Just got this email from Bonnie's doctor at U of Penn....
I just got back the report Friday.
It is a little confusing, but much of the biopsy showed inflammation. Other parts showed scar tissue.
It is confusing because it still doesn't tell us what the main problem is- is it that there is a lot of scar tissue blocking off the area? The scar tissue in the area didn't seem that extensive. Is that there is inflammation of the inner layer? The biopsy did show that, but I am not sure that that by itself could account for all her signs.
I am still thinking about it, but I think we need to consider another surgery. That way we can see the whole area and maybe take many biopsies. Plus we can see if something outside the cloaca is pushing in, or if the main problem is inside the cloaca. And then maybe we can remove it.
There is some risk involved, both because of anesthesia (which she has done well on before, but this will be longer and the surgery invasive), and because of the fact that she has had surgeries before and there may be lots of scar tissue making the surgery more difficult.
On the other hand, if you think the Metacam didn't make a difference and Bonnie is still straining, I am not sure we have any other choice.
Let me know what you think and I will talk it over with the surgeon and others on the service and see if anyone else has other ideas of tests that will be helpful but not invasive.