So so scary. Good luck to you! Get better soon Sophie!

Lori June 20th, 2008 12:00:00 PM

Good luck to you and Sophie Sue! She's in very capable--and loving--hands.

Arlene June 20th, 2008 12:53:00 PM

Prayers going out for Sophie Sue and you too, of course. ((( ^ ..^ )))

Shellie June 20th, 2008 01:01:00 PM

Oh my goodness, what an ordeal. Thank goodness Sophie Sue is in such good hands. I will keep her in my thoughts.

Shasta June 20th, 2008 01:48:00 PM

I am so sorry about this news. I know you were hoping it would have been something less invasive. Our paws are crossed that things will work themselves out and Sophie will find some relief.

Saint Lover June 20th, 2008 01:53:00 PM

I'm so sorry to learn that little Sophie Sue has a brainstem tumor.

I have the utmost respect for your decision and your decision making ability, but I do want to throw out there that we had great success radiating a tumor. I understand that each situation is different and each tumor is different, but we were given the choice to have our dog undergo anesthesia daily for 21 days to get rid of the tumor (uh, no thanks) or undergo anesthesia every week for 4 weeks for radiation treatments to "knock back" the tumor to get him pain free (what we decided to do). Followed up by chemo. This was done at Ohio State Univ.

The dog has been pain free, as in completely off pain meds, for 6 months now (knocking furiously on wood).

Just throwing that out there. I'll have little SS in my thoughts and can't wait to learn of the outcome of the gamma knife procedure.

Deanna June 20th, 2008 02:01:00 PM

Did you try to call FVS?

robyn w June 20th, 2008 02:32:00 PM

I have been so worried about Sophie Sue and knew that the lack of news was not good news in this case. What an ordeal!

I am thrilled to hear that the prednisone has helped her!!

I presume it relieves inflammation generated by the tumor?

We had one visit with Dr. Greg Kortz a neurologist here in the Sacramento, California area. He's also associated with UC Davis. I was very impressed with his compassion as well as his ability to ferret out Chris' issue.

I have to say that between those two choices I too would go with the gamma surgery. That much travelling and anesthesia is going to be hard on a dog who has been through so much already.

Could you also do radiation afteerward if need be?

Sending a very gentle stroke across the brow to Sophie Sue and lots of sympathy and empathy to you.

Natalie

Natalie June 20th, 2008 03:02:00 PM

Wow, I am really sorry to hear that. You obviously care very much about Sophie and are turning over all stones in search of the best path forward. I will hope for the very best possible outcome for her. All paws crossed.

Stefani June 20th, 2008 03:19:00 PM

Natalie, my hospital does radiation treatments and often owners chose to board their pet at my hospital for the entire time rather than have to travel back and forth. It is an especially good option for people who come from far away (we have clients who live in other states). My hospital is working on building a "Ronald Mc Donald House" sort of set up for owners who wish to remain close to their pets during these times.

robyn w June 20th, 2008 04:09:00 PM

I'm sorry! I hope the scary stuff goes great and that she's healthy soon!

Sarah June 20th, 2008 04:24:00 PM

Robyn,

That's wonderful!! I know someone whose cat was looking at the weeks long radiation treatment and she had the same problem - too much travel and leaving her there alone was not a good option either since he's a cat who doesn't do well at the vet (is there any other kind?).

Where is your hospital located?

Natalie

Natalie June 20th, 2008 04:43:00 PM

Natalie, I am in Tampa. We are currently struggling with zoning issues, but what we'd like to have are little apartment/cottage type buildings for owners to stay in, which will be right across the street from the hospital. Obviously, pets who need to be hooked up to IV fluids and such will need to stay in the hospital, but most of our radiation patients are quite stable and I'm thinking that these pets would be able to stay with their owners.

robyn w June 20th, 2008 05:39:00 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about Sophie! Best wishes to both of you.

Robyn that sounds amazing! Great way to treat the whole patient, in a way.

Alli June 20th, 2008 07:19:00 PM

I wish you the very best with Sophie and her treatment.

Your news hits awfully close to home. I lost my old dog with a probable brain tumor on Tuesday.

katie June 20th, 2008 08:07:00 PM

Short of wishing that Sophie S. didn't have a tumor at all, I wish there was a good drug therapy for medical management in your old gal. My prayers for successful outcome.

Kate, I am very sorry for your loss of your dog.

Barbara A. Albright/New Hampshire June 20th, 2008 08:53:00 PM

So very sorry to hear about beloved Sophie Sue's diagnosis... sending much love, hugs and prayers for a successful and speedy response to the treatment (so that she can return to her position as queen and head diva in your (typical) multipet veterinarian household!!!) Keep those biscuits coming - yea prednisone!!

meowdoc June 20th, 2008 10:01:00 PM

iN spite of her diagnosis, Sophie is still one lucky pup. She has been loved all her life, and has you as her owner. She will undoubtedly receive the best care for her situation. Will keep you in our prayers. Beaner, Agadore, and Donna

agadoresmama June 20th, 2008 11:52:00 PM

So sorry to hear about Sophie's tumor. Are these generally malignant or are they locally aggressive?
I realize of course that in such an enclosed space the distinction is not all that significant. Spinal tumors, along with inferior vena-cava syndrome, are the two real emergencies in radiation oncology and for my husband (radiation oncologist) they always seem to present on a Friday or a holiday. Pred is the first line of attack and the relief of symptoms can be profound and allow for time for proper diagnosis and treatment planning. Glad it works in dogs too!
Good luck and best wishes and thoughts for Sophie's treatment and recovery to be swift and uneventful

JenniferJ June 21st, 2008 12:32:00 AM

Dr. K,

Sending prayers and best wishes for Sophie Sue's COMPLETE recovery!

Forgive me if this question sounds rude or callous -- it is not meant to be taken that way -- why did you not do the MRI first (as opposed to exploratory surgery?)

I'm so glad that the steroids are working as you await Sophie's next step. Our dog, Molly, was diagnosed with a meningioma and prednisone worked wonderfully for several months.

Again, I send heart-felt prayers to Sophie -- and you -- as you anticipate the next few weeks. She is fortunate to have you for her mama!

mb

mb June 21st, 2008 01:02:00 PM

mb, I believe that Dr. K was thinking that Sophie had an insulinoma as her blood sugar level kept dropping and that's pretty classic. Hoofbeats=horses. When that wasn't the case, then the MRI.

anonymous in boston June 21st, 2008 01:42:00 PM

I'm so sorry to hear of Sophie's diagnosis....but it sounds like you have a clear plan of action. Sophie is in loving, capable hands and I wish her a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Creature of HAbit June 21st, 2008 06:48:00 PM

mb: Yeah, I felt dumb after that, but she did test positive--twice--on her insulin/glucose ratio while she was suffering severe episodes of weakness. And she'd had no tremors/obvious neurological signs until three days after the exploratory surgery. And I had two internists and a surgeon recommend exploratory, too. In retrospect? Well...at least we know her innards are in good shape. And that gives me a greater assurance that what we have is all neuro--and that she's a good candidate for radiosurgery.

Dr. Patty Khuly June 22nd, 2008 09:35:00 AM

Dr. K: I found your post extremely timely and helpful. Our 13-year-old bichon/terrier has a probable meningioma between her eyes and we, too, are choosing the gamma knife (at colorado state univ.). In your post you said
it might make things MUCH better or MUCH worse.
i hadn't heard about the much worse part, can you explain? at CSU it would be 5 fractions rather than the single one that Sophie is getting. and the radiation oncologist, dr. sue larue, predicted a cataract in one eye one year out. is it these side effects you're referring to? thanks!

Nancy Lo June 23rd, 2008 12:53:00 AM

Dr. K,

Thanks for not biting my head off for what may have seemed like a horrible question! Our vet never suggested exploratory surgery. Of course, our Molly never had a drunken gait or elevated levels, either -- just weakness in her back legs. And that is why YOU'RE the professionals!

I'm so thankful that Sophie Sue is a good candidate for radiosurgery and will be lifting her in prayer as she begins "treatment." I (and all your Dolittler friends) look forward to an update on her condition.

mb

mb June 23rd, 2008 09:28:00 AM

Nancy: As with any radiation treatment, but I'm told more so with radiosurgery (this isn't my field so I'm not 100% on this), brain swelling and herniation is possible. Perhaps this info I'm getting is also a function of where Sophie's tumor is located.

Dr. Patty Khuly June 24th, 2008 08:03:00 AM

How's Sophie Sue doing this week?

Natalie June 24th, 2008 12:48:00 PM

Many thanks, Dr. K. I'll have my fingers crossed for both our girls.

Nancy June 24th, 2008 11:12:00 PM

Update: Sophie's doing great. She's lost a lot of muscle mass but she's on her way back. I'll let you know as soon as she has the procedure.

Dr. Patty Khuly June 25th, 2008 08:12:00 AM

Today my 11-year-old poodle was diagnosed with this same tumor. I am beside myself. You must feel strongly that the removal of this tumor and the survival rate is very good. I am torn about treatment. She is at the hospital now, after the MRI, starting on predisone. I wish someone could tell me to irradiate the tumor and that she'd be good for years to come, but that's not necessarily what I am reading. I know all dogs/situations are different. She's been an otherwise extremely healthy not to mention well-cared for dog. Thoughts?

Allison June 25th, 2008 08:02:00 PM

Allison: I'm not banking on it but I'm hoping for a year. If I can get a year I'll be thrilled. It's funny...I can't think about this like a vet. I can only think about it emotionally. So don't expect a rational reason why one year seems to be the magic number.

Dr. Patty Khuly June 26th, 2008 05:43:00 PM

The very best wishes for Sophie's recovery and your nerves during this whole thing. As we say over on CatHobbyist, my 9 kitties and I are sending GLOW to you both.

(And I enjoyed your PetHobbyist visit the other night. Thank you for your thoughtful answers to our questions.)

Norma June 27th, 2008 10:16:00 PM

My 11 year old Pitt started showing some neurological problems in the middle of July. Knuckling, leaning, head tilt, etc. He has been on Pred and Baytril to treat for inflammation or inner ear infection because we were hoping that he only had a Vestibular Syndrome. (Hopefully only because it's better than a brain tumor) After treatment, he hasn't really bounced back at all. I had been cooking him chicken and brown rice when he refused to eat which worked for about a week. The last two days have gotten much worse for him. My vet tech friend who works at the hospital I worked at asked the 3 vets and they all agree on a brain tumor due to the lack of response from the meds. Taz didn't really want to eat today and is having an awful time getting around these last two days. We put him on a higher dose of Pred to see if that might help (at least it might increase thirst and hunger to keep him going) and maybe it would decrease swelling in the instance it may be a brain tumor. I don't know what else to do now. He has lived a good life with my other Pitt and I don't want to put him through repeated anesthesia, surgery or chemo. I think if he were 5 or 6, my opinion would be different but he was a 70 pound dog that is surely in his old age. I just don't know how long to wait everything out to give him the maximum amount of time to show any postiive signs. I'm kind of lost here and just hoping that anyone that has been in this situation can just give me some support. All of the posts have been great but not specific to my ordeal. I appreciate any guidance anyone can offer. Thanks.

Dawn Chicano August 5th, 2008 09:49:00 PM

Dawn, My sincere sympathy and prayers for you both. When quality of life has declined beyond hope, you will know best what to do. He was your good and faithful for 11 years.

Barbara A. Albright/New Hampshire August 7th, 2008 11:19:00 PM

My dog Benji, a Jack Russell who is now 10 yrs old was diagnosed with a meningioma on his brain stem as well.  This was in November of 2008.  By the time he was diagnosed, he was could not walk, stand, eat etc.  The Vet we were seeing had misdiagnosed him for over a month telling us that he had a 'neck injury'.  She had put him on very high doses of prednisone... (long, stressful story and needless to say, she is no longer our Vet).  Finally, we insisted on seeing a Neurologist in Toronto Ontario (Dr Greg Kilbourne).  After the MRI it was found that  he had a huge meningioma (non malignant tumour), that had vitrually crowded out his brainstem.  Our only 2 options at that point were to either put him down or do the surgery.  I had 30 mins to make the call.   By this time, we had invested $3400 (what was a few thousand more???) and we love him.  We opted for the surgery.  Greg was fabulous and our little lamb survived and has thrived!  We didn't have the option of follow up radiation (closest clinic is in Michigan) and he reacted badly to chemo (which we were told was unproven with meningiomas anyhow).  But, I am an acupuncturist and herbalist so I've taken a very, very active role in his recovery and treatment, with the blessing of our neurologist.  I have been treating him daily with herbs and often with acupuncture and he is doing really, really well.  It is my understanding that only about 30% of dogs with meningiomas survive the one year mark after surgery, so we are just thrilled.  Yes, he does have some neuro stuff going on.  He is a bit wobbly when he stands and because his neck was cut from top to bottom he doesn't have the strength he used to.  He walks backwards quite often (it's used to freak me out!) but our Vet told us that this is due to the neck issues.  He has had some difficulties with colitis which we now have mostly under control and he tires quicker than he used to.  But,  He is pain free, he loves to go for walks, play with other dogs and run in the park!  He is loving and kind and alive. 

Having your dog diagnosed with something as dire as a brainstem tumour is terrible and stressful and sad.  But there is also hope and Benji is proof that you can help them to live a longer life.  Everyday is a new day with him and we are constantly on 'watch' for the possible return of the tumour.  So far though, so good!

brite January 3rd, 2009 08:02:04 PM

Hi I've just read Sophie's story after searching the Internet for information on the use of 'gamma knife' surgery on dogs. I really hope that she is doing well and wish her the very best. Did Sophie actually have the 'gamma knife' surgery? We have a 7.5 year old English Bull Terrier, Logan, who has recently been diagnosed with a suspected meningioma, following a MRI scan. This is an extremely emotional and traumatic time for us (as it would be) and we want the very best treatment for him. I can find no evidence of 'gamma knife' surgery being used on dogs in the UK, where we live. However, I am determined to use any means at our disposal to pursue this, if it could be the most effective treatment for Logan. If you could offer any further information or advice, it would be much appreciated. Best wishes Garry Sheen garrysheen@btinternet.com

Garry Sheen February 3rd, 2009 03:22:10 PM

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