Trixie, My 16 Yr Old Jrt Diagnosed Monday, Starts Piroxicam Sunday

My dearest, most faithful friend of 16 years Trixie has TCC, she has a tumour in her urethra.

She was diagnosed on monday july 30th after a week on synulox for a possible UTI, but 5 days into the course she was still straining to 'go' and in and out to the garden repeatedly in sessions of 1 and a half to [sometimes] 2 hours at a time. Me and my husband felt so useless as there was little we could do to distract or console her.

On the day she was diagnosed she'd spent 10 hours at the vets, she underwent an anaesthetic, had x-rays taken, including a contrast x-ray. Also an ACTH test for cushings [Trixie's alkaline phosphatase levels had gone from 550 in feb 07 to 1053 in july] A grueling day in the life of any animal and a HUGE ordeal for a nervous 16 year old girl I think. At 14:30 I got a call from our vet, telling me the news i'd been dreading, a rectal examination by the vet had revealed a structure [3cm x 1cm] ON Trixie's urethra. Hilary [our vet] told me that in this location it was in-operable. She then floored me with the suggestion that it might be kinder to euthanase Trix whilst she was still under the anaesthetic. I told her no, I couldn't do that. I just felt that there HAD to be something we could do to extend her life [as long as there was QUALITY of life] for as long as possible. I'd also TOLD Trix the morning before hubby set off with her to the vets that I'd see her later......how could I let her go and not keep my word? When she came home she was crying and whimpering and [quite rightly] feeling very woeful, she was coughing a little too [from the tube they inserted into her throat] her chest still sounds a little 'wheezy' days later - has anyone else noticed this?

Fortunately we have a university vets school [Langford] near us, and my vet agreed to refer Trixie [but told me there could be a waiting list] she phoned me later having made an appointment for the next DAY!!!! Great news [in ONE respect] but it meant Trix having to undergo another day like monday, and ANOTHER anaesthetic! Hubby took her the next morning, and he broke his heart on the phone to me, just after having left her in another unfamiliar place, with a load of strange faces :(

Tuesday involved some repeated procedures [same as monday] but with the addition of a catheter biopsy. We couldn't collect Trix til 8pm, that was 13 long stressful hours for her :( When she got home [after the hour long drive] she was exhausted. We felt so bad for having to put her through all that stress. It took her hours to settle and she seemed to be fighting the sleep - probably due to her wondering where she might be the NEXT time she woke.

The end result of her second day of tests was [sadly] the same as monday's news. The only option they offered [that our vet didn't] was the cystostomy tube. We didn't feel that was a viable option, it would mean 3 days aftercare at Langford and I seriously doubt that Trix would survive the ordeal - she's never been away from us her entire life. Hubby and I realised that if we took the decision to have the tube fitted, we'd be doing it for our OWN sakes rather than for Trixie's. Instead we've opted for medical therapy.

I thank God [and Google] I found this forum! If I hadn't I wouldn't have discovered the vast amount I have [so far] about this cruel disease.

My vet wanted to treat Trix with Metacam [Meloxicam] and Trix HAS been on this since Tuesday. But thanks to all the info here Trix is being switched to Piroxicam on sunday [with a full 24hr period between the 2 NSAI's when she'll receive an opiate painkilling injection at the vets] She'll be taking ANTEPSIN [Sucralfate] one hr before piroxi, to protect her gut. She's also just started a new 7 day course of antibiotic - MARBOCYL. And tomorrow I'm expecting a bottle of GRAVIOLA tincture but I have no idea how much to give her each day? Can anyone help? She weighs 8 kg exactly. Once she's a few days into the Piroxicam and only if there are NO tummy troubles resulting from that I'm going to switch her diet [over 4-5 days] to Hills Prescription N/D canned food. I've got her some Muller Vitality pre/pro biotic, and omega 3 drinks - she LOVES licking yoghurt tops so I hope she likes these!!

Is there anything else I can do? My theory is to tackle this evil disease from as many angles as possible, so any other avenues I could explore, I would love to know about.

Thinking of ALL of you who are going through a similar trauma in your lives.

Love, good wishes, prayers and {{{{{{{positive hEaLiNg vibes}}}}}}} to each and every one of you and your loved ones.....

Jaq x

PS. sorry this post is so long - but thanks for reading :o)

On 8/3/2007 trixiesmum wrote:

My dearest, most faithful friend of 16 years Trixie has TCC, she has a tumour in her urethra.

She was diagnosed on monday july 30th after a week on synulox for a possible UTI, but 5 days into the course she was still straining to 'go' and in and out to the garden repeatedly in sessions of 1 and a half to [sometimes] 2 hours at a time. Me and my husband felt so useless as there was little we could do to distract or console her.

On the day she was diagnosed she'd spent 10 hours at the vets, she underwent an anaesthetic, had x-rays taken, including a contrast x-ray. Also an ACTH test for cushings [Trixie's alkaline phosphatase levels had gone from 550 in feb 07 to 1053 in july] A grueling day in the life of any animal and a HUGE ordeal for a nervous 16 year old girl I think. At 14:30 I got a call from our vet, telling me the news i'd been dreading, a rectal examination by the vet had revealed a structure [3cm x 1cm] ON Trixie's urethra. Hilary [our vet] told me that in this location it was in-operable. She then floored me with the suggestion that it might be kinder to euthanase Trix whilst she was still under the anaesthetic. I told her no, I couldn't do that. I just felt that there HAD to be something we could do to extend her life [as long as there was QUALITY of life] for as long as possible. I'd also TOLD Trix the morning before hubby set off with her to the vets that I'd see her later......how could I let her go and not keep my word? When she came home she was crying and whimpering and [quite rightly] feeling very woeful, she was coughing a little too [from the tube they inserted into her throat] her chest still sounds a little 'wheezy' days later - has anyone else noticed this?

Fortunately we have a university vets school [Langford] near us, and my vet agreed to refer Trixie [but told me there could be a waiting list] she phoned me later having made an appointment for the next DAY!!!! Great news [in ONE respect] but it meant Trix having to undergo another day like monday, and ANOTHER anaesthetic! Hubby took her the next morning, and he broke his heart on the phone to me, just after having left her in another unfamiliar place, with a load of strange faces :(

Tuesday involved some repeated procedures [same as monday] but with the addition of a catheter biopsy. We couldn't collect Trix til 8pm, that was 13 long stressful hours for her :( When she got home [after the hour long drive] she was exhausted. We felt so bad for having to put her through all that stress. It took her hours to settle and she seemed to be fighting the sleep - probably due to her wondering where she might be the NEXT time she woke.

The end result of her second day of tests was [sadly] the same as monday's news. The only option they offered [that our vet didn't] was the cystostomy tube. We didn't feel that was a viable option, it would mean 3 days aftercare at Langford and I seriously doubt that Trix would survive the ordeal - she's never been away from us her entire life. Hubby and I realised that if we took the decision to have the tube fitted, we'd be doing it for our OWN sakes rather than for Trixie's. Instead we've opted for medical therapy.

I thank God [and Google] I found this forum! If I hadn't I wouldn't have discovered the vast amount I have [so far] about this cruel disease.

My vet wanted to treat Trix with Metacam [Meloxicam] and Trix HAS been on this since Tuesday. But thanks to all the info here Trix is being switched to Piroxicam on sunday [with a full 24hr period between the 2 NSAI's when she'll receive an opiate painkilling injection at the vets] She'll be taking ANTEPSIN [Sucralfate] one hr before piroxi, to protect her gut. She's also just started a new 7 day course of antibiotic - MARBOCYL. And tomorrow I'm expecting a bottle of GRAVIOLA tincture but I have no idea how much to give her each day? Can anyone help? She weighs 8 kg exactly. Once she's a few days into the Piroxicam and only if there are NO tummy troubles resulting from that I'm going to switch her diet [over 4-5 days] to Hills Prescription N/D canned food. I've got her some Muller Vitality pre/pro biotic, and omega 3 drinks - she LOVES licking yoghurt tops so I hope she likes these!!

Is there anything else I can do? My theory is to tackle this evil disease from as many angles as possible, so any other avenues I could explore, I would love to know about.

Thinking of ALL of you who are going through a similar trauma in your lives.

Love, good wishes, prayers and {{{{{{{positive hEaLiNg vibes}}}}}}} to each and every one of you and your loved ones.....

Jaq x

PS. sorry this post is so long - but thanks for reading :o)

 

Hi Jaq x,

I am sorry to hear that your dog is sick. If this is of any consolation to you, be thankful that it is not your husband, your child, your parent, your human friend, or yourself who is stricken with cancer like the rest of us in this forum.

I hope trixie will bounce back to health soon.

On 8/3/2007 leszanog wrote:

 

On 8/3/2007 trixiesmum wrote:

My dearest, most faithful friend of 16 years Trixie has TCC, she has a tumour in her urethra.

She was diagnosed on monday july 30th after a week on synulox for a possible UTI, but 5 days into the course she was still straining to 'go' and in and out to the garden repeatedly in sessions of 1 and a half to [sometimes] 2 hours at a time. Me and my husband felt so useless as there was little we could do to distract or console her.

On the day she was diagnosed she'd spent 10 hours at the vets, she underwent an anaesthetic, had x-rays taken, including a contrast x-ray. Also an ACTH test for cushings [Trixie's alkaline phosphatase levels had gone from 550 in feb 07 to 1053 in july] A grueling day in the life of any animal and a HUGE ordeal for a nervous 16 year old girl I think. At 14:30 I got a call from our vet, telling me the news i'd been dreading, a rectal examination by the vet had revealed a structure [3cm x 1cm] ON Trixie's urethra. Hilary [our vet] told me that in this location it was in-operable. She then floored me with the suggestion that it might be kinder to euthanase Trix whilst she was still under the anaesthetic. I told her no, I couldn't do that. I just felt that there HAD to be something we could do to extend her life [as long as there was QUALITY of life] for as long as possible. I'd also TOLD Trix the morning before hubby set off with her to the vets that I'd see her later......how could I let her go and not keep my word? When she came home she was crying and whimpering and [quite rightly] feeling very woeful, she was coughing a little too [from the tube they inserted into her throat] her chest still sounds a little 'wheezy' days later - has anyone else noticed this?

Fortunately we have a university vets school [Langford] near us, and my vet agreed to refer Trixie [but told me there could be a waiting list] she phoned me later having made an appointment for the next DAY!!!! Great news [in ONE respect] but it meant Trix having to undergo another day like monday, and ANOTHER anaesthetic! Hubby took her the next morning, and he broke his heart on the phone to me, just after having left her in another unfamiliar place, with a load of strange faces :(

Tuesday involved some repeated procedures [same as monday] but with the addition of a catheter biopsy. We couldn't collect Trix til 8pm, that was 13 long stressful hours for her :( When she got home [after the hour long drive] she was exhausted. We felt so bad for having to put her through all that stress. It took her hours to settle and she seemed to be fighting the sleep - probably due to her wondering where she might be the NEXT time she woke.

The end result of her second day of tests was [sadly] the same as monday's news. The only option they offered [that our vet didn't] was the cystostomy tube. We didn't feel that was a viable option, it would mean 3 days aftercare at Langford and I seriously doubt that Trix would survive the ordeal - she's never been away from us her entire life. Hubby and I realised that if we took the decision to have the tube fitted, we'd be doing it for our OWN sakes rather than for Trixie's. Instead we've opted for medical therapy.

I thank God [and Google] I found this forum! If I hadn't I wouldn't have discovered the vast amount I have [so far] about this cruel disease.

My vet wanted to treat Trix with Metacam [Meloxicam] and Trix HAS been on this since Tuesday. But thanks to all the info here Trix is being switched to Piroxicam on sunday [with a full 24hr period between the 2 NSAI's when she'll receive an opiate painkilling injection at the vets] She'll be taking ANTEPSIN [Sucralfate] one hr before piroxi, to protect her gut. She's also just started a new 7 day course of antibiotic - MARBOCYL. And tomorrow I'm expecting a bottle of GRAVIOLA tincture but I have no idea how much to give her each day? Can anyone help? She weighs 8 kg exactly. Once she's a few days into the Piroxicam and only if there are NO tummy troubles resulting from that I'm going to switch her diet [over 4-5 days] to Hills Prescription N/D canned food. I've got her some Muller Vitality pre/pro biotic, and omega 3 drinks - she LOVES licking yoghurt tops so I hope she likes these!!

Is there anything else I can do? My theory is to tackle this evil disease from as many angles as possible, so any other avenues I could explore, I would love to know about.

Thinking of ALL of you who are going through a similar trauma in your lives.

Love, good wishes, prayers and {{{{{{{positive hEaLiNg vibes}}}}}}} to each and every one of you and your loved ones.....

Jaq x

PS. sorry this post is so long - but thanks for reading :o)

 

Hi Jaq x,

I am sorry to hear that your dog is sick. If this is of any consolation to you, be thankful that it is not your husband, your child, your parent, your human friend, or yourself who is stricken with cancer like the rest of us in this forum.

I hope trixie will bounce back to health soon.

Hi Jaq,

I love animals, I have four dogs of my own (all live in the house) and two turkeys.  I put my dog Nikki down about five years ago because she had cancerous tumors all over her.  I know they became like your children and are an important part of your family.  Are you sure she's not suffering.  I don't know what side effects those drugs have but if it's just to keep her alive longer and she's feeling sick don't you think you should let her go.  I feel human life is above that of an animal and if there were no hope at all for me or one of my family members and giving them a treatment to prolong them a couple weeks (or even a year if they had no quality of life) I wouldn't do it to them.

Please make sure she's not suffering!  Let her go even though it will break your heart in two.  I held Nikki at the end while they injected her and it was horrible!....for me, not her.

Good Luck and I'm sorry you have to deal with this.  I'm going to have to go through quite a few times myself but while they're hear they are soooo worth it.

Terry

 

hi i think having a pet is DEFENTITLY like having a human being in your life. i can feel your feelings. sometimes people feel more for there pet becuz of the bond they have. so you have every right to feel the way you do and don't let anyone tell you different. good luck. Sherry

Thanks Sherry,

It's nice of you to take the time and trouble to reply, and it's good to know SOME ppl understand the unbreakable bond that ppl develop with their 4 legged members of the family. Trix has helped me through some life changing difficult times throughout her life and she's BEEN there for me [unlike many of my friends and family] I make no apologies for using this forum, I found it by googling 'TCC' - cancercompass produced many top results, so I came along and found SO many other ppl going through the same ordeal with THEIR dogs that I honestly thought it was a pets forum. If there's any chance of becoming more informed about Trixie's condition on this forum, then I'm naturally going to use it. 

If that upsets anyone, then I'm sorry if this sounds uncaring [cause I'm anything BUT that] TOUGH ! If you're offended by canine posts, just don't READ them.

First of all, I want to send my heartfelt hello to Trixie and her Mum; sorry we had to meet this way.

Next - and I don't know if this is the right place to do this, but here goes: I request that the Administrators of this website consider making a separate area for the canine posts.  This website does too much good to become a place for people to "scratch each other's eyes out", if you will.

Like so many others, I did a web search for canine TCC, which brought me here.  I was so grateful for any information that might help me to help my precious Max.

At first, I too thought it was just a pet site.  Then one time that I was looking around, I realized it was a site for ALL cancers.  That was very powerful for me personally, because my hero, my oldest brother John, died from lung/brain cancer almost 2 years ago.  How I wish we (my entire family) had known of this then!!  I have particularly had difficulty understanding everything that happened to him, because I was in AZ while he was dying in PA.

I share all of this just to say that pain is pain, grief is grief, loss is loss.  Let's not nitpick at each other when we so desperately need support!  I guess what I'm trying to say is a direct quote from my Mom, whose death 19 years ago is still my greatest loss.  She always reminded us that "Different is neither bad nor good - different is simply different."

Different loss, same grief.  Don't think someone else is not in horrible pain because it's their dog who died, and don't think someone else is cold and unfeeling because they don't believe grief over a dog is the same as grief over a human being.  I've had both - more darn times than I want to count!! - and I'm here to say: GRIEF IS GRIEF.  It stinks and we all need any help we can get!!

So, Administrators of this WONDERFUL website, can you consider this request?  It shouldn't be necessary, I know, but perhaps it can keep people focused on what they need - a little help, a little information, a lot of compassion.

With best wishes for strength during your difficult journey,

Cyndy B

On 8/4/2007 Texascyndyb wrote:

First of all, I want to send my heartfelt hello to Trixie and her Mum; sorry we had to meet this way.

Next - and I don't know if this is the right place to do this, but here goes: I request that the Administrators of this website consider making a separate area for the canine posts.  This website does too much good to become a place for people to "scratch each other's eyes out", if you will.

Like so many others, I did a web search for canine TCC, which brought me here.  I was so grateful for any information that might help me to help my precious Max.

At first, I too thought it was just a pet site.  Then one time that I was looking around, I realized it was a site for ALL cancers.  That was very powerful for me personally, because my hero, my oldest brother John, died from lung/brain cancer almost 2 years ago.  How I wish we (my entire family) had known of this then!!  I have particularly had difficulty understanding everything that happened to him, because I was in AZ while he was dying in PA.

I share all of this just to say that pain is pain, grief is grief, loss is loss.  Let's not nitpick at each other when we so desperately need support!  I guess what I'm trying to say is a direct quote from my Mom, whose death 19 years ago is still my greatest loss.  She always reminded us that "Different is neither bad nor good - different is simply different."

Different loss, same grief.  Don't think someone else is not in horrible pain because it's their dog who died, and don't think someone else is cold and unfeeling because they don't believe grief over a dog is the same as grief over a human being.  I've had both - more darn times than I want to count!! - and I'm here to say: GRIEF IS GRIEF.  It stinks and we all need any help we can get!!

So, Administrators of this WONDERFUL website, can you consider this request?  It shouldn't be necessary, I know, but perhaps it can keep people focused on what they need - a little help, a little information, a lot of compassion.

With best wishes for strength during your difficult journey,

Cyndy B

Good for you Cyndy B!!! I second that motion; who has the energy left to argue with other hurting people as to who is feeling more pain? It is a ridiculous argument that no one can win (and really, why would you want to be the one who wins--just proving that you are the most miserable--really now.)

And as for Trixie's mum, good luck to you.  This is all so sudden and new to you, you must be terribly frightened.  I can tell you know your Trixie and I have no doubt that you will do what is best for her.  Fight as long and as hard as you can and give up only when you know it's for the best for your sweet doggie friend.

Marty 

On 8/4/2007 Gentleannie wrote:

 

On 8/4/2007 Texascyndyb wrote:

First of all, I want to send my heartfelt hello to Trixie and her Mum; sorry we had to meet this way.

Next - and I don't know if this is the right place to do this, but here goes: I request that the Administrators of this website consider making a separate area for the canine posts.  This website does too much good to become a place for people to "scratch each other's eyes out", if you will.

Like so many others, I did a web search for canine TCC, which brought me here.  I was so grateful for any information that might help me to help my precious Max.

At first, I too thought it was just a pet site.  Then one time that I was looking around, I realized it was a site for ALL cancers.  That was very powerful for me personally, because my hero, my oldest brother John, died from lung/brain cancer almost 2 years ago.  How I wish we (my entire family) had known of this then!!  I have particularly had difficulty understanding everything that happened to him, because I was in AZ while he was dying in PA.

I share all of this just to say that pain is pain, grief is grief, loss is loss.  Let's not nitpick at each other when we so desperately need support!  I guess what I'm trying to say is a direct quote from my Mom, whose death 19 years ago is still my greatest loss.  She always reminded us that "Different is neither bad nor good - different is simply different."

Different loss, same grief.  Don't think someone else is not in horrible pain because it's their dog who died, and don't think someone else is cold and unfeeling because they don't believe grief over a dog is the same as grief over a human being.  I've had both - more darn times than I want to count!! - and I'm here to say: GRIEF IS GRIEF.  It stinks and we all need any help we can get!!

So, Administrators of this WONDERFUL website, can you consider this request?  It shouldn't be necessary, I know, but perhaps it can keep people focused on what they need - a little help, a little information, a lot of compassion.

With best wishes for strength during your difficult journey,

Cyndy B

Good for you Cyndy B!!! I second that motion; who has the energy left to argue with other hurting people as to who is feeling more pain? It is a ridiculous argument that no one can win (and really, why would you want to be the one who wins--just proving that you are the most miserable--really now.)

And as for Trixie's mum, good luck to you.  This is all so sudden and new to you, you must be terribly frightened.  I can tell you know your Trixie and I have no doubt that you will do what is best for her.  Fight as long and as hard as you can and give up only when you know it's for the best for your sweet doggie friend.

Marty 

 

 I completely agree with you both Cindy and Marty - surely we're all here for the good of our respective loved ones - human or animal. A dedicated doggie area would be perfect.

An update on Trix - she's had a very bad day today, another trip to the vet [though thankfully just a short visit] for an opiate based pain killing injection [to get ther though the 24 hr period during the trasistion from metacam to piroxicam] too bad our usual vet wasn't there and the one who gave Trix her jab failed to warn us that dogs defecate following an opiate injection - my poor little girl threw up in the car on her way home and defecated straight afterwards. She's not eaten much all day which is a major worry as she's meant to be starting the piroxicam tmrw :( I've just found out that opiates supress the appetite - great! I have managed to coax her into eating about a cupfull of cooked lean mined steak.

In hindsight I think Trix wouldn't been better off going through the 24 hrs without this injection. 

To Trixiesmum,owner of Jack Russell Terrier,

If you go to www.allvita.net,the dosages for Graviola for pets is listed on

the website.HOPE THIS HELPS.

Susie Q

It is with great sadness and with a broken heart that I have to tell everyone here on the msg board that Trixie lost her short battle with TCC on august 28th. We were so blessed to have her in our lives for her entire 16 years. Those years have just flown by so fast, it seems like yesterday that I first laid eyes on a gorgeous little jack russell pup and fell hopelessly in love. She was a truly loved member of our family and all the love she received from us she returned ten fold. Her passing [just 4 weeks and one day after diagnosis] has left a huge empty space in our lives that can never be filled. Trix was a one of a kind beautiful soul - as FAR from a typical JRT as you could ever get - she loved everyone [human or 4 legged furry] and loved to sit on the lawn watching our rabbits hopping around, greeting them with a nose-to-nose "Hi" or giving their ears a friendly lick when ever they'd hop up to her to say hello. She [and my husband and myself] were fortunate in that throughout her life, she never suffered any health problems until the last month of her life. For that - we thank God.

My heart aches to hold her just one more time, if only for a brief moment, but in truth if I could hold her from now til the end of my time on earth it wouldn't be long enough. I know one day she and I will be together once more for eternity. I miss her so badly.

Thanks to everyone on this board, not only those who replied to my posts, but to EVERYone without exception, for sharing and caring. May you all find strength and much support from, and FOR each other. God bless x

Jaq - Trixie's Mum