Month: September 2015

We went to a different vet yesterday for a second opinion. What a difference. The surgery center took a sample of the fluid in her “sore”. This was Tuesday. The new vet said…slow down. The surgeon I talked to had jumped to the final solution way too soon. He explained that the “sore” was indeed cancer. But, that we would not know exactly what type until the sample comes back from the oncologist. Fortunately it is not a bone cancer. The surgeon NEVER used the word cancer. At least now I know what we are facing. Of course, I am moving all of my pets (I also have a terrier and 2 cats) to the new vet. Unlike the “jump to amputation” surgeon, the vet said when we get the results of the fluid draw and know exactly what we are dealing with then we can form appropriate plans of action. As he said, if the cancer has spread, she may only have a few months left. So it would be ridiculous to amputate! We could clean out as much as possible of the tumor and let it go. He did also say that whatever we did it is possible that the cancer would regrow – just like cancers in humans. The new vet gave me new hope. He explained that if amputation does turn out to be the only alternative, the surgeon I spoke to before was excellent – one of the best in the area. She just has “poor bedside manner”. OK, I got that. He continued, but, if the final solution is to clean out the cancer and hope for the best, he can do it in his office for a lot less than having the surgeon do the procedure. So, we are waiting for the results and WITH THIS VET, we will plan a course of action. Some may say he is giving me “false hope”. I say he gave me a full and complete explanation of what we were facing and I feel better about our situation now. As I told him, I am resolved to the amputation if necessary, but I appreciated his frankness and approach to our situation.

I had a couple of helpful responses to my first blog. Thank you for the support. I have taken your advice and have scheduled an appointment with another vet to get a second opinion before proceeding. I will let you know the outcome of that in my next blog.

Sept 1 Freckles and I, directed by our “regular vet” went to a specialty clinic in the Dallas/Fort Worth to assess a large sore that had developed on her thigh. My usual vet had given her the same medications 3 times – 3 months – and there was no improvement. (Yes, I have 2 dogs and 2 cats…my faith in his professionalism and abilities are nil now). He finally directed us to a local specialty clinic. I was astounded that the 1st thing that the doctor discussed was amputation.  That was all. That was the treatment. Important lost time in the progression of her “problem” due to the hesitation of my usual vet? He will no longer be my vet! Anyway, I did make an appointment at the he suggested. At the clinic, the doctor’s attitude, after she was 30 minutes late for OUR appointment was cold and factual. As I said,it was all BUSINESS…minimal explanations and then the bombshell that the leg would have to be amputated. WHAT? My usual vet said it was a skin lesion and just needed to be removed. Imagine my surprise when I was told my dog needed the leg amputated. I was in SHOCK! She took my girl “back to examine her” and came back saying yes – amputation was the only way to treat the problem….or surgery AND chemo at $5,000 for 16 radiation sessions and there was no guarantee that it would not regrow. She said the “tests” she did (actually drawing fluid for the sore) “sometimes” come back in 24 hours. It has now been 36 and counting. Does she need surgery? Will euthanasia be required Still waiting. Without any information – not even a phone call from the clinic to give me a status – will take longer or whatever – any information after 36 hours? Really?

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