So as I posted last night, Ivan’s belly blew up and looked weird, because his boney spine was still, well all knobby and he just kind of looked like the Pregnant Man, if you know who I mean. I didn’t *think* he had bloated, but I texted photos of him to my ex vet tech friend who said “something is definitely going on with him” …I go to the vet, and not wait til to tomorrow.
I explained, that from what I researched, he didn’t have the clinical signs. No retching, drooling, or pale gums. His tail was still wagging and he was friendly. He was just panting like crazy but he has been doing that before the big belly.
The ex-vet-tech friend was pretty insistant that I go to the ER Vet. Kinda freaking me out, with the whole, ‘they’ll die fast from thom this’ stuff.
A little background on the ex-vet-tech: he has a horrible, horrible unrelenting crush on me. I’ve explained about boundaries and how he has to respect them, and he has said he would. Stay with me here…I’m getting to something.
He asked if I wanted him to come to the ER vet. I said NO. Absolutely not. I’m fine.
Well, as fate would have it, I got to the ER Vet and realized I left my wallet at home. I had a $125 cash. But I had a feeling the visit would cost more. Grudgingly, I called ex-vet-tech and asked him if he would kindly go to my apt and get my wallet for me. His respose? “GREAT! I just got out of the shower in case you changed your mind about me coming!” Bear in mind, it was past midnight.
And I had a feeling of being a little set-up. A little pushed down Worry Lane and into the ER Vet so that ex vet tech would have a shot at ‘getting together’, in spite of Ivan not having any of the clinical signs of GVD. Because, yea, he JUMPS at any chance to do that. Who the hell showers after being told, “No, I don’t want you to come.” just on the OFF CHANCE that something might change?
Back to Ivan. Of course he didn’t have bloat. The vet ruled that out on physical exam in like two seconds. Which FREAKED ME OUT, because the entire time in the exam room waiting, I was crying, preparing myself to say goodbye to sweet Ivan. Literally, once again, I thought, ‘this is the end’. Based on the har’em scar’em shit from ex vet tech. Who, by the way, should KNOW, after 13 years as a vet tech, that a dog wagging its tail and having a soft belly, not hard…is no GVD. So I’m a bit pissed.
However, on exam, the doctor found enlarged lymph nodes under Ivan’s jaw and behind his knee. Big, like, walnut sized. And he said Lymphoma is a possibility.
Here I am again. I just don’t have endless resources to pay for chemo and vet trips, yet I want the best life for Ivan. I live on a stretched income as it is. I don’t know what to do 🙁
I’m so sorry you have to deal with so much. Did the vet check out the lumps? We just had some checked on our Hunter and there were the “not to worry” kind – fatty tumors. Maybe that’s all they are.
Thank you. No, unfortunately, these are really the lymph nodes.
🙁
Oh, can they test them to see if they are cancerous? If you are dealing with cancer, there is much discussion on the forums about natural remedies vs. chemotherapy.
Thank you, will look…
I’m so sorry you are having to deal with all this, but so glad Ivan is with you. If the worst should happen (and we are sending our best pawsitive thoughts that it won’t) at least he is in a happy home.
I don’t know about lymphoma (our pup had osteosarcoma) so don’t know about alternative (cheaper) treatments or what the prognosis is with that. I hope you’ll have some wonderful, happy times with Ivan. (Are there other things that could cause enlarged lymph nodes??)
If his tail is wagging, he’s a happy boy and he doesn’t know the Dx. Make the most of whatever time you do have. That’s all any of us can do anyway. Hang in there. We’re pulling for the big guy!
Jackie, Angel Abby’s mom
Thank you. I don’t know. The ER Vet said to take him to the vet today, but it is SO hot out and he seems to be resting somewhat comfortably, I don’t want him to get strained again. His resting heart rate is still elevated as well as respirations.
Diagnostics are possible…but I just am running out of money. I am thinking I might have to do the best I can for him as long as he keeps wagging his tail, and when the bad starts to outweigh the good, let him go. The vet said lymphome is a treatable cancer, but just about anything is treatable if you have the money.
I’ve been following Ivan’s story, and am very sorry that he has been through so much. My Rio had enlarged lymph nodes for almost a year before she succumbed to her cancer. Granted her’s was metastatic in nature (advanced Mast Cell cancer) and not a primary diagnosis of lymphoma, but still, don’t rule out having time with your boy just because things look grim.
BTW, some of the same treatments for advanced MCTs are similar to lymphoma treatments, and some of our options weren’t too expensive (give a pill at home vs. oncology office/IV drips).
Good luck with your big guy!
Rio’s momma, Micki
I hope you are right. The ER vet mentioned something about prednisone.
Please check out this link:
http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cancer/c_multi_lymphadenopathy#.T_X8QpEr6Yg
There are lots of things that can cause swollen lymph nodes besides cancer. He may have an infection. Reading this brought to mind the problem you found with one of his rear legs.
I hope that’s all it is. Hang in there!
Thank for the link. I read it but I am trying to figure out if only SOME lymph nodes swell for some things or they go one by one with cancer…I’m not a cancer nurse for people, so I’m lost here!
I’ve been so depressed today. Crying, angry, confused about how much money I am supposed to put out toward a dog who has already suffered so much, and if I even have that money.
This must be so hard for you. Please try and stay strong. We are all here for you sending you lots of pawsitive thoughts.
From what I understand lymphoma can be very treatable with chemo and you may find the cost isn’t as bad as you think. But the enlarged lymph nodes could also be due to infection or internal parasites (that idea stolen from Pam after reading her response to your query on the forum).
I don’t know what tests would be needed to confirm if it is infection or lymphoma or parasites. It must be frustrating for you that you still don’t know!
Jackie is right, whatever happens Ivan is in a wonderful home being loved and he has lots of people across the globe praying for him.
Hang in there
Karen
I’m thinking that this cannot be cancer– that would be just too much to deal with for the poor boy–he would have to have the worst luck ever to have had his life so far (until you came along and saved him) and then get lymphoma at 3. However– if it is lymphoma, Dr Ettenger (Dog Cancer Survival Guide) states that lymphoma responds better to treatment than any other canine cancer– she always recommends chemo for lymphoma. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed– I don’t know if it’s too painful for her to weigh in, but Elizabeth (fighting for sammy) just lost her mastiff, Titan, to lymphoma (very suddenly). I assume there is an easy test to determine if it’s lymphoma– fingers and paws crossed for infection or parasite.
You actually made me laugh a little bit! You’re so right! This would be the most unlucky dog ever. Ears cut off, paw cut off, lined up for euthanasia, went to foster mom and laid in a barn where he was infested with ticks, fleas, and hooks, and starved. Then he finds a home and gets cancer. Well that would pretty much suck.
On the up side – he’s up to 102 pounds.
Ok. F@#$. F@#$. FU@#.
I have been falling hard for Ivan, this isn’t okay! Sorry for the swearing, but as a former truck driver I am starting to get pissed about his fate.
I am Elizabeth, who had Titan the mastiff, who was diagnosed with Lymphoma on 6/10, I lost my wonderful, awesome, noble boy 6/16. His case of it though was probably alot more advanced than I originally knew.
The test for the enlarged lymph nodes and exam and everything was $103.00 Dr Pam is my vet, (always will be as long we live within a 1000 miles of each other) and she was the one who diagnosed my Titan, and did all the treatments for my newfoundland Sammy with bone cancer. He lived an astounding 17 months.
Prednasone can be an amazing factor in the dogs overall quality of life, it can cause them to go into remission for a year or better. My boy had just stopped eating and couldn’t keep fluid down, so he lost the fight way beforehe or I were ready to let him go.
I would check it out if I were you, ask how much it is to aspirate a couple of lymph nodes. That way you have a plan. Without treatment, the outcome is 2 weeks to 2 months. With pred (it is VERY cheap) the outcome is longer 4 months to a year I think.
I bet he doesn’t have lymphoma, I bet he is just very run down and fighting everything in the world to try and recover.
The fact that he gained weight is a huge indicator that he DOESN’T have cancer.
Pm doctor Pam, “tazziedog” her advice is free and she loves mastiffs. She is also an amazing vet, who specializes in cancer stuff. It couldn’t hurt!
Ugh. I am wrung out. I miss my boy. I love your boy, or am really starting to. I want so so so much for him to pull through.
Elizabeth
Your first lines echo my sentiments. I’ve been inventing about a hundred other f words today.
We made it downstairs this evening and Ivan collapsed. I can’t describe it any other way – he stepped off the last stair under a tree and slid his forelimb down and everything followed. Nothing…nothing could insprire him to move. I walked away from him, which usually makes him nervous, and he gets up and follows, and even that was worthless. I picked him up over and over [just to the point of getting him to his feet] and he slid down over and over.
Finally I conceded – OK you don’t have to go anywhere, we’ll go back upstairs. He was panting so heavily. I walked back toward the door and he moved a little…but needed help. A neighbor saw me crying and carrying him, and helped. Just indside the door, he collapsed again. We brought him water, which he lapped, but still couldn’t lift himself. About forty minutes lates, with me half carrying/him half stepping…we made it up the stairs.
I don’t know if then he lost control of bowels or he just felt like he couldn’t manage a trip outside, but he pooped.
After this episode, I’m starting to feel that my desires to keep him alive might be too selfish and I should not let him suffer.
I think Mastiffs will always be my first love. I was lucky enough to have one that lived til 12, and hoped to rescue one as opposed to buy from a breeder. I wish I had been there soon for for Ivan. If the eastern religions are right, he has paid his dues and will reach nirvana when the time comes. Nobody should suffer the cruelty he suffered just to reach HOME and die. That’s in eff-ing movies. Oh, if he could speak, what would he say?
I am crying and crying and love him so much. Ivan, please tell me what you need me to do.
I couldn’t have put that any better myself Elizabeth.
FU@#$. FU@#$. FU@#$. That does feel better 🙂
I’m on the other side of the world and I”ve fallen in love with this guy too and I can’t bear the thought of him not making it.
Karen
You’re so kind. Poor Ivan. If he only knew how many people and spirit dogs are cheering him.
I have one more option… it won’t be pretty… but little dogs sometimes do it. Have you thought about wee wee pads? Just until he gets more strength and endurance?
What if he had a week of not having to build up muscle control to go down the stairs twice a day or more.
It is alot different ( I know having had big BIG dogs) than having little chihuahuas pee on a pad and poo, but the results are the same… What do you think? Give him a week????
If he is eating, pooping, sleeping and doesn’t seem to be in pain then maybe he just needs more time? It hasn’t been that long yet and he has put on some weight which is a great sign. The poor boy has been through a lot and all of his energy will be going towards keeping the body functioning. Is there is a way that you can allow him to go potty inside and avoid the stairs for a week or so?
Maybe I’m being selfish but if he has the basics I’m just wondering if he just needs more time to rebuild his strength.
I’m sure you have done your own googling but this link looks quite good…
http://www.collargirl.com/starved_dogs.html
Could be…but why would he suddenly get *worse*? Isn’t heavy panting a sign of distress? Thanks for the link…more good info.
Don’t worry, I am selfish too. I want this big guy around! He is indeed eating, pooping, sleeping [although not easily]. Will consult with vet tomorrow.
It’s a possibility…except he’s still in so much discomfort. I have the balcony, and he could even use wee wee pads out there. Or in the kitchen. But his resting heart rate and respirations are so fast I am worrying that he is struggling no matter what he does.
I’m a little scared to even put him in the car to get to the vet for diagnostics because of the heat, he’s absolutely collapsing at the bottom of the stairs.
What do you think? Keep him indoors *completely* for a while? Even indoors he acts like he’s sitting on the equator.
Sounds like consulting with the vet a good idea.
Magnum used to pant a lot in the heat. I’d put the fan on her and even wet down her tummy. That generally worked. But, unfortunately panting can also be a sign of pain!
I have everything crossed for you.
I would feel calling the vet should be good. You can give him some time to stay inside, the vet would probably agree that the cost to Ivan for taking him in will be too high right now.
I saw your forum post about losing Ivan and so I decided to ‘catch up’ on your past adventures with him.
I too have been worried about my dog because I’ve had to take her to the vet 5 times in the last 2 months trying to get her ‘gulping’ issue diagnosed. Not a cheap endeavor especially since I am a grad student and also on a fixed income.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss after you’ve done all of this, you should truly give yourself credit and lots of karma for loving Ivan and doing your absolute best for him
Also, sorry to hear about vet-tech weirdo. I might have asked him to pick up the bill rather than get my wallet at that point…
-Chloe’s mom
Thank you for the condolensces. I hope beyong hope your pup gets things sorted out with gulping. 5 vet trips is definitely not a cheap endeavour. Over the years, I’ve thought I might as well have gone to vet school – I pretty much have paid off a few vets’ school loans now anyhow with all my precious loves.
Thanks, a couple thousand dollars (and 2 anesthesia procedures) later, we *think* its related to her ingesting foxtails and causing severe inflammation internally. Her esophagus, tonsils, and a little bit of her stomach.
It has been so frustrating to go from ‘GI acid reflux, to internal obstruction to her mouth getting infected from eating grass (foxtail getting stuck under the tongue) because I was told that if they have an upset tummy, grass helps them vomit. Well I didn’t really know the dangers of foxtails since I only moved here just over a year ago and they are hiddin within the grasses. Even after the foxtail was removed, she was still painfully gulping, pacing around and it killed me to see her in pain. Finally had her ‘scoped’ to *fingers crossed* get this diagnosis. When dealing with the unknown, I worried that she might have another form of cancer (already had an amputation) and that I wouldn’t be able to go any further with treatment financially.
Now that there seems to ‘only’ be inflammation, she’s on steroids to help. Which it slowly is, but she’s been scaring the crap out of me in the process.
And I would like to give you a virtual hug for fighting the system of foster abuse, loving him and doing all you can. It’s not easy having pets leave you prematurely.