[fel]

My boy Kepler is almost 6. In the last 2 weeks he had an issue with occasional bleeding jowls, so I took him to the vet for a full work-up. Otherwise, he is fine: he lost absolutely no weight since his last checkup in July, he behaves normally and still goes for long daily walks. He doesn't seem to be in pain. The vet thought the jowls were just a skin fold infection, and suggested some cream there. But we did a full blood/urine work-up to be safe.

Note: he eats a raw diet and has had no health issues at all except a botched surgery when he was 8 months old.

The blood work came back today showing low platelets (164), low hemocrit, low hemoglobin, low RBC, low WBC, high PTT, and also proteins are off: very high Globulin, low Albumin. We are following up with an ultrasound to look for Myeloma on Friday.

Can anyone think of another explanation for these levels? He is both young and rather healthy to have myeloma.

 

[kontiki]

I am very curious about the raw diet. I feed my spoo raw also. Many people have different ideas about this and feed raw differently.

What exactly are you feeding? Is he getting the proper percentages of liver and organs?

 

[Newport]

I can't answer your question, Fel, I'm sorry. I hope it goes well with the ultrasound today and you get some answers that help you help Kepler. I know this must be an anxious time for you.

 

[Skylar]

I'm so sorry, too. (((Hugs)))

 

[fel]

I am very curious about the raw diet. I feed my spoo raw also. Many people have different ideas about this and feed raw differently.

What exactly are you feeding? Is he getting the proper percentages of liver and organs?

Yes, I believe he is getting the proper percentages. One thing is that he won't eat raw organ meet, so I have always cooked his liver. But he also gets blue ridge "Natural Burgers", which contain green tripe and other organ meats. Those he eats raw.

I am thinking if he does have myeloma, we will need to transition him off of the raw diet as his immune system will be compromised. Already, in the last 2 weeks we have removed raw bones from his menu as that is what made his jowls bleed. Instead I have been making him cooked pumpkin/hamburger/rice mixtures. He really loves pumpkin.

 

[Mfmst]

I’m so sorry this has happened to Keplar. Good thoughts your way, as you wait for a definitive diagnosis. Hugs, too!

 

[Rose n Poos]

Sending positive thoughts and hoping for good news.

 

[kontiki]

One thing is that he won't eat raw organ meet, so I have always cooked his liver.

Ok, I was so perplexed that he could have some of those low counts, it would be about impossible if he had been getting the correct amount of raw organic liver.

Cooked liver is a very different thing. And so is CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) liver.

I had to introduce raw liver in tiny bits, cooking it less and less. By now my Spoo will eat an entire meal of raw beef liver. BUT it has to be raw 100% grass fed organic liver.

He refuses to eat any raw liver from CAFO (normal grocery store feed lot beef). I have tried many times. I have tried to figure this out and my current understanding is that the liver filters out toxins and they may end up there. I refuse to eat it now too.

I have two local farmers that I know absolutely how their feed and raise their beef, and that is what I feed him. I also use them for other raw organs like kidney.

I am crossing my fingers for your beloved Spoo!

 

[fel]

it seems to be lymphoma

Initial test results from the ultrasound are that his liver and spleen are greatly enlarged, probably owing to lymphoma with a genetic cause. We get the definitive results tonight -- but to be clear, there is no happy reason for an enlarged liver and spleen.

Note that he was never anemic before, and we have been giving him basically the same diet since he became an adult poodle. I don't think he got lymphoma from not enough raw organ meat.

My husband and I are devastated.

 

[Mufar42]

I am very very sorry you and Kepler are going thru this. A good friend of mine had a golden doodle. During the year his groomer found a lump on him and said to her to get him checked. She did and he was diagnosed with lymphoma . She took him to a university vet clinic about an hour and a half from home.He endued up going thru two sets of chemo. Her overall cost was $15,000. Her pup was 4 when diagnosed and sadly at 4 and a half he passed away in his sleep two weeks ago. They and their 5 children are devestatated. She just went to another doodle breeder in a different state and purchased a new puppy as the kids were having such a difficult time. This pup at least comes from genetic health tested pups and is a f1.2, whatever that is in doodle world and I can't even say what this puppy is costing. Crazy. Again I am so so sorry and hope that your boy can beat this.

 

[kontiki]

I am so very sorry to hear this. Devastating is definitely the word. Sending love to you and dear Keplar.

 

[Poodlebeguiled]

I am terribly sorry for such sad news. I don't think anything you fed or didn't feed has anything to do with it. These things just happen. I lost a dog to cancer at 4 years of age. It's devastating. My heart goes out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.

 

[Dechi]

I’m very sorry the news were not good. I hope there is a possible treatment.

 

[Newport]

I’m so sorry, Fel

 

[kontiki]

I am so hoping there is some treatment that can help. Sending healing energy and prayers.

 

[poodlelove01]

I’m praying you get answers and can move forward. I also had a dog with cancer that passed recently. It is truly devastating. I’m hoping for the best for you and your family.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MaizieFrosty]

I'm so sorry, Fel I'm very sad for your family.

 

[Rose n Poos]

Keeping you all in my thoughts.

 

[Mfmst]

Fel, I agree it wasn’t diet, more like a genetic lightening strike. What does the vet propose for treatment? So sorry you are dealing with this. More hugs!

 

[fel]

We are seeing a specialist on Monday. The liver biopsy came out normal (no cancer), so nothing is confirmed. In the meantime we have him on prednisone to help with the symptoms (anemia).


In the last day or so, since the prednisone hit, he has had renewed vigor. He demolished his Thanksgiving feast (duck, turkey and carrot soup, and hamburger/pumpkin/rice casserole) and asked for more. Our fenced backyard patio has 2 approaches: one is a gradual path, and one has 3 steps up. When he was acting sick last week, he would take the gradual path. Now he is ignoring the 3 steps and just leaping straight up onto the patio. He is playful and his tail is wagging often.

Could this be something besides cancer?

.