Is it Heartworm or cancer?

[canuk]

The past week and a half has been very hard for our family. Our 10 year old Golden named Kaiser, who was your normal, healthy dog, suddenly has trouble breathing and at times would cough in the night. The past few days he has has barely moved and still has trouble breathing. We took him to the vet last Tuesday thinking that he might need antibiotics and the vet offered to do an x-ray and blood test then, but we couldn't afford it. We called back on Friday to make an appointment for Monday but we don't think he will make.

Last night was especially hard as my wife and two girls (10 and 8) cried their hearts out thinking that Kaiser would die before Monday. We have three kids (the boy is 3) and Kaiser has been around for all the childrens lives. He is the sweetest, most gentle, patient dog I have ever seen. My kids when they were tots would crawl all over him, pulling his ears, tail and fur and he would just look at them and take the "abuse". When my daughters were old enough to handle walking a dog that weighed close to 80 pounds (not an ounce of fat), you could see the pride they have when they walk Kaiser through the neighborhood. He was the pick of the litter when we bought him. Even last summer camping, I can't tell you how many people thought that he was still a pup!

I have checked sites that talk about heartworm and it does seem that he is exhibiting similar sym-ptoms, but of course he is also showing signs of what many other owners have posted as cancer.

If it is heartworm, would the chances of him recovering possible at his age?

[johnwa]

Great story! And I'm very sorry to hear about your golden retriever. I really do think that you must get a diagnosis (find out exactly what's wrong). See if you can make some sort of payment arrangements witht the vet.

[canuk]

My wife called the vet on call this afternoon to ask her if it might be heartworm. The vet said there had been no reported cases of heartworm in New Brunswick for years. If i was on the phone I would have asked why they sell the product at the pet stores if the chances of contacting the worm is next to nil?

Anyhow, the vet said it is probably his heart and that there is medication that would probably help but it wouldn't bring back to 100%. Is there anyone out there who knows of Goldens rebounding from congenetal heart problems?

I just was spending time with him and I noticed that he has begun to bleed on the both sides of his mouth, not inside the mouth but just below the black "lips". Is that bad?

I wanted to take two pictures of him, just in case he didn't make the night and we haven't any recent photo's. He had a hard time to get up and he couldn't sit without stretching his neck up. So I took the two pictures. His fur is but rough but that is because we get lots of snow and he is outside alot.

I am somewhat optimistic as I just found out that my mohter-in-law's aunt had cocker spaniel that had heartworms and they gave the dog medication and it bounced back to good health and the spaniel was exhibiting the same symptoms as Kaiser

[SoulCatcher]

This is just an idea but what about pawning something to get the money? You can always get your items back. I had to take my Picaso to the vet twice and now again on Monday and I had to pawn my wedding band to get extra money. I would want someone to do it for me. I agree with doing whatever it takes to find out because you will have to live with the guilt if he suffers or passes away. Hopefully it's something that can can be treated and you can get a few more good years with him. If not....then it will be a very sad loss for you and your family. I hope he gets better. You'll be in my prayers. Maybe you can tell your three year old that your dog must have walked to heaven, I don't think they understand death. I know my three year olds do not. Good luck.

[mybaby]

Oh he is so beautiful. I hope your vet will work with you to get him what he needs . I love the old Golds and yours looks large and oh-so beautiful. My heartfelt prayers for you , Kaiser and your family. doggiex1

[maine-girl]

I hope and pray that you find what is wrong... I am praying that your puppy (they are all puppies) gets back to what he was just a few days, weeks ago. Keep us posted and know that we are all thinking about you. :dogbark

[diiorio]

The only way to rule things out are to do tests. Have them at least run the Heartworm antigen test to see if he is Heartworm Positive. If he is he will need to go through the treatment, which can be harsh if he is very old and very progressed. The treatment is far safer then it used to be, but still danderous durign extreme cases.

If he is heartworm Negitive, then radiographs are needed. This will tak a look at his lung fields to see if it is possible cancer or an infection. At least rule out Heartworm disease first.

Any where in NJ is a high risk for heartworm disease. They personaly may not have seen heartworm cases,but I have. We are in Ocean County.

If he hasn't been on heartworm medications, then rule it out.

Coughing is generalized. It could be heartworm disease, an enlarged heart (heart disease), cancer, Respiratory infection of one type or another, even an asthmatic reaction. Try your best to get it diagnosed. If cost is an issue, discus payments or post dating checks.

[canuk]

My wife just came home from the vet's and Kaiser is undergoing bloodtests and a chest X-ray. The vet told my wife that it probably won't be heartworm because she has never seen a case of heartworm in her clinic. I wish I was there, they want to test for everything but. If he does have heart, lungs, and liver problems due to heartworms, of course they will show, but unless they test for heartworm specifically will they miss that? Will heartworms show on the x-ray? I am surprised that there have been no cases, we have a lot of mosquitoes in the spring and summer and Kaiser is constantly outdoors and no unfortunately I never gave him any preventative medicine I guess I had never heard of the risk of the disease. But we never had West Nile Virus in New Brunswick before last summer neither...

My wife wanted to sleep beside Kaiser last night on the floor. I gently told her that he would survive untill morning, he is such a large dog and although he had difficulty breathing, he would still wag his tail and walk over to anyone to receive some attention.

My three year old started to cry when my wife got home without Kaiser. She told him that he was ok and was just at the hospital for dogs and that he will be home soon.

Will keep you posted...

[maine-girl]

I am thinking and praying for Kaiser. They are so loving and faithful even though they don't feel good. Think positive!!!! :032

[Jenmomto2]

Oh he is soo beautiful~ I am sorry that you are going through this rough time and am thinking of you and sending healthy vibes to Kaiser!!!

Jenny :032

[canuk]

Our family's best friend and constant companion has passed on. We took him the vet today and when went to meet with the doctor she took us into another room to tell us that he had cancer in his lungs, liver and spleen and that it was quite advanced. It was like in a matter of two weeks. A seemingly healthy dog suddenly falling quickly sick and then ... gone.

The shock has not really sunk in yet. My wife has taken it very hard. She used to walk almost every evening that she came home from her job. She had to use a leash, he was a true wanna be alpha. I could walk without one but he still would try to usurp my commands ... but would comply.

The three kids would play with him for hours, sometimes I thought he was a jungle gym, a pony and a babysitter all in one.

He was only a infant himself when my first was born so as a puppy he was terror, but the other two he was so gentle and kind to the two other babies and endured many a poking, pulling and pinching from these three rug rats.

The house seems so silent. He would always be at the door to greet you, tail wagging, taking the cares of the world off your shoulders. Mind you, his first five years he was as rowdy as they come. If any adult came to visit, he would jump up with his paws on the shoulders liking their face, trying to tell them that this was his house. Boy did I have my hands full! I can still remember the day that I came home and found Kaiser in the basement. The night before i had just studded the unfinished side of our basement and put the pink insulation in the slots. Wel when I came into this side he had taken about ten or fifteen pieces of this insulation out and he was rolling in it!

I could go on for the memories are so great. I don't know if you tell just how big he was but he could sit by the kitchen table and almost put his muzzle horizontal the table. It took a while to get him to lay in the corner while we ate.

The sad thing is, I have logged onto this message board for Goldens and in four days I am without. I feel like I have lost my membership card.

It going to be hard to go through the day not having a dog put his hose in your face when you are in bed to wake you up so he can go out to pee. And then at time successfully ring the doorbell to be let back in. And I don't know how many times he was able to move the latch if it was closed properly to make break-to Grammie's house!

I thank you for your cares and your prayers.

[maine-girl]

Speaking for myself, you will always have a golden if only in your memories and heart. Therefore you are a part of this forum. I cannot know the shock of such a short time to say goodbye. I love the two pictures you took of him. Please stay on the forum and when you are ready you will be writing in the puppy forum. Know that we are with you

[Rufus]

My hard hug to you...I just could imagine your feelings right now :( I'm so sorry!

[GoldenLady]

Canuk, I'm so sorry to hear the news about Kaiser. My heart goes out to you at this time..... I too love the pictures you posted of him - his sweet Goldenness shines through in them, and will live on in your heart as well. I agree with maine-girl - having had a Golden, you will always be a "Golden person", and I also hope you will continue to visit us here. Take care.

Hugs,
GoldenLady

[diiorio]

Ohhh. I am so sorry to hear this Canuk. I know (and many here) how hard it is to loose a beloved family fur companion. It hurts very bad.

Remember you gave your pal a good life. He was loved and loved you. You helped him not suffer through the progression of cancer and gave him a final gift of love. His spitrit is part of your lives and will continue to inspire you and your family.

Grieve well. It is so important to openly grieve, allow the pain to strengthen you, and his memories to cause smiles as well. You did good as a family for him, and his spirit is greatfull for that love.

Her is a link to help, but it will spark emotion, allow those tears to flow.

http://www.land**of**********.com/loss.htm

Remove the ** ** in link, some reason this sites forum blocks the url name.

I have had some problems with the music haning because media player locks with the compressed audio, but it may work well for you.

I also have written a song for the loss of my golden retriever, I will psot he song once it is complete. I am still working out he guitar, Native Flute and instumental sections.

Grieve Well. Our hearts our with you.

[diiorio]

Here are a few thing to help your family grieve well.

Gather Photo's and make a special picture memory memorial.

Have the kids and family members write down a special memory and memorial letter to him.

Create a website to honor his memory. Have everyone in the Family write down special things or use the memorial letters. pick a song that fit's his memory and life best, or write a song together. Include it on the website.

There are coloring books and stuff for younger children. We always keep a stock of free coloring books for kids for the memory of their pet. In it they can draw pictures of the pet, wite down memories ect...

You may want to check out www.abbeyglen.com which is the pet memorial park for people in the NJ/NY area. Don't be afraid to call the grief workers there, that is what they are there for. They will be more then glad to listen to you, and hear the memories of your loved one. Goto the Grief Recovery Section (http://www.abbeyglen.com/griefrecovery.html) for thigns that can help.

Write down as many memories as possible to remind you of him.

Make a special memorial area with some of his favorite toys, his pictures, lock of hair and other items and go there to remember.

grieve well.

[lvngold]

Canuk,


My thoughts and prayers are with you.



Julie

[Acamarrr]

Canuk, I'm so sorry for your loss.

I joined this group just a few months before my Golden passed, at age 16, from bone cancer. I'm currently without a dog, but I'm always a Golden lover, and when I decide to be a Fur-Parent again, it will be to a Golden. Don't feel you've lost your membership here. Come back whenever you like!

[CaynCher]

I just read your posts and having an older golden now & previously losing an old golden "Drifter" thirteen years ago feel for you. The memories will always be with you of Kaiser. Even after all this time, I still think of Drifter my first golden. It is so hard to lose a beloved dog that was a family member. With time, you may decide that you are ready to love another dog be it a golden or another breed. Best wishes to you & your family.

[3 goldens]

I am so sorry for the loss of your precious old man. I lost my 4 year old golden,Hunter to Proheart6 19 months ago and even tho I still have 3, I miss him so much. He will always live in my heart. You can never "replace him" (how I hate hearing that phrase), but your heart will grow bigger to add another dog in your life.

[GoldenJoy]

I hope you're still logging on. I'm so sorry for your loss. I've felt that pain and hope I don't have to experience it again for some time with my two.

Goldens climb into your soul. They live there and stay a part of you, Forever....

[canuk]

We were driving home today from my birthday party at my parent's and we happened to see two couples walking their golden (about 10 miles apart). My wife still cries when she see's a golden, it is so hard for her. I still miss Kaiser's failthful meeting you at the door and coming downstairs to say hello and get an apple.

My wife works at a nursing home and someone brought a golden to see someone there. She walked up to it and began petting it and hugging it and she said she just began bawling. Of course the owner of dog didn't know what to think until my wife told her that she had a golden that just recently passed away.

I would love to get another golden, but should I wait till my wife stops crying everytime she sees one?

[GoldenJoy]

Everyone grieves differently. We just knew when it was right to get a Golden. We all seemed to agree, life was just not the same without a dog in the house, and I had always wanted a GR.

Talk to her about it. Maybe a visit to a Golden Rescue, or to a breeder whose pups might not all be spoken for, will let you to know if it's the right time. Sometimes it's, "Just one look..... and you know." You will know!

My Cocker passed in 2002. I still find myself crying sometimes. I think the tears will last forever, but instead of tears shed in pain ~ I find myself smiling ~ my tears are in honor of the fond memories.

[Brandy and Charlie's Mom]

For what it's worth: we lost our golden in January and to this day, neither of us can talk about her without crying.

And yet we are thoroughly enjoying Brandy's puppyhood. We're able to experience many of the things that bonded us to goldens in the first place. She helps balance the tears with smiles.

To paraphrase someone else on this board: "You're never finished dressing until you are also wearing dog hair!" And where once that hair was a bother, after losing our sweet Reyna, I now wear Brandy's hair as a badge of honor.

[canuk]

It has been a long time since I posted on this site. Probably due to the fact that I no longer had a Golden and so I would just be telling stories of our dog Kaiser. I didn't know where to post this but I thought I would let the kind people who replied to my posts about Kaiser's death, that we have a new puppy! And this new puppy although is not a purebred, we are pretty sure that it is a mix of Chocolate Lab (we know that because the mother is that - and it appears to be a Duck Toller retriever.

I am uploading an image of the pup, her name is Dolly and she is 8 weeks old. What do you think? Is she a Duck Toller Retriever?

The picture is cute, we were camping and it was a super hot day. I had placed a bag of ice by the post and it wasn't long before Dolly found its coolness and lay down on it and was fast asleep!

[Janet]

Hi canuk,
Dolly is so adorable.....love per piggytoes and that picture is absolutely priceless! I am so happy for you and your family. Dolly will make your heart grow bigger and bigger as there is endless room available for love.

Please start a puppy chronicle for Dolly if you would like , ....we can share your joy with you and watch her grow up and as you know, we love learning all about the puppy antics, growing pains and of course, lots and lots of pictures.:)

I am so happy for you and please give that beautiful baby a kiss from me.
Janet.....(Marley G's Mom)

[Tailer'sFolks]

Welcome Dolly! You will fill your families hearts! Glad to see you no matter what you are!!! I love your color & your white tipped toes! Will enjoy watching you grow up! --Tailer & Tailer's Mom

[Daniela (UK)]

Hey Dolly! Aren't you just the cutiest thing? Look at your white socks.. how sweet!

I'm really looking forward to seeing you grow.. I'm sure you'll grow into a beautiful young lady :D

[Tom]

I'm glad that your family is healing from the loss of Kaiser. May the good memories of your old buddy last a lifetime, and may you gain many more from Dolly as the years pass.

[Seamus' Mom]

What a cutie pie. A friend of mine's sister just got a duck tolling retriever puppy...and it looks just like your new baby. I think you might be right about that.

I read your earlier posts about Kaiser and they broke my heart. I'm glad you've got a new dog in your lives. Enjoy and welcome back!

[HeatherM]

oh, i'd say for sure she's a duck tolling retriever. looks just like one, only more chocolatey. she's adorable. congratulations. :woofpup

[Tailer'sFolks]

I need a Dolly fix...

[CanadianGolden]

Just FYI, it's "Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever" (aka Toller). She's very cute.