Pet Patients Sophie’s surgery: Playing hide and seek with cancer is no darn fun
In answer to all your questions and hope-for-the-bests: Yes! Sophie pulled through nicely and has already successfully consumed at least four small meals.
Surgery apparently makes Sophie hungry. And that makes her mom happy. [big smile here]
Though everything went as safely and smoothly as possible, not everything went 100% according to plan. [frowny face]
Unfortunately, no tumor jumped up and begged to be extricated from its fleshy source—much less the expected insulinoma. Nope. No cancer even managed to whisper its whereabouts under its breath. An exhaustive search turned up…nothing.
Well, not exactly. We biopsied the pancreas, a nearby lymph node, the liver and a small mass on her skin. The report will be back from the histopathologist’s lab in three to seven days. We can only hope for a definitive answer, but I wouldn’t be surprised if none is forthcoming. (Wish us luck.)
It’s not unusual—finding nothing. But it sucks. Some of us just NEED to know. (I’m sure some of you can relate to that.)
So the next time you get frustrated with your veterinarian because he/she can’t figure out what’s wrong with your pet, just remember my plight. I have internists, surgeons and oncologists—personal friends—at my disposal. I have access to all the fanciest tools in the biz. And I still don’t know what the F is up with my own dog.
Can you tell I’m discouraged? Perturbed? Worried?
No, it’s not so easy when some things go wrong. As I like to say, animal bodies are every bit as complex as the most convoluted system you can think of. In this case? It’s clear I’m up against a well-concealed opponent.
PS: For your viewing pleasure, here are some pics of Sophie’s surgery day:
Pre-op:
Getting three-view X-rays right before surgery (to make sure there are no metastatic masses visible in her chest immediately before diving into a delicate abdomen):
Here's one view:
Setting the scene (prepping):
The scary first slice:
Dr. Wosar gently prodding the pancreas in search of the offensive insulinoma:
Getting a biopsy of the lymph node—just in case it’s spread:
Sophie Sue’s mug with all its monitoring hardware attached (a bigger pic than the one above):
Sophie Sue 24 hours post-op:
Impressed? Yeah, you should be. The professionalism, equipment and skill of the Miami Veterinary Specialists staff is impressive—even to me, jaded vet that I am. That’s why I bought them pizza and made home-made brownies (stuffed with Three-Musketeer’s bars, a personal best). If ever we discover the source of this problem (even if we don’t) I think I’ll have to throw them all a party. Don’t you think?
June 4th, 2008
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Add Comment11 Comments
Sophie S. is just way too adorable and a bit of a ham (poser), I see. In a way, I'd be a little happy about no tumor, but that still leaves the question of treatment. What will you use for medications and how often will it need monitoring?
I'm glad she did well for the surgery, and looks peacefully recuperating!! Fingers crossed for a positve & responsive outcome!
Barbara A. Albright/New Hampshire June 4th, 2008 11:21:00 PM
I'm glad she pulled through well. The not knowing is killer - it must be so much worse when there are no limitations to you not being able to know.
Sarah K June 5th, 2008 12:53:00 AM
I assume they already ruled out Addison's disease. Hope the biopsies all come out fine!
Natalie June 5th, 2008 02:02:00 AM
So glad Sophie Sue is up and eating. Good luck with the diagnosis.
But...um...we need the recipe for those brownies. :O)
Lori June 5th, 2008 10:23:00 AM
Dr. Khuly, Is that an eyelid growth on Sophie's left eye? Made me think about the eyelid melanoma that Pocket had removed from her lid 2 yrs. earlier (black in color). I was so amazed that such delicate surgery could be done with a tiny single stitch. (saved before/after pictures of it)
Hope Sophie is doing well, still thinking good thoughts
Barbara A. Albright/New Hampshire June 6th, 2008 10:39:00 PM
Yep. The eyelid growth is one of the biopsied elements I'm awaiting with bated breath.
Dr. Patty Khuly June 7th, 2008 07:57:00 AM
Please keep us posted on Sophie
irene June 8th, 2008 07:07:00 PM
Dear Dr. Khuly,
Being crazy busy at work, having my own dog with cancer, a daughter getting married July 19th, etc., I have not frequented Dolittler as often as I had and had no idea about Sophie Sue.
This weekend my dog, Cody who is undergoing chemo became ill (most likely as a result of the chemo). You returned my phone call Saturday evening apologizing for not geting back to me sooner explaining that had been sleeping because you were up the entire night before with Sophie Sue. (And, I knew you were in the office that Saturday morning) You then explained her illness.
I am so very sorry for what you are going through. It must be impossible to deal with others with similar struggles and I thank you, AGAIN.
You give so much to all of us -- clients, readers, etc. and I hope that in some way we return the favor.
I want your readers ot know that Cody, who understandably is not a fan of going to your office for chemotherapy, ran happily to greet you last week.
You are special! Thank you, thank you and thank you!
Janet June 8th, 2008 10:59:00 PM
Nice article, very helpful. Thanks!!
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