From:
Dale Nupp
Date: 2001-10-23 19:18:00 UTC
Subject: Lymphosarcoma Questions
Hello all:
I have a very sick fuzzy. Two weeks ago I rushed her to the vet with
pooping and vomiting blood. At the time we thought Chloe (the most perfect
DEW in the whole wide world) had ulcers brought on by some stress. The vet
treated her with tagamet, flagyl, amoxy, fluids and some other stuff. After
a couple of days she was sent home. Over the past two weeks Chloe has not
been eating and has lost so much weight. I took her back to the vet today.
The vet will again stabilize her and take an x-ray. Upon examination, the
vet seemed to feel a lump under the right ribcage. The vet said to consider
lymphosarcoma. Since none of my fuzzies have, heretofore, had lymphosarcoma
I have not educated myself about it. I took a look a dook a dook at Mike
Janke's websight earlier tonight and was disheartened to say the least about
treatment and prognosis. I gather from the article that treatment is really
not worth the effort.
To understand my questions, please note that Chloe is a 5 1/2 year old
fixed, female. Prior to the past several weeks she has been in perfect
health except for adrenal surgery two years ago. The adrenal surgery was
successful with no symptoms since then. Over the past several weeks Chloe
has been eating very little, drinking very little (although she does not
appear dehydrated) and pooping very little. However, her eyes are still
bright and she continues to be somewhat active. Her activity level is down
but she will still run around a little. A blood test several weeks ago
showed elevated liver enzymes and an elevated white count with a bg level of
53. I think the low bg level is due to her lack of eating and not
insulinoma. She does not appear to be in any pain.
I guess my fundamental question is whether or not there are any specific
signs of lymphosarcoma other than a biopsy or exploratory surgery. Also, is
any treatment worth pursuing. Sadly, if it does turn out to be
lymphosarcoma, should Chloe be put down or is this a disease that will take
her quickly but in relative comfort.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Dale