Barney Update - Not happy news

[clara4457]

Well, I just picked up Barney from the vet and it is not great news. Dr. Brown suspects that Barney has bone cancer. The problem is that whatever it is is in the bone and we cannot be 100% sure whether or not it is a tumor. When my RB Buster had bone cancer, it was on the bone and growing out. With Barney it is actually in the bone. They took pictures of both shoulders and when you compare them side by side, you can see the shadow in the one shoulder. There is still a possibility that it is an old injury that never healed correctly, but the only way to know is to wait 6 weeks and take another x-ray. If it has grown, then it is cancer. If it has not grown, we might be looking at either surgery or controlling it with medication and supplements.

Dr. Brown didn't want to speculate on what could be done if we determine it is cancer. More than likely, we will need to go to a surgical specialist for some exploratory surgery.

Barney has 6 weeks worth of pain meds (Rimadyl) which should make him a lot more comfortable and he has to stay quiet for at least a couple of weeks. I am not sure that I will be able to bring him to Findlay on the 26th - it depends on how he feels. I don't want to put any more stress on the shoulder than necessary. If he is feeling well, I might bring him and just make sure he stays less active than the younger more limber dogs. We will have to see how it goes. I will go ahead and send in his vac records for the park permit just in case.

I am very sad, he is such a sweetheart. If it does turn out to be bone cancer, there is not much we can do. Surgery would only give him a few more months and they would be filled with pain. In that case I will just keep him in love and comfort until he passes.

Clara

[lizbud]

Oh Clara, that is so unfair. Barney seems like such a sweetheart and deserves to have a great life ahead. I will
certainly pray my heart out that Barney gets his chance. I feel
sad to heard this news. At least, he lives with someone who
cares for him.

[Dixieland Dancer]

You and Barney will be in our thoughts and prayers. Please give him a {{{{{BIG HUG}}}}} from us.

[chocolatepuppy]

I will keep Barney in my thoughts and in my prayers. Hopefully it will not be cancer.

[pitc9]

Originally posted by lizbud
At least, he lives with someone who
cares for him.

My thoughts also....
Even if he does only have a short time left on earth, at least that time on earth will be wonderful.

*Hugs* to you both.

[wolf_Q]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope that it is just a previous injury and not cancer. I'll keep him in my thoughts.

[LuvGold00]

So sorry to be reading this, I will be thinking of you both and sending lots of good thoughts your way!

[shais_mom]

I am so sorry Clara.
You and Barney will be in my thoughts.

[schteve_d]

Not great news, but let's not assume the worst!! Here's hoping that it turns out ok in six weeks!! Either way, he is in good hands.

[Oggyflute]

Best wishes for Barney, hope things turn out OK.

[K9karen]

Six weeks won't come soon enough. I hope and pray that it's just an old injury. My eyes are squeezed tight and I'm saying "oh, please, please ,please make Barney healthy" I hope he's resting comfortably. {{HUGS and KISSIES}

[clara4457]

Well we got Barney's latest x-ray results and it is not bone cancer - Thank doG. Barney has arthritis in his left shoulder. He is now on a strict diet of human grade food (Eagle Pack Holistic Duck formula - which has ingredients that are good for joint health), a supplement called "Joint Rescue", and Rimadyl. We are hoping that we only have to continue the Rimadyl until the supplements kicks in. Rimadyl is pretty hard on the liver, so we are also giving him liver supplements as well.

He is doing very well. His ear infection is finally clearing up, thanks to some new ear drops we got from the vet. I got him a orthepedic bed to lay on (which he loves) and we are going to start some hydrotherapy with him. He doesn't have much muscle mass in his shoulder, so now that we are controlling the pain, we want to build up the muscle as much as possible. There is a place here in town that offers "swimming with your dog" - so Barney and I are going to give it a try.

I did put him back up for adoption - hopefully someone will see the value of adopting a senior dog who only wants someone to love and care for him as part of their family. Other than his shoulder, he is in great health and will make someone a great family companion.

[Cincy'sMom]

Great news!!! I've been wondering about Barney, and I'm so happy to hear it is not cancer!!

[lizbud]

I am so happy to hear that Barney will get better. Such a
sweet dog deserves a good , full life, with lots of love. Way to
go Barney.

[anna_66]

Clara this is wonderful news! I'm so glad to hear Barney doesn't have caner
Sounds like your doing everything possible to give this boy a great life!