Boomer not feeling well. Update 9: Lymph nodes clear

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Yesterday Boomer who is never sick started acting "different".  He went to lay down in the fireplace (I had cleaned it out the other day.) He ate a very little of his breakfast and then started throwing up.  Also his right eye was very goopey.

Although I knew something was wrong, the only vets open were the emergency vets and I felt that it wasn't an emergency - he wasn't dehydrated, etc.

We are also in the process of trying to find a new vet, closer to where we live.  One local vet has had 3 board actions in the last 3 years (all very serious), so we are being cautious.

After reviewing the websites and checking the state veterinary board we decided on a local vet practice.  We brought Boomer this morning.  The vet did an exam and drew blood and urine for testing. The physical exam did not show anything to be concerned about.  He prescribed flagyl and amoxicillin and an eye ointment.  He wanted to wait for the tests to come back before he proceeded with anything else, if necessary.  He felt that the medications would help (at least do no harm) until they could review the test results.

Boomer is home resting on the couch.

Update 1:  Boomer feeling better.  Not throwing up anymore.  Labs came back normal except elevated white blood cell count.  Vet feels antibiotics should clear any infection.  We are seeing him on Wednesday to have eye examined further.

Update 2: Not great news.  High pressure in right eye, no vision in eye.  Left eye fine.  There is clouding precluding vet from seeing in eye.  No pupil reflex.  Tomorrow we are seeing an ophthalmologist.  Vet not optimistic about restoring sight.  May lose eye.  Hopefully underlying cause is confined to eye.

His stomach issues seem to be resolved.  The vomiting may have aggravated eye condition.

Update 3: Saw opthalmologist.  Boomer has an intraocular mass.  In other words a tumor in his eye.  The eye will have to be removed.  We are now waiting for the regular vet to get an estimate.  We will either have the regular vet or the opthalmologist do the surgery next week.

Update 4: Boomer out of surgery.  They removed more tissue than anticipated - tumor bigger than expected.  They are keeping him sedated overnight.  Will know more tomorrow.

Update 5 - Sharon brought Boomer home yesterday around noon.  He is doing well. Acting normal.  He is taking an anti inflamatory, an antibiotic and a pain killer.  His right eyelid is sewn shut and some bruising around eye.  He does not have to wear the cone as he does not touch his eye.

In 2 weeks the stitches come out.

Update 6 - Vet said surgery that should have taken about an hour and a half took three hours.  Tumor had grown.  Largest eye tumor vet had seen in his 30 years.  During surgery he consulted eye specialist.  The tissue is being sent out to the lab for analysis - we are optimistic as almost all eye tumors are benign.  Boomer is doing great!

Update 7 - Call from Vet - CORRECTION MALIGNANT MELANOMA! 

Update 8:  We saw the oncologist.  He took a chest xray and took samples from the lymph nodes for biopsy.  The chest xray was clear and we have to wait until early next week for the biopsy results.  If lymph nodes are clear the recommendation is to start on a treatment using the Oncept vaccination.  The idea is the immune system is "ramped up" to attack any cancer cells in the body.  It is very expensive and requires boosters every 6 months.  Unfortunately there is little information about this therapy as it is relatively new.  All the information is related to oral tumors.  Malignant eye tumors are very rare, so there is little information available.

We will make our treatment decisions this weekend.

Update 9: Lymph nodes are clear.  I have call all of the NJ veterinary oncologists to find their pricing on the Oncept vaccine.  The total pricing for the initial protocol varies by about $1,600 (from about $2,400 to $4,000).  Sharon is going to get firm pricing today and we will decide where to get treatment.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Oh no! I'm so sorry.  We're praying it's only an eye issue and nothing more. 

[Karen & Maple]

Any chance Boomer is on a steriod? This can sometimes increase interocular pressure. In the meantime did the vet give you any drops to lower the pressure? With humans if the pressure is extremely high it can cause pain, nausea, vomiting. If it is high for long enough, yes it can cause vision loss. Essentially this is glaucoma. Damage cannot be reversed. Sorry to hear this. Hopefully Boomer will get relief asap from the eye doc. I'm sure he'll adjust to having vision in the one eye.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Oh no.  Hope there is more positive news tomorrow. Glad his stomach issues are better.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Oh, I am so sorry for this diagnosis.  Give Boomer a hug from me.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Sorry to hear about Boomer's eye.  I hope they can figure out what caused this so nothing happens to his good eye. Thankfully his stomach issues have resolved.  Will be looking for update 3. Hang in there.

[charlotte bednarsh]

I am so sorry that Boomer is having such a tough time; please keep us posted.

[charlotte bednarsh]

Hi, I'm not certain where you are taking Boomer for the opthamologist appointment, however, my boy Paz is currently being treated for lymphoma at Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital in midtown Manhattan;  Blue Pearl has wonderful specialists who are really knowledgeable about treating an array of disorders.  I am so very satisfied with the incredible state of the art treatment that my Paz is receiving at Blue Pearl and I would highly recommend them for Boomer if you want another opinion.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm sorry, Andy. I hope the visit to the ophthalmologist goes well. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm just catching up, Andy, and I'm so sorry to hear this news about Boomer.  At one point when Murph was sick (can't remember which episode it was) he also had the high eye pressure....luckily it cleared but it was scary.  I'm so hoping that he doesn't have to lose that eye...sending lots of positive thoughts.

[Laura and Angus]

So sorry to hear this! Sending positive thoughts your way. Hopefully the specialist gets Boomer some treatment right away!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Update 3: Saw opthalmologist.  Boomer has an intraocular mass.  In other words a tumor in his eye.  The eye will have to be removed.  We are now waiting for the regular vet to get an estimate.  We will either have the regular vet or the opthalmologist do the surgery next week.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry, Andy. I know that Boomer could not be in better hands, though. Thinking of you both.