Marlin to the vet; Update #10

[Freedom]

Elyse, thanks for the candle!

Karen, I DO remember what you and Miz Logan went through. Hope she isn't going that route again. If she is getting UTI's, have you asked about a urine acidifier to try and stop those? Just a thought.

Bichons are prone to Cushings, and he has a lot of the symptoms. All we've done today was the blood tests; the specialized 2 hour test requires a reagent, and they are out of it at my vet. So depending on the lab results, we do that next.

I have to get a urine sample in, as UTI's go along w/ Cushing's. Couldn't do that today, as we are in the midst of a 10 inch snow storm. Should be able to deliver that tomorrow.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I sure hope he doesn't have Cushings Disease. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.

[chocolatepuppy]

Prayers for Marlin...

[pomtzu]

Okay Marlin Darlin - you know we here in DE do not like to hear news like this. Fuzzbuttz's paws crossed, and prayers from their Mom, that it's nothing too serious that is pestering you.

Feel better soon. We love you!

[4 Dog Mother]

Will be praying for that Marlin Darlin'! Hope it isn't Cushings.

[lizbud]

Prayers for Marlin from us too. All paws crossed for a good outcome.

[Freedom]

First, the most important news: Marlin is FINE.

The lump: is either a benign tumor, or a reactive fibroplasia. Either way, I just have to watch it in case it decides to grow rapidly, otherwise we can ignore it. A reactive fibroplasia may be caused by a vaccine, or by a wound healing. As he hasn't had any vaccines since August, maybe he got a wound that is healing.

Blood work is perfect. Vet suggested 3 possibilities:
1. We've been trying to keep Marlin at 16 pounds, slightly underweight, to help his hips last as long as possible. Being a chow hound, maybe we just can't do that with Marlin and will have to let him be at 17 to 18 pounds.
2. I've been feeding grain free for 2 years this month. Perhaps that, along with keeping his weight low, it too much, and I need to add some oatmeal or rice to help him feel full longer.
3. He likes the food, and has learned that whining and fussing gets me to give him MORE. In other words, he is playing me!

The urine sample is borderline for a UTI, so he is now on antibacterial meds for 10 days for that.

So about $400 to learn my chow hound is playing me!

I am quite relieved, but also a bit mystified with all he's been doing. So I'm going to feed him more, get through the meds, and see if things calm down around here.