I am very blessed to live in the same city as one of the best specialist veterinary hospitals in the South West, so I have access to an amazing canine oncologist who is very open minded about a whole body approach to treatment and recovery. Silas' tumor was high grade so it's more than likely that we are already dealing with micrometastases which is why I'm so ready to pursue chemo. I'm looking into enrolling him in a local water rehab program but it will have to wait until after the chemo when I'll have a bit more funding available. We had our first full night of peaceful sleep last night as Si was still groggy and happy from the anesthesia . He's back to crying again this morning, but I think the sleep did us both some real good. I'm going to try to add a couple photos. Hopefully, I've done it right.

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It looks like we may have found a way to relieve at least some of Silas' anxiety! An inexpensive and durable sports utility wagon did the trick. After a good long stroll in his new wagon Si has been quiet and happy for several hours! He even relaxed enough to be able to relieve himself for the first time in 4 days. After just a few minutes of being out and about around the complex and meeting up with friends both canine and human that he hadn't seen for far too long, Silas was almost back to his old happy self. We still don't know why he is continuing to loose strength in his back legs; but it's an amazing relief to just have him resting comfortably. I'm so happy that even his snores sound musical right now.

So, I do have an update on Silas' condition. He was evaluated by a neurologist on Wednesday. He has lost about 80% sensation on his back end. His reflexes are still intact, but they are weak and delayed. As it was explained to me, this narrows down his condition to two possibilities. One: Herniated disks that are swelling and pressing on his spinal cord or Two: the osteosarcoma has spread to his spine and a tumor is pressing on the nerves.

Unfortunately, I am unable to afford the x-ray that would tell us for sure if it was the cancer until later in April. After the major bills of the month are covered. So, as an alternative the Dr. gave Silas an injection of prednisone and a prescription to take home. If the steroid causes him to markedly improve in the next week, the odds are we are dealing with disk damage. If he does not improve, more than likely the cancer is in his spine. He has shown no improvement so far, but it's early days yet. It could take up to five days for any swelling from his disks to fully subside.

We all have our fingers and paws crossed here, hoping that the prednisone will take effect.