I found out yesterday that my 9 1/2 year old Chessie, "Tonka" has colon cancer (large tumor). My vet said it's more than likely spread as she's lost quite a bit of weight also. He didn't sound very hopeful....I've been looking for information on the internet on colon cancer in dogs but haven't found much. Has anyone had any experience with it?

My vets recommendation was that I get a second opinion, but he didn't sound very hopeful. He basically told me to try to make her as comfortable as possible until it was obvious it was "Time". Right now she doesn't seem to be in any pain...very active, etc.

At any rate, if anyone has any good ideas I'm all ears.....

No, I'm not anywhere near Pullman...... Chinook is one of them geographical oddities....I'm about 500 miles from everything up here.

Sorry to hear about your buddy. You have some tough decisions on what to do. Distance, cost, her age, quality of life etc.

Good luck

Jeff

So Sorry to hear about Tonka. Don't know if I will be of much help but how did your vet diagnois the tumor? Palpated it, took a x-ray or was just going by symptoms.

I think a diagnostic workup needs to be done to really find out what is going on and how to treat it. Some tumors in the abdomen can be surgicaly excised and not be cancerous. Some are cancerous.

There are medications that can be given to make Tonka feel better and possibly put weight on.

There is also a cancer diet made by hills N/D that can be given.

Good luck.

Well, we lost Tonka this morning.... She was actually doing quite well. I had an appointment scheduled for a second opinion with a Vet in Great Falls, but yesterday she got into a porcupine...too many quills in her mouth and tongue for me to remove so I brought her to my vet. He had to sedate her to get the quills out (this was yesterday afternoon). He kept her overnight and this morning they took her for a short walk and she seemed fine. I went in to pick her up about 9:00 and she couldn't stand up. She died about an hour later. Whether it was a reaction to the sedative, the cancer, or a combination of the two is hard to say. I guess it was just her time.

Dogs...no matter how old you are, how many you you have shared your home with , or how many you see cross over, it never gets any easier....If it was any different.....if a person feels nothing when a dog passes on, they probably shouldn't have a dog.

Sorry to hear about your loss. My sincere condolences.

Tim,

Sorry to here of your loss.

Condolences to her family.

Damon

Thanks all. Tonka was a fine dog in all respects....super temperament and a great hunter.. A real credit to the breed. She layed to rest a lot of the old myths about Chessies around here... She was just a sweetheart and everyone who knew her fell in love with her. She was my first Chessie and sold me on the breed. She's the reason I'm breeding Chessies today.

I am so sorry.

It was probably just her time. Most bad reactions to sedatives comes on really quickly. Regardless, you gave a quality life with all the good stuff that retrievers care so much about.

Claire

Tim, I am so sorry for your loss. You are right....it's never easy. My heartfelt thoughts are with you.

Kathy Miller
Sandy Oak Chesapeakes

So sorry for your loss
Rebecca

I'm not sure about posting photos here, but hopefully this works... A few photos of Tonka.

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I am very sorry for your sudden loss. It is never easy. She was a beautiful girl


Juli

Tatonka,
So very sorry to hear about the loss of Tonka. She will live on in your heart. What a nice photo you posted of her.

Sorry to hear that Tonka passed. I am sure she was a great buddy to you, enjoy your memories of her.

Take Care

Jeff

Sorry for your loss , if you feel up to it please send me a couple pics and registered name .

Alan

Tim
Here is a pic for you , i also emailed it to you .

Alan

Great photos of Tonka. He's a chessie alright.

Sorry for your loss!!!!!!!