S'Kaana's "Cancer Story" (Part 2--Update)

S’Kaana here:

WooHoo!  Mom says I’m doing great.  This cancer stuff has been kinda cool.  Lots of special treats, and I get to visit my friends at Bend Veterinary Specialists (more treats, ha ha, from them!). 

Mom lets me go swimming and running bunches.  

Folks send me lots of e-mail--although I can’t read (Pictures are good!).  You know what’s best?  I get that special place on the bed (and not my sister K’Taira).

That last injection during Week Five of my treatment was fine. Dr. Dougherty checked my surgery site for the bad cells and didn’t find even one!  She was happy.  So are Mom and Dad.  I felt a little poopy for a day, but then back to my old self.  Not sure what's causing all the fuss, but I like the extra attention.

This week mom says no blood draws or cancer drugs. Next week, she’s saying, it’ll be pills again.

Maybe we’ll get to go camping again soon. We kayaked at a lake, played in the water, hiked, and sat by the camp fire. 

I drove mom and dad crazy, because I kept barking for them to throw my special Kong toy. Mom always insists, “No sticks!” She says sticks can hurt my teeth.  “Two root canals are enough, S’Kaana!” Anyway, it's hard work keeping my toys away from that silly sister. So, I just bark until the folks get my Kong and throw it again.  Hee Hee!

Oh, best yet, we went to a baseball game with some buddies, Sandy and Basil. Sandy says her cancer is doing okay.  She likes all her special attention, too! We agree, our parents are the best!

Gotta go.  I think mom spilled some of her lunch on the ground.  I’ll hurry and beat K’Taira and the cats to it.

Wags and kisses for now. Later, baby!

S'Kaana's "Cancer Story" (Part 1)

Well, I'm a bit embarrassed 

by my stylish ascot. 

 

 

It's there so I won't scratch at my neck. 

 

I had surgery to remove more of my mast cell tumor. 

Dr Mark at Bend Veterinary Specialists (BVS) 

did the surgery.

Mom is very upset, not at me!  

(I am perfect.)

 

We went to Portland to see Dr Nancy, 

for help with herbs and diet.

And then we went to my oncologist, Dr Kim, 

to see what needs to be done. 

 

 

I feel fine. Can't figure out what all the fuss is.

Dr. Sue, at BVS, gave me an anti-cancer drug. 

I'm not so keen on injections (might have difficult veins.)

 

I sure like everyone at BVS. 

They give me bunches of attention and cookies.

Many people are helping mom and dad.

 

PLUS--

Mom says I get to swim every day!

 And get lots of stuff extra in my food!

 

Cool.

 

Will keep you updated with how I'm feeling. 

So far, piece of cake.

Woof for now,

 

 

S'Kaana

On the Road With All Pets Smiling!

All Pets Smiling took "Sparky" out to Christmas Valley.  Our job was to spay and neuter several feline and canine patients. As always, the wonderful folks in Christmas Valley made us feel very welcome and appreciated. 

The patients were perfect--well almost.  Mister did not like his vaccines.  The next morning, Mister and Boots protested their neutering by taking off thru their respective cat doors (which were latched!). They returned later that day for food and loves. Luckily their incisions still were fine. 

Rex and Harley are recovering well. Lollipop got vaccines.  Rowdy tested negative for Heartworm.

Earlier that week, Dr. Deb helped kitty Beau by removing six teeth that had developed tooth resorptive lesions. These had been causing Beau a good deal of pain. He's much happier now. 

Feline teeth seem to develop resorptive lesions.  At this time, we don't know what causes them.  For some reason the affected teeth lose enamel and dentin, to expose the very sensitive roots. Eventually these teeth will be destroyed completely. But this process can take many years and is quite painful to the cat. We can identify resorptive lesions, but cannot reverse nor stop the damage. Extraction is the only treatment for these pain-causing teeth.

Taking a fun break, Dr Deb, husband Tom, and of course the two puppies, journeyed to Davis, CA to visit oldest son Alex. It was wonderfully warm there!

Future adventures await All Pets Smiling in La Pine.  We'll be routinely providing veterinary services to that area.  Call for information or an appointment.

We were in Indiana recently volunteering with the non-profit Peter Emily Foundation to provide dental relief for captive wild animals.  It's wonderful to participate periodically in the worthwhile work of this veterinary group.  It teaches us an enormous amount about animal dental problems and corrective procedures.

We're on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Pets-Smiling-Veterinary-Care-Mobile-Clinic/188816671134213.  Be sure to "like" our page and help spread the word that Sparky covers Central Oregon.  

Our Website's up too:  www.allpetssmiling.com.  Be sure and check it out. It'll be alive with seasonal care tips and stories about our travels around Central Oregon.   

For an appointment, right in your home, just phone Dr. Deb (541-410-2598).

S'Kaana Gets His Teeth Cleaned.

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Hi!

S’Kaana here!

Last week, I got bummed out because I didn’t get breakfast. 

That silly puppy did!

I figured s-o-m-e-t-h-i-n-g was up when mom got me into Sparky and left the puppy home.

I like getting a break from that little rascal!

Besides, Mom’s Tech (in the mobile clinic), Tiphane, made me feel special.

I got to hang around watching them work on Samson. I’m not much on cats, but, okay, he’s very cute. Dr. Deb pulled a few of his teeth, muttering something weird, like “tooth resorptive lesions.”

I learn a lot by being inside Sparky with Mom and Tiph.

 

Then my turn came! 

Got some nice meds, along with my cathater...

...and fell asleep.

 

 

Woke up feeling great. Wow, my teeth felt nice and clean, too. 

Mom hugged me and said the radiographs showed very healthy teeth. She was glad I hadn’t broken another tooth (like last time).

All the monitoring under anesthesia showed that I’m totally normal (which I could have told Mom).


I’m very happy because I know mom worries about me.
 

I like the taste of the fluoride and promise I’ll be better about letting Mom and Dad brush my teeth.

I’m very proud that all my teeth are good and healthy and my gums are perfect. It was fun, ‘cause I got lots of attention.

Remember, we're on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Pets-Smiling-Veterinary-Care-Mobile-Clinic/188816671134213.  Be sure and "like" our page to help spread the word that Sparky covers Central Oregon.  

Our Website's up too:  www.allpetssmiling.com.  Be sure and check it out. It'll be alive with seasonal helpful care tips and interesting stories about our travels around Central Oregon.   

For an appointment, right in your home, just phone Dr. Deb (541-410-2598).

Back to playing now!

Bye, bye!

Wags and smiles--

S’Kaana

Toys 'n Teeth: Plus Tigers, Panthers, Lions

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S’Kaana here!



Lil' Sis and I got to go with mom for a romp at the River. It was sooo sunny. Yea!

Puppy made me do it!

"No, don't do it!"

Mom kept telling us to "leave it," anytime we picked up an interesting rock or stick.  It’s no fun to drop a stick just perfect for throwing, so mom praises us.  Dr. Mom worries we’ll break a tooth.  Then she’d have to do a root canal—maybe even a crown! I think she likes doing the teeth stuff, but maybe not on me and puppy.

She won’t even let us chew on tennis balls ‘cause, says they’re like sandpaper and wear down teeth.  And playing tug-of-war with puppy?  Nope to that, too, ‘cause I might break puppy’s tooth.  Mom says that wouldn’t be fun.  Well, I know mom really likes to fix broken teeth—she’s good at dentistry stuff.

 A couple months ago, Mom worked on a tiger’s teeth; a panther and a lion, too.  She loves volunteering with the Peter Grace Foundation, doing dentistry on captive wild animals.

Gee, I’d love to be wild, chew anything I want—whenever—and play tug-of-war.  But I also like having good teeth, ‘cause mostly, I love to eat!  

Teeth fixed--feeling better!

Lion

Puppy and me got to ride again in the Van!  We went clear to LaPine and got to hang out at the La Pine Feed and Pet Supply Store.  Oh, what fun, meeting lots of new people.  They oohed and awed over me and puppy.  So exciting: we love hugs!  Besides, Rick and Barb were very nice (Mom said they’re “our hosts”).

Now, I’m feeling bummed, ‘cause this weekend Mom’s off to an orthodontics workshop.  Doggone!  Not like last weekend—now that was fun!  Puppy and I played at the beach while mom worked at the Emergency Clinic. We liked the beach lots. Good smells!  And mom said we were better about not chewing on things. Well, not quite:  Puppy was bad.  Ha!  She couldn’t leave sea shells, rocks, sticks, and seaweed alone.  As usual, I was much better-behaved!

Well, we got our flea and tick control treatment.  And our shots (they didn't even hurt). So now we’re all protected.  Except, Mom says, mosquito-time’s coming soon.  So it’s almost time to get started again on our heartworm prevention.
 

Don't forget to visit All Pets Smiling on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Pets-Smiling-Veterinary-Care-Mobile-Clinic/188816671134213.  While on our page, be sure and "like" it to help spread the word that Mom's van covers all of Central Oregon.  

Oh, yeah:  Our web site still is in progress.  I’ll let you know when it’s up and running.    For an appointment, right in your home, just call Dr. Deb (541-410-2598).

Hey, gotta go!  Have to guard the fence lines against Max and Zeus--and that pesky squirrel just beyond reach (well, maybe not much longer).

Bye for now! 

Wags and smiles--

S’Kaana

All Pets Smiling--Central Oregon's Mobile Pet Care

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S’Kaana here!

     

Long as I’m nice, I get to write blogs for All Pets Smiling Veterinary Care.  

Mom says every month is dental health month at All Pets Smiling.  Her clients call her Dr Deb.  I just call her mom—unless I’m really hungry or wanting to chase a ball.  Then it’s Deborah Hodesson (and I give her lots of puppy-sad eyes).

Speaking of puppies!  I have a new sister.  She can be a pain, bumping into me all the time.  Mom and dad like her so I guess she’s staying.  Maybe I can boss her around.

 

Last Wednesday, we got to ride to Christmas Valley in the Mobile Pet Clinic.  I hung out on the floor between the front seats (always fun!), sleepy puppy parked against my legs.  We stayed awhile at the local feed store and met lots of new friends.  Oh, I just love people!  

Many had questions for mom about their pets' health.  Some brought puppies for her to examine.  And a kitty!  (Don't know why mom wouldn't let me check that out.)  We had fun and plan to return often.

She says that soon we’ll also start going regularly to LaPine.  Oh, boy, more rides!

All weekend, mom was at a workshop in Portland.  I kind of moped around, missing her.  Puppy didn’t even have a clue.  Today, mom told dad that she learned lots of new stuff. Wonder if she’ll use it when it’s time to clean my teeth?

Well, loved talking to you, but have to go get ready for my blood-draw. It’s time to be checked for heartworm, Lymes and erlichia disease.  That'll start me off right for spring.  Also, we need to check and make sure I can have anesthesia for my dental procedure. 

Hey, maybe the puppy will be scared when she gets her blood drawn and vaccines, and then I can be the Hero Big Brother and comfort her. Then maybe she'll let me eat her food and play with her toys.

Meanwhile, don't forget to visit All Pets Smiling on Facebook.  While on our page, be sure and "like" it to help spread the word that mom's van covers all of Central Oregon.  

Oh, yeah, more news:  Our web site is in progress.  I’ll let you know soon as it’s up and running.  Don’t forget!  For an appointment call Dr. Deb (541-410-2598).

Well now, gotta go. 

Wags and smiles!

S’Kaana

Dr. Deb Hodesson, in Central Oregon's "All Pets Smiling Mobile Veterinary Clinic," explains "Why your pet should see a veterinarian."