My 13 yr old just diagnosed

[Terri]

I’ll collect the remaing labwork and get Monday’s. If it’s still high on Monday I send her an email. Do you guys usually tell your vets that you’ll be consulting with her?

Terri

[Anna]

Hi Terri, I have been following your story and I am sorry you are going through this. It is a very rocky road and we have been dealing with this for 2 months now. My dog Jackie has an extremely high white blood count and my vet kept saying “cancer” as well because she lost a bunch of weight almost right away but it turns out it was because of the pancreatitis they found while doing an abdominal ultrasound last week. Now they say that cancer is low on the list but really cancer is never off the table even for a young dog like mine. They will probably keep telling you that since you have an old dog you need to get all of the cancer screenings but that is very expensive. I kept holding off because my dog is young and a poodle which is also a breed overrepresented with IMHA. My regular vet didn’t even mention the possibility of pancreatitis so I went to an internal specialist and I am glad I did. Jackie also had severe bloody diarrhea so I knew something else was wrong. My regular vet was not offended I went somewhere else and they are working together to help treat her. I would recommend telling your vet if you consult with a specialist in case the specialist tells you to something different than your regular vet. I think vets who do not specialize in this rare disease or have a lot of experience with it would not be offended by you working with someone who does. Good luck to you and Koda!

[admin]

Awe Terri – it’s a whirlwind isn’t it?! I am so sorry for you and Koda. I would most certainly contact Dr. Dodds immediately – don’t wait. She is so gracious and SO knowledgeable. All I did was e-mail her and then she and Sadie’s vet spoke on the phone. He didn’t realize she is in CA and called at an obscene hour – it was like 5AM there. She could not have been nicer. He apologized and offered to call her back and she said no – she really wanted to talk to him about Sadie.

Your vet will most assuredly understand you consulting with a specialist too. PLEASE do this ASAP. They can then work together and with Dr. Dodds’ input too – Koda will have the best help possible. I know all this is a financial burden, but just let everyone (vets – ALL) know that you have spent so much already and would they please help you out. I just bet they will. It may not be free, but I bet they will help you by charging less than their usual. It can’t hurt to ask. It’s not begging, it’s asking. That’s all.

When you call OR go to the vet’s office (with or without Koda), be assertive (but not aggressive) and NEVER worry about what anyone thinks (vets). They know you have Koda’s best interest at heart. And remember: ASK questions – write them down before you go in and leave some space for the answers. My vet used to write the answers for me (of course, reading it was always a challenge….). Just don’t feel intimidated. You are very smart and very diligent – act that way when you’re at the vets. Be nice, but firm. Remind them what a whirlwind this is for you. They’ll appreciate your honesty and forthrightness.

I am so thinking of you both. I will away from my computer over the weekend, but will absolutely be checking in (via phone and Ipad) and keeping up with you and Koda. Please know you have us here to get through this – which you will.

We are sending huge hugs with love, Linda and Sadie

[Terri]

Thank you. I will most definitely get in touch with Dr. Dodds. I have a lot to write down and organize for her so she understands everything.

Fyi…I found the source of Koda’s screaming episode. He did it again this morning. As I was looking at him I noticed the front leg he was laying on was turned outward. As if his shoulder popped out of its socket. It was just turned in such an awkward position the minute I raised up his front end and he got his leg back underneath him and he was fine.
This is such awkward behavior. He went from a vibrant playful dog to at Christmas to this weak decrepit aged and frail boy. He insists on being in the kitchen at times so of course he always lays down and can’t get up. Need to buy more rugs for the house for him. He needs traction to get up. I have a belly band but was wondering if a t-shirt might help me help him get up.

Can’t wait to talk to Dr. Dodds. I want her to see Monday’s results. Will probably send her an email Monday night.

Terri

[Terri]

Forgot to mention. Without me even asking, Koda’s office visit was waived and I only had to pay for the labs. I know its not much but they are helping a little bit.

Terri

[admin]

Hi Terri. You know – I would just write her and let her know the problem you’re having with Koda and tell her you’re getting “everything” together to send her. That way she’ll have a heads-up and be ready for it. Too, she can tell you exactly what she needs to have. She very down to earth and will do everything she can to help. She is an incredible person. Please write her before Monday, if possible. I would never forgive myself if I didn’t push this – if you get into the weekend and have any problems – at least you’re one step ahead in contacting her. Really – she has helped us ALL on here. It’s her forte and she’s the best.

Sorry I’m nagging – it’s only because I feel you’ll feel better too, going into the weekend. Please?

Love and hugs, Linda and really, really spoiled Sadie

[admin]

Oh Terri – that’s wonderful! Every little bit helps. They have to know how taxing all this is financially. That was very good of them. I hope they continue to help you.

:) Linda xo

[Terri]

I can do that. I just wasn’t sure how the process goes is the $100 just one reply from her and that’s it? I didn’t know if I only had one opportunity to send her all the info…just not sure what the fee covers. Do I get to talk to her more than once?
Never did a consult before. I can fo send her an email tomorrow. That’s not a problem. I just don’t know what I’m doing that’s all..
Can you tell?

Terri