Cancer Diagnosis for Buck, one of the Dynamic Duo

[John Cleveland]

This past month has been a time of a big high and a big low for me on two things related to my Parker experience.

The High:
The latest Parker Pages published my article on the restoration of "Lazarus", my 1879 lifter hammer gun. As my first time writing for publication, it clearly is a highlight for me. It featured a full page photo of my 6 3/4 year old yellow pointing Lab, Buck, sitting next to the gun leaning on a tree. The editor captioned it, "Buck and Lazarus, the Dynamic Duo. Together, they have become my beloved hunting companions. He gets excited, jumping up and down when he sees the gun going to the truck.

The Low:
A few days before getting early copies of the magazine, I got a call from a veterinarian informing me that a biopsy had revealed that there was an undifferentiated sarcoma in Buck's left wrist. She advised that it was likely that we would need to amputate including the shoulder blade down. However, she wanted to refer this to an oncologist at the University of Georgia Vet school, which was also my first reaction. I live about 45 miles from there. She said that they might be able to tie down what kind of sarcoma it was, and, if appropriate, had the ability to administer radiation or chemo to maybe avoid amputation. Unfortunately, they cannot see him until the first week of October. I, of course, am very concerned about the danger of metastasis in the interim. I don't know if I can find other, equally qualified, vet resources that can see him sooner, but I am looking.

I wanted to see if any of the members who have been through this kind of ordeal with their dog have any suggestions or advice for us on this, whether finding other oncology specialists or thinking about treatments and procedures, or really anything. Or coping; it is really a gut punch.

Also, if we do have to amputate, does anyone here have good, or bad, stories to tell about hunting with a three legged dog, missing his left front leg.

[mobirdhunter]

John, I’m so sorry to learn about your Buck’s diagnosis. Unfortunately we’ve recently had similar cancer diagnoses take pups from us. While not the same form of cancer, in each case radical procedures were recommended. Looking back, I wish we had not opted for the most radical path. In both cases it took the precious hunting time from our dogs, and in the end did not give them what I’d call a good end of life. It’s hard not to want to save your pup and keep him with you as long as possible.

I will also relate that if you are convinced the amputation will save your pup and give you both quality time together, it could be a gift. We had a puppy lose his back lower leg at birth. He lived a good life and hunted the entirety of it.

My best to you and Buck…and thanks for sharing your article with us all.

[Dean Romig]

What beautiful heartfelt words Garry. They give encouragement but still allow for the possibility that some results are beyond our love and control. We learned of our Gracie’s inoperable spleen cancer on Christmas Eve morning 2023 and I made the gut-wrenching decision on January 24. That was NOT enough time…

I’m so sorry to cast a dark shadow on your post John and I truly wish only the very best outcome for you and Buck.





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[Harold Pickens]

John, not had anything like this on my setters, but Huck Finn, our little house dog had a sarcoma near his right shoulder blade. Amputation and chemo/radiation were an option, but Huck was 13 years old, so we just had our vet, and he's a good surgeon, remove it. They do have a nasty habit of growing back, but so far he is doing ok and is now 15. He has his annual check up next month. My brother, also a veterinarian who does alot of surgery., agreed with our course of action. I think I would have done the same even if he were a much younger dog.

[Mills]

Sorry to hear this news . . .

[William Woods]

Earlier today I finished reading both stories in the Parker Pages from Misters Gordan and Cleveland. Having followed the posts on Mr. Cleveland's journey with the plaything Parker, I enjoyed the story. Mr. Gordon's story hit home with me on many points and brought back many memories. This afternoon I read Mr. Cleveland's post on his dog. All this reminds me of how fleeting the good times are, and how precious the memories of our hunts, with both friends and animals.

Mr. Cleveland, I have had a number of dogs over the years, and competed with some of them for several years. Many years ago, I competed against a dog with three legs in NSTRA. While this dog was not nearly as fast as it once was, I could see that the dog was clearly enjoying what it was bred to do. The choice you have to make is yours alone, and I do not envy either decision. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Thank you to both men for sharing the stories.

[Mike of the Mountain]

John, we have had to deal with various tumors on GSDs and American Bulldogs. Since the only options were low odds that they would last through surgery with no guarantees that they'd live more than a few months, we opted to have them put down. Having a dog active on 3 legs is a better option than having a dog knocked down due to radiation or chemo knowing full well the dog does not feel good nor understands why. If amputation is the only option and they could guarantee they removed all the cancer, then I'd opt for amputation. It's a very personal decision. Prayers for wisdom.

[Big D]

My vet said that the time to put a dog down is when he/she is no longer having fun being a dog. It's hard (believe me) but we have to do what is right for the dog. Unfortuntely, I have watched several friends drag their dogs for a year or two, when the dog was suffereing. GRRR!