A few weeks later, Wayde’s foster mom noticed he had hard lumps on his armpits and clavicle, back legs and throat. During his time with his wonderful foster family, he was still gaining energy, putting on weight and looking better all the time, but these lumps were a concern so we had a needle biopsy done. They were unable to determine the stage because there were so many broken cells in the tissue, which didn’t bode well for Wayde so we did a more conclusive type of biopsy. The results showed “highly metastatic” Lymphosarcoma. In this type of cancer, after being diagnosed, dogs usually only live for about 2 months. Even with aggressive treatment, the life span is very short. Treatment is not available for Wayde since his diagnosis shows he is in late stage cancer. He will slowly deteriorate, become weaker and will eventually go off his food.
Wayde charms his foster grandma
into playing ball with him.
Even with this heartbreaking diagnosis, Wayde’s foster parents tell us, “He’s got plenty of energy for chasing balls, playing at day care, and going for walks. His weight is stable or slowly gaining, poop is looking better (important in EPI dogs!). His appetite is voracious and ears are staying fairly clean. Elbows are growing new fur. Coat is a bit dry but thick and full. He’s friendly with strange people and dogs. Everyone at day care loves him. He’ll wait quietly in the car. He’s getting better about settling quietly in the crate. He’s doing well in obedience class. He can hold a sit-stay with a full food bowl on the ground in front of him! He’s a love sponge.”
Once again Wayde proved to us that he may be sick and doesn’t have long to live but he is still doing everything he enjoys.
Wayde & Tess keep a close eye on the yard
