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.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

My thoughts and prayers are ongoing for the best possible outcome for Boomer.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

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.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you for the update Andy. I'm so glad the lymph nodes were clear. I hope the Oncept treatment is successful! 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

So glad to read this update.  Great news.  Will be looking forward to update on your decision in treatment.  

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm so glad to hear his lymph nodes are clear and he is eligible for the Oncept treatment. Hope he responds well to it. Thanks for the update. 

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

We are going to Boomer treated at the oncologist that originally saw him.  We hope to have him get his first dose of Oncept on Thursday after he gets his stitches out.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

So glad that his lymph nodes are clear.  Good luck with the Oncept treatment,

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Things are looking up!  Please keep us posted of his progress.  Praying the Oncept does the trick and it is not too hard on Boomer.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Boomer had his stitches taken out.  Healing nicely.

Friday he had his first Oncept vaccination.

Boomer is doing well, he just is more clingy.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sweet Boomer, give him  an extra smooch for me.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Hugs to all of you!

[Janet & Jaxson]

Glad he's doing well. Hugs to you and Boomer!