Oscar ..Chest Tumor ..bye big boy :(

Were back ..with Oscar ..Dr. D. took x-rays of his chest (his choice) ..we found that Oscar has a chest tumor ..Dr. D gave him a shot of dex, and sent us home with pred ..he said give him a few days with pred, to see if it will help any(our choice of course) ..we know it won't cure it, but it may shrink it a little. Oscar was grooming and bright eyed at the vet ...he told me not to let go yet ..so I never. He is now sitting on the couch eating baby cereal and bananas ...
Last night he wanted to go back in his cage around 3 am..so I did ..and this AM he was in his hammock with Toby and Teddy ..and never flew out at me when i opened the door ..he ate lots and he was actually grooming.

I will start the pred tomorrow ..Dr.D. said use the high dose ..?

I know we won't have much time ..but I had to give it a chance ..and I'll be ready at any moment to take him back down.

The white in the chest area is the tumor

 

[jorats]

If the vet doesn't feel it's time, then there's hope! I hope it helps!!!

 

If the vet doesn't feel it's time, then there's hope! I hope it helps!!!

Me too Jo.
Dr. D would have done it if I wanted him too, but he said the look in Oscars eyes said no ..it may help it may not ..but I gotta try right?

 

[Rachael]

Aww poor boys.

Is it possible Toby has a PT? The way he takes the food and doesn't really hold it in the video reminds me of rats I've had here with PT.

 

[Unepuce]

:joy:

So happy he's got a chance to get at least bit better - and hang on with his family (furry and not) a bit longer. Sending get better vibes to Oscar... and Toby, and Little Miss, and Ryder, and Badger... :wink2:

 

[temblabamomo]

Oscar is very lucky to have a mom who knows him so well and is willing to try everything for him when he tells her he isn't ready to go yet. Lots of hugs to both of you. I hope the new meds help :heart:

 

Thanks guys :hugs:

Rachael ..Toby dose not have PT.

 

[ChrisK]

I agree... you're doing a great job as ratty mom! And how wonderful to have such an experienced vet who can help guide you at these times. My very best to all of you. :hugs:

 

I'm sure some of you don't agree with what I picked ..but your not the ones looking into his bright eyes that are telling me "not yet mom"

 

[Unepuce]

For having gone through just that, I agree with your decision. You're his mom, you can read him much better than any of us can, and if you feel you can stand the heartache a little longer and that Oscar really wants to stay, you did what you had to do - as long as you are aware of the worst case scenario and willing to go along with it as need be, and I know you are.

 

[Roo]

:heart: :heart: Oscar :heart: :heart:

 

[Joanne]

Glad you've got a little more time with him!
One of my girls Lily was having no relief from heavy breathing with antibiotics and Enalapril. We tried Prednolisone as a last ditch effort thinking there may have been some inflammatory component. Six months later and she is still with us. Just thinking that might help Toby...

 

[lilspaz68]

I am trying to figure out what everything is in those x-rays and after some unpleasant googling...remember this in ratguide. Your boy was x-rayed on his belly so you have to flip this diagram over in your mind as its belly up.

I am seeing liver and the mass isn't IN his chest so much as pushing up into it.

http://ratguide.com/health/basics/rat_anatomy.php

 

[victoria]

I am trying to figure out what everything is in those x-rays and after some unpleasant googling...remember this in ratguide. Your boy was x-rayed on his belly so you have to flip this diagram over in your mind as its belly up.

I am seeing liver and the mass isn't IN his chest so much as pushing up into it.

http://ratguide.com/health/basics/rat_anatomy.php

Do you think the mass is on his liver? (I'm horrible at reading x-rays.)

 

[lilspaz68]

I am trying to figure out what everything is in those x-rays and after some unpleasant googling...remember this in ratguide. Your boy was x-rayed on his belly so you have to flip this diagram over in your mind as its belly up.

I am seeing liver and the mass isn't IN his chest so much as pushing up into it.

http://ratguide.com/health/basics/rat_anatomy.php

Do you think the mass is on his liver? (I'm horrible at reading x-rays.)

So hard to tell as I am not an expert either...but it would make sense...or in his stomach but definitely lower than the chest.

 

[victoria]

I am trying to figure out what everything is in those x-rays and after some unpleasant googling...remember this in ratguide. Your boy was x-rayed on his belly so you have to flip this diagram over in your mind as its belly up.

I am seeing liver and the mass isn't IN his chest so much as pushing up into it.

http://ratguide.com/health/basics/rat_anatomy.php

Do you think the mass is on his liver? (I'm horrible at reading x-rays.)

So hard to tell as I am not an expert either...but it would make sense...or in his stomach but definitely lower than the chest.

If the issue may be in the liver, shouldn't he be taking Prednisolone instead of Prednisone?

From Rat Guide:

Though prednisone and prednisolone are used in the same manner and equally as effective, they should not be confused with each other. Prednisone is activated by the liver into prednisolone. For this reason, and because it is more easily absorbed, prednisolone is the drug of choice when hepatic disease or insufficiency is present.

 

[lilspaz68]

It is the vet's call. We aren't experts just musing here...if it works for Oscar maybe prednisolone can be considered later?

 

What he showed me was def in the chest ..nothing in the belly at all ..other than air from breathing so hard.

This is the one we should be looking at:

The other two were done first, but the techs missed his chest.

The white area in the chest is where the tumor is.

That big spot in the belly is a pocket of air from him breathing so hard.

I'm so confused anic:

 

[rattytat]

Reading these posts with tears streaming down my face and a broken heart :cry4: Hugs and love to you all :hugs: :heart: :heart: :hugs: I'm so not looking forward to this stage in my sweet little guys and girls lives.

 

Thank you so much Evelyn :heart: