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Our 9 yr old Boxer Bella was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front left leg in Oct 2014. She had it amputated in November and has been taking Palladia since December. She has been doing great until the last two weeks when she has started sneezing and coughing a lot, not eating much, yelping when barking, and getting increasingly anxious to go up and down stairs. Last night she woke up multiple times yelping in pain and today has collapsed twice while trying to get up. We have an appt tomorrow but just looking for any advice or any experience with similar symptoms. Thanks.
Hi Bella's Mom. Thanks for joining us (the club none really wants to join!). Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
I know you must be worried. It's hard not to think the worst when you have osteosarcoma lurking in the background, there's not a single person here who doesn't worry whenever their pup sneezes or shows a pain signal. Try not to panic. The signals she is giving could be any number of things, and the only way to know for sure is the ol' x-ray. Classic symptoms of lung metastasis are 1) a dry hacking cough and 2) general fatigue, but every dog is so different and sometimes what we think are metastasis signals could be a reaction to medication, a pulled muscle, any number of things. Have you tried adjusting her pain medication? Is she on anything right now?
Remember every dog is different...repeat...every dog is different... I'm not being flip, but I don't want to worry you, so try to hang tight till tomorrow, and let us know what the vet says OK? Also remember that no matter what, Bella doesn't know what the report says when you get it back. It's hard to know what they don't know, but I know you can be strong for her and face whatever is next, which is hopefully nothing serious.
Keep us posted OK? And meanwhile post some photos of her (here's how to add images), we would love to see what she looks like.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I bet Bella the Box is a real bundle of love and snuggles! They are such devoted dogs.
DITTO absoluw everything Jerry said! Sooooo many reasons for all of these symptons! Pinched nerves, disc issues, etc. can make any movementleainfu@, including barking. Just the neck and jaw motion in eating can be painful. Im sure the vet will check him over thoroughly. Whatever it is causing this, yoh will find a way to treat it and develop a plan to deal with it...just like you have this whole crazy journey.
Another thought, is Bella still taking Paladia? .Some dogs here have had lretty bad side effects.....could be a cumulative side effect going on.
As Jerry said, every dog is different! My beloved Bull Mastiff Happy Hannah did develop a big met. She never had any cough and never showed any signs of pain. She ate and drank just fine! She tired very, very easily and eventually her breathing lattern appeared to cause her some "discomfort" and a bit of restless sleeping. Again,every dog is different. Symptons are often very different from what "they" tell you to expect.
Do you have any Tramadol or Gabalentin or even Rimadyl? With the vet's guidance, perhaps you can give her some of these pain meds. For now, try not to let her move much and see what you can do to alleviate the pain.
And SPOIL AND LOVE AND SPOIL SOME MORE!!!
Stay connected to us and update when you can. We understand the fear...and the love and devotion you have for Bella.
Sending you hugs and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Thanks Sally, I forgot to mention that it could be a Palladia issue as well. Many dogs experience them even weeks after they start taking it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks all. Bella has been on Palladia for 3 months with no issues but we are at vet today so hoping it might just be that. She is also having an xray today, so fingers crossed. Just so worried but trying to stay positive.
Paws, fingers, tails & toes crossed for good news, keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Not good news today. Bella has multiple large nodules in her lungs and we are devastated. We are stopping the Palladia and just going to focus on pain management , so any advice on that area is greatly appreciated. Thanks for the positive thoughts.
Ohhhh I'm so sorry. Dang I was so hoping that wasn't what was going on. I know how devastating this news is, many of us here do. You are not alone. I am in the chat room this morning if you want to talk.
Meanwhile here are some posts about managing lung mets that may help.
Canine Osteosarcoma: Lung Metastasis Treatments
How to Help Coughing From Lung Mets
Breathing Through Cancer – holistic herbal therapies to control lung metastasis in dogs and cats
This Tripawd Talk Radio podcast with holistic veterinarian Dr. Lena McCullough
Stay strong and remember that Bella is still Bella, she doesn't know what those x-rays said and she still wants to enjoy every minute with the people she loves most. Do your best to stay in the moment and know that some day in the future there will be time for tears, but not now while she's still here. {{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Bless yours and Bella's heart. Can't add any more than what's already been said other than to say, we all know what you're going through and how you feel. We're here any time you need to vent or a shoulder.
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
I don't have any other advice to add than what's been given. I just wanted to let you and sweet Bella know that I'm sorry for this sad news and I'll be keeping Bella in my thoughts.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Ditto everything Jerry and Sahana and Pam have said. Okay, remember, Bella isn't worrying about tomorrow, or any "disgnosis", or anything at all. She just knows she is with you being loved and spoiled and that is ALL that matters ro her.
Sounds like you are getting her on a pain management
plan and that should help her be more comfortable they kick i n. Did your vet suggest Prednisone as part of her treatment as well? That could help stablize her breathing and perhaps curb some of the coughing, etc. Did the vet eliminate any sine or bone issues as
perhals causing some of the pain? Regardless, the tramadol and/or gababentin should help.
You are still together...just take it day by day. Really hoping the pain meds will help get her comfy.
Surrounding you with lpve a d strength. Your love for Bella will pull you through
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
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