13 year old Jack Russell, Vet at a Loss, Help needed

[San7412]

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Hi All,

We are literally at the end of our tether. We have spent a small fortune trying to get a prognosis for our female 13 year old Jack Russell.

Basically, within the last 12 months her vulva has trebled in size as well as her anus. Her nipples are also swollen, she looks like she is coming into season. The thing is, she has been spade since she was 6 months old. They have tested for ovarian tissue that they thought may have remained within her abdomen after her spay surgery, this came back negative. They thought it was cushions disease, this also came back negative. She has had vaginitis which has been treated. She continually keeps getting infections because she is over licking her vulva. All bloods are normal, she is losing some hair and keeps getting hot spots. Any ideas would be very welcome.

 

[JudyN]

Have you just seen the one vet? If so, could you ask them to refer you to a specialist (if funds allow). Can I ask what tests have been done so far apart from the ones you mentioned?

I've no knowledge of this myself, but it might help others make suggestions.

 

[San7412]

Hi, she's had a digital examination of her vulva and vagina with otoscope, no abnormalities or masses found. We have seen several vets and even taken her to a vet in a different area due to being on holiday. She took swabs and looked at them through a microscope. She was the one who thought it was cushions disease. But that's come back negative.

 

[JudyN]

I hope you get some answers soon :-(

 

[San7412]

Thank you

 

[Flobo]

My only thoughts are whether it's related to her adrenal glands, maybe producing estrogen for some reason, even though she's been spayed. Though I am not a vet or biologist!
Two of the dogs I work with have had problems with tumours on their adrenal gland, hence my thoughts. Has your vet done any sort of ultra sound?
I do hope you get some answers too, it sounds uncomfortable for her...

 

[San7412]

Hi, thanks for your reply, I also found that information about the tumours on the adrenal glands. The problem is, is we have been quoted £4-5 thousand pound for a ct scan. We absolutely cannot afford that, even with the insurance. Then the vet is talking about her age and risk. We really don't know what to do. She means the world to us.

 

[Flobo]

As far as I'm aware an ultra sound should be able to pick up any tumours or irregularities so a full ct scan should not be necessary. It's a whole lot cheaper too, less than £400 on average. Might be worth asking your vet if that's a possiblity or an option?