3 August, 2011 Max is doing great
As many of you are aware, Max had a large mast cell tumor on the left side of his chest for some time. Dr. Scotti, our superb doctor at Springfield Veterinary Center recommended we have him evaluated by the veterinary oncologist at Richmond’s Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center, Dr. Amanda Fulmer. The tumor was already large and getting larger. Dr. Fulmer recommended we have it removed. My animals are comfortable and I am comfortable at Springfield, so I asked if they would do the surgery. I dropped him off around 9:00 this morning.
Dr. Escobar called me at mid-afternoon and said the surgery had gone well. He said I could take Max home tonight if I liked, but it was a big tumor and there was still some bleeding. I elected to leave Max there overnight. I also knew I’d be taking Mackey and Roux and Lucy to the river at 6:30 tomorrow morning and there is no way to sneak out without Max knowing. And becoming agitated. So I went up and hung out with him for half an hour tonight. I brought him some chicken strips. Dr. Escobar said it was okay for him to have them. Max wolfed them down. They brought him more food; he was starving. I always think a hungry animal is a healthy animal.
Max recuperating
I think he's looking for more food - a good sign
Perhaps would rather come home tonight. But tomorrow will be fine.
That was a big tumor. Max is 11 y.o. I’m sure it will heal well; it’s great having Alex here to assist with follow up. And Dr. Scotti and Dr. Escobar and Dr. Kolster do great work. So I know Max’s recovery will be a good one. But the prognosis for advanced cancer in elderly dogs is not great. But he’s still got a lot of great hikes at the river ahead. I know I can hardly wait to get him down there; I know he’s looking forward to it even more!
Have a great day,
Jay, Max, et al.
NEWFAZE 
Hi Jay, I’m so glad Max is doing well..I’ve had him in my prayers, such as they are. I went to Clarkesville, Virginia today to get my new dog, Shadow (for now – maybe forever) and she is a wonderful dog – almost all Vizsla, as faar as I can see – but i think she’s a mix. What a sweet dog!!! Hope you’ll meet her sometime. Tell Max I’m sending some energy. He looks as if he is a survivor…Cheers, Barbara
Hi Barbara,
Great to hear from you! I’m glad to hear bout Shadow. Vizslas are gorgeous dogs. We met one yesterday when we were at the vet! A little girl, only about 8 months old, just in for a checkup. Her manners were flawless, which is amazing in an 8 month old dog. I’ve also got a friend at the river named Bill. Bill has a really beautiful Vizsla named Red. Also a very well behaved dog! And very, very energetic. I’m looking forward to meeting Shadow! Heading for the river with my current pack in just a minute. Thanks for the note and have a great day,
Jay
YEAH! Great news Jay. He looks happy and I agree a hungry dog is a healthy dog…I am sure the homecoming will be great and that Max will be happy to be back with you and his buddies and all his own food. Glad this is behind you! love, kara
Hi Kara,
It was throwing me off a little that when he came home he stopped eating. But Alex suggested some good stuff for him and now he’s doing better. Plus I brought him some London Broil home from Martin’s and he didn’t have any problem eating that!
Have a great day,
Jay
I’m so glad Max is doing okay! I know that a tumor is not fun for the poor dog. And I definitely agree hungry dog = healthy dog.