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Wallis Saw the Specialist

Crittercall

Well-known member
Not all good, not all bad. I liked the dr. - she was upbeat and positive, even when the news wasn't the best. She noticed right away that I had my notebook with me and I told her I was her worst nightmare - a former veterinary employee. She said she had worse nightmares than that and was glad that I took notes.

Our list of priorities change constantly. It reminds me of flipping the arrow on an old board game and seeing what comes up first.

Anemia is a big concern. Dr. Goodson doesn't think that it is related to diet, rather that it is related to the red blood cells going somewhere and we don't know where. (And she was aware of the large platelets common in Cavaliers.)

She was also concerned about a high Calcium level which is sometimes an indicator of cancer.

Wallis has some lymph nodes which are large and firm (not normal). She was able to do a fine needle aspirate of one of those lymph nodes (but couldn't get to one close to her neck because Wallis is so buxom).

Her heart is okay. She does have MVD with some leakage, but there is no change in the size or function of her heart so Dr. G didn't think heart medication is necessary.

Her chest x-ray looked okay.

Ultrasound showed that her pancreas is enlarged with fat around it, although it didn't look "active" - more like she had had a bout with pancreatitis sometime in the past.

In the area of the anal gland tumor is one of the lymph nodes and it is right next to an aorta. She said she wanted to wait for the results of the cytology before going any further with that.

Wallis has nodules in her spleen - again, no biopsy there until results of blood work and cytology.

Dr. G thought that her heart would withstand sedation and surgery (although there is a risk, as there is in any surgery) and that it may be possible to remove the tumor from her side and either biopsy or remove the anal gland tumor (depending on blood results).

One of the main things right now is finding out where the red blood cells are going. She said she should have the blood work and cytology back tomorrow or Wednesday and would let us know more then.

Wallis was exhausted by her trip, and we took her to PetsMart afterwards to buy dog biscuits. She'd never been there before and didn't know what to think - she kind of reminded me of Eeyore just going along. We saw a woman there with one of the newer designer dogs that my daughter had just told me about this a.m. - Cavalier/Cocker cross. This one was a dead ringer for a Cav.

Thank you all for your support and concern. I would have been a total basket case without you. As soon as I get the rest of the test results I'll let you know.
 
Your doctor sounds wonderful and your day of testing has given you a good base of information. It does sound promising as some things can be ruled out. Continued crossed-fingers and prayers till the final results are in tomorrow. I bet Mom was as tired as Wallis after all that - you'll both sleep tonight!
 
Donna, I'll bet that both you and wallis are both exhausted now. Try and get some rest and recharge your batteries :flwr:

It sounds like the Dr was quite positive and upbeat about Wallis, I am so glad that she feels she can do something for your baby. I have been thinking of her and been quite worried myself so I can only begin to imagine that you must have been going out of your mind. These little ones are so precious to us.

Let's hope Wallis has a good few years ahead of her yet. I'm sure she knows how much you love her and are trying to do for her though :hug: :flwr:
 
Hi Donna,

It's good that you liked the vet and she had a positive attitude, it means so much. You BOTH must have been exhausted after yesterday. I know how much Wallis means to you. You both remain in my prayers.
 
So glad that this round is over with for you and Wallis :flwr: Will continue to think of you guys and please keep us up to date on sweet Wallis :flwr: :hug:
 
:hug: 's to you Donna and to sweet Wallis.

I'm pleased that the Dr has helped and is positive that there are steps that you can take to help Wallis. Its so nice that she is prepared to help and hasn't seen the negative side.

You're still in my thoughts, do let us know how things go :flwr:
 
You are being a good doggie Mom. Trust your instincts, ask good questions and decide what is best for you and Wallis. :hug:
 
You are all so wonderful - you're the wind beneath my wings!!

Now, if you could only make this stress-induced fibro flare go away I'd be okay. ;) No sleep last night, hurt all over. That's the price Mom pays.

There just aren't words to tell you how much you mean. And me without words is something to put in your diary!!
 
I'm glad you found a good upbeat vet--that's got to be an encouragement to you. It's hard to feel like you're fighting the vet and your dog's illness at the same time...been there. You'll make the right choices for Wallis--as you always have. She's so lucky to have you as a mommie.

Hang in there! Prayers and hugs to you and Wallis!
 
Wonderful that you have a vet you are so comfortable with and can talk to. That's half the battle right there. As far as the notebook...when I was seeing doctors about Jake's cancer a friend said she would come with me. She said that I would miss most of what was said and she would write it down for me....she was right and it was a big help.

Sounds like you've got a lot going on but am so glad you have someone you are confident in.

Hang in there...we're pulling for you and hoping for the best.
 
It seems that many of the above situations could be linked, so once you find the source a lot of questions will be answered. I am so glad you finally found a competant vet with a good attitude. That can make all the difference in the world. YOU ARE A WONDERFUL MOMMY!!!!The lengths you are going through for sweet Wallis amaze me everytime I read your updates! I want to come back as one of your dogs!!! :flwr:
 
I had to stop twice (tears got in the way) while reading of the day you and Wallis had. I don't know what to say other than it seems you are doing all the right things and seeking the best advise possible. I feel so bad for the two of you, it must be so difficult to deal with the unknown and then to have to wait for results. We are all thinking of you and sending sweet Wallis and you our love and prayers. Take care of yourself, Donna. Get some sleep. Wallis needs you to stay well.

JaneB :flwr:
 
I'm so gald to hear you have met a kind and considerate Dr. It makes all the difference. I hope you are both feeling ok after your eventful day. :)
 
Now that you've got a vet that you're happy with, I do hope things start to look up for Wallis. :flwr: :flwr:
 
Preliminary results are that Wallis is NOT a candidate for surgery because of her platelet count. It has been decided that the low platelets are not caused by anything in her bone marrow but is caused by some sort of consumptive disorder. (Isn't that a mouth full.)

We are supposed to be watching her for any bleeding or bruising under the skin and they want to do a blood test for her clotting time (just like I have to do every so often).

The problem may be from some form of ehrlichia (either canus or platus). Yes, I had to look that up in my medical dictionery!! It is a parasite that eats platelets and can sometimes be caused by brown ticks. We had ticks last summer.......but if it is the one caused by the ticks she can be put on doxycycline and clear it up.

As of right now, we are at manage instead of surgery. Wallis still has no clue that she's sick, but I'm in more pain every day.
 
Well, at least she is still a happy little girl. That is one advantage to being a dog...you don't know what the doc is saying :flwr:

Take care and give her a big hug from me and my gang :hug:
 
Hugs to you and Wallis, Donna. I hope you get some positive news soon. It sounds like they are on the right path to find out the problem and hopefully a solution soon.
 
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