Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Ryder (8 yrs young next month BMD) was taken off of his IV chemotherapy after X-rays on 7/9, just before his 3rd IV chemo session revealed he had mets in his lungs. He started on metronomic chemotherapy on 7/21. Just last evening he started randomly coughing, after getting excited to eat dinner, drinking water too fast, panting too much. He doesn't cough all the time, just once in a while. I'm very concerned.
Try not Tom panic, okay? Really! Because sometimes a random cough is just a cough most likely due to some unforseen allergies. And the way he was fetting excited about his dinner, dr his water too fast, etc.?...all that could cause a little throat irritation and creat some random coughing for awhile.
And FWIW, my Happy Hannah never even developed a cough when she had mets.
And even IF, IF, IF, he develops a cough related to the mets, the Vet can give you some cough meds. So IF he continues on a more consistent basis and it is interfering with his quality (keeping him up at night coughing, etc), then check him with the Vet. I think they often suggests an over the counter one.
So try not to worry. Ryder is a Hapoy boy and being so wel loved mand so cared for!💖
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
I'm glad you started a new topic (just sorry this is why...ugh). It's hard not to worry. I did it too. Cancer makes you jumpy about every single behavior you never even noticed before. We become so hypervigilant and with good reason. But as Sally mentioned, this could be any number of things from allergies to a bit of something he chewed that went down the wrong way. If it continues let your vet know but hopefully this will subside. How is he doing tonight?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Update on Ryder:
He coughed with a tinge of blood on Tuesday, 8/3 and did some more coughing again with a tinge of blood on Wednesday, 8/4. Had lab work scheduled for 8/12 so oncologist also ordered x-rays because of the blood. Got lab results back today, has elevated values in Alk Phosphatase, WBC, Platelet Count, Absolute Neutrophil, Absolute Monocyte, T4 and elevated pH in urine. (All of which are indicators of cancer in bone/blood, according to my research.) Have not heard from oncologist yet because she is not in office until Tuesday. All values have elevated since initial x-ray & lab work in June. Still coughing occasionally (like every few days) but not debilitating. He has a great appetite and attitude. Still very social and loves to visit with people and get hugs.
He did have a slight ear infection about 10 days ago and developed a hot spot on Friday. Maybe I am grasping at straws but am thinking that some of the elevated values could be attributed to this ?????? I continue to give him the TCMs (medicinal mushrooms), modified citrus pectin, metromical chemo, cruciferous veggies in meals, dandelion greens, and Apocaps , only fruits are blueberries and some melon or apple. He is happy and even wagged his tail while doing his swim therapy (under protest!) last Wednesday. Swim therapy is once a week for about 25 minutes swimming with a rest after each short lap. He still goes for short walks (about 50 yards is his max before having to rest) and he loves to go walk to the mailbox (about 25 yards) and then come back and roll on the grass and hang out in the front yard, this is his happy time! Such a sweet boy!
Appreciate your thoughts ...
Have no insight on the terms, values, etc in the report. It makes sense to me though that an ear infection, hot spot infection, etc could certainly show some elevated values. All I can say is stay off Dr Google and let Rydsr tell you with his attitude how he's doing.
And by your update, Ryder is hanging in really well and is still happy, engaged and enjoying life, even if at a bit slower pace. Although I don't think his "pace" is all that slow all things considered. Ryder is one tough dude!
The ways you are supporting Ryder's immune system thru nutrition and supplements is quite impressive. Seems to be having a pawsitive impact too. Keep doing what you're doing.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. It's my under that if his cough does get worse and more persistent, cough medic can help. You can ask Vet about that in case uou need it .
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
I'm so glad he's still being Ryder! That's awesome. All the nutrition and care he's getting is doing everything it should to help his body stay resilient and strong so he can keep loving life (and even water therapy!).
I would stay the course and don't jump to any conclusions yet, you can make yourself sick with worry. wait to hear from the onco about the diagnostics results and take it from there. You are as strong as Ryder!
Thank you for the update, let us know what they say.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for your continuing love and support, you guys rock!
Oncologist did say that she could see some enlargement of the one node in his lungs but not real significant. It seems that Dr's really are not much up to par in nutrition...I was told that we can't boost his immune system by the oncologist. But we are, especially with the TCMs! Yes oncologist did mention cough syrup if it persists or gets worse.
Has anyone ever heard of FidoCure:New Hope for your Dog's Cancer? In my research it seems that they primarily use Padilla for treatment of mast cell tumors. I didn't read anywhere that it was also effective against osteosarcoma. Anyway, I just had a phone consult with them and they are going to reach out to oncologist doctor and discuss whether this is a viable treatment for Ryder. Sounds kinda expensive too. They do DNA sequencing testing - $1500-2500 and then access to targeted therapies is between $2-3000.
Aww you bet!
Yeah it really depends on the oncologist and how much extra nutrition education they've had. It pays to work with a separate specialist in this area if one is able. Otherwise you do your best as you are doing for sweet Ryder.
Thanks for bringing up FidoCure, I've been meaning to investigate. Here's a good article about them from a reputable source:
https://www.sci.....e-to-dogs/
Honestly as much as I want to see a cure like everybody else, use of the word "cure" in any pet cancer therapy sends up red flags to me. And they usually pan out into some unproven and even sham "treatment" that does nothing more than take peoples money and hopes.
However there is a ton of legit buzz about the science behind this company's therapy and it's an exciting time for this type of medicine. It's legit and used in humans all the time, I just wish it was more affordable, it's crazy spendy!
Let us know what your onco says about it ok? And give Ryder extra belly rubs from all of us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yeah, I agree with you. Seeing the word "cure" does send up some red flags for me as well. But, as you said, there is some legit good discussion about the DNA identified targeted treatment. I am very curious about what Ryder's oncologist will say. Pretty sure that her being so conservative she will not have much enthusiasm about it. Nevertheless, I am hopeful.
Hey, I was looking at the Amputee August Expert Advice article and saw Ryder featured in the photos! Along with 'baby' Grace and hubby Patrick and Dr. Wow, I had already forgotten just how big the incision was! No wonder he still yelps in pain sometimes, it's only been 3 1/2 months.
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