I haven't posted anything for awhile, mainly because there haven't been any significant developments for Sailor until lately. We had taken Sailor back to our local vet about two weeks ago, because the histiocytoma on her foot pad continued to be the same size and to bleed occasionally. This time, the vet sent the scraping off for a biopsy, just to make sure it was a histiocytoma although she felt that it was. After two months with no significant change, we wanted to make sure we weren't dealing with a more serious problem. The biopsy showed that there was no malignancy and we would just have to wait it out for the growth to disappear (usually within 3 months). For over two months, every time Sailor has gone out, she has to have a protective boot on her left foot. The boot makes her stumble, which precluded any walks of any length. About a week ago, the growth began to shrink. Now, it is just a tiny spot on her foot, and for the past two mornings we have gone for longer walks - not just out to the circle in the cul de sac next to our house. This is very important because Sailor needs to exercise to get rid of the fat she's built up while on steroids. Hopefully, the next time she gets weighed, she will not be 55 lbs.!
Sailor seems to be moving better and often trots as she used to before she became ill. The faster she moves, the greater tendency she has to stumble. I am concerned that she may have some permanent nerve damage in her left foreleg, but she is so much better in the last few months.