Saved dog by asking for CT scan

[MiddleagedBeachbum]

Just wanted to share this as I hope it may help others.

Dog is rescue, probably a collie x flat coat 12 1/2 yrs old, had her since she was 6 months old. In very good condition for her age, no other problems / medications etc.

Dog seemed a little off, didn’t want to run with me one day, few days later didn’t eat her dinner. Popped her to vets, they ran bloods and said something showed up in her liver results could I bring her in next day for an ultrasound, (same as when you’re pregnant).

This showed a massive growth, which they said totally covered her liver and given what the ultra sound showed plus her blood results that she had days to live, and it was only palliative care now. As you can imagine was a massive shock especially as other than what I’ve said seemed well in herself and was eating / drinking / active etc, bit less energy than usual but put down to age.

Luckily I know a freelance vet who’s treated her with acupuncture and asked her opinion. I sent her the ultrasound which she said she could see the liver on and explained that they basically can’t see anything on an ultrasound, let alone the liver on a dog as it’s tucked up high.
She recommended getting a CT scan so I’d know exactly what we were dealing with.
I was concerned re her age, but friendly vet said ‘age is not a disease’ and she presents as 6-8 yrs old if she was a stray.

So referred to Wear Refferals near Darlington, NE UK, (thought I’d mention as I’m sure people might ask) who ran a CT scan.
This showed she did have a massive growth 12x12x8 cm however only a small part of it was attached to her liver and it was on the left side where there were no major blood vessels or organs.
So we booked her in for an operation to remove it with them a week later.

Operation went fantastic, vet said better than expected, they also checked everything else and she’s no other problems, it’s now been 8 days and it’s like we’ve got a puppy back again!!!
She has so much energy, life, and just pure joy left in her.

I can’t believe that less than a month ago I thought I’d lose her and was told there’s no hope at all for her and nothing could be done!

So just wanted to share this in case anyone else is ever considering is a CT scan worth it over ultrasound, and to say the vet hospital were absolutely amazing!

Pic of pooch and scar…. I also have pic of the growth removed but might be too much for some people!

They shouldn’t have a dog unless they are willing to pay for the veterinary care needed to help it love a long and healthy life.

so no one should have a dog unless they have thousands put aside for potential treatment and tests not covered by insurance

and same for their children and themselves?

So we should all have tens of thousands tucked away on chance we need it for health care.

Do you?

Yes, because I work very hard to ensure I can fulfil my responsibilities.

This seems to be a very touchy subject for you.

I just don’t like thought of loving committed and fantastic dog owners who don’t have thousands squirrelled away may read your posts and feel they are failing their dog.

I wonder whether you have any dependents

I do. I also consider my animals to be ‘dependent’ on me to look after their welfare.

I wonder if it is you that feels you’re ‘failing your dog’?

if failing my dog means i haven’t puts aside many thousands of pounds on the chance that my insurance doesn’t cover something… then hands up, yes i’m failing! 😆

Great news. You're dog is so lucky to have you. Let us know the results of the biopsy

ignore @Sasqwatch

God, there's some weird trolling on this thread.

Good for you @MiddleagedBeachbum for getting a second opinion and glad to hear your dog is doing well. Lovely looking dog too 🙂

Ignoring the de-rail. OP this is wonderful news! Your girl is truly beautiful and I hope that you get many more years with her. Well done for digging a little deeper.

Awww thank you everyone, the lovely comments and kind words are really appreciated!

As others said, I just wanted to share as I personally wasn’t really aware of the difference between an ultra sound and a CT scan and now I’ve seen both in action, I can see how basic an ultra sound really is.

I’m still processing that a month ago I was told there was no hope, nothing could be done, the other vets would have waited till she decorated and PTS or she would of eventually had a massive bleed and died a horrible death 😒

I received amazing news today, the biopsy from her mass and lymph node all came back clear, so she’s officially discharged!!

We also very unexpectedly rescued a little pup last week….. here’s a pic of them together 😍

Fantastic news OP,

As for the comment about costs don't have a pet if you have no insurance and no money , simples . Medical care is a necessity.

Great news, old girl and puppy are gorgeous!

@crayfishyum so you'd rather dogs died, when they could have been warned by this post, and their owners DO have the money, so that "loving committed and fantastic dog owners" don't get hurt feelings because they don't have the money?

Weird.

I wouldn't have it either but it would never have occurred to me to get upset about this post.

Just to add re the insurance / paying for it - most other people there all seemed to be paying via insurance (I heard at least 4 people) and so if my dogs had been insured it most likely would of paid for this - but with insurance companies who knows?!

I now have 5 animals and set aside money every month to pay out should something like this happen, as my monthly premium was so expensive, however Lulu’s operation was going to be a new bathroom, but that can wait 🤣