JOEY'S REPORT 17 AUGUST 2016
Shell writes: Spoke with Dr. Ammon this afternoon. I am CAUTIOUSLY optimistic about Joey's future, so let me share with you what he told me.
The indication is that Joey's large mass is benign. Joey is very anemic and that concerns Dr. Ammon. He feels that the presence of the mass could be contributing to the anemia. We are going to wait ten days (a week from this Saturday) and do another CBC (complete blood count). By then, Joey will have been on his antibiotics for 12 days. If it is the MASS that is contributing to the anemia, we should see an improvement in his numbers.
If his anemia is improved, then we will schedule to have the mass surgically removed. This is a big operation, due to the size of the mass. Joey is such a sweet, compliant, easygoing boy that I have no doubt he would handle the surgery and recovery period well. Dr. Ammon feels that he would lead a normal life after the procedure.
If the anemia is NOT improved on the antibiotics, then we will be looking at additional testing . . . . . . but I'd prefer to keep a positive perspective on things and not go down that path at this time. Joey & Emmie This little guy has won everyone over with his charming personality and great spirit and I have no doubt that he would fit into any home beautifully. But at this time we have to get him on the path to good health. I feel so . . . at home and at peace and so . . . trusting . . . 30 August: Just got off the phone with Dr. Ammon at Animal House. Joey's bloodwork looks "fantastic" and we can proceed with surgery to remove that huge mass on his hindquarters. We can't do the dental at the same time, as the mass removal is goo long of a surgery. But it's the first step. TREAT TIME! Joey in front; l to r: Bailey (Westie), Maggie (black Scottie) & Molly (wheaten Scottie) l to r: Joey, Molly, Bailey, Maggie & Emmie Joey loves chilling on the couch with Jan's husband, Ron . . . If this is a dream, DON'T WAKE ME UP! Poor Joey is totally deaf so he uses visual cues and follows the others if he's looking at them. If he sees them barking, he will follow. Maggie is his "hearing ear dog". She will sometimes prompt him when it's time to go out, etc. I'm trying to teach him some hand signals.

JOEY GOES TO THE VET/DENTIST . . . HERE