Rocky with bone issues?

[rocky]

Hello all,

I would like to get some feedback on an issue that just arose with our 8 year old sheltie (I will also be gladly reading through everyone's posts to see if I am of any help as well.)

So live in Boston, ma where we just had record breaking snow this past season. About 6 weeks ago Rocky started limping, so naturally we took him to a clinic to get it looked at. The veterinarian said nothing was out of the ordinary and she could not pinpoint what the issue could be. *sigh* Light walks and keep him off of his feet and limit outside activities to just restroom walks. Being told that sprains usually take a few weeks to heal.

A few weeks have passed and we went back to the same veterinarian and they still could not pinpoint the area of issue. From there we were recommended to go in and get x-rays done.

Immediately after that exam on April 11, 2015 1:30 pm, we had the xrays done and wham! the veterinarian said it could be a bone tumor! At this point we were distraught and were not thinking clearly to ask meaningful questions as what to do next, the only thing we remember is the veterinarian saying they could give him a "cocktail" of medications until they do not work. We are not that easy to give up. The veterinarian also said they could not give an exact diagnosis after looking at the scan for more than 30 minutes. So we were instructed to wait for another veterinarian to come in for a second opinion.

So we went home did research, and found out that bone tumor "osteosarcoma" is not common in our breeds. Also that if it was indeed a bone tumor most veterinarians would be able to diagnosis within the same visit.

5:00pm the same day the veterinarian calls to say that the second opinion from the other vet could not determine what it is and they would have to send it off to "radiology." So I go back and pay the "radiology" fee of $100 and medication.

And here I am on this wonderful site with very knowledgeable and owners like yourself to ask for opinions, advice or anything you can recommend. Rocky has been with us through everything and we will continue to be here for him.

I have already made an appointment for this thursday april 16th, 2015 with another veterinarian bringing the x-rays for their second opinion .

P.S. I will be adding photos of the x-rays when I figure out how to upload them or I can PM them to whoever would like to take a look in the meantime.

Respectfully,

Rocky

 

[trini]

Welcome to you and Rocky. I am sorry that a possible cancer dx for your Rocky is what brought you to SN, but am glad you have joined us.

This link will take you to information on canine osteosarcoma and will help you to know what to ask for in getting a definitive diagnosis and options if the dx is osteosarcoma.

The National Canine Cancer Foundation - Osteosarcoma

Trini

 

[Silaria]

I'm sorry for the diagnosis Rocky received. Unfortunately I don't have experience with bone tumors. I am glad to see you are going to another vet for a second opinion, which is what my initial reaction was.

I'll keep you and Rocky in my thoughts.

P.S. I will be adding photos of the x-rays when I figure out how to upload them or I can PM them to whoever would like to take a look in the meantime.

You cannot upload pictures directly to Sheltie Forum unless you are a Premium Member. You can link to other photo sharing sites like flickr, photobucket, snapfish, etc.

 

[Sullivan]

I am so sorry to hear of the dx Rocky received. Unfortunately, I can offer you advice as I don't have any experience with this. I just wanted to say hello, welcome to Sheltie Nation and am so sorry this is the circumstances that brought you here. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated on any progress.

 

[tesslynn]

run!

I would NEVER go back there...just don't think they are properly "equipped" to do anything for your fur baby, and I think if you return, you are paying for them to "practice" medicine (and for a price-guessing is gonna be expensive and not helpful)

 

[rocky]

Welcome to you and Rocky. I am sorry that a possible cancer dx for your Rocky is what brought you to SN, but am glad you have joined us.

This link will take you to information on canine osteosarcoma and will help you to know what to ask for in getting a definitive diagnosis and options if the dx is osteosarcoma.

The National Canine Cancer Foundation - Osteosarcoma

Trini

Thank you for the site very useful information.


Silaria and Sullivan- Thank you for the comfort.

tesslynn- I think we will be doing this.


here are two links to the x-rays.

http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o561/rocky8588/ROCKY%20Scan%203_zps9qszwnbe.jpg

http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o561/rocky8588/ROCKY%20Scan%202_zpsbd8aez28.jpg

 

[ghggp]

I would NEVER go back there...just don't think they are properly "equipped" to do anything for your fur baby, and I think if you return, you are paying for them to "practice" medicine (and for a price-guessing is gonna be expensive and not helpful)

I can not agree more !!!

My primary vet ALWAYS sent me to a specialist whenever it came to anything non routine. He knew that was the best course of action! Diagnosis maybe more expensive but you get what you pay for.

Good luck to you Rocky. I am so sorry you are going through this.
Hope good news is posted soon!

 

[rocky]

Update 4/15

Thank you all for your input! Today, Rocky went to the vet for bloody diarrhea and a second opinion on his limp/lameness. The diarrhea was likely a result from the anti-inflammatory medication carprofen. We immediately took him off the medication.

Our vet took a look at the x-rays from our other visit and said no signs of bone cancer. She said he has arthritis in his elbow. She took more x-rays of his spine and neck and said he has some bridging arthritis in a couple vertebrae. She did a blood test for hypothyroidism and to check his liver, kidneys, etc as well as a fecal sample all of which we will find out the results by the end of tomorrow 4/16. She is concerned that the lameness may be a neurological issue near the upper spine. Rocky also has a heart murmur which she said could be just a result of old age (?) and an enlarged liver. For now, we wait until tmw to hear back and go from there. The good news is she said she can't find anything "lethal". He has been prescribed metronidazole to treat his diarrhea. He seems to be doing okay for the past few hours, no "accidents" and is sleeping soundly.

We are partially relieved bone cancer is not a concern, but still very anxious as there are a list of other possibilities that could be the cause. We will update as soon as we can.

Rockys Mama

 

[trini]

The no cancer dx is a relief! I realize there are probably other issues to work on but it sounds like your vet doesn't feel any of them will be life threatening. Middle age for doggies is so often the time we start to see health issues...just like in humans...but most of these issues can be handled and good quality of life maintained.

Carprofen seems to be hard on the digestive system for many dogs...our Kinnon had both diarrhea and vomiting when he was put on it and had to be taken off.

I hope the results you are due to get tomorrow will be good.

Gentle hugs to your Rocky.

Trini

 

[rocky]

The no cancer dx is a relief! I realize there are probably other issues to work on but it sounds like your vet doesn't feel any of them will be life threatening. Middle age for doggies is so often the time we start to see health issues...just like in humans...but most of these issues can be handled and good quality of life maintained.

Carprofen seems to be hard on the digestive system for many dogs...our Kinnon had both diarrhea and vomiting when he was put on it and had to be taken off.

I hope the results you are due to get tomorrow will be good.

Gentle hugs to your Rocky.

Trini

You are right. Rocky is my first fur baby so I can be overly emotional whenever he isn't doing well. But we are very, very blessed that it isn't cancer! We received the results of his blood test today. Low thyroid levels and high liver enzymes. Cushings disease is a concern. They are doing another thyroid test to determine hypothyroidism and soon, an abdominal ultrasound to determine Cushings. Our vet says if his lameness doesn't improve after thyroid medication, we will need to see a neurologist.

I've read some info on natural remedies. Two of which are green lipped mussel for arthritis and milk thistle for liver health. Any thoughts or input on these??