MerlinsMum Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 I thought I'd post an update on Merlin. As we drove home from work last night, DH told me that he had been close to tears all afternoon, because he'd read all sorts of things online and had gotten it into his head that the growth on Merlin's side was hemangiosarcoma, and was just one big knot of worry (this is the guy who thought I was "ridiculous" to worry about Merlin's surgery last week ) Well, we heard back from my vet about an hour later. I put her on speakerphone, because DH wanted to listen in too. She told us that the growth in Merlin's mouth was definitely an epulis, and everything is okay on that front. I wasn't prepared for what came next, though. The lab called my vet to say that only ONE tissue had been sent to them. Basically, the vet said she doesn't know how it happened, but the growth tissue on Merlin's side -- the one we were most worried about -- was not sent to the lab because it was somehow.... lost. I didn't know what to say. The vet apologized, and said that she wasn't too worried about that growth, so she is going to have a look at Merlin when we go have his stitches taken out on Monday. She said that if a growth comes back, we should make an appointment right away, and she will remove it with larger margins. I was upset after the phone call. I do accept her apology, and we all make mistakes, and anyway for all I know it might have been a vet tech mistake, and not hers, that led to the tissue not being sent to the lab. But I am rather bewildered... now I don't know what that THING was, and I don't know how I am supposed to feel. Relieved that it's not there anymore? Worried that it will come back? If I knew it was benign at least I could have put the issue to bed, but now I just know I'm going to be checking his side constantly I am such a worry wart Meanwhile, Merlin seems fine, I have to stop him from doing zoomies in the yard because it's too hot and his appetite is as good as ever. He is a bit lethargic but he is ALWAYS like this when it's this hot & humid. Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KansasGrey Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Kerry, Sorry you are in the middle of so much worry but think positive. Keep an eye for regrowth and hope for the best. I know how much you love that boy. Jan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieProf Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 OMG! That's a new one. How frustrating. Can you get a promise that if you need to have surgery done on it again they'll do it for free or something? Love the Van Gogh siggie, btw! Quote With Cocoa (DC Chocolatedrop), missing B for Beth (2006-2015)And kitties C.J., Klara, Bernadette, John-Boy, & Sinbad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazehund Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 I guess being angry is counter productive now, but I would most certainly want to know what that growth was. I am sorry that happened. Mistakes do happen and we are all only human but dang. Hopefully it is nothing and Merlin will be just fine. Fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Argh. Hopefully it was just a lipoma. And yeah, if it comes back I'd sure be looking for the vet to do a second sampling procedure at no charge. Glad the mouth thingy came back as "not to worry". 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...
racindog Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Glad to hear Merlin feels so good. Very disappointing that they "lost" the other specimen. I get so disgusted at the lack of care and concern and inefficency like that which it seems you always have to wade through when dealing with vets. My thinking is they are supposed to be professionals-heaven knows we pay them as if they are- and then they do something incompetent like this. I can't help but think if it was their dog it wouldn't have happenned. It gets old. Kind of makes it hard for me to ever trust them. Anyway please don't worry too much. I have had so very many "growths" taken off of so very many dogs over the years-even young dogs- and it was never any issue. I'm sure the wizard will continue to shine! Thanks for the update. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 I'm with you, Kerry, frustrated not to have that pathology back, but also relieved that the Wizard's mouth is in good shape and he is feeling so well. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackandgrey Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Well Kerry I would be feeling exactly the same way as you are. The only thing I could suggest is asking her if there is any benefit in sending tissue margins now, even just small edges? That would probably only be for peace of mind I guess..... Quote Susan, Jessie and Jordy NORTHERN SKY GREYHOUND ADOPTION ASSOCIATION Jack, in my heart forever March 1999-Nov 21, 2008 My Dancing Queen Jilly with me always and forever Aug 12, 2003-Oct 15, 2010 Joshy I will love you always Aug 1, 2004-Feb 22,2013 Jonah my sweetheart May 2000 - Jan 2015 " You will never need to be alone again. I promise this. As your dog, I will sing this promise to you, and whisper it to you at night, every night, with my breath." Stanley Coren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Thank You for the update, I have been praing and thinking about Merlin. I am very happy to hear that the Tumor in the mouth was a epulis. But I would be upset and I would want to know about the growth... I know we all make mistakes, but that is unacceptable, I am sorry I know this is going to keep you worried, but please try not to worry too much even though I know that is very hard not to do.. We will be praying that it never comes back... and that it is not Benign and it never will be... Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted July 20, 2010 Author Share Posted July 20, 2010 Thanks... to be fair to my vet, she is very competent and she is wonderful with my two. Merlin adores her. And she is always calling me after hours and putting extra time into visits... we have never felt like mere numbers there. It's very disappointing, but I need to let it go I suppose. Thanks for the suggestion, Susan - when I go there on Monday I am going to ask her what she thinks about sending tissue margins. The vet has already told me that if the growth comes back she will remove it for free. Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Glad to hear that the "thingy" in his mouth was innocent, but I'd feel the same as you! I'd want to know....how did they lose it??? Did someone accidentally throw it away or what??? That stinks. Regardless, I'm sure your boy will be just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FreddyGirl Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Take a deep breath. There is no changing the past. You will keep a major eye on Merlin Kerry and the second any changes occur, in you will take him. He will continue to be healthy, the ONLY option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 That is understandably frustrating. And disappointing---you just want to KNOW! Thank goodness for the good news, and hopefully, there will be no more problems. Keep feeling good, sweet boy. Kerry, I guess a lot of men have trouble admitting they are worried. My DH is the same way. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygang Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Sending scritches for Merlin and {{Hugs}} for the both of you for all the worry.... 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...
DevilDog Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Bah. Can't believe they *lost* it. Well glad that Merlin is feeling ok, and try not to worry unless there's a reason to, ok? Quote Lisa with Finnegan (Nina's Fire Fly) and Sage (Gil's Selma). Always missing Roscoewww.popdogdesigns.net pop art prints, custom portraits and collars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Sorry that there's still a worry there for you. I'm sure she feels as bad about it if she is as good to Merlina and Sagan as you say. I would imagine her staff has heard about it big time, and this "mistake" won't be made again. Watching and waiting are the two hardest things to do when you care so much for your kids. Try and not stress about it *too* much! Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyt2love Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Kerry, I am so happy to hear there is some good news for Merlin ! On the other hand, I would also be nervouse and worried, and yes, angry, that you don't have an answer about the other growth. I know mistakes happen, but, jeez, in these kinds of things, they just shouldn't! It would be unacceptable for a human, and it is unacceptable for our Wizard! I guess all you can do now is keep a close eye on him and watch to see if it comes back. All appendages are crossed here ( and you know that's a LOT of appendages in this house!) that you never see it again !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paige12 Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Gah!! Two words! Happy --- Frustrated!! I am Queen of the WorryWorts and I know I would have to really focus on not reaming someone for loosing the tissue! Keeping good thoughts for Merlin, and You, and your DH!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 I'm glad his mouth is OK. I wish you didn't have to endure the uncertainty about his side. (Maybe it was the lab?) Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2ndChance Posted July 21, 2010 Share Posted July 21, 2010 I can only imagine how you feel. I hope everything is okay....and who knows....MAYBE they'll find this "sample" somewhere. I mean, where could it have gone?? Good luck...and lots of hugs and kisses to Merlin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted July 21, 2010 Share Posted July 21, 2010 Sending good thoughts for Merlin. Sorry that happened, I would be worried to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytbookert Posted July 21, 2010 Share Posted July 21, 2010 Oh man, Kerry! I'm so sorry that the biopsy was lost. I know I'd be worried too! Sending many good thoughts for you and Merlin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted July 21, 2010 Share Posted July 21, 2010 That does cause one worry when they lose it! I hope it was nothing anyways and we'll keep with that thought and that Merlin is fine. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted July 21, 2010 Share Posted July 21, 2010 How frustrating. I'm sorry to hear they lost it. Keep an eye on the big guy, hopefully that is the end of it. Quote Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ChasesMum Posted July 21, 2010 Share Posted July 21, 2010 unfortunatley that happens - in human medicine and animal medicine. It likely was the tech that did it, likely by accident (though since most lumps get sent off, it should be standard to set it aside) I've seen tissue samples be stuck to the underside of drapes and still clipped into forceps and the like, and "lost" (or tossed, etc) At least your vet will redo for free if it comes back. and as someone else said, likely the staff has gotten raked over the coals for this, and more care will be taken in general from this point on. still sucks tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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