The thing is, you already have pretty much all the tests in the works to determine what's going on with Diesel. You've already done the fungal test, you've done xrays, you've done bloodwork, etc. They're suspicious of a couple of causes, including osteo. It's VERY likely that the swelling is related to the one of the outcomes of the tests they are already running.

I would "think"that an ER Vet could somewhat put your mind at ease that this can wait until you get with Diesel's Vets tomorrow. And even then, they may say they can't really lroceed with any solutions until the tests come back! Ugh!!

Anyway, maybe they'll suggest some cold compresses for a few minutes. A bag of frozen veggies over a towel might work just fine.

It's good that Diesel doesn't seem to be in any real bad pain. That's good!

Seems like Diesel is resting "fairly" comfortably or no?? Are his pain meds helping?

Sometimes pain can make it appear as though a dog has given up, when it's really thst he's just dealing with pain. Ask the Vet if it can be managed better

A suggestion. Talk to the Oncologist, or which ever Vet woukd be most knowledgeable, about the treatment, outlook, etc IF it is fungal. Oddly enough, even though a diagnosis of osteo sounds horrible, getting a fungal diagnosis is not an easy route by any means. It takes a lot of different antibiotics with a lot of bad side effects. So you really, really need to have that information to add to all the research you are doing. I'll try and fi d the blog of a dog who went through that and didn't fare well at all. It may not be the norm, but it's something the Vets NEED to inform you. It may be that this dog had other issues, etc

Where do you stand as far as, if it is osteo? With the anesthesia issues, is amputation still an option? I know you are worried and need as much certainty as possible before deciding how to proceed. That's certainly understandable.

Let us k ow what the Vet says, okay??

One more thought. When you speak to the Onco/Vet about fungal treatment and maybe getting better pain management in the meantime, ask them t PLEASE do whatever it takes to bump Diesel's fungal test to the front of the @I e!!! It may be that it takes "X" number of days to process anyway. It's worth a try!!

We're right here with you. Update when you can, okay? Let us know how we can help

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS...I bet Diesel would enjoy you sitting with him u der the tree and giving him a very, very gentle smooch.

I'm actually staffing the TRIPAWDS HELPLINE if it would help to have someone to talk with and just help you process things. It would be my privilege. I understand....first hand understand.

1 844 TRIPAWDS

IF for some reason I'm not by the phone, please leave a message and Ill call right back. I'm here right now though if it's convenient for you. And I want to PROMISE you this, PROMISE you will have some clarity and actually even feel a bit better after we speak. And I don't make promises I can't keep.

YES Christine! Good job!

And IF it is a fungal, it doesn't necessarily mean that Diesel would have as rough a time as Sheba. I guess there are variations of the type, as well as a variation on which drugs work best in each case with each dog. So Sheba's situation may not be representative of how Diese woukd handle things.