From a Cold to Canine Cancer- The First 24 Hours

In mid September, I took my 8 year old, 200 pound Newfoundland, Tucker into my vet because I thought he might have a cold.  For a few days prior, he was quieter than usual and had thrown up a couple times. He has allergies, so I wasn't overly concerned, but I like to err of the side of caution when it comes to my dogs.  I had also recently adopted two rescues and had several foster dogs in and out of the house, so I thought that might have something to do with him needed his own space.  It didn't even dawn on me that he might be seriously ill.

When we arrived at the vet, the doctor did an exam and an xray and suspected that maybe he ate something that was causing a blockage.  They also found he was dehydrated, so they decided it was best to keep him over night.  The doctor also felt it would be beneficial for him to have an ultrasound sometime over the weekend and she was calling around to the 24 hour emergency vet hospitals in the area.  I left him there in good hands and went home to the other pups.  I don't know if the other dogs suspected something was wrong, but that night, I slept in the middle of them, each trying to be as close to me as possible. 

Early Saturday morning, the doctor called to tell me that Tucker's health had declined rapidly overnight and suggested I rush him down to the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital Emergency Room.  I had no idea what was wrong with him at this point.  I had just lost my 13 year old Newfie, Molly, to cancer in July and I was afraid I was about to lose him too. 

The staff at U of P took Tucker into the ER as soon as we pulled up to the doors. I spent the entire day in the waiting room watching people come and go.  Some, the lucky ones, were able to leave with their pets.  Yet others, sadly, left in tears, mourning for a pet that could not be saved. 

Late in the afternoon, the doctor let me see Tucker for a few minutes.  He looked horrible.  They still did not have an answer, but the word "cancer" was being thrown around and that was something I was not prepared to hear.  I finally left Penn around 7:00 PM.  It had been a long, trying day and I had three other dogs waiting at home for me. 

To be continued...