GSDowner

My neighbour had an African Ridgeback - he died at 16 (really didn't die, just was put to sleep by a vet as his legs gave away). I hope something will be discovered to prolong dog's life as 12 years for a big dog is tooo short.

I am really grateful for good vibes and hugs Ams - thank you, the article was most helpful Tdierkx – I will speak with the vet about further X-Ray thanks for the advice Staffyluv: The vet read to me the pathology report and it said that Gross morphology showed the margins appear clear but the diagnosis is that it is malignant mixed apocrine carcinoma presumed to be of apocrine gland origin; and that spreading may occur in an unpredictable fashion usually to regional lymph nodes and lungs.

Poor little Emma and You but You will meet her in Heaven

When I bought my puppy the breeder asked if I could send him a photo of my German Shepherd when he turns 1 year old. I went further and kept sending him photos straight after my puppy settled in with us. The breeder even visited my dog in our house. He also offered to train him for free (as he said he was starting a course how to be a dog trainer). I took my 8 months old puppy to the vet and was told he had one undescended testicle. When talking with the breeder I informed him of this (not expecting anything from him: refund or another puppy). The breeder asked me after several months if the testicle was stil "undescended" and I answered "Yes". After that call I haven't heard from him inspite of having sent him photos and updates. Why? I was so disappointed! I love my dog so much, but would never buy another puppy from that breeder.

Thanks so much to everyone for your compassion and sending good vibes, it helps a lot. The excised tumour from his nipple was close to the area of the upper body lymph nodes. The vet said that if the cancer spreads it would attack my dog's lymph nodes and then his lungs. He said that he could do blood tests and X-rays but that often such tests come clear(by the way his pre-op blood test came clear), inspite of cancer being there. He also said that once this cancer attacks organs, it's too late anyway. (I am inclined to think that maybe he suspecs that cancer spread?)

I am sorry for the delay in responding (I started this topic, only Keira@Phoenix replied so I thought noone else was interested in my topic; but checked today and found more replies). Thank you all and for asking how my dog was. I also thought that this story would be helpful to those in my situation. As I mentioned in my previous post two vets were sure the growth was benign. I also did my research on the internet and everywhere I read that it could not be serious in case of a male dog. Once my dog stopped scratching. I took him for his operation. The vet said the operation went well , “everything was cut out” and the growth was sent to pathology. After 5 days the vet called me. He said the tumour turned out to be cancer (I was shocked but hoped it was a benign type of cancer). Then he followed : “and it is malignant. I couldn’t believe it.. After 2 weeks his stitches came off. The doctor said the tumour was malignant named mixed apocrine carcinoma: that it is a very unusual type of cancer, so not much is known about it ; but that it has a tendency to spread He said to be watchful for any new growth on the skin . My dog has a tiny growth on his head and the vet said to observe it. I am to get in touch with him straight away if I notice any change in my dog (his behaviour, breathing etc). I have to mention that I am lucky that the vets I have been seeing are good professionals and kind people. I was scared to ask how long my dog will live (perhaps it's hard to tell?) Is there a chance that he may still live many more years? Could his scratching due to his skin allergies caused this??. Was I too late taking him to the vet? I also thought my story (or rather my dog’s story) will help others who may have found themselves in a similar situation.

What a cutie!!! Those huge eyes are priceless

Thank you Ams I will try to put a shirt on him

There are several issues here: Perhaps Marley's owners were not experienced dog owners (John says he never owned a dog before). Maybe Marley DID have some mental issues, the same as some children are a handful and their parents try everything to no avail. But Marley's owners did their best and stuck by the dog and loved it to the very end.

Thanks so much for the replies and advice. He had a lump cut out (a nipple changed into a lump). So far I only saw a droplet of blood, but the stiches are in place. I yell at him when he scratches and he immediately stops, but there are times when I am not around or am asleep. As far as this collar is concerned I understand it would help only if he chewed the area, but the problem is his scratching.

I joined to: - Get help - and I did, can't thank enough the people here - Get comfort from being "listened to" and comforted when I worry about my pooches plus many other reasons A BIG THANK YOU

Poodlefan Yes, he and his wife did try to train him but the trainer banned this from her class. So the trainer herself gave up on him, not the owners.

My German Shepherd had his operation last Thursday. His sutures are 6cm long and not covered by bandage. My dog got a cortisone injection and an antibiotic (Rilexine)to stop him from scratching ; he still scratches, although hasn't undone the sutures. I would be so grateful if someone could advise me if there is any good home remedy (bandait?) I could try (I am trying to avoid an Elisabeth. collar).

I watched the above film yesterday and only after I realised it was based on a true story. I recommend this film to dog lovers. The owner was a columnist and wrote the most beautiful eulogy and more people read it than any of his other articles. http://zeniamai.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/marleys-eulogy/

Thank you Keira and Phoenix, I really appreciate it

My German Shepherd male dog is 8.5 year old. I noticed that his nipple is brown and somewhat enlarged, however it has not changed in size for a very long time and I was told by my vet not to worry. Lately I noticed it started to bleed and a piece of pink flesh (cone-shaped) is protruding from the nipple (the pink fleshy bit is surrounded by a brown circle). The brown circle is not changing in shape or size but the flesh pink piece became a bit bigger. I saw my vet, who said that he will have to undergo biopsy, but in the meantime he has been put on antibiotics and had an injection to stop scratching (my dog sometimes has skin allergy). As soon as dog's skin condition clears, he is going to have biopsy. In the meantime I am worried sick. Has anyone heard of such a problem?

Ditto! I gave up holidaying so I could enjoy the companionship of a dog I have had him since he was a puppy of 8 weeks. I, too would never leave him if it meant leaving him in strange surroudnings ie a doggy hotel; but he was left with my sister's family. Now he is back to his old self :-)))

and I suppose the above is supposed to make me feel bettter

Well, my dog did not stay in a hotel, he stayed with my partner at home (our home). He had very good conditions and was visited by another member of our family daily. He is spoilt rotten by the whole family and usually sleeps on my bed. In my absence he was sleeping on my partner's bed. Being a german shepherd I thought he would at least miss me; Now everything is back to normal he sleeps on my bed and goes berserk when I come home.

Well, this happens every time either of us householders go away. When I come back my dog does not recognise me at first and wags his tail at the person accompanying me. Then it looks like suddenly something clicks in his brain and his eyes look at me seeing me. He tentatively approaches me, than slowly starts wagging his tail before fully recognising me; bit still no enthusiasm. He acts aloof, avoids me for about a week and then goes back to his usual self. The same thing happens with my partner. I don't quite understand what is going on, as I always expect my dog to be full of joy on my return. I must admit I am a bit disappointed as I always think he will be missing me in my absence. Has anybody had that experience?

True, but I just wanted to know whether it is assumed that apart from Eukanaba owners are expected to feed dogs fruit, vegetables, bones etc.

I am going to be away for 3 months. I am hearbroken to be leaving my baby behind, but have to go due to a family member's ill health. My boy will be looked after by my friend. She will feed him and I want to make it simple for her. I was thinking that perhaps Dry Eukanaba would be easy, just several cups mixed with water. (my friend can't handle fresh meat) My question is how much in weight would I need to feed him (I researched their website but would like to be sure) assuming that eukanaba would be the only food given to him. My friend would just put several cups of Eukanaba dry food and pour some water over it and voila!

Now I really feel positive I have read lately that in fact it may soon be possible to achieve slowing of ageing in humans. I also hope that the same could be done for dogs /animals.

Thanks everyone for their response. It helps to think that every dog is different. My dog has energy and gets very excited when we have our family over for a visit; he still is cheeky and likes to play. Hopefully his genetics are good; I also take him yearly for his regular checkups (in addition to visits when needed). At least I am doing everything in my power to keep him healthy and happy