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Well the news isn't good but it is what I expected. The ultrasound showed Keiko to have a lymphoma of the spleen with a couple of internal lymph nodes also slightly compromised. The doctor performing the ultrasound was 90% sure of what she was seeing and suspected it to be lymphoma. Because of that number and being so sure I don't feel it's necessary to put him through another procedure to have the spleen aspirated for that other 10%

All of his other major organs were normal and not yet affected. Because of this and because Keiko seems to still enjoy life we've decided to start chemotherapy treatments. It will however all be about his quality of life and how he responds to the treatments. The problem will be his compromised kidneys. His left kidney was small as seen in old age dogs but his right kidney had all of the appearances of being normal. Whether or not that is still a fully functional kidney will be the question.

The problems facing this will be part of the chemo drugs is the use prednisone. This will raise his protien levels and could compromise the kidneys further... on the other hand with increased water consumption the kidneys would continue to function as they are... working to filter the blood and not affect the numbers. It's all about those numbers and his quality of life.

I'm not looking for a cure as that will not happen. Remission and a few months or longer of good quality of life will be the best I can hope for. This latest ordeal like with anything involving an animal is whether you are making the right decisions or not. Right now I feel this is the best we can do for him... he isn't ready yet to give up and nor am I on him. Should this not work out I'll make what ever decisions have to be made at that time.

Thanks for all of your prayers and good thoughts.

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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Bob, I'm at a loss as to how to tell you how sad this makes me for you. I will join you in prayers that treatment will put this in remission and give Keiko many, many, months of good times. You are doing the right thing, now, and will continue to do so. Of that, I am sure.

Our thoughts are with you.
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

Bob I am so sorry. Keiko has had an amazing life with you, one that almost wasn't. Enjoy every day together. I am so sorry
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Alicia,Owned by 2 Shibas, Niko and Avari, 3 cats, Miss Kitty, Mr. Grobbles and Al E. Cat and 2 beautiful daughters, Gwen and Penelope

He is such a handsome boy! I love the picture! I will send good thoughts and prayers your way. I am so sorry you and him have to go through this. It's the hardest part of having a pet. They are such a huge part of our families! Here's to many, many, many good months with sweet Keiko. ¢¾

Bob, I know you will make the best decision for Keiko. I will keep you and Keiko in my prayers that all goes well.

Cheryl

Bob...I'm so sorry to hear about Keiko. I know you will do what is best for him. Sending lots of good thoughts your way. Enjoy every day you have with him.
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Winona

Home of Asher, Bari, and Ginger (waiting at the bridge: Caspar, Karma, Greedy, and sweet Tifla)

Thanks Winona! With all that has been going this summer, my breaking wrist, my mother's health issues, Beni and now Keiko it's easy to lose touch with others. How has Asher been making out since we were last in touch?

As for Keiko... he had his first chemo treatment yesterday and I have to be very cautious as I don't want to jinx him but he came through the first day fantastically! The next 24-48 hours will tell me the most however. My vet was thrilled with how everything went and she called him her model patient and wishes all of her patients were like him. So far his kidney values had come back the same as they were on Sept 1st which are high but acceptably so for a dog with renal disease.

Since he has been home he couldn't be any better... maybe even more so than when he went. After getting him out of the car he wanted to go for a walk so I took him down the street and around the corner and back again. Didn't want him to get to tired. When he came inside he went right for the water bowel and took a long drink then did a mini Shiba 500 down the hallway and back. Took another drink and then laid down to sleep until dinner. When it was dinner time he was right there in the chow line and ate all of his dinner. He then took a long drink of water and headed for the door. He peed and pooped outside and walked around the yard. He was really enjoying his outside time... running and trotting all over the place. He does continue to want to try and eat grass but I always stop him. When he came back in he took a drink of water... then went to the other bowl and took another drink of water!

He then came to the computer room and fell asleep on the dog bed there. When he woke up he went down the hall and took another long drink of water. I asked him if he had to go out and he went right to the door... went outside and peed twice. He came back in... took more water and went back to sleep.

I have to keep it real but his first day had been a good one. In two days I have to give him a dose of Cytoxan... if he continues like this and his kidney numbers don't get out of whack we just might keep this under control. Considering his age and all of his problems I'm thrilled with how the day went.

Today has been much of the same so far. He has eaten all of his food... has been drinking and urinating and was content to be lay in the grass outside for a long time. When he is up he has been fairly active and so far has shown no ill effects from the treatment. The drinking and urinating is just what we want. We are from out of the woods but this has been very encouraging.

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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Hi Bob and Crew,
We love to hear that Keiko is #1 at the #1! With a sigh of relief and our continued unending positive energy traveling across country we wish you a restful night filled with dreams of bunnies, squirrels, lizards, and all the other yummy critters there are to chase! As previously stated, enjoy every moment of every day....there are so many magical moments that are still waiting to be captured!

Patty, Beni, and The Queen of Shiba Kari

This was not exactly the news I expected, but I'm optamistic about day #1 of treatment. Keeping Keiko comfortable and happy- that's what it is all about. Sounds like that is happening. Good for you and comforting thoughts are being sent your way. Celebrate what life has yet to offer. Surprises can happen.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

Hopefully Keiko will continue to show good progress with the treatments. Please keeep us updated.
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David owned by Kona, Kiko & Kaia

Hi Bob...you have had a busy summer! Same here...my husband had some heart problems and had two stents put in but he is doing fine now

I'm happy to read Keiko is doing so well and I hope it continues to go so smoothly. Asher is doing great,and has continued to gain weight. He is getting close to 50 lbs. but still needs to gain a few more. I hope he will slow down this winter...pretty hard to gain when you're chasing chipmunks all day. I've been intending to email you pictures of him.

I hope your Mom is doing okay now. It seems we are all so busy with family and our dogs.

Hugs to all your dogs
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Winona

Home of Asher, Bari, and Ginger (waiting at the bridge: Caspar, Karma, Greedy, and sweet Tifla)