Time to exhale

Larsen's lameness brought about an X-ray that showed a dark spot on the left rear leg.  Possible cancer.  The dog underwent a biopsy to scrape away some bone for lab analysis.  That procedure alone left Larsen sore and dazed.  The biopsy came back negative or perhaps inconclusive, which gave us all a chance to exhale.

The vet said that she was able to scrape only a small bit of bone for lab analysis.  The good news is that his bones are rock-hard and did not display the coral-like crenelations that typify bone cancer.  The inconclusiveness is a result of the small sample.

Next steps are to keep Larsen on leash-only walks for 3 weeks and possibly start some physical therapy.

One of the therapies requires a general anesthetic along with some strong ultrasounds.  I will think long and hard about another general, insofar as that is manifestly hard on these little dogs.

For today, we are giving thanks that the thoughts and prayers of our close friends have worked.

  Larsen models his clear plastic cone after his biopsy.

The more comfortable inflatable collar was easily defeated by a determined spaniel. 

WSS registrations

WSS registrations at the AKC are down to levels not seen since the 1970s.  Only 207 were registered in 2013.  Total welshies in the U.S. depends on the proportion of total dogs born that are registered and, of course, average lifespan.

Lifespan is 12-15 years, so say 13.5 years.

Registrations are trickier.  Not every owner (or breeder) registers his or her dog.  Let's say that 50% are registered.  Then a run-rate of 200 dogs every year would imply an equilibrium of 5,400 total Welsh Springer Spaniels in the U.S.