Fluid in the Chest

I realize it is a long way from you but you might try to contact Auburn University. My understanding is they have a very good vet program and do a lot of research. There is an off chance you could get info or even care since it sounds like a unique case. Maybe one of the members that has vet knowledge can comment on my idea being wrong or (hopefully) good.
 
I really do feel for you, it is a horrible situation to be in and one where there simply isn't a 'right' answer.

I had the experience a few months ago where 4 vets including a very pricey specialist failed to diagnose his problem, but I finally went to a friend's vet who more or less instantly knew what the issue was, just from reading the case notes!
I am left feeling incredibly grateful to the last vet, and wondering why on earth the other 4 vets including the specialist, who all had the same information, failed to realise what was wrong.

What I am trying to say is that it is entirely possible for vets, even specialists, not to come up with answers. If you decide to visit the specialist as you say it might still be a shot in the dark and is likely as you know, to cost a fortune and require further tests. On the other hand, you need to be comfortable in making a desicion and possibly living with "if only." I am repeating myself and saying there is no right answer.
However, Rasha is only 9, otherwise apparently fit and healthy, all the tests so far appear not to suggest cancer and heart disease is usually something which can be stabilised on medication, if not cured outright through surgery. I'm certainly no expert but it does sound as if this could possibly give you a positive outcome so that at least you are not throwing money away and putting her through more tests for nothing.

I will continue to keep you and Rasha in my thoughts and prayers.
 
fluid in the chest means pleural effusion? like between pleura that surrounds lungs?
Most commonly it happens from cancer, cirrhosis or various lung infection.
If it something "easy" i.e. she had pneumonia and it is gone, fluid won't accumulate. If fluids accumulate again most likely cancer of some sort. In this case it is secondary sign of bad problem. Hopefully it will help you with your decisions.
 
So sorry you're not getting more definitive answers, I hear how frustrated you are.

I personally would probably try the specialist, but that's just me. I think its true, there's a good chance this specialist might be able to tell you something that the other vets weren't able to.

Could you make the appointment in a couple of weeks, so that you might be able to recover a bit financially, or is that too long for her to wait?
 
SheltieChe said:
fluid in the chest means pleural effusion? like between pleura that surrounds lungs?
Most commonly it happens from cancer, cirrhosis or various lung infection.
If it something "easy" i.e. she had pneumonia and it is gone, fluid won't accumulate. If fluids accumulate again most likely cancer of some sort. In this case it is secondary sign of bad problem. Hopefully it will help you with your decisions.
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The vets have already said that it was a possiblity that there is cancer but with no masses found during the ultrasounds and her bloodwork coming back normal, I'm thinking that its' not the case. She's eating, drinking and playing with the other girls just fine. Not ready to think that cancer is what is going on at this point.

OntarioSheltie said:
So sorry you're not getting more definitive answers, I hear how frustrated you are.

I personally would probably try the specialist, but that's just me. I think its true, there's a good chance this specialist might be able to tell you something that the other vets weren't able to.

Could you make the appointment in a couple of weeks, so that you might be able to recover a bit financially, or is that too long for her to wait?
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We are going to try the specialist I think. I have already set up an appt. for next Wed. If I need to change it I can. At this point I don't want to wait too much longer. As I mentioned the other day, she didn't gain any weight when we went to the vet on Sat. which was a week after having the fluid removed so I taking that as a good sign that it's not returning.

SheepOfBlue said:
Upon further thought you might also check Michigan State which is closer to you.
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Thanks Sheep of Blue. Yes, Michigan State is much closer, only an hour and a half away. Still pretty expensive. That is where all of the vets here locally send tests if they are specialized.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.
 
I am sorry you don't have an answer for Rasha yet and how frustrating it is for you and her. Is it an opition to take her to Michigan?
 
Sumac3890 said:
I am sorry you don't have an answer for Rasha yet and how frustrating it is for you and her. Is it an opition to take her to Michigan?
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It depends on if I get answers next week or not and how much it would cost. The timing for all of this couldn't be any worse. We have a son graduating from high school on the 27th and his graduation party on the 18th of June. If we don't get an answer next week I may throw in the towel and just keep her comfortable if that is what we need to do. I don't like thinking like that but I can't break our bank account and send us into forclosure.
 
My 11 year old rescue pup has what sounds like the exact same cough. We haven't figured it out for sure yet either. Our old vet thought maybe a collapsing trachea, but then I took her to a different vet this year. This one did x-rays and said her heart is slightly enlarged, and there might be a little bit of fluid in her lungs....but couldn't be sure without an echocardiography, which I just didn't have the extra $255 for at that visit. We're trying Enalapril to see if that will do any good, but I'm not really seeing any improvment after a month. All I can do is chip away at it as I can afford, you know? She has so many other issues as well...it's hard to know what to even tackle first. I'm hoping some answers are on the horizon though!
 
I am so sorry to hear about all the health problems. I am keeping you and you precious baby in my thoughts and prayers. PLEASE keep us posted!

Hugs,
Lori
 
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