Hi all,
My 8.5 year old GSD, Abby, was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor two days ago. For those unaware, a meningioma is generally a non-cancerous mass that forms on the membrane that covers the brain. Even though it's non-cancerous, as it grows it causes serious neurological problems. The neurologist told me that if I provide just palliative care, I can expect her to live only a couple weeks to a couple months. Because the growth is between the two hemispheres and not on the outside lining of the brain, he says there's about a 20% chance of her dying in surgery and he, personally, would not perform it. His colleague would not either. So bulk removal is out, I think.
This is shocking and devastating news to me. She was the picture of health up until a seizure this Wednesday past. Robust, alert, engaged, happy -- always ready for adventure. She's been my constant companion since I got her from a rescue six and a half years ago. When I say she's my best friend, I know a lot of you can relate. Losing her would be like cutting off my left arm. I would rather this be happening to me. She's the best thing that's ever come into my life.
Here's what I've done and what I've got planned, in bullets. If I'm missing anything, let me know. If there's a specialist I should see, let me know. I will drive anywhere. If there's a supplement or diet I should be using, please reply to this thread or PM me. Thank you in advance.
*Abby had an MRI and a spinal tap with a neurolgist. Concluded it's meningioma. The MRI revealed a lot of inflammation in the brain as well. Abby is getting prednisone, phenobarbital, and gabapentin. I don't like how she's acting on these drugs. She's exhibiting weakness in her hind legs now (phenobarbital?) and is panting a lot (presdnisone?). This is very hard to watch.
*Blood panel looked excellent, for what it's worth.
*Getting a second opinion from a different neurologist on Monday.
*Meeting a radiologist oncologist on Thursday to see if she would benefit from radiation. I'm concerned about the location of the mass, though.
*Received UVB Ozone from a holistic vet this afternoon. Supposed to help with inflammation. It has helped another dog of mine with a different type of tumor. I don't know if it will slow down the growth of the tumor, but I hope weekly treatment will help with inflammation.
*Going on a strictly raw diet to hopefully help with the inflammation in the brain as well.
I wonder if dogs get headaches. I think they do. Why wouldn't they? The neurologist said we don't know. I find it hard to believe that they wouldn't. So I need to get this inflammation under control, at the bare minimum.
That's it for now....
My 8.5 year old GSD, Abby, was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor two days ago. For those unaware, a meningioma is generally a non-cancerous mass that forms on the membrane that covers the brain. Even though it's non-cancerous, as it grows it causes serious neurological problems. The neurologist told me that if I provide just palliative care, I can expect her to live only a couple weeks to a couple months. Because the growth is between the two hemispheres and not on the outside lining of the brain, he says there's about a 20% chance of her dying in surgery and he, personally, would not perform it. His colleague would not either. So bulk removal is out, I think.
This is shocking and devastating news to me. She was the picture of health up until a seizure this Wednesday past. Robust, alert, engaged, happy -- always ready for adventure. She's been my constant companion since I got her from a rescue six and a half years ago. When I say she's my best friend, I know a lot of you can relate. Losing her would be like cutting off my left arm. I would rather this be happening to me. She's the best thing that's ever come into my life.
Here's what I've done and what I've got planned, in bullets. If I'm missing anything, let me know. If there's a specialist I should see, let me know. I will drive anywhere. If there's a supplement or diet I should be using, please reply to this thread or PM me. Thank you in advance.
*Abby had an MRI and a spinal tap with a neurolgist. Concluded it's meningioma. The MRI revealed a lot of inflammation in the brain as well. Abby is getting prednisone, phenobarbital, and gabapentin. I don't like how she's acting on these drugs. She's exhibiting weakness in her hind legs now (phenobarbital?) and is panting a lot (presdnisone?). This is very hard to watch.
*Blood panel looked excellent, for what it's worth.
*Getting a second opinion from a different neurologist on Monday.
*Meeting a radiologist oncologist on Thursday to see if she would benefit from radiation. I'm concerned about the location of the mass, though.
*Received UVB Ozone from a holistic vet this afternoon. Supposed to help with inflammation. It has helped another dog of mine with a different type of tumor. I don't know if it will slow down the growth of the tumor, but I hope weekly treatment will help with inflammation.
*Going on a strictly raw diet to hopefully help with the inflammation in the brain as well.
I wonder if dogs get headaches. I think they do. Why wouldn't they? The neurologist said we don't know. I find it hard to believe that they wouldn't. So I need to get this inflammation under control, at the bare minimum.
That's it for now....