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.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I too am glad that Boomer is back home. Just that had to make him feel so much better.  Your 5th update sounds very good.  These doods can be so resilient. Just want to say I am glad you posted in the main discussion forum to help educate others.  Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Boomer!

[Nancy & Echo]

I am so glad that Boomer is acting normal, and hope for a speedy recovery.  Thank you so much for sharing your experience with others so we can all learn.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Happy to hear Boomer is home and doing well, and I hope he has a fast and uneventful recovery. I missed your original post in the Health and Medical Issues group. So glad you also posted it here in the Main Forum. Thank you for sharing!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

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!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

So glad to hear that Boomer is doing great. Can't keep a good doodle down! :) 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

You must be thrilled to have that over and Boomer back home.  I hope he recoups very quickly.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so happy this is behind you.  Thinking of you all and sending healing thoughts.

[Kyoko]

I hope he gets better soon!!!

[charlotte bednarsh]

Thank goodness.  So glad to hear that Boomer continues to heal.  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I was gone for a few of your updates.  I am so glad to read that Boomer is doing well after his surgery.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Boomer 3 days after surgery. Stitches will be taken out on 28th. 

[charlotte bednarsh]

How is he doing?  Our doodles are so resilient and you are such a good mom!  Thinking of you and Boomer and praying for a speedy recovery.