Hi jetred,
From your post a year agoā¦ 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.
Baron's lump
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I hope poor Baron starts doing better soon. Sending hugs to you and belly scratches to Baron.
Pat
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If the inner layers are allowed to heal quickly, hopefully the skin will take care of itself over time.
It was a different vet who did the second suturing and she something about how abnormal cells deteriorate the inner lining of the skin and that is why the sutures did not hold. Honestly, once I heard "abnormal cells" I didn't quite focus on what else she said. I don't have the biopsy report back yet but this doesn't sound promising.
Baron was not doing well when I got him home yesterday. He was obviously in far more pain this time than the first suturing. He stayed in the puppy pen, never making a fuss, but whenever he tried to stand his legs trembled and once in a while he would yelp. It was heartbreaking seeing him like this. I carried him out to the fenced yard several times to go potty but he refused. I think he was just in too much pain. He was quiet in the pen throughout the night and suprisingly he didn't soil it. I took him for a walk but when he started getting frustrated that he couldn't sniff around I removed the cone collar. This seemed to relax him and he was able to relieve himself completely. He's in the puppy pen now, cone collar on, being quiet. The sedatives are obviously working, thank goodness.
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Robyn, what has he been given for the pain?
Nicky was sent home with a fentanyl patch that lasted for 4 days and he had a prescription of metacam for pain and inflammation. When the fentanyl patch came off he had a day or so where he needed the metacam but the pain dropped off quickly after that. Right now the only issue he is having is with muscle twitching because they had to take some muscle during the surgery but it is improving and hopefully when that fully subsides his seroma will begin to reduce.
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I am surprised too that there was no pain meds? After surgery they had a pain patch same as Lisa notes in her post
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Robyn, what has he been given for the pain?
He's been on Rimadyl since the surgery but the dosage was doubled after the second suturing. He is also taking Tramadol now. He gets both every 12 hours.
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Have you talked with the vet about his symptoms? I know of a few basenjis that have had antagonistic reactions to some pain meds. Meaning instead of helping it makes them jittery and uncomfortable. They may whine, shift positions like they can't get comfortable, seem over sensitive to touch, etc.
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Have you talked with the vet about his symptoms?
If it continues I will but I think his discomfort may be due to having stiches in both his right leg and his left side and just not being able to find a comfortable position. He has a thick pad to lay on but he really preferred the sofa.
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Wow, I really hope everything goes well. Stay positive and give lots of hugs and belly rubs! Sending you well wishes!
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Bless his little heart, he's such a trooper! Keep us posted on his progress and healing. I'm keeping you in my prayers about his resultsā¦ You are such a wonderful mom!!!
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poor guy. i'm sure he'll be feeling better soon.
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If it continues I will but I think his discomfort may be due to having stiches in both his right leg and his left side and just not being able to find a comfortable position. He has a thick pad to lay on but he really preferred the sofa.
How about trying some memory foam like they sell in Sam's club. There are pillows and bed toppers available.
Jason
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More prayers and hugs going your way.
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Baron has been a very good boy this week, being quiet and calm in the puppy pen, but unfortunately his sutures did not hold. They started splitting last night and by today there was a big, gaping hole (again). So back to the vet we went. Since it is obvious that sutures are of no use we're going to try keeping it clean and covered in hopes that, over time, the skin will grow back together. This process could take weeks if not months.
Baron was still knocked out when I picked him up and I was a bit shocked to find that the vet stapled the bandaging onto his skin! :eek: I take him back Monday to change the bandage. I am unsure if the new bandage will be stapled on or what but it makes me queasy just thinking about it.
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Robyn,
Staples are the best way to keep the bandaging in place in a location where there is motion. The only other way is super glue, but it doesn't work nearly as well where there is hair, soā¦. I know it seems gross, but keeping it clean and covered is so crucial, because of the infection risk. Believe me, infection would be far grosser than the staples.
Hang in there, girl! Make sure he's getting lots of love and goodies with his sedatives. We will be thinking of you both.
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Robyn,
How is Baron doing? I hope all is going well.Pat
