Jan 3 Road Trip

Yesterday, Arri just wasn't co-operating.  Doc said he did well but could not remove enough fluid to get a clear x-ray.  From this we had 2 options.  We can go with 2 days of diuretics while waiting for results from the tests.  The fluids drained from his chest can be tested to see what the source is.  After 2 days, we would do more x-rays and hope they are clear enough to see something.  Depending on those results, we either make a plan of action or we need to go to a specialist to try different test methods.  Option 2 was just to go straight to the specialist.  We chose option 2.  I had already delayed treatment over the holiday, I wasn't waiting any longer.

On the road again....

 There wasn't much point to delaying the trip until today.  So at 4:00, Tim and I gathered up Arri, Oregon, tubes of fluids, dvd of x-rays, maps and reading materials and started the road trip. We could not get an actual appointment but they have a 24 hour ER so that was where we went.  It is 2+ hours to get to the MSU Vet School hospital.  Arri traveled comfortably and based on his pee - the diuretics were working.

We arrived around 6:30 and I was pretty pleased from the start.  Within two minutes, two Senior Vet students were out meeting us and Arri.   They took our information, history etc and then took Arri to the back for an exam.  At this point Arri seemed a bit perkier just from having the fluid drained.  Once they took him to the back we didn't see him again.  We were asked more questions and then the 'real' doctor came in after having reviewed what the students learned and made sure they had all the information.  We were there about an hour.  Checking out, Oregon had to make sure everyone knew just how cute he was.  He did an 'UP' on the counter and then laid his head down to show just how cute he could be.  Yep - it got him two biscuits.  Sadly, no discount on the bill but I guess a free dessert.

I am so grateful for my Smartphone and Google maps.  We did not have reverse directions to get home and I managed to get us turned in the wrong direction.  It was only a slight detour through Lansing before we got back on the right road.  We were home by 10.

At 11:30 pm, we got a call just letting us know Arri was doing well, resting comfortably and that more fluids were drained and everything was being tested.

8:30 am, a student vet calls to introduce herself and let us know she has checked on Arri and he is doing well.  She said Arri is a sweet dog and very silly.  He must be feeling a little better as he is up to his old tricks.  She said he pretends he can't walk and they need to help the poor tripod (my wording).  He tried but they are on to his scam.  The Dr is on rounds so I don't get any information at this point but they will call later.

1:00 p.m.  Dr Lisa calls.  They have some results but at the same time, no results.  The cystology came back with 'probable' cancer cells in the fluid.  The x-rays showed small nodules in his lungs and a mass in his chest cavity.  Nothing definite on what it is.  They are going to do a belly ultrasound to check for other masses and do some aspirating to see what they learn.  Arri has so many fatty tumors (lipomas) that (wishful thinking) it could be benign.  There is also the RARE chance that it is fungal in nature.  Pathetic as it is, I bit on that piece of hope.  Arri was exposed to a fungus.  Back in October, the second mass we had removed from Summer - turned out to be a fungal infection.  I suggested that she contact Dr. Mike about that possibility.  I know it is a long shot but i have to keep trying.  I read two devotionals yesterday and they both were about not giving up.  It wasn't a coincidence.

So, Arri will not be coming home tonight - or not likely.  They will call again later to let me know about the ultrasounds.

Oregon's making faces again.