Mira, 7yr old Husky - Cushings ruled out; liver cancer (Mira has passed)

[Altira]

And here we go, the next terrifing round has begun! Shes panting now constant for the thirty minutes. 168 breaths per minute. Is she in distress? It's getting louder. I'm starting to sound just like her.

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Janis,

I assume you are home with her now? Did the vet tell you anything to watch for, anything to call or bring her back for? Any meds to help?

It does sound as if she is in distress, whether from the stress of the day or the liver, I cannot say. It could also be pain I would think.

Hold her and love her all you can. Someone is on the site at all times so talk if you need to.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[lulusmom]

Janis,

Normal breaths per minute is usually not more than 20. At 168 per minute, I'd be worried too. It's been about an hour and a half since you posted. How is she doing now? If not better, I would suggest that you try to reach your vet or call an er and explain what is happening.

[Altira]

God she seemed fine at the clinic. We went for a walk and everything. I just feed her a half a pound of cooked hamberger. I asked if i could feed her anything now with in reason. Anything she might like. She said ok. I figured as much. What does it matter now? I hope so much that i get to take her on a few walks agian. She loves it so. Cancer has taken over her liver and half of one lung. Now it's 20 breaths per minute. She said the reason I could see her heart pounding was because the tumor is pressing her heart against her ribs. I swear it just starting doing that a few days ago. Did it grow that fast? The cough is also from the tumor in her chest. I can't believe this!! I had no idea. Just too weeks ago I thought all was fine. Now?

They said they might be able tell me the type tomorrow. And I supose how much time she has left. A month? A week?

Yes I have pain meds that we can use pretty freely. How do I know if she's in pain? This is going to kill me. She wants me to go back to the original vet. I dnt want to go back there ever!!!

The original vet called and said... good news it's not Cushing's! Well $@, +#€?=*%, Sh@t! Or however that goes. Sorry mom.

I think she is asleep now. From here I can see where they shaved her tummy and the spot where poked it. God just under that pink belly lies the most dreadful thing ever. It's eating up my baby girl!

[Altira]

She just woke up and rolled over on her back. One paw moved oddly. Breaths slow down and speed up. Nothing like it was. I think my breathing is far worse right now. The worst day in my life. I was happier at the clinic. Me Mira on the floor in a room by ourselfs. Vets right there. I could relax and tease her and tell her I love her. This maybe the longest night of my life. This is just the begining of the nightmare. One i thought god would never put me thru. Only one other thing could have been worse. If she were hit by a car or just suddenly die. And not get to say goodbye. You know I have a gate alarm. If the gate is open the alarm goes off in the house. A hour ago it was 10:40 now it's 10:45. I want go to her and pet her. But she is sleeping she needs to sleep. I am terrified. Will I put her to sleep too soon? Will I wait too long? This one is number 4. Does ... Oh hell I can't say it. She's just a little girl. Only seven. She got robbed. She.

[Altira]

Would you do chemo?

[lulusmom]

Janis,

I personally would consider chemo if it would extend my dog's life. Unlike people, dogs don't get sick from chemo. My brother's dog has had two sessions and he never appeared to be sick. Was the vet that diagnosed the liver cancer an internal medicine specialist?

[Altira]

$1,600 for today. They did a lot. Do you believe they shaved her and did the u/s with her wide awake. My little screamer made not a sound

[lulusmom]

Was this a specialty clinic? Did the vet who diagnosed the liver cancer suggest that you speak to an oncologist?

[Altira]

Shenandoah Diehl DVM DACVECO

She was wonderful. Yes I believe she mentioned a specialist. I recorded our first conversation after the ultrasound. After that it all seemed useless. I'm not sure there is much hope. Im not sure it can help. I cant believe it's so bad. I can't believe she lived with it this long. I can't believe I didn't get a blood test on her before now.

You know the treat trick? When you fear a dog is ill you offer a treat. If he dashes for it and eats it with gusto then you know all is well.

I just tried that on Mira. She did well.

You know all of Mira's other organs are in good shape. Her liver looks like liver and tumor ground up together. She said there is enough good spots to keep it working