While Teddy's physical exam was good, her blood work showed an elevated lymphocyte count. The highest they like to see is 4800, and she was at 5459. That's not high enough to consider starting treatment, but it is more than double from her last visit. Also, she normally has a low white blood cell count, and this week it was double. That actually puts her in the "normal" range -- which isn't "normal" for her.
We are hoping -- and it is very likely -- that the increase in these numbers ties back to her recent skin infection. That is healing well now. I told the oncologist and her tech about our experience, and they told me that had I called them, they'd have sent in a prescription. I just didn't think to do that since they are specialists. I had expected a little bit of tsk'ing over my way of gathering drugs and using cortisone nasal spray on her sore... but the tech thought it was clever and effective. So I felt vindicated about that! The doctor was happy we were aggressive in treating it.
Teddy has put on two pounds. I am not worried -- if the cancer was taking over, she would be losing weight. Also, between my summer cold, pulled groin muscle, sprained ankle, her infection, followed by many days of heat wave temperatures, she's led a rather sedentary life.
We are now both swimming together in the river, which I am enjoying a lot. It's probably one of the best things about being retired. I love doing this during the day. There was a lady who had started out months ago being snarky to us, and we have slowly changed her opinion. She saw us swimming and lectured me, but I was able to demonstrate that neither of us was at risk of drowning. She has aggressive dogs so I've gotten lectures about Teddy in the water off leash too. However, Teddy won her over today by swimming around me and barking/conversing with the ball in her mouth the entire time. A couple of folks noted that her endurance and exuberance is amazing -- as the human who has to keep up with her, I'll agree to that. It is a work-out!
So, I've put together a spreadsheet summarizing all of her test results since her diagnosis. I will be able to print it out and bring it to her annual exam with her regular vet. She is due for her exam in September, which is during the oncologists maternity leave. Our regular vet can handle the cancer check then. We are hoping her results will be better than they were this month... but over all, I am happy with how she is doing.
Where is the post on the cortisone nasal spray. I don't remember it and cannot find it.
ReplyDeleteI thought I posted about Teddy getting a hot spot. The vet wouldn't call in an RX without her coming in for a visit -- which was not possible. So I got the antibiotics donated from friends, and we squirted Flonase on it twice per day. It's a nasal corticosteroid and it seemed to have really help!
DeleteI am so glad she is doing OK. Hugs to Teddy!
ReplyDeleteShe's happy to accept hugs from anyone and everyone!
DeleteTeddy looks lovely in her scarf.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
The technicians get a kick out of it!
DeleteHugs and belly rubs for Teddy. That's interesting about the nasal spray. My cat gets itchy rashes on his ears and on his face above his eyes near his ears. He keeps scratching and ripping open the scabs. I've been putting bacitracin on those areas, but he won't leave them alone so they don't fully heal. Taking him to the vet is a major PITA as he is 20 pounds and heavy to carry in a crate plus he gets scared and pees and poops himself all the way there. Last time they told me the rash was an allergic reaction to being bitten by a flea. They gave him an antibiotic shot and it cleared up, but it keeps coming back. Argh.
ReplyDeleteI have a few suggestions for you... both learned from Teddy. First sprinkle Gold Bond powder on the spot so that it will scab up. Then get a can of Mackerel. Don't get a brand in brine, but one just in water (it will have some salt). Give him a small helping each day so that you go through the can in about a week. The added fish oil should help his skin. You can clean the area with an Epsom salt solution -- doing a compress never hurts. A friend recommended Zymox solution too. I think it is for cleaning ears, but you can use that kind of solution to clean the sores too. You will want to clean his hind paws regularly -- especially after using his litter box and he will transfer germs from the ground to his vulnerable areas any time he scratches. I hope this helps! And Teddy gladly accepts all hugs and rubs sent from you!
DeleteDon't you just hate snarky/judgy pet owners that like to "tell" you what you should be doing? Obviously the vet knows you are doing everything in your power to give Teddy a good life, nice to know that you can now just call to get a prescription if you can't make it in. We have determined Buddy has a delicate stomach, last time I took him to the vet he had to have a shot as things were coming out of both ends and I couldn't settle his tummy down. Whatever the goup (ingested) they gave him works - next time we go for a regular checkup I will request another bottle, as effective as pepto bismal for humans. It's nice to have it handy in case of bad stomach upset on a Sunday rather than paying for an emergency vet.
ReplyDeleteWhen a condition is chronic, I think it is actually mean of the vet not to provide you with a supply of whatever works so that you have it on hand at the onset of symptoms. Some dogs just have sensitive tummies. Our last dog did, but in this area, Teddy is bullet proof. Then again, the last dog never had a skin issue. We know our pets best when it comes to these things!
DeleteShe's looking great! Continued prayers for her.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am kind of obsessive about keeping her outside looking good. But I also think a dog's coat is an indicator of internal health too.
DeleteI'm glad Teddy continues to do well and hope her numbers get into the normal range. That's a great picture of her. I also send her hugs and belly rubs!
ReplyDeleteShe loves all kinds of hugs and is happy to accept all you send her way :-)
DeleteLove Teddy's bandana! Glad to hear that she's still doing well and having a wonderful time with you! x
ReplyDeleteWe misappropriated the bandanna from Daddy, but he is happy to share!
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