Along with Aurora and Widget, I took Sunny to Peak in Burlington yesterday for an overall evaluation. For one thing, we wanted the surgeon there, Dr. Kurt Schulz, to look at Sunny's deformed front leg and help us decide what, if anything, to do about it. That's Kurt in the photo above with Sunny.
We joke that Sunny's name should have been "Stormy" or "Cloudy With A Chance Of Showers," but Sunny was the name he arrived with, and his disposition has actually improved a lot since then. I was a bit concerned how he would do at the clinic, but he did fine. He was very shy and uncomfortable being handled, but he was a brave little guy about it.
After examining the leg and watching Sunny walk down the hall and back, Kurt recommended holding off on removing the leg until we got more weight off Sunny. He is a plump character, and though he's been on a strict diet since he came, he still has quite a bit to lose. So we're going to wait a month and see how he does. We don't want to remove the leg if his overweight condition puts too much strain on his remaining legs.
And now that the snow is melting and bare ground is finally showing up once more, we're curious to see how well Sunny gets around on grass, and whether he will develop any sores on that foot once he becomes more active. At the moment he doesn't have any sores. It's not a real foot, of course, as the photos in this blog post show. Kurt explained which bones Sunny was missing in the foot, and how that affected his use of that limb.
There is a possibility we might just leave the limb alone, but watching him lurch as he walks really makes us think he would be a lot more comfortable without it.
Our internal medicine specialist, Dr. Marielle Goossens, did a physical exam and took blood for a range of lab tests. Here she is with Sunny:
Marielle also had the radiologist do an abdominal ultrasound, which showed all of Sunny's organs looked good. The blood panels should be back today or tomorrow.
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Aurora is doing fine. No more pain episodes, which is great news. Marielle sent blood and urine samples out to various labs yesterday to find out to what extent Aurora's regimen of medications are reducing her risk of clotting. We should get those results coming back in over the next week.
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Yesterday Widget had her first round of chemotherapy under the third, and final, protocol we are going to try. We should know by next week whether this protocol is working. Alayne and I are on pins and needles at this point. If this protocol fails, then we are essentially out of options and can only let time, and cancer, run their course.
Sunny-- what a brave boy you were at the vet office!
Wonderful to hear the good news about Aurora!
And love and paws crossed that this medication proves helpful to Widget.
Love to everyone at RDF...enjoy your weekend.
Posted by: Chloe | April 11, 2014 at 09:51 AM
Thank you so much for setting such a good example of being dedicated to the well being of all those who share your home. We all learn so much from what you share with us. While there's a chance, never give up. Widget sure doesn't.
Posted by: Connie | April 11, 2014 at 07:11 AM
all my love for Widget and I pray the third time is indeed the charm <3
I wanted to comment about the table covering also, I might bring my own to the vet next time!!
Posted by: Jessica J., NL | April 11, 2014 at 04:29 AM
Oh Sunny....the same magic that Ella got, your getting. Your going to be just fine.
Awesome news on Miss Aurora!
Widget....your in our thoughts and prayers...sending hugs and kisses your way. You have beat it before...your going to beat it again!!
Much much love -
The McRoberts Family
Posted by: Jennifer McRoberts | April 10, 2014 at 09:15 AM
Sunny is adorable. Glad he's doing well and I'm also glad to hear the good news about Aurora. Sending extra prayers and good thoughts to Widget. She's a strong one...I hope she kicks cancers butt!
Posted by: Ann | April 10, 2014 at 12:27 AM
Holding love and light for you as time will tell about Widget's chemo drug.
Posted by: boundforglory | April 09, 2014 at 08:40 PM
Sending much love and prayers for Widget. Whatever happens, I know she's in good hands. Your commitment to all your animals amazes me. You both give so much love to each and every one, no matter how much time they are with you. If there is such a thing as karma, you two should get it back a million times over.
Posted by: Betsy | April 09, 2014 at 08:06 PM
Sunny doesn't look too thrilled, but doesn't look too upset either. What a nice covering for the vet table. Much more comfy for the dogs, but much more laundry for the vet, I'm sure. Glad that Aurora is feeling better. Keeping my fingers crossed for Widget!
Posted by: Tonya Allen | April 09, 2014 at 05:27 PM
Thinking all good thoughts to everyone.....but extra ones for Widget. You can do it Widget....kick that nasty cancer in the butt and tell it to get out of dodge!!!
Posted by: penny | April 09, 2014 at 04:01 PM
Widget--They say the third time is the charm. We look forward to this protocol working well (pun intended) for you.
Your canine pals in Montana.
Woooooooooof and Woof (from a big dog and little dog.)
Posted by: Phyllis Snow | April 09, 2014 at 03:24 PM
Ahhh Sunny! Good news about Aurora. Hang in their Widget--so much love sent your way!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | April 09, 2014 at 01:49 PM