September 9, 2009

Toto at the vet

Off we went to the vet today. I had a urine sample from Toto and that was checked for stones or a bladder infection (crystals) and that came up clean.

The vet looked at the sample under the microscope and among the usual round blood cells, I saw clusters of cells all attached together - which is not good. These cells shouldn't be there.

This shows a growth somewhere in the lower abdominal region. The blood that she passes could be urine that flows over the growth and takes the blood with it - if that makes sense. So the growth could be any where from her bottom through to her tummy, or her bladder etc etc. It's hard to know and even harder to treat. I mean, we can't take her bladder out, as she would be fairly pissed off about having to walk around attached to a bag. Sorry sarcasm and humour is all I can muster right now.

So there is something there, and we kind of expected that as she is nearly 15 years old and these things happen. We have antibiotics and anti-inflamatory meds for her and that is the way we are going. Hopefully she will pass less blood and it will clear up and if it doesn't, her quality of life is what we will look at. And right now, she is having a ball, she is barking now and driving me crazy so things are how they should be.

I was thinking on the drive home about her quality of life, actually her life in general. She (and her sister) have had an amazing life. A loving family, a safe and happy environment, great experiences (the beagle drive of '95 really stands out) and even a trip on an aeroplane! They (and us) have been very fortunate.

I am so glad we stopped at the sign that read "Beagles for sale" so many years ago.


7 comments:

Nikkers said...

All my love to Toto.
Hope the meds do the trick.

Foursons said...

I'm sorry she's sick.

Jen at Semantically driven said...

Oooh, poor Toto. Hope she's ok.

Barbara said...

She is beautiful and does look very happy. I hope the medication works and she starts to feel better soon :)

Erin said...

Awww what a little sweetie! I hope it all works out!

Organic Meatbag said...

Awwwww...this hits home to me, because we have a 9 year old Beagle too...she is and will always be my child...get better soon, Toto!

Anonymous said...

Sorry. I love having a dog but the pain of losing them always makes me hesitant to get another. Lexi isn't that old - almost 8 maybe? - but she's getting arthritis and slow and I'm worried for her. I hope Toto snaps back quickly and for a good long time.