Canine Cancer Update

It was an expensive vet visit this month.  In addition to the normal CBC we have drawn to track pup's cell counts, we did a serum blood panel.  That was an extra $123!  The vet wanted to do it after six months to see how her organs are holding up.  Partially, that is due to her cancer, but also because of the skin medication we are keeping her on.  The results were fine.  There are a few elevated levels -- Creatine, Calcium and two liver enzymes.  These are each just a few points above the accepted high range, so I am not going to freak out about them.  I will make a few tweaks to her diet, but some of these things are expected (like the high calcium), on account that she has cancer.  Now, you wouldn't know there was anything amiss by looking at her, would you?

We've mixed up her summer exercise.  She has this annoying habit of playing keep away when she brings her water toy back to me.  This includes prancing back and forth and purposely barking in my face -- even if I try to turn from her and ignore her.  People passing by think it's cute. For me, it's highly annoying.  Now I put her in the water near a long dock/walkway, then walk along the shore dangling her toy.  She swims along shore to follow me.  Look who is playing keep away now!  This is great exercise for her because there is no impact.  She can swim about 1/4 of a mile against the current -- which sometimes is quite strong!

Poor girlie would complain about her week, not getting a lot of exercise with mommy.  She also got a bath with a full blow-out, which she detests.  After a weekend at camp with Daddy, she smelled a bit off and there was quite a lot of sand in her coat.  I'll give her one thorough bath at a local dog bathing business once between grooming sessions.  The plus was that she looked very good for her doctor's appointment, garnering praise and attention in the waiting room.  After her appointment, I took her to visit a friend we hadn't seen in a while -- so she had some fun after her scary experience.

Teddy's now on an every other month schedule.  Her vet is going out on maternity and wants to see her right before she goes, which will make for a slightly shorter window.  While she is out, she said our regular vet can do the exam -- which works out well since we are due to have her annual check-up.  We'll be back with the oncologist in October/November.  At the rate we are going, I don't think anything alarming will pop up.

I continually remind myself that we should be encouraged by this.  Our last dog died from the rupture of a cancerous tumor we had no idea existed.  Teddy is showing her age some, and she has her issues, but I still expect to have her for a couple more years.  Not enough, but I'll take it!