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/

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!!

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[IMG]http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii215

Tonka & Tucker

SNOBEAR at the Bridge
Dec. 23, 1999-March 27, 2010


SMOOCH at the Bridge.
Feb. 14, 1999-Dec. 7, 2010

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

Kathy

Harley is such a beautiful boy! I will pray for him and you.

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Tonka & Tucker

SNOBEAR at the Bridge
Dec. 23, 1999-March 27, 2010


SMOOCH at the Bridge.
Feb. 14, 1999-Dec. 7, 2010

Dogs seem to tolerate doxycycline better than people do... Good luck!

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Janice and The Celebration Gang -
"Samantha, George, Tiki, Emily, Mick and Basil" Gone but not forgotten, Sally(Windjammer's Ima Country Girl CDX CGC), Laney(Mandell Marlenes Celebration UD RA CGC), and Cookie(Starseeker's Kissmas Cookie CDX RE CGC).

Sending positive thoughts for Harley's treatment.

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Lauren, Penny, and Luna!

Sending prayers for Harley.

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9 & half short years in my life but forever in my heart http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...-my-buddy.html
"He took my heart and ran with it, and I hope he's running still, fast and strong, a piece of my heart bound up with his forever" - Patricia McConnell

Charlie could watch birds for hours and I could watch Charlie for hours too http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...n-morning.html

How is Harley doing today?

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Lauren, Penny, and Luna!

I hope Harley is doing better and the coughing was just a fluke.

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Copper's Mom (always)
Gotcha 10/2004 - lost ya 10/2010

You have been through so much! This must be so hard to witness
My thoughts best wishes and prayers are with you!
May you turn another corner that puts you back on a positive path.