Well, we are back and Emma has an “abnormal” ultrasound???
Howllo Fellow Basset Hound and Updates about Emma Lovers….Thank you checking back in to see howl our Shimmers is doing. It really took most of the day and then we did some major googling to see what was in store for us.
We started out early. We popped into our vet to get an abdominal series of x-rays.
Dr. Doan said that her liver looked a bit small.
We also picked up her blood panel to take along with her x-rays to the internist.
If you click the picture you can read her panel.
If anyone knows more about blood panels than either of the doctors were willing to explain to us, please do tell. I have found a really smart group on canine liver disease on Yahoo.
Here is Emma going back for her ultrasound….
Here is Chaps worried about Emma as she goes back for her ultrasound….
Well….when the doctor came back to our room she didn’t look good. She said Emma’s liver was lumpy when it should be smooth. That was about all we got before she started scheduling us for a liver biopsy. She told us that after the biopsy she would suggest the next course of action.
I looked at Chaps and Grandma and said, “what just happened?”
A liver biopsy?
Oh Dear Dog…..Sigh…….
We need to research this more…..
More…..loving Emma and her Liver Later….Cat, Chaps and Emma
Comments(16)
Liver biopsy? Really? Oh dear doG is right. It seems to me that if she was really sick that she would have lost her appetite. Whatever it is, I think you’ve caught it early. When is the biopsy? Poor Shimlette. They’ll put her under for that for sure.
They want her to get the LB soon. A few more tests are in the future, but I am just not sure about this. I was a bit turned off by the internist and her lack of total bed side manner. We all know howl much Emma loves her bed. As I recall, she never even touched Chaps or Emma. She basically stared at Chaps the entire time I was telling her about Emma. At one point, I said, “this is Emma”, and touched Emma. The Dr. looked at me and said, “I know”. It was just really weird. At the end of our consultation, when we were asking about other options, they were bringing Emma back in and the doctor just walked out. Like she was aggravated we were questioning her.
Cat,
In my opinion, you need to trust your gut instincts. Is there anyone else you can take her to for a second opinion??? You should never feel as if you are being dismissed or that the vet doesn’t love your baby as much as you do. I don’t know. I would ask around- did your vet refer this internist to you?
Oh goodness… Poor little First Family of BHT! Hugs all around… Is there anything I can do? I am off of work tomorrow. Oh, Cat… I know how strong you are…but, you have to be so worried. Oh, I am sending many prayers and good wishes… xoxo
Thank you MandN….No, we are OK for now. Thanks so much for offering. I have a ton of work to do for my job and Emma feels fine. She is just like her “normal” self. Bless her little heart, and liver! Thanks again…..Cat, Chaps and Shim….
We are here if you need us. In the medical world for people and animals there can be some cold individuals.So sorry to say. Glad Emma is feeling like herself, she is such a sweetheart. Know we care, lots!
Cat, Chaps and Early Morning Misty Air little Emma,
Hugs and prayers and kiss the kids! Love, Gabrielle
Cat, please let me know if there is anything I can do. This internist sounds like she missed her calling.
Oh, Cat….I am so worried — you know how we are!!! I do hope you can get a second opinion, but sometimes vets are so hard to find and At this point the biospy will tell the most. I’m glad she is feeling ok? I really think that she would of lost her appetitie if she was feeling bad. Please know we are praying for you and our sweet Emma girl!!! I love you and I’m here if you need anything. Keep us posted. Hugs & drool.
I would pass this information on to your vet, maybe he/she could forward your feelings to this vet so someone could work on their bedside manner.
Second opinion would be good. How can a vet (any doctor) recommend anything when they don’t even bother looking at the patient.
We love Emma (and you and Chaps). Sending prayers and drool.
Why in the world would a specialist have that attitude toward her patient? Weird. Let’s hope that she’s good even though she seems to be cold. Maybe she was just having a bad day.
Keep us posted!
Cat,
This internist’s behavior sounds really wrong. Internists, at least the doctor I personally have, are diagnosticians. They usually should be asking you questions and discussing what is happening. This should still be true with a vet.
And she should have told you enough about what the liver biopsy entails and what information it will give to help Emma. You shouldn’t have to search the web or ask us for the basics. That is her job!
I’d definitely be talking again with my regular vet about using someone else or be reassured that this woman really is good at her job. Right now I’d be real leary. We want the best for Emma!
Mary and Honey in TX
Oh my dawg! I have been so busy dealing with my needy Bumper after his eye surgery that I missed checking your blog for 2 days! Look what happens. I cannot believe all this with Emma. You need to follow your gut feeling about this. I think a second opinion is in order. I know howl much you are concerned about this.
My Gizmo was on Previcox for arthritis and it was trashing his liver unbeknownst to me. Vetlady said he was headed for liver failure. I went online and found a liver diet and began cooking for them both and in a few months time Gizzy’s liver is fine. I sure hope Emma’s can be turned around. i supplemented with milk thistle and grapeseed pills.
Thanks Joni – Emma is on the Milk Thistle. I will look into the grapeseed pills. I have not heard of those. Thanks again…Cat