Wednesday, March 14, 2007

The Vet Report

It's Thrawn. We had Mom write up the report from Dr. Bill so we could post it even though her eyes keep leaking. I'm pretty worried about what they said but I'm trying not to show it. So here it is...

Turning in for an early night - Thrawn

Dakota
Dakota had his Echocardiogram and his heart is enlarged even more than it was in December. The main concern is that the valve is going to completely give out. They ordered him new meds that have had really good results in "shrinking" the heart so that is good at least. He'll remain on the two meds he's on as well and hopefully the combo will work.

He also had the lump on his side tested and it was benign, just a fatty lump. Thank Dog.

Update - They feel that he needs a more aggressive plan of action so they have ordered other medications to start him on in the next week. I guess it is more extensive than I thought.


Thrawn
Where to start? He had his first Adequan injection today for his arthritis, his next is Friday then two times a week for the next three weeks. He'll stay on the pain meds until it kicks in.

His bloodwork was all over the place so they performed a sonogram on various organs. A couple years ago he was tested for Cushings Disease and was negative, when Dr. Bill talked to his consult at Texas A&M today about the blood results they really felt he needed to be tested again. So - part of the sonogram was for his Adrenal Gland which was apparently HUGE. He will have another test ran on Tuesday but it appears that he does have Cushings. After Tuesday he'll start on a new medication to help control it.

A surprising and distressing turn in events is that the sonogram found a major tumor in his liver. The Lymph Nodes are still clear with no signs of Cancer, but there's a chance that this tumor is really bad news. He's going to observe him closely and we'll retest in 90 days to see if there are any changes. If it is C and it's in his liver there's not much that can be done medically. I'm just sick, I can't even start to address it yet. :(

If anyone out there in dog-blog land has any experience with any of this I'd appreciate any input. I'll find out the new med names for both of them and post as well. Thanks - Maryann

17 comments:

Liberty Doo Dah said...

Uh Oh! I would try getting on a yahoo group called ADTNutrition (see Sunshade's blog, I think there's a link there). Even though he's not an ADT, there's lots of experience in that group that have probably dealt with this or something similar!
AireHUGS & AireZEN!
Liberty

Liberty Doo Dah said...

Oops! I couldn't find it on Sunshade's blog so here's the link in case you're interested:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ADTnutrition/
AireZENGALORE!
Liberty

Roxie, Sammy, Andy and Shermie said...

Oh, Maryann, we are so sorry to hear that the vet visit didn't have the best results. We will keep our paws crossed and send dachsie prayers to you, Thrawn and Dakota. You are lucky to have such a good vet who is willing to use every connection to help diagnose your furkids. We are sure they will get the best care possible.

Roxie, Sammy & Andy

Anonymous said...

Maybe Finny can offer some advice, as he has fought cancer before! We all have our paws and fingers and toes crossed that you will all feel a lot better soon!

Love and Licks,
Texas (and his humans).

Luckie Girl said...

I'm really sorry to hear abt the news from the vet. :( Mom & I will be praying for you two.

Ferndoggle said...

Oh geez Maryann...I'm just sick. I'm so sorry & can't even imagine what it feels like to get that kind of news.

Hugs to you & Thrawn & Dakota

Ferndoggle & The Dogs

Anonymous said...

I'm sending lots of good doggie vibes to you and your family. I hope all the meds work.
Kaos

Tadpole said...

Oh - I'm so sorry! That makes my tummy hurt in worry. Sending prayers and doggie licks to you all....

Steve, Kat, & Wilbur said...

We don't have any advice for you, but we will be sure to keep the Brat Pack in our doggie prayers.

Steve & Kat

Suki & Joey said...

Oh, my poor doggy pals :( I'm so sorry about the bad news. I hope all the new meds will help, and I'm sure they will!

Take care of your mommy. She needs your love right now :)

Puggy kisses xoxo
Suki

Liza said...

Maryann -

I burst into tears when I read your post. I don't really have any useful information for Thrawn or Dakota - only that I lost my beloved Emily to Dialated Cardio Myopathy in May. It was the most life shattering event I can remember since the death of my father.

Emily was older but once the heart condition was diagnosed she had passed away in less than two months.

Dory, Chris and I will keep Thrawn, Dakota, the rest of the pups and you in our thoughts and prayers.

If you need to talk, cry or rant just drop us an email - we totally understand how you must be feeling.

Please be brave and know that lots of folks who enjoy your blog are also keeping you in their thoughts when things are rough.

Take care -
Liza and my fuzzy friend Dory

Donna. W said...

Came here looking for your wordless Wednesday entry... didn't find it, but did see lots of doggy pictures.

Anonymous said...

Oh Maryann and the Five babies...
We are so saddened here. I do hope that things take a turn for the better. We will all keep you all in our prayers every day and night... and will light a candle for you and say an extra special prayer. You all feel like family, and I wish there were something we could do to help. We can listen if needed.
Hugs and love to all of you...
Sitka and Shelli (the mom)

Dakota said...

Soft woos from Dakota. Be better my friends, and stay as strong as you can.

Peanut said...

I'm sorry about the bad news. Mom says she doesn't have any advice but she is thinking about you guys. Flash and I too.

Avery said...

We are thinking of you and sending you lots and lots of doggie well wishes.

Take care,
Avery and his mom

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

I enjoy your pictures, came by to see new ones, and read the sad news.
Keeping Thrawn, Dakota and you in my prayers.
((Hugs))
Bobbie and Bunch

National Canine Cancer Foundation