NorCal GSP Rescue

Unfortunately it looks like the cancer is rearing its ugly head again. We’ve found two new lumps on Olivia and they are growing fast. We did a needle biopsy on one of them to confirm it’s the same cancer as what we removed from her head, it is. At this point Olivia hasn’t shown any changes in behavior and we will keep her as happy and comfortable as we can. She has started to lose weight, which is not uncommon when the cancer is growing fast. She’s a very sweet girl and I’ve become attached to her so losing her will be difficult.

Here is Olivia two weeks after surgery (3/3/09). Most of the stitches have been removed and the eye is really open now. Olivia improves each day and is such a lovely girl.

Here is Olivia about 5 days after surgery. Her right eye is opening more each day as the swelling goes down.

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.

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.