Joined Today (Orlando has passed)

I will definitely keep you posted.

Orlando came through the surgery successfully and without the need for CPR to save him. He is recuperating at home and being seen by his regular vet who handles the Cushings and the surgical team at the specialty group. We had a rough time with the Duragesic patch which had to come off one day early and the tramadol has made him constipated and lacking in appetite, but we are trying to decrease the does and wean him off of it in a few days. Since I can't determine if he is in pain as he is so stoic, I don't want to deprive him of pain meds if he needs them. No biopsy results yet and I have not made a decision on the vaccine.

Hoping for the best!

When are the biopsy results expected to come in?

so glad he came through surgery like a trooper. How is he doing?

There was a delay with the results and they just came a couple of days ago. Orlando is doing well, all bandaging is off, and has a strange looking peacock type foot now, but is happy and back to normal We do a stim test on Thursday as I certainly can't drop the ball on the Cushings after he has been treated so successfully so far.

The biopsy showed that the melanoma was contained in the toe and the resections were also clear. However, it was in the nail bed as opposed to the digit itself and so the doctors are recommending the Oncept vaccine because melanoma is so agressive. I have done a lot of research and can find no serious side effects to it and have joined a couple of support groups for amputee animals for advice as well. At this point I am inclined to do the vaccine despite the high cost.

Orlando is in a little bit of a gray area with a low mitotic rate and clear margins, but most dogs with subungual melanoma who are stage 2 only survive about 5 months after surgery without the vaccine it seems.

I'm glad to hear Orlando is doing as well as he is. Whatever you decide about the vaccine will be the right decision because you make it from a place of love and hope for him. And whatever you decide, we are behind you all the way. ;)

Keep in touch and let us know how your sweet baby boy is progressing.
Hugs,
Leslie

Thanks so much and I will keep you posted.

I can see why you are leaning towards getting the vaccine, that 5 month rate isn't great to read.
What is the longevity of dogs who have the vaccine with stage 2?

First, to answer your question.....one year is the time usually attained with the use of the vaccine. They say that some dogs do better than that.

We just received the new stim test results today. A creatine level was 26...a couple extra readings were requested by the vet. The stim test was 1.6. Pre was .6 and post was 1.6. The meds were administered according to the way that you describe in the group before the test. The vet mentioned that this might show adrenal necrosis or a move into Addison's and wants to lower the vetoryl from 20 mg to 10. Orlando seems to feel well, recovering from the surgery, but seems hungry, seems to be drinking more water, and is peeing more than usual. His first immunotherapy vaccine is scheduled for September 2.

I see why the vet is concerned with those ACTH test results, they are too low for my comfort too. Were the electrolytes checked also? I don't want to worry you needlessly but increased thirst and urination are symptoms seen with Addison's, if he would lose his appetite you may want to take him to get checked. Did the vet give you any Prednisone?