Update Willie

[Guest trevdog]

Sending lots of prayers!

[Guest greytmonty]

Fingers and paws crossed here in Philly!

[CaliforniaGreys]

Lora, how's Willie doing?

[Batmom]

Would Valley Fever show up in bone?

 

Any of the fungal diseases -- Valley Fever, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis -- can cause bone lesions.

 

Keeping all paws and fingers and toes crossed for you!

[greypuppyluv]

Well, to say this week has been a trying on would be an understatement. Per Dr. Couto's recommendation, the oncologist took an ultrasound guided needle aspiration of Willie's femur. This was suggested because of the small size of the lesion. It is hard for me to believe after 4 vets/specialist told me it was osteo based on the radiographs, that the biopsy came back with no signs of cancer. The bonescan will help to confirm this. And I should know with more certainty if it is or is not osteo.

 

I was beginning to question why I was putting him through all of these extra tests, but now I know why. I TRULY feel like this has all been a terrible nightmare or that I am having one wonderful dream right now. Now just one more simple blood test to check for a fungal infection. My vet and the oncologist are now questioning what this actually is. I am going to email Dr. Couto with the biopsy results and see if possibly it is a false reading. So what is causing the pain and what is the lesion?

 

The power of GT has possibly made a miracle happen. I am trying not to get too excited, but for now there will be no amputation. I just can not believe it.

The symptons of bone cancer and Valley Fever look very similar in greyhounds. Both cause joint pain and both can present lesions. Where did Willie race? If he raced in Arizona, I would definitely make sure you test for VF before anything else is done. And, you might want to test again if it's negative.....I think Shanti's results came back negative the first time, even though she was positive for VF.

 

I always worry when dogs who have raced in an area where VF is present are diagnosed with bone cancer since they can look the same to vets.

[Guest greydogluvr]

Well, to say this week has been a trying on would be an understatement. Per Dr. Couto's recommendation, the oncologist took an ultrasound guided needle aspiration of Willie's femur. This was suggested because of the small size of the lesion. It is hard for me to believe after 4 vets/specialist told me it was osteo based on the radiographs, that the biopsy came back with no signs of cancer. The bonescan will help to confirm this. And I should know with more certainty if it is or is not osteo.

 

I was beginning to question why I was putting him through all of these extra tests, but now I know why. I TRULY feel like this has all been a terrible nightmare or that I am having one wonderful dream right now. Now just one more simple blood test to check for a fungal infection. My vet and the oncologist are now questioning what this actually is. I am going to email Dr. Couto with the biopsy results and see if possibly it is a false reading. So what is causing the pain and what is the lesion?

 

The power of GT has possibly made a miracle happen. I am trying not to get too excited, but for now there will be no amputation. I just can not believe it.

The symptons of bone cancer and Valley Fever look very similar in greyhounds. Both cause joint pain and both can present lesions. Where did Willie race? If he raced in Arizona, I would definitely make sure you test for VF before anything else is done. And, you might want to test again if it's negative.....I think Shanti's results came back negative the first time, even though she was positive for VF.

 

I always worry when dogs who have raced in an area where VF is present are diagnosed with bone cancer since they can look the same to vets.

 

He had his blood drawn yesterday for a fungal screening. Does this cover VF or is a there a specific test needed to identify this? He raced in Corpus Cristie (sp) and Valley, both in Texas. Somehow he ended up in San Diego for adoption.

 

The bone scan showed "reactive" bone which can indicate cancer, but many other things as well- including a fungal infection. The oncologist stated that she felt that this was cancer based on the bone scan, but my primary vet told me not get impatient and to wait to rule out other possibilities before making any other decisions. The results should be back within a few days. I am praying that this fungal screening comes back with some additional information. Waiting is the worst, but he does not seem to be in any severe pain and it has not appeared to have gotten any worse over the past week. Right now I am so confused. I really do not want to put him through the amputation and later find out it was not cancer.

 

He went out to play last night and this morning. He is still on the Tremadol but is no longer taking the Deramaxx. He only has a slight limp today. He continues to be eating well and acting himself.

[Guest Leah]

[greypuppyluv]

He had his blood drawn yesterday for a fungal screening. Does this cover VF or is a there a specific test needed to identify this? He raced in Corpus Cristie (sp) and Valley, both in Texas. Somehow he ended up in San Diego for adoption.

My guess would be that VF would be included in the test since it's a fungal infection, but you'd have to check with your vet to be sure. VF is found in Texas, Arizona, California, New Mexico....the southwest.

 

Here's a link from Dr. Stack's website on Valley Fever in greyhounds. She would probably be another experienced vet your vet could contact if it turns out that it is VF that Willie has. A friend contacted her years ago about her VF dog and Dr. Stack was a wealth of information.

 

My thoughts will be with you and Willie.

[mangos_mom]

Oh, the waiting is the hardest part. Continued good wishes for Willie's results to be NOT cancer!

[Guest EmbersDad]

you must be going crazy waiting! lets hope that candle does indeed burn blue for willie. hoping for the best.

[Guest vahoundlover]

Waiting is SO hard. Keeping fingers, toes and paws crossed it's not cancer

[carronstar]

Keeping Willie in my thoughts and prayers.

[patricia]

Sending more prayers and white light for Willie. I agree...the waiting is horrible. When we were waiting for Angel LaceyLaine's pathology reports...it was over the long Labor Day weekend.

[crazygang]

Positive healing prayers sending your way for Willie.......

[Guest greydogluvr]

Still waiting. I hope to have some more information tomorrow. The fungal screening takes several days. I am going crazy. The thought that it may not be osteo really keeps me going. Wilie is such a precious, gentle boy.

[CaliforniaGreys]

For handsome Willie We all wait with you!

[mangos_mom]

I'm waiting on biopsy results for Mango still, so I can truly sympathize with this. Sending more good thoughts your way, for both Willie and you.

[Guest greydogluvr]

Well, all of the fungal screenings came back negative. I am beginning to believe that the only rational explanation is osteo. Now I have to schedule the next step, which I fear is the amputation.

 

I was hoping for a miracle, but it seems that this beast is persistent. My heart is aching for my sweet boy. Thank you all for your continued prayers and healing thoughts. All of these H&M postings are getting to me. Why, why, why....?

[CaliforniaGreys]

Well, all of the fungal screenings came back negative. I am beginning to believe that the only rational explanation is osteo. Now I have to schedule the next step, which I fear is the amputation.

 

I was hoping for a miracle, but it seems that this beast is persistent. My heart is aching for my sweet boy. Thank you all for your continued prayers and healing thoughts. All of these H&M postings are getting to me. Why, why, why....?

Lora, do you know if they tested for Valley Fever?

Edited December 13, 2008 by cbudshome

[Guest greydogluvr]

Well, all of the fungal screenings came back negative. I am beginning to believe that the only rational explanation is osteo. Now I have to schedule the next step, which I fear is the amputation.

 

I was hoping for a miracle, but it seems that this beast is persistent. My heart is aching for my sweet boy. Thank you all for your continued prayers and healing thoughts. All of these H&M postings are getting to me. Why, why, why....?

Lora, do you know if they tested for Valley Fever?

 

I do not. Is there a specific test for this?

[CaliforniaGreys]

Well, all of the fungal screenings came back negative. I am beginning to believe that the only rational explanation is osteo. Now I have to schedule the next step, which I fear is the amputation.

 

I was hoping for a miracle, but it seems that this beast is persistent. My heart is aching for my sweet boy. Thank you all for your continued prayers and healing thoughts. All of these H&M postings are getting to me. Why, why, why....?

Lora, do you know if they tested for Valley Fever?

 

I do not. Is there a specific test for this?

I've always thought there was, but I'm not sure.Shantimom may be able to answer that for sure Lora. I know all the Hemopet Greys are tested for it and I've always thought it was a specific test.

[seeh2o]

You might want to check with BlackandBrindle, too. Her Sadie is being treated for Valley Fever right now.

[Guest greydogluvr]

You might want to check with BlackandBrindle, too. Her Sadie is being treated for Valley Fever right now.

 

Thanks I will do that. I really was hoping it was something fungal. I am beginning to fear the worst..... again.

[CaliforniaGreys]

You might want to check with BlackandBrindle, too. Her Sadie is being treated for Valley Fever right now.

 

Thanks I will do that. I really was hoping it was something fungal. I am beginning to fear the worst..... again.

Both Sadie and Shanti are dealing with Valley Fever Lora, they'll be a weath of info for you. And we're always here if you need anything at all!!! Willie is tucked in our prayers

[duncan41]

Found a little bit of starter information about VF here: http://www.vfce.arizona.edu/VFID-diagnosis.htm Not sure how up to date it is, but I think it covers the basics. Sending prayers for Willie.