Strange diagnosis

[lkanter]

Last Friday I took my 81/2 year old Chessie/Lab mix (Ivy) to the vet for his annual (6 months early) because he was getting more fatty (benign) tumors. One spot on his spine looks strange. I also noted he was panting.
The vet aspirated all the sites and said he was fine. She attributed the panting to old age.
On Monday he was not himself and his front leg was lame.
We went in again but to the on-call vet. She did a lot of X-rays and noted that he had a slight case of arthritis and some bursitis in his shoulder.
By chance she X-rayed his lungs and found maybe 20 little spots on each lung.
Because the radiologist specialist is not available until Tuesday she told me to continue with 75mg of Rimadyl and rest.
She thinks the spots on the lungs are bronchitis but was not sure. She could not rule out cancer.
Oddly enough, my other lab died (lilly) at the same age as Ivy with the same symptoms. Lilly died of Chondrosarcoma (3 years ago). Her symptoms first showed as a sore paw.
Any thoughts?

[Luba]

First off, I'm sorry to hear that! It's tough when you're waiting on finding out what is wrong.

Your vet should be able to ID bronchitis pretty fast through an xray. Is there any coughing goin on and hacking up of foamy stuff? Any attacks that appear to be wheezing or gagging?

[lkanter]

There is some increased coughing but since he is a cough-y dog...I am not sure. There has been some vomiting too and the runs. I attributed it to changing food. I have read some sites about canine lung cancer and these can mean both cancer or bronchitis.
I am suspicious that the vet wants to make sure it is cancer before telling me for sure. It was 9:30 before we got home last night and I think she wants to consult with her other collegues.
The fact she could not rule out cancer scares me and the fact she was not positive it was bronchitis scares me.

[Luba]

Cancer would show a change in white blood cell count, has your vet done a blood test?

[babykitty]

I hope and pray that it isn't cancer. Just a question though.... How long has your dog been on the rimadyl? Our vet has told us that our pup with Hip Displasia should be watched carefully on it because it can cause harmful damage to organs...especially in labs with long term use.

[lkanter]

No, no blood work has been done. I was thinking that was strange today...thanks for reminding me to ask them about that. I know we will all (radiologist, regular dr. and consulting vet) be talking on Tuesday.