Scottish Terrier Health Network

29/06/2025

Liver "problems"
=============
My very own Sparta has been unwell for a little while and since having dental surgery in March 2025, she now has liver “problems”. She is on Denamarin, Steroids and Prilactone Next. Her tummy is very swollen and fluid has to be drained every now and then. She had a scan on 17th June 2025, but needed a vet visit on 27th June as she was uncomfortable. The liver is showing a deterioration from 10 days ago, now being mottled and ‘wavy’ at the edges. The options offered are Fine Needle Aspiration, and if that’s not conclusive, (as it probably won’t be, unless I’m very lucky) then a Liver Biopsy should be considered. Unfortunately Sparta nearly died on the operating table during her dental, so there are serious issues regarding general anaesthetic, plus having liver problems doesn’t help either. The vets have said that Sparta is on all the medications available relating to the liver problems, so even after liver biopsy, she’ll not be prescribed anything extra. The procedure will just give a name to the “liver problem” she has. I know they are prone to having fragile livers, as I’ve already written about it on the website, but that was many years ago, and ideas may have changed in those intervening years. I’m also aware there are ‘liver cleansing diets’ out there, but would be grateful to hear from anyone who had or has a scottie going through this. My heartfelt thanks to anyone who is able to help me and my darling Sparta, navigate through whatever time she has left to her. Thanks Kx

28/06/2025

Carole asks : "Hi. My Scottie Hamish was diagnosed with a small mast cell tumor on his chest. He is 10. We are scheduled to have it removed the first week of June. He appears to be unaware of it, and has not shown any symptoms related to it, as best as I can tell. Has anyone on this page dealt with this ? Thanks."

Hamish has undergone surgery and has had the tumour removed, but Carole would still love to hear from anyone who has gone through this. Thanks Kx

28/06/2025

Doreen asks : "hi ,
my Terrier Alan has been getting green raised scabby spots since last September.
Vet has treated him for :
fleas- no
done cushions test-no
blood test - no
shampoos
4 lots of antibiotics.
spots go with antibiotics and then are back with a vengeance when tablets finished.
vet reckons there is a lot of yeast in the scabs after testing
But 9 months later still no clear answer, anyone any ideas please, at the end of my tether for my poor little man x"

If anyone recognises this skin issue that little Alan is going through, I'm sure Doreen would love to hear from you. thanks Kx

28/06/2025

IMHA

Sara is hoping for some information : "Good morning. I lost my 3 year old boy Bumble in January this year to IMHA and I’m curious to know if anyone else has been through this horrific experience with their Scottie."

If anyone has experience of this, Sara would love to hear from you. Thanks Kx

28/06/2025

Bladder Cancer
===========
Sharon asks : "Does anyone have experience of chemotherapy in this group? Our beloved Hamish (now 11) was diagnosed with bladder cancer in March and we were devastated. However, an amazing team at the specialist cancer centre in Guildford removed the primary tumour and recommended fortnightly chemotherapy. He started a month ago and tolerates the actual drugs brilliantly but the treatment itself is very invasive. Apparently, it is harder to find veins in short Scotty legs especially when they have had other procedures (like a big cancer op). Hamish was very distressed last week and we are at a cross-roads. Our wish for him to live must never outweigh his enjoyment of life and/or comfort. We wondered if anyone else's Scottie has been on a similar path and whether they got used to the treatment or not? There are also oral options which we are currently waiting to hear about."

I'm sure we will be able to give Sharon some suggestions that she may be able to consider, so thank you for any help you can offer. Thanks Kx

27/06/2025

Sara asks:

IMHA

“Good morning. I lost my 3 year old boy Bumble in January this year to IMHA and I’m curious to know if anyone else has been through this horrific experience with their Scottie.”

If anyone has had experience of this then I’m sure Sara would love to hear from you. Thanks Kx

19/05/2025

TCC, Bladder Cancer
===============
Research is currently being undertaken University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness and they have asked for our helping in finding scotties currently suffering from this dreadful disease. If you are in the UK and you are able to help, then please get in touch with them. Here's a few details ...... Thanks Kx

bHi there, I hope you don't mind me reaching out. My name is Colette Mustard and I am a researcher at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness. We have a research study recruiting at the moment, looking for Scottish Terrier's (in the UK) that are currently living with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) – a type of bladder cancer. We were wondering if you could circulate our recruitment poster to your network, please?

This was the original post that our collaborating vet practice put out https://www.facebook.com/share/p/158rXpW5k1/ . We have recruited all control Scotties and are looking for cases only now. Thanking you in advance, Colette🐾

Do you own a Scottish Terrier? If so, would you like to be involved in a research project which is studying a way to detect tumours quicker in the breed? Whether your dog has been diagnosed with a tumour or not, we would be grateful to anyone wishing to take part.

Scottish Terriers are at increased risk of a type of bladder tumour called Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) in comparison to other breeds. Our Oncologist, Simon Bate, is the lead veterinary surgeon on a research project which is looking to create a new test using urine from Scottish Terriers to help diagnose cases of TCC earlier.

If you have a Scottie dog, and would be willing to collect a sample of their urine and complete a questionnaire, then please email Dr. Antonia Pritchard: [email protected]

15/04/2025

We have been offered 59 ursodeoxycholic-acid-150mg tablets. This medication is for pancreatitis. If anyone knows of, or has a scottie that could benefit from this medication please don't hesitate to get in touch with us for further details.

Thanks Kx

30/03/2025

Bladder Cancer
============
Kristen asks : "My sweet Scottie boy Barkley was just diagnosed with bladder cancer. He’s 12. He’s been given an Rx of piroxicam. The first couple of days he did really well- big improvement (it’s now day 4) but the past couple of days he seems less so - having accidents, etc. -can anyone tell me how long it takes to get the full benefit from the drug, and is it normal to have good days and bad days? The vet says his tumor is not large and he expects he will live many months. I’m just trying to get a sense of what is “normal”. I certainly don’t want my boy to suffer, but I want to try to help him as much as I can."

I know many of you have been through this so I also know that we will be able to give Kristen and her beloved Barkley some support. Thank you. Kx

09/03/2025

Andrea asks : "My dog suddenly has a patch of thinning hair in an area on her back right in front of her tail. In December she had her six months blood panel and her thyroid was fine. I am awaiting a new test now for Cushing. If that is negative, what else might it be? Tx."

If anyone is able to offer advice, Andrea would be most grateful. Thanks Kx

01/03/2025

Erin asks: "I've seen this question asked before, but since regulations have changed, I'm throwing it out there again:
I'm wondering if anyone has flown with their Scottie in the cabin (in the USA) since 2021? Mine is about 17.5 lbs and 5 yrs old. If so, do you have a recommended airline and carrier?"

I know this is not your typical health question, but I'm sure we'll be able to help Erin out with this question. Thanks Kx

02/02/2025

Perla asks : My little girl Dot is feeling ill. She suddenly cries, she can't eat properly, she seems to be in pain when we touch her. We have already taken her to several vets and nothing. The latest test reveals "pemphigus". Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks"

Let's hope we can give Perla some advice with this. Thanks Kx