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Any ideas here? (Original Post) Texasgal Mar 2012 OP
Golly. Hope you keep us posted. Watch over him now..... glinda Mar 2012 #1
I wish I had something to offer about this TorchTheWitch Mar 2012 #2
Thanks TTW Texasgal Mar 2012 #4
what time of the day is the appt? TorchTheWitch Mar 2012 #6
Not until this afternoon. Texasgal Mar 2012 #9
Maybe this. LiberalAndProud Mar 2012 #3
Thanks L&P. Texasgal Mar 2012 #5
postive energy on the way. irisblue Mar 2012 #7
It looks like a goiter to me too kdmorris Mar 2012 #8
Have you been to the vet yet? Curmudgeoness Mar 2012 #10
See update down below. Texasgal Mar 2012 #13
Just checking in to see how you and the fur baby are doing TorchTheWitch Mar 2012 #11
Thanks Torch! Texasgal Mar 2012 #12
This message was self-deleted by its author Ruby the Liberal Mar 2012 #14
oh damn TorchTheWitch Mar 2012 #15
Noo..no. Texasgal Mar 2012 #16
oh ok TorchTheWitch Mar 2012 #17
And that's exactly right! hamsterjill Mar 2012 #23
Hugs to you, and here's hoping for the best! n/t phylny Mar 2012 #18
I hope all turns out to be alright. Curmudgeoness Mar 2012 #20
You know. I really do not know! Texasgal Mar 2012 #21
You are asking the wrong person for advise on meds. Curmudgeoness Mar 2012 #22
You have made me feel so much better! Texasgal Mar 2012 #25
wonderful! TorchTheWitch Mar 2012 #27
I am glad I could help.... Curmudgeoness Mar 2012 #28
give treats? ginnyinWI Mar 2012 #30
I gave him a treat AFTER Texasgal Mar 2012 #31
that's really interesting TorchTheWitch Mar 2012 #26
My vet always just rolls her eyes when I say Curmudgeoness Mar 2012 #29
hugs for you & your baby CountAllVotes Mar 2012 #19
I'm wishing your puppy and you the very best Stinky The Clown Mar 2012 #24
Best of love, healing and luck to your baby! glinda Mar 2012 #32

TorchTheWitch

(11,065 posts)
2. I wish I had something to offer about this
Thu Mar 1, 2012, 01:51 AM
Mar 2012

I have no idea though. Are there any other symptoms? Anything at all? Does it seem to bother her at all in any way?

I remember my automechanic had a dog that has a strange similar lump that was more in the front of her chest area for years. Turned out to be some sort of benign cyst type of thing. Never bothered her at all, and as far as I know never went away. They kept an eye on it but it never got bigger or smaller or moved or changed in any way, and for some reason surgery wasn't recommended (I never asked why that was, so I have no idea).

Try not to scare yourself and hang in there until the vet appt. I know, it's useless to say not to be scared, but just try not to anyway. Maybe it's nothing more than swollen glands or an insect bite or some other strange thing like that.

Have you searched around the internet for anything about what it could be? I always do that but sometimes that just ends up scaring me more. It can help though in just making you feel like you're doing something useful and productive in the meantime while you wait to see the vet, and it can help if you find information that helps you to see that it could be something weird but nothing to worry about and easily treatable.

I guess all I can really offer is virtual hugs and hope that when you see the vet it turns out to be nothing so scary. Just hang in there and try not to think the worst. Talk it out as much as you need to if that helps... everybody here would be glad to do that much.





Texasgal

(17,045 posts)
4. Thanks TTW
Thu Mar 1, 2012, 02:01 AM
Mar 2012

He seems to be eating and drinking okay. Playing with his sister has become an issue because I think when she "tugs" at the toys it hurts his throat and he has let out a sound I have not heard of until tonight. It's a "hurt" sound. He loves to play tug so this is new.

I have looked online and I am hoping it's nothing more than a infected gland. Still... I am freaking out!

Think of me tomorrow. I hope my sweety boo will be okay. Uggg. Sleep is gonna be impossible tonight!

TorchTheWitch

(11,065 posts)
6. what time of the day is the appt?
Thu Mar 1, 2012, 02:35 AM
Mar 2012

I hope it's in the morning so you can get some peace of mind just getting the waiting and wondering overwith.

I know what you mean about not being able to sleep... whenever I'm freaking out waiting to get to the vet I can never sleep a wink no matter how tired I am. I'm a night person, so if you find yourself unable to sleep and need some virtual hand holding I'll keep checking back in for you, and I'm sure anyone else here who finds themselves up and around tonight for whatever reason will do the same.

You're not alone, Texasgal! We'll bite off our nails right along with you and offer whatever hugs or handholding or words of peace and wisdom we can!




Texasgal

(17,045 posts)
5. Thanks L&P.
Thu Mar 1, 2012, 02:05 AM
Mar 2012

This seriously LOOKS like a goither! I had not thought of that.

Thanks for the link.

I will remain sleepless and worried tonight. Vet's visit cannot come sooner! AGGGGG!

irisblue

(32,981 posts)
7. postive energy on the way.
Thu Mar 1, 2012, 06:30 AM
Mar 2012

i know it can be hard when your furbaby isn't fully healthy...let us know

kdmorris

(5,649 posts)
8. It looks like a goiter to me too
Thu Mar 1, 2012, 08:51 AM
Mar 2012

(I had one a long time ago). The good news is that it's completely treatable and easy to fix if it is that.

TorchTheWitch

(11,065 posts)
11. Just checking in to see how you and the fur baby are doing
Thu Mar 1, 2012, 09:33 PM
Mar 2012

Anxious to hear how things went at the vet and how you and the doggie are doing.

Keeping my fingers crossed for ya!




Texasgal

(17,045 posts)
12. Thanks Torch!
Thu Mar 1, 2012, 11:09 PM
Mar 2012

We've been home for a while.

Here's what I know. He has a massive fungal ear infection. They had to clean his ears and sedate him which made him actually FALL over in the vets office.

They did a mass aspirate in house and found lymphoma cells. They are not sure if the ear infection and the swelling is connected. We've sent a sample to the pathology office here in town. I will not hear back for 72 hours.

They gave us some clavamox ( antiboitics) and some ear fungal ointment and some tramadol to keep him relaxed.

Since we've been home he has been snoring next to me and resting well. His little pup sister who constantly screws with him seems to know that something is not right and has respected his space. He is all wrapped up in one of my mama's quilts right now sleeping restfully. It's been a tough day for both of us.

72 hour is gonna be long.

Thank you for your thoughts and your support. I really appreciate that.

Response to Texasgal (Reply #12)

TorchTheWitch

(11,065 posts)
15. oh damn
Thu Mar 1, 2012, 11:51 PM
Mar 2012

Did the vet say much of anything about finding the lymphoma cells? I always tell my vet I want to know the absolute worst case scenerio right off the bat rather then they're being non-commital until they know more just because in having to wait my own mind cooks up even more horrible things. That's me though.

And now you have to wait another few days. UGH.

Geez, I'm soooooo sorry you and your dear one are going through this. It's very scary and very upsetting. What a day for both of you! I'm glad that he's getting good treatment and the meds are helping him.

Big hugs for you both!

Try to hang in there!


Texasgal

(17,045 posts)
16. Noo..no.
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 12:22 AM
Mar 2012

she just said that we may not get the entire story without outside pathology.

Even as drugged as he is he seems to look better,

Thanks TTW.

TorchTheWitch

(11,065 posts)
17. oh ok
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 04:08 AM
Mar 2012

That damn lymphoma word scared the hell out of me.

He's looking and feeling better so that's definitely a good thing. Hopefully it's just this infection thingie.

Poor swollen dopey doggie! Give him lots of poochie smoochies from me!





hamsterjill

(15,222 posts)
23. And that's exactly right!
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 03:51 PM
Mar 2012

"We may not get the entire story without outside pathology"...


Hopefully, this will be something that can be dealt with by reasonable medical means, and you and your kiddo will enjoy many more years together.

Thank you for caring about him, and I wish you both the very best.

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
20. I hope all turns out to be alright.
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 02:03 PM
Mar 2012

Are you sure the vet said "lymphoma cells" or did they say "lymphocyte cells"? Big difference. Lymphocytes are just cells that the lymph nodes produce to fight infections. They would be expected at the site of any infection and are not a cause for concern. They do indicate that there is an infection in the area, but that is all. You already know that there is infection in the ear, and it could be just an extension of that infection.

Like I always say, don't worry about things that have not happened yet.....save worries for things you know. It will be a long 72 hours, but try to focus on the pup for now.

Good luck.

Texasgal

(17,045 posts)
21. You know. I really do not know!
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 03:31 PM
Mar 2012

Very good Post Curmudge! I think I may have been so worried about what was going on especially since they had to sedate him that I may not have heard that clearly!

I think I am going to call and ask the vet that exact same question!

With that said, any advice on administering the ear meds? He REALLY does not care for it.. I mean he really fights me on it!

Thank you for your thoughts!

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
22. You are asking the wrong person for advise on meds.
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 03:40 PM
Mar 2012

I am the one who was bloody and bruised going through meds with my cat! I sat on him, hard, to hold him still. There is only one thing I remember from years ago with ear drops the vet gave a cat, and that was put them in with the head tilted just like you would for yourself, then hold the ear flap down so that when the head shakes (and it will), they don't instantly go flying all over the place.

Just do your best.

Texasgal

(17,045 posts)
25. You have made me feel so much better!
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 05:46 PM
Mar 2012

I just spoke to the Vet.

She told me that she did see "lymphocyte cells" and "lymphoma cells" she told me that the pathology was just to make SURE that everything was okay. She said that it could still be "lymphoma" but she is just being cautious.

I went home for lunch and it looks like his throat is a bit less swollen.

Thank you! You are awesome! I am feeling so much less anxious.

The DU pet's forum ROCKS!!!

TorchTheWitch

(11,065 posts)
27. wonderful!
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 06:59 PM
Mar 2012

I'm so glad that Curmudgeoness brought this up and you were able to find out for sure. This is REALLY good news, and I'm so happy for both you and your dear doggie!

And yup, the DU pet group totally rocks!




Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
28. I am glad I could help....
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 08:25 PM
Mar 2012

and I truly hope that your baby is alright. I know that we have so many things in our head that we kinda know about, and we sometimes hear things differently than what is said, especially at doctor's and vet's offices. I learned this when my mom was sick, and we both went into the office with the doctor. We often did not hear the same things, and of course, medical professionals don't really understand how really stupid we are with all the medical terms.

Good vibes for you and the furbaby!

ginnyinWI

(17,276 posts)
30. give treats?
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 11:26 PM
Mar 2012

I've had success pairing treats with meed with our cat. Hoping for a treat puts everything else out of mind.

Texasgal

(17,045 posts)
31. I gave him a treat AFTER
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 11:44 PM
Mar 2012

the ear med but he was still not happy.

I guess his ears really hurt and sticking a small plastic stick down his ear canal really annoys him.

He actually tried to bite me which is NOT normal for him. My husband and I had to literally hold him down. Poor baby!

I may try again tomorrow after a tramadol pill to calm him down.

Thank you for your response!

TorchTheWitch

(11,065 posts)
26. that's really interesting
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 05:56 PM
Mar 2012

Thanks for bringing this up. I really hope that they said lymphocyte cells instead. It sure sounds like that could be the case because the doggie does have a bad infection and the lump is right in that area. I wouldn't have thought of this. Thanks again!

It's so great that I'm always learning something new here. I just love this group!


Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
29. My vet always just rolls her eyes when I say
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 08:32 PM
Mar 2012

"someone online suggested" or "I read on the internet". But she has learned to respect some of the questions that I come up with because of things I have learned here.

I love this group too. Even when no one can help with answers, there is so much love sent your way that you just feel better anyways.

Stinky The Clown

(67,808 posts)
24. I'm wishing your puppy and you the very best
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 04:21 PM
Mar 2012

I've read the thread. I hope it all turns out well. I can only imagine how frightening and saddening this can be.

These little (and not so little) furbags are as much family as any other being in our lives.

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