Is it common practice for Vet Oncologists

[glinda]

to redo tests that have just been done at a regular Vet Clinic? My Izzie has C and it upsets me that they want me to redo the ultrasound and maybe other things that we just did a couple of days ago.
Two pet Groups that I just joined seemed confused about it also. I live in MN.
Made an appointment with a Holistic Vet new in town for tomorrow. At this point I cannot afford to pay for "redo" tests and need to focus upon treatments even if possibly inoperable.

[woodsprite]

1. Do they have a way to view the test results from your vet?

I know that my vet can send the images electronically to most other places around here (DE).

What type of cancer does Izzie have? I'm sending love, healing thoughts, and prayers your way that you have as much time with Izzie as you possibly can.

My Silver (GSD) had lung cancer with almost no symptoms except a very slight wheeze at the end of an out breath. After testing for a bazillion things, they finally did an ultrasound at my request and found a 9x13cm tumor in her lung. Our vet cried when he called to give me the news. They gave her 2 yrs if we sought no treatments other than palliative care. I asked how long they predicted if we took her to Phila. and had her lobe removed, with chemo/rads followup. They said approx. 2 yrs w/ 6-9 months of that just healing from the surgery. We opted to just keep her comfortable and spoil her rotten. She was happy, active and with one of us every moment right up to the moment she suffered a stroke (hubby had her on her walk). Even getting ready to go to the vet for the last time, she used her chin to compensate for her paralyzed leg as she climbed upstairs to the kids rooms.

Silver almost made it to that 2 yr mark (1 yr 11 mo +). I have had and loved many dogs, but I had never felt the love of a dog for a human the way I did with her.

[glinda]

3. Do not know what type. It is a Hypo something solid near the pancreas.

2 cm. It is in a spot he says they usually have little luck with surgery.If it is on or in it it is bad. He gave her only days though but I am upset since it pisses me off the Oncologist wants to redo tests.
Am meeting with a holistic vet tomorrow. Dunno if I am doing what is right for her. Dunno if they can truly not do surgery. Dunno if it can be shrunk at all......

[Curmudgeoness]

2. I have never opted for a vet oncologist,

but if I did, I would let them know that unless there is some exceptional reason to redo any tests, they would have to use the test results from my vet. In no uncertain terms, I would let them know that I cannot afford to have the tests redone, especially if I will possibly need money for treatment. Sometimes, we have to just take the bull by the horns, come what may. This clinic may just refuse to see your baby if you refuse, but I have the sickening feeling that this is a money grab....like they will not get enough money if you can treat it, and choose to.

I know that it is hard to find another oncologist close to you, so I don't know what else to suggest. I personally have had to deal with cancer in two cats. Both times, I chose to do nothing but have tumors removed when they were bad enough to cause other problems. I don't think that I could have put them through a lot of treatments. But that is me.

Wishing you well with Izzie. I hope that there is a chance for your furbaby.

Keep us updated. We will be here for you.

[glinda]

4. thanks.

[TorchTheWitch]

5. There isn't any reason to redo tests that were just done

The new vet can get the test results from the vet that did them. I'd be VERY leary of any vet that insisted on new and expensive tests that were just done somewhere else. If they were done awhile ago in which they would need new ones because of further tumor growth, that would make sense, but these were just done DAYS ago, and the vet wants to do them again? Sounds crazy to me. I'd find another vet oncologist because this one sounds like they're just trying to squeeze money out of you for no reason. Did they not even give you a reason why they believe they need new tests? This sounds REALLY fishy. Try asking your regular vet who they recommend for you to go to. They will know of various specialists they can point you to who they've had to work with before for other patients just like human doctors, dentists, etc. do.

[glinda]

6. Her regular Vet called me today when he found out I was upset.

He said the reason they want to redo the ultrasound is to make sure. Make sure of what? That she is dying? I know she is. All I wanted to know from him is why they cannot see if it is attached or not. He said that in his experience usually the cancer came from somewhere else in the body. Meaning there is possibly more. I don't know what to think.
THe Holistic Vet had to cancel today because her father had a medical emergency. She said 2:15 tomorrow. I will see what she knows since she is both Holistic and regular. I had Izzie's charts forwarded. Her regular Vet thought it worth a try anyways and if she does not pass, he could do an exploratory but told me if it is bad inside of her I would have to prepare for that.She is now being assist fed. That is not good. I am not terribly hopeful.

[Warpy]

7. Repeat ultrasounds can be useful

to see how the mass has grown and to get a better visualization of where it is. Other than that, I can see no reason to repeat the films, especially so quickly. Just tell them you can't afford new films and treat the animal, so a choice has to be made.

I'm so sorry. I hope Izzie can be cured and has more years ahead of her.