I took Aurora, Darla and Widget back to Peak in Burlington last week. Our internist, Dr. Marielle Goossens, wanted the radiologist, Dr. Lynn Walker, to ultrasound Aurora's leg again to see what that clot in her artery was doing. That's Dr. Walker doing the imaging in the photo while vet tech Melissa holds Aurora.
Dr. Walker graciously took quite a bit of time to show me what she found and explain to me what we were looking at on the monitor. Knowing I was going to post this on the blog, she also helpfully labeled the image for us:
(Click on photo for larger image.)
Unfortunately, the clot is larger and longer than it was a week earlier. That's because as it creates a dam in the artery, the blood flow slows down as it hits the clot and starts becoming turbulent; as it backs up and the rate of flow decreases, some of the blood begins clotting and adhering to the original clot.
In the meantime, Marielle had also received the results of the tests she had run on Aurora, particularly the critical one checking her antithrombin value. As the Cornell lab report on Aurora's antithrombin value noted, "Antithrombin is the major naturally occurring inhibitor of blood coagulation." If you are deficient in it, you're at elevated risk of clotting. The normal range is 65-145%, and Aurora is at 49%.
As it turns out, the underlying cause of Aurora's antithrombin deficiency is kidney disease.
So ... she is now on additional medications for clotting and for kidney disease. We'll also be transitioning her over to a special kidney diet.
Over the past several days, the pain Aurora was experiencing from the clot has subsided, and though she sometimes walks with a limp in that rear leg, overall she seems to be doing much better. Alayne is taking her to our local clinic this afternoon for some blood work to check her kidney values.
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In more depressing news, last week our oncologist, Dr. Kendra Knapik, determined that Widget is not responding to the vinblastine/Cytoxan protocol that we had resumed after she came out of remission. That is not what we wanted to hear, of course. Kendra started her on the first line "rescue" chemo drug called CCNU (Lomustine), which Widget has tolerated very well. Right now we are just keeping our fingers crossed.
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And also last week ... Darla underwent the surgery on her mast cell tumor and the procedure on her now blind left eye. Instead of enucleating (removing) the eye, this time we elected to do an injection of gentamicin, which kills the cells that create the internal fluid that can no longer drain out adequately (thus causing glaucoma and then blindness). We have done this once before, more than a decade ago on a blind horse. Our view has been that if an eye is blind and chronically painful, it's better to get rid of the "hardware" once and for all. That way you avoid any future potential eye problems -- trauma, corneal ulcers, entropian, etc.
After some lengthy and helpful discussions with our ophthalmologist, Dr. Sarah Hoy, on the pros and cons of each method, we chose the gentamicin procedure this time. In large part because Darla was already going to have surgery on her leg to remove the tumor, we thought it would be easier for her to not have an eye removed at the same time. And on a human emotional level, I wasn't ready to see her missing an eye yet.
Sarah did her procedure first, and then our surgeon, Dr. Kurt Schulz, performed the leg surgery. Everything went well, and I was able to bring Darla and the other two girls home at the end of a very long day.
Here's Darla and Aurora the next morning:
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2014 Shelter Challenge Underway
The first round of the Shelter Challenge for 2014 is underway and runs until March 30th. You can vote every day here. To search for us, type in our name, Rolling Dog Farm, and Lancaster, NH 03584. We've won thousands of dollars in the previous contests, so your daily votes do bring in serious money for our disabled animals!
Please note that I cannot help with technical or voting problems. I also do not have an "inside track" to anyone at the Shelter Challenge, and I don't know any more about the contest than anyone else does. So if you find yourself having issues, please consult their FAQ page here and their Rules page, which is a pop-up you can find linked on this page.
Thanks for your votes!
Keeping you ALL in our thoughts!! Yes, Penny--I agree!
xoxoxoxoxoxxo
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | March 26, 2014 at 11:18 PM
Please know that I'm sending prayers for Widget, Darla and Aurora that all will work out well for them. You and Alayne are truly angels for everything you do. You both also need to remember to take care of yourselves as well :)
Posted by: Ann | March 26, 2014 at 02:42 AM
The strength and heart you put into the care of these sweet souls is beyond amazing. Thank you.
Posted by: Mary H. | March 25, 2014 at 07:23 PM
One day at a time...
Posted by: Amber Lipari | March 25, 2014 at 06:21 PM
It's been a stressful time for the dog pack, you and Alayne.
Sending strength and love to you all. Keep us posted....
Posted by: boundforglory | March 25, 2014 at 04:32 PM
Gosh I wish I could just be there and hug all of them, and you two as well. Lots of love - it's painful for all of us who love all these precious ones, and we can't imagine all the heartache and work you and Alayne are put through.
Posted by: Linda | March 25, 2014 at 02:41 PM
Seems like it's not raining, but pouring! Hoping for everyone to do well and speedy recoveries.
Posted by: Peggy S. | March 25, 2014 at 08:42 AM
Saying lots of prayers for Widget, I know you two must be beside yourselves with worry for the Queen of RDF. This is very difficult news, to say the least. Widget, we love you!
Also saying prayers for Aurora and Darla, may they come out the other side better than ever!
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett the Beagle and Moxie the Kitty | March 24, 2014 at 10:37 PM
Thinking of you--we know that Aurora, Darla and dear Widget will have the best of care and the love you both show over and over again for all your four ( or three) legged family.
Posted by: Jan in Winnipeg | March 24, 2014 at 10:35 PM
Steve and Alayne, thank you for taking such good care of these dogs. Who knows, some miracles just might happen. While there is life, there is still hope, though it may be slim. You are giving these unfortunate canines whatever chances are possible. Darla and Aurora certainly look like they are in comfortable surroundings in today's pictures.
I do not know who has the tougher job right now, you, Steve, or you Alayne. Please also take care of yourselves.
A multitude of warm thoughts to you two and the dogs.
Posted by: Phyllis Snow | March 24, 2014 at 10:17 PM
Oh, poor Aurora. At least you've got a diagnosis now and can take some steps. Darla's stocking is very stylish. Keeping Widget in my thoughts...
Posted by: Tonya Allen | March 24, 2014 at 05:57 PM
I help market a dog fence company and I'm a life long dog owner. If we can help support your efforts in any way please let us know. http://www.bestfriendfence.com/
Posted by: Dog Fence | March 24, 2014 at 01:46 PM
Sending prayers for you, Alayne and all the pups. It's been a tough month...
Posted by: Sharon K. | March 24, 2014 at 12:53 PM
I'm thinking good thoughts for ALL of you. Steve & Alayne, you are guardian angels to be able to handle this whirlwind of emotions! Hang in there. I'm crossing my fingers, my toes (and even my eyes) that everything goes well for everyone!
Posted by: Penny | March 24, 2014 at 12:19 PM