Our 10 year old Whippet went in today for an MRI. Over the last 3-4 weeks we've noticed her back leg getting weaker and that she doesn't want to put any weight on it.
Went to the vet weeks ago. They give her metacam which is a anti-inflamitory since they thought maybe she pulled a muscle. Seemed to get a bit better then worse again. Go back in and then they do an x-ray and don't see anything. They give steroids for two weeks. No change.
They take more x-rays. nothing.. they send us to a neurologist and after an exam he orders and MRI. That was last week so we got her in first opening (today).
They found a golf ball sized tumor in her back hip area. Tomorrow our main vet will get the MRI scan and we will see what we can do. It sucks because other than that discomfort she is super perky and full of life. I know it's going to be expensive, but I don't care. She's family.
I'm sorta mad that the vet couldn't have found this sooner and I'm surprised it didn't show anything on exam or x-ray. She had a COMPLETE blood work and everything was perfect, so I don't think it's cancer.
Just sucks.. she is so loyal and sweet. Besides, I know she would do the same for me.
She just got back and woofed (pun?) down a bowl of rice and chicken.. Funny how us humans get so attached to another species..
Anyways, had to vent.
Athena.. the wonder dog...
Update:
The MRI showed a rather large and spreading tumor, most likely cancer. The surgery to MAYBE remove it would be to radical, we don't want to put her through that. It's also starting to mess with bone in the area and chest x-rays show possible leasions on the lungs. Not good
But, she is hungry and full of life so we are going to give a bit more time to run in the grass and enjoy the summer sun. Today she went for the first of 5 days of radiation treatment along with Chemo and a medication to strengthen the bone and stop any pain.
But this isn't a cure, it should drastically slow the growth of the tumor, decrease swelling and by her some time. Nobody should have to die when spring is just starting up. Hell, I get all teared up just typing this.
She is family and we took on the responsibility to keep her well, even when it's not convienent or cheap. I can go without a fancy new toolbox or a drywalled ceiling in my garage.
In happier news we added to the "pack" with another Whippet. We figure Athena can help train her to be a good canine and it will make things much easier on our younger dog Stryder.
Introducing Daisy (I named Athena, so my wife got to name this one. lol) -- I was pushing for Anubus but she nixed that idea.
Daisy and Stryder.. Daisy is about 4-months old...
