Re: Attila-Calcinosis cutis, starting treatment w/ Lysodren...and scared.
To: Marianne - Dr. B has not mentioned the low "pre" levels. He's been pleased with the past blood levels.
Update on possible Diabetes Insipidus:
We have been on the Desmopressin (DDAVP) for a month now and seeing some reduction in Attila's drinking and peeing, but we still have to provide a pee pad for him on the balcony since he may not be able to hold his urine until the next time we are able to take him out. So we are not out of the woods here. Dr. B is considering raising the dose. We are on .1 mg 2 x a day right now. Hmm...
Bleeding brain tumor found - to radiate or not?
Hello Everyone - Attila started showing strange behavioral symptoms last night (i.e. barking, disorientation) and we rushed him to the ER. He got an MRI which indicates a large, aggressive tumor that started bleeding (which led to the sudden onset of symptoms). Dr. B says it is inoperable, but we can try radiation - 10 minutes a day for 16 days while pup under anesthesia. This may prolong his life for 9 mos.- 1year. We will see how he responds to his anti-swelling meds tomorrow morning which will indicate whether there has been any permanent damage. I will have to make a decision whether radiating is in his best interest. Has anyone gone through this?!
Re: Bleeding brain tumor found - to radiate or not?
having trouble finding old posts on radiating tumors...
Re: Bleeding brain tumor found - to radiate or not?
Oh gosh. I am so sorry to hear this has happened to Attila.
I don't know that we have had one that has started bleeding. Maybe one the others will know about that. We have had several with macro tumors that have gotten radiation treatment.
It sounds like Attila's though has become unstable. So I think you have to rely a great deal on what they tell you about prognosis with the radiation if it is too late to be able to help him. The brain damage aspect. Can he go under anesthesia safely. Many factors to think about.
Do let us know how he is doing and we of course are hoping for the best but honestly I just don't know enough about what happens if they start to bleed into the brain to give you any real answers. Hopefully one of the others will know more.
Hugs
Re: Bleeding brain tumor found - to radiate or not?
Look up radiation. Jed was our last one who went through radiation. The surgical knife one I think it was called.
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/show...ight=radiation
Buttercup also http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/show...ight=Buttercup
Then we have the macro tumor thread. http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/show...ht=Macro+tumor
Hopefully these will help you
Re: Bleeding brain tumor found - to radiate or not?
Thank You Sharlene - Dr. B said Attila did well with the anesthesia during the MRI. He will be sedated through the night and they will gradually wake him tomorrow and see if he is back to being his alert self which would mean he responded well to the anti- swelling meds and doesn't have permanent brain damage. I keep thinking I should have done the MRI a few months ago, but I wanted to see if he'd respond to Desmopressin from his excessive drinking and peeing - who knew the tumor was so aggressive?
Re: Bleeding brain tumor found - to radiate or not?
We have seen some pretty aggressive tumors lately. I don't know why that is but they can sometimes grow quickly if they are the type to do so.
That is good that he handled the anesthesia okay. That is always a worry too.
Hopefully there is no permanent damage. It is just all so very scary to know they are going through so much and not know what you can do to help them.
Re: Attila-Calcinosis cutis, starting treatment w/ Lysodren...and scared.
I visited Attila at the vet tonight even though he was sedated. The doctor on duty showed me the MRI of the tumor. The largest point of the circumference is 2.3 cm (almost an inch!). For the tiny brain of a French Bulldog, this is a large tumor….and it bled. More to be revealed tomorrow morning as he comes out of sedation, then I will try to make the best decision possible based on a projected quality of life.
Re: Attila-Calcinosis cutis, starting treatment w/ Lysodren...and scared.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you hoping for the best possible outcome.
Re: Attila-Calcinosis cutis, starting treatment w/ Lysodren...and scared.
Just read through your thread. Gosh our dogs are lucky we love them like our kids. That is a large tumor for your little guy. Please keep us posted. Your guy is much like my Jed I think...hard time handling the cushings meds, the CC and now the large tumor and they are about the same age. It's so hard to watch them suffer through all of this...
xoxo
Lisa and Jed
