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Was
looking through your site and wanted to
share Frank's story. I have been the proud
mommy to my Frank for 8 years. He was a
Christmas gift back in 1996 and he was named
after my favorite uncle. Frank has had some
hard time throughout his life from a severe
case of parvo, where I had to steam his nose
open so he could breath, to an affliction of
pododermatis (pustules that ooze between his
toes). And then in November, 2004,
while laying on the floor smooching him, I
found a lump on his upper jaw.
After
finding this I rushed him to the vet
thinking this was just an abscess from a bad
tooth. After he was seen by the vet and a
biopsy was taken it turned out to be
sqaumous cell sarcoma. This form of cancer
is very common in cats, not dogs. The cancer
had reached up to, but didn't enter his
nasal cavity. My husband and I were
devastated! We went to a oncologist
for further advice and she recommended
radiation treatment for Frank. This was done
back in January of 2005 and we just had a
6-month check up on June 27, 2005 and all
was fine. Now in just three weeks after
that great news, the cancer is back.
We went right back to the oncologist and she
told us that with the way the cancer is
growing, Frank will have to be put down in 2
months!
Now,
if you knew my Frank -- this dog has more
energy and a zest for life bigger then
anyone or any other dog I know. My guy is a
survivor and a strong one at that, so it was
with a lot of thinking and love we seriously
considered surgery this time. After
the vet confirmed that x-rays of his chest
were clear, his lymph nods were fine and the
prostrate was also good, we agreed to go
ahead with the removal of Frank's upper jaw
on July 28, 2005.
With
this form of cancer it grows into the bone
but, this so far, this was not the case with
Frank. The cancer is growing downward
away from the bone. Frank is a very strong
and healthy guy so this was the only thing
we could do for him. He was not ready to die
and this was done straight from our
hearts knowing that 95% was for him 5% for
me and my husband. He came through his
surgery fine with them removing the upper
jaw from one fang up to the 2nd (not
removing it). The vet said he is doing fine
and resting well. I just want him home now
with his Mom and Dad and lady Miss Vivian.
My story ends here for now.
It
is a miracle that he came through this in a
positive way. If we are lucky he will remain
healthy for a year plus, then we will have
to see what happens. At anytime from now
(after he heals from surgery) until it grows
back, if he is in any discomfort or
pain we will do the right thing for him by
helping to cross over to the rainbow bridge.
Thank you for letting me share my story with
you.
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09/29/05
Update from Barbara...
It
has been about three months now since
the oral surgery and Frank is doing
great! It took him no time to
adapt to not having four teeth and a
small portion of his pallet.
Here is a picture (left) of his face
after the surgery because I wanted
people to see it is not as bad as what
they may think. I
was terrified to imagine what my Frank
would look like after surgery, but am
happy we did it because he is able to
live a normal life. He eats
everything! Thanks for letting me
share his story. I will keep the
Rottweiler Health Foundation updated
on his condition. |
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