Food Allergies and bumps not hives

[Caney Creek]

Wow, sorry Koa is going through all this. :( I've personally never heard of MCTs causing hives but I do know that MCTs release histamines so I guess that sounds plausible.

Did the vet also aspirate his lymph nodes close to see if it had spread there? I know that is something that's commonly done.

You would probably get better feedback concerning MCTs if you started a new thread specifically on that topic, with a link to this thread so that readers can easily access background info on Koa's situation. Cami is Boxer World's "go-to gal" for MCT info... hopefully she will catch the thread and be able to offer some insight.

Hope it's not too serious and that Koa starts feeling better soon.

 

[KoaKai]

Latest update...

So the mass cells came up negative for cancer...they were type 1 which I guess is considered an "allergic mass" or something of the sort. He is still really tired and not putting weight on.

We took him to a specialist on Thursday and they were concerned with his low heart rate as well as his extremities and gums were a bit cool.

So... 1.) with the low heart rate/cool gums/cool paws, that triggered warning signs for the heart, but the vet went on to say, weight loss is usually not associated with heart issues
2.) If not cardio, then maybe something to do with his intestines and absorption thus causing the weight loss and low energy level.

The plan:

He is getting an abdominal ultrasound done on Monday to look for masses, if that is negative then on to xrays to look for anything wierd.
If those both come up negative, then to see a cardiologist to have his heart checked out and they will do a cardiograph...if that comes up negative then scope his stomach and intestines.

Yikes...

Basically, the specialist wants to start checking things off the list as possibilities since lethargy and weight loss are somewhat nonspecific. The low heart rate/circulation stuff is definitely a concern.

So more vet trips next week...

Did I mention how much Im loving that pet insurance

 

[Caney Creek]

How's Koa doing now? Any more updates?

Hope you were able to get everything figured out.

 

[KoaKai]

Hey Guys,

Here is the latest update...

Had a bunch of different blood work done and he came up with low levels of folate. His B12 levels are ok but Folate is low.

So the specialist wants to scope him and get a biopsy of his stomach and intestines. The vet is thinking that it is probably some sort of inflammatory bowel disease. So the current plan is to get that done after the new year.

From what I've read, some IBD's are treatable with medicine and some aren't...they will just have to be regulated/supressed with his diet if it can't be treated. The specialist is for doing the biopsies just to rule out any cancers in his intestinal lining as well as pinpoint the type of IBD he may have. The vet said we could do trials of different steriods and antibotics, but I kinda said no...Im over trying a million medicines and food. plus I figure we have insurance so lets just figure out what it is.

Anyone have any input on IBDs?

 

[Caney Creek]

Anyone have any input on IBDs?

No experience personally but I know there are many threads in the health forum (even one or two currently active threads I think) about IBDs and related diseases. Trying doing a search for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Colitis, HUC, malabsorption, etc.

I've read that low folate levels have been linked to allergies... I thought that IBD was usually associated with high folate levels though?? :confused: Of course I'm no expert the subject.

Like I mentioned before, you would probably get a greater response from other members by starting a new thread specifically for this issue.

Good luck, sending lots more healing (((vibes))) to Koa.