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Thanks guys. DH and I haven't really said anything to anyone yet. I can't talk about without crying. I think the vet might have actually said sarcoma, but I was just in shock.
Sorry, I should clarify: we don't know anything yet. Best case it's just arthritis, and worst case is joint cancer. The vet mentioned amputation if it is, but we didn't talk too much about cancer, preferring to wait to find out what the radiologist says. I just realized I had written carcinoma, and I think the vet may have actually said sarcoma.
Lanie didn't seem to be having any pain when walking. She's the type to suffer in silence, and I noticed she yelped twice while having her nails trimmed Wednesday evening. I then noticed her "wrist" was swollen, but she was walking, running and jumping on it. When it was still swollen Thursday morning, I made a same-day vet appt. for Thursday afternoon. She had a bunch of x-rays from different angles, and also one on the other leg so they could compare the legs. The vet showed me the x-rays, and it's clear something is going on in the joint. They're getting an opinion from a radiologist, so we should know something by the end of the week. I know they also took blood, but I just couldn't think straight. I went in thinking she'd sprained her leg, and then found out it could be much worse.
We're really hoping it's only arthritis, but at least now we're in a position to get her whatever care she needs, whereas if we'd adopted her while in school or right after we wouldn't have as many treatment options. We're just trying to focus on positives and make sure she is comfy while we're waiting to find out. I'll post when we get an update.
She is just such a sweet, loving and passive girl.
Sorry, I should clarify: we don't know anything yet. Best case it's just arthritis, and worst case is joint cancer. The vet mentioned amputation if it is, but we didn't talk too much about cancer, preferring to wait to find out what the radiologist says. I just realized I had written carcinoma, and I think the vet may have actually said sarcoma.
Lanie didn't seem to be having any pain when walking. She's the type to suffer in silence, and I noticed she yelped twice while having her nails trimmed Wednesday evening. I then noticed her "wrist" was swollen, but she was walking, running and jumping on it. When it was still swollen Thursday morning, I made a same-day vet appt. for Thursday afternoon. She had a bunch of x-rays from different angles, and also one on the other leg so they could compare the legs. The vet showed me the x-rays, and it's clear something is going on in the joint. They're getting an opinion from a radiologist, so we should know something by the end of the week. I know they also took blood, but I just couldn't think straight. I went in thinking she'd sprained her leg, and then found out it could be much worse.
We're really hoping it's only arthritis, but at least now we're in a position to get her whatever care she needs, whereas if we'd adopted her while in school or right after we wouldn't have as many treatment options. We're just trying to focus on positives and make sure she is comfy while we're waiting to find out. I'll post when we get an update.
She is just such a sweet, loving and passive girl.
I do not want to get your hopes up but I will tell you that my GSD's arthitis symptoms were very similar. The fact that Lanie is not lethargic and has an appetite (?) is reassuring, although, of course, it does not mean that cancer is out of the question. However, this is the age (7-9 years) when arthritis begins to show, especially in larger dogs.
Try not to worry too much; I know that's not easy but, as you said, even if the prognosis is dire, you have many options that will ensure that Lanie has many happy years ahead of her.
BTW, I forgot to mention how pretty and sweet she looks in her pic. I especially love the big smile on her face
I am so happy! It's only arthritis!!!! We're going to continue to monitor the bump, but for now it's just arthritis. I never thought I would be this happy that my dog has arthritis
The vet left a voicemail, so I will call tomorrow for a plan of action, but I do want to get her started on supplements right away.
I am so happy! It's only arthritis!!!! We're going to continue to monitor the bump, but for now it's just arthritis. I never thought I would be this happy that my dog has arthritis
The vet left a voicemail, so I will call tomorrow for a plan of action, but I do want to get her started on supplements right away.
I am so happy! It's only arthritis!!!! We're going to continue to monitor the bump, but for now it's just arthritis. I never thought I would be this happy that my dog has arthritis
The vet left a voicemail, so I will call tomorrow for a plan of action, but I do want to get her started on supplements right away.
Thanks for all the good thoughts!
Oh, I am so happy for all of you. And, yes, it is so ridiculous when we are happy that it is arthritis or, rather, only arthritis. I like to think it's one of the joys of getting older--the wisdom of knowing that it could be so much worse
And, of course, I know exactly how you felt when you heard that message. In fact, it's hard to really breathe until you get that message; the knot in your stomach feels as if you're walking around with the wind knocked out of you. That vet's call is the sweetest relief.
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