Guest KennelMom Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 (edited) **update 10/13** Our vet added Antirobe/clindamycin to the mix last Friday and stopped the Rimadyl Sunday night. He foot is no longer swollen and he's walking pretty normally on it...just a little limping now and then. So, it appears that maybe adding Antirobe might be doing the trick. He was supposed to go to the specialist this afternoon, but we've rescheduled it for another week to see if he's actually on the mend. Hopefully, he's going to be all good. Thanks to everyone. The suggestion to add a second antibiotic was a great one. I'm wondering why our VET didn't think to try it before giving up and sending us to the specialist. Dang I'm so frustrated with vets right now. ********** well, back from the vet and we basically have a referral to the specialist. I have copies of all his records and I either misunderstood what the vet told me on Monday about the path report or...well, I don't know. But this doesn't sound like "nothing" ...sample is moderately to highly cellular with moderate hemodilution. It consists of a majority of small well-differentiated lymphocytes with an expanded intermeditate lymphocyte population and a few lymphoblasts. Plasma cells are moderately increased in number and a few macrophages are seen. No overtly neoplastic cells are seen. Microscopic findings: Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia ok, now that seems fairly obvious b/c, well, the node is obviously swollen. but, it goes on: The sample is consistent with a reactive node. Differential diagnoses include infectious disease (eg, Ehrlichia), immune-mediated disease with reactive lymph nodes or a local lesion that the reactive lymph node is draining. The lymph node may be reactive due to the swelling in the tarsus reported. That's the part I don't really get. It seems they are basically saying that it could be pretty much a lot of things causing it. IOW, the sample shows *something* but it's not conclusive. Our appt with the surgeon at upstate is next week. I wasn't sure if we'd see the surgeon or an internist, but it looks like we're starting with the surgeon. It's gonna be a long weekend ------------------------------ Rocky's been back and forth to the vet for a couple weeks now...here's the cliff notes version: Started with intermittent limping for a couple days, unknown cause. In to the vet and general exam was unremarkable. Various angles of xrays taken of back right leg showed nothing unusual. Xrays were sent to a board certified specialist for 2d opinion and he concluded that xrays were unremarkable. Rocky was started on doxy as a precaution, and tramadol for pain. Bloodwork sent off, which came back w/in normal limits across the board. Back in a couple days later because his foot ballooned up with swelling and he went from occasional tripodding to not using the leg at all. For the first time he seemed to have general malaise. Vet found enlarged lymph node in leg - the one behind the back right knee (popliteal, I believe). We added Rimadyl to the mix, which he has tolerated very well in the past. Lymph node was aspirated and two samples sent to the pathologist. They came back and nothing unusual was found, no cancer or unusual organisms. We decided to keep doing what we were doing in the "hopes" that is was some sort of persistant infection. He's been on doxy for two weeks. He was walking pretty normally, though the lymph node has remained swollen. All the other lymph nodes are normal. We stopped the rimadyl last night and immediately the lymph node started swelling more, the foot started ballooning up again and he's tripodding. We're going back to the vet today, but I'm not sure where to go from here. When we talked on Monday (a different vet at the practice that hasn't been seeing Rocky, but called to give me the path results b/c the other vet was off for the day) mentioned re-doing xrays, running tick titers and, that's pretty much what he had to offer. Any ideas? Anyone seen anything like this? Rocky is 6 years old. The only other "weird" thing is a couple months ago he had an episode that resulted in an e-vet visit where he was pacing, wouldn't settle and would randomly start screaming. Nothing was found by the evet or follow up with our regular vet and the symptoms resolved themselves within 24 hours. He was put on a muscle relaxer and tramadol with the thought that it might have been a neck spasm. Since everything resolved, no further follow up was done. Rocky is my shadow and I've been on the verge of total freak out mode since this all started. I hate not having answers or even knowing what to do next. Here's my boy keeping me company on the GUR for Phillypups Donnie Dude...Rocky is the white/black sorry so long, I tried to keep it short.... Edited October 13, 2009 by KennelMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 This is a tough one! Doxy is a powerful antibiotic, and should be working on any type of infected lymph node. The Rimadyl should help handle the swelling. The only thing I can suggest, is to re-aspirate the node and culture it. Maybe another type of antibiotic is needed? Good Luck, lots of hugs and keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 In the absence of better offers, I'd suspect an infection in that foot. Yeah, you should see it in the bloodwork, but maybe it wasn't pronounced enough before the doxy was started, and it would probably reduce any elevated white count. Grasping at straws but maybe worth investigating. Sending prayers. 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...
greymomnc Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 You've covered a lot of ground already and that's good. I think I would ask for xrays of other areas adjacent to the leg. This would be to make sure there isn't something elsewhere that is manifesting itself in the leg. Sending many prayers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 (edited) Thanks for the ideas....They did mention adding another antibiotic to the mix. I'm sure we'll do that today. I'll ask about another aspiration and culturing it. I have a feeling we'll end up over at the specialty hospital, but I'd rather have as many basic tests and additional xrays done at our regular vet as possible, since the specialty hospital marks everything up at least 20-30%. Edited October 8, 2009 by KennelMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 Sending prayers that there is nothing sinister going on with that node...I know our vet told us with LaceyLaine...if the aspirate came back negative...they would remove the node and send it out...unfortunately the news was not good for us. Sending hugs too. 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...
Guest KennelMom Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 Lymphoma has certainly been on my mind, but from what I understand it usually presents in the head/neck lymph nodes first? Or there are usually multiple lymph nodes involved, which so far Rocky doesn't have. I've done a little bit of reading this morning and it looks like oncologists generally want a biopsy before taking a referral, which I'm sure we'd have to do since the aspirate was negative. I gues I just don't know enough about lymphoma, but I will pres the vet on it. It seems the odds of successful treatment are better if caught early, when only one lymph node is involved. Of course, my fingers are crossed that we arent' dealing with lymphoma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 Thanks for the ideas....They did mention adding another antibiotic to the mix. I'm sure we'll do that today. I'll ask about another aspiration and culturing it. I have a feeling we'll end up over at the specialty hospital, but I'd rather have as many basic tests and additional xrays done at our regular vet as possible, since the specialty hospital marks everything up at least 20-30%. I know what ya mean about speciality hospitals. I guess that is one reason, I bought pet insurance on all five. It is costing me $245/montly, but if you "do the math," and one gets really sick ... pays for itself. Good Luck on this! Let's hope it is just a bed infection, WHICH it genuinely could be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 Janet has been dealing with something like this with her boy. Unexplained swelling and such. I think her vet has been treating with antibiotics each time if I'm not mistaken. My first thought was maybe an infection from a bug bite or something along those lines. Might be worth a tick test to see if it's something like that. I hate medical mysteries! I hope you find out something conclusive today. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MomoftheFuzzy Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 Oh Heather! I hope you get some answers for sweet Rocky soon. I love that boy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 Lymphoma has certainly been on my mind, but from what I understand it usually presents in the head/neck lymph nodes first? Or there are usually multiple lymph nodes involved, which so far Rocky doesn't have. I've done a little bit of reading this morning and it looks like oncologists generally want a biopsy before taking a referral, which I'm sure we'd have to do since the aspirate was negative. I gues I just don't know enough about lymphoma, but I will pres the vet on it. It seems the odds of successful treatment are better if caught early, when only one lymph node is involved. Of course, my fingers are crossed that we arent' dealing with lymphoma. Well...we won't even consider Lymphoma! It's just not allowed! With our sweet LaceyLaine...she had a large node on one side of her neck and the nodes behind her knees were slightly enlarged. Hug the sweet baby for me...I know everything will be fine. 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...
Guest ThunderPaws Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 Keeping fingers and paws crossed for Rocky!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 we're back, no answers. update in post 1. Thanks for all the good thoughts and suggestions everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 I don't understand most of that Heather. I guess I need a translator. It sounds like it could be several different things. Praying the week goes by quickly and you can get this resolved. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 All they're really saying in that second bit is, "Lymph node is reacting to something. Huh. Wonder what it is. Could be most anything." Hoping hoping hoping it is a funky SMALL infection somewhere that the right antibiotic will knock flat. 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...
LuvAPuppy Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 ***disclamer*** I did NOT read the replies, and I hate when people replay w/o reading so I truly hope I'm not repeating! Lymphs eat junk. That's why you yourself get swollen glands when you're sick. The sick junk collects in the nodes for the lymphs to dispatch. (I've been told I need to share medical information like a layperson so I'm practicing on your guys. Feels strange...) Lymphoblasts are immature lymph cells released early from the bone marrow. If the body feels that it needs reinforcements, it throws baby cells out too. Like in the case of a severe infection, if the body needs more junk eating cells, it throws blasts. Or in the case of a severe anemia, the body will throw red cell blasts to help out. So, the path report mentions potential infectious disease and you're treating a bad foot.... Hopefully, that's your answer Quote Angie, Pewter, and Storm-puppy Forever missing Misty-Mousie (9/9/99 - 10/5/15)Fort Wayne, Indiana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvAPuppy Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 (edited) the dreaded double post!!! you just never think it can happen to you... Edited October 9, 2009 by LuvAPuppy Quote Angie, Pewter, and Storm-puppy Forever missing Misty-Mousie (9/9/99 - 10/5/15)Fort Wayne, Indiana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 hmmmm...thanks for the replies. Makes things make more sense. So I wonder if we're rushing to the second vet too fast or if we should try another antibiotic, which I totally forgot to bring up today. I can call them tomorrow and have her call something it though. I guess we have till next Tuesday, so it can't hurt to add something to what he's already getting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mcsheltie Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 I was reading an article online today about TBD and two of the cases they were discussing involved swelling of a single foot, intermittent lameness and several cases had an enlarged lymph node. It sounded a lot like Rocky. I'll look in my history file when I get home and see if I can find it. If so, I'll post it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 ***disclamer*** I did NOT read the replies, and I hate when people replay w/o reading so I truly hope I'm not repeating! Lymphs eat junk. That's why you yourself get swollen glands when you're sick. The sick junk collects in the nodes for the lymphs to dispatch. (I've been told I need to share medical information like a layperson so I'm practicing on your guys. Feels strange...) Lymphoblasts are immature lymph cells released early from the bone marrow. If the body feels that it needs reinforcements, it throws baby cells out too. Like in the case of a severe infection, if the body needs more junk eating cells, it throws blasts. Or in the case of a severe anemia, the body will throw red cell blasts to help out. So, the path report mentions potential infectious disease and you're treating a bad foot.... Hopefully, that's your answer When I taught EMT class, I used to refer to WBCs as the Packmen" of the body ... gobbling, gobbling up all the bad stuff! Talk about basic, but it worked! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 (edited) I did a year and a half in nursing school before changing my major to psychology (13 years ago!), but the basics have stayed with me...I'm usually pretty good at understanding and intepreting the basic/general medical stuff for the dogs (and only the occasional help of google and Care of the racing greyhound ) I guess I'm just frustrated that my vet doesn't seem to be driving this a little bit more. Edited October 9, 2009 by KennelMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GreysAndMoreGreys Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 I understand your frustrations. Seems like some more could have been worked with on your normal vet before the referral to the specialty hospital. Will be thinking good thoughts for you guys and Rocky as well this weekend and lets hope on Tue they come up with some other ideas and suggestions on what is going on and it's an easy fix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest K9_Lady Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 Positive thoughts and I hope you get some answers soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 update in post 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.