It IS scary, isn't it? I just felt so dismayed when they told me. One more thing. Poor, poor girl. I am so glad there IS an antibiotic for it. I actually have to handle it with gloves on, because if I have any open cut on my skin, touching the pill can give me the infection.

I need to catch up on your thread about your dear Hannah. I somehow have been missing it. I'm sorry about that - I hope she is doing well. I am going to go and read it. Thank you for your support caring.

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Tesia
"Joy and loyalty wrapped in sunshine."
The Laughing Dog Press

Sept. 21, 2000 ~ Feb. 5, 2013
My sweet, joyful, beloved heart.

Please forgive my tardiness in extending happy thanks that she is home and recovering with you. I agree, they tend to sleep more once they get home because I feel as though it's hard for them to really relax at a vet hospital due to the activity. Tramadol always makes my guys a little sleepy too.

I'm sorry to hear about her infection and I pray the antibiotics will work magic and cure her of the infection.

I totally understand about the cone. I finally made peace with the fact we needed to use it on our dogs when Toby had his cataract surgery. He had to wear that thing forever it seemed, but once it came off I realized he survived and it helped speed his immediate recovery. I'm more willing to cone him now when it's needed. A little hint- be sure to check her ears and clean them if necessary because it gets hot inside those things and little infections can brew. also, I used a 50/50 vinegar water spray to disinfect the cone at least once a day. I finally got 2 cones so I could make it easier on me- one doesn't fit as well though. Those cones can get pretty nasty inside! When I knew I'd be around to check him and supervise (when he was on the sofa with me), I unconed him for a break from time to time. He learned to be on his best behavior after a few days!

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Meet Yogi! http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...tion-yogi.html

There is already something going on. She often will have ear issues when she is on an antibiotic - and she is now on her third (at least - not counting the IV ones) in two weeks. I took off her cone briefly last night when I took her out, just for a break, and because it's easier to go up and down stairs, and she was shaking her head constantly. I honestly didn't have the heart to check them. I feel awful, but I just thought, I can't even think about torturing her with an ear clean on her first night home.

I will check them today. She has been sleeping non-stop. I did get my mattress down onto the floor so she just has a big step up to get on (regretting my extra deep mattress right now). I set my alarm for 7 this morning because her meds were due, and she didn't even raise her head to take them. Just ate them lying down on her side. I got her up at 8:30 to go out, and she ate a big bowl of food. But she went right back to sleep.

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Tesia
"Joy and loyalty wrapped in sunshine."
The Laughing Dog Press

Sept. 21, 2000 ~ Feb. 5, 2013
My sweet, joyful, beloved heart.

I got a bit of a reality check yesterday when I picked up Tesia to bring her home. I got a full report on everything that was done to her while she was at the VEC - all the exams, etc. And there was a line under findings:

One centimetre round, darkly pigmented, raised mass on right side of anus.

Wait. What?? No one ever mentioned that one to me. I asked the intern - and she said, they're not really concerned about it because Tesia "has bigger issues facing her."



I think I am still living a bit in denial. Or I'm thinking, she's going to be fine. We'll find out what the cancer is, and we'll treat it. I think that without saying it outright, the experienced vets and techs know what the reality is. There have been a couple of moments that I have heard something they've said and thought, "What? She's going to be fine. That whole six months thing is not going to apply to her."

I also saw on the VEC report than in Tee's history, the cyst that she had removed from her leg in September is listed as a plasmacytoma. I had been told it was a benign cyst. But I googled plasmacytoma when I got home.

I have left a message for the intern.

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Tesia
"Joy and loyalty wrapped in sunshine."
The Laughing Dog Press

Sept. 21, 2000 ~ Feb. 5, 2013
My sweet, joyful, beloved heart.

Sounds like Tesia is enjoying the chance to rest up in a quiet environment.

Have you considered a soft elizabethan collar? Our little Bichon, Katie, is wearing one in the pic below (looking like a bluebell). She was having problems in the hard cone. Andy wore a larger one that worked like a charm too. Neither one could get at incisions/stitches to lick/scratch.

Here are the links I got when I Googled "Soft Elizabethan Collar":

soft elizabethan collar - Google Search

PetCo carries soft e collars too. Expedited shipping is available at most online places.

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I can understand your questions and concerns in your last post - especially reading details that you weren't aware of.

I applaud your attitude to be positive about Tesia's prognosis and outcome. Your positive vibes will do her good. She will detect negative emotions and that will not do her immune system any good. Even when things seem dire, there are always patients who defy the odds.

Taking each day at a time and addressing problems in order of urgency/priority is a healthy approach. I hope you have an open line of communication to your vet team because I have found this alleviates a lot of anxiety.

I am praying hard that the news you get is good and for strength for you.

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..... have a Golden day

I'm thinking of you and Tee.

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I am thinking about how long Reno lived even without chemo.
Think positive like you are doing.
I hope Tesia has been feeling well at home today.

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My boys from left to right:
Thunder Dachsi Toby




http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...is-issues.html

My Toby, my heart dog 3/12/2003 - 3/30/2013, I miss you Toby!


Christa

Hope Tesia is caught up on her sleep and feeling better tonight.

I agree with your positive outlook that she's going to beat the odds.

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Kiwi - Tahnee's Just Go With It / Maddie...forever loved & missed..May 7/01-May 21/11

I just had a Tesia thought run through my mind and was moved to post a 2nd time today.

She's in good medical hands, and has a wonderful mom who's a powerful advocate for her. A winning combo.

I just sent a HUGE zap of positive vibes your way You're both on our prayers list too. I have a good feeling everything will be addressed and treated and she'll be fine. It's just so hard when they aren't their normal selves. As you know from your kind support of Andy's journey this past year he's bounced back time and time again. Just like Tesia will. I just know it.

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