Sunday, October 15, 2017

Pup Update

A certain somebody wanted to share a selfie and an update with you all today as part of The Cat on My Head's Sunday Selfies blog hop.


Astrid's snoozing pretty well lately, for she is on pain and anxiety meds to help her cope with the bandage on her foot that she dislikes so much.

Speaking of which, pup Astrid and I also want to share the latest update on her recent surgery to remove a tumor on her paw pad. We posted about this on Faceook, so many of you already know what we're about to say.
 
One of the veterinarians at our clinic called me yesterday with the biopsy results for the tumor removed from pup Astrid's paw pad. The vets and myself were all a bit shocked to find out that it is a soft tissue sarcoma. That is a malignant cancer, but, we're thinking we can be optimistic. It has only been classified as a grade I tumor, which is the least serious, you could say. It is often a localized cancer, and as long as all margins of the tumor are removed, the animal can often then be considered cancer free with a good prognosis.

That being said, the biopsy revealed that not all of the tumor's margins were removed during Astrid's surgery last week. So, she is going in on Tuesday for a full toe amputation. The vet and I had a long discussion on this, weighing out toe versus limb amputation. Both vets at our clinic, whom I really do trust, are leaning toward just the toe, as the tumor is not considered aggressive, and it is believed that removing the toe will remove the tumor in its entirety. Of course, we will always be watchful thereafter, and if we find anything concerning in the future, it will be checked out and further amputation will occur if needed.

Though no metastasis is believed to have occurred, given the generally localized type and grade of tumor, prior to surgery Astrid will nevertheless have a chest x-ray done. This will help reveal if there are any concerning spots in her lungs, or any other issues going on. She will also have pre-operation bloodwork done, though just last week her bloodwork showed nothing concerning.

There are a couple of reasons this was all so shocking to both the veterinarians and myself. One reason is that Astrid first had a tumor appear on her paw pad two years ago. At that time, it was deemed a benign histiocytoma. After some time, as was expected, the tumor went away on its own. It wasn't until recently that tumor growth began again the area. We assumed it was a histiocytoma again, but took her to the vet to be safe. That was when an inconclusive aspirate was done, and though the veterinarians were thinking it might just be a return of the histiocytoma, they did suggest removal. We moved forward with that, and here we are now.

One more reason we're all a bit shocked by this is that Astrid is only 4 years old. Of course cancer can potentially occur at any age, this type of cancer is far more common in older dogs. It's not impossible for a 4-year-old dog to have sarcoma, it's just less likely.

Though a lot of information was thrown at us, and though having Astrid go under anesthesia yet again is making me a nervous wreck, I feel like I can be optimistic with this situation.

If you have any purrs, barks, thoughts, and prayers to spare, we would certainly appreciate them. Thank you all for being such kind and supportive friends, always!

And thank out, Ann, for this beautiful badge for Astrid!


And thank you to Madi and her mom for making a post for Astrid over at the POTP blog!

We don't know what we'd do without all of you.


***
Our Doodle of the Day:
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Our Tip of the Day:
Never forget the importance of doing routine checks of your furbaby at home. This can include feeling for any lumps and bumps during a petting session, or watching out for any other concerning symptoms. For many types of diseases, whether it be cancer or disease of the kidney, thyroid, heart, intestines, or anything else, early detection is often crucial. Since you spend the most time with your furbaby, and since you know your furbaby best, early detection can often begin with you simply keeping a watchful eye.

36 comments:

Erin the Cat Princess said...

HI Astrid thats a very snoozy selfie you have there, but we understand why, I think even humans would if they had had that op. I can imagine your surprise on discovering that. I do hope the amputation of the toe clears it once and for all. We are sending lots of purrs and prayers to Astrid along to full recovery.
Toodle pip and purrs
ERin

Marg said...

We are so so sorry Astrid that you have to go through this. We sure sure send many purrs and prayers and lots of Hee Haws from the donkeys. We just know that the surgery will go well and it won't be long until you are all better Astrid. Big hugs to the Mom.

The Island Cats said...

We are sending Astrid a ton of purrs and hoping all goes well with her surgery...and for a full recovery.

meowmeowmans said...

We love you, Astrid. We're all sending lots of purrs, prayers and good thoughts for a smooth surgery, and a speedy and full recovery.

LP said...

Ann let us know that Astrid was going in for surgery. W know that is alwys scary for everyone involved. We are sending you our best purrs and tail wags and lots of love too. Keep us posted :)

the critters in the cottage xo

My GBGV Life said...

So sorry you and poor Astrid have to go through this. Statistics are great unless you are in the less likely category. At least the prognosis looks good. All the best for things to go well.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Purrs, prayers and POTP from all of us here sweet Astrid. There's good reason to be optimistic so we'll be positive right there with you!

C.L.W.STEP said...

Hello. We got your address through Ann Adamus and read about your Astrid's paw tumor. One of our dogs, Charisma, had that same thing. She had her toe amputated, and after a couple weeks of recovery, she did just fine. Sending lots of POTP your way. Chester and staff from The Daily Bone.

Julie said...

Sending you lots of POTP from over The Pond
Loves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx

3 kats and a kwiltr said...

POTP from outside Chicago being sent!
Snuggles and purrayers from
Charles and his mommy, Anna

pilch92 said...

I am sorry you didn't get the news you were expecting. I am glad the news is still very optimistic that it can be completely removed. I know how scary it is to have Astrid go under again. I will continue to pray for her full recovery. Very cute doodle and excellent tip. I found a mast cell tumor on Lucy once and also on Joanie. With Joanie, they didn't get clean borders and claimed she would be fine, but I insisted they go back for the rest despite the fact that it was on her face.

Little Miss Titch said...

OMB that is shocking news but we shall send lots of POTP that the next surgery goes well and for a speedy recovery,xx Speedy and Mum Rachel

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this but it does sound like there's every reason to believe the toe amputation will be the END of Astrid's cancer worries. We will be sending tons and tons of POTP and saying lots of prayers that everything goes well and that this will take care of it.

Love, Pam and Teddy too

Loulou said...

Astrid looks like a doggy who will come through with healing and health and all will soon be a thing of the past. Love from Loulou and family.

Peachy, Stippie, Angel Binky and Granny said...

Here comes an Extra dose of Healing Pawkisses and Purrayers for a good result on everything, dear Astrid <3 <3 <3

Peaches and Paprika said...

Lori Anne we luv u and ur animals and cannot send woofs but all our purrs and prayers go to removing it completely with fast healing!!!!!!

The Swiss Cats said...

We send tons of purrs to Astrid and hope everything goes well for the second surgery. Purrs

Anonymous said...

We are praying that Astrid recovers quickly and completely. We are thankful she has you! ❤

bichonpawz said...

We are sending many prayers for Astrid in the hopes that she is better real soon! xoxo Chloe, Romeo and Juliet

Timmy Tomcat said...

Goodness we are shocked. We send purrs and prayers that Astrid's surgery gets all that it should and she recovers quickly. Sending you support too!
Timmy, Dad and Family

Anonymous said...

Oh Astrid, we're so sorry you have to lose your toe. But, we know you'll be fine and dat all will work out. We're sendin' lots of hugs and purrayers fur you, your furmily, da doctor and all involved.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Raena

catladymac said...

Oh Astrid - prayers & POTP for you and your whole family ! Stay strong !

Annie Bear said...

Hi. Technically, we're away, but I saw this as I was perusing my Dashboard and wanted to leave a comment. I'm sorry to hear this news although it's good news that the tumor is low grade and the vets are confident that removing her toe will remove the tumor completely. I understand the concern of her having to go under anesthesia again. I know this is a tough time for her. She's such a brave trooper. Big hugs to her.

M Dawson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
M Dawson said...

OK you folks. I can only speak from our Harvey's (kitty) perspective and not expert help - just encouragement and hope.

Harvey had a cancer eruption on his paw a couple of years ago (sort of 'dew claw' area). Our wonderful vet removed it for us and Harvey has recovered fully and walks OK and so can I offer my hopes for a full recovery and our story in the hope Astrid will do fine. Harvey has also had a pinnectomy - ear tips removal on both ears - and now we have cute Scottish fold :-)

Sorry for rambling, but I just wanted to say we had something similar and we came though so I dearly hope you do too.

Mariodacat said...

Oh astir, we ar o Rory toeryour ad news. We re gathering up lol our purrs and prayers here, hoping some miracle will happen so you will get better. You re. Young pup yet. Somaybe o etching good will still happen....we hope so.

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

Astrid, we're sending bucket loads of purrs and prayers your way!!! You are way too young to have to deal with this :(

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We will be keeping you in our purrs and prayers, dear sweet Astrid. We know you will be in good hands and very good hands when you get home.

Ruby Rose and the Big Little Angels 3 said...

We are sending you both lots of prayers

Kitties Blue said...

We were so sad to hear that Astrid's tumor is malignant and she needs additional surgery. We know you are super worried, but being only four works in her favor. We will be asking for purrs, prayers and POTP on our blog tomorrow. We love this sweet girl. Thanks for hopping. Please keep us posted. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

We are so sorry to hear this news but we are confident that the toe amputation will get rid of that evil "C" for good!!! Sending prayers and tons of POTP!!!!! We are always here if you need us, we know how nervous you have to be, how could you not be, but Astrid will do fine! We are certain of that! Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. (((hugs)))
DakotasDen

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

I am so sorry you didn't get the news you expected. I'm glad this seems to be in the early stages. We will be praying and purring for Astrid and we are sending our love.

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Astrid we are purring really hard for you and the dogs have their paws crossed. Sending lots of love, healing and comfort your way.

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

Purring for you, Astrid!

da tabbies o trout towne said...

astrid.....we R troo lee sorree ta lurn de vet used de nastee C werd with ewe N mom; but, we iz glad it was catched in time N we continmew ta send blessingz frum R rockin awesum pal st francis yur way.....we hope yur ree coveree timez quik N yur on de roadz health N heatlhee urr...N ya stay that way... fora long long time ~~~~ ♥♥

M Dawson said...

We send our best wishes and good luck for the surgery 'n stuffs. I know its nerve-wracking but you know we all send hugs to keep you as safe as we can.

You can do this Astrid!!

Marjorie and the Dash Kitten Crew