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Frantic itching all over?
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Member Since:
30 October 2016
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15 February 2017 - 10:01 pm
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Hi,

Rocky, my Maine Coon cat, is 3 mos past amputation for osteosarcoma and has done exceptionally well. He takes artemisinin , Dasequin, fish oil and Curcumin but not any chemo. However, he has just developed a maddening itch all over.  Obviously a vet visit is in order, but what can vet do to determine if this is related to the cancer? Won't they just want to give him a steroid, regardless of cause? He is taking Zyrtec which seems to help. I know mast cell tumors can release histamine, but would mast cell be a factor in osteosarcoma? Thanks!

Cami

Member Since:
29 July 2016
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15 February 2017 - 11:47 pm
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Hi Cami,

I believe metastasis are what develops, usually in the lungs, after Osteosarcoma diagnosis. Some times it can be delayed with chemotherapy. Don't know if it would be different for cats or dogs but our malamute is going through that very thing, happy and healthy at this time, no itch though. Cancer changes quickly and we believe the chemo did/is slowing it down.

I did not know about the histamine release . The itching does sound like a reaction to something, maybe a combination of medications is causing it , changing time of day , with / without food etc.

I'm sure someone here has had such a thing come across their path.

we hope Rocky gets past his itch, and continues doing well.

Germany
Member Since:
14 December 2016
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16 February 2017 - 2:08 am
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Cami,

I also know about the mast cell / histamine issue and I do believe you can have more than one sort of cancerous whatever. BUT maybe think horses and not zebras first! Otherwise you'll just go mad with worry. Tell the vet about your concerns and see what they say.

My dog had an episode of frantic itching once and out of the blue. This was 6 months before the osteo-diagnosis and it lasted for about a week in total, with bloody skin patches from all the scratching. I went to the local vet (I was on vacation with the dog at the time) and they gave him a steroid shot, shampoo, and antibiotics because of the opened skin. To this day I don't know what brought this episode on. It left after treatment and never re-appeared again. I assume he was allergic to something in the different environment that we were in but for my life I wouldn't know what. So maybe think back: did you change anything? in his environment, his food, anything you can think of?

mention all this to the vet. and even if you may not get to the bottom of this Rocky's nasty itching will stop.

all the best

tina and Manni

Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.

Manni's blog -dogblog-

Michigan


Member Since:
11 July 2016
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16 February 2017 - 5:17 am
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Hi Cami,

Sorry Rocky is having a maddening itch attack! Try not to jump to worst case scenario if you can, although yes its easy to do. Like Tina said you will drive yourself crazy! Definitely would try getting some answers .

It could just be allergy to something , did you change food or just recently add one of your supplements ? Call your holistic vet see what they say too. 

You could always post this in ask a vet forum too. 

http://tripawds.....ask-a-vet/

Hope you get a answer either way and paws crossed for allergies or anything else other then c !

Keep us posted please,

Hugs to you, chin and ear scratches to Rocky

Holly & Purrkins

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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16 February 2017 - 5:40 pm
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Hi Cami,

I don't have experience with MCTs in cats but both of my pug girls had multiple MCTs.

As far as I know osteosarcoma and mast cell cancer are separate diseases.  I know of some dogs who have had both types of cancer but they are not related.

In my experience mast cell cancer does not lead to overall itchiness. When the individual tumors are manipulated (like for aspiration) it can lead to local itching around the tumor.  That would be for skin or cutaneous tumors.  If the mast cell cancer is internal there are some indications of illness but I never read that itching was one of the symptoms.

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

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17 February 2017 - 9:12 pm
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Thank you, everyone! Rocky's itching has stopped, but he acts like he doesn't feel well. Of course my mind goes to the possibility the cancer is an issue again. Without any specific symptoms other than itching that has stopped and lethargy,  what tests should I make sure the vet administers? How could they find the possible metastasis if we do not have symptoms of pain or coughing (for lungs) etc isolated to a specific part of the body? At what point is cancer reflected in blood work? His bloodwork was normal even with osteosarcoma in his limb before surgery. Thank you.

Cami

Michigan


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18 February 2017 - 8:21 am
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Glad to hear the itching has stopped! You know Rocky best! If he is lethargic definitely get him checked out. 

cami said
How could they find the possible metastasis if we do not have symptoms of pain or coughing (for lungs) etc isolated to a specific part of the body? 

They will run bloodwork, and X-ray, possibly a ultrasound.

They did all of those on Purrkins before his surgery and at his 6 months checkup. I do not know at what point it its reflected in the blood? We had soft tissue sarcoma not osteosarcoma but I believe the same tests will be run. 

Keep us posted please, paws are staying crossed for you both sending passive energy you way!

Hugs !

Holly & Purrkinsheart

Member Since:
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19 February 2017 - 9:41 pm
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Hello everyone...bad news...Rocky has declined very abruptly. The cancer metastasized to his lungs. The lungs were clear in October and a mess now. Is there anything at all I could Try? Has anyone heard of Vitamin C injections?

Cami



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27 July 2014
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19 February 2017 - 11:21 pm
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I'm very sorry to hear this Cami. I had a cat that had lung metastasis but it wasn't his lungs that bothered him but the primary cancer which was malignant melanoma. He only had a little cough and slept a lot.

From what I understand most vets with give the cats prednisolone, pain meds, and a bronchodilator if necessary. This is to help keep the cat comfortable and to improve the breathing. An integrative/holistic vet may be able to help you with alternatives, such as Vitamin C injections you are asking about.

I hope you can find something to keep Rocky comfortable so you can have more time loving him.

My thoughts are with you,

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

Michigan


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11 July 2016
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20 February 2017 - 8:58 am
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Cami,

We are so sorry to hear Rocky has mets!! We just had another kitty Alfredo get the same tragic news.! 

http://tripawds.....elp-video/

Alfredo's blog

http://alfredo......ther-shoe/

They were prescibed steroids and a bronchodilator as well as some pain medication. I have no idea if that is standard protocol?

Hopefully Jerry will have some insight or direction for you.

Have you seen this news post? http://tripawds.....ets-signs/

This is not suppose to mets in cats like dogs, its also suppose to be rare in cats?  It appears this may not be the case?

I do not know anything on vitamin C injections? Or what you do from here? Did the Vet have any suggestions ? Your holistic Vet?

Is Rocky coughing or have any other symptoms ? I know you said he was lethargic.

Let us know what treatment you decide to proceed with please. I will be asking our Holistic Vet all about all this in a few weeks . 

Sending you Huge hugs and give Rocky extra treats and love from us too please!

Holly & Purrkins

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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20 February 2017 - 10:58 am
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Cami,

I'm so sorry. The heartbreak of seeing x-rays with lung mets is something that hits home hard. 

For now, what is the vet's plan for treating Rocky's mets? What exactly are Rocky's symptoms?

Yes, there are mets, but you can still help him maintain a good quality of life. Let us know the answers to those two questions and we can give you some thoughts about his situation. Meanwhile have you seen this topic? It's not just about metronomics but several posts have links to therapies to alleviate symptoms like coughing. 

Metronomic Therapy for Canine Osteosarcoma Metastasis: Jerry's Experience

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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20 February 2017 - 2:11 pm
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Piece of crap disease is so vicious and so unforgiving. I know you feel devastated and defeated. But Rocky doesn't! These xrays don't mean squat to him! As hard as it is, try and stay in a "Rocky state of mind". There are things that, at the very least, can give Rocky some extended comfortable time.

Some good options have been suggested. Wondering if a dose of fluids would help.perk him up some? I'm thinking implementing the prednisone (or prednisolone, another variation thst may work better for cats...check with vet),'as well as the ideas to help with the cough.

There's a Holistic Vet ised quite often here for phine consultations in North Carolina. Dr Charles Loops (or Loop). He would certainly be familiar with Vitamin C injections. Although there is a lot of controversy, I know some members have used a derivative of Cannibus Oil (yeah, "pot") and have felt like it made a difference.

So please update when yiru can. Make every second count and keep on with the spoiling and loving...just like you always have. EVERYDAY IS ROCKY DAY!

Sending lots of love

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!

Member Since:
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20 February 2017 - 6:08 pm
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Thank you so much everyone! We are adding pred and bronchodialator. I saw these mentioned here, which prompted me to ask my vet. Rocky's symptoms are mostly lethargy and labored breathing. No coughing, oddly. The itching went totally away after time and Zyrtec. He has a lack of interest in his toys, hiding, slim appetite, that type thing, but nothing really specific. He has so much fluid on his lungs that it has shifted his heart, and he has multiple lesions on his lungs. He has basically lost 1/3 of his lung capacity. The Lasik resolved the labored breathing for now. The vet basically gave us no hope, said this stage is palliative care.  In fact, they gave us the cell number of the tech to use after hours...

Thank you to everyone! I will read your responses again and research. 

Cami

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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20 February 2017 - 7:11 pm
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Hopefully some of these treatments will help Rocky feel better. It seems that the Lasik is already helping him and that's good. It has to help his overall demeanor too.

Continuing to send pawsitive energy and hoping for better days ahead.

Lots of love

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!

Michigan


Member Since:
11 July 2016
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21 February 2017 - 5:45 am
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Hoping the meds help make Rocky comfortable and breathe easier ! Glad to hear the Lasix has helped already!

Crazy in just 3 months, I am just sick for you guys! Rocky is only 3. Unreal!

We used CBD oil for Purrkins before his surgery and for a period of time after.  Purrkins hated it. I disguised it in tuna water which helped! He still was not happy with it. I tasted it also and I can see why. ughThe oil we used was from Blue Bird Botanicals ,from our holistic Vet. It did help with appetitie for Purrkins. I would still use it if I felt we needed it ! I would look into it for Rocky. I saw canna pet has been mention on here too? Might look into them ? Not all CBD are created equal ,you want to be sure its from a reputable company if you do decide to try it. The only one we tried was the Bluebird botanicals . I will ask our vet if would recommend any others. 

We too are sending pawsitive energy you way!

Hugs

Holly & Purrkins

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