Good luck with Doc's diet! Those few pounds sure make a difference with their arthritis problems. My boy needs to lose just a few too, less snacks I think! Pleased to hear he is doing well, so happy for you!
Trish
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Good luck with Doc's diet! Those few pounds sure make a difference with their arthritis problems. My boy needs to lose just a few too, less snacks I think! Pleased to hear he is doing well, so happy for you!
Trish
Glad to hear Doc is doing better, thanku for explaining the head drop and glad Doc is not doing it anymore...I will mention it to my vet, next time we go in, it's prob just me worrying!!! Take care and glad things are looking up!!
HI Guys,
Just wanted to check in and let you know that Doc is doing well. He had his last prednisone pill 2 days ago and I'm watching like a hawk to see if he is ok without it. Hopefully he does well and we can put him on an anti-inflammatory for the arthritis in a few weeks. We had a small Easter trip to my parents (his grandparents who spoil him more than I do :D ). He did get ahold of his pill pockets and ate part of the bag and all the pockets when we went to dinner one night. He threw-up twice (some bits of bag) and then pooped the part with the ingredient list out the next day. First time I've been able to read his poo. Haha. He didn't have any issues after that so we left it at that.
We go down to UF in May to see if we shrunk the tumor, crossing fingers!! Just wanted to give an update and let everyone know that I'm so grateful for the support and I'm praying for all of you and your pups.
Jessica and the Docorama.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doccy
:eek::eek::D:D
Cracked me up!!!!
Hope the tumor has shrunk and all is well on your trip to UF.
Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
HI Guys,
We have a new development. Doc has been having very minor nose bleeds from his left nostril. It is only about 2-3 drops about twice a day since Friday (3 days ago). I've had his blood tested for platelets (normal), CBC (normal), and blood pressure (180 (high) but not enough to cause the bleeds). They gave him phenylephrine (OTC spray). I only give it to him when blood present. It seems to be when we wake up in the morning (from night before). We have an MRI in May to see if brain tumor shrunk, now we'll have to look for nasal tumor. :-(
They told me to keep Doc quiet. So...I've gotten lots of dirty looks this weekend and I have to keep reminding him that I'm the shepherd and make the rules. In any event, he's otherwise ok. Good appetite, etc. We've been off the prednisone for almost 2 weeks.
Do any of you have any experience with nosebleeds?
Just wondering out loud here...do you think that the radiation has dried up his nose and it is bleeding because of that. And if this is the case, maybe a saline solution would help???
Sending huge and loving, Lori
Thanks for wondering out loud. I wondered that too. I called UF in total freak out mode and they said unlikely that the radiation did this, but I didn't ask about saline as a comfort thing for the nose if it was just dry. I'm going to call and see if I can use it just in case it is dry. They said since it is only a couple of drops, one nostril, and so spread out (12 hours apart usually), they said it was not emergent and I could either come in to them or have local vet evaluate him. So, I went to my local vet--he's the one that did all the bloodwork, etc. He wants to see if it gets better (seems to be going that direction) and basically wait until I go down to UF in May for a full workup. Basically, all we have left to do is a skull xray and he said that the next step after that is MRI. Since I already have that on the books, to wait for that MRI and have it all done together. If it doesn't clear up by Thursday, then to move up my appt. at UF and add it to the MRI workup. I just know it is not normal and wondered if anyone else has experienced this. It's just scary seeing blood near your baby.
Hi, goodness, something else to worry about. Hopefully it isn't anything serious.
Did they check Doc for high BP? That can cause nose bleed too.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Jessica, Hopefully it isn't anything and it clears up real soon. Keep us posted on how Doc's doing.
Big hugs
HI Guys,
Just wanted to give an update on Doccy. His nosebleeds stopped just as suddenly as it came on. Still no answer to what it was. We are still scheduled for the MRI next Monday and we'll look at the nasal cavity as well. However, now he has a UTI. So....we're on antibiotics for that. :( I feel bad for him because I get those all the time and they suck. Not like he can just take a warm bath and let it all go. Haha. Otherwise, we're doing well and he's playing lots and eating well. We'll probably get the go ahead to do the ACTH testing after the MRI. Waiting for the prednisone to be out of his body completely. Just wanted to thank everyone again for the support. This is a wonderful site. You guys TOTALLY understand the love and dedication to our babies.
Other than the UTI, it all sounds really good. I agree, poor guy, nothing feels good about a UTI. :( Hopefully he'll get over it really quickly. I'm sure his MRI will be awesome too. :) Maybe it just was a scratch up there? Or could he have sniffed in something that caused an irritation, which might have been a sore and scabbed? So many possibilities and most of them are not anything serious, so we'll just go with that. :)
Good luck!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi there, pleased to hear the nose bleeds settled. UTIs are a curse aren't they, poor Doc. Fingers crossed for a good report on the MRI, will be great to hear that tumour has shrunk away! :)
Well, the nosebleed is back. He had one last night, worse than the previous ones, but still not a "gusher". Basically about a 1/2 Tbsp. on the carpet. He was licking and licking and licking last night (overnight) and I thought he was licking a hotspot on his feet (he does that sometimes). Well, now I know it was the blood on his nose. I feel so bad for him with it. And I feel awful for not getting up to check. So far today no blood. He also won't take his tramadol (for pain for his arthritis) with food (I had it compounded into a liquid). So, now I have to squirt down his throat. He HATES it. I hate having to do it, but he seems to do so much better a couple of hours later. Sigh.
Oh drat. I'm sorry the nose bleed is back. :( Well, at least it won't be long now till you can have it checked out and maybe find out what is going on for sure. Hopefully just something simple to clear up.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
I know that must be a little scary. I have never had a dog with a nose bleed except once. Boriss got head butted by our other dog on an accident & his nose bleed like a faucet. very scary... I just did what you do with humans & held the cold rag over it.
I know you are ready to get some answers.
Praying you get answers soon!
HI Guys,
Just wanted to check in and let you all know that....WE SHRUNK THE TUMOR!!!!! :D:D:D:D
It is about 20% smaller in diameter and is much less dense. UF is really positive about it continuing to shrink and said that a victory for them was to retard the growth, but the shrinkage is a real win for us. So, we got Doc a "I kicked my brain tumor's ass" dragon toy. Haha.
As far as the nosebleeds, they have no answers. The catscan showed nothing, bloodtests normal, so we are treating for allergies with anti-histamine. He hasn't had one sense.
Just wanted to share the good news with everyone.
Oh MY!!! This is GREAT news!!! So very happy for you both! YAAA!!!
That is the BEST news ever!!!! Congratulations! Way to go Doc. Allergies, well, there you go. They can sure do a number on humans and pets.
Yay!!! Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Awesome news! Thanks for letting us know.
Jessica, That is fantastic news that the tumor shrunk! So glad to hear that.
I LOVE this news!! that is so great. Yay Doccy!!!!
No better news than that! :DWay to go Docs! :) I am so happy for you!:)
Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:
Wow 20% smaller, that is great news!! So pleased for Doc. I guess the radiation keeps on working for a while so it might be getting even smaller. Glad to hear the nose bleeds are nothing to worry about I was wondering if it could have been a side effect of the radiotherapy as sometimes the surround tissue can become a little more friable and prone to bleeding.
Fingers crossed Doc continues to do well :)
Oh my gosh, so happy to read this wonderful news. Way to go Doc!!!
Hugs,
Tina and Jasper
Thanks everyone. Doc continues to do well and is really back to his old self. The nosebleeds are gone. We were on anti-histamine for 1.5 weeks and now as needed. He hasn't had one since. They were stumped by it (blood, u/s, x-ray, catscan, and MRI showed nothing). Fortunately, he had one while he was there so they could see what exactly was happening. They now think it is either allergies or a capillary that burst and was slow to heal. They were also curious that he has had zero regrowth of his shaved spots since January. They tested for that as well. We have to give a few months and if no hair growth, go back down for another consult. But the internal med. doctor says it can take 6-8 months after radiation to see some growth. As for the radiation, it will continue to work for another 6 months or so, so they think we have a good chance of up to 40% further shrinkage. Crossing fingers.
Next step is ACTH (might have that backwards) testing. Since his symptoms are so mild, they don't think we should treat for anything so I've been procrastinating a bit on that. I just want him to have a good chunk of time without doctors, medicine, etc. Just so you guys know, I've continued the chinese herbs at UF's recommendation.
Thank you all so much for the support and prayers. It just helps so much to be able to reach out to a community or people that really understand the value of our babies. I don't feel like the "crazy dog lady" on here!! Thanks again.
I just want to thank all of you. This is such a great site!
Such great news!!!Will keep Doccy in my prayers that he continues to show such great improvement!!
Patty
Thanks for the great update on Doccy. So glad to hear that he is doing well and the tumor might shrink even more! Great news that. Yep, I bet you are right, allergies or a slow healing capillary, actually both. Allergies causing the irritation. I hear that allergies have been really bad all over this spring.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Yes this is great news! It is so good for other members to read about Doc's success and good outcome when they are considering options for their pets, hopefully this option will be right for another dog and they can get a lot of hope reading your thread!! :D:D GO DOC!!!! :):)
Hi Jessica. I was wondering if you have a moment if you can tell us how Doc is doing? We have another dog on the forum who has just completed a series of three radiation treatments at the University of Davis, California.
As you can imagine it's a scary prospect when you are just starting out on the journey and not sure how things are going to progress.
I hope things are still going really well for Doccy and you.
Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
HI Guys,
I posted on Dawn's thread regarding Buttercup. I want to post on this one to update you on Doc. He is doing FANTASTIC! The big news is that we had blood tests about 3 weeks ago and all of his numbers (including liver numbers) were in the healthy normal range. All Cushing's symptoms are gone! Doc is back to going potting about every 4 hours during the day and holding it about 9 hours at night. His drinking and eating are totally normal. No pot belly. All of his hair has grown back. It took about 4 months for the leg hair to grow, about 8 months for the belly hair to grow and the stripe down the back of his head grew back right before Christmas (so 10 months post radiation). With all the hair, once it started to grow it was like an out of control Chia pet. But....it is bunny like soft. Not sure what that is all about. He has had a skin infection that I thought looked like mange (mainly on his ear) a couple of months ago, but the vet said it was Staph. We were on antibiotics for 3 weeks and it cleared up. Other than that we are dealing with occasional dandruff and his arthritis. I have taken him off the Chinese herbs because it seemed they suddenly started causing very loose stool. Right now, I give him fish oil and MSM/Glucosamine.
As of Feb 4th, we will be 1 year post radiation which means we have reached the median survival time. I am so grateful that we were close enough to UF to get this treatment and that they did such a wonderful job. Doc is his normal Border Collie self. He wants to play ALL THE TIME. I indulge him as much as I can and he and I are just enjoying what time we have together.
I promise I will do better at staying on these forums. I hope that Doc's story is one of hope for others and I will be happy to help anyone with questions. Again, sorry for such a long absence.
Jessica, so great to hear from you! I'm beyond thrilled to hear that Doc is doing so well. That radiation treatment sure can be a real life saver when you know you're dealing with a macro tumor.
Isn't that funny about the hair being bunny soft. They say that texture and sometimes color even can change when it comes back in. I guess you got the soft texture. :)
So glad that everything is back to normal and that Doc is playing like his normal self. Long may it continue!
You really do give hope to the others who will and are following in your footsteps.
hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin
Hi Jessica
Wow that update was just awesome to read, so pleased Doc has had a good year and is all furry again and is playing like a doggie should, doesn't that just melt your heart to hear that, well it does me!!! It is going to be so good for new posters considering this treatment to read about this. HOpe you have a party planned to celebrate Feb 4th!! Yay you did good!! Big hugs for you both xxxx
Thanks for the up date, hoping that my girl has the same outcome as yours. It reassures me that I did the right thing for her and that she has a real chance of having a good recovery and quality of life.
Thanks again
Dawn & Butters
Jessica,
I am so glad everything is going great for Doc!
It's great to hear from you.
Thanks everyone. Sometimes it is hard for me to post the really good stuff because I'm afraid Murphy's Law will somehow take it away. Dawn--if you ever have any questions, let me know. We have not had any of the classic side effects from the radiation. Of course, everything we have had always makes me say..."did the radiation cause this?" LOL. Anyways, the difference between post and pre radiation are mainly skin related (i.e, the bad dandruff and really dry skin). If the radiation were to affect his vision, it would have happened by now, so I'm relatively certain that will not happen. Of course, the radiation is no longer radiating. Not very scientific of me, but they told me that after 6 months, it's done what it is going to do. All I can go on is his behavior and bloodwork. We chose not to do an MRI at 6 months because they really didn't want to put him through if his symptoms were gone. Vicki--thinking of you and Archie tomorrow. I hope all goes well.
Hello, was wondering if you had any pics of Doccys CC you could share with me. Buttercup has a fierce case of it and reading your post about Doccys fur growing back gives me hope, have yet to see any before and after cases of CC that are as server as Butters. Anything you can share would be wonderful.
Thanks
Dawn and Butters
Dawn,
Doc has not been diagnosed with CC, but he has had some skin issues, mainly really dry and flaking. He did have a problem on his ear that looked like mange. I can put that picture on here. It was so bad that I took one. Would that help? (I've not posted pics before, but I will try to do so). He also had red spots and the vet thought it was staph. We did a 3 week course of antibiotics and it cleared up. His really bad flaky dandruff (big flakes) is still with us. As for the hair regrowth, the radiation can slow it down. Our radiation vet said it could be 6-8 months before we saw any regrowth. When we had the 3 month follow-up MRI, he had zero regrowth. The legs grew in first (where they had his IVs--all four legs had a stripe shaved). His belly came next (that was shaved for ultrasound) and the strip on back of head came last (that was for when we were still diagnosing the tumor and they did a spinal tap for meningitis). He totally blew out his undercoat early this summer and I thought for sure he would look so sparce forever (he blew that out before hair regrowth), but when the hair regrowth started, his undercoat came back. I will upload the images today. Poor Buttercup, the hair may take a bit longer to regrow simply because of the radiation. Doc's hair came back different (really, really soft like a rabbit) and some different coloration (meaning black where there was white).
Thank god Doc did not have the dreaded CC,. Any pics you can share would be great, Butters was shaved up in so many places also. The 27 the will make 2 months post radiation, her neurology issues have greatly improved and her vision is getting stronger in her left eye.
Give Doc a hug and a kiss from Butters and I, you guys are inspirational to us.
Dawn and Butters
Dawn, I'm trying to upload pics of Doc's ear, but the insert image is asking for a url for the pic. I have it on my hard drive. Do you know of a way to insert a regular pic?