Why would a vet make a diagnosis based on dog’s age and breed? The question I continually ask myself since Sugar was misdiagnosed of having canine cancer.
It was 2013 Christmas evening when I brought Sugar to a 24/7 emergency care (Blue Pearl). It took only a short time to diagnose her bleeding mouth, “Sugar has a mass on the right side of her tongue.  At her age and breed, it is a cancerous mass (most likely).”
I am aware that cancer is common for Golden Retrievers. According to the statistics, approximately 60% of all Goldens will die from cancer and by gender, it’s 57% of females and 66% of males. Even Sugar’s regular vet had the same initial diagnosis but he said it in a very comforting way (and also providing statistical data). I was given several options on what to do and thankful that I choose to have the mass remove on Sugar’s tongue.
I can’t forget the day when Sugar’s vet delivered the good news on a surprising apologetic tone, “The mass is benign, Sugar is a lucky dog.” Sugar had another tongue surgery (removing smaller masses) and the result remained the same, benign masses.
I am thankful for the good happy results but still question …
Should a diagnosis be based on a dog’s age and breed?

Golden Thanks for Morris Animal Foundation for giving HOPE.
Wishing them the very best on their Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.

Sugar got another mass that I am watching carefully.
Sugar is due to see the vet/surgeon in 8 weeks.
Here are the links in regards to Sugar’s prognosis and surgeries …
Prognosis a Pet Parent Does Not Want To Hear
Many Thanks (after Sugar’s 1st surgery)
Power of Positive Thinking
Sleep, Rest, Recovery (Sugar’s 2nd surgery)

November is Canine Cancer Awareness Month.
Our friends from PetCareRx has been spreading the word this Pet Cancer Awareness Month about how many pets are diagnosed with cancer and how concerned pet parents can help.

Did you know that approximately 60% of Golden Retrievers will die from cancer? That’s almost double the rate of cancer in all dogs. We think that is just too many. From UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, here’s Three Facts About Cancer in Golden Retrievers:

57% of males will die from cancer
66% of females will die from cancer
The most common cancers are hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma

At 2 years old, My Golden Friend Sammy was rescued from GR rescue of Mid Florida. Last June at 8yrs old, Sammy suddenly collapsed from a walk and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma. Sammy did not exhibit any cancer symptoms prior to his collapse as there usually is not with this type of cancer. A large mass and spleen was removed from Sammy. Hemangiosarcorma is a type of cancer that’s terminal. Sammy’s family have elected not to do Chemotherapy, as it would not benefit him that much.

Sammy’s family decided a holistic approach with a special diet full of high protein, green vegetables, healthy fruits low in sugar & herbal supplements. In addition, Sammy gets massages for his back legs to give him some comfort as well.

Most importantly, Sammy’s family focus is giving him a positive spirit everyday so he can keep fighting & remain strong. He gets regular exercise which is important for his overall well-being physically & mentally. They are also involved in a lot of local community groups/foundation creating awareness for Canine Cancer.

Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps animals enjoy longer and healthier lives. They currently invited Golden Retrievers to partake in their Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. It will be the largest and longest dog study ever undertaken. 3,000 Golden Retrievers will be studied for at least 10 years, to gather data on genetics, environment, and diet factors that may lead to cancer. The goal is to learn how to better prevent and treat canine cancer, and make for healthier generations of Golden Retrievers.
If you have a Golden Retriever, check and enroll your dog in the study, or help spread the word to other dog parents and veterinarians.

Read more about Sammy on his FB Page Sammy Rescued Forever.
Golden LOVE Sammy’s photos, he often wears a bandana, hat and shades.
Loving LIFE while Fighting Canine Cancer

Lots of Golden Thanks to PetCareRx for the additional Golden Retriever Cancer data/information. We are inviting everyone to help PetCareRx raise $5,000 for the National Canine Cancer Foundation – head over to PetCareRx Facebook Page – for every “like,” they’ll donate 50 cents, “Put A Paws on Cancer.”

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR