Caninecancer.org.au

I'm on the east coast, south of Boston. On 3/16/15, I had taken my 8 yr old Labrador to the vet due to very red eyes, lethargia, bloated belly, no appetite, panting and diarrhea. After intravenous antibiotics and broad spectrum blood work, the vet's diagnosis was a possible infection with symptoms of a high fever, swollen lymph nodes and enlarged liver and spleen. The vet said an ultrasound and biopsy was needed to determine cancer. After these tests were performed, lymphoma was the final diagnosis. My lab has her first oncologist appointment this coming Tuesday morning. Until then, my lab isn't doing well. Its really cold here still in New England, and yet, my lab wants to stay outside laying on the back deck. She seems to be having a hard time having a bowel movement. She has been on antibiotics and anti-nausea meds, and I understand that can cause constipation and/or diarrhea, but what can be done to keep her comfortable besides turning the down the heat in the house and keep her from needing to lay outside in the cold? And, if she's this uncomfortable now, wouldn't it just be worse starting her on chemotherapy/prednisone treatments?

I'm sorry to hear your Lab has lymphoma, and doubly so that she's feeling sick. Prednisone probably would make her feel better, BUT it may interfere with tests the oncologist will need to run. My advice would be to contact the oncologist's practice and explain that your dog is ill on the off chance you can be seen earlier OR that they might advise it safe to start the prednisone. The good news is that once treatment starts she should improve very quickly, often within 48-72 hours. The bottom line is the sooner she starts treatment the sooner she can feel well again.

_________________
_______________
Dr Ken Wyatt BSc BVMS FANZCVS
Specialist Veterinary Oncologist
Perth Veterinary Oncology