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Do you know a Boxer with an unusual tumor of the prostate?

2K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  Aries 
#1 ·
Hi all, I'm hoping I can enlist your help. I'm a veterinarian practicing in New York, and I have recently had 5 Boxers develop an unusual tumor of the prostate; all were about 8 years old.

This tumor is not the typical prostatic carcinoma. Rather, it is hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive tumor of blood vessels which commonly occurs in the spleen, liver, or heart. In general, hemangiosarcomas have a very poor prognosis since they tend to spread to other organs early.

For all of these 5 dogs, they appeared completely normal, then suddenly had difficulty passing urine to the point where they developed an obstruction. Sadly, these dogs went from happy and healthy to completely unable to urinate within a few short days. Their families were devastated.

For 3 of these dogs, their families generously shared their pedigree information with me, and I was able to trace back a common ancestor for all 3. 1 dog was a rescue, and I will never know his genetics. The fifth family is too distraught over his loss to look through all their papers for the information.

If this story sounds familiar to you, and you know your pet's AKC number (or parents' AKC number), please let me know. I am trying to put together a pedigree analysis, which is the first step in the long process of possibly finding a genetic test. I am hopeful with more information, I can help protect dogs and their families from going through such a difficult disease.

Thank you all in advance.
 
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#2 ·
I hope people can come forward with information for you. I find that very interesting that 3 of the 5 dogs had a common ancestor. This would be a good area to do more research in.
 
#3 ·
I haven't heard of that either but It is interesting about the genetics. Good luck and I hope what find what you are looking for.
 
#4 ·
I sent you a pm, but genetics wouldn't apply since I'm not from your area. I lost a purebred Boxer to DIC about two months after it was found he had a very enlarged prostate. Ultrasound guided biopsies of the prostate were taken by a board certified radiologist. Twice the results told us nothing. The vet said it had to be cancer. I took him to another specialist who did biopsies again, said there was no cancer, just inflammatory cells. No other organs were involved except the prostate. His lymph nodes had also been swelling up in the back legs. No pain, no bone involvement with complete x-rays. After the specialist did the second set of ultrasound assisted biopsies (different clinic0 he started to get DIC within a few days. We lost him at 9-1/2 without really any diagnosis. The specialist did feel WE were were dealing with some unusual form of lymphoma. We had also consulted a cancer specialist at the first clinic. Sadly, she couldn't do anything because we had no results from the biopsies. Hope you get some information. I hate this lymphoma/Boxer stuff.
 
#5 ·
What you are describing is the very same thing we found out today with our 8 yr old male. I found this by searching prostrate cancer in boxers. Our beloved dog Spike started by showing signs that he had to go potty, but he would just dribble. Then within an hours time he got very lethargic. Vet started treating him since his white blood count dropped low, and he would bounce back the next day like nothing happened. We never registered him so I have no paperwork.
The diagnosis was made after an ultra sound found an enormous mass surrounding his prostrate, and blood around his spleen. Our vet surgically place a catheter in him so we could at least get him home to put him down with the family present. We are so upset because how quickly this happened. One minute he is just fine and within an hour he looks like he can die any second.
The vet said to monitor him, and when his quality of life goes down hill then it is time. He thought the only pain he has is when his bladder is full and he cant pass it. He also said this is only temporary and just long enough for us to spoil the living crap out of him as we prepare him for his next journey in life.
I only know he has roots from a dog in Georgia on his daddy's side. His dad is still going along at 13 yrs of age. His mom died from hemangiosarcoma around her uterus and she went fast. Sorry for the long winded post as a first timer, but I am a wreck as this dog has been such a part of my family's life. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect partner in life and I fell like a part of me has just died with him. He will never be replaced and I HATE hemangiosarcoma!
 
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