What is PCR?
Actually he stated the lump was an organ that may have been strained at one time that can now be felt if he is sitting in a certain position. He stated it isn't normal but not abnormal?
Bassett Hound and ongoing problems
Re: Bassett Hound and ongoing problems
PCR is ploymerase chain reaction, a serological test, one of about 3 one can use for testing for RMSP. It may not be useful for every case, but is an option.
I suggest testing for lyme because your posts indicates nearly all of the symptoms relate to lyme disease as opposed to RMSP, (fever, anorexia, lethargy, shaking) and in particular, the joint pain. Were his lymph nodes ever enlarged? Also, treatment, if initiated immediately, and correctly and continued correctly, RMSP symptoms rarely re-occur, -- treatment is usually successful with proper use of tetracyclines or doxycyclines (sometimes antibiotics). A followup serology could have helped determine successful treatment.
Also suggest heart workup because any number of viral or bacterial diseases can affect heart function. (as can age)
Lyme disease, on the other hand, if not treated appropriately can and often DOES cause long-term effects (joint disease, symptom reoccurance-fever/lethargy/anorexia etc) and possible kidney disease. If the vet used a snap test for lyme disease, it may have not shown active infection at that point, he may have wanted to confirm with serological testing (various methods here). Even post-exposure, or post-treatment, antibody titers may show infection months later, so serology can still be useful here to rule this out.
Lastly, a biopsy of tissue (from fluid, skin, etc) could be opted, but I'd use this as a last resort, your vet has to make that call.
As for the lump, did he imply a hernia or something else? If a vital organ, this might prove somewhat dangerous to leave unattended, since it might be at risk for traumatic injury.
I suggest testing for lyme because your posts indicates nearly all of the symptoms relate to lyme disease as opposed to RMSP, (fever, anorexia, lethargy, shaking) and in particular, the joint pain. Were his lymph nodes ever enlarged? Also, treatment, if initiated immediately, and correctly and continued correctly, RMSP symptoms rarely re-occur, -- treatment is usually successful with proper use of tetracyclines or doxycyclines (sometimes antibiotics). A followup serology could have helped determine successful treatment.
Also suggest heart workup because any number of viral or bacterial diseases can affect heart function. (as can age)
Lyme disease, on the other hand, if not treated appropriately can and often DOES cause long-term effects (joint disease, symptom reoccurance-fever/lethargy/anorexia etc) and possible kidney disease. If the vet used a snap test for lyme disease, it may have not shown active infection at that point, he may have wanted to confirm with serological testing (various methods here). Even post-exposure, or post-treatment, antibody titers may show infection months later, so serology can still be useful here to rule this out.
Lastly, a biopsy of tissue (from fluid, skin, etc) could be opted, but I'd use this as a last resort, your vet has to make that call.
As for the lump, did he imply a hernia or something else? If a vital organ, this might prove somewhat dangerous to leave unattended, since it might be at risk for traumatic injury.
..........Traci