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This. I was going to respond to your original post about the ultrasound but LisaT hit the nail on the head. Performing an ultrasound is relatively straightforward and any vet can do it, but reading and interpreting an ultrasound is a completely different ballgame. Unless something is blatantly wrong (e.g. huge tumor, internal bleed, etc.) changes in tissue can be subtle or difficult to correctly identify without a good deal of experience, either by a specialist, or, even better, a radiologist.

My dog was very ill last year and in our search for a diagnosis we took him to a clinic in Canada to have an ultrasound. The vet their told me straight up that she was happy to perform one, but was not confident in her ability to interpret the resultant images. I think it's great that you're seeing a specialist. If we lived in the lower 48 we most definitely would have paid the extra cash to see a radiologist instead!
Lol, performing an ultrasound is not straight forward at all and not all vets can do it by an stretch. It has taken me time in and out of school over a 2 year stretch to learn how to do one and there are still structures I can't find. The images are even harder to interpret but part of interpreting is having good & correct images to look at--meaning you can't just pick up a probe your first (or 2nd or 3rd...) time and play around and get meaningful images.

OP I'm glad you got your answers and found a good vet. I think Loki will make it through ok :)
 
After reading all the posts and seeing the diagnosis , I live in Kentucky and I have a pond my horses and Dog like to go in!
I'm now terrified about this! Had your pup been swimming in a warm body of water before this all happened?? Our pond freezes in the winter so hopefully that keeps this at bay! Very scary.


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Discussion starter · #704 ·
Lol, performing an ultrasound is not straight forward at all and not all vets can do it by an stretch. It has taken me time in and out of school over a 2 year stretch to learn how to do one and there are still structures I can't find. The images are even harder to interpret but part of interpreting is having good & correct images to look at--meaning you can't just pick up a probe your first (or 2nd or 3rd...) time and play around and get meaningful images.

OP I'm glad you got your answers and found a good vet. I think Loki will make it through ok :)
Thank you for all of your help, and support. I appreciate your professionalism.:)
 
Discussion starter · #705 ·
After reading all the posts and seeing the diagnosis , I live in Kentucky and I have a pond my horses and Dog like to go in!
I'm now terrified about this! Had your pup been swimming in a warm body of water before this all happened?? Our pond freezes in the winter so hopefully that keeps this at bay! Very scary.


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Yeah I would definitely be cautious, cases have been recorded in Kentucky. But yeah, he had been in a pond that was stagnant water at around the time all of this arose. We are 99.9% positive that is how he came into contact with this infection.
 
i'm glad too!!! what an ordeal, whew. and i don't imagine you're totally comfortable yet. so glad tho...that so far, so good. take care!
 
Discussion starter · #709 ·
i'm glad too!!! what an ordeal, whew. and i don't imagine you're totally comfortable yet. so glad tho...that so far, so good. take care!
Yeah definitely not even close to comfortable yet. But thank you for the support!

We have our Ultrasound appointment on Thursday. The office is about an hour away, and its what they specialize in. Also, the Vet performing the Ultrasound has seen internal Pythium before, and knows exactly what to look for. We are praying that there are absolutely NO signs of Pythium internally.
 
katielz is right, Oliver's mom if you want to help take it to pm's. WHile we all can appreciate the cost of medical care and understand it comes from the heart, it's not allowed, I'm sure your post will be removed by a moderator of this forum.
 
katielz is right, Oliver's mom if you want to help take it to pm's. WHile we all can appreciate the cost of medical care and understand it comes from the heart, it's not allowed, I'm sure your post will be removed by a moderator of this forum.
I've removed a number of posts that where going against the no solicitaion/fundraising on the board rule. As mentioned, if you wish to help, you will need to do so privately.

From the board rules:
Solicitation of donations of money for any reason is not permitted on this board under any circumstances . Posting links to other sites for soliciting and directing people to won't be allowed. This NO SOLICITING rule will be strictly enforced.
Thank you, and good luck with your pup!
 
I feel the need to check in on this site everyday in order to make sure that Loki is still on the mend. I must commend you for being so dedicated to the well being of your dog and at such a young age...very admirable. It sounds like Loki is doing well, I couldn't be more happier for you and your family. You have been through so much and have been handling it like a pro. I feel a good outcome will come out of this.
 
Discussion starter · #713 ·
I feel the need to check in on this site everyday in order to make sure that Loki is still on the mend. I must commend you for being so dedicated to the well being of your dog and at such a young age...very admirable. It sounds like Loki is doing well, I couldn't be more happier for you and your family. You have been through so much and have been handling it like a pro. I feel a good outcome will come out of this.
Thank you for the support! We are hoping he is on the road to recovery, and are trying to stay as positive as possible.

Thursday is the ultimate test though. Once we know the results of the Ultrasound (if they are positive), we will be a lot more relieved. We are just hoping that he doesn't have any internal Pythium.:(
 
Discussion starter · #718 ·
Well, looks like the wait continues. The Vet called earlier today, and cancelled our Ultrasound appointment until Monday...so now we have to wait another 3 days...This is killing us slowly having to wait wait wait:cry::crazy:
 
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