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Tripawds Three Legged Dog and Cat Forums Treatment, Recovery and Oncology Update on PEZ

Update on PEZ

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hugapitbull

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge

Member Since:
28 November 2008

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4 November 2010 - 2:47 am

Paws & fingers crossed for Pez. Trouble has a tendency to develop UTI when she's on prednisone, so I started giving her concentrated cranberry capsules. it seems to calm the excessive urination, also. You might want to give it a try if Pez has problems with the prednisone.

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.

csmpez

16 November 2010 - 5:20 pm

Hi Everyone...

PEZ has been doing pretty good. She hasn't started walking again, but she is more active and alert on the prednisone. I wish I knew ahead of time about the prednisone causing excessive urination tendency and thirst. Every time PEZ growls, my wife gives her water and treats... I spend day and night carrying PEZ outside to go potty. No more water before bedtime. 🙂 We still sleep downstairs in the family room. Wife is also 21 weeks pregnant, but she says the sofa is comfortable and I'm not carrying PEZ downstairs from our master bedroom on the second floor in the middle of the night or the wheeee hours of the morning.

Scott, Charlotte & PEZ

Tripawds

On The Road

Member Since:
24 September 2009

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16 November 2010 - 6:23 pm

Thanks for the update! For what it's worth, Dr. Waldman recommends not sleeping on the floor with dogs during recovery. It can just prolong recuperation as they become dependent upon your support. She suggests "if you want things to be normal, you must act as though all is normal."

Best wishes, please keep us posted.

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

hugapitbull

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge

Member Since:
28 November 2008

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16 November 2010 - 7:18 pm

Come on, Pez. We're all pulling for you. I so hate she's having this problem, and was hopeful the prednisone would get her moving again. It must be tough for you having to carry her out. I understand how difficult it is to get back to normal when everything isn't normal. We still make concessions for Trouble and it's been almost two years. But she's old, she's arthritic, and I don't feel like it is asking too much for us to cater a bit to her special needs. Is she spoiled? yes! Is it my fault? yes! Do I care? Absolutely Not!

Sending you guys lots of good thoughts.

Cooper

Mount Pleasant, Ia

Member Since:
27 October 2010

Offline

16 November 2010 - 8:00 pm

Yes Pez, we are all here and pulling for you. I tell you the issue of spoiling has been one I have thought a lot about since Cooper had his surgeries. It is difficult to balance what is spoiling and what is necessary, and as Hugapitbull says, if some spoiling happens... well so it does. I think one thing that this whole cancer has taught me is, that I dont really know what normal is. I have been learning to watch Cooper and yes, since his surgery there are days he would just as soon I carry his food and water to him, and I am learning to watch and see when he is being lazy and to notice that other days - he really is in some distress and is hot and tired and thirsty and just really doesnt feel like hopping to his water bowl , and then I carry it to him and satisfy his need. I personally wish that in the 5 years Cooper has been with us that I had spent a lot more time spoiling him, not to the point of him being dependant on me , but enough to say, we dont know how many tomorrows we may have. We hope for many ,many, but none of us knows. I think if you keep a happy balance on when you need to do a little extra and when you should push for a little independance , everything will be just fine. I have to work Cooper a little harder on climbing up and down stairs, I have to he cant live the remainder of his life on the landing and I cant sell my home and buy a ground level home , so he has to work with me. I guess we all know our animals better than anyone. I never used to lay down on the floor and nap with Cooper, but I never had the threat of cancer taking him away - and I do get on the floor and take the occasional snooze with him. I found out its not a bad place to be sometimes, not always, but sometimes. And as Pez gets ready to do more he will let you know too. Good luck and keep on being pawsitive!

Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn

http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com

the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state

Tripawds

On The Road

Member Since:
24 September 2009

Offline

16 November 2010 - 11:10 pm

Come on Pez, you can get hoppin' again, I know it!

Were you able to see some alternative docs to get another opinion?

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

10711

17 November 2010 - 4:35 pm

Pez and family, I hope Pez had a good day today and that mom and dad were able to get some rest. I pray the prednisone helps to get her over this hump and back to hoppin around again real soon. FYI, I have catered to and spoiled Fortis big time since his diagnosis but as Shanna has said, it's not to much to ask. It is our "new normal" you might say. Please keep us updated.

My thoughts are with you.

Fortis and Dad

anyemery

Member Since:
1 January 2010

Offline

17 November 2010 - 8:47 pm

We're pulling for you, PEZ! Keeping all fingers and paws in our house crossed for good news for you.
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan

Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!

http://anyemery.....ipawds.com

csmpez

10 December 2010 - 5:27 am

Hello everyone,

Well bad news is here... We had the MRI done last night and the bone cancer has spread to her spine. The third cervical vertibrae in her neck is almost completely eatn' away by the cancer and is impacting her spinal column. The neurologist indicated this in non-operable. We are completely devistated by this, so I'm guessing our fight is over. crying Unless there is a surgical procedure to remove cancerous vertibrae in a spine, PEZ will have to be put to sleep. Sorry for the depressing news, but there hasn't been a dry eye in our house since last night.

Thank you all for your support, advise and prayers. Looks like PEZ will be getting back her wings and halo soon. crying

cometdog

Las Vegas, Nevada

Member Since:
14 August 2009

Offline

10 December 2010 - 10:38 am

I'm just so very sorry to hear about Pez.

I can only imagine how hard this is. Letting go is so hard.

Comet's mom

Comet - 1999 to 2011

She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.

She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.

Tripawds

On The Road

Member Since:
24 September 2009

Offline

10 December 2010 - 11:10 am

Awww guys, we are so very sorry. Pez has been such a fighter, and done so well since the time you first joined us. We are deeply sorry about this news.

Keep her as comfortable as you can, spoil her rotten with whatever foods she wants, and tell her we are all sending our love.

{{{{{hugs}}}}}}

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

etgayle

knoxville, tn

Member Since:
12 February 2010

Offline

10 December 2010 - 12:16 pm

we are sorry to hear this news. hopefully you can enjoy the precious moments yo have left with pez, too sad to think of this happening to such a determined fighter. our thoughts are with you.

charon & gayle

Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.

Love Never Ends

http://etgayle

hugapitbull

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge

Member Since:
28 November 2008

Offline

10 December 2010 - 4:48 pm

Pez is special to me, this is very sad news. My heart is with you guys as you face this really tough time. I am so sorry for you and for Pez.

csmpez

10 December 2010 - 6:58 pm

Thank you everyone for your kind words. It is hard to believe considering how much of a fighter she is and everything we tried. But we knew it was only time before the cancer metastisized somewhere else. This is a terrible disease and feel terrible for anyone who has experienced this devistating disease.

Anyway, I know a number of members here are vets or are in the industry/profession, so here is PEZ's neurological report for your review:

Veterinary Neurology of the Chesapeake

808 Bestgate Road

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Telephone: 410-224-0121

Fax : 443-926-9666

Email:info@vetneurochesapeake.com

WebSite:http://www.vetn.....peake.com/

Neurological Consultation for Pez 09 Dec 10

Dear Scott & Charlotte Manley,

Veterinarian: Dr. Alixander Bray

Bayside Animal Medical Center

Dear Scott & Charlotte Manley ,

Thank you for trusting us with the care of Pez, referred by Dr. Alixander Bray.

We performed a complete Neurological examination

and assessment including evaluating the mental status, posture,

locomotion, postural reactions, spinal reflexes, complete cranial nerve

examination, epaxial palpation and pain perception.

Normal findings are not listed below but the following is a review

of important findings and recommendations based on Pez's exam by Dr.

McDonnell.

Animal's Name: Pez (2249) |

Subjective – Presenting Complaint and History
Neuro weak or down in all four limbs (tetraparesis/paralysis): Pez presents today unable to stand or place any weight on her limbs. Pez had her right front limb amputated in June due to bone cancer. The humeral lesion was first id'd on radiographs on 10/9. In June, she fractured the humerus which prompted the amputation. Mr. Manely observed Pez slowly becoming weak and having difficulty walking starting October 13th, 2010. Pez has a good appetite is drinking well having normal stools and urinating on her own. Recheck at the end of October at VOSM showed cervical problem but she was able to rise and ambulate fairly normal. Pez was referred for a neurological exam. Pez is unable to stand at this point. Prednisone had an initially positive effect on her but this was short-lived. Pez is currently taking Piroxicam 0.3mg/kg 1 tab once a day, Doxycycline 100mg 1 1/2 tab twice daily, Tramadol 50mg 1 1/2 tab twice daily, Cyclosphoshamide 1 tab every other day.
Objective – Exam and Diagnostic Findings
Mental status: Exam Normal Quiet, alert, appropriate and responsive
Behavior at home and during exam: Exam Normal Eating really well – seems comfortable at home.
Posture: Laterally recumbent Abnormal – cannot sit up or lay sternally. Holds head and neck very stiffly and rigidly. Right pelvic limb amputated after pathological fracture June 2010. (diagnosed with osteosarcoma)
Locomotion and gait: Exam Abnormal – non ambulatory – has minor motor in left pelvic limb, no motor in right pelvic limb and no motor in left thoracic limb.
Tone: Exam Abnormal – diminished in thoracic limb, normal in pelvic limb.
Atrophy: Exam Abnormal – minor amount of atrophy involving thoracic girdle.
Bladder – urinary function: Exam Normal Normal urinary function, active and purposeful urination with normal stream of urine. Pez will ask to go outside.
Knuckling or hopping in left thoracic limb: Absent – no response Abnormal –
Knuckling or hopping in left pelvic limb: Slow response Abnormal – very slow, very weak.
Knuckling or hopping in right pelvic limb: Absent – no response Abnormal –
Extensor postural thrust: Absent in both pelvic limbs Abnormal –
Withdrawal left thoracic limb: Diminished in left thoracic limb Abnormal –
Patellar reflex left: Increased Abnormal –
Patellar reflex right: Increased Abnormal –
Notes on cranial nerve examination: : Exam Normal Cranial nerves examined found to be normal.
Abdomen: Liver – Enlarged Abnormal – slight
Palpation of cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine: Pain with palpation of cervical spine Abnormal – light palpation of cranial and mid cervical spine elicits pain
Manipulation of cervical spine flexion, extension and lateral excursions: Exam Abnormal – resists and acts painful.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Neuro Localization – Spinal cervical or cervicothoracic cord (C1-T2)): Pez is showing signs of a spinal cord problem in the neck (cervical myelopathy). With her history we are specifically concerned with metastatic osteosarcoma. Other causes for this would include intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), Wobbler's disease (cervical spondylomyelopathy), granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME), bacterial, viral, fungal protozoal meningomyelitis, diskospondylitis and immune-mediated meningomyelitis, trauma, and fractures.
Plan and Recommendations
MRI Recommendation and Consent Form: We are recommending a MRI under anesthesia to evaluate the _ structures macroscopically. We will be able to evaluate for neoplasia (tumor), structural abnormalities, strokes or inflammatory conditions. At the same time that the MRI is performed and evaluated, we may recommend a cerebrospinal fluid collection and analysis. This helps identify microscopic disease that may be causing a problem. Your pet should not have any food after 6 am the day of the MRI. They can have water up until 1 pm prior to the MRI. If you your pet has a specific condition that may impact this requirement, please speak to Dr. McDonnell or one of his staff. The MRI scanner is located at a separate facility in Annapolis, MD. We will meet you at Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center at 808 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401, ph 410-224-0121, at your scheduled time. Late arrivals will need to reschedule. We do accept Mastercard, Visa and Discover.
CBC/Serum chemistry: A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates the red blood cells, the white blood cells and platelets in your pet's system. A serum chemistry analysis evaluates enzymes and other substances in the blood to assess body systems such as the kidney, the liver and the gastrointestinal system. These tests may be necessary to evaluate your pets health prior to other diagnostic procedures and evaluating response to therapy.

Tripawds

On The Road

Member Since:
24 September 2009

Offline

10 December 2010 - 10:04 pm

Thank you for sharing this. As hard as it was to read it, at some point, there may be some other pawrent who is looking for this kind of information about spinal mets. We hope not. But maybe some day in the future, the need for this info will no longer be needed.

{{{{hugs}}}}

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