Re: Receiving a most difficult diagnosis today
It has been an interesting day to say the least. Having read the things people have said here or linked to, i knew i needed to take notes and come up with questions to ask the vet that i did not think of before.
Firstly, Jack had a fair day despite his lameness. He ate, as said earlier, only a partial morning meal, yet drank lots and lots of water through the day and slept or rested with comfort - he had lots of attention. His great grandmother (who he adores) came up to the house to watch him for a few hours so i could get things done in town, including the vet visit.
Earlier, i called the vet with my fist question and they said he would call back. The call did come, and to my surprise it was Jack's long time vet from his puppy days. The vet was shocked at hearing the news and said they had been discussing just how much the think of him their, and he was surprised, checking his notes, at the passage of time in remembering Jack was over ten yrs of age. Anyway, he and i go back over a few decades so was comfortable asking questions. Asked if he had looked at the x-rays and he had. I don't know if what he said makes sense to people like HE or Keit, however, i'll try and convey in the questions and answers below:
- Confirmed that the original thinking was Osteosarcoma
- He said of the negative film that it appears at an early stage, there are always other possibilities, yet 80% (when asked) was what his thinking was towards this cancer type.
- He too, discussed the typical options (remove leg, Chemo) and i said that this would not be done; he agreed.
- Of the possible fragmented section (when asked) he said it could be a tendon and calcification, he is not clear absolutely.
- When asked concerning doing a biopsy, he said, yes this can be done of course. He said his bone would need to be drilled and then the biopsy sent to a lab. The biopsy plug then needs to be bathed (for a period of time) to remove calcium. He said this can take upwards of a month.
- He recommended monitoring his pain and keeping him comfortable and then x-ray again in a month; which would further confirm or not, what the biopsy delay would confirm.
- Discussed blood sample for this and he said it might indicate a elevated calcium level, yet often it will not.
- He was not overtly keen on the DSMO (and he uses it a lot with horses), yet he gave me a new tube.
- He was not hopeful with Vit-C, yet said, like the DMSO, it can't harm.
- He gave me the negative film proofs so i can check them out with a specialist (i don't have one) and said the specialist would likely want to take further photo's, so this means taking Jack a long long way with sedation again - this is not ruled out.
Of the reading today, applied DMSO, picked up and administered EFA High potency (the vet had this). Started a new batch of lipo vit-c and have yet to work out the dose (Ascorbate is recommended at 1500 mg for large dog's twice daily with immune dysfunction). Does this sound the way to go rather than what is typical with Vit-C? Jack's food has been adjusted to include a different raw blend, which he ate well this evening (this had the medication added).
I know the vet has Jack's best intentions at heart and know that he is conventional, too. With whatever happens during the next while, his comfort will always be foremost and will go day to day trying to give him what i can to see if internal change can be made.
Overall today, Jack was grateful for the attention and love he received and looked content. It is devastating watching him try to manage while on all fours and he clearly knows his limitations and seeks his own comfort. I'll try to listen to him as he speaks of his beings needs - i know he will let me know.
Of the negative print x-ray, i tried to see if i could somehow copy it professionally and digitally; it is not possible here at least. Improvising, taped (both prints) to our window with a white towel hanging outside and behind. This is the best reproduction i can manage, and it is difficult to tell. Having looked again at the photo Keit linked to; it certainly is not like that, i guess a later stage (dark and pronounced).
Having posted before about our families other animals health or their passing, many people here have also shared their experiences, some of late. These little creatures we bring into our lives and nurture are simply incredible for what the teach us about their being and ourselves. I am very grateful for people like HE, who give care each day to these animals and help people with their animals suffering. I thank you all for helping me struggle through this, and Jack, if he could post, would especially thank you with
