Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I think today we turned the corner. I took Harley to the vet today for more bloodwork to rule out any possible tick-related disease (his platelets had dropped to 42,000 last week). I have a feeling the test will be negative but thought I might as well do some testing as long as it is not invasive. He just seemed stressed from the visit and this afternoon has had a few episodes of coughing -- it seems when he gets up from a lying down position. He has tumors on both lungs (about 10 cm each) that are on the peripheral which has allowed him to be really symptom free for so many months.
The lung tumors were discovered the end of May when he was scheduled for an amputation so I knew the day was coming but it kind of sneaked up on me. I am supposed to pick up a prescription of doxycylin (?) in the event the low platelets are caused by a tick related disease but in light of this afternoon's development, I'm not sure giving him something that might upset his stomach is the right thing to do. I've read that many of you had given your dogs cough medicine to help with the "coughs". Was this just over the counter Vick's types or ???
I've put together a rather lengthy medical history leading up to his cancer diagnosis at http://myharley.....pawds.com/
Harley is an 8 year old Golden Retriever. Amp surgery for an infiltrative lipoma canceled due to two masses in chest. A rescue, he found his forever home on 3/18/07 and left for his eternal home on 1/09/13. His story and medical history are at http://myharley.....pawds.com/
Our vet recommends Robutusin DM. Check with your vet for correct dosage.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
I can't help you with the cough medicine because Magnum's lung mets weren't that advanced when we lost her.
But, just wanted to say my thoughts are with you. This part of the journey is really tough and like you, it also sneaked up on us.
Hugs
Karen
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Sorry, I can't weigh in on the cough medicine either. Abby mainly had breathing troubles at the end, but not too much coughing, so we never needed to try that with her.
As Karen says, this part of the journey is so tough. Try to keep enjoying every moment. Hang in there. Sending good thoughts.
Jackie
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
So sorry to hear about Harley's coughing. I use Tussigon for coughing but it has a narcotic in it so it is a controlled substance you would need to get from your vet.
Have you called your vet yet to see what they would recommend?
You and Harley are in my thoughts.
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
Kathy I'm so sorry. That dreaded cough is so scary and really brings up a lot of emotions too. It doesn't necessarily mean "the end" right away, many dogs can go on for a long time and still be happy, it's just those pesky mets that sometimes get in the way of ordinary breathing. I hope Harley has many more good times ahead.
My vet recommended Robitussin (sugar free). It worked OK but I'll bet that the one Wookie recommended will be better.
We are thinking of you, please come here anytime if you want to talk.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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