Maggie had not been herself recently. Always healthy and fortunate to have my father as her vet, she was listless, her appetite was off, and she started panting a lot. I gave her a a couple of days, and she improved, but not enough, so off to Dad's. Exam revealed nothing, blood work and cardiac markers were negative so back home we went watching for any change. Two more days without significant improvement, and back we went. This time blood work showed a little anemia, and an X-Ray subsequently revealed likely abdominal masses. Tumors. The anemia means she's bleeding internally, and this thing is aggressive. Damn.

Dad referred us to a specialist to get an ultrasound to get a better look. Better news than we expected. Only one mass that appears limited to the spleen. You don't need your spleen, my brother who faced off against a Harley on his bicycle is proof of that. The specialist sent the ultrasound to a radiologist to confirm his findings. Those results we expect first thing in the AM, Dad will be scrubbed in and ready, and Maggie will be there and prepped. He was supposed to be off tomorrow, but he wants to get in there before the spleen ruptures, and I'm keeping an eye on her gums tonight to monitor blood pressure. Nice and pink so far.

Keep us in your thoughts tomorrow. Praying that the radiologist confirms one mass, that our 10 year old house moose is strong enough to get through major surgery, and that the biopsy on the mass is benign. Maggie is beloved by everyone who knows her, an incredible companion, and a true member of the family. Playful, loving, curious, mischievous and always tail wagging happy.

I know most of you will agree that dogs die too damn young. Forget humans, we need to find a way to improve the life expectancy of man's best friend. Sadly, nearly 60% of Golden Retrievers die of cancer, and this is a fairly recent phenomenon. The mysterious spike started in the late 90's and is limited to the Goldens here in the US. I love the breed, but this is the second time for us with this sort of thing. We lost a 2.5 year old to "some sort of bizarre sarcoma", at least that was how the oncology department of NC State described it. She went fast. We're praying that Maggie will be with us a few more years.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jigray3,

Prayer sent for Maggie and those who love her.

Prayers for Maggie.

I hope she comes through in good condition. Did your Dad say what she might act like without a spleen ? I dont know what the spleen does. Come back and report good news of Maggie.

Best of luck to Maggie. And to her owners too.

quote:

Originally posted by David Lee:
I hope she comes through in good condition. Did your Dad say what she might act like without a spleen ? I dont know what the spleen does. Come back and report good news of Maggie.

The spleen makes red blood cells, but so does your bone marrow. When my brother had his spleen removed, he didn't act any differently. He was an ass before, and....well...

Maggie will be in my thoughts, with hopes of a full and speedy recovery. You are absolutely right that our animals are gone way too soon. Best of luck tomorrow.

Said a prayer for both Maggie and you tonight. Please keep us in the loop on her condition.

I'll say a prayer.

Same road my Golden went down several weeks ago. Ended up needing to put him down as the lymphoma had spread from spleen to liver. He wasn't eating or drinking and I just couldn't let him go through it any more. The odd part is how fast it all happened. In a matter of weeks he went from happy and playful to not having the strength to stand up without help. As hard as it was on me, it was worse for him.

You are correct on your cancer figures for Goldens. I read recently that part of the reason for this increase is too early sterilization. Removing the testicles/ovaries at such an early age throws their endocrine system seriously out of whack. The new recommendations are to wait until sexual maturity before neutering/spaying.

Sorry you have to go through this and hopefully Maggie has a good outcome.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

flashguy

Best of luck, Maggie.

Best of luck to you and Maggie.

I love all dogs but Goldens hold a special place in my heart.

Prayers sent.

Prayer up for Maggie

Wishing her all the best!

Sending positive thoughts your way! How about a picture of Maggie?

Prayers for Maggie. That's a huge bonus having your Dad as a vet.

You have my prayers and hugs coming your way. You got this Maggie!!! Good Girl!

We lost our last Golden to cancer and it sucks! I found out that the English style Goldens have much, much less cancer than the American Goldens. We got an English Golden. I talked to the breeder and she told me that she has been tracking her puppies for many years and not one has had cancer. Best of luck to you and Maggie. Prayer sent up.
Rod