Blind Callie was obviously quite comfortable at the vet clinic this morning after her neurological exam and ultrasound. Our internal medicine specialist in Missoula, Dr. Dave Bostwick, had just put away the ultrasound probe when Callie -- who prefers sleeping upside down much of the time as it is -- decided she would stay this way. She was clearly expecting Dave, me or anyone else in the building to come over and start rubbing that rather expansive tummy of hers.
Her bloodwork was normal, which ruled out metabolic problems as the cause of her seizures. This now points to a brain tumor, which Dave said is usually what they find in about 90% of these cases in dogs of Callie's age and with this type of onset.
Dave had done an ultrasound of her abdomen because a fairly high percentage of brain tumors (as much as 30%, according to one study) are caused by other organ tumors metastisizing and spreading to the brain. But the ultrasound showed no evidence of tumors in her abdominal organs.
That leaves us with the CAT scan of her brain, which Dave will do this evening. A cardiology clinic in Missoula lets Dave use their equipment and technicians after-hours. The imagery is electronically transmitted to a veterinary radiologist in Seattle, who will send Dave a report tomorrow morning. Depending on what the images show on the screen, Dave may be able to get a pretty good idea this evening of what we're dealing with prior to getting the radiologist's report.
We brought Callie into our bedroom last night to keep an eye on her in case she had an another seizure. She did, at about 1:20 a.m. It was an episode very much like her other two. So in the space of about 36 hours, she's had three seizures. Not good.
Dave said that if it does indeed turn out to be a brain tumor, treatment options are either medical management to control symptoms or radiation to shrink it. He said radiation has a pretty good success rate. But much will depend on the type of tumor. In any case, we are starting her on phenobarbital today to begin getting control of the seizures.
I'll post an update on Friday with the latest news. In the meantime, thank you to everyone who has posted such wonderful comments or sent us supportive emails. We appreciate it so much!
How can you NOT rub that belly! Go Callie go! I still have you at the top of my prayer list.
Posted by: A Arsenault | March 20, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Oh, to be a dog whose only worry is who will rub her tummy next. Of course, she has no worries b/c the world's kindest, most conscientious people (Steve and Alayne and their wonderful vet crew) are watching over her. Whatever the outcome, Callie is a lucky little girl to have found Rolling Tummy Ranch. Hugs to you all.
Posted by: Debbie Burke | March 20, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Callie really knows how to let you know when it's time for a belly rub. I think I would just kiss that sweet belly! Take care sweet girl and we'll pray for a positive outcome.
Posted by: Debbie B. | March 20, 2009 at 01:00 PM
Oh Callie, we love you so much! I laughed when I saw you rolled over on the table... then I cried reading about your seizures and possible diagnoses. Frankie and I praying so hard all will be okay with you. We have grown to really love and adore you. Sending you loving thoughts and many, many prayers.
Barbara & Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog
www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com
Posted by: Barbara Techel | March 20, 2009 at 12:41 PM
All at RDR are in my thoughts and prayers, especially that little spunky, "plumpette" Callie. May today bring good news.
Blessings to all.
Posted by: Doe George | March 20, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Hope all is going well with Callie. You are all in our prayers.
Posted by: Jenniew | March 20, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Thinking of Callie! I hope Dr. Dave gave that sweet portly belly a good rub!
Love from the urban farm in NYC -
Julien
and rescue dog Verdell and rescue cat Melvin Udall
Posted by: Julien Sharp | March 20, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Sending prayers and hugs your way from Wild Apple Llamas and our min pin pack. We hope that Callie's problem is treatable and that you all have much more time together.
Posted by: Dawn Moore | March 20, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Callie you are such a cutie! I know we are all thinking of you and your RDR family during this difficult time. I wish I could be there to rub that tummie!!!!
Posted by: Brenda | March 20, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Callie. Kathie & Lee
Posted by: Kathie Taylor | March 20, 2009 at 08:25 AM
All appendages crossed...and never-ending prayers for a manageable outcome....such a sweet little girl.
Posted by: Debbie | March 20, 2009 at 07:35 AM
I'm so sorry to read about this! I hope the news tomorrow offers good hope for Callie, and for you guys. I'll check back.
Posted by: Vicki Small | March 20, 2009 at 01:22 AM
Callie you are in are prayers and thoughts--you are so sweet!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | March 20, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Dave's expression is perfect.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for Callie. I hope that all goes well.
Posted by: Billie | March 19, 2009 at 10:45 PM
God bless little Callie - hugs and prayers coming that the ultra sound is clear.
Her sweet spirit and spunk is a great example for us all!
Posted by: Lisa | March 19, 2009 at 09:29 PM
Please know that the RDR fan club in Arlington VA and Washington DC will be praying for Callie and you all.
Posted by: Randi | March 19, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Callie playing dead when it's last call at RDR is the funniest thing I've seen on the web. Keep the big picture in mind. The fat little tinker has enjoyed every day. If she had only gotten away with the bag of dry food she would have said things are perfect.
Posted by: Bob | March 19, 2009 at 08:47 PM
Callie is in my prayers. I hope there is something they can do for her. She is such a cutie pie.
God Bless You All at RDR.
Sonya
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | March 19, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Oh wow. I hadn't seen the blog for a week or so and one of the last entries I saw had been about my favorite RDR ranch resident....Miss Callie. It was the one about her sleeping on her back just like my chubby Chihuahua-Terrier mix does. Now to hear something serious may be wrong with her just brings me to tears. God Bless Callie! Many happy tail wags to you darling no matter what happens. You have brought so very many smiles to my face and my heart since I first viewed your infamous video. We love you Callie!
Posted by: Marla | March 19, 2009 at 06:14 PM
One of the tests of a good and caring person should be whether he or she can come within 10 feet of Callie's upturned belly and not have an overwhelming desire to rub it. I'd tell you to take care of that sweet girl, but that's redundant. I know that no one else in the world could do it better.
Posted by: Jerry Stemnock | March 19, 2009 at 05:59 PM
Best wishes coming to Callie. She sure seems to still be a happy girl - wanting belly rubs and all. I am hoping for the best. She seems so sweet!
Posted by: Suzanne | March 19, 2009 at 05:38 PM
My goodness I seem to have gotten smitten with this creature. I've thought about her all day. I'll be sure to mention her to St. Francis in my prayers tonight although I have a feeling she's in the best hands around!
Posted by: Lynn | March 19, 2009 at 05:35 PM
I prayed very hard all day today & of course, am hoping for the best for sweet, I want my tummy rubbed, Callie. That picture is the sweetest! A sweet moment caught on camera! I will continue to pray.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | March 19, 2009 at 05:10 PM