Coughing...

[Guest wholovesskunks]

Lenny has been coughing all night. It's a very deep throaty cough and I'm guessing it's because the cancer has made it to the lungs. He used to get this cough occasionally but I figure this is part of it and not related to anything like he had in the past. I could be wrong but it's just odd timing. He's still eating like a pig, playing, running in the backyard, and doesn't seem to be in any pain but I am doing the Tramadol and Medacam. Since I've never done this before I am not sure what I should be looking for. Our doctor said his appetite will decrease as this progresses and at this point he is chomping away.

 

I don't want to analyze every little thing Lenny does but I wondered if anyone else has had coughing. I'm sorry to be such a pain and to be asking all these questions but I don't really know where else to go. or who to ask.

 

Thank you in advance for your responses!

[Guest IrskasMom]

You are on the right Place to ask Question and all this compassionate People here will help you to get through it.I am sad , that Lenny has OS.I would say , the cough is related. OS is a very aggresive Cancer and it could be in his Lungs by now.Please take Lenny to the Vet for XRays.He can tell you for sure.Please keep us posted..My Heart goes out to you. .

[TheFullHouse]

I'd definitely have his lungs x-rayed. That will tell you for sure.

[Batmom]

Could equally well be that he picked up a virus such as kennel cough during one of his vet visits. Quick x-ray would tell you. Fingers crossed.

[Guest wholovesskunks]

I have an appointment already for Thursday since that's the first day my vet will be back from the NVAC conference. I'll ask her today (We are sharing a room tonight at the conference in Orlando) what to do in the meantime about the cough. So far this morning I haven't heard him cough yet.

 

This is going to be a long journey and I thank each and everyone of you that is allowing me to share it with you!

[Guest Greytluv]

:grouphug

[Guest Energy11]

Sorry to hear about Lenny's cough. More than likely, it is related. Our Max, who had OS, also had a cough later into his diagnosis. Just give him lots of love, and be sure his pain is well-controlled. Sending you tons of love and prayers from the N. Ga. Mountains.

 

 

[Guest TBSFlame]

 

I don't want to analyze every little thing Lenny does but I wondered if anyone else has had coughing. I'm sorry to be such a pain and to be asking all these questions but I don't really know where else to go. or who to ask.

 

Thank you in advance for your responses!

 

 

It is difficult not to analyse every thing Lenny does. It is good news that Lenny still wants to play. You can always do another x-ray to see how the lungs look. If he has coughed in the past it may not be related to the osteo...or it maybe. He Lenny is still eating and playing he must feel okay. You will know when he doesn't.

[Charlies_Dad]

I agree with others, it is likely related however one will not know for sure until the X-rays. Good thoughts for Lenny. Give him plenty of love and a special hug for me.

[Devotion]

IMO I doubt it's the osteo. I've been down the osteo road more than several times. I've dealt with lung mets in one before I even knew he had cancer. He coughed sporadically and mainly when he was exerting himself. His cough didn't just start suddenly where he coughed a lot and only at night as you said. I know it's not easy but try to relax and enjoy the time you have. I think you have much more time. And remember, Lenny lives in the now.

[Guest TaraCoachCougar]

I asked our cancer vet what to look for if Cougar's cancer presents itself again (hemangiosarcoma so it's very likely to spread however we have done IV chemo and he has taken a chemo pill since). He down played the coughing and said we would see the loss in appetite and that his stomach may become distended.

 

As horrible as the road is going to be, just having people on here that will listen to you when you freak out along the journey will be a big help.

[Jackandgrey]

I wouldn't worry about lung mets. The issue with your Lenny will be pain control long before lung issues IMO. Also Jack ate like a pig till the day he died. There was certainly never any loss of appetite. Lung metastases is usually only an issue with those hound who have undergone amp and chemo.

[fourofem]

It probably has something to do with it. The way I figure it is if he's comfortable and eating, the drugs are working and he's okay. With Lewis, I had three or four sets of chest xrays done on him but the trips to the vet stressed him out so bad, I didn't push it at the end. He ate like a horse right up to the morning of March 11...the day he went to heaven. He didn't really start coughing but I could tell the few days prior that his breating was labored. It's tough but you'll do what's right.