Very sad - need help so I can learn

[nobluescreen]

My dog Bud was a Rotweiller mix and he was almost 11 years old.  His normal weight was about 80 lbs.  Back in 2004, he was having problems with his hips and was in pain so I took him to the vet.  They gave me joint pills to give him, but he otherwise checked out fine.  At that time bud weighed about 105lbs and the vet advised changing his diet so that he doesn't have so much weight to carry around.

Bud has been living with my mother since 2002 because he was a great watchdog and my mother is retired and living alone.  He lost the weight and appeared to be doing great.....he was about 80 lbs again.

More recently, he has continued to lose weight to the point where he was looking unhealthy.  I know this sounds stupid, but otherwise he was still acting normally in that he was still alert and mobile and didn't appear to be in any pain or anything.  he was still eating...although looking back he did appear to drink a large amount of water.

Thursday night, my sister noticed that he had stopped eating and was just laying there and not moving.  Almost overnight he was unable to walk.  She took him to the vet hospital and they stated that he had a large adbominal mass and that he had lost all of his muscle mass.  They advised putting him down was the humane thing to do, so we followed their advice.

My question is, what did we miss?  My wife and I have two siberian huskies, and I know that catching these things early is crucial to treatment.  What are some signs to look out for.  In Buds case, he acted perfectly normal and it almost seemed like he changed in 24 hours time.

[nobluescreen]

Thanks for the kind words of everyone who responded.  I cried pretty much all night on Friday.  I am feeling a little better today in knowing that he isn't suffering anymore.

[peekawho]

I am so very sorry for your loss.  It is never easy to lose a beloved pet.  

Large breed dogs are more prone to cancers and other serious problems.  I don't think there is much you could have done, even if the mass was caught earlier.  Bud lived to a ripe old age for a Rottie mix.  I doubt a vet would have offered much hope even if this had been caught at an early stage.

Many hugs and prayers from all us here.  

[turtledovemom]

I am so sorry for your loss.  Over the years we've lost more than our share of dogs and cats, with most lasting a very long time.  We did have one of our dogs go the same route that you've described.  She drank water until the end, but stopped eating.  I learned a lot from that loss, including being more aware of eating habits.  If there is any positive about what happened to your Bud, it's just that you'll probably be more proactive if you see the same in your Huskies.  I'm sure you did your best to keep Bud comfortable and loved.  
peace,
Anne

[suzi-q]

I don't have an answer.  I suggest you post your question on the Ask a Vet forum.  I just want to say, I am very sorry for your loss.  I know how hard it is.