Lightning Update

I've shared with some of you my concerns for Lightning, my oldest baby who will be 12 next week, and who appears on the upper right corner of this blog. She's my avatar on Ravelry, because her sweet face makes me smile every time I see it. Anyway, for those of you who have been kind enough to ask, here's the update.

Two weeks ago, Lightning's left rear leg was suddenly and inexplicably swollen, to the point that I actually wondered if she'd dislocated her hip. Her whole leg was pointing west, and she was obviously uncomfortable. The vet diagnosed it as an infection and gave her antibiotics. A week later, there was little improvement except that she had become really adept at walking on three legs. Not good.

Anyway, I took her to the vet a week ago today and he agreed that she wasn't progressing the way he had hoped. He took a fluid sample (from the infection site) and sent it off to the pathologist. Today the results came back--VERY not good.

The initial diagnosis seems to be possible mast cell tumor. This is apparently the most common type of cancer in dogs, and most seem to occur in the hind quarters. Who knew? She's scheduled for a full biopsy and removal of the tumor (if possible) next Monday. At that point, more samples will go to the pathologist and we'll find out prognosis and course of treatment. At 12 years old, it's not quite as simple as if she was much younger. We'll try to make the best decisions for her, based on input from the professionals as well as our extended family members, all of whom love her.

So, to all of you wishing Lightning well, please keep thinking of her. She's a truly wonderful friend and companion to the Pug Family. Thank you for your concern and your love.