Pebbles
-
oconnorjoy
- Posts: 315
- Joined: Thu May 01, 2003 12:06 pm
- Location: Canada
Pebbles
Pebbles, my 11 yr old pomeranian is not doing so well. She has been going lame since last winter, first in the rear legs, but now in all four. My vet started off by testing her for cushings as she is also experiencing some hair loss. Those tests came back negative. By then Pebbles had become even more lame if that is possible. We went to a vet neurologist, the only one in Alberta, who ran tests and did xrays. I got a call from him on Thursday saying she has cancer....he kept saying "I'm so sorry" over and over instead of answering my questions. He said he would send recomendations of meds to my vet, then said how sorry he was again. I didn't have much hope for my Pebbles after that call. My vet clinic called on Friday afternoon to have hubby pick up the prescription - 2.5 mg prednisone for 15 days and continue as directed (no one has directed me on anything) and 10mg tramadol once daily. I feel like we have been thown to the side because there is nothing they can do. No one at my clinci even said 'sorry' Our biggest challenge at the moment, is helping her to stay on her feet while she does her stuff. Any advise would be apprecaited.
Re: Pebbles
My sister's cat basically got the same diagnosis. He's on predisone daily to help keep the inflammation of the tumor(s) down, Flagyl twice a day almost every day now to help with the diarrhea because one tumor is invading his intestines (I think). He also got pain meds to help him manage. She was basically told the same thing, "sorry".
The dog has been hit with two vestibular disease attacks. She can't stand for her life when she's under attack because of the vertigo. She's 60 pounds and the only thing we could do to help her eliminate as well as walk back to bed was get a belly sling to hold her up. It's like a mobility harness. I'm looking online for a picture. I got it at Petco. I use it getting her in and out of the car now because since the two attacks, she has some balance and neurological issues and can't hoist her back legs well.
I'm so sorry for what you're going through. Hopefully Traci will be along with some medical advice.
The dog has been hit with two vestibular disease attacks. She can't stand for her life when she's under attack because of the vertigo. She's 60 pounds and the only thing we could do to help her eliminate as well as walk back to bed was get a belly sling to hold her up. It's like a mobility harness. I'm looking online for a picture. I got it at Petco. I use it getting her in and out of the car now because since the two attacks, she has some balance and neurological issues and can't hoist her back legs well.
I'm so sorry for what you're going through. Hopefully Traci will be along with some medical advice.
Re: Pebbles
Joy,
What tests exactly did the neurologist do? Bloodwork alone is sometimes difficult to determine cancer (unless it were from a fine-needle aspirate from a suspect location on the body, etc) - xrays are not always definitive without supporting evidence from other testing.
Was thyroid testing done? Was arthritis, degenerative disk disease, all other ortho problems ruled out?
Your entire experience was just deplorable and I would be seeking a second opinion immediately - I'd be getting all test results and other reports faxed to a new vet for a new opinion- at the very least, your own primary vet should be assisting you through the neurologist's comments/opinions/test results, but without having those reports and your questions answered, how the heck are you supposed to know what was diagnosed exactly and what your best options are?!
Tell your primary vet the same thing you've said here, that you're appalled at the lack of professionalism you have not received concerning potential diagnosis and even available options, or even if a second opinion should be warranted. Also mention that no VET bothered to take the time to discuss the prescriptions with you, what to expect, long-term plan or anything. This is just simply unacceptable.
For now, until you can reach your vet, use the prednisone and tramadol as prescribed, try gently massaging Pebble's hips/limbs once or twice a day for a few minutes at a time, providing warm sleeping spots/fluffy blankets, make sure she's eating/drinking/eliminating normally, make sure she can navigate throughout the house with ease (to her dishes, beds, etc). When you talk to your vet, explain to him how dissappointed you are that your own primary clinic didn't see fit to discuss Pebbles and her long-term treatment plan options with you. You need to find out what the neurologist's test results implied, have your vet review it, and see if you have further options or need a second opinion on diagnosis and treatment.
Pebbles and you are in our thoughts and prayers, hang in there, and talk to your primary vet as soon as possible and relay your disappointment/demand consultation and a treatment plan etc. ((((((HUGS)))))))
What tests exactly did the neurologist do? Bloodwork alone is sometimes difficult to determine cancer (unless it were from a fine-needle aspirate from a suspect location on the body, etc) - xrays are not always definitive without supporting evidence from other testing.
Was thyroid testing done? Was arthritis, degenerative disk disease, all other ortho problems ruled out?
Your entire experience was just deplorable and I would be seeking a second opinion immediately - I'd be getting all test results and other reports faxed to a new vet for a new opinion- at the very least, your own primary vet should be assisting you through the neurologist's comments/opinions/test results, but without having those reports and your questions answered, how the heck are you supposed to know what was diagnosed exactly and what your best options are?!
Tell your primary vet the same thing you've said here, that you're appalled at the lack of professionalism you have not received concerning potential diagnosis and even available options, or even if a second opinion should be warranted. Also mention that no VET bothered to take the time to discuss the prescriptions with you, what to expect, long-term plan or anything. This is just simply unacceptable.
For now, until you can reach your vet, use the prednisone and tramadol as prescribed, try gently massaging Pebble's hips/limbs once or twice a day for a few minutes at a time, providing warm sleeping spots/fluffy blankets, make sure she's eating/drinking/eliminating normally, make sure she can navigate throughout the house with ease (to her dishes, beds, etc). When you talk to your vet, explain to him how dissappointed you are that your own primary clinic didn't see fit to discuss Pebbles and her long-term treatment plan options with you. You need to find out what the neurologist's test results implied, have your vet review it, and see if you have further options or need a second opinion on diagnosis and treatment.
Pebbles and you are in our thoughts and prayers, hang in there, and talk to your primary vet as soon as possible and relay your disappointment/demand consultation and a treatment plan etc. ((((((HUGS)))))))
..........Traci
Re: Pebbles
Cleo, might want to talk to a vet about ruling out bacterial infection in the intestine, to address diarrhea - the flagyl should be helpful but if it doesn't help clear up within a week, should opt for another option (antibiotic) and possibly more easily digestible diet.
..........Traci
Re: Pebbles
Thanks Traci. I will pass that info along to my sister.