NorCal GSP Rescue

Dr. Jyl Rubin of the Mobile Vet Connection with a vet clinic in Orangevale took Olivia in on February 18th to see what could be done regarding her tumor.   First chest x-rays were done to see if there were any tumors in her lungs.  The x-rays looked good and Dr. Jyl consulted with another vet to get a second opinion. The facial mass was becoming infected and Dr. Jyl determined it had to be causing some level of discomfort to Olivia. Dr. Jyl has a surgical laser and decided to remove some of the mass to improve Olivia’s quality of life and try to close the open wound. Three and a half hours later Dr. Jyl had removed not one but two fairly large tumors, one that is visible in the photo and one that is difficult to see since it was under the skin. Dr. Jyl was able to completely close the wound site and Olivia was up and around the next day, obviously feeling better. It was then that we learned she has quite an ‘appetite’ for cats!

Olivia has spent the past week in recovery at Dr Jyl’s clinic and the swelling is starting to go down on her head. She receives daily treatments with a different laser that promotes healing, as well as some ointments. Her eye is now functional again though the skin had to be stretched quite a bit to close the wound. The cancer had destroyed most of the skin so there wasn’t much to work with. There have been a couple of minor complications, mostly due to Olivia’s activity level, but Dr. Jyl is taking care of them as they arise. Olivia will be returning to her foster home at the end of the week to continue her recovery. The stitches and staples will be removed in another couple of weeks. We’ll be starting Olivia on some eastern medicine soon, some herbs and a special diet that will help her body heal and be strong.

I know I could catch that squirrel if it would only come down here!

Maybe if I look the other way???

I’ll pretend I’m not paying attention!

What a great day to relax in the sun!

 Chow time!

Hello, did you want something?  I thought I told you I wasn’t keen on cameras!

But the kitty and I were so comfy and warm, why did you have to wake us?!?

Any treats in there?

Finally, he’s sitting still for just a second!

Ella is a whirlwind of energy!  She’s the one with the pink collar!

Axel loves getting hugs!  And, NO, he didn’t pay attention to the steak on the table!

Axel enjoyed looking at himself in the mirror, so he kept going back to it!

Here’s Olivia at the specialist’s office.  Despite a long day being transported from the shelter, she’s checking out everything that’s going on.

Here’s Olivia shortly after being picked up from the shelter.  She was so happy to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine!  As you can see, the tumor is quite large and angry-looking.  We were relieved to hear that the tumor does not cause her any pain - the doctor tested that rather extensively because we wanted to know if she should have pain medication. 

For those of you who like more detail, this is an ulcerated squamous cell carcinoma that is locally invasive and has a medium high potential to metastisize.  It goes from deep in her jaw to the base of her ear.  It is a not a contained type of tumor, but rather one that sends infiltrating tendrils into surrounding tissue (skin, muscle, salivary gland).  It does ooze fluid and blood, so her foster home washes her blanket and bed frequently, and they keep the tumor and eye area clean.  We are grateful to have such wonderful volunteers who are willing to give this sweet gal a warm home and loving care.