Update on Rusty as of December 2

[Chuck Holliman]

Rusty had his November monthly follow-up visit with Dr. Macy on Wednesday; Dr. Macy had decided last month to do more extensive tests on his liver this visit, as the test results have continued to decline over the past several months. Rusty has also continued to lose weight, even with the increase in his meals, which was a concern to Dr. Macy. Rusty had to fast before we took him in for the first round of tests; after his blood was drawn we took Rusty home and fed him double rations to get the liver, stomach, etc. functioning. We took him back two hours after being fed for another set of blood tests.

During the past few weeks Rusty’s intake of water has increased dramatically, including having to go piddle during the night (like his Dad); we took a urine sample with us. When they ran the tests on the urine, Dr. Macy and his tech came running out to the waiting room and accused us of “spiking” the sample, as the results were off the charts. We obtained another urine sample, using their sterile container, when we took Rusty home. When we returned, they ran the tests again and the results were still off the chart.

We had an extensive conversation with Dr. Macy last night, as the lab results identified two new issues that we now need to address.

Dr. Macy said that Rusty “flunked” his liver tests. Rusty has a “mild portosystemic liver shunt”, which are abnormal veins that enable blood from the intestines to bypass the liver. The effect is ammonia and other toxins are not metabolized or removed from the blood. The majority of portosystemic shunts are congenital. Rusty’s shunts are not serious enough to require surgery; we can offset the effects of the liver by feeding him small high protein meals several times a day. No large meals!

Rusty has also developed “Fanconi Syndrome”, which is an impairment in the function of the kidneys that causes certain compounds which should be absorbed in the bloodstream by the kidneys to be excreted in the urine instead. Fanconi's syndrome is generally an inherited disease that affects the proximal renal tubule and causes abnormalities in sodium, glucose, calcium, phosphate and amino acid retention. The disease can also be mimicked by certain toxins (re above) and drugs (Chemo) that affect the proximal renal tubule and interrupt normal functioning. Rusty is losing glucose, amino acids, uric acid and phosphate into his urine. This explains the increased water consumption and frequent urination. It also explains his weight loss as he is dumping calories into his urine. Fanconi Syndrome can be treated using potassium citrate along with other dietary supplements.

Rusty went back today for a specialized test to determine the dosage of potassium citrate that he will need. Dr. Macy is not overly concerned at this time as he thinks that he can control the liver and kidney issues with diet and medications. Rusty has to go back on the 8th to see how he is doing; it will probably take a few weeks to get the right intake of potassium citrate that he needs to offset the loss of his glucose, etc. into his urine.

The good news from this visit is there were no signs of the cancer returning; it has now been 22 months since his diagnosis and amputation! Rusty has had the fewest number of episodes of vomiting and diarrhea the past few weeks since his battle with cancer began. He has been off all meds and supplements and his appetite is normal; he is also very happy, full of energy and looking his best since the amputation. You would not suspect that something was amiss from looking at him.

Chuck & Rusty

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am so glad that Rusty can be treated with diet and some medications to adjust to the new diagnoses. This is such good news. Thank you for letting us know how he is doing. Lots of hugs and doodlekisses to Rusty.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

: o ( on the liver functions but : o) on the no signs of cancer.

I think Rusty still has a promising future...he and his Dad are fighters!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Hugs to Rusty! He is so brave and a trooper. I'm sorry that they found these issues but the Dr. seems to know how to work with it! So happy he's feeling better. Happy holidays and we send our prayers to your family!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Thank you for sharing this extensive report on the gorgeous and brave Rusty.  It seems like you have a wonderful team looking after him and I am so glad that all is relatively manageable and that he is doing so well given what he has been through and continues to battle.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I am so happy to hear that the cancer has not returned, and it seems like there is a good plan in place to control Rusty's other problems.  It's wonderful to hear that he is full of energy and happy.  Thanks for the update...I often think about Rusty and wonder how he's doing.

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a great team you have to figure this all out. Despite all the things going on , it sounds like Rusty is doing well and can be managed. That is great!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We are keeping Rusty in our thoughts and hoping you will be successful in managing these new issues. Hugs to all of you.