QUESTION

Until a week ago Bess was a very lively bitch, jumping high fences, chasing cats etc. She started vomiting froth for four days, stopped eating and became quite lethargic. One morning she couldn't seem to walk and was very wobbly. The vet said she had arthritis gave her an injection of anti-inflammatory and an antibiotic. We took her back to the vet the next day when she prescribed tablets anti-inflammtory and an antibiotic. Unfortunately we couldn't get Bess to take them as she wasn't eating. Two days later back to the vet again for two injections but very high doses and the anti-inflammatory was steriod base this time, she resonded well. We also supplied a urine sample which came back negative. We took back to the vets for a blood test which revealed the white bc was very high the red bc was very low only 2-3000? The vet advised this indicates a sign of a tumour as Bess was also very pale. Based on her examination the vet said that if we went ahead and had her scanned and Xrayed to see where the tumour was located. She didn't think Bess was strong enough to withstand surgery and basically prescribed more anti-inflammatory and antibiotic (she has a slight tic in her lung and her breathing becomes shallow on walking). She seems worse in the morning. We are managing to coax her to eat mince beef, onion and garlic but she just wont entertain anything else. She is still a bit wobbly as though she is lightheaded. I just can't believe that from an extremely active 12 yr old to basically being told she is on her last legs. I guess I am really asking for a second opinion, if you can give me one.

Vivienne

ANSWER

Dear Vivienne,
from what you have written it sounds like you do not have a lot of time left to sort things out. I would of fairly great urgency seek out a further opinion as to what is wrong either within the practice or externally. Vets are obliged to get th previous vets permission to see as a second opinion but the previous vet is obliged to give that permission and send on all the relevant medical records concerning the case. When a dog goes down hill this quickly there is either something terribly wrong that will probably never be fixed or there is something going on that can be fixed but needs to be diagnosed first. Starting with vomiting I would be looking for a pacreatic abscess, intestinal obstruction or some form of peritonitis early on. Look to having further tests done to prove what is wrong and then at least you will know what could or could not be done.

James Haddow