Chief
03-29-2016, 05:45 PM
Hello everyone, I know a few of you were concerned about me after the passing of Chief from anal gland cancer. I am so sorry I have not been back on sooner. Things went from bad to worse as 3 weeks after Chief's death his twin sister - Justice was diagnosed with anal gland cancer after I insisted my new vet do a rectal exam on her. Fortunately her tumour was found very small, she had no symptoms, there was no metatastis as far a the ultrasound and x-rays could tell which is very common in this cancer, her blood work was good as high calcium levels are also common in this cancer. She had her surgery on January 24 with a 3% chance of complications and 5% chance of infection. Guess what she had a second surgery just last Wednesday for complications and infection. She is doing well and her prognosis overall is good.
I am now on a mission. Vets are not doing rectal checks on examinations as a rule unless almost ordered to do so. A simple rectal check and Chief would still be alive. Chief's website will be titled: CHIEFY DID NOT HAVE TO DIE....RENO (RECTAL EXAMS NOT OPTIONAL). I know this is a cushings site and not a cancer site.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone. Please insist on a rectal check on your dogs as despite what most vets will tell you this is a common cancer. It is the only way to detect it early and it takes about 30 seconds from start to finish.
I am now on a mission. Vets are not doing rectal checks on examinations as a rule unless almost ordered to do so. A simple rectal check and Chief would still be alive. Chief's website will be titled: CHIEFY DID NOT HAVE TO DIE....RENO (RECTAL EXAMS NOT OPTIONAL). I know this is a cushings site and not a cancer site.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone. Please insist on a rectal check on your dogs as despite what most vets will tell you this is a common cancer. It is the only way to detect it early and it takes about 30 seconds from start to finish.