Doc's medical thread

[Traci]

Well, it should also be considered that nodules appearing on the spleen and liver can also be present as signs of normal aging (even after chemo). Other causes could be lipids or fatty deposits (usually no concern unless fatty liver problems).

By protocol, I mean combination of chemo agents. For example, the COP protocol (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone), or, COP plus doxorubicin, or other combinations. In dogs (for hemangiosarcoma), a typical protocol might be vincristine, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, or just the latter two. Sometimes these combinations can be 3 agents, or 2 agents, or just 1 agent.

Likewise for cats, doxorubicin alone or combined with cyclophosphamide (for hemangiosarcoma). I think it's a good plan with just the doxorubicin at this point.

I hate cerenia for cats, although many vets are using it (to avoid or control vomiting). I'm not against it in this case, particularly since we want to prevent as much nausea as possible and of course, prevent vomiting. Just be extra aware when you're monitoring Doc after chemo sessions, for anything that seems off. The benedryl could very well make Doc sleepy, so if you ever feel he is a little too sleepy, just run it by your vet to ensure the dose is fine or may need to be adjusted next time.

I mentioned in my PM to you about the liver enzymes, just want to also mention it would be a good idea for another full chem profile in the future to also check kidney function, your onco will determine when, since it is usually between the 5th or 6th chemo dose that one wants to follow up again with a chem profile (or sooner, depends on the pet's health progress, and the vet's particular preference). A urinalysis would also be a good idea.

Doc is a trooper, and he is obviously very strong, having been through so much, I am so hopeful! Please give him gentle hugs for us!

[Tina B and crew]

They do just doxorubicin. Doc's had cerenia before and never had any adverse reactions. I'm keeping a very close eye on him after. Thankfully he only goes ever three weeks.

He was back to his old normal self yesterday evening. I was playing with him with a feather toy and he was all over the place! He was leaping and pouncing and bright eyed. He's taken to hiding in between two pieces of furniture in the bedroom and waiting in ambush for me when I come out of the bathroom. Last night when I was ready to go to bed I was trying to get him into the bathroom with treats. Nope...wouldn't work. And when I decided to go pick him up and carry him in he bolted and hid in his little spot. Poor guy. I know he's tired of being in there overnight but right now it's the only option I have. My mom is still being rather contrary about almost everything, including Doc.

[Traci]

Awww, it's so good to hear he is playful and getting his energy back!

[Tina B and crew]

New pictures in Debbie's Cloud!

[Tina B and crew]

We had our first vomiting since the day he first got sick this morning. Not a lot, just a little bit of food after he ate. He seems to feel OK so I was wondering if he had some fur or something. But I can tell you when I heard him I freaked because I got flashbacks of that day he got sick.

Edited to add: On a positive note he ate again and seems to be doing fine. He just had quite a play session along side Chunk that tells me as soon as that e-tube is removed he is going to be unstoppable!

[Traci]

Try not to worry, Tina, it may have been nothing at all. Just keep an eye on him, and log what he's eating/how much.

What was in the vomitus? Was it undigested food or partially digested?

[Tina B and crew]

Hard to say whether it was partially digested or not. It was not nearly as undigested as what he threw up that day he got sick and once he got it out he was fine.

[Traci]

Not trying to over-analyze this, but was the food canned or dry? And he has kept his second meal down, right? His second meal canned or dry like his first?

[Tina B and crew]

He has been eating dry. Yes, he has kept the second meal down as well as several treats with no incidence.

[Traci]

Ok, hopefully he'll be just fine. Hope he doesn't stress while you're gone, maybe call home and make sure all is ok?