Sophie

Argh! She will be the death of me. We went for her 6 month check up with her specialist. Mostly she has done really well. Her coat looked amazing (Honest Kitchen got two thumbs up from Dr. T), and many of her bumps (especially the ones on her face) have totally gone away. The bad part is, she still has a few stubborn ones on her legs, and tail area. These haven't gotten worse, which is really good news, but they haven't really shrunk either. So, Dr. T is thinking about possibly surgically removing these ones. The upside would be, if things went well, hopefully we could remove those and then without them, we could get her off steroids because no new ones are popping up and they are staying steady. The downsides of course are that it's surgery and also, because Sophie has to be a genetic freak, it's still an unknown. But we can't have her on steroids either. Decisions, decisions. Dr. T is going to research and consult with some other specialists this week.

We took her bloodwork and get the results tomorrow so hopefully everything looks ok. And she only set me back $350 bucks. LoL She's the happiest dog ever going to the vet though and the vet thinks she's hilarious. She always remembers where the treats are!

Sophie cracks me up with what a little imp she is!!

Yes, decisions, decisions - those are tough, because there is no clear "right answer".

I think, I would do the surgery and have them removed, but only if you think it would be safe for her to be put under.

Renee wrote:Sophie cracks me up with what a little imp she is!!

Yes, decisions, decisions - those are tough, because there is no clear "right answer".

I think, I would do the surgery and have them removed, but only if you think it would be safe for her to be put under.

Yup, that is where I am leaning because I can't have her on steroids forever. I trust her vet though so I'm glad she is researching. I HATE putting her under ugh. She did do ok for her spay though (in fact, the vet called early and said she was ready to go home because she was driving everyone nuts ). From what I was understanding, it's a laser procedure so it wouldn't be too bad but she still has to be under for it.

First - kudos to your awesome vet for doing research and talking with other professionals. I really respect vets that recognize they don't know everything, and do the research necessary.

I would expect, if they can use lasers to remove the bumps, then she should not even be under for very long. That is something positive.

Tell me again... what are the bumps from?

Renee wrote:First - kudos to your awesome vet for doing research and talking with other professionals. I really respect vets that recognize they don't know everything, and do the research necessary.

I would expect, if they can use lasers to remove the bumps, then she should not even be under for very long. That is something positive.

Tell me again... what are the bumps from?

She's wonderful! What is funny is she's a leading dermatologist, and she often has teaching students. She ALWAYS bring them around to meet Sophie, and today she said anytime she hears of a dog named Sophie she thinks of her and goes "oh I bet she isn't as crazy as Saira's Sophie." Heehee.

Sophie's condition (mastocytosis) is so rare in dogs that there is really no set treatment/plan-Sophie was so young when she was diagnosed, it's been trial and error. With kids with the same condition, it usually clears up by the time they reach 3 so we were hoping the same would happen to Sophie when she got older. When she first came in, surgery wasn't an option because she had so many and they weren't stable. But now that everyone has been stablized and there are only a few left, it seems like a likelier option.

She's so darn cute.

Saira, has she seen an immunologist? I know putting her under is really scary, and like you said, you don't need us educating you on effects of long term steroids. I'm glad her normal dr is going to refer to other specialists.

You guys have done so great by her already, I'm positive you'll make the best choice regardless.

$350? ouch! just proves what a diva she is. heh sounds like you've got a great vet. cute pic!

I'll be interested in what your vet comes up with, but I'd probably go the surgical route if all other things seem to be in the clear. But you're right, it's a toughie.

And she is the Sophinator so no doubt did drive everyone nuts....

thminis wrote:Saira, has she seen an immunologist? I know putting her under is really scary, and like you said, you don't need us educating you on effects of long term steroids. I'm glad her normal dr is going to refer to other specialists.

You guys have done so great by her already, I'm positive you'll make the best choice regardless.

Yes, her vet that we saw today actually is an immunologist/dermatologist. Which is why she kills my checkbook!

Mel wrote:$350? ouch! just proves what a diva she is. heh sounds like you've got a great vet. cute pic!

350 is cheap! LoL her meds alone cost a couple hundred a month. She's lucky she's cute!

Saira wrote:

Mel wrote:$350? ouch! just proves what a diva she is. heh sounds like you've got a great vet. cute pic!

350 is cheap! LoL her meds alone cost a couple hundred a month. She's lucky she's cute!

It's all about perspective, isn't it? My first thought was "Wow! Only $350. Saira did good"

Saira wrote:

Mel wrote:$350? ouch! just proves what a diva she is. heh sounds like you've got a great vet. cute pic!

350 is cheap! LoL her meds alone cost a couple hundred a month. She's lucky she's cute!

you should put up a booth and charge people to see her!

[quotebecause Sophie has to be a genetic freak, it's still an unknown. But we can't have her on steroids either. Decisions, decisions. Dr. T is going to research and consult with some other specialists this week.
][/quote]
Sorry but the bold item cracked me UP.

Thank GOD the Dogtor is a good one!

Do they know why she gets these little bumps? Poor baby. *hugs her*

Nan and BAGS wrote:[quotebecause Sophie has to be a genetic freak, it's still an unknown. But we can't have her on steroids either. Decisions, decisions. Dr. T is going to research and consult with some other specialists this week.
]

Sorry but the bold item cracked me UP.

Thank GOD the Dogtor is a good one!

Do they know why she gets these little bumps? Poor baby. *hugs her* [/quote]

It's mostly likely genetic, we figured she came from a horrible breeder who then dumped her once they figured out what was wrong with her. This is what she looked like when she first came into rescue, so she's doing very well overall! Just a few stubborn ones we just can't seem to get rid of.

sophie!

Is the person holding her in that pic really small? She actually looks big!

I know you'll make the right decision for the genetic freak. I'm glad the bumps are finally staying under control!

Amanda wrote:Is the person holding her in that pic really small? She actually looks big!

I know you'll make the right decision for the genetic freak. I'm glad the bumps are finally staying under control!

I know, right? That was when she was just a puppy too, so that guy must have been teeny tiny! Or else she's shrinking.

Amanda wrote:Is the person holding her in that pic really small? She actually looks big!

I know you'll make the right decision for the genetic freak. I'm glad the bumps are finally staying under control!

wait til you see her in person. she's teeny...and really fast!

northernwitch wrote:

Saira wrote:

Mel wrote:$350? ouch! just proves what a diva she is. heh sounds like you've got a great vet. cute pic!

350 is cheap! LoL her meds alone cost a couple hundred a month. She's lucky she's cute!

It's all about perspective, isn't it? My first thought was "Wow! Only $350. Saira did good"

HA! I said the same thing. Kimchi's little "swallow the mousie" incident set me back $650 and a full day of more gray hair formation.

It really is a good thing they're cute.

She's such a character. Perfect sista for Indy and Hooli.

As to the surgery, sounds like you've got a great vet and I'd be trusting what she says.

She's so darn cute, I can just see the orneryness (is that a word). I'm glad you found such a great vet. Sounds like she'll point you in the right direction for treatment.

Sophie gets an "awwwww" from me every time! I love her spunk and Sophie stories always make me laugh. Someday I am going to fly to Vegas, just to see Sophie! And Hooli...and Indy...okay...I'll say "hi" to Saira too

Yeah, $350 doesn't seem too bad, especially when I've heard so many horror stories on here. Once again, thanks to PA peeps I ran as fast I can to get pet insurance.

Sophie reminds me a little of my foster Zoe - tiny black diva with a crazy streak a mile long. Glad to hear that she's doing ok & the bumps are mostly under control. Do they tend to pop up more due to stress or anything? Just wondering if the surgery to remove those few will set her back in that respect.

Only Sophie would love the Vet! I love her and her feisty little personality.
$350 sounds like a great deal for surgery.