Post by: Camo Queen on January 23, 2012, 12:38:11 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on January 23, 2012, 12:42:55 PM
Post by: quadrafire on January 23, 2012, 12:43:03 PM
Post by: Dhoey07 on January 23, 2012, 12:47:52 PM
Post by: bobcat on January 23, 2012, 12:51:17 PM
Post by: Happy Gilmore on January 23, 2012, 01:44:16 PM
Post by: Camo Queen on January 23, 2012, 03:04:41 PM
Post by: Happy Gilmore on January 23, 2012, 03:15:53 PM
Any blood in stool of vomit go back to the vet asap. There is a nasty intestinal illness that went around for some reason and almost killed a few dogs I know personally. It isn't real common but, for whatever reason showed up in the PNW.
Post by: Camo Queen on January 23, 2012, 07:16:00 PM
Post by: DoubleJ on January 23, 2012, 07:30:50 PM
Post by: JODakota on January 23, 2012, 07:33:31 PM
Post by: Kola16 on January 23, 2012, 07:38:57 PM
Post by: DoubleJ on January 24, 2012, 01:40:44 PM
Post by: Dhoey07 on January 24, 2012, 02:00:31 PM
Post by: Camo Queen on January 24, 2012, 02:09:23 PM
Post by: Dhoey07 on January 24, 2012, 02:21:31 PM
Post by: TwoSixFourWins on January 24, 2012, 04:40:52 PM
Post by: wildweeds on January 24, 2012, 05:45:58 PM
What is the energy level like? Lethargic and dull or Vibrant and exciteable,just not eating?
Vet says shes dehydrated (from not drinking for two days) and she has swollen lymph nodes which is usually a sign of infection or possibly cancer. They gave her an anti nausea medication and took some blood. Said that they are going to run blood tests to see if they can get more information and will get back to me tomorrow. She drank quite a bit of water when we got home which makes me feel a bit better, but she's still not interested in any food. She won't even take the chicken now and that's just not normal... Hopefully it's all nothing but I can't help but worry :(
Post by: Birdguy on January 24, 2012, 07:14:37 PM
We had something similar happen to one of our labs several years ago. One day she stopped eating and drinking, we tried the canned food, with no luck, took her to the vet, said she was dehydrated wanted to keep her overnight give her IV fluids, runs some blood work, do some x-rays ....about $1500 worth and maybe they could tell us something in a few days. We did not have that kind of money (not even close) so we had them do the blood work, and took her home figuring if she was not going to make it we would be with her. The next day at work the Wife mentioned to one of her coworkers, she said that they had a dog eat/swallow a golf ball and had the same symptoms and that the "country" vet they took the dog to told them to force baby food down the dogs throat. Within a day the dog passed to ball and all was well. The Wife called me and I got the syringe and baby food and when she got home we forced a bottle down, a few hours later did it again. By morning she was eating the baby food from the jar, that night ate some caned dog food and was back to 100% in two days. We never saw her pass anything, and she live a happy life for 8 more years until last December when we lost her at 14. You may want to give it a try, it sure worked for us.
Post by: Camo Queen on January 24, 2012, 08:35:30 PM
Anyways, I couldn't bear that she hadn't eaten in 4 days now, so I loaded a syringe with canned "Critical Care" food thinned out with a little beef broth), and squirted it in the back of her mouth. She resisted and certainly wasn't happy about it, but she managed to eat a small 5.5 oz can which is better than nothing. After not eating for 4 days I didn't want to push it...So far she hasn't puked it back up and I'm really hoping she doesn't. Everything I'm finding on the internet is pointing towards lymphoma.Trying hard not to be negative and think the worst, but it's not working... Going to call the vet back tomorrow.
Thanks again for all the support. Hardest thing ever to see her feel so horrible, and breaking my heart thinking that I might lose her. I've had her since she was just 4 weeks old... She's my baby :'(
"In direct answer to your question : A needle aspiration biopsy will be a much better way of diagnosing cancer than an x-ray. The x-ray may just show you what you already know which is that you have swollen lymph glands which could be caused by a number of things. The needle biopsy will show you what the cell types in the lymph nodes look like, normal cells or to be blunt cancer cells.
The high blood calcium levels will not on their own be diagnostic but in some cases may be indicative of a cancer somewhere in the body.
The disease you should be most concerned about is lymphoma"
Post by: Camo Queen on January 24, 2012, 08:41:58 PM
Post by: Camo Queen on January 24, 2012, 08:45:13 PM
Post by: Camo Queen on January 24, 2012, 08:46:06 PM
Post by: wildweeds on January 24, 2012, 09:52:16 PM
Post by: Ellensburg on January 25, 2012, 03:54:41 AM
Any updates?
Post by: Hornseeker on January 25, 2012, 08:10:05 AM
Good Luck Camo Queen... she is a great looking dog! If it comes to the worst, just remember... time heals... and a new pup can absorb all your emotions and become all the dog and companion that she was... :( :)
Best Wishes!
Post by: Camo Queen on January 25, 2012, 08:42:57 AM
Post by: Grizzly95 on January 25, 2012, 11:00:53 AM
Post by: Camo Queen on January 26, 2012, 07:19:49 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on January 26, 2012, 09:01:52 PM
Post by: MikeWalking on January 26, 2012, 09:20:33 PM
Well, we went back to the vet today so they could take more samples of her lymph nodes. The Vet reiterated that her symptoms are pointing towards lymphoma. Does anyone have any experience dealing with chemo treatments for dogs? I was upset and I forgot to even ask what the cost for something like that would be. .. I'm just trying to go into this prepared :(
Saw a lot of Cancer in Dogs and Cats working for 3 different Vets as an Asst. Sadly Chemo was never an option for most all, too old, too far gone etc...
I did see one woman though, spend almost 30K for it. An extreme case most likely. It wont be much cheaper than it will for a person, same drugs, smaller doses. It is a brutal thing to go through.
Post by: DoubleJ on January 26, 2012, 09:44:57 PM
Post by: MikeWalking on January 26, 2012, 09:54:29 PM
Every time I see this thread on the right hand side of the forum, I HAVE to click it, but I hold my breath every time I do. It's a weird feeling I haven't had from many threads
Me too. I think most all of us have lost pets, some several. My last furry pal got killed on my birthday years ago. My heart goes out.
Post by: wildweeds on January 26, 2012, 10:01:56 PM
I feel for you something fierce,this is an awful thing to have to deal with,I've got personal experiance,know others that have as well,What I'm going to type here will be construed by many as mean,however it is not when you consider the animal first.I've known some folks(my parents) who have shelled out 4000 dollars to have a leg amputated at the hip socket for a cancerous tumor that completely enveloped a nerve,they got 6 more months with the dog and the dog was miserable for 3 of them trying to adjust to 3 wheels and then the cancer returned with a vengenance(which the vet told them would happen and guaranteed nothing),I Know another guy who spent a bunch(he did not say how much) on a dog with a tumor in it's mouth,it made it 4 months,A co worker spent a bunch on his 7 year old FT Lab last year and in the end put the dog down because he felt sorry for it's suffering.I had the dog with the massive tumor on her heart and put her down right then and there.For whatever reason the success rate with cancer and dogs even though they are practiced on is not very dang good and the dog is the one that suffers.Should the diagnosis become a reality with Dakota I would implore you to set selfishness aside and spend some quality time with her and have her put to sleep,spending an awful lot of money to gain time for yourself and misery for the dog is a losing proposition that nets regret as time passes(Guilty as charged myself with some other dogs and I'll never do it again). My parents used the "He's still wagging his tail " theory,I tried to tell them from personal experiance that they will wiggle that thing to the end no matter how bad they feel,it's not a good indicator of the right time.
As a side note, your into it so far now....................I would demand and X ray to see if there was any other thing it could possibly be,telescoped intestines or a visible mass on something pertinant,75 dollar xray.I got me a dammed good WSU grad vet and he starts cheap,simple and positive and goes from there to spendy,tricky and brace yourself for the worst.
What it boils down to is a personal decision on your part,one of the most difficult calls you'll have to make in life ,there is no real right or wrong awnser to it as it's your own personal decision to make.
Well, we went back to the vet today so they could take more samples of her lymph nodes. The Vet reiterated that her symptoms are pointing towards lymphoma. Does anyone have any experience dealing with chemo treatments for dogs? I was upset and I forgot to even ask what the cost for something like that would be. .. I'm just trying to go into this prepared :(
Post by: Cap.Silver on January 26, 2012, 10:20:25 PM
I hope that next time we all ,who await good outcome from your post could read some good news . :tup:
Post by: quadrafire on January 26, 2012, 10:26:42 PM
Well, we went back to the vet today so they could take more samples of her lymph nodes. The Vet reiterated that her symptoms are pointing towards lymphoma. Does anyone have any experience dealing with chemo treatments for dogs? I was upset and I forgot to even ask what the cost for something like that would be. .. I'm just trying to go into this prepared :(Lymphoma is more common in dogs than you may think. You can easily get to 2K in chemo tx. Their quality of life can be VERY good during treatment. It is rarely a cure, but may gain another year of life. Good luck with your decision.
Post by: Camo Queen on January 28, 2012, 05:01:55 PM
Today she has been in pretty good spirits. We got her to play with a ball which is more than she's done all week, and she's actually hanging out in our living room with us instead of holing herself up in the closet. I think feeding her has definitely helped her feel a little better. She also ate a tiny bit on her own today.
I guess at this point it is a waiting game. I will keep feeding her until she gets to the point where I feel she is in pain. Right now with her still being playful and not knowing 100% without a doubt that it's cancer... I just can't bear the thought of putting her down.
6 years ago when we got our dogs I told my husband that losing them someday was just a fact of life, and that because I grew up on a farm it probably wouldn't be too painful for me since I was used to animals coming and going. Boy was I wrong... This is one of the hardest things I've ever been through in my life... Thanks for all the support and for wishing her well. I'm just gonna keep praying that it's something else and that she improves. It's all I can really do at this point..
Post by: Smokepole on January 28, 2012, 05:18:26 PM
I guess at this point it is a waiting game. I will keep feeding her until she gets to the point where I feel she is in pain. Right now with her still being playful and not knowing 100% without a doubt that it's cancer... I just can't bear the thought of putting her down.
You're doing the right thing, giving the dog some time, making sure she gets some food, and comfort. Dogs can be resilient. My experience with vets and inconclusive tests has been similar to yours. Treatments for serious illnesses are so expensive, it just doesn't make any sense. But what does make sense is your kindness and care. Good luck, and keep doing the right thing. :)
Post by: SpringerFan on January 28, 2012, 07:05:19 PM
Post by: Leanne on January 29, 2012, 11:06:04 PM
I am so sorry about your dog getting sick and I am pulling for you on this one. There is NOTHING worse than seeing your best friend in pain and feeling miserable, I hope you can look forward to many years to come. I have never had a dog pass because of cancer, I am praying for your pup and your family.
:'(
Post by: ICEMAN on February 04, 2012, 07:30:58 AM
Post by: Camo Queen on February 05, 2012, 10:40:20 AM
I spent the following days bawling my friggin eyes out thinking my dog is for sure dying of cancer. The vet called me on Monday and left a message saying she just wanted to check in and wanted to know if we were going to bring Dakota in for the additional test. I just wasn't in a place to talk about it without sobbing, so I didnt call her back for a couple days. Well, she called again on Friday so I answered and the story has completely changed. She asked me again if we were going to bring her in for the extra testing so we can figure out what is wrong with her and treat her. I said well honesty we weren't going to spend a couple hundred dollars on more tests to find out it isnt the "rare" hyperpara...whatever... And to be told that yes in fact she does have cancer. So now her story changes to "well there's lots of things that could be causing her elevated calcium levels but we won't know how to treat her until we can do this test. At this point I'm thinking, Bitch, you just told me a week ago that it's pretty for sure cancer and there's nothing to give her to bring the calcium down and make her feel better. I've been force feeding my terrified dog for two weeks now and now your calling with an attitude like im foolish to not do the extra testing? So said "well, I'm confused. Last time we talked you said that you were confident that it was cancer and that all we could do is try to keep her comfortable." Then she said that the cause is most likely cancer, but they would like to do the extra $200.00 test to confirm what is really wrong with her. Normally I love going to this vet, and this girl has been very nice, but Im struggling with the change of story here.
GGGRrRrRrRrR..... I want to take her to another vet, but I can't afford another $500.00 in testing to find out in the end that Yup she does have cancer. . . Trying to figure out exactly what were going to do. ..
Dakota is pretty much the same. Force feeding her has not been fun. She doesnt want the food at all. She hides and has peed herself almost every time we feed her. The only thing that she'll get up for is her ball. When you get the ball out you forget there's anything wrong with her. We only play with the ball a little in the house though because I'm worried that she'll over exert herself outside. Might take her out regaurdless since its what really makes her happy.
Thanks again for all the support. This has been a really tough couple of weeks and most of my family aren't really pet people, so they just don't get it... it's been nice to have support from people that love their pets like I do and understand what I'm going through
Post by: Happy Gilmore on February 05, 2012, 03:31:57 PM
If I remember right you're up North. Look up Dr. Gary Johnson in Mount Vernon. He's up by the hospital on the same road. He's been breeding labs for many years. I think knowing the breed well helps him understand hunting dogs better in general.
He's also very reasonably priced compared to most. He's a great guy.
Post by: MikeWalking on February 05, 2012, 04:59:12 PM
I'd go to the office, get all of her records and test results and say thank you and leave.
If I remember right you're up North. Look up Dr. Gary Johnson in Mount Vernon. He's up by the hospital on the same road. He's been breeding labs for many years. I think knowing the breed well helps him understand hunting dogs better in general.
He's also very reasonably priced compared to most. He's a great guy.
If you want her records call first, give them time to make your copies. I had many people walk in the door expecting to take Records off the shelf and go. The information is theirs but not the paper it's printed on. You'd be surprised how many people didn't realize that.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on February 07, 2012, 12:51:48 AM
I'd go to the office, get all of her records and test results and say thank you and leave.If you want her records call first, give them time to make your copies. I had many people walk in the door expecting to take Records off the shelf and go. The information is theirs but not the paper it's printed on. You'd be surprised how many people didn't realize that.
If I remember right you're up North. Look up Dr. Gary Johnson in Mount Vernon. He's up by the hospital on the same road. He's been breeding labs for many years. I think knowing the breed well helps him understand hunting dogs better in general.
He's also very reasonably priced compared to most. He's a great guy.
I disagree. You pay them to keep the record and you actually own that record. No need for copies. It is yours if you have paid your vet bill. This is mandated by the Department of Health which regulates hospitals, doctors and surprisingly enough, vets. This includes all x-ray films and any other data which may be stored on a computer. It shall be available on request. It would probably be "polite" to call ahead but, your records are your property and the vet must readily supply them upon request.
If the vets office wants copies, that is only their own policy. All original copies and notes are to be handed over to the owner. Same as medical transcriptions. It is illegal to alter them and as I mentioned, these rules fall under the guidelines of the Department of Health......The DOH is the only office which can basically shut down any operation in the State. They can close a Landfill, Water Treatment Plant, Hospital........Hanford.....U name it.....they gots some power...
Post by: MikeWalking on February 07, 2012, 09:30:04 AM
I'd go to the office, get all of her records and test results and say thank you and leave.If you want her records call first, give them time to make your copies. I had many people walk in the door expecting to take Records off the shelf and go. The information is theirs but not the paper it's printed on. You'd be surprised how many people didn't realize that.
If I remember right you're up North. Look up Dr. Gary Johnson in Mount Vernon. He's up by the hospital on the same road. He's been breeding labs for many years. I think knowing the breed well helps him understand hunting dogs better in general.
He's also very reasonably priced compared to most. He's a great guy.
I disagree. You pay them to keep the record and you actually own that record. No need for copies. It is yours if you have paid your vet bill. This is mandated by the Department of Health which regulates hospitals, doctors and surprisingly enough, vets. This includes all x-ray films and any other data which may be stored on a computer. It shall be available on request. It would probably be "polite" to call ahead but, your records are your property and the vet must readily supply them upon request.
If the vets office wants copies, that is only their own policy. All original copies and notes are to be handed over to the owner. Same as medical transcriptions. It is illegal to alter them and as I mentioned, these rules fall under the guidelines of the Department of Health......The DOH is the only office which can basically shut down any operation in the State. They can close a Landfill, Water Treatment Plant, Hospital........Hanford.....U name it.....they gots some power...
I believe you are Wrong. I have worked for 3 Vets and a dozen M.D.'s. In all my Schooling and work experience it has been stressed the paper Records are the legal property of the Doctor. I'd like to see the R.C.W. that's says you can walk into your Dr's office and just take a file off the shelf and walk out.
But this is not what the thread is about so I wont say more.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on February 07, 2012, 11:06:48 AM
I'd go to the office, get all of her records and test results and say thank you and leave.If you want her records call first, give them time to make your copies. I had many people walk in the door expecting to take Records off the shelf and go. The information is theirs but not the paper it's printed on. You'd be surprised how many people didn't realize that.
If I remember right you're up North. Look up Dr. Gary Johnson in Mount Vernon. He's up by the hospital on the same road. He's been breeding labs for many years. I think knowing the breed well helps him understand hunting dogs better in general.
He's also very reasonably priced compared to most. He's a great guy.
I disagree. You pay them to keep the record and you actually own that record. No need for copies. It is yours if you have paid your vet bill. This is mandated by the Department of Health which regulates hospitals, doctors and surprisingly enough, vets. This includes all x-ray films and any other data which may be stored on a computer. It shall be available on request. It would probably be "polite" to call ahead but, your records are your property and the vet must readily supply them upon request.
If the vets office wants copies, that is only their own policy. All original copies and notes are to be handed over to the owner. Same as medical transcriptions. It is illegal to alter them and as I mentioned, these rules fall under the guidelines of the Department of Health......The DOH is the only office which can basically shut down any operation in the State. They can close a Landfill, Water Treatment Plant, Hospital........Hanford.....U name it.....they gots some power...
I believe you are Wrong. I have worked for 3 Vets and a dozen M.D.'s. In all my Schooling and work experience it has been stressed the paper Records are the legal property of the Doctor. I'd like to see the R.C.W. that's says you can walk into your Dr's office and just take a file off the shelf and walk out.
But this is not what the thread is about so I wont say more.
Well, sort of... They cannot withhold her records or x-ray films. I've been through it and wrote a letter to the Department of Health and they contacted them and gave them instructions to release all records to me which were paid by me....(they had kept copies of my credit card receipt as proof of payment on all the bills)
Post by: Swiftkid on February 07, 2012, 11:09:13 AM
Post by: JJD on February 08, 2012, 03:37:48 PM
You and your pup are in my prayers
Wind at your back . . .
JJD
Post by: Happy Gilmore on February 09, 2012, 02:40:35 PM
Post by: Camo Queen on February 10, 2012, 11:32:54 AM
In the mean time, I don't smoke pot, never have, but I know where to get it and I'm seriously thinking about cooking her some "special" food to see if it helps her appetite. Force feeding her is getting more and more difficult. She runs and hides from me when she knows it's time to eat and she clamps her mouth shut so I literally have to pry her mouth open. She is getting thinner and thinner by the day :(
Hopefully I'll have more information by the end of next week...
Post by: DoubleJ on February 10, 2012, 11:38:41 AM
Taking her back to the vet Monday for 1 last test to figure out what is causing her increased calcium levels. If they don't give me some REAL friggin answers I'm going to raise holy hell...
In the mean time, I don't smoke pot, never have, but I know where to get it and I'm seriously thinking about cooking her some "special" food to see if it helps her appetite. Force feeding her is getting more and more difficult. She runs and hides from me when she knows it's time to eat and she clamps her mouth shut so I literally have to pry her mouth open. She is getting thinner and thinner by the day :(
Hopefully I'll have more information by the end of next week...
Just be carefull with the pot. Lots of info on dosage online. Read before continuing.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on February 10, 2012, 06:35:47 PM
Post by: Camo Queen on February 20, 2012, 02:04:44 PM
This sucks.... that's about all I can say right now being that I'm at work and I'm gonna get all upset again...
Post by: Dhoey07 on February 20, 2012, 02:12:01 PM
Post by: MikeWalking on February 20, 2012, 02:53:27 PM
I hope you can find some comfort in finally having an answer.
Post by: JLS on February 20, 2012, 03:18:31 PM
Post by: Happy Gilmore on February 20, 2012, 03:26:26 PM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on February 20, 2012, 03:27:13 PM
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on February 20, 2012, 03:30:42 PM
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on February 20, 2012, 03:54:12 PM
What vet are you going to?
Post by: Arteman on February 20, 2012, 07:39:21 PM
Post by: Ellensburg on February 21, 2012, 06:10:30 AM
Post by: DoubleJ on February 21, 2012, 06:55:38 AM
Post by: Camo Queen on February 22, 2012, 08:51:56 PM
Post by: Smokepole on February 22, 2012, 08:57:05 PM
Post by: Arteman on February 22, 2012, 10:24:40 PM
Post by: Klyne3 on February 22, 2012, 10:40:03 PM