Hi jetred,
From your post a year ago… this is exactly the type of information I'm searching for, "I know this might not be survivable for her but I can't find any advice on how to get a dog through cancer, what to look out for, when is she truly in pain, what spindle cell does over time and when is enough for her and time to set her free."
So I am wondering, what was your plan with Luna? How did you make decisions? What information did you learn that you think is important to know about the spindle cell cancer disease process?
I have a 15 yr old girl (aussie shepard mix) who is in good spirits, enjoys slow short walks, putting her nose in the wind, eating, etc all normally. We've had two surgeries already to debulk the tumor on her rear leg. One in 2013, and the second recently in June from which she recovered well for her age. Though it returned quickly (3 mos) and larger this time. It's now an open lesion. I am both astounded and perplexed at how she acts pretty normal given this! My vet (who is a new vet to us as I just moved) initially discussed end of life decisions and then also offered amputation as an option to consider. I would so appreciate any thoughts you have and/or hear more about your story.
Thank you.
Front Leg / foot problems
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By the way , the vet did a skin biopsy - sent it away for results - nothing conclusive at that stage…
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Welcome to the forum Krissteyn and Zinza.
Your poor girl -she must get a lot of pain with her feet so bad. I do have one Baseni who does occasionally get an interdigital cyst. I am a great believer in homeopathy and natural treatment for our natural dogs. I give this bitch Hepar Sulph 30c at the first sign of a problem and it quickly clears up! Of course your girl seems to have an extreme problem and personally I wouldn't even consider breeding until all this has cleared up.
Re Fanconi - I have bred basenjis for several years and inherited a line going back for many more and we had to my knowledge, no Fanconi. We had obviously been very lucky as when one of my breeding was tested she was a probable carrier. I then had her grandmother and father tested -(her mother had died) with the result that her dad was clear and her grandmother a probable carrier. I'm intending now to get my others tested.
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The cases of Interdigital Furunculosis and Interdigital Cysts we see at the clinic usually have familial properties; ie closely related english bulldogs that come in.
I find it unusual a proper skin biopsy (using local or full anesthesia, taking a rather large and deep section to get all dermis layers of an infected area) would come back inconclusive. Perhaps not conclusive for IF per se but certainly should have come back with some sort of irregularity noted - assuming the biopsy was excisional in nature.
My concern too would be the folding and collapse of the feet. Nothing in my research shows this to be documented symptoms of this condition. Lameness, yes but that is all.
Regardless - I feel for the bitch as she must be quite uncomfortable when in the throes of an "attack". I can only hope her discomfort is being adeqautely addressed at those times. Ouch!
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Pain - this animal has a pain thresh-hold way above normal !
only 3 times I have heard her cry was when the indenti-pet was done, the biopsy on her foot , and when she applied brakes too late chasing a big bird off the deck and landed 12 foot down (just bounced) in the garden - altho the last was more fright than pain. Her paws seem to have no nerves and altho she isnt as active as I would expect , given a squirrel or neighbours cat to chase - she tries to break the sound barrier…
She has a delicate tail that doesnt like being bent "the wrong way" , but when I play with it, she lets me bend it anyway I please ??? go figure...
kris
thanx for the tip on the treatment - will enquire...
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Pain - this animal has a pain thresh-hold way above normal !
This is actually a huge fallacy in the human world. We assume that because animals continue to do things while in obvious pain, that would set a humans teeth on edge, they must have a high pain threshold. Not true; what they have is a inate instinct to survive.
Showing pain or vulnerability in the wild can lead to death depending on the animal and the pack dynamics. A pack is only as strong as the weakest link and if you cry out, can't keep up, show their weakness, etc. they are liable to be attacked and killed by the pack members or at the very least ostracized from the group.
Now let's assume you are correct and I am wrong. Just because she has a high tolerance of pain does not mean it is in her best interest to feel the pain and/or live with it for the rest of her life. Pain management in the veterinary field has made leaps and bounds in recent years - there is no reason not to take advantage of it. I imagine your bitch will thank you for it.
Feel free to Google the long term effects chronic pain can have on the body and you will find that it can be a silent killer. :O(
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Well put, Sinbaje! Thanks for that post
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My previous posy got lost
She seems to have no pain - only slight discomfort - I can tell by the duration of the "dancing" - but unless you compare what she was like before - you would never tell.pain appears to be relative - she shows no sign. But I do try to minimise stress to the fore-paws/legs - always pick her out the car and put her down , always place her gently on the ground after cuddles.
My previous pedigree hound involvement was with Irish Wolfhounds - so am well aware of joint problems…
Am kinda busy at present and Zinze is currently in a good space with no hassles - so will leave her for now. Really wanted to get a feel for what you guys had to say and then factor in all that when I approach the breeder.
all contributions greatfully received
kris
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Than you all for your input - took Zinze in the canoe today and she jumped out to investigate the ducks
She is showing no discomfort at present.I looked at the photos from her pedigree forebears and 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations appear to have similar front feet. I will monitor it carefully and assume my lack of knowledge is most of the problem - will be seeing the breeder within the next couple of weeks for an update.
On a happier note - Gosh but she has an international pedigree - from all over…
She has lotsa B sparkle and chased an English Mastiff down the beach recently - takes no prisoners
glad I found this site
Kris
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welcome to the forum Kris and Zinze, have you any pics ?
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Just looking at her pedigree, I really would urge you to have her DNA tested for Fanconi especially if you consider breeding her. There is lots of Fanconi, both Carriers and producers of Affecteds in the pedigree from years past before we had a DNA test.
