Update on Sirius

[DemoTex]

The primary care vet in Brevard called me this morning. We got the ball rolling on getting Sirius to a veterinary oncologist. We have an appointment Monday morning at the Upstate Veterinary Specialists clinic in Greenville, SC (50 miles away). UVS has an excellent reputation in these parts. It works better for me, too, since we have a condo in downtown Greenville.

He will be examined by an oncologist and will probably have a CT scan in the afternoon (under anesthesia). At that point they may do needle-aspiration biopsies.

Sirius is not a candidate for surgery, with his congestive heart failure. He may or may not be a candidate for chemo and/or radiation, if the masses in the lymph areas are cancerous.

The Brevard vet did start him on heart medicine today (an ACE inhibitor). His lasix is working great. He drinks and pees all day. Here in the mountains it is easy. Every two hours or so I let him out. It's going to be more difficult in the high-rise condo in G'ville.

Sirius is lethargic and still coughing. However, he has not coughed up blood since the initial incident early Wednesday morning.

My life for the next few weeks will be getting Sirius well. Thanks for all of the wonderful, heart-felt DU support. I am touched.

Mac


Sirius

[Modem Butterfly]

1. Good luck man!

All of us here, Modem, Will, Tsing Tao, and Hotai are pulling for him!

[jeff30997]

2. Get well Sirius.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

3. All the best to you and Sirius

:loveya:

[DemoTex]

5. Nick-Nick says "HI!"

Young Nick-Nick

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Me and my pack will be praying for you and Sirius. White light and

positive energy for you both.

Boen (arf) and Cassie(meow)

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

6. my dog children and I

are sending good vibes to your beautiful Sirius.

[Gloria]

7. My trio are sending up a howl of support for Sirius!

Good luck, sweetie pie!!

[ikojo]

8. Blessings to you and Sirius

He's lucky to have you as his human parent!

[DemoTex]

11. No, no. I'm luckier to have Sirius.

He has been the most loving dog I have ever known. Sirius has made me a better person, no doubt. I am just here for him now, because he has been "here" for me 24/7 for almost 11 wonderful years. But thanks for the sentiment.


Sirius

[blondeatlast]

9. Much love to you and Sirius.

Good luck.

[greatauntoftriplets]

10. You have your work cut out for you, Mac....

The best of luck to you both. I love dogs....

[Wilber_Stool]

12. Get well doggie.............n/t

[flvegan]

13. Hey, best to you.

We're here in Florida, too, so if there's anything, you know...we can do...

[progmom]

14. My heart goes out to you.

A sick pet is just terrible. I'm sorry.

[Blue Diadem]

15. ((((((((((((((((((((Mac &Sirius)))))))))))))))

Thanks for keeping us updated Mac. I've been wondering how Sirius was doing.

Keeping good thoughts and prayers for him and you too.

My granddaughter was just here looking over my shoulder and said that Sirius is a beautiful dog. I told her he is sick and you are helping him get better. She thinks you are a very good doggie daddy.

[uppityperson]

16. He looks so sweet, love the whiskers. Good luck Sirius and Tex

[tishaLA]

17. Do they put doggies on Beta Blockers, too?

They can help shrink his heart back (it's called reverse remodeling, if you can believe it) and it really helps with the ejection fraction (how much squeeze he has). He'll stop coughing soon enough--as soon as the excess fluids are out of him.

If he has chemo, make sure they pay close attention to his heart. Chemo can cause CHF sometimes so you'll have to be extra careful with him. And best of luck to you and Sirius!

[DemoTex]

18. Good point TishaLA.

There is decreased fractional shortening (per echo-cardiography). He already has CHF, so the treatment options might be very limited. Surgery is out. Chemo and radiation are questionable.

I asked about beta-blockers, too. That still makes sense to me. However, an ACE inhibitor seems to be the first drug of choice. My B/P treatment started with the ACE inhibitor Zestril. It induced a wicked cough which developed into bronchitis. The vets are not too worried about the ACE inhibitor exacerbating Sirius's cough. We will watch and see. He started the ACE inhibitor this afternoon.

Again, thank you all!


Sirius

[Maddy McCall]

19. Our best to Sirius.

:loveya:

[DemoTex]

20. I will give another Sirius update after the Monday consultation.

Meanwhile, we will enjoy his company this weekend. It might just be the last. We love that doggie!


Sirius