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Originally Posted by Coletta  Unfortunately I found this forum while looking for some info on my Yorkie, Bella, who is sick. She had bruising in spots on her body a week ago - we found them when giving her a bath. She otherwise had no symptoms or behavior changes. I took her to the vet who did blood work and told me her platelet count was really low - 20,000. Her temperature was normal and her red blood cell count was slightly low but I was told nothing to be concerned about. The vet put her on Prednisone and Melatonin and we did further testing for tick born illnesses, which turned out negative. A week later most of her bruising has cleared up, but now she is is showing (I think) some side effects of the drug - panting, thirsty, a bit more distant at times, not as energetic or "spurts" of energy. She had more blood work done and the vet says she is not responding to the prednisone and her white blood cell count is "skyrocketing". Her white cell count is 33.9 and normal range is 6-17. Her red cell count is also worse. It went from .40 to .36 and the vet said normal range is .39-.60 Now she wants to do x-rays, ultrasound, full blood work, and bone marrow testing but hasn't mentioned fecal testing or urinalysis. She seems to be leaning toward cancer but Bella hasn't shown any signs of cancer, only the changes I've seen from taking the steroids and melatonin. Any insight would be helpful. Not sure what to do and considering getting another opinion. |
The VEC in Toronto, is a good specialist hospital. Baring that there is Univ of Guelph animal hospital. This is a teaching hospital. My first preference though for Internal Medicine- suspected cancer, is Mississauga Oakville hospital. They get 5 stars there. If you need an ultrasound they will give you a good price if your dog has cancer. Just have your vet refer you to which-ever hospital you select. I have utilized both hospitals. . Also have your vet refer to the specialty hospital on an urgent need basis. And this is URGENT. You don't want to wait 2wks for an appointment.
You can go to either one as a "walk in" emergency patient and get seen that day! Both hospitals are open 24/7. The VEC I'd go to Mon-Thurs preferably as it is more likely that all specialists are on duty!
You will need a credit card for payment, or they take debit cards. To give you a bit of an idea, the appointment will be in the neighbourhood of $200 for the specialist, then the cost of what-ever testing. Many tests are done in house, which means results come in faster. All major Pet Insurance plans are accepted at both places.
Call your vet this morning and ask for an urgent referral to either of these two locations
If you would like to speak with me, just private message me, I'd be happy to talk with you. I live in Toronto too