Last night I got home late, and I walked in and he was up and *bouncing*! Bouncing, bouncing! Ate dinner in his normal wolfing fashion, hopped out to pee with no help. Alert and up with Betty and I to beg for my dinner plate to lick. He woke me up for breakfast and went out with me like chore duty and had a poo! And his tight, distended tummy (which I took him to the ER thinking was bloat, they discovered the mass tumor and said it is because of that), well, it’s gone. Normal tummy this morning.
My vet Tom discussed with the oncologist at Auburn Univ. She feels this is unrelated to the chonrdro. The bloodwork and scenario indicate possible (unrelated) pancreatitis with a sudden onset from something he may have ate on Saturday. Then we found the mass by accident in the ER. The ER staff felt that the mass itself was infected and he was septic and that is why he went into shock. Either is possible. Oncologist recommends removal. She said that there’s a good chance it’s benign and infected. He is completely healed from the amputation, he should handle the surgery fine. It may not even be attached to the spleen or liver, they just can’t tell for sure. And if attached to the liver, we need at least 20% healthy liver for it to regenerate. So, I’ve arranged to have a Board Certified Radiologist do a better ultrasound, appt tomorrow. This will give us a clearer picture to see if surgery is an option.
So, either the gastro is doing well on new meds, and they are right about pancreatitis? Or the oral antibiotics just took a bit to kick in on the mass… But I am relieved I didn’t put him down. I’d say he’s suddenly 90% normal. 🙂
I must say, this is a lesson to get 2nd and 3rd opinions! The ER staff felt that he had lung mets and a malignant spleen tumor, likely hemangiosarcoma, with a grim prognosis of a few days to a few weeks at most. And they still stand behind their GP Vets and their Radiologist saying he has lung mets, but both my vet and Auburn’s oncologist disagree and feel they are age related calcified spots on the lungs. They know this because they have been watching Raven’s xrays for 8 months and they are always there, unchanged. So, if you have a vet that sees mets in an OLD dog, but don’t have baseline xrays from before the cancer, they may not be mets!
How ironic that this looks like it may not even be related to the chondrosarcoma. And not likely even hemangiosarcoma. My heart soars for the moment, I’ll take that. I know all our days are numbered, but I’m just so happy that he feels to good right now. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Happy boy with his cat:
A happy boy indeed, and that makes us happy too! 🙂
Thanks for the great update.
Wow. Amaaaazing news. What a relief!!
Good info for people to have. But 9 years old does not an old dog make.
Sage Tazzie
I’m so glad to hear the news. What a scare, we are still rooting for a full recovery for Raven, keep us posted.
I am so glad to hear good news. I have been off line since Monday and have been wondering what all the follow up vet visits found out.
I also think Mag might not like ‘old’ being 9, she is getting close to 11.
Karen and the pug girls.
Tasha and I are so happy to hear Raven is doing so much better!
On June 26, when I first took Tasha to the vet and her diagnoses was cancer we made an appointment for amputation on July 9th. Tasha was on the table ready for her surgery when the vet found something in her lungs so surgery was cancelled and she was sent home. What ever showed on that day, 3 months later when she did have her amputation the lungs had not changed and so far today 5 months later at this time still no lung mets. There is so much more to Tashas story about wrong diagnoses but it does happen.
I am so HAPPY to hear about Raven’s turn-around!!! He even looks happy in the picture with his kittie-cat buddie!! You must be thrilled!!! Hope Raven continues to do well… 🙂
Angel Jake’s Mom
I am soo pleased for you both, don’t they keep you on your toes!!
Paws and fingers crossed……
Chris & Barney
I rushed to the computer when I got home from work to check on Raven and have to tell you I am THRILLED! I am, however, scared that the ER could be so wrong. What else are they telling people?
Debra & Angel Emily
Awesome!! We are really excited Raven in Bouncing!!! We hope he continues to feel good! Cute picture.
I am so relieved reading these news!! Way to go Raven! We are rooting for you!! Take care and good luck!
This made my day. We’re so happy that the bleak immediate future has become rosy. Thanks God!
Mary and Cemil
He looks wonderful!! Enjoy him….every moment!!
We shouldn’t expect less from a dog bearing the name of ‘Raven.’ Alaska lore is steeped with stories about Raven, the trickster. Ravens are revered and protected. I bet trickster Raven is looking over his Rottie namesake. Here’s hoping all of Raven’s magic brings good news tomorrow.
I’m so happy for you!! I love that he was up and bouncing around:)
Animals are so amazing and such great teachers for us all!
Give Raven a big hug and plenty of kisses from us!
Buddy and his mom
Thank you everyone! I am only 47 years old and my boss affectionately called me Old Lady the other day and I wear it with pride! I *am* old enough to be a grandma… 😉 9 years old isn’t old in dog years, but in Rottweiler years it unfortunately is old. Dang, I wished they were like chihuahuas in that regard…
Dawn
I have been thinking about raven a lot lately and must say
I am feeling mighty relieved! But I am sure it is nothing compared to how you must be feeling right now! Lots of love from one chondrosarcoma tripod doggie mom to another.