Just an update on Bonnie's never ending battle.  Things are still doing well – as well as can be I guess.  We just went to UPenn for a second look and more consultation.   We have chosen not to remove her spleen.  That is just too much to ask of Bonnie.  Her tail is still wagging and I want it to stay that way as long as possible. 

We have agreed to a palliative chemotherapy of CCNU or lomustine.  I have not given it to her yet, but will this evening.  On top of that she gets Pepsid and Benadryl to keep things in check as much as possible.  She seems fine, but tired.   BUT  if company shows up, she runs out to meet them.   Her appetite is still non-existent, but she will eat treats willingly.   We have tried a raw diet, mainly because I can more or less force feed it.  She then gets a treat and seems to not mind it.   If it were not for the diabetes, I think we could be a little less forceful and she would eat.  Now we have to stop the raw diet because of the chemo and the possibility of bacteria. 

The good news though is she is still clear of the Osteo anywhere!   Guess we can hope to beat the odds on the Mast cell, but I think they are more stacked against us.   But Bonnie is a fighter and I only pray that I will know when she is hurting.  She confused all the vets with the Osteo because she did not limp on the leg and no one wanted to amputate because she was not limping.  For now, we are surviving one day at a time and she is still a happy dog.  She still goes up the steps on her own and still sleeps between us.  Life is good and we are grateful for every minute.

Thanks for your quick response Jerry and family.  We are feeding Bonnie the pricey frozen stuff, so I am tempted to keep it up.  The main problem is the one that she tolerates (will choke down) the most is the chicken and I would assume that is the one that is most prone to salmonella.  But we give it barely thawed.  She seems to like the cold better.  

Thanks for the info on the lomustine.  We had not seen that one.  I have not given it to her yet because I want to be sure she is rested from today.   I was thinking of giving it before bed tonight and hope she sleeps through the worst of it.  The scary thing is that the bottle tells me I have to wear gloves when giving it.  I am not sure why and am still trying to research that. 

Thanks again – we are so up and down anymore that it is great to hear your pawsitive comments!!   Love and kisses from both of us to everyone!