Rusty Update, 2 1/2 Years Since Amputation & Cancer Fight Began

[Chuck Holliman]

We have had a lot of non-Rusty issues this spring/summer and I have not been updating Rusty's progress. He has had a very good spring/summer until the last couple of weeks. We are hoping that he will fight this off like everything else he has had to deal with.

Rusty celebrated a milestone on July 25th, it has been thirty months since his amputation and his battle with cancer began! He is an amazing dog, having battled cancer for over half of his life and now dealing with “Fanconi Syndrome”, which was caused by the damage to his liver & kidneys from the Chemotherapy. He celebrated his 4th Birthday yesterday, July 30th. Two and one-half years ago, we never expected that we would be celebrating his 4th Birthday; that he is still with us is a testament to his determination to fight this terrible disease and his two fabulous Dr.’s, Dr. Huber & Dr. Macy
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Rusty saw Dr. Macy for his normal follow-up appointment on August 9th. No visible signs that the cancer has metastasized, but without X-rays we don’t know for sure. He has been making a lot of “grunting” noises the past few weeks, not sure if that means anything. If it keeps up we may ask Dr. Macy to take X-rays on our next visit as it has been about a year since his last X-Rays. His liver and kidney functions have decreased since the last visit; Dr. Macy increased the dosage of his med’s and put him back on Milk Thistle for his liver. When he was on Milk Thistle before, his sensitive stomach could not handle it; this time he was doing okay with it until the last couple of days when he started vomiting again. Altogether, he gets a total of 9 ½ pills wrapped in 4 cheese balls daily; fortunately, he eagerly looks forward to his “cheese balls”.

The main symptoms of “Fanconi Syndrome” are increased water intake and increased urination. Rusty’s water intake has increased substantially, from his already high levels, and we are hoping it is a result of the summer heat and not increased kidney/liver issues. However, Dr. Macy is more concerned about the latest test results and we are anxiously waiting on his next tests in August. We are hoping that the increased meds will stabilize him; otherwise he may be in a slow decline. He is now getting up twice a night again, which is challenging for both of us.

He has less energy this summer, does not swim as much and sleeps more. Hopefully, part of this is a result of being older along with more warmer/humid days this year. Also, the Fanconi Syndrome drains most of the nutrients from his system, which reduces his energy levels. We put him on the Adequan protocol, hoping to decrease the stress on his joints and reduce any pain that he might be having. He seems to have more energy since completing the series of injections, but is still not up to his previous levels. He still surfs some, but I don’t think there will be a 4th surfing video this summer.

Chuck, Jan & Rusty

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you so much for the update. You are a remarkable family... You, Jan and Rusty remain in our thoughts and prayers.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Thanks for the update on Rusty.  I think of him often and had wondering how he was doing.  I hope that you can get everything under control and hope that his system can tolerate the meds that he needs.  He is a special little guy. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you for the update. Rusty's 4th Birthday and 30 month milestone are testaments to the love shared between you, the amazing care he has received, and his determination. Sending positive energy to you and to Rusty and wishing you good days ahead.