Unsure diagnosis

[Seven Hills]

Hi Everyone,
I have a 9 year old here who just became sick on Sunday, his name is Spanky, he began by not eating his normal breakfast, which for the last 9 years has always done. That night he became very quite and just layed around. I thought he was mad at me because I am training puppy's and using his crate, which he loves. Monday morning he would not get up, his stomach is distended, I knew it was not bloat, been through it and the signs were not there, however he was lethargic, dizzy and would not eat. I thought he ate something, like a sock and it was stuck. We had him in the vets office first thing, the vet checked his signs and found no pain at all in his abdomen, throat. The vet said he thinks it is something else and wanted to run a full blood count on him. We did so and waited for results. Tuesday morning back to the vets because his blood was not showing signes of anything good. His white count is 1900, The rest because I don't have the results here with me I will try to expalin. His Kideny and liver counts are off, his potassium level is down.
So they thought addisons, they ran the test for that and it came back negative. I came home and researched addisons and found it wasn't he did not have the signs but it had to be ruled out. So by Wednesday they are saying maybe Lepto, I don't think so because he is showing any signs of that either. No fever, which I monitor every few hours every day. No vomiting, no diarhea. In fact he only moved his bowels Since Sunday yesterday morning. It was pasty in consistancy and orange.
Since Tuesday his dizzyness and lethargy have subsided somewhat, still there but not as bad, however his belly is still very swollen. He is going in today for more blood to check the levels and to get a Pennislin shot because of the white count, tomorrow he is going for an ultrasound first thing.
I am sure some of what I written is confusing but this hit us without warning. My head is still spinning to grasp what is going on. Anything anyone has to offer would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Lisa

[Judi W]

I suspect that you are going to have to wait for the ultrasound as there are too many organs and systems that could be awry. Good luck.

[RebeccaH]

What became of the ultrasound?
We experienced something similar with our oldest male last November and even after the u/s and more tests, they still couldn't make a final diagnosis but thought it might have been cancer. Hope your were able to find out the problem.

[Seven Hills]

Hi Judi and RebeccaH, thank you for your reply to my post. I am sorry I have not replied since the ultrasound. You see it was the worst news anyone can get. My family is devistated. I can't even think it or say it outloud.
Sincerely,
Lisa

[Patty1231]

Our prayers are with you, Lisa. There are far too many of us that have been where you are at right now. Be strong for your boy.

[Seven Hills]

Thank you Patty, I truely don't know how we will get through this. We have been truely blessed by him, right now he does not look sick, not even a little, except for the shaved belly from the ultrasound, you would never know it. He has felt better the last few days. He is so beautiful inside and out! Staying strong is not going that well. We are trying to be positive around him but give me one minute alone and I am a basket case!
Thank you so much,
Lisa

[Bucky's Mom]

Originally Posted by Seven Hills

Staying strong is not going that well. We are trying to be positive around him but give me one minute alone and I am a basket case!
Thank you so much,
Lisa

Your boy will pick up on your worry and he will worry too. Try to look and act as if nothing is wrong and keep his spirits up along with yours. Thinking of you and sending "be strong" vibes your way.

[Seven Hills]

Thank you Lisa,
We are all trying as a family to be very strong in front of him, yes he does pick up on everything! He is so young, I have been in this breed for over 20 years now and have never faced anything this bad this young. He looks like a baby. If I knew how to post a picture I would show you, but I don't know how. Thank you so much for your support, even though I don't post often I do read alot of it. I know so many have been there. I just wish with all my heart and sole there was something I could do for him. Spanky was born with us and we have cherished every day with him!
Thank you again.
Lisa

[Judi W]

Lisa,
Your boy has had a good life and that is truly what you need to remember. When the time comes it is your turn to give to him with dignity and kindness, returning all that he has gifted to you over the years.
Sincerely,
JW

[beledi]

Lisa I am so sorry. I know you are in a lot of pain. I have done some major journaling since Ash's passing and since last March when Erda was diagnosed with cancer. She is still happy and not in pain. Hopefully the cancer will stay in remission.

Beledi/Erda's mom

[Seven Hills]

Dear Beledi,
Could you please tell me more about Erda's s situation if it is not too painful? Are you doing anything to help? Anything you can tell me would help. Did the vets offer you any way to help? In Spanky's situation we were told there is nothing we can do, nothing medically will help him, no surgery, or chemo, I feel so helpless.
Sincerely,
Lisa

[Patty1231]

You may want to try switching to a raw diet. Vegetables, protein, fat - no carbs. My female was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of cancer in October. I switched her immediately and she is still doing very well. Her tumor has returned but is growing very slowly and, to date, has not palpably spread to other lymph nodes. Others here have had success with it, as well. Do a search both here and on the internet for canine cancer diets.

[moondog]

I understand Spanky has been diagnosed with cancer, but I don't see what part of him is affected. Can you tell us? Is he receiving any treatment at all for it? Most importantly, is he suffering? It's hard to know how to help without a little more info.

[Seven Hills]

Ok I will try to do this. He has never been sick before. He began last Saturday by skipping a meal, he never does that, by Friday March 4th we were in for an ultrasound where they found a tumor on his spleen, with fluid build up in his belly and around his heart. The fluid around his heart is slight, not enough for the doctor to go in and take a sample. We were present for the ultrasound and saw exactly what he explained to us.
They are telling us we can not help him! Since then his belly has gone down, he is eating normally and acting better, but I know what I saw. I just want to be able to help him. The doctor said he will have good days and bad days. His white count on Monday was 1900 by Wed it was down to 1700. We asked if it would be soon, they told us they can not tell us. We asked if he was in pain, even though we are not seeing any sign of pain, but in case he is being brave and trying not to show us, but the dr. said no he doesn't seem to have any pain. Sorry I know I am all over the place, but I can't seem to keep it together long enough to get through anything.
Sincerely,
Lisa

[Patty1231]

Hang in there, dear, we know exactly how you feel. The reason I mentioned the cancer diet is that it gave me a sense of empowerment when I felt like I was just hopelessly drifting, unable to do anything about anything. It appears to have helped Perle. But I figured - what the heck - it certainly can't hurt, as she had gotten the worst diagnosis possible. She was not a candidate for treatment, either, so I feel with this I am at least doing something that could help her.

Perle was never sick, either. Just one day, out of the blue it seemed, this lump had developed. That's why we must appreciate every day we have with them, because you just never know.