A Difficult Chapter for Major: Our Husky's Health Battle
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Sometimes the hardest part of loving a dog is knowing that you can't fix everything for them.
Many of you know Major, my beautiful husky and one of the faces behind Paws & Purpose. Today I wanted to share our journey so far, not only to update those who care about him, but also to help other dog owners who may find themselves facing a similar diagnosis.
If you're currently in that position, please know you're not alone.
How It All Started
What began as what seemed like a simple urinary tract infection quickly turned into something much more serious.
Major started showing signs that suggested a UTI. There was blood in his urine, so naturally we followed veterinary advice and began treatment. Over the course of around three weeks, he had multiple rounds of antibiotics alongside anti-inflammatory medication.
But the bleeding didn't stop.
As any pet owner will understand, when symptoms continue despite treatment, your mind starts racing.
Eventually we made the decision to investigate further with a scan.
That scan revealed what I had been desperately hoping it wouldn't.
Tumours in Major's bladder.
I can still remember that feeling when I heard the news. My heart broke.
Understanding Bladder Tumours in Dogs
One thing I've learned throughout this process is that bladder tumours can often look very similar to urinary tract infections.
Common signs may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination
- Straining to urinate
- Recurring urinary symptoms that don't fully respond to antibiotics
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
Because the symptoms can be so similar, some dogs are initially treated for UTIs before the underlying cause is discovered.
Starting Treatment With Piroxicam
Following Major's diagnosis, our vet prescribed piroxicam.
Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but it's also commonly used in dogs with certain bladder tumours because it may help slow tumour progression and improve quality of life. It's important to understand that it is not considered a cure, but it can become an important part of managing the condition.
Like many medications, it comes with potential side effects.
One of the most commonly reported issues is gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, stomach irritation and, in some cases, stomach ulcers.
Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened with Major.
When Things Took A Turn
Around seven days into treatment, Major became incredibly unwell.
He started vomiting and his stomach simply wasn't coping with the medication.
We had no choice but to stop treatment.
I won't lie, that period was terrifying.
After hearing the diagnosis and then seeing him react badly to the medication that was supposed to help him, I felt overwhelmed with anxiety. I kept thinking:
"What if this is it?"
"What if I can't help him?"
"What if I've run out of options?"
I know many owners walking a similar path will recognise those thoughts.
When you love a dog with your whole heart, watching them struggle can leave you feeling utterly helpless.
Research, Research, Research
During the break from treatment, I spent countless hours researching.
Like many owners facing a serious diagnosis, I wanted to understand everything I possibly could.
One of the things I repeatedly came across was slippery elm.
Slippery elm is often used to support digestive health because it forms a soothing coating inside the digestive tract. While it isn't a treatment for bladder tumours, some owners use it to help dogs experiencing digestive irritation.
For Major, I began giving slippery elm with plain cooked chicken in the morning.
Because slippery elm can affect how medications are absorbed, I make sure it isn't given close to his piroxicam dose. It is recommended that you leave a 2 hour window in between.
I also introduced beef bone broth alongside plain cooked chicken with his evening medication.
Of course, every dog is different and it's always important to discuss supplements with your vet before introducing them.
A Simpler Diet
Major has always had a sensitive stomach.
Looking back, after weeks of antibiotics, it's not surprising that his digestive system needed some extra care.
Right now I've stripped everything back to basics.
There are:
- No treats
- No unnecessary extras
- No rich foods
- No sudden diet changes
Instead, he's eating:
- His usual food
- Plain cooked chicken
- Slippery elm support
- Beef bone broth
- His prescribed medication
The goal is simply to remove as many variables as possible and give his stomach the best chance of coping.
Creating A Care Plan
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that tracking everything matters.
Bladder tumours can sometimes create blockages that make urination difficult, and they can also make it harder to identify when urinary infections may be developing.
Because of that, I've become very focused on monitoring Major day by day.
I keep a close eye on:
✅ Water intake
✅ Appetite
✅ Energy levels
✅ Ability to urinate
✅ Changes in urine appearance
✅ Any digestive issues
✅ Response to medication
When emotions are high, having a routine and a plan helps me feel like I'm doing something positive for him.
Where We Are Now
I'm very pleased to say that things are going much better this time around.
We're now approaching 11 days on piroxicam, which is already a significant improvement compared to our first attempt.
Is everything perfect?
No.
Am I still worried?
Absolutely.
But for now, Major is comfortable, eating, enjoying life and continuing his treatment.
And that's enough for today.
Soon we'll return for another scan and hopefully get a clearer picture of what the future looks like.
A Message To Anyone Going Through Something Similar
If your dog has recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer or bladder tumours, I want you to know that it's okay to feel scared.
It's okay to cry.
It's okay to spend hours researching.
It's okay to feel overwhelmed.
The uncertainty can be one of the hardest parts.
But I've learned that sometimes the best thing we can do is focus on the next meal, the next walk, the next cuddle, the next good day.
Major doesn't know his diagnosis.
He doesn't know what the scan results say.
He just knows he still gets to spend time with the people who love him.
And that reminds me to stay present too.
We'll continue sharing updates on Major's journey here at Paws & Purpose, and if you've experienced something similar with your own dog, I'd love to hear your story in the comments. Sometimes the most valuable support comes from a community of people who truly understand.
From Major and me, thank you for following along on this journey. 🐾❤️