Guest mtoddy123 Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 Hello. My beloved (and first) greyhound, Abacu Racey, who I have had since he was 21 months old, has lung cancer (suspected primary). He will be 11 on May 20. He has been coughing for a couple of months, but the vet didn't think it was serious. Last week, x-rays (read by radiologist specialist) revealed suspected tumor in the caudal lobe of the left lung. His appetite is still very good, energy the same as always, he is happy and wants to play outside. He coughs about 4-5 times a day, for a couple of seconds. It is almost a gagging sound, like he's trying to clear his throat. We've decided not to do any invasive procedures to confirm the diagnosis, and want to just enjoy our remaining time with him. His two brother-greys will be very upset. I've never had to make the decision to send a pet to the Bridge. I'm very scared about how his disease is going to progress. I would appreciate any insight or suggestions that you may have. Thank you, Melissa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 That's what Buffy had. She did well on pred 10mg in the morning and 5mg at night. She was diagnosed last June and lasted until just a few weeks ago. Also what Shadow had. When Shadow was diagnosed, we put him on pred at 20mg per day and he lasted around 6 months. It's hard -- I know Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjpk Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 So, so sorry for you and your pupper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dmt Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 So sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racindog Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 Try to just enjoy and love him. He will tell you when he has to leave. Until them just love. I am so very very sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 I'm so sorry to read this...hope he has many more good days with you. Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 I'm so sorry to hear the news. I haven't had that particular cancer (fibrosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma of the spleen, and osteosarcoma). What most people say is that they tell you when they're ready to cross to the Bridge. While that sounds so unhelpful, it does seem to work like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 Melissa, I am very sorry. I hope you have many many more happy moments together. Make memories. Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 I am so very sorry to hear this. Spoil him rotten. I hope you have many happy days left together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3greytjoys Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 I'm so sorry about your first special boy's diagnosis. Wishing you as much quality time together as possible. Great news that your boy is still happy, active, and eating well. Time with our hounds is a wonderful gift to live in the moment. (I've seen a human live much longer with lung cancer than doctors originally estimated. One of our hounds has survived hemangiosarcoma five times longer than we expected, so far...) Many of us agree with MP_the4pack's comment: "What most people say is that they tell you when they're ready to cross to the Bridge." It helps our hounds for us to remain strong and positive, thereby reducing our hound's stress level from picking up on our sadness. Try to enjoy all your time together... he's still doing well now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 I am so sorry to read your sad news. I hope you have many good times left to share with your boy. Take pictures and make memories. Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 I'm very sorry. My first dog, a lab, had lung cancer. He stayed with us quite a while post diagnosis. And yes, he definitely told me when it was time to go to the bridge. Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 Sending lots of hugs, for both of you. Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 I'm so sorry. I know you must feel like you're living under a cloud right now, but your houndie is not. He's living every day just like he always has, loving, living, playing, eating........you do the same. Just let him be his normal happy self, and enjoy every single day. Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mtoddy123 Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 For the past two weeks, there's really been no change; Abacu is still coughing but happy. I've been waiting for him to start coughing up blood, and it occurred to me that maybe he has been, but just hasn't been spitting it out (but swallowing it). So the last time he coughed, I put my fingers in the back of his throat, and sure enough, there was a significant amount of bloody mucus. I called the vet and am taking him in for a checkup, to see how much pain he might be in, and if there's any other meds he should be on. (He's only taking cough meds now.) I can't imagine having to let go of him this soon. Other than the coughing several times a day, he seems to be his same old self. Melissa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 I'm so sorry you and Abacu are dealing with this horrible disease. You know your precious boy better than anyone, so let him guide you. They are stoic, but they usually tell us when they are ready to leave. I know it's hard, especially since it will be your first time losing a dog, but try not to let those thoughts of what is to come steal this time together away from you. They live in the moment, and he knows that he is happy and loved TODAY. You and Abacu will be in our prayers. Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MorganKonaAlex Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 My Demon was diagnosed with lung cancer after dealing with osteosarcoma. We choose palliative care given his osteosarcoma history. He started on prednisone only. A few weeks later we added Tramadol, codeine cough medicine and sucralfate. A little later we added a bronchial dialator (Aminophylline). You may be able to add some medications to make him more comfortable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 sending hugs to you both Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 (edited) For the past two weeks, there's really been no change; Abacu is still coughing but happy. I've been waiting for him to start coughing up blood, and it occurred to me that maybe he has been, but just hasn't been spitting it out (but swallowing it). So the last time he coughed, I put my fingers in the back of his throat, and sure enough, there was a significant amount of bloody mucus. I called the vet and am taking him in for a checkup, to see how much pain he might be in, and if there's any other meds he should be on. (He's only taking cough meds now.) I can't imagine having to let go of him this soon. Other than the coughing several times a day, he seems to be his same old self. Melissa You are both in my thoughts and prayers. Edited March 16, 2013 by galgrey Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 I hope you can keep him comfortable for a while yet. Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Scouts_mom Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 I am so sorry to read this. Spoil that boy rotten for whatever time he has left with you. When is the time to let him go? It doesn't sound like it is now and hopefully you will have several more months together. But when he is clearly in pain and medicine no longer helps, when he is no longer interested in food and his special treats, when he no longer cares about being petted or is no longer interested in what is going on around him, it is time to let him go. I would suggest that now is the time to talk to your vet and find out how if it can be done at your home and how much notice the vet will need. Then you will be ready when the time does come. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 I'm so sorry. :cry1 Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mtoddy123 Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 (edited) Thank you everyone for your comments and kind words. At his check-up yesterday, the vet said if the coughing is the only way you'd know anything was wrong (he's otherwise his normal self), that his quality of life is still good, and she was hesitant to add any additional medications. She said he could go on like this for months, gradually declining, or it could get really bad overnight. I love this dog so much. His 2 greyhound brothers are concerned for him, too. be's still eating his meals and treats and wants to play when we're outside. (The much younger but much lazier dogs just want to come right back in for treats.) This is so difficult. Thank you for all of the support. By the way, Abacu Racey is 52B-12774 (Chick's Racey x Hurdy Gertie). http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?d=abacu+racey I can't post photos on here; this is a link to a photo book I started but need to finish: http://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/pets/abacu-racey-a-greyhound-4608111 Edited March 16, 2013 by mtoddy123 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 That's a lovely photobook. Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 Gosh, what a handsome pup! Sending lots of hugs for you both, and hopes that he has many fine days ahead. Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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