1501.The panting 13-year-old Silkie Terrier - Right submandibular tumour has increased 4X in size

Lately I seem to be getting 13-year-old dogs and the white cat.
This Silkie Terrier is much loved as family members take time off to send the dog to me when she is sick.

On Jul 1, 2013, the father consulted me. The spayed female dog was panting for the past week.

HISTORY. This dog had a benign breast tumour (adeonoma) removed in Mar 29, 2010. She has a large submandibular lymph node on the right side and another breast tumour in Sep 2012 and fits started. The fits were controlled by anti-fits medication. She had panting and fits in Oct 13, 2012. I detected let heart murmurs and the dog was OK after treatment.

The anti-medication drugs were given once daily after stabilisation on two times per day but on  July 1, the dog had panting again. The right submandibular tumour had increased 4X, being much more distinct and most likely cancerous. Being such an old dog, I did not recommend surgical excision.  A blood test was done in Sep 27 2012 and in July 1, 2013.

In July 1, 2013, the platelet count was 843 (200-500) as compared to Sep 2012 when it was also high at 550, but not alarmingly high.  In July there was kidney disorder with urea 32.2 (4.2-6.3) and creatinine 195 (89-177). Other blood cell values were within the normal range.

So, what is the cause of this high platelet count and the panting?
The heart, loose stool gastroenteritis or insufficient fit medication? Financial restraints mean no further testing. I gave the heart medication, an IV drip and advised correct timing of the anti-fit medication.

On July 2, 2013, the next day I phoned the father at 6 pm. "Normal. Walking about," he said. "But not much appetite." This case is likely due to the spread of cancerous cells from the submandibular into the lungs and elsewhere but there is financial consideration so more tests cannot be done for heartlanders, a situation similar to the 13-year-old white cat with "obsessive grooming". 

Blood test is the minimum procedure to screen the old pet's health. Practisc of evidence-based wedicine gives the owner confidence and knowledge of what's wrong with their old pet. In old cats, sedation may be needed.