Hamlet's Weekly Update - 02/16/10 - Page 2

TJandDante · 03-02-2010, 09:40 AM

From what I read about doxorubicin, several days to a week or two of appetite loss is pretty normal in dogs. Fever over 103 should be reported (you did)and if fever continues ,dog should be put on antibiotics. The thing you want to watch for is coughing, which could show heart failure.

Definitely go by your instincts. You see your dog every day and know when somethings not right. I would report any abnormality to your oncologist. You may want to do small more frequent feeds and add a little yogurt. Dante actually lapped up plain yogurt and I never thought he would eat it.

Keep us posted. I'm thinking of you!

Meesh · 03-02-2010, 10:16 AM

Thanks, TJ. I spoke with the onc this morning and she basically said the same - that the doxy is probably making him feel a little "off" even with the anti-nausea meds. Although, she's not entirely certain why his temp spiked. The good news is that he's already on an antibiotic for his liver so that will do double duty. And, she reiterated that the Flagyl also has antibiotic properties. So he should be covered on that front.
I also got to ask her about the holistic supplements and she admitted she was out of her element with that but she's willing to give them a try. But, she did say that she's slightly concerned about introducing more stuff into his system that his liver has to process. But, we agreed to start them and just monitor his bloodwork. I'm going to photocopy the labels of each and take that to next Monday's appointment (no chemo, just bloodwork next week); my thought is that if something comes back odd on his bloodwork, at least they'll have a list of ingredients to look at.
Also, the vet last night said that he's familiar with the HV and, while he too is out of his element with the holistic treatments, said that the HV has been doing this for over 10 years. And, our vet is willing to try anything to help Hamlet.
So, I guess it's good that everyone is willing to work together. But, I have to be honest, I personally still can't shake the uneasy feeling about adding the "extra" meds. But, I'm going to trust Hamlet's team and go for it.

Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet (dx 01/29/10 tx 02/01/10)

Benpaws · 03-02-2010, 12:32 PM

Really glad to hear that Hamlet's temperature is down. That is always a "red flag" if it gets over 102 and you had him checked right away which you knew to do.

Sounds as if everyone is working together for the good of Hamlet and you know your dog, so just keep doing what you are doing and hopefully things will just get better. You are very fortunate to live in an area where good care is provided by a good vet and a trusted holistic vet and that you can afford the treatments which so many cannot.

Hugs to Hamlet.

Blessings,
Joanne

03-02-2010, 12:32 PM	#13 (permalink)
Benpaws Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oakville, ON., CANADA Posts: 1,696	Hamlet Really glad to hear that Hamlet's temperature is down. That is always a "red flag" if it gets over 102 and you had him checked right away which you knew to do. Sounds as if everyone is working together for the good of Hamlet and you know your dog, so just keep doing what you are doing and hopefully things will just get better. You are very fortunate to live in an area where good care is provided by a good vet and a trusted holistic vet and that you can afford the treatments which so many cannot. Hugs to Hamlet. Blessings, Joanne

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03-02-2010, 09:40 AM	#11 (permalink)
TJandDante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 355	From what I read about doxorubicin, several days to a week or two of appetite loss is pretty normal in dogs. Fever over 103 should be reported (you did)and if fever continues ,dog should be put on antibiotics. The thing you want to watch for is coughing, which could show heart failure. Definitely go by your instincts. You see your dog every day and know when somethings not right. I would report any abnormality to your oncologist. You may want to do small more frequent feeds and add a little yogurt. Dante actually lapped up plain yogurt and I never thought he would eat it. Keep us posted. I'm thinking of you!

03-02-2010, 10:16 AM	#12 (permalink)
Meesh Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Washington Township (Sewell), NJ Posts: 329	Thanks, TJ. I spoke with the onc this morning and she basically said the same - that the doxy is probably making him feel a little "off" even with the anti-nausea meds. Although, she's not entirely certain why his temp spiked. The good news is that he's already on an antibiotic for his liver so that will do double duty. And, she reiterated that the Flagyl also has antibiotic properties. So he should be covered on that front. I also got to ask her about the holistic supplements and she admitted she was out of her element with that but she's willing to give them a try. But, she did say that she's slightly concerned about introducing more stuff into his system that his liver has to process. But, we agreed to start them and just monitor his bloodwork. I'm going to photocopy the labels of each and take that to next Monday's appointment (no chemo, just bloodwork next week); my thought is that if something comes back odd on his bloodwork, at least they'll have a list of ingredients to look at. Also, the vet last night said that he's familiar with the HV and, while he too is out of his element with the holistic treatments, said that the HV has been doing this for over 10 years. And, our vet is willing to try anything to help Hamlet. So, I guess it's good that everyone is willing to work together. But, I have to be honest, I personally still can't shake the uneasy feeling about adding the "extra" meds. But, I'm going to trust Hamlet's team and go for it. Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet (dx 01/29/10 tx 02/01/10)