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Harley has been coughing today

4K views 21 replies 9 participants last post by  Buddy's mom forever 
#1 ·
I think today we turned the corner. I took Harley to the vet today for more bloodwork to rule out any possible tick-related disease (his platelets had dropped to 42,000 last week). I have a feeling the test will be negative but thought I might as well do some testing as long as it is not invasive. He just seemed stressed from the visit and this afternoon has had a few episodes of coughing – it seems when he gets up from a lying down position. He has tumors on both lungs (about 10 cm each) that are on the peripheral which has allowed him to be really symptom free for so many months.
The lung tumors were discovered the end of May when he was scheduled for an amputation so I knew the day was coming but it kind of sneaked up on me. I am supposed to pick up a prescription of doxycylin (?) in the event the low platelets are caused by a tick related disease but in light of this afternoon's development, I'm not sure giving him something that might upset his stomach is the right thing to do.
I've put together a rather lengthy medical history leading up to his cancer diagnosis at http://myharley…..pawds.com/
 
#2 ·
KathyL

KathyL

I am sorry that Harley is coughing and sorry to hear about the tumors.
Does the vet think you should give him the doxy?

I just read your Blog and Harley is GORGEOUS!! How old is Harley?
Bumping this up-hoping a vet or someone with more knowledge will reply!!
 
#3 ·
The oncologist prescribed the doxycylin to begin him on antibiotics while waiting for the tests to come back on tick-related diseases. the coughing is from the lung tumors. I think the platelets are cancer related and that there is further metastsis.

Harley is a rescue and is probably about 8 1/2 yrs -- too young
 
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#5 ·
Dogs seem to tolerate doxycycline better than people do... Good luck!
 
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#7 ·
Sending prayers for Harley.
 
#11 ·
I'm almost afraid if I say Harley seems better I will jinx it, but he has not been coughing like he did last thursday. He started the doxycyline last Friday and is tolerating it. The first time I gave him the doxycycline he chucked it up about a half hour later so now I give him the Peptic AC first, then his food, then the doxy and that seems to work. The antibiotics are in case he has a tick born disease (which I pretty much doubt) but you never know. I should get the results of the bloodworks tomorrow or Wednesday. I'm not real sure what the next step would be regarding Harley's low platelets. I'm just taking one step at a time right now and a little worried that I cannot address the cancer right now. It seems like we take a step forward and then something comes along and kicks us back again. Cancer doesn't play fair!

Lauren, how is Penny doing? did she wear her Halloween costume? I haven't been through the forum in a day or two.
 
#12 ·
Sending healing vibes and prayers for sweet Harley.
 
#13 ·
So sorry to hear your story about Harley, and I hope all turns out well and you have much more time with him. I read your blog and Harley is beautiful. I have 4 goldens and my oldest Bridgett also have 2 tumors in her lungs. We believe it's mets from a mammary tumor. Similiar to your story the day we took her in to have the mammary tumor removed (they didn't think it was cancerous) they called me to let me know that there was the masses found in her lungs and before surgery and and there was no point in doing the surgery. I was heartbroken. This was in Jan. 2012 and 10 months later she is doing great with only one episode of coughing. Please read my blog which I need to update. But I have been so busy just enjoying her. Hoping to celebrate her 10 birhtday in January along with celebrating a whole year fighting and winning the battle. I was told I only had about 4 months with her and it has now been 10. I wish you all the love and luck in the world to keep your precious Harley comfy and happy. Essiac tea, turmeric and Flaxseed oil and cottage cheese has been the only thing I have done. www.goldenretrievercancer.blogspot.com Keep us posted.
 
#15 ·
Sorry poor Harley has an upset stomach. We have been giving Penny peptic AC as well. It seems to help. I hope he feels better, and that the test results come back good. Penny did wear her costume, thank you for asking! I posted some pictures on her thread. She is feeling a little bit better. Has an appointment tomorrow for a check up.
 
#18 ·
Praying for sweet Harley. Good luck tomorrow.
 
#19 ·
Harley completed the two weeks of doxycycline and I took him in yesterday (11/08) to recheck platelets. The results showed that the platelets have dropped to 30,000. He has another appt next week and I hope he has some options. I've read prednisone is often given and brings the platelets back up quickly, then the prednisone is tapered off. He is eating well and happy maybe just a little more tired than usual.
 
#20 ·
Prayers for better count next week. There must be something to help Harley.
 
#22 ·
Happy Thanksgiving Kathy and Harley, I wish you all the best!
 
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