It's NOT Cancer!!

Reg appeared to be feeling much better this morning!  He was walking at a normal pace, no stumbling, even prancing a little bit (he is a prancer).  He is eating normally--had a can of food + some dry food, and drinking water!  He still isn't "playing" with his toys or chewing on his bones, but he is definitely more alert.  He was pawing at me for attention and snuggling on the couch.

Dr. Van Pelt (the internal medicine specialist at VRCC) called me with the cytology report at around 1:00pm.  It's NOT CANCER!! yay! yay! yay!  I was so happy I started crying.  The mass is lymphatic tissue, which was surprising because it isn't exactly where a lymphnode should be, but it is still in the neck region.  Dr. Van Pelt believes it is inflamed due to an infection Reg is fighting.

I asked Dr. Van Pelt about Dr. Tasky's (regular vet) suggestion of Discospondylitis and Dr. Van Pelt didn't seem to think the symptoms aligned with this condition, but she also did not seem very familiar with the condition due to its rarity.  However, after reading a number of articles on the Discospondylitis, I still think that he could have this...but due to the fact that I am getting conflicting opinions, I am seeking a third opinion and have set up an appointment with another vet for tomorrow at 2:30pm.  I don't care what it takes I am going to find out what's wrong with my sweet boy and fix it the best I can.  Reg has been with me through more in the past year in half than I could have handled on my own, and he and Reese are my only family out here, so he absolutely deserves the best care that I can provide him with.