stomach tumor?

[wookiebeast]

I have a 12 yr old male yellow lab that has been acting weird lately. Today I noticed that his stomach is starting to swell. It looks like he is getting pregnant. His behavior has changed dramatically. He is not eating well. This is not the first time he has had a loss of appetite. He has had a few other spells of not eating for a couple of days over the course of 5-6 months.

He has been vomiting lately (occasionally) which I thought could be attributed to eating too much grass. The vomit is clear. His stool is black. He has lack of energy and won't play fetch at all. He looks like he’s hurting when he walks.

He is current on all vaccines, and was wormed 3 months ago.

I am going to take him to the vet in the morning and get him checked out. I am asking anyone that might know if this could be a tumor.

My In-laws lost a lab to a stomach tumor and he showed the same signs of stomach swelling and loss of appetite.

Does anyone know if this is a treatable condition? I'm guessing not as the In-laws had to put their dog to sleep.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
WB

[Dax]

Even if treatable by surgery - is your 12 yr old healthy and vital enough to recover? Or will his last year(s) be full of pain, anti cancer medication, etc.

I hope your vet finds that it's something else that can be easily treated. My thoughts are with you and your dog.

Let us know what the vet says.

[wookiebeast]

Well went to the vet today and he has cancer of the stomach/intestines. This is a fatal condition. I am going to put him to sleep soon to avoid any further suffering.

We have had a great life together. He will be sorely missed by my family, myself and our other lab. He has had 12 1/2 wonderful years in my life to brighten the days. Zues has been all over the west hunting, fishing, and camping. Zues was my first hunting/family dog and I will miss the great adventures we've had. A guy couldn't have asked for a better companion.

WB

[ June 17, 2004, 10:20 AM: Message edited by: wookiebeast ]

[weimlover0816]

i am so sorry that you have to do this, but commend you for thinking of your boy's comfort. Good luck to you...

[erdog3]

My heart goes out to you, what a terrible blow, I know how you feel, may God be looking down when your poor boy goes, and take him safely into heaven.
I will say a prayer for Zues, make sure your final hug is the biggest and best of a lifetime. Be brave, for his sake.

[Dax]

Sorry for your heartache and trouble but he will never truly leave you. May his final hours and days be spent as he would have chosen - namely with you.

[MarioLuigi]

So sorry for your loss (((Hugs)))

[scooter]

So sorry Wook that you had to go through that. Your in my thoughts & prayers.

[wookiebeast]

Thank you all for your kind words of support.
I had the vet put him to sleep friday because he was in so much pain. It turned out that he had a huge tumor in his spleen. We buried Zues at his favorite spot in the horse pasture that evening.

The family is all doing well now emotionally. My lab has been heartbroken and depressed so we got him another companion. This has made a huge impact on his happiness. Not that Zues could ever be replaced but it helps fill the void for us all.

WB

[Dax]

Sorry for your loss & hardship. Many warm thoughts out to you & family and the hope the new companion brings years of joy.