u/schlagenteufel

Sorry for the long post ahead of time:
My mini schnauzer, Chippy Dogg, is my soul dog. Backstory: he was diagnosed with anal sac adenocarcinoma (also known as apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma or AGASACA); a highly malignant tumor which has metastasized. He had a clean removal about a year and a half ago, but it’s back. Last visit, a couple months ago, we knew it already spread to his lymph nodes and the tumor was partially visible on a chest X-ray near his liver. I honestly don’t know if I’m overthinking or I’m hyper aware of his timeline, but he sleeps more than I recall from even 6 months ago. He used to be perched at his duty station making sure no one dared enter the yard (or even possibly think of it). Today, in particular, he was barking/alerting at his spot, but nothing is outside. He used to jump at the chance to go outside, but lately there are times he isn’t interested. He is eating and drinking less than before, but he will eat/drink and enjoys his treats.
Over the past two weeks, he has peed in the house at least once a day. We have pads out, but he isn’t using them. He isn’t telling us he needs to go outside the way he always has, so we can’t always catch it in time. He will sit and star at us sometimes, but for 12+ years, when he’s done that, its us asking him to come up on the couch, him not coming up, and we would joke, “why are you being weird?” For example: today I was in my basement and he came down (the other dog isn’t allowed there because he sheds and I sew, but he also has 3 legs and doesn’t love long stairs). Acted like he usually does when I’m working and I look up; he peed. We don’t yell or reprimand him in any way; we put him right outside and tell him we love him. It’s not his fault,I’m just feeling lost.
I have spent years knowing Chippy like the back of my hand and he seems to keep drifting further from that. My other dog is a 5 y/o Husky/mini schnauzer (Tommy Boy) and he is a lovely menace! He has been laying in the same room as Chippy and not initiating play, and I know it’s because he knows; on any given day he would normally throw 5 temper tantrums to play or be active and lately he just lays nearby, calm). I know Chippy isn’t comfortable because he keeps his distance from me and after sleeping by my side for over 11 years, now prefers to be in the other room at night with his brother. However, I also don’t think he’s in pain. I KNOW I’ll know when it’s time, but I’m in this limbo right now.
Adding to all this: I pay over $400 a month for their pet insurance and I bring them to vet at the drop of a hat when something is up. My boys have great insurance so I can comfortably get them to the vet without worrying about money. It’s my understanding that he would need an ultrasound (which my vet doesn’t have the ability to give, so I need to get him to the hospital where he was diagnosed) to know what the tumor is doing internally. Like I said, I’m in limbo because he’s just off. I have always worried he would have dementia because I knew he would live longer. I’m just feeling lost… thank you for listening and any words of wisdom/experiences you can share, thank you tenfold ❤️ I know there’s probably no answer other than putting him through the stress of a vet visit. He could be experiencing cognitive decline in addition to his cancer. Enjoy some pictures of my beautiful baby boy (and his tripawd brother).

*edit for spelling/glaring mistypes

TL;DR not sure how worried I should be about behavior changes (seems to be barking at nothing randomly and has been peeing in the house) in my 12+ y/o mini schnauzer who has aggressive cancer. Did he just get old over night? Is he experiencing cognitive decline? What have your experiences been?

After driving the ‘26 Prius for almost 6 months, I decided to trade her in for the ‘26 RAV4. I was able to drive over 800 miles in an LE a week ago and I picked up “Ice Bear” yesterday. I really have fun driving it and by comparison, so much better than the ‘26 Prius! I’m 6’1” and the Prius was so small. I have a 2010 Prius with almost 250k on it and I’m so glad I was able to get this!

This is Chippy Dogg and he just turned 12! He has anal sac adenocarcinoma (also known as apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma or AGASACA); a highly malignant tumor which has metastasized. I am prepared for this to be his last birthday with me and that’s ok, because he is my sweet angel baby boy. He had a clean removal last year, but it’s back and has already spread to his lymph nodes 💔 I have been beyond blessed to have found my soul dog and I can only hope he has enjoyed every moment with me half as much!
Happy birthday little piglet! I love you with all of my heart!