Cancer in doodles

[Pauline Rackley]

It has taken me several months to post about the loss of my precious Zeus I lost him to hemangiosarcoma in Sept. I know goldens are over represented when it comes to many cancers. I remember thinking that the poodle part of the mix might offer some protection, but it was not to be. I honestly don't know if I could ever deal with this heartbreak again. I still feel that doodles are the absolute best dogs, but the thought of dealing with this again is terrifying. Just curious, how many of you have dealt with, or are dealing with this issue?

[Pauline Rackley]

There are so many theories as to why some dogs get cancer, but I believe sometimes there just is no explanation. I personally never used pesticides in the yard, did not overvaccinate or use chemicals for flea control. But, some breeds are over represented when it comes to cancer, Golden Retrievers being one of them, so there probably is a genetic component for some.

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh, there is no question that there is a genetic component in many cases. 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Pesticides on lawns and in parks etc. have been illegal here since before Luna was born (about 10 years) ... I'm not saying it's not still possible she was exposed but I don't think it was a big contributor to her getting lymphoma unless there was enough in her food or on crops on nearby farms to affect her.

It would be interesting to see if cancer rates in dogs/cats is higher in areas where pesticides are allowed.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Another member just posted this on FB. I think it's important for all dog owners to be aware of this, even though there isn't much we can do about it. Unfortunately, even if you personally don't use lawn chemicals, your dog can still be exposed to them. From the article:
“Lawn chemicals, particularly, ones containing 2,4-D, have been linked to at least two types of canine cancers. Studies found that lawn chemicals travel to neighboring yards and inside homes, and chemicals have been found in the urine of dogs whose owners did not spray their lawns.”

The two types of canine cancer are bladder cancer and lymphoma. 
http://expand-your-consciousness.com/studies-link-canine-cancers-to...

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Hello, I've not been active on DK in awhile. I actually was looking for answers to our recent loss of our sweet Gracie a labradoodle who was only a little over 4 when I came across this post. We just lost her to a very aggressive hemangiosarcoma - the vet was suprised as to her age and how aggressive it was. She had been sick off and on for over a week, so we took her in and she went downhill fast. The vet decided to do an exploratory surgery as expecting to find something blocking the intestines, but instead found she was overloaded with angry bleeding masses. No one expected the outcome due to her age. 

We had to put my Barkley (a schnoodle) down last spring due to age and now Gracie is gone too.  Gracie is the reason I signed up for DK. She was a handful as a puppy, but had turned into a wonderful dog and companion.

We are still not able to understand the suddeness of it all.  My heart reaches out to you and your family with your loss of Zeus. 

[Pauline Rackley]

Losing Gracie at such a young age takes the pain to another level. While I was fighting for Zeus, I did a lot of research and found a lot of information about this devastating disease. Basically, it seems as if there is no rhyme or reason why some dogs get it and some do beat the odds and survive longer, but ultimately it is fatal. It does seems to affect certain breeds more, but any breed and even some cats have been victims. I think that cancer in animals overall seem to be on the increase, I work in the veterinary field and this appears to be true. There is a facebook group, life after hemangiosarcoma, which helps me to read once in a while. Sometimes just connecting with others who have gone through the same thing can be comforting. I am so sorry for your loss of a beautiful soul.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I’m so sorry about Gracie. 

[Buxton]

I am so sorry for your loss, cancer is my one fear with my doodle.  I lost my cocker spaniel Molly to this awful disease recently .