Benign! It’s Benign!
Just called the vet: the mass in his liver was a hematoma, which is a devil of a thing to try to find information on when it’s in the liver (apparently it’s most common, or at least most commonly posted about, in dogs’ ears). Basically, it’s a collection of blood outside a blood vessel — probably not a good sign when it occurs in a major organ, but, on the other hand, it might’ve been yet another side effect of the colitis that apparently knocked Nigel’s entire system to hell. (Apparently hematomas are often caused by trauma, and given the fact that Nigel hasn’t been hit by a car or taken any body blows, I’m guessing that maybe the colitis either caused or aggravated the hematoma. Maybe?)
And at least it’s not cancer. We don’t have to operate, either — just recheck his liver enzymes again in a couple of weeks, to be sure everything is continuing back on the path to normal.
Edit: Or did the vet say “hepatoma”? That would make more sense, because I can’t figure out otherwise how his liver would have been bruised. I’ll ask when I take him in next Wednesday.
Wow, I’m so happy to read that! O/c it’s still a bit of a worry but BENIGN if definitely a welcome word! I’m really glad for you and Nigel.
My Andy went to the vet yesterday (well, I drove) and I was very relieved that he did NOT have a fever, was NOT dehydrated, and had NOT lost any weight. Still has the diarrhea, but he’s in good spirits, has a good appetite, and has not gotten worse. He’s on that PRICEY prescription I/D food, but at least he IS eating and seems to like it (and isn’t throwing it up.)
Continued good luck to both of us and our doggie babies!
January 10th, 2008 | #
Thanks — and I’m so glad that Andy’s doing better. too! Give him a hug (or belly rub, or whatever his favorite is) for me, please. I hope he continues on his path back to total health. :-)
January 11th, 2008 | #
He’ll take hugs, head pets, belly rubs, neck strokes… any and all of the above! I’ll certainly give him some love from you.
I’m really frustrated w/ the continued diarrhea, though. I know that can’t be good for him, or comfortable. They’d done so many tests and he’s been on pills, special food, but no improvement. Have you encountered such a problem w/ Nigel? What food is he on now?
I put my dogs on V-dog and initially they liked it, but then we got an increase in vomiting (multiple dogs, multiple times), so I reluctantly have given up the idea of a vegan dog diet. I have alot of the stuff left so now I’m mixing it w/ their old carnivorous food and their tummies seem to have settled. It’s not my ideal solution but it’s the compromise I feel I have to make for them. The whole commercial pet food industry sickens me (as does a heck of alot of “people” food) but I’m not a vet or a nutritionist and don’t feel qualified to do too much experimenting w/ their diets. Hence, I kind of have to close my mind to where their food comes from (though that’s NOT something I’d do regarding my own diet.)
January 11th, 2008 | #