[lanka1]

Hi Everyone,
I just got the call I was dreading from the vets. Last week Nik was diagnosed with osteomyelitis which is a bone infection. The vet removed her outside toe and felt that he had gotten all of the infection. He sent the tissue/bone away for pathology and it returned today saying it was squamous cell cancer in her nail bed of that toe.

Nik was doing quite well after surgery until today when I had to remove the wrapping off her foot. I'm not sure if the pressure of me holding it was painful, but it took a few hours of rubbing, massaging and hugging to get her to relax after I took it off.

I know that I'm going to lose her eventually, I would just prefer it not be right now. I love this dog so much, she is so much entertainment and the best companion in the world.

If anyone ever notices any odd type of changes in their dogs nails, be sure to take notice and see a vet. I have been reading more about squamous cell carcinomas of the nail bed since I got this news and it is very important to get treatment right away.

I'm thinking with Nik that I didn't catch it soon enough. She has been limping for a few months now and when I took her to the vets, they diagnosed her with arthritis or a sprain. It wasn't until I noticed her outside toe nail on her left foot sticking up at a strange angle that I realized that it wasn't arthritis or a sprain.

When the vet called he didn't mention any options besides lets just "wait and see how she does". The one thing I can say for sure, Nik lets me know immediately when she's not feeling well. She will sit at my feet, pushing between me and whatever I happen to be doing at the moment. I typically know when she's in pain, the guessing game is typically "what is it" that's bothering her. She also will drool a lot which is the first indication that something isn't right.

If you could keep Nikki in your prayers, I would appreciate it. I think we need all the help we can get right now. Thank you and best wishes to all of you and your babies.

Sandi