Auburn University oncology didn't see anything wrong with the spleen in the ER xrays and also didn't see mets in the lungs! So, Raven and I went to the vet this morning to have Tom review what the ER said and did. By the way, I am 2000 miles away from Auburn Univ, but email info to them because I have a friend that is a pathologist there.
Tom did an ultrasound and unfortunately did see a very large mass. But it seems to be on the liver, not the spleen. His blood levels were high for white blood cells, low on platelets. Which would indicate infection and bleedout. But there was never any sign of bleeding in the xrays even at the ER during his "episode" Saturday.
We simply don't know what happened on Saturday. He definitely is weak, but energetic when he wants to be. He chased the cows this afternoon, ran across the yard for a hard boiled egg, bounced for the vet. But then he is exhausted. He has always had a great appetite, puts weight on easily, and never vomited or acted nauseous (which doesn't fit for latent cancer symptoms). So, I keep postponing euthanasia because I worry that this is something fixable and not latter stage cancer.
The mass... To really know what we are dealing with, it needs a biopsy and I didn't want to do that with the low platelet level (difficulty clotting), let alone just don't want to put him through more prodding right now. If we knew what it is, options are removal and/or chemo. Some cancers really shrink fast with chemo and have a good prognosis. We drew blood for a new CBC, and also Tom will be talking to the oncologist in the morning.
While at the vet's, two other people came in. One with a 12 week old Rottie puppy. One with a 12 week old Bulldog puppy. What are the odds! Baby Raven and Betty...
My head is spinning. I feel badly as I took work off today (Fedex and BUSY) thinking he'd be put down, or at least for the extensive vet appt's. I took off 3 days when his leg was amputated 6 weeks ago. And I know that the day I lose him I will miss work. They are mostly animal lovers and understand for the amputation or euthanasia, but I can't just keep taking days off, so must go to work tomorrow and I have no idea what tomorrow holds for Raven.
I am emotionally exhausted. Raven, on the other hand, bless his heart, is happy to put aside his difficulties and perk right up at the sign of a stuffy or an egg. And then crash and sleep hard like a Played Out Puppy when the opportunity Adminses to rest. Wish I could. He is an inspiration to me. I truly think that God gave us dogs to teach us how we should be...
Here is a GREAT song and little video that says it all for me, especially the last line, "I can't match their love for me."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY
Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers...
Dawn
"Little Miss Betty Cuteface"
Toofie on the left, eyeball on the right.
Raven (prior to tripawd surgery) and Betty
Dawn
Our continued prayers for both you and Raven. Keep strong, both of you!
Thanks again for sharing "GoD and DoG". I just love it, and have shared it with many many people since you introduced it to me a few months ago.
Enjoy Your Day!
David & Roxy
More Roxy Photos: http://s795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/DavDRox/
More Roxy Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/DavDRox
Keeping you, Raven and Betty in our prayers
Dawn, I have to tell you that if I am ever really sick, I hope someone will fight as hard for me as you have fought for Raven and Betty. It is truly love.
Re: Raven's vet visit
I will keep Raven and his Mom in my thoughts & prayer.
God Bless.
Raven is still in my prayers
I know you are making the most of every moment with him. And it sounds like he is really fighting to stay with you a little longer. I will continue to pray for him.
couldn't have said it any better! Dawn and Raven
and of course Miss Betty. Continu to follow your gut instincts. They will lead you to the right place. Raven my boy, continue to fight like you are, there is a reason for all of this, you are a fighter and can show many people and dogs alike just how intense is the will to live. Prayers for you my boy!!!!!
Dawn
Sounds like Raven is not ready to go yet. I'd always heard that an animal will tell you when they need you to make a decision, and I experienced that first hand this year with Stella and the pain in her eye. She woke me up in the middle of the night and told me, mummy, I can't wait any longer! Raven will do you the same favour.
By the way, I was just reading your message and scrolled down to see the pic of Betty - I always do. My hubby walked in at that moment and said, "Hey, there's another winky!". He calls Stella his little winky girl. He commented on how cute Betty was. Then I scrolled down to show her and the upside down Raven and he cracked up!
Major surgery can take a lot our of a person or animal. He needs
get stronger. Auburn is one of the best vet schools in the country. I live an hour from the campus. I will keep Raven in my prayers. Let him be happy with you and Miss Betty.
You think dogs will not be in Heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us.
Robert Louis Stevenson
In my thoughts and prayers
God Bless you all, I know this is a very difficult time for you.
Thank you!
The good thoughts and prayers are working.
Thank you so much for the support and kind words.
Dawn
"Little Miss Betty Cuteface"
Toofie on the left, eyeball on the right.
Raven (prior to tripawd surgery) and Betty
Thinking of you...
...and precious Raven and Miss Betty. Hoping for the very best.
Cheryl & Atlas
Dawn, I can't find the words that do justice to express...
how special you, Raven, and Betty are. You inspire me so much, and it fills my heart with so much joy to know you and your babies. It's so evident how loved and happy your furbabies are.
I am glad Raven had a better day today.
Please know we are praying for him.
We love you, Raven, and Betty so much.
that was very well said..
we need to take each day as it comes..
we should be doing that in each of ours lives.
live each day like it is the last and enjoy it to the max.
Thank you!
Well put.
Dawn
"Little Miss Betty Cuteface"
Toofie on the left, eyeball on the right.
Raven (prior to tripawd surgery) and Betty
Dawn I just posted
I am a firm believer in signs, and the bullie and rotti being there says just that, They are there and Raven is not ready to go yet. You have a great team who will give you excellent advice and it appears Raven is going about his daily life, just maybe a little slower. take it one day at a time and make informed decisions as the need to be made, He loves you and trusts you. You will both live for the moment, and really that is how our lives should be because that really is all we have. may the blessings be. J & T
Thinking of you!
He sounds like he is doing pretty good, esp.chasing the cows!
much bully love~Christine, Dupree, Marley and Savannah
Sounds like he's feeling good to me
Or at least not in pain, which is good. I love that he was chasing the cows
Continued good thoughts for you, Raven, & Betty!