Aerosmom

My Snickers was only five when she started limping and I absolutely believed that she couldn't possibly have bone cancer....fast forward to one course of Metacam and a persistant limp and then a positive x-ray after a clear one earlier...it did sink in. The important thing right now is to get a definitive diagnosis and then learn what you can and then see what you can do for Odie. Snickers was so young that I chose to amputate and give her chemo. She was doing reallly well but something -- probably a blood clot or possibly a brain tumor (more unusual) got her just before her fourth chemo. Nevertheless, I would still make the same decision now because of her age. I wanted to give her the best chance, and Snickers was so full of life and enthusiasm it didn't seem right to not do everything I could. Join Circle of Grey and get their input and also try to consult with Dr. Cuoto's group at Ohio State University. Read and learn. Once the intitial shock wears off, try to make the best decision you can. My reasoning was that even if I had Snickers for another year, it was a good portion of her life and she was so full of enthusiasm for everything. Unfortunately luck ran out for us, but there are a lot of greys who have undergone the same and are doing well....the amputation actually helps alleviate the pain of bone cancer. Some survive beyond the one year as well....I think they can do a blood test to see if there is an elevated level of an enzyme that is a good prognosis indicator. I'm very sorry you are dealing with such a lousy diagnosis, but there is hope. I wish you all the strength and the best for you and Odie. It is not an easy deciision and it really is hard when your dog is so young. Sending hugs and wishing for the best for Odie.

I like the creative use of the stuffy nose to point out the black spots -- As far as I can tell, they are blackheads. They will eventually go away, but some people pick at them. Cricket had some when we first got her and we would soak them with a warm washcloth, but I didn't have the heart to pick and squeeze.

I'm so sorry. Circle of Grey was a great resource when I found out about Snickers. It helped me a lot to read and learn as much as I could to help me make decisions. Hugs to you and Scooter. It is a really difficult thing to go through, but remember to cherish each day together. There are so many people here on GT who will help you and Circle of Grey and Dr. Cuoto and his associates were wonderful.

That seems like such a long time to wait....is there any way to find out if someone else anywhere nearby can do an ultrasound sooner. I know that I took my cat for ultrasound someplace around Salem or Beverly, MA (can't remember exactly where) a few years back and I think I was able to get an appointment right away. Does your vet think Phillie will be okay in the meantime?

It sounds like you have some great advice here. I'm praying for a good outcome for you.

I'm so sorry to hear this about Jitters. I hope that you can have lots of good painfree time together. Spoil her like crazy. If you need anything, please ask. I have some artemisinin left over from Snickers if you want it. It's supposed to help. Let me know.

I'm so sorry to hear this. I wish I could say something that would help you, but we're all here if you need support.

I'm so sorry to hear about Willow. You wrote a beautiful remembrance to her.

This is an interesting topic to follow. My vet went to the three year for everything but lepto and lyme for Aero -- I wasn't aware that there were problems with the lyme vaccine and a lyme vaccine made sense since we live (and walk) in a heavily wooded area. What is the protocol for puppies, once they have their initial batch of shots? Three years? So far, no one has had a negative reaction to the lyme vaccine, but it's disappointing to read that it is ineffective.

Run free Elvis.

Kudos to your vet for being so perseverent. I was really impressed to read that she consulted other vets. I hope Grommit continues to be his old self again.

Wow! What incredible news. It's so nice to read good news, especially concerning osteo.

More prayers for Deuce.

I'll be praying for Deuce and you Shelby. It sounds like it's unusual for it to be osteo. I hope it's something easily cleared up.

My heart breaks for you. I'm so sorry to read about Peter. You did everything you could and he knew you loved him. I hope that your sadness fades with the passing of time. Run free Peter. Maybe my Snickers and all the other bridge angels are already playbowing and saying hello to Peter.

Phew! Glad to hear the news -- ear scritches to Sir D. Hope he feels better soon.

Sending good thoughts. Hope it's just a soft-tissue injury.

Maybe get an x-ray since he has a laceration from being hit by a car....you should make sure everything is ok internally too. Give your baby a hug and I hope everything heals nicely.

I'm so sorry to read this. COG is a great place to get advice and support. I'll be praying for your girl. Stay strong for her.

not the news we were hoping for. I hope she can battle it into remission. I'll be saying prayers for Lacey Laine and all of you.

Sending prayers and white light for Lacey Laine.

Winslow, you are something. I'm beginning to think that not only do you think you are human, but that you might just be part human.

Bodie you are so handsome and I hope you get the green light for chemo.

I'm so sorry for your loss.