AugieDoggy.com

Today we went to the vet's to have Augie's stitches taken out and for Mom to consult with the surgeon who removed Augie's tumor.  They took my brother in the back to do the work, but he didn't want to go.  He was a little scared and that made me sad. :(  I waited patiently, and then I thought I heard him:

I think my brother is coming back!

The surgeon had consulted with both the pathologist who examined Augie's tumor, and an oncologist.  The pathologist thought the tumor was close to being benign, but it had a bit more mitotic activity than he was comfortable with to give that diagnosis.   He wasn't overly concerned.  The oncologist wasn't too alarmed either, but he recommended taking Augie back to surgery and getting wider margins.  The vet said he absolutely couldn't do that, as there is no more flesh in the leg to make that feasible.  It just would never heal.  Besides, he felt he got it all, as the margins were clean on the pathology specimen.   The oncologist also said we could take chest x-rays, but the vet thought it would be a waste of time and money.  If Augie had lung metastases, there is no treatment anyway.

Bottom line... nothing more needs to be done, other than to watch Augie for signs of something wrong. 

Now on to the suture removal! The incision wasn't quite healed up yet, due to tension on the wound from Augie flexing his elbow.  There was also more scabbing than usual, so the vet removed half the stitches, applied some antibiotics and steroid and a bandage, and we go back on Saturday.  Poor Augie...

Don't worry, Augie, I will take care of you!  

Such a sad face...

Doesn't this face deserve a cookie?

all once again for all your good wishes!    We feel encouraged by today's consultation.  We will continue to keep an eye on Augie, but otherwise try to stay positive and carry on as usual.  Looking forward to many years' worth of great adventures to share with you here at AugieDoggy.com!