Normally I don't post medical issues in the main forum but... All healed (4/19/2016)

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Our Boomer had to have his right eye removed due to a tumor.  It may have been able to have been diagnosed earlier.

The signs that were missed are redness in the white of eye. Early sign of tumor. This was evident about 9 months ago.  Our prior vet dismissed it as normal.  It may have been but in retrospect I would have like it to have been looked at more thoroughly.  Although outcome probably would not have been any different, he would not have been in discomfort.

This is a link to the discussion in the Medical Group:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

1/22/16 Update:  The tumor was much bigger than anticipated causing surgery to be more extensive.  Yesterday we got biopsy results, unfortunately it was malignant.  We are hoping to see an oncologist today.

1/22/16 Oncologist appt:  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.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Thank you for the update and for sharing this important information.  We're keeping you and Boomer in our thoughts and prayers and wish him a speedy and full recovery.

[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.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

So sad to have our pets go through such difficulties.  Good luck with his treatments and please keep us posted on his progress.  Doodle Kisses from Joani, Skadi and Elli.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Boomer is in my thoughts for a good recovery

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Just a quick update on Boomer.

The incision has healed and hair is regrowing.  (and I guess we are getting use to the new look) 

He has had 2 vaccines so far.  He will have 2 more and then "boosters" every 6 months.  He has become more clingy but has mostly returned to his old self.  We are very happy with the progress. 

We have spoken to the senior vet at the practice - the one who actually performed the surgery, he said that it was the most extensive eye removal surgery he has performed (35 years of practice) but he was happy with the outcome. 

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and continuing prayers.

[Stella]

Glad to hear that things are still going well :)

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Happy to hear your update is positive and that there were no complications to the surgery. What are the next steps besides boosters? When will they know how well the Oncept is working?  You are in my prayers for continued healing and positive results. 

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

The only treatment is the vaccine and boosters.  If there is no spread of the cancer then presumably the Oncept treatment is working.  (Although there is also a percentage that would have no spread of the cancer without the Oncept).

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I'm sure the waiting and wondering is just horrible. He's in good hands though, and I will keep sending healing thoughts. 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Just saw this update.  I am so happy this went as well as it possible could for sweet Boomer.  Continued prayers for that sweet boy!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Prayers for Boomer being sent here!

[Wendy and Myla]

Here too!  Continual prayers!  So hoping that all goes well!!!