Caninecancer.org.au

Our chihuahua, jack russell x Taco was diagnosed with IHMA on September 15 2014 and underwent an ultrasound on September 17 which was declared negative. The IHMA treatment was continued but his blood levels were low and finally on 6/10/14 we were referred to PVS for an urgent blood transfusion which raised the blood levels.
Two further transfusions were performed during October due to the levels falling again and PVS sought our permission for another ultrasound to which a Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumor was located in his small intestine and was removed on 24/10/14.
From the surgery date his blood levels remained stable and on the 6/11/14 had risen significantly and the surgery stitches were removed and after a visit with PVS oncology we were advised to not start any treatment due to his pathology and recovery and to have an x-ray and ultrasound on 30/01/15 to see what was happening.
All was good except for a small white spot which was thought to be scar tissue and to return for another scan on 16/3/15 to see if there was any changes.
That was yesterday and the news is all good everything is OK and his weight is now 7kg compared to 5kg on 6/11/14 and we are so happy at the result so we will take him back in 6 months for another ultrasound.
We are so pleased with the result and cannot thank all at PVS for their dedication and diligence in bringing about this result for Taco.
Apparently with the type of tumor Taco had 1 in 3 dogs survive without any further treatment and go on to live a long full life and for this we are so grateful to have Taco back to his old self which is 6.5 years.
Waalitj.

Thanks for sharing your story. Taco is a very lucky dog. I think the fact you used specialist vets would have been the difference for the outcome for Taco. I also note you had pathology (a very important part of a cancer diagnosis) xrays and ultrasounds. All these tests are done for a reason and sadly many people do not do them. Oncologists don't start any treatment should it be required, unless they are done.

I hope you have many more years with Taco and by doing things the right way you have probably saved his life. Always good to hear of good outcomes.

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1. Sending tumours to the lab saves lives
2. Pet insurance allows you to give your dog the best treatments available
3. Using an oncologist gives your dog the best chance of survival.

Lovely to know Taco is doing great. Hope he continues to thrive. A good vet makes a big difference