Another Unknown Growth

[_whits_]

About three weeks ago I was giving Addie her nightly cuddles and discovered a little lump on her back left foot. Thought it might be a bug bite. Called her vet the next morning and got in the same day. The vet was a bit concerned, aspirated it and didn't see anything obvious, sent it out to the lab where it came back inconclusive.

The lump grew (and continuous to grow; it's about the size of my thumb now) and the vet recommended removal, but said her practice would prefer it be done by a specialist surgeon due to the awkward location on her back foot, seeing as they didn't think they could get it all out. Took Addie to the specialist on Saturday and he also recommended removal after another inconclusive aspiration result. 

So Addie has surgery this Wednesday to remove the lump. The specialist's suspicion is that it is not cancerous and is recommending a more conservative removal than he would if it appeared cancerous. I've been told I'll be able to take her home the day of surgery and will receive pathology results 10 or so days later. I've also been told Addie will need to rest for about 14 days. 

I'm so very worried, about the anesthesia, about the surgery, about the results, about the recovery. So much is unknown right now. Addie's been getting a lot more cuddles than usual these past few weeks (most against her will, I'll admit). I'll sure be relieved when everything is done and the results are in. Addie will be relieved if I just let her be by herself occasionally. 

We could use some Cairn Talk love, especially on Wednesday. 

[josie&holly]

Aah, thinking about you and Addie - hoping all goes well and that you get results quickly.

[kjwarnold]

Yes, it's worrisome, isn't it?  How old is Addie?  Since Packy is 11, we opted for the full pre-surgery blood work to make sure there wasn't anything going on that would affect him during anesthesia.  His liver enzymes were a bit elevated but he's had that in the past so they weren't so worried about it.  As a precaution though, they did give him fluids during the surgery.  He came out of it very well and was ready to go home by 4:00 p.m. that day.  He was kind of droopy and I had to carry him out to go potty, but I expected that.

By the next day, he was acting mostly normal other than a big 4" incision with staples in his side.  I just can't believe how well he's gotten through the surgery and I'm so pleased.  Waiting for the pathology report is hard though.  Ours should come in toward the end of this week and early next week.  It's good that the specialist feels that the lump is non-cancerous.  I'm sure he's seen many so his experience helps give you hope.  Good luck and we'll pray Addie has as easy a recovery as Packy is having!

[Autumn & Lola]

It's so hard not to worry. But as kjwarnold said, the specialist has had a lot of experience and if he feels that it is not cancerous, that should ease your mind somewhat. These little guys and gals are so tough. I'm sure you will worry far more than Addie! Sending lots of Cairn Talk love to you and Addie for tomorrow and for her speedy recovery.

[Dempsy's Mom]

It will be a huge relief when this is over.  Anything that goes wrong with our little buddies is always a major concern and heavily sucks up our thoughts.  Best of luck to little Addie.  We are with you Addie & Whits. 

[hheldorfer]

Poor Addie and poor you!  You will be getting lots of prayers, positive thoughts and Cairn love from here on Wednesday.  Stay optimistic and try not to fret too much.  Addie will come through it like a trooper.

[Hillscreek]

Poor Addie. Such a worry when you don't know exactly what it is. Good to go to the specialist and have lump removed if it is growing bigger. One never knows what's round the corner healthwise but we cairn owners can take comfort in our buddies' strong constitutions, bold minds and brave hearts. We just gotta try to be like them.

Angus sends woofs and licks.

 

[Lynn in TN]

16 minutes ago, Hillscreek said:

 One never knows what's round the corner healthwise but we cairn owners can take comfort in our buddies' strong constitutions, bold minds and brave hearts. We just gotta try to be like them.

 

 

I agree with this.

Thinking of you and Addie and sending . 

[Kathryn]

Sending big bunches of cairntalk love and hopes from both me and Oban. I know how easy it is to worry but it does sound like everything is in hand. Let us know how Addie is as soon as you can.

[Sam I Am]

Lumps are scary we all know that. But most lumps are none cancerous  and it sounds like that's what the specialist thinks. It's a good thing to have it done and put your mind at rest. I know the whole journey is a worrying one, but Addie is young and healthy and I am sure per your dad the vet that anesthetics have come a long long way from previous times. Thinking of you and know we are all here for you. Big hugs to you and Addie.

[hheldorfer]

Good luck to you and Addie tomorrow, Whits.  We'll all be thinking of you and keeping fingers and paws crossed. 

[pkcrossley]

these things are always scary. the chances are all in favor of a good outcome. we're all thinking the good thoughts, and i hope this will soon all be behind you. 

[Islander]

Adding my positive thoughts and support for you and Addie tomorrow. I'm sure she will come through the surgery in true Cairn style.

[beccadiane374]

Warm wishes & hugs to you & Addie!

[bradl]

Hoping all goes well with the surgery. I will NEVER get used to it!

[_whits_]

Addie is home. 

Her surgery was over and she was awake before I even made it home from the vet in DC traffic. 

According to the surgeon, it looks like a benign lipoma, but apparently it was somewhat tricky in that it had adhered to her bones and muscle and stretched further up her leg than the bump indicated. 

We'll get final pathology results in 5-10 days. 

Addie is asleep in my bed right now. I fear the real struggle has just begun as I left her completely asleep on her couch in the other room and within a minute of leaving the room for water she'd tried to jump on the bed and the couch. The vet tech said the real danger at this point is complications from the incision, as there isn't a lot of skin on her back leg and it's an easy place to tear the stitches with even a little movement. 

She's on total bed/crate rest until a bandage change on Saturday and then I'll have a clearer picture of how long I need to be basically chained to her to keep her still. 

Thankfully my mom is visiting starting this Friday.

thank you all for your kind words and warm thoughts.  

[_whits_]

[_whits_]

The vet tech was laughing because apparently Addie made it clear in no uncertain terms that she would not be wearing an e-collar. By tearing at the collar with her dew claws and flapping on the floor like a dying fish. 

He also said she was already pulling on her leash when he took her potty. 

He was all, "she is an awesome dog! ........... you're gonna have issues keeping her still."

[Dempsy's Mom]

Such a precious picture ... take it easy little Addie.  Yes, the bed will do.  Pillow fluff needed.

[hheldorfer]

Thank heavens you are both home and Addie is resting comfortably!  It sounds like the prognosis is good.  Keeping the two of you in my thoughts until her recovery is complete.  

(And good luck keeping her quiet!)

[Sam I Am]

Addie no doubt will be bouncing of the crate walls...let me out mum. Sounds like it's good news . 

[Hillscreek]

Good to have Addie home and feeling fine. Hope healing goes well.

[pkcrossley]

so far so good. relax a bit and concentrate on making a good patient of addie. glad the surgery went so well. 

[Lynn in TN]

So thankful you're both home, and that the surgery went well.

[josie&holly]

Glad Addie is home and that the surgery is done with.  Good luck in keeping her quiet and away from the bandages!  [Ivy pulled dressing and stitches  of her dew claw removal!]  Love Addie's colouring.