Vet: Respiratory Problems due to tumor -- any last hopes?

Guest · Jul 28, 2011

I feel like Emmie, my 14.5 yo BLF and subject of this post, is like a cat with 9 lives. She is severely dysplastic, has been her whole life, to the point where she shouldn't be able to walk. She overcame kidney failure. She's lived for 7 mos now after being diagnosed with a tumor that is affecting her respiratory system (apparently extremely difficult to biopsy and not worth cracking her chest at her age to see what's going on).

She's been on Depo-Medrol for a couple of months now, give or take. And it has helped her tremendously. We're now at the point where it's helping less and less.

If someone just glanced at her when her breathing is bad, they'd say "put her down NOW!" but she's bright, happy, eating well. She just has really tight breathing when she goes out to potty. Then she comes in relaxes, chews on rawhides, eats whatever she wants, and lays around peacefully.

We almost put her to sleep this past Saturday, when she had a really rough night. But it turns out it was from the albuterol we had tried in addition to the depo-medrol. She was antsy, drooling and her breathing was odd.

Once the albuterol wore off, she was "just fine" except for her constricted breathing when she's going in and out to go potty.

I was "hoping" that: a) she'd go in her sleep, or b) she'd look miserable all day and I'd know... But she just doesn't.

Her coat is beautiful. Her eyes are shiny and bright. Her tail wags when she's happy. When I lay with her on her dog bed, she rolls around rubbing her face all over and kicking her legs...

I just can't do it yet????

So I want to try to grasp at one last straw and see if anyone has any other med or therapy recommendations that might help her. We have not taken x-rays since January. So I don't know if the tumor is growing into her trachea or lungs or what... And I would rather spend time and money trying another med than putting her on the xray table (which absolutely stresses her out).

I know our time is limited to maybe even a few days, if not weeks... But I can't sit here looking at this bright, happy dog that can STILL JUMP ON THE COUCH and put her to sleep. I know it would make some sense to do it before she IS miserable, but I just can't do it yet...

Any advice or recommendations highly appreciated. She seems comfortable even with the breathing issue, but I'm hoping maybe we can come up with one more thing. Albuterol was not the answer.

Thanks.

-K

Guest · Jul 28, 2011

ps -- we are keeping her in our bedroom and end of the house and keeping the temp at 64 degrees. I guess it's kind of like treating a dog with laryngeal paralysis. She definately enjoys the icy cold. Until about 10 days ago, we cooled the main house to about 70 and even with that she'd pant a little more than we liked during the middle of the day. We had to cool her down a few times and we haven't had to do that since she's been in the 64 degrees...

22899 · Jul 28, 2011

Kristie

I dont know nothin about anything you just talked about ,but, I will offer prayers for you and that sweet dog, along with a ton of good thoughts.

You will do the right thing no matter what.

Mike Baker

Guest · Jul 28, 2011

Kristie I'm so sorry you are going through this. She sounds like my 13 year old I lost in March when he got up his breathing sounded terrible. He had tumors on his chest one pretty big everything started getting bigger the last month before he died, because of health problems there was nothing I could do but let him life as happy as possible. I just didnt want to put him down for the same reasons, he still ate never had an accident in the house and still seemed to enjoy his life. He was doing fine I fed him on Monday and about 15 minutes after he ate he started breathing harder making like a tick sound in his throat, than he started to gag a couple times I knew it was time as I got his leash out he collapsed, we were able to get him to the vet he even sat up once on the way and looked out the window, he made it to my vet where he was diagnosed with LP and put to sleep. I now look back and wish I had put him down sooner but at the time I loved him so much all I wanted was another day to smother him with kisses, its a very tough decision to let them go sooner but watching him go down like that is a memory I wish I didnt have. My prayers are with you and Emmie

same thing with Dusty he liked the cold when his breathing was really bad he would lay on the cold patio or cool tile floor it seemed to make him feel better

Lenore · Jul 28, 2011

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I don't have any advice, but I totally understand where you are coming. I can't justify PTS a dog that wags their tail, jumps on the couch or enjoys time with their loved ones. I know on here somewhere someone posted a list that people should go through to see if their animal is ready to be PTS. Wait! Actually I liked it so much I added it to my favorites. (We have a lab that will be 15 this Nov., I like to be prepared). Good luck and hugs, I know it is hard!!

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1523

pupaloo · Jul 28, 2011

Get her on Piroxicam ASAP! You will need to give it with Pepcid. It is an anti-inflammatory/pain reliever-but it has many anti-cancer properties, and is being prescribed off-label for that. We gave it to our dog who had lung cancer. Google it-and call you vet for a prescription right away. Piroxicam might give her some easier weeks or even months-it's pretty amazing stuff. Best of luck with your old girl-sure doesn't sound like she's ready yet!

wheelhorse · Jul 28, 2011

pupaloo said:
Get her on Piroxicam ASAP!

It is a non-steriodal anti-inflammatory. If you give it while she's under the influence of Depo (a steroid) you will absolutely destroy her GI tract. Bleeding ulcers, bloody diarrhea, the works.

Not sure about when it is time though. Your girl will tell you when.

Guest · Jul 28, 2011

wheelhorse said:
It is a non-steriodal anti-inflammatory. If you give it while she's under the influence of Depo (a steroid) you will absolutely destroy her GI tract. Bleeding ulcers, bloody diarrhea, the works.

Not sure about when it is time though. Your girl will tell you when.

Yeah, can't do pred and nsaid together... We did have her on tramadol, which vet said just take her off because the pred is about the max you'll get for relief. I can't imagine tramadol would make any difference.

Thanks everyone for your feedback and advice....

-K

HuntinDawg · Jul 28, 2011

Kristie, I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. I hope you get some clarity whenever the time is right. She is lucky to have you and Drew doing everything you can for her.

pupaloo · Jul 28, 2011

Oh-sorry. Didn't know about the no NSAID and steroid thing. You might still ask your vet-maybe the pepcid would moderate a big problem. It sounds like you are looking for relief short term-maybe it could still help on that basis....maybe it could provide relief if the steroid is starting to not work. Sorry you have to deal with it, regardless. You'll know when it's her time....

Mary Lynn Metras · Jul 28, 2011

pupaloo said:
Oh-sorry. Didn't know about the no NSAID and steroid thing. You might still ask your vet-maybe the pepcid would moderate a big problem. It sounds like you are looking for relief short term-maybe it could still help on that basis....maybe it could provide relief if the steroid is starting to not work. Sorry you have to deal with it, regardless. You'll know when it's her time....

A friend of mine took her dog off Pred (dog had arthritis) and the dog (Lab) is still doing well as can be expected for 14 years. Can you wean your dog from Pred and start the NSAID for a time period to try?? Feed NSAID with meals so something in the stomach?? If problems start back on Pred. Take care!!

Guest · Jul 28, 2011

Mary Lynn Metras said:
A friend of mine took her dog off Pred (dog had arthritis) and the dog (Lab) is still doing well as can be expected for 14 years. Can you wean your dog from Pred and start the NSAID for a time period to try?? Feed NSAID with meals so something in the stomach?? If problems start back on Pred. Take care!!

When we started the pred, there was a period where we had to figure out when to give each subsequent dose. There was "downtime" that we had to calculate. And that downtime wasn't good... I'm sure it would be much worse now if we didn't maintain the pred. I don't think an nsaid would do anything close to what the pred is capable of doing.

So we're more trying to find something to supplement the pred, but there may be nothing... Do appreciate the thought, though...

fishn · Jul 28, 2011

Prayer offered up for you, your dog and all those that love her. I had a stray dog we picked up one time, he was a wonderful dog. Don't know how he old, we had him for years, but (this is gross), near the end he had maggots coming out of him. He was moaning and in alot of pain. I had him put down after work and it was one of the worst days of my life. I was just thinking this morning (and it was years ago) how I wish I tried to do more or at least have the vet give me some options instead of having him put down. It was horrible and still haunts me.

I know it has to be done sometimes, but i'll pray if it's not God's will to help your dog to get better, to take her without her suffering. But He see fit to give her many more good days, weeks, even months or years, and when it's time to go, may she be in your arms and pass on to a place in Heaven.

It's so hard to give these 4-legged family members up....

Mike Boyle · Jul 28, 2011

I have no advice or medical recommendations, but I do pray that you find the strength and courage that you will need to get through this tough time. You will know when it's time.

God Bless.

Mike B.

Guest · Jul 28, 2011

Dusty was on Dermamax tramadaol and at one time rimadyl. The tramadol didnt help with his breathing it made him a little more sleepy but about two months before he passed all he did was sleep anyway. He learned to bark at me when he wanted water so I could bring it to him easeir on him than getting up as he started having a harder time getting up. Kristie Give Emmie a hug for me!

Guest · Jul 28, 2011

gmhr1 said:
Dusty was on Dermamax tramadaol and at one time rimadyl. The tramadol didnt help with his breathing it made him a little more sleepy but about two months before he passed all he did was sleep anyway. He learned to bark at me when he wanted water so I could bring it to him easeir on him than getting up as he started having a harder time getting up. Kristie Give Emmie a hug for me!

Thanks Cyndi. I think we'll take her for another depo-medrol shot today as she's due... She's just up and about, eating and pottying and all just like a normal dog... ...except the breathing, which doesn't seem to bother her but for a few mins til she gets back to the cool room... ugh...

JusticeDog · Jul 28, 2011

Kristie Wilder said:
but she's bright, happy, eating well. She just has really tight breathing when she goes out to potty.
Her coat is beautiful. Her eyes are shiny and bright. Her tail wags when she's happy. When I lay with her on her dog bed, she rolls around rubbing her face all over and kicking her legs...

I just can't do it yet????

Doesn't sound like she's told you that it's time......... for 15 minutes of bad breathing when out to go potty....... from what you describe, I couldn't do it either.

Unfortunately Kristie, you've been through this too many times, and I know "you'll just know."

J Connolly · Jul 28, 2011

Is this a solitary tumor??? Is it where you could actually aspirate it and get a diagnosis?????

Why are they giving her injections of repository cortico steroids instead of oral prednisone??? At least that way if you needed to get her off the cortisone you aren't married to it for a month.

Guest · Jul 28, 2011

J Connolly said:
Is this a solitary tumor??? Is it where you could actually aspirate it and get a diagnosis?????

Why are they giving her injections of repository cortico steroids instead of oral prednisone??? At least that way if you needed to get her off the cortisone you aren't married to it for a month.

It not where it can easily be aspirated. There's a "mass" in her chest. I can't describe where, although I may have the xray on my phone still if it wasn't lost in my upgrade.

Vet had said that someone very experienced may be able to do a needle biopsy. Surgery would require cracking the chest.

My understanding is that there's not much that can be done. I did get a 2nd opinion from a 2nd vet, who I'm seeing now. My vet didn't want to do depo or pred because of her kidney issues. But if we hadn't done the depo, she'd be gone by now.

If I understood correctly, we did depo because she was knocking on the door and the vet felt this would buy her the most time and be most effective.

We haven't done xrays since Jan. I thought the respiratory problem was from the tumor pressing on her trachea. He explained that pressure COULD be part of the problem (esp months later), but that it's most likely inflammation from the tumor in the respiratory tissues. She did super with the first injection, then we had to calculate the time it wore off. So in between the first couple of shots, she had 2-3 days where she in moderately bad shape. Now we seem to have stabilized it as she's acting and feeling good, but just can't freeking breathe...

I don't want to be the crazy dog owner that runs around trying everything, but I'm hoping there's one or two more things out there...

Guest · Jul 28, 2011

Thats all I would do just try to make her as comfortable as possible. Dustys breathing was bad when he got up but towards the end even while laying down he panted alot. I wasn't able to take him to the vet it was to hard on him .

Vet: Respiratory Problems due to tumor -- any last hopes?

Guest

Guest

22899

Guest

Lenore

pupaloo

wheelhorse

Guest

HuntinDawg

pupaloo

Mary Lynn Metras

Guest

fishn

Mike Boyle

Guest

Guest

JusticeDog

J Connolly

Guest

Guest

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities