terrecar Posted October 20, 2022 Report Share Posted October 20, 2022 Does anyone have experience with a tumor found on their dog’s heart as detected via echocardiogram? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Elle Posted October 30, 2022 Report Share Posted October 30, 2022 Has this happened for your dog? If so, I am so sorry and offer my support. I don't know anything about such things, so what I think may be useless. But it seems to me that an x-ray would be in order to make sure that is what it is. Of course, maybe all that is needed is the echo. Have you seen the picture results yourself? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrecar Posted October 30, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2022 D’Elle: First, thank you for your support. It is much appreciated. You are right about the X-rays. Hannah has an appointment in mid-November to see a Veterinary Oncologist (the soonest they can get her in). My veterinarian wasn’t sure, initially, if we should see a cardiologist or an oncologist. However, the cardiologist (or tech, not sure) who interpreted the results suggested an oncologist for a CT scan. The person I spoke to at oncology said the doctor may want to first take X-rays at our consult. The good news is that the tumor is very small and likely slow growing. I have seen it, as I have a copy of the echocardiogram results, including images and notes; it is very small, thank God. The risk is if it bleeds and causes fluid build up, but Hannah’s echo shows no evidence of that. Another positive is that the heart meds Hannah is on has improved her heart function. My vet led with that news… The bitter bottom line is that it can be life limiting. Hannah just turned 12 this month, so I’m hoping she beats the clock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted October 30, 2022 Report Share Posted October 30, 2022 Oh no. So sorry to hear this. Sending healing mojo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Elle Posted October 31, 2022 Report Share Posted October 31, 2022 12 is definitely not old for a border collie, so I hope that it is very slow growing and/or that there is a safe medication that may slow the growth. Such awful news to get, no matter what, though. My beloved Digger dog, my scruffy terrier, has a heart murmur and when I learned about it I was deeply concerned. But he is on medication that seems to be keeping it from getting any worse so far (2 years at this point), so it seems likely to me now that it won't shorten his life. I wish the same for you and Hannah. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrecar Posted November 17, 2022 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2022 Thank you, ladies. Our appointment with the oncologist is in a couple of hours, so I’ll find out more today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted November 17, 2022 Report Share Posted November 17, 2022 Good luck at the appointment today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrecar Posted November 18, 2022 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2022 So… the heart mass doesn’t show up on x-rays at this point, but neither is there any evidence of metastasis. Yesterday’s exam was with the oncologist. Next is with a cardiologist. Here is a cut/paste of a portion of the oncologist’s notes: Quote It would be ideal for Hannah to be evaluated by cardiologist for a full cardiac work up. We are putting Hannah on the list to see the cardiologist in January as a 2-3 month follow up from the initial identification of her mass. Most chemodectomas progress slowly so waiting until that time to re-asses is reasonable. If the mass is growing then we will discuss starting Palladia. Thankfully, she is asymptomatic, so that is a blessing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Elle Posted November 18, 2022 Report Share Posted November 18, 2022 Not great news, but you already knew there was a mass there, so not super bad news either. So far, so good (except it's still there). Wishing you and Hannah all the best good fortune. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrecar Posted November 18, 2022 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2022 Thank you D’Elle and Journey. I was devastated by the initial discovery, but I am learning to appreciate anything positive surrounding this challenge. So, the fact that it’s likely slow growing is something for which I am grateful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted November 18, 2022 Report Share Posted November 18, 2022 Good and maybe not good, take the positive and run with it. Don't let it cloud your brain and takeover thoughts, enjoy everything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrecar Posted January 24 Author Report Share Posted January 24 Hannah has passed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted January 24 Report Share Posted January 24 Terrecar I am so sorry to read the Hannah has passed away. Losing a beloved companion is incredibly painful. I'll be thinking about you and Hannah in the next weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted January 24 Report Share Posted January 24 Ah, I'm so sorry to read this.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted January 24 Report Share Posted January 24 I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Paws on your heart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachdogz Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 So, so sorry to hear this. No matter how long they live, it is never long enough. My thoughts are with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Elle Posted January 27 Report Share Posted January 27 Oh, I am so sorry. I have had a very recent loss myself. My perfect heart-and-soul dog, my scruffy terrier Digger, just died earlier this month. He had a growth on his gums that grew very rapidly and then started bleeding and wouldn't stop. It all happened within 2 weeks and it is devastating to have something like that, or like your loss, happen because you want so badly to be able to do something about it and cannot. My heart goes out to you ever so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrecar Posted January 28 Author Report Share Posted January 28 Oh no, D’Elle, I’m so sorry. I remember reading your comments about Digger. My heart goes out to you as well. I also want to offer condolences to you, Ruth, for the loss of your boy Gibbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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