What Has Cancer
Our soon to be seven year old Beagle, named What, has what appears to be terminal cancer. I thought I would share his progress here so others could know what to look for in their own "dog hospice" situations.

What is a typical AKC 13-inch Beagle. Other than a fish, he's our only pet. His domain has been a fenced in backyard sniffing for birds, squirrels, toads, and taking long naps in the sun.

His symptoms started over 12 months ago, in early Spring 2002. He had several seizures that we witnessed. These were quite surprising for me and my family. Our vet suggested they could be an indication of a problem or a limited reaction to something. Those two were the only ones we have seen.

In March 2003, he seemed to be having trouble urinating and urinating frequently. There was some indication of pain. A vet visit March 24, 2003 confirmed blood in his urine. He was given antibiotics. The vet suggested we be aware there could be a growth. X Rays and physical exams indicated a mass near the bladder. The vet suggested an ultrasound, which could confirm the diagnosis. The cost was nearly $200. We opted against that, considering the vet's 99% opinion that What did have a bladder growth, probably cancer.

I did some Internet searches on canine bladder cancer, and realized it is mostly fatal. Oddly enough, there is some indication herbicides could be a major cause. I have sprayed or spread weed killer on my yard for years. Here's a very detailed site: http://www.vet.purdue.edu/vcs/Pcop/caninebladdercancer.htm.

I read about several solutions to ease his pain and improve his quality of life. I suggested Piroxicam (Feldene Rx) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
medication that is usually used for that effect but also has chemotherapeutic properties for transitional cell carcinomas, a tumor that affects the
urinary system. The vet agreed and the prescription was filled at a human pharmacy. It was $14 for about 30 pills. They are given twice a day.

What's condition improved, but by April 24, 2003, he showed indications of discomfort again. He was more sluggish and not eating, something very unusual for him. The vet suggested Pregnisone, a prescription he filled. It was $10 for about 20 pills. They are given once a day This improved his appetite almost immediately. We also changed his food from Wal-Mart Old Roy Bites and Bones dry food to Pedigree canned food. He has been eating every meal and enjoying dog biscuit snacks. We let him lay in the den and give him lots of extra hugs and love. He doesn't like taking the pills.

Since the 24th, we've noticed his breathing has become short. He's also lethargic again. Although he's eating, he's looking skinny. He lays down more frequently. Although he doesn't appear to be in pain, we are considering if he should be put to sleep.