I thought I'd start a thread here for Jasmine updates.
Her other thread is here:
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=33790So, since getting her xray results on Tuesday verifying that Jazzy has multiple metastatic tumors crowding her thoracic cavity, we have changed her meds to prednisone, gabapentin and tramadol. She is also on a cough suppressant on an as-needed basis.
Her coughing is very infrequent which is good. The tumors crowding on her lungs and trachea can cause her to feel like she needs to cough to clear her throat. This mostly happens when she drinks water or when we lift her.
She hops along on three legs since her leg started giving out in May. We have never been able to diagnose the problem, but it seems to be some sort of nerve damage. In all of her xrays, the leg and bone looks normal, so osteosarcoma in that leg was basically ruled out as a primary cancer. Even though she really doesn't use the leg, she does have some control over it and will use it to steady herself when necessary.
Her breathing is not good, but it amazes me that her lungs can inflate at all due to all the masses. The doctor said she really couldn't hear a heartbeat due to the clutter. Her breathing *seems* to have improved slightly this week, but I may be imagining it.
So, since being on 20mg/day of prednisone, her appetite has returned. She mostly wants to eat junk, but that's ok. She has resumed begging for food. Mighty Dog and canned Alpo are our friends lately-- although the gas is unwelcome!!!! Peeeeeeeew!
Jasmine had a little playful streak last night where she grabbed a 2L bottle to chew on in her bed and then later got up to shake her hedgehog around for a minute. She's been lazing around most of the day, but got very happy and vocal when her daddy got home. She dances for us and barks until we come in to the TV room to see her.
She's sectioned off from the other dogs by a baby gate most of the time. Any time they're in a group, the young ones will pick on her. Sid and Shades are allowed time one on one in the TV room, but she's scared of Piper so he stays out.
We've been letting her sleep in bed between us at night, but unfortunately the meds occasionally make her wet the bed when she's sleeping... small price to pay, imo.