Eating Less Panting After Eating

[Guest gordysmom96]

It's been one month since I've written about our 11 yr old Deedee who was dx'd with thyroid cancer in January. For several months she been a picky eater. I wrote about this in another post "Picky eater & cancer". However, since last week, she's been eating much less. When she does consume food, I.e. this evening it a few pieces of BBQ chicken, few pieces of scrambled egg, and mostly PB on bread, she would start panting. She tummy gurgles. She gets 2 Pepcid daily along with daily meds (Chlorambucil, fish oil 3x/daily mail Pentoxifylline 3x/daily, 38 mg Deramaxx, and Tramadol 2 X/daily Prn. Oh, and the gas..... Chlorambucil can cause severe GI distress and damage, according to a few med descriptor sheets. I'm ready to stop it and observe if things improve.

 

Obviously, she's consuming more meds than food. I'm at a crossroads with her. Her quality of life has diminished. Few walkies and if so, they're very short. She has a few corms that are really bothersome, but they do get dremeled.

 

Off to the vet again for another eval or end of life decision? What's even more difficult is that my husband & I return to school Monday which will be a schedule change.

 

.....she's not panting now.......

[Houndtime]

I am so sad to read this. Your girl could be in distress. I have no advice just to wish you and her all the best for more good days.

[Guest Roux]

Deedee's problems are not something I have experienced, or can help with. Just wanted to send my concern and best thoughts for you to find the right answers. Hugs.

[Time4ANap]

Sounds like eating is causing some distress. You might try feeding her more times per day but just a little bit of food each time to go a little easier on her tummy. I've recently had to go to 3 smaller feedings a day for Rocket who will be 11 soon. His digestive system seems to work better with smaller meals more times per day.

 

I'm sorry that you are coming to a point where you may have to make a decision, I hope you have much more time together.

[Charla]

My old man Carl age 14 years and 4 months does a lot better on three smaller meals a day. Near the end of her life Gracie Rose ate a little every 4 hours or so, she was still my silly happy girl , but she was just uncomfortable with 2 larger meals.

Edited August 20, 2016 by Charla

[Guest gordysmom96]

I thought I'd write an update about Miss Deedee. She's been eating regularly since I discontinued the Chlorambucil chemo oral drug early August. Her energy level and appetite increased and she went back to eating raw. Now, this week is a different story: she won't eat her chicken necks and since she got a taste of leftover grilled hamburger I've had to nuke turkey burger which normally would be eaten raw. No complaints has she's been eating. However, this evening and last evening/overnight, she was in regular panting spates in which case I was awake multiple times last night concerned about her. I think her digestive tract is off balance. I gVe her Tramadol this evening b/c she appeared to be in distress.

 

She does have an apt with the oncologist tomorrow for blood work & a chest X-ray. I'll inquire about the panting, but figure he'll suggest she see a GI specialist. More $$$.

 

She gets 2 probiotics (Mito-Max) per day, when I remember. Other than turkey or chicken necks, she eats dehydrated turkey heart & lamb lung treats, and good quality biscuits (Blue Dog) and venison Bologna. Maybe it's too many things and/or she eats 2 main meals per day. I must say, she did scarf down the turkey this evening.....she was ravenous. Thoughts?