On 8/1/2007
GeriNap wrote:
Hi - I too am new to this board. I was deeply saddened to hear that my 12 year old Bichon has acquired this awful cancer. Sugar is still very playful but definitely shows times when she would rather be alone which is very unlike her.
My question revolves around Piroxicam. After I give this medication to my dog, her heart rate increases, she pants loudly and often. She also begins staring blankly into space. Having mentioned this to my vet he tells me that there have been no other reports of this reaction. I too have done some research on line and can find no other report of this reaction. I am wondering if anyone else has a pet who reacted in this manner.
Sugar weighs approximately 16 pounds and I am wondering if it is a doseage issue. Can anyone tell me the dose they are giving to their similarly wighted dog?
I am also curious to know if anyone knows of an alternative medication.
Any and all information would be helpful.
Hi,
I have a 14 year old lab who has been diagnosed with Transitional Cell Carcinoma. I put her on Piroxicam immediately and she did not have any reaction; however, when I took her to the Oncologist, the Dr. recommended Deracoxib (or Deramaxx).
My dog is 73 lbs and is taking 1-1/2 tablets of each 25 mg. pill per day. So far, she has been ok with it. Double-check the dosage you are giving her. Make sure she is getting the right dosage one time per day as prescribed AND/OR make sure she is getting the right dosage for her size.
In response to your dog's panting, she is probably in pain. Dogs respond to pain diferently than people. They absorb it and they react by panting. I used to think my dog was just feeling warm, but she was in pain. My vet explained that to me. Therefore, I give her a mild dose of Tramadol with the Deracoxib so that she can be relieved of pain. This has helped her greatly.
Also, be aware that with TCC, dogs will be prone to infections in their bladder/urethra, so I watch her for symptoms and if I see she may be having difficulty and she is in pain after I give her the Tramadol, then I immediately ask my vet for the strong antibiotic she is used to. She takes it for ten days and then she is fine.
As for meals, go to the website for B-Naturals. Search for "Cancer recipes". Lew Olsen has created recipes for raw diets and cooked diets. For cancer fighting "cooked" diets, she recommends high protein, fat and carbs in the form of spinach, broccoli or other vegs she has listed. It is important to read her article to see the appropriate portions and types of foods.
Do not feed your dog any kind of wheat, grain, corn or dark-shade vegetables. Dogs cannot metabolize carbohydrates in that form the way people do. Processed foods and treats shorten a dogs life by greatly compromising their livers. Read her articles, she can explain it fully.
Unfortunately, as any of you may know, with TCC, the cancer will not go away and may spread. I am having difficulty with what will be on the horizon in the next 2-3 months. One thing is for sure, I will have another ultrasound and blood and urine tests to see where her levels are.
The cancer has not yet metastasized and it has been one year since we suspected something when we saw blood in her urine. I hope that I will be able to have laser surgery done for her, so she can be more comfortable. She can't be healed from this, but it will give her quality for the time she has left. Chemo is out of the question, especially at her age and the quality of her life will diminish quickly with chemo.
The good news is, she is asymptomatic most of the time. She still likes to run and stay outdoors and still has a ravenous appetite. I found out on B-Naturals that the reason a dog is always hungry is because they are not getting enough fat in their diet, so I have been adding a little more fat from meats, pork and poultry and from cottage cheese or ricotta cheese. Be sure to help your dogs with their liver function so they can process the fat better, by giving them Milk Thistle. There are other wonderful herbal supports on the B-Naturals website as well. You can write to Lew Olsen for any questions or advice and she gives it freely.
I have been blessed to have my dog this long, especially since she had cancer 3-1/2 years ago in her leg. It took two surgeries to get it all out and all she has is a little scar. Now she will be 14 next week.
For all the joy our dogs give us, it is unfortunate that they cannot live longer. I wish you and your pups health and happiness for their remaining time with you.