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Worried About Nova - Now Her Sister is Sick
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Linden, MI
Member Since:
11 November 2008
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11 July 2009 - 5:28 am
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I don't even know the right place to post this. But I know there are plenty of people in our Tripawd family who have other dogs and might be able to understand this.  For nearly 10 months I have worried over Nova and her amputation, chemo, and recovery. Her "sister", my 6-year old blue Dane Emmy has sat in the background, with seemingly no health problems, calmly accepting that Nova needed special care with all her doctor's visits, medication, blindness, etc. When Nova was struck blind a few months ago, Emmy became her "seeing eye dog", lovingly caring for her, helping her find her way around the house.  The two often nap together side by side in a ying-yang style, they are so close.

Just the other day I was looking at Emmy, and being thankful that she was healthy and I didn't have two sick dogs to deal with. For a brief moment I thought about how horrible it would be if Emmy was sick and died before Nova. I just don't know how Nova would be able to cope without her sister. I chastised myself for even thinking the thought, but it gnawed at me like it was some sort of premonition.

Two days ago, Emmy was napping on the couch in her signature style of all 4 legs splayed out in the air (it's pretty hilarious) and I noticed some red splotches across her belly and on the inside of her legs. I wasn't really alarmed at first, as Emmy has always had little skin issues here and there, and usually gets a few pink spots under there in the summer. Usually all it takes is a round of antibiotics and it's gone. But these spots were dark red and angrier looking and they bothered me.

I woke the next day and let her out and noticed that there were several on her tail (under it where you could see the skin).  I started to inspect her body and found several more splotches that I hadn't noticed before. I grumbled because it was a Friday, and I always seem to have dog dramas play out on Friday afternoons, over the weekend, or at 2 am.  I cancelled some of my plans for the afternoon and headed to the vet so that I could get the antibiotics rolling over the weekend. I even took my 9-year-old stepson along for "fun".

One look and my vet said, "That's not a skin problem, its a blood problem, those are hemorrhages all over her." She looked very concerned and said we needed to do some bloodwork right away to see what we were dealing with.  She said it looked like Thrombocytopenia, which apparently is a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Low platelet counts cause the hemorrhages and in more serious cases the dog starts visibly bleeding, and bleeding to death because their blood can't clot normally. This scared me, because I lost a previous Dane to Von Willebrand's Disease years ago and it was devastating. Thrombocytopenia is usually one component of a larger problem, and she set out to figure out what we might be dealing with.  She said that Emmy would likely be on Prednisone for the rest of her life at a minimum, but there was likely an underlying cause. Her platelets were at 37,000, where 200,000-500,000 is considered normal. Argh.

Well she came in shortly after and looked pretty grave. She said she was scared because some level of something in her blood (calcium, I think, my head started to spin by then) indicated the likely possibility of cancer. Possibly something related to her bone marrow, liver, kidneys, who knows. But it all requires much more extensive testing, which of course can't be done at 5 pm on a Friday night.  She said she was going to contact Nova's oncologist to review the findings thus far, and get her opinion. She put her on Prednisone for the weekend and told me to watch and make sure her gums and tongue stayed pink, and if it looked like more spots were developing, to head into emergency.

Emmy is lined up for 8 am Monday at my local vet's office for a bunch of tests, and likely x-rays to see if they can see anything suspect in there. I feel like I have been kicked in the gut.  I was so shocked and upset I was just numb. I didn't cry or anything (which was strange), I just had this feeling like "Oh my god, she has been sick and I haven't noticed, and she is likely sicker than Nova, what is she dies before Nova". I tried to force myself to think positive but I was just so numb I couldn't think at all.  Nova depends on Emmy so much. If Emmy ever leaves the house, Nova will wail the whole time she is gone. Now that Nova is blind, I can sometimes sneak Emmy out, and she will only start to wail once she realizes Emmy is gone, and hops around the house frantically "looking" for her.

I am so worried. About the seriousness of this issue with Emmy, and how it might affect Nova's health and recovery if we lose Emmy first. They say that extreme stress can cause illness, and Nova is so high strung, needy, and dependent on her sister, I am scared to death that her health may deteriorate too.  And of course there's all the usual "why me?", "why now?" stuff that overwhelms me.

Thanks for listening.

Sue and Nova

Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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11 July 2009 - 8:17 am
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OMG Sue, my heart breaks for you.  Please remember over the weekend it is important for your sanity to not panic before you have a full diagnosis.  Yes, it sounds grave, but there are so many better treatments today than there have ever been before.  Just look at our Tripawds - my diagnosing vet sent Trouble home with pain medication to keep her comfortable, no treatment because it was osteosarcoma, she was overweight, and carried so much of her weight up front. 

Who would have known on that afternoon we would have 7 months and counting of her sharing our lives.  Sending tons of good thoughts your way for Emmy and Nova, but also for you as you face this new challenge.  We're right here for you evey step of the way.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.


Member Since:
22 August 2008
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11 July 2009 - 10:19 am
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That is a low platelet count!  Sometimes there is an underlying cause like a splenic tumor, and sometimes it is called "ideopathic" which means that the immune system is attacking the platelets for an unknown reason.  These dogs often do well on prednisone and some dogs can be weaned off of the meds after 6 months.  If your dog is also anemic then she might need a transfusion, but I'm sure that your vet would have mentioned that.

If her calcium levels were high that can sometimes indicate cancer (especially lymphoma) elsewhere in the body, including the bone marrow.

It is hard to wait for Monday but prednisone works quickly to increase platelet counts so she will probably be fine over the weekend.  If she does end up bleeding then the local emergency clinic could give her a platelet transfusion.

I will keep my fingers crossed that it is immune disease and then the pred is all that she should need.

Pam and Tazzie

Mesa, AZ
Member Since:
27 April 2009
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11 July 2009 - 11:13 am
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Sue, we are so sorry you are having to go through all of this.  Keep in mind that the prednisone will work quickly and Emmy will be back at the vets on Monday.  Hopefully Pam is right on the "ideopathic" call and that is all Emmy will need.  She may just be really stressed by what she and Nova have been through.  We will pray for that to be what it is and no more of the demon cancer! 

Eleanor and Chuy

Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!

Chuy's Short Stories

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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11 July 2009 - 11:18 am
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Sue,

(We moved your post to "Hopping Around," hope you don't mind. Now this forum includes a place to discuss issues with kids & siblings. Thanks for the reminder, we needed to add it to the forum description).

I'm so, so sorry that this is going on with Emmy. Waiting for two whole days is pure agony. You are in our thoughts and we hope the pred will keep it under control.

While you wait for answers, we are here for you. Meanwhile, try to recall how Nova has just completely amazed you with her resiliency. She is a strong girl, and has already proved that she can get through traumatic events. Follow her lead, let her guide you.

As for Emmy, please try not to beat yourself up, because she doesn't want that. The thing is, nobody could've seen this coming. The fact that you sensed something was wrong when you did, is good. Who knows what would've happened had you not! Try to use your intuition to help you stay calm throughout this situation. Focus on what is happening now, not what might or might not happen in the coming days.

Hang in there, and remember we are here to talk if you want to.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Northern CA
Member Since:
23 December 2008
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11 July 2009 - 12:59 pm
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Sue,

I am so sorry you have to deal with this. You have  certainly been given more than a fair share of challenges.

 Hold on to that faith and hang in there. Please know you will be in our thoughts and prayers  for a better outcome on Monday.  You are doing all you can do... Remember everything is never enough with us for our babies. We do the best we can and have to know that is all we can do .

Seanne and Angel Wrigley

Member Since:
4 December 2008
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11 July 2009 - 2:43 pm
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Oh, no. NONONONO.

Sue-I'm so sorry to hear this about Emmy.  Oh, it just doesn't seem fair.  You are in my thoughts and best wishes.

I hope you get good news on Monday.  Our other girl (Caya) is on enzymes for the rest of her life so that she can digest her food.  I know its just so hard.

We send hugs and hope your way.  I hope the best!

-Kim and Tika

Kim and Spirit Tika http://www.tika.....ogspot.com

Edmonton
Member Since:
16 February 2008
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11 July 2009 - 7:18 pm
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Dear Sue,

We'll have to keep thinking positive and praying for Emmy.  Just hope that it can be kept under control with meds like prednisone, as Pam said.  I know Emmy is a fighter too, she will fight to live for Nova, and Nova will do the same for Emmy.

All the best wishes coming Emmy's, Nova's and your way.

Hang in there.  Hugs.

Member Since:
20 May 2009
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11 July 2009 - 7:42 pm
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Dear Sue,

I am so sorry to hear you are now facing health problems with Emmy.  You, Emmy, and Nova are in my prayers.

Debra & Emily

Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.

Livermore CA
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24 January 2009
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12 July 2009 - 5:05 pm
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Sue..it's so not fair.    But I'm one who usually sees the glass half-full, and that's what I'm praying for Emmy.

I'll be thinking of you tonight and tomorrow.  May it be well with you.

Mary

Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today

Cemil's blog

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28 May 2008
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12 July 2009 - 7:43 pm
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Hi Sue - like everyone else, I'm sooooo sorry that this is happening and for everything that you're going through emotionally. I completely 100% understand...just last week I noticed the gray around Buddy's eyes and muzzle and said to Chuck - wow, I take him for granted that he will always be here and be healthy - I can't do that anymore. It's been all about Zeus this past year and Buddy has been such the trooper taking a back seat. BUT this is what they do for us...they give us what we need, when we need it. You caught this with Emmy BECAUSE you love your fur kids so much and had the 6th sense that something wasn't right - and acted on it right away. 

We are saying tons of puppy prayers that Emmy will be OK and the test results come back less scary than what you're worried about. I hope you got some rest this weekend...impossible right? Yeah...kind of a dumb thing to say!Ugh

PLEASE write/post as soon as you know something. We're thinking of you and sending love your way.

xooxo

Heather and Zeus 

Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together

Linden, MI
Member Since:
11 November 2008
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13 July 2009 - 5:58 am
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Thank you ALL so much for your words of support and encouragement. I am in awe of all the positive thinking out there!  I am constantly striving to be more positive, to live in the moment with my furry kids, but often let all the worrying get the best of me.

I just dropped Emmy off at the vet this morning for all the tests. They are doing a malignancy profile, which they will have to send off to Michigan State. So that will take a few days to come back with results.  They are also doing a few x-rays of the chest and abdomen. Last night at midnight Emmy had a big diarrhea emergency on the living room carpet. This has not happened since she was a puppy. She is so quiet I didn't hear her up (she usually doesn't whine to go out, just stares at you). Finally Nova started to howl and I came out and found the mess and got Emmy outside. She looked like she felt awful. Nova looked confused, like "What's wrong with her?"

I cleaned up the mess (half asleep and saving the carpet cleaning machine for the morning) and went back to bed, but a few hours later she was up again. Luckily she made it outside but she looked miserable. They are going to check her stool today for blood, but I did not come across any in my cleanup endeavors.

As I expected, Nova is upset. She was still howling when I got back home and right now is hopping around the house looking for Emmy. She keeps going to the door and butting her head into it, her way of saying "Let Emmy back in!"  I hope she will lay down and relax at some point.

I just got a call from the vet to double check and make sure that I fasted Emmy this morning. Uh, NO, nobody told me to! Now it looks like we are going have to delay the Malignancy Profile to another day. I guess the results don't come out right if the dog has eaten.  I should have asked beforehand, but I figured since they didn't tell me she couldn't eat, I might as well let her have a little bit of kibble this morning so she could down her prednisone. The prednisone makes her so hungry. Bad move on my part, but bad move on their part for not telling me! They might do it later today after keeping her there all day, I'm waiting for them to call me back. I don't see why they can't do it in 6-7 hours. Perhaps it requires a longer fast. How irritating.

Well at least later on I will know if they see anything suspicious on the x-rays. I'm gonna go check on Nova and will be back with an update later today.

Again - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU all for being there to listen and to care.

Sue and Nova 

Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!

On The Road


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13 July 2009 - 8:24 am
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No Sue, thank you for being such a supporting member of this community. Best wishes for you, Nova and Emmy. We hope all turns out OK ... and that you got your carpet clean! 😉

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Linden, MI
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11 November 2008
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13 July 2009 - 11:16 am
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Just got back from the vet with Emmy. The news is good so far. They took numerous x-rays of the chest and abdomen and there were no visible signs of any tumors. They were also able to draw the blood for the Malignancy Profile, so that was FedExed immediately out to Michigan State. Apparently the profile will direct us to the cause of the high calcium level in her CBC. So it could still be something like lymphoma. But at least it's not a tumor that would require surgery. Am very relieved about that. I hope that it's just some sort of immune disease and not cancer.

Nova was of course thrilled to reunite with Emmy. My teenage son was thrilled too... that Nova finally stopped wailing and looking for herSmile! Emmy came home with an orange bandage on the end of her tail, guess she got a case of Happy Tail while she was in a confined kennel.

I'll be in touch with the results of the Malignancy Profile, which should be before the end of the week.

Sue and Nova

Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!

On The Road


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13 July 2009 - 1:56 pm
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Sue, that's good news. No nasty ugly tumors. Yeayyy! I know you'll be going nuts while you're waiting for the profile results, but hang in there.

At least Emmy and Nova are back together, that's wonderful to imagine.

Lotsa hugs going out to you!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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