Quote: Bob Scott

Seems like it came on awfully fast to be Cancer.

Finger's crossed.

Unfortunately, lymphoma usually just pops up like that.

It does sound like there's a good possibility that it's something else though!

The vet visit today was a disaster and I will no longer be using this vet clinic.

They want my girl to jump up on a 2 foot high stainless steel table that was barely as wide as she was, then lay down and flip on her back to do the ultrasound. When my girl refused because she was scared, they told me to hurry up and just "force her". Yah right! Force a 200 lb dog to do something she doesn't want to do.

Then they wanted to make her lay down on the floor, tie her legs together and then lift her onto the table. Nope! Not happening either. I told them I would find somewhere else to do an ultrasound.

Then they told that she was due for her vaccines. Again, not happening. I'm not vaccinating a dog that has something wrong with her. I told them I would be finding a new vet and not be returning to them.

I was so angry but I had to control my anger as Sasha was starting to shut down on me because she thought I was angry with her. For a big dog, she's very sensitive. I calmed down enough to get her into the car and home and I will be writing a letter to the clinic explaining exactly why I will not be returning.

I did some research and found another clinic that looks really good and is reasonably close to my house. There are two vets in the clinic and one of them specialises in large breed dogs.

Excellent move!

I probably would have been thrown out or arrested over something like that......if I wasn't such a nice old grandpa!

What a shame!!! You were absolutely right, Debbie. In such things we should never keep our mouth shut.

I experienced something similar about two years ago, though it concerned nothing which might be so serious as with your dog. Slippie was "only" a bit sick, but I always prefer to consult the Vet early enough.

That Vet was nervous and in a very bad mood and urged me to hurry up and lift my Pit on to the table. I with 75 years a 39kg dog!

I told him, I was used to friendly nd helpful Vets and it was actually his job to lift her up, if his clinic is so montrously equipped like in the 19th century. I'd expect from a clinic to have a table, adaptable automatically to the size of a dog. I thanked him for his ill manners and went with Slippie to another Vet.

I'm glad, Debbie, you found a clinic that looks good and I hope they'll find out soon what your girl has and wish you so much she will quicky be better. Let us know, please, if you find the time.

Bob! Also the sweetest grandpa has the right to freak out under such evil cirumstances. I believe you, you would tell your opinion to such a lousy individual, but not in a way that you'd be arrested. Bob behind bars! Imagine!

So sorry for your terrible experience, Debbie. I would have done just what you did, told them I was through with them and found another vet. I hope you don't have to wait too long for an appointment at the new clinic.

How is the swelling now? Any better, any worse? Any other symptoms, signs of pain or discomfort, loss of appetite?

The swelling is getting worse with a huge lump on the inside of her hock and the toes are all swollen so the foot looks like one big lump. I'm trying to get some pictures loaded onto Flicker but I'm very technology-challenged.

On a good note, I have an appointment at the new place on Monday at 6:00. Fingers crossed they can help my poor girl.

If it is lymphoma, I'm not sure what course I'll take. My friend has it in her arm and the good thing is she says it's not at all painful but it can turn into cystitis which is very painful.

I'm trying to stay positive until the vet sees her on Monday. I have my list of questions written out and ready to go.

Any university clinics within reasonable driving distance? Might be worth looking into.

How far is Cornel university vet hospital in Ithica, New York? Is that too much of a drive for you?

Just a thought. Hope all turns out well.

I'm admiring your attitude of staying strong. It's so important for your dog and yourself. But it is so difficult to bear not knowing what's happening. I'm sure all the participants of this webboard are thinking about you both, keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for good news.

 Quote: Anne Jones

Any university clinics within reasonable driving distance? Might be worth looking into.

How far is Cornel university vet hospital in Ithica, New York? Is that too much of a drive for you?

Just a thought. Hope all turns out well.

Great idea from Anne about looking for a nearby university vet hospital. University of Guelph was ringing some bells with me as being connected with a long-term study concerning the breed I own. The University of Guelph is the home of the Ontario Veterinary College. You give your location as Toronto, and it appears that the town of Guelph isn't too far away. They appear to have a small animal clinic and specialty services. Just a quick look turned up some links:

http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/hsc/en/aboutovchealthsciences/ContactUs.asp?_mid_=19169

http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/hsc/en/specialtyhospitalforcompanionanimals/CAContact.asp

Best of luck to you and Sasha.

I took my last girl Sierra to Guelph under an emergency status and that unfortunately was where we made the decision to put her to sleep. They were absolutely wonderful and very compassionate and spent the time with me to understand exactly what was going on.

I have the phone number for the Small Animal Clinic in Guelph but I've decided to see the new vet on Monday and go from there first. If nothing else, maybe I can get in quicker with a referral from my new vet.

Sasha doesn't seem to be in any pain. She is eating fine and wanting to play with Kiss (my other dog) and seems to be enjoying the extra attention she's getting and especially the yogurt and tripe I'm using to give her the meds. lol