Meesh

Hamlet didn't have any chemo this week - it was his off week. They just checked his bloodwork. Unfortunately, the doxorubicin did a number on his white cells - they were down to 215 when the low end of the normal range is 3000! So, they put him on an antibiotic for the week to prevent any infections. He still slightly anemic but the red cells actually increased slightly from last week. I kind of figured that the doxy hit him hard. He had the same reaction this time that he did last time - fever spike and loss of appetite 2 days after treatment. Except this time, he actually vomitted the night of treatment. Now he's being really picky about eating his kibble because I think he associates that with the vomitting episode even though he is definitely hungry. We're back to Wawa meatballs for supper with a small amount of kibble mixed in; he did eat 95% of his kibble this morning mixed with cottage cheese so I hope we're turning that corner. In any case, the oncologist is going to reduce his dosage for his next (and thankfully, last) dose of doxorubicin in 4 weeks. Otherwise, Hammy's doing really well; still his happy, playful, wanting his belly-rubbed-constantly self.
Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet
dx 01/29/10 tx 02/01/10 partial remission 04/05/10

rockytola

Hi guys:
You mentioned that you were feeding cottage cheese. Are you blending this with flax seed oil? Apparently the blending together breaks down the enzymes and makes it much more effective than just cottage cheese alone. You can add a small amount of water to give it enough volume to put in the blender but it has to be done every day as it deteriorates if you don't. Hope this helps!

Good luck

John

Meesh

Hi John
We tried the flaxseed oil with the cottage cheese and Hamlet absolutely HATES it. He'd sniff the food, take a lick, and walk away. So then I tried the flaxseed oil on chicken and got the same reaction. Unfortunately, Hammy just won't go for the flaxsee oil. But, thanks for the tip.
Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet

Raymond

Get rid of the kibble.

Meesh

The kibble is Wellness Core which is 100% grain free that the holistic vet switched us to. At this point, I agree though. I'm just going to try the wet food and maybe slip in some kibble gradually. I'm completely frustrated now. He ate his breakfast pretty well for me but supper was a bust tonight. I've got to go get some more Wawa meatballs, I guess.

rockytola

Sorry to hear about the flax seed rejection. Have you tried it with yogurt instead? Just a thought!

Good luck :-)

John

Meesh

Hamlet ate his entire breakfast today - 2 heaping tablespoons of cottage cheese plus 1/4 cup of his usual kibble plus 1/4 cup of one of the other kibbles I tried. We did the happy dance this morning! We'll see how supper goes. I'm just going to give him mostly canned/wet food and gradually add back the kibble. He's eating his "cookies" fine so I know it's not the hardness. Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement.

Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet

Meesh

I'm happy to report that Hamlet ate his entire supper and breakfast again this morning. I made him a home cooked meal and mixed in 1/2 cup of kibble only. He must really like my cooking because not only did he eat everything but he went back and licked both his and Rufus's bowls clean after the fact. I think my plan is working.

Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet

Benpaws

One more positive thing! That is just great.One day at a time, one step at a time.

Hugs to Hamlet!

Joanne xox