etc. that can be super helpful in treating cancer.

I use both a regular and a holistic vet. One dog we had which had mast cell cancer we treated with chemo, but also using the TCVM stuff to help augment the chemo but also to control the chemo side effects. This was a dog who had already had surgery but we knew we didn't get "clear margins" and he remained cancer-free for the rest of his life.

There ARE things you can do for cancer. Don't just give up.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh (((((Calliecritturs))))))) You have no idea how much this means to me! As I stated in one of the other posts.. I BELIEVE ppl come into our paths for a reason... I just realized how much life is FULL CIRCLE.. I say this because.. I found this forum in an effort to help my sister Rustie.. She has a white female boxer that has been having skin issues.. And I searched Google.. and it brought me to a post that YOU had posted in here! I copied that post.. and headed straight for my sisters email.. sending her the information! SHE Is in Central Florida.. Clearwater to be exact! Anyway.. I was searching to help her when I found this forum... This was meant to be.. Not just by accident that I have arrived here.. I feel so blessed to have found you all! I recognized your nic on here immediately when I saw it just now!!!!!!!! I wish I could HUG you for REAL!
I pray to God that I am not too late for Tuffy.. I will ck out the information you've given me here...I would be so very greatful for that cancer diet.... Tuffy is fading fast.. he's sooo very thin.. From 75lbs in Dec... and then in April.. he started losing drastically.. and now is only 59lbs.. For him that is bad. his backbone shows.. and his ribs horribly.. "

( Maybe w/ a miracle.. and all your help.. I can save him. He's so very precious to me.. He's all I have.. Throughout the 7 yrs of surgery and having to be in a wheelchair 3-6 mo's each year , last year was 9 mo's... And I have another year to go... He has been such a tremendous companion. When I'm not in the wheelchair, he keeps me balanced.. He's amazing.. So in touch w/ every emotion... That is why I am so careful to try not to let him feel my heartbreak.. I want to keep UP.. so he will not feed off my sadness... It does make a difference..
Please.. if you would send me that diet.. I'd be so greatful.. I'm scared about the vegetables and his gastric issues, but.. this Prairie food that I feed him has it too.. and I was afraid to feed him that, yet the pet feed store owner assured me it would be "ok".. and it was! So.. I just pray Tuff can tolerate it and do well....
I think?? You can email me directly? If I need to give you my email addy.. just let me know!
Thank you.. and GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!
Karen and Tuff...