Our queen bee Widget also went to Burlington last week for her annual geriatric screening. In the photo above, Dr. Tanya Donovan is doing an echocardiogram of her heart while Dr. Rachel Morgan on the right helps hold Widget still. The arms holding the other end of Widget belong to vet tech Katie.
Widget's been on heart meds for two years now, so we want to carefully monitor any changes. During this recheck,Tanya found mild progression in Widget's cardiac disease and some enlargement of the cardiac vessels. As a result, she's adding Lasix to Widget's daily meds.
The more disturbing finding, though, came during the ultrasound of her other organs. Tanya discovered two nodules in the spleen. This could be bad news ... or might not be. It depends on how fast they are growing. We will know that answer when Tanya does a repeat scan in a month. At this point we are trying not to be alarmed or worry too much, but it's hard not to dwell on it.
If they aren't growing, or growing only slightly, it might be the sort of thing that she could live with for the rest of her life (she's 12). If they're very fast growing, surgery may or may not be an option. We're in this painful wait-and-see period.
But meanwhile, Her Royal Widgeness displays her usual high spirits. This morning, with a nice, sunny day at hand (finally!), she wandered around the front yard for almost two hours before summoning the household staff to come get her. Now if only the royal spleen will cooperate.
Shelter Challenge Contest -- Please Vote for the Farm!
The latest Shelter Challenge started Monday, January 7 and ends on April 28. Grand prize in this round is $10,000, $3,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place, plus $1,000 for weekly winners and $1,000 for state winners. There are also other categories ... please see the Shelter Challenge website for details.
*** You will find us listed as Rolling Dog Farm. The state is NH for New Hampshire. ***
Please remember, you can vote every day ... consider bookmarking the voting page to make it easy.
We just won $1,000 as a weekly winner in the current contest, and thousands more in the previous contests. The Shelter Challenge really does bring in a lot of money for the animals here!
You can vote in the Shelter Challenge here.
Thank you for your votes!
Very scary indeed. Sending much love and light to her Royal Widgetness. xoxoxox
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | April 20, 2013 at 02:13 PM
I pray Widget will be fine. You try not to worry, but when you love them, it's very difficult not to. We'll try to be positive and think that it will turn out to be nothing of concern. Sending good thoughts and prayers to all at RDF.
Posted by: Kathy Greene | April 19, 2013 at 09:28 AM
(((( BIG HUGS ))) to dear Widget - love you sweetie!
Posted by: Valerie | April 18, 2013 at 11:45 AM
Praying for good news from Widget's tests. Hugs and kisses to you sweet girl.
Posted by: Chloe | April 18, 2013 at 11:28 AM
Sending good vibes for Her Royal Widget in hopes that it's nothing serious. It's great that she still is acting normally and bossing her minions around and still has that wonderful attitude :)
Posted by: Ann | April 18, 2013 at 01:27 AM
Praying for our little Widgie girl! Hug her for all of us please (and all the others too - that oughta keep you very busy!)
Posted by: Leila K. - Western Wash. | April 17, 2013 at 06:13 PM
You can't keep the Widget down. My money is on her. But always remember that she had the time of her life running RDR and RDF and keeping her loyal minions in line. She would like to see more beagles added to the mix however.
Posted by: Bob | April 17, 2013 at 06:03 PM
Oh no! Hope it turns out to be nothing! I know Widget will be queening it for years to come.
Posted by: Tonya Allen | April 17, 2013 at 05:30 PM
SENDING POSSITIVE SPLEEN WISHES FOR HER ROYAL WIDGENESS.
Posted by: FELICIA | April 17, 2013 at 03:08 PM
I will be including Widget in my nightly prayers and anxiously awaiting an update next week.
Posted by: Kathy Hertzel | April 17, 2013 at 01:52 PM
We are all with you in your worry and send prayers and hope.
Posted by: Linda | April 17, 2013 at 01:11 PM
May her Royal Widgetness not be bestowed with anything other than a minor spleen irritation for as log as she graces us with her presence. Locally, her highness Camellia went through such, and it was not a happy event at 13 years of age. Wishing only wellness for all the fur children.
Posted by: Sylve M Davis | April 17, 2013 at 11:30 AM