My 13 yr old just diagnosed

[Terri]

So the vet is basically done with him. His hct dropped to 28. She just says he has cancer and shrugged. Ao I guess that’s it. We love him until he’s to weak to get up. I will have him euthanized here at home.
Terri and Koda

[Patrice]

Terri,
I am sorry to hear this. It seems a bit abrupt to me. Can you please tell me what type of cancer this is? If you don’t know can you ask your vet please? There are so many different kinds of cancers in dogs. I want to know more so I can advise you. They are not all the same and are diagnosed in many different ways.
my best
patrice

[Vally]

Terri, I’m so very sorry your vet has given up. Is it possible to take a copy of everything you have to another vet for a second opinion? I know you’ve done your best to fight for him but without a vet on your side it is hopeless.

Vally
xxx

[Terri]

Patrice…she doesn’t know whats going on with him. She is only assuming and said she doesn’t know what else to do for him. she said she doesn’t want to hit him hard for IMHA without knowing. She says ” he’s old, Its prob cancer.” He was 64lbs now 56lbs. He has a good appetite. Just weak.

Vally, I know. I feel terrible that no one seems to want to help us. I can ask her for a referral but I need to gather more funds first.

[Patrice]

Terri,
Please post the response you received from Dr. Dodds for me so I can read it over carefully.
patrice

[Terri]

Dear Teri:  Koda’s labs indicate leukocytosis, moderate anemia, very high BUN, high creatinine, and high ALT and ALK P on Jan 5. After treatment with fluids and antibiotics etc. his values came down significantly except for the ALK P – which reflects liver enzyme induction from his illness and the drugs given.  His HCT was low on Jan 6 but has climbed up to 24.3 % with improved platelet count and a lowering of the WBC count – which remains high. I’m not convinced that this is IMHA vs some infectious or tissue inflammatory process.  War regards,  Jean  

[Jen]

Terri, I’m so sorry you are having such a hard time getting veterinary help in diagnosing what is going on with Koda. I can imagine how frustrating this must be. I hope you do not yet give up on finding out what is wrong with your beautiful baby. Do any of your coworkers or friends have a vet that they would recommend ? Just thought maybe someone you know & trust could refer you to a vet that maybe willing to search for answers instead of assuming cancer . Are there any teaching vet schools nearby? I am thinking of you & Koda and hoping you find answers. Hope Koda starts to feel better !!!

Jen & Maggie

[Joe]

It is so hard to fight, let alone fight your vet. I remember how alone I felt yet I could not give up. My vet was not keen on some of Dr. DODD’S recommendations but she followed them and I signed a release.

It is like you against the world and there is this desparation in keeping my baby alive.

I guess I am not learned to give advice here but it sure sounds similar to what went on with Dunes.

If there was a university vet Scholls hospital or special ER hospital. I would go there.

I am so sorry about Koda. Please just hold and love Koda. I so wish I could do something.

Joe