We have an 11 year old miniature schnauzer named Samson. He's been with us since he was 10 weeks old and has always been perfectly healthy. However, the past few months we noticed that his hind legs where shaking often. He was seen by the vet twice and everything was fine each time so it was attributed to him getting older. But a few weeks ago Samson just was not doing well at all. He could barely stand up and had many other serious issues that seemed to appear out of nowhere. We again took him to his vet and were ultimately referred to a neurologist. After a whole slew of tests, such as an x-ray, ultrasound, couple of MRI's, CT Scan, spinal tap, etc., we discovered that Samson has an inoperable brain tumor. He was put on Prednisone, which had a fabulous immediate effect, but we were told that the immediate relief it offers is only temporary (as we are starting to see 2-1/2 weeks later) and that he really only has a month or two to live unless he has radiation treatment.
Typical radiation treatment can have horrible side effects and takes 3-4 weeks to complete. I can't imagine a dog going through that. We had a second opinion and found a specialty center that has uses a new form of radiation (in the veterinary world anyway). It is actually a machine that is used on humans and subjects the animal to much less radiation, but significantly more precise in its targeting of the tumor, so it is completed in just 3 days. Far fewer side effects with a much better outcome. So Samson goes in for his "Cyberknife Radiosurgery" - essentially a better form of radiation treatment - this week.
Here is to hoping that all goes well for Samson (animal), that he gets off the Prednisone soon (green - the bottle), much faith that all is going to work out successfully and the tumor will stop growing and begins to shrink, and that Samson will live happily to enjoy this Spring and many more!
17 comments:
Oh poor guy...hope he gets better soon!
Cari
Awww... poor Samson! I sure do hope he gets to feeling better, poor little guy!
How creative on that second one. I hope he is feeling better soon.
First of all, it's my dream to own one of these...I love them!
I'm so sorry that Samson is facing all this, but what a great family to be part of. You take care of him like a member of the family and for that I applaud you!
I too will be praying that he see many more Springs and happy ones at that.
poor little guy. sure hope all works out well for the little cutie.
Samson is just adorable. I hope treatment goes well for him. He looks like such a sweet pet.
Oh dear--poor Samson. So hard when they don't understand why all that stuff has to be done. Hoping this works for him!
I hope Samson is feeling better soon. I know how hard it is watching your beloved pet get old. He is a very sweet looking dog and your photos of him are beautiful.
Gosh - so sad - hope he feels better soon!
Samson is beautiful. I hope all goes well and you're able to enjoy having him in your family for a long time.
Oh poor Samson. I hope he gets better soon.
awww poor Sampson. I hope he gets better.
Hope thepoor little guy is better fast!
Oh what a dear. I sure how he is going to get better really soon.
Oh how sad for him! I'm hoping everything will work out for you all. I know that dealing with a sick pet can be devastating... we lost our sick cat last may after 7 years of kidney disease. The last two years being the hardest... but I would not have misted it, because the love your pet gives back to you is amazing. Please keep shooting pictures of him as much as you can, so you can enjoy these moments forever! Even if your dog dies in about 20 years!! Good luck with the treatment!
aww poor guy!! Hope he gets better
Good luck Samson!
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