Hemangiosarcoma & Thrombocytopenia

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Hi all, I haven't been on here in a few years so really hate that I'm popping in out of the blue with such sad news. 

It's a long stressful story but the gist is that Winston has been struggling with a bunch of health issues recently that finally led to discovering a mass on his spleen. We thought he had immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (basically his immune system attacking his blood and killing all his platelets) but as he continued to struggle we decided to do an xray and ultra sound and found a mass on his spleen, leading to the likely diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma, of which the thrombocytopenia condition is a side effect (we can't tell for sure because we can't operate/biopsy with such low platelet count). Given the prognosis of the disease is very poor, even if we could remove it, we are coming to terms with the fact that we are losing him soon. Some of the other symptoms he's having indicate it may have already metastasized and spread.

I know I sound very clinical about all of this but it's been a hell of a rollar coaster and now I'm just trying to cope (plus banging this message out while I'm at work - was off with him for two weeks and can't afford to take any more time off so here I am). This all came to light labour day weekend when he had a possible bowel obstruction that couldn't be operated because he literally had a zero platelet count in his blood. He was struggling a bit before that but I just thought it was age related. Now the symptoms are clear and getting worse. He's losing weight, sometimes struggling to breath, has weakness (e.g. struggling on the stairs), vomiting a lot, etc. The good news is he's still showing that he's happy and remains interested in the things he enjoys, especially eating and being snuggled, so hoping to have a couple more months with him and plan to spoil him rotten.

I'm looking for support and advice from anyone who has been through this. Any ideas on how to extend his time with us that doesn't involve dangerous or invasive surgery or chemo (which will have limited effect anyway) and how to make his remaining time as comfortable and happy as possible.

[Becka]

Hi Sherri--I'm so sorry to hear that Winston isn't doing well. I remember so clearly you rescuing him from a terrible situation of neglect--he was in bad shape and had never even had toys before, if I'm remembering correctly. You've given him such a wonderful, happy life with Sophie and I am certain that you are doing the right thing now. Sending you lots of love for him!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Your memory is good, Becka.

Sherri's first blog about rescuing sweet Winston, for those who weren't here back then. It's worth reading again, for those who were. 

Welcome Home Winston

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And here's the discussion where it was mentioned that he never had any toys before: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/winnie-the-pooh-settles-in

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Hi Becka, thanks so much for your kind words. And thanks to Karen for digging up those old posts. That was a great trip down memory lane. 

[Wendy and Myla]

I am so sorry to hear this - Winston does not deserve this and I know it's heartbreaking for you!  I have no advice other than to love him as you always have - and know that he knows how much you love him!  Hope you find answers!  Hugs to you all!!!!!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks Wendy!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Sherri, I too got excited when I saw your name on this post....I'm so sorry to hear this news about Winston.  I really have no suggestions for how you can make the most of this special time with him....it sounds like you're already doing everything possible.  He feels your love, and that's the most important thing.  Please know that you have a lot of friends here as you go through this.  We all kind of started this Doodle journey together, and we'll all be having to face these decisions.  Hugs my friend.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks Jane. It's sad to think of, and while it's terrible that any of us have to lose our doodles it's a bit comforting to know I'm not alone.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

A bit of an update: Winston's in great spirits the last couple of days and eating like crazy. The vet gave him some cans of purina EN gastro food (I know, I know...) to ease his tummy troubles as he was vomiting a lot. He really loved that food. He hasn't vomited in about a week and scarfs down is food like crazy. I've decided that even if he can go back to his regular kibble I want to keep giving him some soft food, canned as I hate to cook. I will look for something better than purina though. Any thoughts on what to feed him would be appreciated.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sherri, if he likes the Rx food and it agrees with him, let him have it for now. There are all kinds of canned foods on our recommended brands list that are "better" (I particularly like Wild Calling and Zignature) but the main thing right now is that he's eating anything and keeping it down. :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh, and Cloudstar's Wellmade canned food is excellent too: https://www.cloudstar.com/product/grain-free-homestyle-meals-everyd...

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks. They didn't have any of the recommended brands in cans at the place I went to so I picked up some natural balance cans. They were the cheapest ones. Feeding canned food is pricey!