My 12 1/2 yr. old Lab has Melanoma Cancer
 

This is very very difficult to post and makes me feel ill just typing it out but here goes. Two weeks ago. my 12 1/2 yr. old Lab, Jasmine was diagnosed with Melanoma Cancer. It started out at what seemed to be an abscess back in May. She had a tooth extracted and the swelling went down for quite some time. Well it came back a few weeks ago so I took her back to the vet and was told it was a nerve causing the swelling and she was put back on antibiotics for two weeks. The antibiotics did nothing so took her back to the vet again for x-rays and biopsy. Then the bad news came. She goes to the oncologist on Friday but I am fearful that there is nothing that can be done because of her age. Of course I pray that I am wrong but after speaking with my vet and searching the net it doesn't look good. The cancer has already moved into her jaw bone. She is on pain meds. Rovera (Carprofen) and is still eating well. I've made changes to her diet by soaking her kibble in warm water and have also added can food. She is now on Hills ND prescription (can) and I will start adding fish oil tonight. My poor girl acts like nothing is wrong but old age. She is an indoor dog and lately only goes outside to potty if I walk out with her. I am making sure that she is comfortable (always have) but other than the above I'm just not sure what else to do. So my question is to anyone that has had experience with Melanoma in a dogs mouth. Did you put your dog through surgery, treatment of any kind and if so what? How did your dog respond to the treatment? Is there a miracle pill that will put her into remission or keep the cancer at bay? At Jasmine's age and most of the information I've gotten so far surgery and treatment would only give her a few more months. I would rather her live the rest of her life as is then put her through anything that she can't handle. I'm sure I will get answers from the Oncologist but at this point I would like to hear from anyone that has experienced this.

I'm sorry that I am not full of words of wisdom to help with Jasmine. It sounds like you are going in the proper direction and will learn more after your visit. :(

Thanks! I was hesitant to even post because I know this will be here long after she's gone. On the other hand I know how supportive YT'rs can be when someone is going through a crises.

I am very sorry to hear Jasmine and you are facing this. Years ago, our Airedale had a cancerous tumor removed from her mouth. The cancer was confined to the tumor, so it was not as complicated and no further treatment was necessary.

Wait to hear what options the oncologist gives you. Praying for Jasmine and you.

Thank you! I will not know what stage it's at until I speak with the oncologist. The tumor seems to be growing very fast but I am hopeful that they can remove it. It's so hard waiting and not knowing. The 1st referral could not see her until after Labor Day weekend so I had my vet refer us to another.

I know the wait is hard but try to stay positive. My Sparky has lymphoma & in remission now for 2 yrs & 1 month. We did contact a holistic vet as well & with the Chemo & supplements from the holistic vet to help him through Chemo, Sparky hardly missed a beat. Sending Prayers for your girl.

I'm so sorry that Iasmine is so ill. I pray that you can find a treatment plan to give her a good quality of life. You might be able to see someone at a veterinary school if you go in the ER instead of waiting for your appointment.

I am so sorry to hear Jasmine is ill. I'm praying that this can be treated without degrading the quality of her life. Hugs to you both.

Thank you everyone. She goes to Gulf Coast on Monday. She is resting now that she's had her breakfast, pain meds, brushing and massage (which she insisted on).

Jasmine is outside helping her Daddy pick up hay. So nice to see her still interested in helping out on the ranch!! Ok so she is supervising...
Her and Sassie have always loved riding on the Gators.

Oh Joyce :(, I'm so very sorry your Jasmine is ill, how scary. I know your heart is breaking over it and that you clearly love her so much. I wish I had advice to give, but I've no experience with this. I just wish you and Jasmine the very best and will hope for some kind of good, hopeful news. :love:

I'm sending lots of healing thoughts to Jasmine, and comfort to all of you as you face this disease.

I am so sorry to hear Jasmine and you are going through this. We will keep her in our prayers.

I am so very sorry to hear of Jasmines' illness. I do so hope that the oncologist has some encouraging news for you.

I have not dealt with melanoma, just malignant lymphoma. And surgery for Zoey was not an option.

Chemotherapy can be effective for some dogs with some cancers.

Sending lots of light and healing thoughts your way.

Saying prayers for Jasmine and for you. I hope the appt goes well on Monday!

Thank you everyone! Monday cannot get here soon enough. I know that if there's anything that can be done for her she's going to the right place for treatment. When I look at her I envision that 3 month old pup that used to love swimming in the pond, the time the breaks went out on my golf cart and we went flying in reverse until we hit a tree. I remember the look on her face like "want me to drive mom?" All the times that she alerted me to snakes in the yard or other country critters, all the times that you couldn't drive anything on the property without her right by your side. I swear if she could drive she would. She always knew when I was feeding the horses and insisted that she go along. The times she'd jump up in the tractor with my husband and keep him company all day while he cut hay. All the times the guys tried shooting targets and she would sit by their side until the gun went off and then off she'd go looking for the kill. She shoulda been someone's hunting dog because it just came natural to her. Her smile and wagging tail as she greets you. Always happy. She loves everyone and everyone that meets her falls in love with her too. She's been a huge part of our life here on the ranch since day one but time just goes by so fast and I cannot imagine our life without her. There are so many good memories and so many stories I could tell. She always loved the outdoors and was into what ever you were doing. But now she's slowing down and mostly enjoys the a/c and the cool floor. She's can be full of surprises so when she feels spunky I let her do what she wants. I feel very blessed that Jasmine is a part of our family and if I could snap my fingers and make her young and healthy again I would do it in a heartbeat. I want to keep my girl around for a lot longer but I know I can't if there's no cure for her. She's had such a good life and I want to keep it that way so regardless I will do the right thing by her. Thank you all again for your well wishes and prayers!

Awww....Jasmine sounds so precious and is a wonderful companion. Sounds like Jasmine has a beautiful life. It's obvious you love her dearly and there's no doubt she adores her Mommy and your DH. I am so sorry Jasmine's going through this. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

It sounds like she has had an incredible life, and I can just picture her taking part in all your activities and chores. She has been blessed, and so have you, and I do hope that she has some more good days ahead.

It's 12:25 here and I've gotten out of bed 3 times because I only lay there and cry. Hannah slipped out from under the covers and kissed my tears. That made me cry even more. She knows I'm upset. I fear the worst and I'm not prepared. I guess no one ever is. I think about all the threads I've read here in the past 1 1/2 yrs. and of all that have lost their beloved pets and I truly feel for each and everyone. This is really hard.

I'm so sorry your sweet baby is facing this awful disease but I know you won't let her linger and suffer. I can't stand to see an animal suffer. It's just completely heartbreaking when they get old or sick and begin to have pain and trouble. They are so gentle and loving even when so ill. How are we so blessed to have these blessed creatures in our lives for even a few years? We'll be thinking of and praying for you both.

I'm so sorry to hear about your lab. She sounds like an absolute sweetheart. Your family is in my prayers and i'm sending you good vibes.

All is quiet here today. I finally fell asleep about 3:00 AM. Hannah stayed up to comfort me. She's tired today and is napping in my lap as I type. All of my furbutts are napping and Jasmine is resting comfortably on the kitchen floor with a little extra A/C blowing on her. It's so hot here by the coast so outdoor potty trips are few and fast. I can't imagine anyone leaving their babies outside in this heat. Nine dogs in my house and I could hear a pin drop! Normally I reserve YT for Hannah since she is my only Yorkie but I love all of my babies the same and I know that everyone here understands.
Tomorrow I will know more about Jasmine's condition. I really wish my DH could go with me but he has to work so I will have to pull up my boot straps and get this done. I will share more information tomorrow that hopefully may help another pup. Right now I am questioning my vet and why this was not caught back in May when her tooth was extracted?? Or did the extraction cause the cancer to spread?? Normally I look for bumps or lumps on my animals bodies but never thought about cancer inside of the mouth. I will ask to see what else I could have done to have caught this sooner. Other than daily brushing what kind of checks do you all do daily, monthly, annually? On your on or by vet?

Jasmine sounds like a sweetie and she obviously has enjoyed a wonderful life with you.

Detecting cancer in the mouth can be difficult. It can develop fast. With our Airedale, the tumor was in the back of her mouth. It was discovered when she had difficulty eating and swallowing.

I follow a blog/Facebook page for Sugar, a 13-year old Golden Retriever who had a cancerous tumor removed from her tongue earlier this year. Her tumor was also discovered when she stopped eating and was showing signs of distress.

Continuing to pray for Jasmine and you, Joyce.

Joyce, I am praying for your dear Jasmine and you. Hugs to you both and hoping for the best news. :love:

I am sooooo sorry and I can feel your pain. I hope you get good news tomorrow. I hope you know you are in our thought..hugs and positive thought

I am so sorry you are going through this, Jasmine sounds like an amazing dog. I am sending lots of prayers, positive thoughts and hug your way.

Thank you!


I recently spoke with a woman that does Retriever rescue and she told me that they and Labs are very prone to cancer. Not sure what kind? She said she had to put her 2 yr. old down because of it. Very Sad story! Her dying brother gave her the puppy. I'm hoping that Sugar is doing well after her surgery. Jasmine is still eating very well and just grabbed a bite of kitty kibble on her way back in the house. Her lympthnode (however you spell it) is swollen on the opposite side of the tumor.

I have not heard that cancer is common in labs; but it most definitely is in Goldens. Very sad.

I will be thinking of you today, Joyce, ....hope all goes well!

joyce lot's of prayers going out for your sweet baby. I hope you are able to get answers.