Best dog ever - worst diagnosis
Discussion
This is Amber, she's our 8 year old rescued GSD, we rescued her from Cyprus when she was about 9 months old. She brilliant, highly intelligent and the most friendly and affable dog we've ever had (and we've rescued a few over the last 30 years). She just loves running and will run and play all day long, sadly about a month ago she started limping and after consulting the vet we've tried aqua therapy and physio but she's not improved, after changing vets recently the new vet suggested we have her X-Rayed as she hasn't improved.
Sadly the X-Ray shows bone cancer and although the prognosis is awful we're hoping that a referral to a specialist will give us some options as, untreated, she's probably only got a matter of weeks. The X-Ray also showed numerous shotgun pellets in her, it looks like she was shot before we got her too, she obviously had a hell of a start to life.
The poor thing's such a great dog and really doesn't deserve this, looks like we've got some tough decisions to make.
Sadly the X-Ray shows bone cancer and although the prognosis is awful we're hoping that a referral to a specialist will give us some options as, untreated, she's probably only got a matter of weeks. The X-Ray also showed numerous shotgun pellets in her, it looks like she was shot before we got her too, she obviously had a hell of a start to life.
The poor thing's such a great dog and really doesn't deserve this, looks like we've got some tough decisions to make.
Thanks for your posts all and I have a brilliant update, it's NOT cancer after all.
A specialist second opinion says that the growth is not cancer but Calcinosis Circumscripta which is a benign lesion, which is most often seen in GSDs and develops during the first year of life. So it's not the problem.
There is evidence of stenosis of the lumbar spine and narrowing of the 7th lumbar disc, causing lumbar nerve root entrapment, which is what is causing her lameness. He's recommended managing the problem conservatively but surgery is an option if it gets worse.
So all in all it's definitely a reprieve and we're chuffed to bits. We have an experienced dog physio coming on Monday to start more treatment but now that we know the problem it should be more helpful.
A specialist second opinion says that the growth is not cancer but Calcinosis Circumscripta which is a benign lesion, which is most often seen in GSDs and develops during the first year of life. So it's not the problem.
There is evidence of stenosis of the lumbar spine and narrowing of the 7th lumbar disc, causing lumbar nerve root entrapment, which is what is causing her lameness. He's recommended managing the problem conservatively but surgery is an option if it gets worse.
So all in all it's definitely a reprieve and we're chuffed to bits. We have an experienced dog physio coming on Monday to start more treatment but now that we know the problem it should be more helpful.
Enut, That is such good news about Amber. She looks a lovely dog. As Antony says, you have done everything you can to give here a good life, its fantastic news that you can have some more time with her.
My son got a Greek rescue/GSD cross, which now lives with my ex.and loves long walks and chasing around with other similar sized dogs. Like a lot of dogs with 'Mediterranean rescue' genes he had his share of anxiety issues, but they he is gradually improving.
My son got a Greek rescue/GSD cross, which now lives with my ex.and loves long walks and chasing around with other similar sized dogs. Like a lot of dogs with 'Mediterranean rescue' genes he had his share of anxiety issues, but they he is gradually improving.
So glad she's going to be alright.
I've always loved dogs anyway but a week ago my wife and I picked up our first pup, a beautiful little Golden Retriever called Millie. I'm typing this as she's lying at my feet in our new house (yeah, we just moved too...) and reading the beginning of this really hit me.
Didn't realise just quite how much we bond over dogs until I got my own. Even standing on the patio in my pants at 3am letting her out for a poo, she's still absolutely incredible.
Give Amber an extra biscuit from me.
I've always loved dogs anyway but a week ago my wife and I picked up our first pup, a beautiful little Golden Retriever called Millie. I'm typing this as she's lying at my feet in our new house (yeah, we just moved too...) and reading the beginning of this really hit me.
Didn't realise just quite how much we bond over dogs until I got my own. Even standing on the patio in my pants at 3am letting her out for a poo, she's still absolutely incredible.
Give Amber an extra biscuit from me.
DorsetSparky said:
So glad she's going to be alright.
I've always loved dogs anyway but a week ago my wife and I picked up our first pup, a beautiful little Golden Retriever called Millie. I'm typing this as she's lying at my feet in our new house (yeah, we just moved too...) and reading the beginning of this really hit me.
Didn't realise just quite how much we bond over dogs until I got my own. Even standing on the patio in my pants at 3am letting her out for a poo, she's still absolutely incredible.
Give Amber an extra biscuit from me.
Aston Zagato has just got a goldie pup too.I've always loved dogs anyway but a week ago my wife and I picked up our first pup, a beautiful little Golden Retriever called Millie. I'm typing this as she's lying at my feet in our new house (yeah, we just moved too...) and reading the beginning of this really hit me.
Didn't realise just quite how much we bond over dogs until I got my own. Even standing on the patio in my pants at 3am letting her out for a poo, she's still absolutely incredible.
Give Amber an extra biscuit from me.
I am hoping you two can compete for the greatest goldie pup photo
DorsetSparky said:
garythesign said:
Aston Zagato has just got a goldie pup too.
I am hoping you two can compete for the greatest goldie pup photo
Challenge accepted! Stand by for new pup thread and cuteness overload!I am hoping you two can compete for the greatest goldie pup photo
Enut said:
Thanks for your posts all and I have a brilliant update, it's NOT cancer after all.
A specialist second opinion says that the growth is not cancer but Calcinosis Circumscripta which is a benign lesion, which is most often seen in GSDs and develops during the first year of life. So it's not the problem.
There is evidence of stenosis of the lumbar spine and narrowing of the 7th lumbar disc, causing lumbar nerve root entrapment, which is what is causing her lameness. He's recommended managing the problem conservatively but surgery is an option if it gets worse.
So all in all it's definitely a reprieve and we're chuffed to bits. We have an experienced dog physio coming on Monday to start more treatment but now that we know the problem it should be more helpful.
Hope all goes wellA specialist second opinion says that the growth is not cancer but Calcinosis Circumscripta which is a benign lesion, which is most often seen in GSDs and develops during the first year of life. So it's not the problem.
There is evidence of stenosis of the lumbar spine and narrowing of the 7th lumbar disc, causing lumbar nerve root entrapment, which is what is causing her lameness. He's recommended managing the problem conservatively but surgery is an option if it gets worse.
So all in all it's definitely a reprieve and we're chuffed to bits. We have an experienced dog physio coming on Monday to start more treatment but now that we know the problem it should be more helpful.
DorsetSparky said:
Enut said:
The X-Ray also showed numerous shotgun pellets in her, it looks like she was shot before we got her too, she obviously had a hell of a start to life.
Just out of interest, what's the consensus with this bit? Do they need removing? Surgery? Or are they just left in there?Interestingly she also developed Leishmaniasis about 3 years ago, she must have picked it up in Cyprus but it didn't show until then (Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites which are transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies). She's on a natural remedy for that which seems to be keeping it at bay.
Enut said:
No action, just leave well alone, they haven't caused a problem for the last 7 years (i.e. since we've had her).
Interestingly she also developed Leishmaniasis about 3 years ago, she must have picked it up in Cyprus but it didn't show until then (Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites which are transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies). She's on a natural remedy for that which seems to be keeping it at bay.
Sounds like it's all under control. All the best to her Interestingly she also developed Leishmaniasis about 3 years ago, she must have picked it up in Cyprus but it didn't show until then (Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites which are transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies). She's on a natural remedy for that which seems to be keeping it at bay.
Hi Guys
She's her old self again! She's on an anti-inflammatory drug which seems to have worked wonders. We're also pulling her tail when she eats! Seriously, as she's scoffing down and obviously otherwise preoccupied we gently but progressively pull her tail from the base, this stretches her spine out and hopefully pulls the discs apart easing the nerve impingement. It all seems to be working. Just going into the dog room first thing in the morning she's far, far brighter and obviously not in as much discomfort as she was, she is currently running around outside, using all four legs with just the occasional lifting of the 'bad' leg.
She's her old self again! She's on an anti-inflammatory drug which seems to have worked wonders. We're also pulling her tail when she eats! Seriously, as she's scoffing down and obviously otherwise preoccupied we gently but progressively pull her tail from the base, this stretches her spine out and hopefully pulls the discs apart easing the nerve impingement. It all seems to be working. Just going into the dog room first thing in the morning she's far, far brighter and obviously not in as much discomfort as she was, she is currently running around outside, using all four legs with just the occasional lifting of the 'bad' leg.
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