Barney went in to be neutered yesterday, and the pre-op blood work came back with some results that the vet found troubling enough to cancel the surgery.

Barney had lost 2lbs since his last weigh in a few weeks ago, and his blood work was showing lower red blood cell and protein levels. They thought the symptoms were pointing towards a liver shunt, and ordered some more tests.

The vet just called me (from his home, which was nice) to discuss the results they got back this morning. It looks like his liver values are normal, so a liver shunt is likely not the cause. However, Barney's iron levels are very low, as is one of his proteins that's made in the liver (Albumen is I think how you spell it), and his red blood cells and platelets are VERY low.

He's going to consult with an internal specialist today via phone, and we'll likely go in for an appointment with the specialist next week. He said it also could be caused by a tick-bourne disease, or a vitamin B absorption problem.

Has anyone else experienced issues like this with their Berner's health? The only symptoms Barney was displaying were the slower than normal weight gain, and occasional loose stool.

I haven't had experience with this. Your poor pup. Good luck at the specialist! Are you going to OVC?

No, we're seeing a specialist who works out of the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital. We spent about an hour with him this morning (tick-related disease test came back negative), and are waiting some results now.

They seem to think it could be some kind of intestinal parasite (like a hookworm) that leeched away at his blood cells, an auto-immune related anemia or malignant histiocytosis. A parasite is easily treatable, and we should have those results soon. The anemia would be more treatment, but he'd have about an 85% chance of beating it completely and not needing ongoing medication.

Malignant histiocytosis is....frakking scary. Trying to not think about that being an option.

We should know more within about five hours - they're running a CBC, along with some additional blood tests, a fecal test for the parasites, and an x-ray and ultrasound.

Weird thing, too - I took in a urine sample for analysis last night, and I weighed Barney while we were there. He'd put on 2.5 lbs since he was weighed post-surgery on Friday. That seems substantial, even bearing in mind that Friday's weight was taken on an empty stomach and he'd eaten yesterday.

Any spare good-health vibes would be greatly appreciated - Barney (heartbreakingly) has no idea what's going on and is happy and energetic as always.

My fingers are crossed for you!

Hope all goes well with Barney!!!!!! good luck and please keep us posted

Have you heard anything?

waiting with baited breath and crossed fingers xx

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Rowan

Durham UK

Thanks for all the support and kindness.

We heard tonight - Barney has histiocytic sarcoma. His prognosis is about 7 weeks, though he might have a bit longer because he's asymptomatic still.

We have three treatment options at this point - immediate euthanasia, pallative care, or a chemo treatment. The best a chemo treatment would buy us would be days or a couple of weeks, so we are most likely going to just go with pallative care, monitor his signals closely for signs that he's in pain or suffering, and then say goodbye.

Our hearts are broken, and I don't know how things will be when he's gone. Even though he's only been in our lives four months, he's been such a source of joy and is a part of our family. We were so lucky to have such a good puppy - and I know he would have been such a good dog, too.

OMG..I am so sorry to hear about Barney!! Our thoughts are with you and your family. I wish i had words that would help.

I dont really have any words to convey how sorry I am for you and your Family,I can't begin to understand how you must be feeling at the minute,my heart skipped a beat when I read your message this morning.
I think Barney has been very lucky to have had a family who cares so much for him.
Please keep us informed on how his doing over the next few weeks.
Take care lots of love and Hugs xx

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Rowan

Durham UK