Hi jetred,
From your post a year ago… this is exactly the type of information I'm searching for, "I know this might not be survivable for her but I can't find any advice on how to get a dog through cancer, what to look out for, when is she truly in pain, what spindle cell does over time and when is enough for her and time to set her free."
So I am wondering, what was your plan with Luna? How did you make decisions? What information did you learn that you think is important to know about the spindle cell cancer disease process?
I have a 15 yr old girl (aussie shepard mix) who is in good spirits, enjoys slow short walks, putting her nose in the wind, eating, etc all normally. We've had two surgeries already to debulk the tumor on her rear leg. One in 2013, and the second recently in June from which she recovered well for her age. Though it returned quickly (3 mos) and larger this time. It's now an open lesion. I am both astounded and perplexed at how she acts pretty normal given this! My vet (who is a new vet to us as I just moved) initially discussed end of life decisions and then also offered amputation as an option to consider. I would so appreciate any thoughts you have and/or hear more about your story.
Thank you.
FAQ's for the new Fanconi linkage test
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That is exactly what I will do! Thanks.
Jodie:) -
Bryan is picking up the blood this week and it will be sent in. I have my fingers crossed, believe me. In the meantime, I'm going to start studying as much as I can now so that if things don't go the way I hope, I'll be ready to jump on this as soon as it shows up.
Have you heard anything about Jazzy's test?
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Have you heard anything about Jazzy's test?
No. It's been less than a week. How long does it typically take to get results?
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I heard it takes up to 14 days.
I am about to submit Chance's blood work this week.
It's great that we have this test now. I know its still new but its better than nothing.
I think everyone like me is nervious about getting the results. I can't stop thinking about it. -
I'm pretty sure I know Jazzy's results – with a diagnosed mom and a carrier dad, it is not going to be fantastic news.
Keoki, I have hope for..... His mom's a carrier {Jazzy's grandma}, but his dad is clear.
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I'm pretty sure I know Jazzy's results – with a diagnosed mom and a carrier dad, it is not going to be fantastic news.
Keoki, I have hope for..... His mom's a carrier {Jazzy's grandma}, but his dad is clear.
Well, she would still have a 50/50 shot at being a carrier…so it might be fine!
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That's what I'm hoping for.
And that Keoki will test clear, not carrier.
This waiting is such a pins-and-needles thing. I hate it. Whatever the results, I just want to know!!
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How come? It doesn't bother me one bit if mine are carriers, if it is an animal for breeding, I will just find a clear to breed him or her to; and if not for breeding, doesn't really matter as he or she will live without any symptoms. -
He may be used for breeding, and it just seems like it'd be easier {more options for breeding} if he's clear.
No concerns for his own health.
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He may be used for breeding, and it just seems like it'd be easier {more options for breeding} if he's clear.
No concerns for his own health.
Yes, true more options for sure…..for some reason I thought he was placed as a pet.....but he sure is a nice boy, I can see why if Brian changed his mind about showing/breeding him.
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He may be used for breeding, and it just seems like it'd be easier {more options for breeding} if he's clear.
No concerns for his own health.
Well, there are lots of clears that he could be used on…. so should not be a problem... good news is that he will not be affected
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good news is that he will not be affected
Oh, absolutely! And I am sooo thankful for that!:D
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To Jazzy's Mom,
I know you're worried about Jazzy's results. I also know you're a great b Mom! I won't lie and say it isn't hard to have a Fanconi afflicted dog - it is. It's the first thing I think about when I get up in the morning, and usually the last thing on my mind when I go to bed at night. I worry about Storm's meds and next round of blood gas/ full blood panel tests and how he's responding to the Protocol.
But honestly, I think his disease has more of an impact on me than on him. He's his typical self - cat pouncing, squirrel chasing fiend. If you didn't know he had Fanconi, you couldn't tell by his actions or how he looks. He's a typical 'senji devil.
It's the emotional "Mom stuff" that's hard - but you do it, it becomes a part of your routine, and before you know it, it's old hat counting out the pills, wrapping them in some doggie delight so they're easily adminstered. The worry never stops though - are you doing everything in your power to make sure they're staying well, is their quality of life good, etc. It's an emotional drain (esp. at first and that's where having great friends helps tremendously!!!) and it's so overwhelming at first.
I feel confident that IF Jazzy's results come back as afflicted, you're going to be a great Fanconi B. Mom! Hang in there and know my fingers are crossed that both your babies come back A-OK!Lorraine and Stormie Dog
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Great Post Lorraine… One thing that I will say however, from the B's that I know with Fanconi, one of the biggest things to watch out for is a UTI. This can really reek havic on the protocol... I think that it is worth when you have blood gases done (which is every 6 months if I remember correctly) have a urine test done too.... of course, JMO...
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Sigh.
I already have two human children w/Type I Diabetes, so being constantly worried about "Did I remember that….." "Did I handle that right..." is sort of my way of life. I suppose tossing a dog in the mix will be handle-able, I'll just have THREE medical regimens to micro-manage instead of two. bleh.
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Pat - yes, UTI's are huge worry. Fanconi dogs tend to wall off infections, so even urine samples aren't always accurate. You learn to treat UTI's by symptoms (and hopefully your vet will understand this!!) - symptoms typically run anywhere from lethargy, to vomiting, to lack of appetite. I have, thus far, been very lucky in the regards that I haven't had to dole out antibiotics on top of bicarbs etc.
Feeding a food w/ probiotics in it and a bit of yogurt and a cranberry pill a day also helps. Most Fanconi owners I've run across use these methods to help ensure a healthy urinary tract. -
Glad that you pointed that out and yes, sometimes UTI's are really hard to catch… so you are right, learning the symptoms for your dog is the key....
