Hi all!My name is Karen. First of all, I want to thank Darlene for
allowing me to join :-) Being a list owner myself, I totally
understand having to moderate subscriptions. It is a shame it has
gotten that bad in the world, but better safe than sorry.
Anyhoo, I have been on the hunt for lists such as this to help me
better care for my critters. For the most part, they are healthy. I
have 1 GSD(Abby) and 2 cats(Sneakers & Annie). They all have their
unique and adorable(and not so adorable) qualities.
About 6 weeks ago Abby had infected anal sacs. NEVER had that before.
The vet, of course, gave her mega antibiotics and had her in for a
few rechecks. Well, the first 2 visits, I had the son doing all the
treatment/exams.....then, on the 3rd visit I got the dad and all of a
sudden he says Abby might have a tumor. Then on the 4th visit she was
diagnosed with 4 tumors in/around her rectum (1 inside, 3 outside).
He showed me and they are there, but not big at all.
Automatically, he said to set up a time to perform surgery to remove
them and get her started on follow up treatments. It was going to be
around $600 JUST for the surgery, biopsy and 2 days of treatment. We
had already spent over $500 on treating her infected anal sacs!!!!!!!!
So, he said the only alternative was hormone injections to
*hopefully* at least slow down the tumor growths. He said we had 2
weeks to make up our minds as he couldn't guarantee the cost or
treatment plan after than cuz the tumors could change that fast.
I was beside myself in tears. I just couldn't believe it. Later that
day, I called the vet to request a written copy of his diagnosis and
treatment plan, as I had a hard time retaining everything he told me
and wanted something to refer to so I could research on my own. The
receptionist said I could pick it up the next day. Then, that
evening, the vet called me personally and said they don't give
written reports, only oral reports. ???????? OK, so I had him repeat
all he told me before and wrote down as much as I could. He seemed
rather put out and annoyed. I have since switched vets. I found a
holistic vet about 1 hr. away that came highly recommended by some
friends that have dealt with him.
I took her in about 2 weeks ago and said the tumors didn't look that
bad....he had treated worse successfully. He sent homepathics and
herbal cleanses for her immune system, lymphatic(?) system and her
colon. Oh, and MSM lotion to rub on the area to help with inflamation.
All seems to be working well.....she is spry and energenic again.
My EX vet wanted me to keep her on antibiotics indefinately. I know
that would impare her immune system even more. So, I'm thankful I
have found a holistic vet to treat her naturally. Even if it doesn't
cure her, it will give her a better quality of life for how ever long
she lives. She will be 9 on June 17th.
She had a bout with constipation this past week, but it only lasted a
day and it was remedied with some mineral oil. She is pooping fine
now. :-)
One thing I am curious about.......a few weeks prior to her having
the infection and tumors, she got her rabies/distemper shots. Could
this have been a reaction to them? I've read horrible things about
that sort of thing. I live in PA and we are only required to get
rabies every 3 yrs. by law. All other shots are optional. But the vet
and animal organizations put a lot of fear in you by saying there is
an epidemic of rabies, distemper, heartworm, etc. My EX vet always
tried to get me to get ALL the shots every year. He wasn't even the
one to tell me rabies is the only shot required by law and that is
only every 3 yrs. I had to find out that on my own!
I know my cats didn't handle them well. Sneakers slept on our bed for
a good 24 hrs. Annie hid under our trailer for the same amount of
time and her pupils were HUGE. She acted terrified. She finally
snapped out of it, but it scared me to death. Poor babies.
The only shots I get are rabies and sometimes the distemper. I've
never given them heartworm shots or pills. I have given them flea
control stuff, but only for about 2 months out of the year.
Sorry this is so long. Just trying to give as much background as
possible so maybe the rest of you could offer some advice. I'm always
open to hear things.....doesn't mean I'll agree, but I'll at least
listen :-)
Look forward to "meeting" you all!
Karen