*3368. A 15-year-old Golden Retriever has right tibial bone tumours

Feb 18, 2018  (3rd day of Chinese New Year).

This 15-year-old male entire Golden Retriever "suddenly" could not stand up. X-rays taken in Dec13, 2017 showed lower tibial bone destruction. Now, the dog cannot stand up and is emaciated. The owner decided to take the dog home.

Blood tests
Emaciated, RH tibial bone tumours (large massive swelling)

Feb 19, 2018
Bacteraemia
Total White Cell Count 27.3   (6-17)  high
Neurophils 79.1%  (60 - 70%)      high
Absolute Neutrophils 21.6  (3-11.5)   high
Infection sets in when the tumour is present for a long time.

Haemoglobin 12.2  (12-18) normal
Red cell count  5.1   (5.5 - 8.5) low
 ALT 66 (<59 br="">
 AST  99 (<81 br="">

Feb 28, 2018
No bacteraemia after antibiotics
Total White Cell Count 13.4   (6-17)   normal
Neurophils 89.1%  (60 - 70%)
Absolute Neutrophils 11.9  (3-11.5)

Haemoglobin 9.3  (12-18)  low
Red cell count  4   (5.5 - 8.5)  low
 ALT 43(<59 br="" nbsp="" normal="">
 AST  42 (<81 br="" nbsp="" normal="">

Options are:
1. Surgery to amputate the leg.
2. Euthanasia
3. Home nursing with SC drips, wet food and medication (painkillers and antibiotics)

See video


On Feb 28, 2018, the lady in her 50s came with the dog bleeding from the tumour. "His swelling had gone down (see images before on lst visit and on Feb 28, 2018) due to pred and antibiotics."
Leg amputation agreed. Appreciation of a bouquet send.

Mar 29, 2018
Good appetite. Still unable to stand on right hind and front 2 legs
Video clip of right armpit skin trembling yesterday and before amputation.
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The daughter of this dog has numerous large subcutaneous tumours on both sides of the body and one large one under the throat. Surgical excision and histology are advised.

 

Mar 29, 2018 (Day before Good Friday)

The owner sms me about shivering of the armpit areas for around 10 minutes and sent a short video clip. The dog did have fits observed 3 x within a month of shifting house for the last 3 moving house periods. The owner was working and so there could be more fits.

Examination showed very sensitive shoulder muscles and amputated leg muscle area. Ears were clogged with wax and dirt for many months. Ear irrigation and flushing took over one hour. Blood test was taken. Pressure sores from harness can be seen. I advised purchase of the wheel chair as most practical rather than the prosthetic leg as the dog is very weak and leg muscles are atrophied.

The dog's gums look severely congested. He vomited a cotton bud. Rimadyl is prescribed for muscle and joint pain and said to be very effective. Will follow up.