CANINE CANCER IN GOLDENS

Labs so are at risk for cancer, but more so Goldens.

Why not adopt from a shelter? Look into a different breed?

 Welcome to the forum; I'm so sorry for your loss. Cocoa is healthy and pain free again, waiting for you at the Bridge;    [linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/tt.asp?forumid=9]http://forum.dog.com/asp/tt.asp?forumid=9[/link]. You'll see her again someday. I have a friend who also lost his 8 year old Golden to cancer last year. If you want another Golden, it may help to look for breeders whose bloodlines don't have a history of cancer; just a thought. I also agree with Dulce; Labs don't seem to have cancer as much as Goldens. Run free sweet Cocoa; [sm=angel.gif]

I'm so sorry to hear of another Golden dying from cancer.  My landlord's Golden died of cancer at just two months after his third birthday.
So sorry for your loss... 

Unfortunately, goldens are a breed burdoned with cancer.  It is very common.  Things like lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, etc.  I am so very sorry for your loss.  I know its hard, but she is not in pain anymore.  My thoughts are with you.  Do consider a mix breed at a shelter, they would have less inherited genetic diseases than purebreds.  But if you want another golden, do look for a breeder that can take you back in family history so you can see if there is a risk of cancer.  Good luck!

I'm so sorry to hear about your golden.  Goldens are wonderful dogs.  Have you consided being a puppy raiser for a seeing eye or CCI?  That takes a special sort of person, but it may help heal the hole in your heart.

I have two full goldens and one golden mix and belong to several golden boards.  Just before Christmas two on one board lost a golden.  One was a 12 1/2 year old girl and we knew she had been going downhill.  The other was a 3 year old, and yes, cancer got him.  i lost an irish setter to bone cancer almost 10 years ago at age 12 1/2.  Of our goldens, we lost our first one at age 5 when he dropped dead of a heart attack.  I lost another who had just turned 4 to autoimmune hemolytic anemia nad liver damage that was brought on by that 6 months heartworm preventative, Proheart6.  Right, my oldest golden will be 12 on Feb. 8, one turned 7 this past Ausg. 19 (she was litter mate to one we lost to Proheart6 3 years ago), and Honey, our adopted mix turned 5 this past Dec. 7.
 
I know your fear of cancer and it does run not only in goldens but a few other breeds as well.  i think Flat Coated retrievers is one that has high rate of cancer..  Any dog can get cancer, but it does appeart some breeds ae more prone to it.
 
i am sorry for your loss.  it really hurts to lose a beloved "fur kid.:.

I'm very sorry for your loss.  The only experience I have with this breed is the two I pet sit for.  Casey, 8-years-old, does have cancer.  Ruby, who is from a wondeful breeder, does not. 
 
I have concerns for my own dog too.  Chows are very prone to stomach cancer and three on my chow board have passed away from it recently. 

I lost a red golden to lymphoma about 6 years ago.  After she was diagnosed, I spoke with a breeder about cancer in goldens, and she said it was much more prevalent in red dogs.  How true that is, I don't know.  A friend of mine with a blonde golden lost hers to cancer as well.

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Cocoa. Canine cancer is truly heartbreaking. I belong to a pet cancer forum and Goldens are definately the most represented breed. Rottweilers seem prone to bone cancer and beagles seem to have high rates of cancer in their senior years. Although labs do get cancer, considering their popularity, they are less represented in this unfortunate group. Labs tend to be prone to Mast Cell Cancer, which is easier to catch early and has a much higher survival rate. I also really like Springer Spaniels for an all around fun dog.
 
When you make the decision for another dog, you may want to read up on vaccinations, diet, and immune supplementation. Our holistic vet also strongly recommends filtered water, and if you smoke, don't smoke in the house or in the car if your dog is riding with you. Although there's no guarantees, holistic vets feel that recautionary measures may reduce the risk of canine cancer.
 
Please take care.  

Thanks so much for your kind words.  It truly is heartbreaking to lose a pet.  I found comfort in your email, and also recommend a chapter from James Van Pragh's book, "Healing Grief" to anyone else who is going through this.  It's about pets in the afterlife and how they are still around us.  Van Pragh is a medium -- Ted Danson played him in the TV movie -- and he is able to communicate with deceased loved ones.  While trying to contact a child who had died, Van Pragh got a "message" from a deceased horse who wanted to tell his owner (the person sitting with him) how much he appreciated that she slept in his stall with him when he was ill.  Made me feel better to know that my Cocoa still knows how much I loved him and that he is somewhere happy and restored to his healthy self.  At the moment, based on input from my vet, my allergist, and a lot of research, I am leaning towards a standard poodle.  I've never had one but my husband has had several that he truly loved.  Cocoa's "nephew" has sired a litter and although it is SO tempting to have a dog that might resemble him in looks and temperament, I fear the cancer issues.  I was lucky to have nearly 9 good years, especially when people have shared they lost Goldies under 3 years old.  I truly appreciate your support.

I am so sorry for your loss. Our family has had many goldens, and I know how wonderful they are.

Try to remember that not all goldens will get cancer. My step-mom had to put her beloved golden down after 16 years together. Poor Ginger was getting so old that she had to lay down to potty, but she still crawled into any lap she could find for loving, and Ginger NEVER missed a mealtime! My brother's golden is nearly 15 and has had no cancer. Brandy still goes hunting with him.

Sorry to hear about your loss
 
With every breed you run the risk of a different disease. All breeds have different health problems so it may be cancer in goldies but it could be something just as worse in another breed. If you like the breed i would continue to own it or at least consider a mixed dog. I reccomend adopting from a rescue check out www.petfinder.org

Thanks once again to all of you for your kind words.  It's been three weeks and it's getting  LITTLE better.  My husband and I are looking for a new puppy that can hopefully come home in the next four weeks.  Can't replace my baby, but a new puppy to love will make life more fun.  I'm sure there is another dog out there that I can love. 

I'm so sorry for your loss. My dog is part golden.  I hope the raw diet he is on will help him prevent cancer.
As for labs, my brothers 7 year old black lab got toe cancer and had her toe was amputated.  SHe is on a no grain cancer diet no eating EVO.