A close call

[ESSGuy]

Wednesday eve my 10 1/2 yr old springer started to act lethargic after a few yard retrieves, knew something was wrong after looking at his gums, as they were really pale. Wife works at vet clinic so we went in, doctors opened him up and found tumors all over the spleen. There are a couple small spots on the liver, but he came through really well. I know this cancer will be his end, but am hopeful I can have another 6 months with him so he can see his 11th pheasant opener. Best pheasant dog I've ever owned. If we would have waited till morning he'd be dead now. Moral of this story, don't wait if you think your dog is in need of medical attention, could be too late.

[LABS4ME]

Hope your pal heals up and gives you a fresh set of memories this fall! Borrowed time with a cherished gun dog is some of the best time you could have... no pressures, no expectations, no time is too short nor too long... all just good time spent together! Enjoy every minute... take many photos... lots of biscuits and head scratches... I had an old gal that got a McDonalds cheeseburger after every hunt her last fall... she was always a demon in the pheasant fields... but even through failing health, the knowledge of a morning of birds and a lunch of McDonalds got her revved up each and every outing!

Good Luck!

Ken

[ESSGuy]

got the results back, looks like we have anywhere from 2 months to 10 months. if any dog can make it 10 it will be Ward.

[ESSGuy]

Gave Ward a nice little treat today, limited time left with him so he got to do what he does best.

[LABS4ME]

Nice! Atta boy Ward!,,

Good luck!

Ken

[bobberineyes]

Great looking pooch, stay tough ward. Life is to short for all of us, spoil them from the start and enjoy every minute...essguy were all pulling for ward to beat this.

[bottomdweller]

Best wishes for Ward to have a great fall of bird hunting!!!

[ESSGuy]

An update to Wards close call. This August we had an ultra sound specialist scan Ward for signs that his cancer had spread. He couldn't find any evidence on ultra sound that he even had cancer. The pathology report came back that this was a very aggressive cancer and most dogs only live 2-10 months, 90% mortality within 12 months. Ward is past month 4 and is going strong. Ultra sound guy thinks this was misdiagnosed by pathologist. I am so happy and lucky, we almost put him down on the operating table. He is 11 now,my best dog will be in the field this fall helping his 2 brothers and helping mentor his new little pal 5 month old Tig.

[TylerS]

Thanks for the update! Get that boy out a TON this fall! We want updates and pictures. 

Atta boy Ward!!! Hunt 'em up buddy.

[MNHunter65]

That is great news that he will get to be in the field with you this fall. I just found out yesterday that my 6 year old lab has a similar cancer that has spread to many organs. Unfortunately his time is limited, so I won't get to run the field with him this fall. Enjoy your buddy while you have him!

[ESSGuy]

Update on my boy Ward, he was kicking butt until late April. He was super energetic one Saturday, ate his eve meal and 1/2 hr later I found him laying on the garage floor not wanting to get up. We rushed him to wife's vet clinic and did x rays. Two of the vets came in and checked him out, did ultrasound and found out a tumor had started to bleed out. I knew it was over when he never tried to get up on X Ray table, and never wagged a tail that had never stopped in his whole life. 11 1/2 yrs is not enough but he sure did help me put a dent in the western Minnesota pheasant population. Pathology said 95 % die within 12 months. Ward lived 53 weeks, he was a superstar.

[bobberineyes]

Dang it essguy , Ward was a pooch of all pooches,  you hang in there. They maybe gone but never forgotten.  Sorry pal...

[ESSGuy]

I still have Wards 1/2 brother Earl who is 10, a 4 yr old named Damon and my new project Tig who is 14months. I just got Tig steady to wing and shot, so he will be ready for fall puppy stake field trials. He is a little guy, only 35lbs but he goes like mad. So I got plenty on my plate, but at 43 I think my best dog is behind me. I will keep trying to get another Ward though.