Adrenalectomy

[lulusmom]

Hi Jo Ann,

It looks like Sharon logged off for the time being. I've used pill pockets too and every dog I've given them to loves them. They aren't cheap and I used to buy mine on ebay and Fuzzy Tummy but there are a ton of online sites that also sell them. Here's a link to Fuzzy Tummy:

http://store.fuzzytummy.com/shared/S...rce=googlebase

Glynda

[SachiMom]

Joann,
Just wanted to add my congrats on a successful surgery for Trooper. Love to hear great news.
I do agree that Trooper probably needs more prednisone, but would caution you to call the vet to get his approval for an increase, incase there is some reason he shouldn't get that much. The quick reduction in cortisol production has probably decreased his appetite and an increase in pred will help that also.
Continued prayers for his recovery.
~ Mary Ann

[gpgscott]

Big, big congrats on the surgery,

Sorry you could not find us at the previous url. K9diabetes has offered us this posting capacity and we are putting up a new site.

Best to you and Trooper.

Scott

[ventilate]

Joann
Glenda gave the link for a distributer for the pill pockets, what they are:
they come in 2 sizes, I get the big ones, there are about 30 in each bag and it costs me about $8.50 per bag. they look something like little tiny barrels that you put the pills inside and pinch the tops closed, they are soft but hold their shape unless you pinch them. they come in 2 flavors beef and chicken. If you only have 1 pill the small ones would work but Nike gets 3 and it was to small for all 3. Nike has been smart about finding her pills in everything I have tried to hide them in but has not figured out the pill pockets yet and it has been about long long time.
Sharon

[Trooper]

Ken:

The biopsy report says: "adrenocortical carcinoma with intravascular invasion." "Margins are narrow in many places and complete excision cannot be guaranteed." "We are unable to confirm complete excision, and the possibility of vascular dissemination cannot be excluded." His tumor measured 2.5 x 1.5 cm.

I was so happy last week because the surgeon thought he got it all. Now this biopsy report says they can't be sure they got it all and mentions "intravascular invasion."

Did you get a biopsy report and did it say anything like this?

Also, they increased Trooper's predinose to 10 mg per day (5mg in the morning and 5mg at night). I called last night because he had diarrhea and they told me not to give him yogurt (they said dogs are lactose intolerant - although he never had a problem with yogurt before.) I called back this morning because he kept lying down in the grass instead of walking around a little bit and going poop. He wasn't lying in the grass on his side lethargic like, however, he was up and alert, wondering what was going on in the neighborhood.

I'm stressed and devastated. My eyelids are all swollen. Any suggestions?

[Buffaloe]

Joann,

No, I never received a biopsy report. They just called me and told me Shi's tumor was in fact malignant but the margins looked clean. They said it was pretty good news.

I think you should follow-up with the people who did the biopsy with your questions and probably the surgeon. Hey, if the surgeon said he thinks he got it all, he probably got it all or at least 99% of it. I assume they did not say it was malignant, correct? If it was benign (pretty sure it was) and they even got most of it out, Trooper should be good. I believe that. But, I'm no expert. Again, I think you should contact whatever professionals can provide you with further information and answer your questions. I don't think you have much reason to be upset. It appears it was benign and the surgeon either got most all of it or all of it out.

I'm going through some issues myself (not with Shi, thank the Lord) but will check back when I can. I don't think the report is bad news.

Ken

[Buffaloe]

Hi Joann,

I'm glad you upped Trooper's prednisone. I think he probably needs that.

As I said, we didn't get a written biopsy report, just a phone call from the doctor with the important information. I don't know about the intravascular invasion. I have to believe the surgeon got ALOT better look at it than anything else and he didn't see it. He also thinks he removed all of the tumor. I gotta go with your surgeon. I think you should give him a call, also call the biopsy people. The more information you can get, the better.

I'll be praying for you and Trooper and sending positive thoughts. You gotta believe it will all be OK....tiny or no vascular invasion and the surgeon got all or 99% of the tumor out. Honestly, that is what I believe.

As I remember, I fed Shi quite a bit of chicken (white meat) and organic brown rice after her surgery...still do. But, she also ate quite a bit of her good quality dog food. She ate smaller amounts, that's for sure. I think you will see Trooper getting better every day. Please keep us up to date.

Ken