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.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Glad he is doing well.

[charlotte bednarsh]

So glad to hear that Boomer is progressing well; hope it is smooth sailing from here.

[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.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad you posted this update, Andy. I've been thinking of Boomer and wondering how he was doing. It's so good to hear that his treatment is going well and he is feeling like himself again. :) 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I have been worrying about him.  I am so glad to hear that his recovery is going so well.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thinking of you and Boomer. I hope he is doing well and continues to heal and get stronger. 

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Boomer surgery site all healed.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks for the update, Andy. I hope Boomer continues to do well.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks for the update on Boomer. He still has a great smile! Hope he continues to do well. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Hooray!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I'm just catching up with all this now, what an ordeal, but I'm so glad to see the site all healed. Thankfully it sounds like you are in very good veterinary specialist hands and I can only wish Boomer good health for the future. Thinking of you and Boomer and wishing only for the best outcome possible. X

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Thank you!!

Happy Mother's Day!