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]

Thanks for your replies. I guess I know intellectually that life is unpredictable and so much is out of our control, but somehow that doesn't really diminish our grief. I have the privilege to know 2 of Zeus' siblings who live about an hour away and so far, thankfully, they are OK. I also lost an afghan hound to hemangiosarcoma at age 12,several years ago. I do have another afghan who is now 8 1/2. They are considered to be a relatively healthy breed, but that could be partly because there are so few of them. But, in my opinion, doodles are still the most wonderful dogs. If I ever get another, it would still be my choice.

I also believe that we are seeing more cancers of all kinds in our dogs. I work in the veterinary field and have discussed this with doctors and co workers and it seems to be true. There are several reasons we think this is happening. It could be hereditary, environmental, or perhaps we are just more aware.

I guess we all just have to decide what's best for us

[Donna K & Quincy]

We lost our beautiful boy Quincy to hemangiosarcoma in July. Seven weeks from the time of diagnosis he was gone. He was 91/2  This is  a fear of mine when I think about another dog but a doodle is the only dog for me. I miss that sweet face every minute of every day. I am sorry for your loss, it is so heartbreaking.

[Pauline Rackley]

I am so sorry for your loss. Quincy was a beautiful dog. Seems like there is no rhyme or reason why this horrible disease strikes. There is a group on facebook which has been helpful to me both before and after my loss, although sometimes it is too hard to read the posts. It is called hemangiosarcoma diet and supplement protocols for dogs. It was helpful especially for a holistic approach. There is also a group, life after hemangiosarcoma for those who have lost the battle.

[Joe R.]

Pauline, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how it feels with my boy Gus dying from a sudden onset of Acute Renal Failure only 3 months ago. Sadly it looks like I'm going to be going through it again with my Lilly. She was diagnosed with a pituitary macroadenoma type brain tumor 2 days ago. I'm having the same type of feelings about getting another doodle.  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Joe, I am so sorry for your loss of Gus and now having to anticipate losing Lilly soon.  Your heart must be shattered.

[Joe R.]

Thank you Nancy. These last 2 years have been rough. My wife Linda got sick and passed away 18 months ago, then Gus and now Lilly.   

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Joe, i am so sorry. I hope this year brings you some unexpected joy. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You're certainly due for some happiness, Joe. So sorry for the losses you've suffered.

[Carol and Truffle]

I had 2 full-bred Golden Retrievers before getting Truffle (a Multi-gen Australian Labradoodle). I know your pain and so sorry!!! We lost our mom Golden to lymphoma that developed so fast it made our heads swim; she was just over 13 years. We lost her son (who we kept) just short of 13 years to a grand mal seizure (no previous occurrences). It took me almost a year before I was willing to even consider another dog. Truffle was born 3/13/18 and we got her on 5/15/18. I just try to treasure each day I have with her.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

It's unreal how fast those lymphoma tumors grow.  Seems like they pop up overnight.

[Trish Sweeney]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's so hard to lose a member of the family. I don't know the statistics and our retriever lived to 17 but someone quite familiar with environmental poisons told us that cancers seen in some dogs may be attributed to pesticide use in urban and surburban areas. Many people want a beautiful lawn and many parks use poison to kill rodents and rabbits and pesticides to reduce invasive weeds. Not sure if there is a correlation but it may be something to think about since all dogs love to sniff, dig and sometimes even lick marked areas in the neighborhood, run through grass that may have been recently treated, nose bushes, etc.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There is considerable evidence that the popular weed killer "Round-up" contains ingredients that can cause certain cancers in dogs, lymphoma being one of them.