Guest Giselle Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 We just came back from a visit for a second opinion from another internist. He strongly suspects some type of cancer, though the ultrasounds and x-rays didn't show any strong tumor-looking masses. There were some small lumps in her pancreas, but he and the radiology specialist believe it may just be due to old age. Does not believe it is an autoimmune disorder due to lack of any improvement with medication. Strongly believes that there is some abnormality within GI tract that is driving force behind overall condition: ankle swelling/joint pain/general inflammation, etc. She currently has some pending tests for malabsorption markers, but her continued weight loss is unnerving. She is 20 pounds underweight, muscle atrophy and everything. Next appropriate step would be biopsy/endoscopy, which will not guarantee any answers at all and which is high-risk due to Giselle's heart murmur. Internist has strongly advised me to prepare myself for possibility of euthanasia. He said (and I agree) that Giselle must begin to improve immediately or it's unfair to keep her like this. I know in my heart that he's right. This will probably be the last thread from us in Health & Medical. Thanks for listening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BlueCrab Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Oh, ~sigh~ I'm sorry. Hugs to you and Giselle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 I'm sorry she isn't better. Assume they're testing for pancreatic insufficiency? 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...
LakeshoreGreys Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 It is heartbreaking when there's no clear cause. We had that with one of ours too. You're in my thoughts and prayers! Keep us posted, okay? Quote Sara formerly on Greytalk as Mommyof3Gone, but still part of our family and always in our hearts:Bruiser Isa Comander To 6/23/91-11/20/03 Sandy NSK Special Up 10/19/89-6/13/04 Beau Bdk's Boo Boo 1/1/93-12/15/06 Cooney Lars Dbltakedean 11/1/93-1/23/07Buddy 2/9/1997-11/16/09 Joe Elkhart Joe 11/7/99-12/2/10 Alex Streakin Diablo 4/17/02-4/1/11 Brother Hylife Brother 9/26/97-2/28/12 Comanche Gil's Comanche 6/7/2005-11/7/2015 Molly 4/8/2011-4/13/2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Quote Nancy...Mom to Sid (Peteles Tiger), Kibo (112 Carlota Galgos) and Joshi. Missing Casey, Gomer, Mona, Penelope, BillieJean, Bandit, Nixon (Starz Sammie), Ruby (Watch Me Dash) Nigel (Nigel), and especially little Mario, waiting at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinggreysslp Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 I am sorry you and Giselle are going through this. Sending prayers. Quote Cosmo (Fuzz Face Cosmos), Holmes (He's a Dream), Boomer (USS Baby Boomer), Ella and missing our angels Clay (Red Clay), Train (Nite Train), Trip (Bock's Teddy Bear),Larry (Bohemian Frigid) and Jimmy (Bohemian Raw) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 I am sorry to hear that Giselle has not improved. I have very few words other than to say you both will be in our thoughts. Please give her a hug from me. 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...
Jackandgrey Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 I'm so sorry. 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...
Houndtime Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 I am so sad and sorry to read this. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sirocco_Nikki Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 From one Gisele (middle name) to another Giselle, Quote Drake - Fortified Power x Cajun Oriel Janney - Ronco x Sol Happy Waiting at the bridge: Sirocco - (Reko Sirocco) - Trojan Episode x Reko Princess; Nikki - (MPS Sharai) - Devilish Episode x MPS Daisy Queen;Yukon - (Yak Back) - Epic Prince x Barts Cinnamon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Gingergrey Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I am so sorry to hear that your baby is sick. Sending her lots of love and kisses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest june Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I am so sorry you and Giselle are going through this. I'm sending lots of gentle hugs and prayers for all of you. june Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Giselle Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 Thanks everyone. I just got off the phone with another vet. Re: the blood tests: I don't know if the malabsorption test is testing for pancreatic markers, per se. I think they're just trying to pinpoint at what point in her digestive tract is everything going awry. We know something in her GI tract is failing; we just don't know exactly what or where. At this point, both the specialist and our general vet strongly suspect lymphoma. If it is lymphoma, her prognosis is several months at best, and there's no guarantee that she'll gain any weight back or improve in condition. I'm just preparing for the day when I need to let her go and I'll be loving her the best I can until that day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greylyn Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I'm sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJNg Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 So sorry to hear Giselle's not doing well. Given the fact that you mentioned years of recurring signs, I have to wonder about the diagnosis of cancer. Although in cats, it's believed that chronic IBD can turn into GI lymphoma. Did you ever ask the internists about the possibility of Bartonella? My thoughts are with you and Giselle. Quote Jennifer & Willow (Wilma Waggle), Wiki (Wiki Hard Ten), Carter (Let's Get It On), Ollie (whippet), Gracie (whippet x), & Terra (whippet) + Just Saying + Just Alice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dancewkathylee Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 So sorry Hope things get better for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greypuppyluv Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I'm so sorry you're not getting better news. I hope they're wrong and that you have a lot more time with Giselle..... Quote Paula & her pups--Paneer (WW Outlook Ladd), Kira & Rhett (the whippets)Forever in my heart...Tinsel (Born's Bounder - 11/9/90-12/18/01), Piper, Chevy, Keno, Zuma, Little One, Phaelin & WinnieGreyhound Adoption Center ~ So Cal rep for Whippet Rescue And Placement For beautiful beaded collars, check out my Facebook page: The Swanky Hound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I'm sorry your pup isn't improving. I lost my IBD dog-- his IBD turned into cancer (adenocarcinoma) and I had to let him go so, I do know the struggles you have been through. I would not suggest you scope as you can often get false results. Was pred mentioned as a potential medication for her? Was it already tried? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinggreysslp Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 Having lost Clay to severe IBD with PLE,I know how hard it is to see your hound losing weight and muscle. Sending prayers for Giselle. Quote Cosmo (Fuzz Face Cosmos), Holmes (He's a Dream), Boomer (USS Baby Boomer), Ella and missing our angels Clay (Red Clay), Train (Nite Train), Trip (Bock's Teddy Bear),Larry (Bohemian Frigid) and Jimmy (Bohemian Raw) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I'm so sorry to hear of her failing health. I hope you have quality time left to spoil her rotten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I'm so sorry Giselle is not well :( I know how it is to have a suffering girl with no answers. sending many hugs to her and you. Quote Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyB Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 Sending hugs and prayers for Giselle. Quote Nancy with Rocket, Umeko and Sasha Missing Albi, Kassie, Ramm, Ruby, my good boy Marvin and Mickey (BT) NANCY B'S COLLARS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I'm so sorry to read this update. Sending lots of prayers and good thoughts for Giselle and for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kudzu Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I am so very, very sorry. It is hard to face but sometimes with or without a diagnosis we must know when it is time to let go. I pray that time is not as soon as expected & of course wish you could find a cause that is successfully treatable. Did you ever ask the internists about the possibility of Bartonella? I really am wondering this as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I'm sorry. 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...
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