zimmy61

Sorry to hear about the tumor farra. My dad's cat had a disease which caused its red blood cell count to drop periodically. It happened maybe 2 or 3 times per year but they were able to get it back up with a combination of antibiotics and prednisone (pill form). It worked really well and was completely non-invasive. Best of luck with the little guy.

Alinea

Thanks everyone! I'm trying to stay positive!

@Deeez - Sam is a dachshund/terrier mix and I only know his mom was a dachshund. I only found out about the tumor today, after they drained a little fluid and took x-rays. His tummy only swelled recently and they think it erupted somewhat. It's bleeding some internally which contributes to white gums and shivers. Call me selfish but I just couldn't leave him there overnight, since if he "bled out" it would be the same result there as at home. I cleaned kennels and nothing is more chilling than finding a dead dog. I'd rather him die here than in a cold cell.

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Refuge51

Is it a spleen tumor?

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...P=A&A=1394&S=1 Because if it is:

If You Choose Not to Remove the Spleen

Unfortunately, eventually the dog will have a bleed from which he cannot recover. If you think your dog is having a bleed at home, you can apply an ace bandage around the belly in a snug manner to essentially apply pressure to the bleed. This is surprisingly effective and may stave off the inevitable.

Chemotherapy is not an option if the primary splenic tumor is left behind; however, since a large percentage of splenic tumors are benign and splenectomy is curative in this situation, I recommend reconsidering surgery.

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Alinea

They do believe it is off the spleen but couldn't tell without an ultrasound (which they wouldn't do because he was "stable"). What I don't get is why they kept telling me it was a "non" emergency...hence, my sit on needles tonight and hope tomorrow AM won't be too late.

They did try to get his heart in the x-ray though - and luckily that area looks clear (I'm reading your link about "spread").

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♥ Aaron Lewis ♥

Refuge51

I hope it answers your questions and relieves some of your worry. Tomorrow is a long way off and I too can't figure why one wouldn't do surgery on a stable dog. Why wait for a life threatening emergency if the situation isn't going to rectify itself?



Wait..'spread'? what does that mean?

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I'm fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.
~George McGovern~

Alinea

Thanks mom! The vet I talked to today was very grim about it all and I've just looked up where to call tomorrow.

Re: spread, when I was reading about malignant vs. benign, this gave me hope:

If there is evidence of tumor spread on a chest radiograph, then one can be quite sure that the tumor is malignant. In this case it is likely too late to effect meaningful treatment.

His x-ray was clear in that area. As I was reading that page, I'm wondering why they did not recommend the ace bandage either. At any rate, I have the phone numbers of three vets to call in the morning - my regular one doesn't take this plan we just got (I didn't like them anyway).

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♥ Aaron Lewis ♥

Refuge51

Great!! I'm hoping for nothing but good news for your little fur kid. Will you let us know asap after you know?

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I'm fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.
~George McGovern~

Heretic

Lots of iron in his food. You might find suppliments for pets, but- and I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, skip anything with the following warning label: [Made In China].

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Dianekkdi

I've been sucking down Liquid Geritol for my anemia twice daily. Human dosage is according to lots of labels 18mg. I've been taking 36mg. It's been about 2 months for me. I was down to a 7.5 and fading; now I'm back over 11.- and closing in on healthy blood levels again.

I'm human. I weigh lots more than your doggy and you might want to double check with your vet. You definately want to do some math. Is there a holistic vet available to you?

I took my Punum to a holistic vet when she first became ill when she was about 15 or 16 years old and developed thyroid problems. She lived to the ripe old age of 22. I gave her lots of stuff twice daily: adrenal support, kidney support, immune support, and thryroid medicine. I was also told to give her basic PeptoBismol if her stomach was upset and she spit up her pill.


The only thing -- this vet was very expensive. We kept hearing how she was a member of our family...blah blah blah --which of course she was. But, one day his wife--one of the vet techs, cut her claws really sloppily short and we became upset as we had standing orders to leave claws alone. At that point my member of the family became a cat. We stopped going to him. Though I still must admit--he did save Punum's life at the time and gave her another great 6-7 years.

I don't know if your sweet thing has a similar or worse problem. I'm sorry.

One great place was: http://bestforyourpet.com/. Our Punum was on the Female Support Glandular 1030. They have an 800 number on their website.

I don't know what they have comprable to iron.

I don't know this guy but he is listed as a holistic vet on the net: http://www.homevet.com/ He might be a good place for a first question.

This place: http://www.naturalpets.net/index.shtml was also very good to me. You might consider dropping them an email. They will get back to you. This is where I bought the immune support and various treats and goodies.

Best wishes and happy thoughts. May your little guy get well soon!

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Cookie

What a beautiful baby boy you have there. That face is too precious for words.

Lots of love and kisses for him, and I'll say a special prayer for his procedure and recovery.

I don't think they would have let you take him home if they thought his life was in immediate danger. I'm sure he'll do well in your loving care Farra. If he's going to have surgery tomorrow, don't let him eat anything after midnight. Water is ok though and encouraged.

God Bless you both.

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