Ella My Story

Ella is one of 9 greyhounds GALT received from a Fort Worth Animal Control cruelty case. Ella is a shy black girl estimated to be approximately 2-3 years old. Her tests are still being received, and preliminary reports indicate she, like all the others, has tick-borne diseases. She also has a large burden of intestinal parasites. Medication and treatment has started for both conditions.

Update 7/26/10

Ella was seen by Dr. Christy Soileau at Preston Park Animal Hospital last week for a check-up. Since she has been coughing, Dr. Soileau put her on marbofloxacin and clindamycin. She continues to be on Doxycycline for 4 more weeks for ehrlichia as well. Dr. Soileau also aspirated a mass on the right side of her vertebral column, which proved to be an inflammatory abscess. We are closely monitoring the growth as well as the coughing.

Update 8/6/10

Ella continues to get stronger each day with a healthy appetite, and as you can see is playing with toys!

Update 9/22/10

Ella is almost completed with her final treatment for Ehrlichia. Once that is finished, she will be ready to be spayed and will finish all her medical work.

Update 10/1/10

A lump on Ella’s side has been being monitored for some time; last Monday another lump appeared on the other side of her body; tests indicated mast cell tumors. Surgery was performed by Dr. Christy Soileau on Thursday, September 30. Large margins were taken so Ella’s incisions are lengthy. All tissue has been sent out for testing, and those results will be reported as soon as they are known. Ella is resting and staying quiet – she is quite a trooper!

Update 10/6/10

Ella had two growths removed on September 30, which have been diagnosed as mast cell tumors from the biopsies submitted. Ella is being referred to an Oncologist for further consultation and possible treatment.

Update 10/16/10

Ella was recently seen by Dr. Jennifer Wiley of the Veterinary Specialist of North Texas & Animal Cancer Center, Dallas, following the removal of 2 mast cell tumors, one of which also had a hemangioma. All growths were presented for pathology. The hemangioma is a benign tumor. The two mast cells removed are malignant and were completely excised with clean margins. The mast cell tumors were low-grade tumors (2) and are unlikely to spread. Dr. Wiley indicates Ella is healing very well, and there is no evidence of tumor regrowth or other new skin masses. Presently no other treatment is required, and Ella can look forward to a normal life span, monitored for any future "lumps" that may be evaluated. We are continuing her treatment for tick-borne infections. We will continue to monitor her recovery and keep you posted on her progress.