Guest houndlover Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 I took Billy to see Dr Shaker this morning for his abdominal ultrasound and I am so completely confused. She said that his liver looked like that of a dog that was on steroids, which he is. She said that his spleen has to come out b/c it is diseased. She wasn't sure if it was cancer or just and infection but she recommended surgery to remove it, have it biopsied and cultured to see if there is an infection. He is early stage kidney disease and one kidney has gotten worse over the last 6 months but there is no change in the other kidney. She said some other stuff that I can't even remember b/c I was so upset about his spleen and the possibility that he might have cancer. I had always said that I won't have surgery on him b/c of his age and other health issue but now that I actually have to make the choice I'm not sure what to do. What if I choose to have the surgery and he dies from complications related to the surgery? What if I don't have the surgery and this isn't cancer and he dies b/c I didn't have his spleen removed? Right now Billy is happy, eating well and he actually had solid, formed poop this morning. It is the first time in 6 months that his poop has been normal. How can a dog that is finally starting to feel better be this sick? I am so totally confused, overwhelmed and feel so alone right now. I just want someone to wave a magic wand and make it all better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Contact OSU and have the Greyhound Health and Wellness team consult. Quote Casual Bling & Hope for HoundsJanet & the hounds Maggie and Allen Missing my baby girl Peanut, old soul Jake, quirky Jet, Mama Grandy and my old Diva Miz Foxy; my angel, my inspiration. You all brought so much into my light, and taught me so much about the power of love, you are with me always.If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.......... I hope you dance! Missing our littlest girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 My God, I really understand how you're feeling. If he is in the beginning of kidney disease, the steroids scare me. And if the vet said his liver looks like a dog on steroids, is she saying his liver is inflamed? Steroids can cause that. You have some tough decisions to make, I wish I could help. All I can do is hold him in my prayers, and you as well for the strength to know the best path Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 I'm always up for a second opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SoulsMom Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Contact OSU and have the Greyhound Health and Wellness team consult. Ditto. And hugs to you. If it makes you feel any better, when Archie was 8 his ultrasound pictures show a many ugly tumors on his bladder and he was given 3-6 months to live. I did surgery and it turned out to be polyps from bladder stones. Have OSU take a look at the ultrasound images and see what they have to say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest trevdog Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 I agree, get another opinion...also the liver thing doesn't sound good either.....after dealing with ongoing liver/kidney issues here, it's not fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytbookert Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 I would get a second opinion/contact OSU. I wish I had more advice but if it were me, I'd certainly contact them, as there are many issues going on here, some of which I have experience (kidney disease, and others that we talked about) and some that I don't. I know how hard it is to know what to do! Thoughts and prayers to you and Billy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest houndlover Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 And if the vet said his liver looks like a dog on steroids, is she saying his liver is inflamed? Steroids can cause that. I honestly can't remember what she said b/c all I could think about was the decision that I was going to have to make about his spleen. The vet that did the ultrasound was going to call my vet this afternoon and talk to her and send a report to her. My vet will call me tonite to discuss the ultrasound results and I will ask her about it then. Contact OSU and have the Greyhound Health and Wellness team consult. Ditto. And hugs to you. If it makes you feel any better, when Archie was 8 his ultrasound pictures show a many ugly tumors on his bladder and he was given 3-6 months to live. I did surgery and it turned out to be polyps from bladder stones. Have OSU take a look at the ultrasound images and see what they have to say. Yes, it does make me feel better that Archie's "tumors" weren't what they suspected. And I think that another opinion from OSU is a good idea too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest zestysmom Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Let us know what your vet says...I'll be thinking of you both! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jurishound Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Michelle - Just underscoring the recommendation that you get another opinion from OSU ASAP. Dr. Couto's opinion is invaluable. Good luck and gentle hugs to Billy. Joslin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygang Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Hoping for a positive outcome for Billy..... Quote Run free our beloved Sir Snowy, Pip, Queenie, Sadie, Tess & Rosie until we meet again......I would rather feel the thorn than to never see the rose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyscot Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 I would go for a second opinion - hugs to you and Billy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pokealong Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Yep, contact OSU. They are the best and will work with you immediately. I just came back from there, I had a wrong diagnosis on my pup - unforturnately for me and my girl the news from OSU was much worse than the local E-Vet. But, to get the right diagnosis the the most important part and the Greyhound Team at OSU is the best! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 I honestly can't remember what she said b/c all I could think about was the decision that I was going to have to make about his spleen. The week before I lost Misty, my vet called me and explained every detail of her blood work. I got off the phone and couldn't remember a word he said. Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MandysMom Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 No advice, just sending prayers for Billy. Quote Beverly. Missing my happy toy-flinging boy Sammy (Where's Mandrill), (8/12/2009-9/30-2021) Desperately missing my angel Mandy (BB's Luv) [7/1/2000 - 9/18/2012]. Always missing Meg the Dalmatian and Ralph Malph the Pekeapoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Thinking of you and hoping you get some clarity. Try to get some rest. It's hard to focus when you're as tired as you must be. Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 My heart is with you. Sending my prayers and best wishes for sweet Billy. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 yet another recommendation to call OSU. Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 YES, ANOTHER OPINION is in order!! I SWEAR BY Dr. Couto and the OSU Team! ME??? I would put him on a prescription kidney diet, and wait for that second opinion! Good luck and we will be praying for your Billy! Dee and The Five Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 I agree with the OSU checking this out and when you don't know what to do, do nothing for now. You can overnight everything over to OSU and have some answers quickly. Continued prayers. Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 Was the doc you saw a specialist? If not, might want to get a local specialist to review the ultrasound. If the spleen is very enlarged, it probably does want to come out. Sending hugs and best luck for you and your boy. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytexplorer Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 bumping for an update and holding you close ~Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest houndlover Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 No update. I have not talked to my vet yet but Billy seems to be doing fine. He is eating great and his poop is solid...not a bit of diarrhea. Will the pred make his poop more solid? The vet that did the ultrasound is a board certified internist. I'm not sure if that means that she is a specialist or not. If I were to take Billy to a specialist what type of specialist would I be looking for ? I definitely want to have his info sent to OSU but I need to talk to my vet about everything first. The more I have thought about this, the more I am leaning towards having the surgery and having Billy's spleen removed. I am just so afraid that something is going to go wrong during or after the surgery. I know that is always a concern when surgery is involved but he seems so terribly frail right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 Sounds like you have been to the right type of doc ..... Talk to him/her. Explain your concerns and ask some questions. Some of the answers depend on what that spleen looks like and why doc thinks it appears different than it should. Pred would make his poop more solid if he had inflammation somewhere in his digestive tract. I'm glad he's eating! Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest houndlover Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 I talked to my vet today about Billy's ultrasound results and her honest opinion is that it is cancer. Billy's spleen needs to be removed b/c it is enlarged and has nodules on it. There are also nodules on his liver and kidneys and the lympnodes closest to his spleen are enlarged. My vet did say that she has been wrong before and that this could be some type of infection. We are going to test him for babesia on Monday. I have also contacted OSU for a consult. Yesterday I was pretty sure that I was going to have surgery and have his spleen removed but after talking to my vet today I'm not sure that is the best thing for Billy. I may talk to my vet on Monday about doing a needle biopsy of the spleen to see if that might give us more info rather than going ahead with the surgery. Thanks for all of your good thoughts. I will let everyone know how his babesia test comes back and what OSU has to say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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