Friday, February 7, 2014

A Few Fun Photos and a Phantom Update



We got almost a foot of snow on Tuesday/Wednesday - 11.9 inches to be precise.  We loved the snow even if it was a bit on the cold side.  Because of the frigid temps, Mom didn't do too much outdoor photo-taking, but we think you can tell from these photos how much fun we had.


Time for a power nap so we can get back out in the snow.




Our kitty pals at The Pouponette have this dangle thing they do with their feet and tails, but Lightning has perfected the head dangle:)



Another one dozing soundly.  But no, he wasn't frolicking in the snow.  He loves the snow, but the cold was too much for him this time.  More on Phantom in a bit.



Hey, Sleepyhead, isn't it about time to head back out?




I don't care if Ciara isn't ready to join me, I want OUT, Mom.




C'mon, Mom - I'm doing that SIT thing - open the door. 





Anyone want to join me??? 


And now Phantom update time.






Look at me, no more cone, and no silly bandage on my tail.  Let me show you a couple of pics of the bare spot on my tail.  If you are at all squeamish, you might want to zip right on by the next two photos.






This is what things looked like when the bandage came off 48 hours after my mini-surgery.  This is on the topside of my tail way up near where my tail joins my body.  My poor floofy plume!  On the left side you see the stitches from where the nice vet removed the bleeding tumor, and on the right is the tumor he left.  If you look closely, you can see that there is another tiny one starting to sprout right near where my fur is still intact.



And here is how it looks now after I got my stitches removed on Wednesday.  It has healed nicely.  The reason the vet hasn't removed the other bad "C" lumps is because the base of the bigger one is bigger than the one he removed and lower on my tail.  My tail tapers down to a very skinny cord pretty quickly.  He is worried that he will have to make such a large hole to remove the full tumor that he won't be able to close the skin properly.  So for now we are just going to leave it there.  Mom is just hoping it doesn't burst.



So that's the scoop on my tail.  Now for my meds.  After switching me from the deramaxx to the tramadol and Marin because of the very negative effect on my liver, I stopped eating.  Mom says I am not a very good eater anyway, but I just didn't want anything and was doing some upchucking too.  At first she thought it was either the tramadol or the Marin.  The vet wasn't convinced, but she told Mom to go back to the deramaxx for a few days and see if my eating picked up.  It did a bit so Mom and the vet decided to go with it for a week.  If I was doing OK, then we would switch again to the tramadol, without the Marin, and see what happened.  And that is what happened.  On Saturday I was off the deramaxx and back on just the tramadol.  Well, within three days of being on the tramadol and no deramaxx, I stopped eating again.  Sorry to be so long-winded, as I am usually a guy of few woos.  I am going to let Mom tell you the rest.


Mom here now.  Because of the risk of damage to the liver from the deramaxx, we had to do another blood panel of Phantom's liver values.  Unfortunately the numbers had worsened substantially.  The values affected are the ones most likely to be impacted by meds like deramaxx.  So we now have a new plan in place for his meds.  After my two regular vets discussed things and also talked to the gastroenterologist in our area, the thought is that the tramadol isn't making his stomach sick.  It is the absence of the deramaxx.  They explained that the two meds are different in the same way as Tylenol and Advil.  Tylenol helps with pain while Advil helps with both pain and inflammation.  Tramadol has the pain element but no anti-inflammatory properties, while the deramaxx does both.  Phantom has a history of chronic pancreatitis.  This is part of why his eating habits are so poor.  They think the deramaxx soothes the inflammation from the pancreatitis enough to entice him to eat.  Without it, his stomach is just off.  So for now, we are going to give him just half of what he has been getting of the deramaxx along with his regular dose of tramadol and Marin.  The thought is that maybe a small amount of deramaxx may be all he needs to keep his tummy happy while the tramadol will help with pain and the Marin will help his liver.  I am not convinced this is going to work because we have had two days of deramaxx so far since the visit and the eating is still pretty poor.  Maybe things will turn around this weekend.




Sorry, Mom.  I really don't want to be so difficult, but you could solve all of your worries if you would just make me a big bowl of pasta and sauce.  (Mom adds, NOT!!!!)


Hope you all have a great weekend. We are slowly trying to get back to blogging and visiting.

Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom

47 comments:

  1. First off, we are very glad that you got some SNOW!!! Lightning sure is enjoying it!! Phantom...we feel so bad for your poor tail!! Hope you are soon feeling much better. The Tramadol makes us sick too!! xo Chloe and LadyBug

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  2. THAT is a LOT of Snow... OVER our HEADS... FUR SURE...

    Phantom we are so sorry that your tail has these problems. And that your TUMMMY is stil giving your troubles. We have our Paws crossed fur you to feel better SOON.

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  3. Phantom, when our Jakey stopped eating, my mom was at her wit's end because there is little that is as sad as one of us chow hounds turning up our noses at food. So we really feel for you and your mom and hope there is some solution that will keep your tummy happy, your iver OK, and your appetite decent. We love you and all your siblings... and of course your momster!!!

    Just Harry (and mom)

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  4. we wish Phantom could have what ever he wanted to eat...but we guess with his problems its is difficult. Getting old is a pain in the tail whether your a doggie or a peep

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  5. So glad that most of you got to play in the snow! Sure wish Phantom was on the mend, though!
    Pasta, huh? I've never tried that. Thanks for planting the pasta seed in my brain, Phantom!
    I'll have to beg for a noodle the next time my family has spaghetti :)
    Stewey

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  6. We've been thinking of woos! Especially since we have over a foot of snow on the ground and more coming so we wish you were here making feety feet prints in our back yard! Lightning, we hope you are enjoying the snow while the others snooze! Phantom, we're glad your tail has healed up and sure hope your tummy quits giving you fits so you can eat. Would something like a Pepcid help instead of having to be on that med? We're sure your v-e-t has already thought of everything though but we just wondered. Sending much love and purrs to all of woo! We hope your mom is feeling better too!

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  7. We sure hope the combination of meds helps our buddy Phantom!
    I gotta tell ya, now that I'm 14, this whole "over a foot of snow and sub-zero wind chills" thing isn't what it used to be. Cammie seems to appreciate the warmth of the house and a nice, comfy bed. Maggie is all for it, but hey, she was spayed Monday and Mom is supposed to be keeping her calm and stuff for two weeks. Yeah. With all that snow out there, up to Maggie's shaved belly!
    Thinking good thoughts for all of you guys!
    Play bows,
    Zim

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  8. I am so happy about your snow! I hope you all are still enjoying it!!!! Lightning must be almost invisible when he lies in it!

    Ah, sweet Phantom. My heart melts when I see photos of your soulful eyes. I really hope that the new plan works... We have lots of experience with pancreatitis with K... but not in combination with the other things. I know that you're doing everything in your power to help Phantom feel better, and I really hope, with all my heart, that he is eating well soon.

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  9. Lightning, we're so glad that snow is there. You NEED to get out there, AND get that lazy Ciara up. That snow isn't going to last forever--no matter what the Groundhog said.

    We will keep our paws crossed that the new med mix works. SHE takes Tramadol sometimes for HER shoulder and it makes HER not feel like eating (good in HER case) and makes HER want to sleep all the time.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  10. Wow Phantom, you sure have been through a lot. You're lucky your mom is so attentive and your vets are so smart! We're crossing paws for you...

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  11. We got a foot of snow too and have been loving it. We sure hope Phantom can find the right combination of medications to keep him eating.

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  12. That is a bunch of snow, but fun four you. We are all sure purring and praying for you dear Phantom but close your eyes so you won't see the big kitty hug.

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  13. So sorry about all your issues, Phantom.
    Nola

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  14. Oh Phantom, we feel so bad for you, with all the med problems. Mom we agree a bowl of pasta with sauce for our dude please, and we gots them paws crossed.

    Wow a foot of snow, both of us would be lost, but the pupper snow plow would be awesome!

    The Mad Scots

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  15. OMD...That's a lot of snow..It would bury little short me.

    Phantom...my pack and my Mom send POTP to you. Feel better soon..OK!

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  16. WOW! We got just about the same amount of snow as you did! AND mom says we may be going SLEDDING this Sunday! OMD! I hope you get to go play in your snow lots before it goes away.
    Phantom, I sure hope your tummy feels better. Pasta sounds like a GREAT idea! I hope the medicine combo helps you. You are such a sweet guy. We all have our paws crossed for you and are sending you the Power of the Paw and healing husky vibes.
    Enjoy your snow!
    Skye, all the Moondance Huskies,kitties and mom

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  17. OMD! You poor beautiful pups! I so hope things turn around for soon!
    You are all so strong and will get through all this!!!
    We are sending our furriest loviest warmest set of husky hugz your way from our pack at love is being owned by a husky

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  18. I'm glad you guys are enjoying the snow! We're getting darned tired of it. We'd be happy to send our thirteen inches to you.

    Phantom, I hope you decide to eat soon! It really does make life much better. Paws crossed that you're feeling a lot better soon!


    Bunny

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  19. Stanzie sends her xoxo's to Phantom.
    She is on 1/2 Deramaxx everyday and an occasional Tramadol when needed.
    The Deramaxx has been really good for her, better than the other anti-inflammatorys we tried, that made her not hungry. We give the Tramadol only after a long walk or play, because we noticed it makes her "drunk". We know that every dog is different, paws crossed for Phantom.

    Wyatt's Mom

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  20. We are so glad that all our husky friends gots lots of snow to play in!!

    Phantom, hang in there big guy...we are hoping the med fied will halp that appetite!

    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

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  21. It will take that snow FOREVER to melt! Good that the sibes enjoy it so much.

    Phantom, buddy, we're sending you our bestest purrs for appetite and healing. Hang in there, big guy.

    XOXO

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  22. Phantom, sorry to hear your tummy hasn't been feeling well and you haven't felt like eating. Hopefully the right mix of meds will have you filling better. Warm fuzzies heading your way. Linda, Pepper, and Dublin

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  23. Your tail looks ouchie, Phantom. Pasta with sauce sounds yummy but your mom knows best, buddy.

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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  24. Wow now that is an impressive dump of snow.
    Phantom we really hope the new combo starts to work and you start eating properly again. Poor you. We feel for you and mum as we know your are going through a rough time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Best wishes Molly

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  25. Oh Kathy, we know how hard all this is for you and Phantom. You both are sure in our thoughts and prayers. We love that Phantom boy.
    Lightning and Ciara, we are so glad that you got so much snow. What fun for you. You all take care.

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  26. I agree "the sit thingy" on the door is the always secret weapon. Phantom, I cross my paws for you and I hope the new med plan will help you. All my best wishes to the whole Woo-family.

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  27. So glad you got snow to play in! Also, for Phantom,,,getting old isn't for the faint of heart or sissy's,,,he is one tough,,uh bird!

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  28. We're glad the youngsters are enjoying the snow. That's a lot of snow to play with!
    Thank you for the update on Phantom. We hope the treatment plan works better and that Phantom would start eating better. It is so hard when the appetite isn't really there. Whisky has days when she doesn't really want to eat either.

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  29. So good to see your pack all up and alert.

    Phantom your a brave lad. Amie Soto Blossom had the same kind of things removed. She looked like a patchwork quilt when she came home.
    Take care of yourself ol lad and EAT... lots of love
    xxx

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  30. Phantom I am sending you very BIG purrs buddy....I can see "sad" in your last photo...and I want to see "happy" so I'm hoping all the meds and treatment and love help you eat well and take care of yourself....Oh - and I'm sending a big hug too because - well - Mom says hugs are healing!

    Hugs and love, Sammy

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  31. We are so happy you have your favourite snow to play in. Sending all our love to Phantom.
    Dip and Elliot x

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  32. Phantom sweety I hope that switching meds will help you eat a little better. You need to eat to keep up your strength. I so understand how hard it is when you don't feel like eating. Love that you have the snow because I know how much you all like snow but I don't want it here lol. xx

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  33. Oh my sweet Phantom! Woo has a poor pitiful tail and I am so sorry you still have that big tumor and am sending you purrrs for it to not burst and bleed. And your tummy...My Mom Linda says getting old is tough and not for the timid...you are certainly not timid Phantom! Woo are doing well for a senior Huskerboo...Mom is back from 3 weeks away but catching up will be slow. How is Ciara?

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  34. Well pasta and sauce sound purrty good to us too. Phantom, we are purring that they can find something to help your tummy so you will eat more. Healing purrs and lots of <3 from all of us.

    Ciara and Lightening Fenris will be right over to romp in the snow with you. The rest of us are huddling under the covers. We got cold just looking at it.

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  35. That snow looks like pawsome fun for you!!

    We hope they can get Phantom's meds worked out. It's always a delicate cocktail that has to be just right.

    The Florida Furkids

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  36. Thinking of you Phantom. All that snow looks gorgeous!

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  37. I say make that boy anything he wants!!! Come on Mom...spoil him!!!

    Hope he gets back to his old self!!! So sorry he's not feeling well!

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  38. Oh Phantom, dude, sorry abouts your tail! That looks gross!! Sorry, that isn't so bad...Ma looks worse than that in the morning! Just sayin'...
    I sure hopes your Moms and the vettie can get the pain meds sorted though. That's a difficult thing to balance. Paws crossed over heres!! Sendin' you tons of healin' vibes and some Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Treaties!! (Yummers!!!)
    Lightning, dude, you need a pal to do some snow zoomies with???!! I'm your gal!!! WoooHooo!! It sure would beat this rain...I don't likes to get my feeties wet...butts the snow...heaven!!!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  39. Congrats on the snow!

    We are crossing our paws that Phantom's appetite improves. But we are wondering… is there anything fundamentally wrong with the pasta and sauce option at this stage? Just curious.

    Woofs, Purrs, Neighs and Hugs,
    The Poupounette Gang

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  40. Phantom....you are so brave and your Peeps and sibs love you to bits as you do them...Maybe you can pretend you're getting pasta and sauce...
    Lots of hugs madi your bfff

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  41. Sending loads of love to you all, especially Phantom xx

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  42. Oh we hope Phantom's appetite returns at least some. We had a lot of snow, too, probably 10-12 inches in the last few days, but today the sun came out and is melting some on the balcony. Riley likes to play in the snow, too, but since we live in the city without a yard, she can't go off leash. Maybe one day soon we'll get a yard. Enjoy the snow!

    Karen and Riley

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  43. hello phantom its dennis the vizsla dog hay i hope yoo ar feeling better and ar eeting a bit more now!!! i am glad yoo got to go owt and enjoy sum of the snow later on eeven if it wuz a bit too kold on this day!!! hang in their my husky frend!!! ok bye

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  44. Poor Phantom. He's been having such a rough time of it. And mom isn't having much fun either. Hugs.

    We liked the fun photos of you guys.

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  45. I is glad you got snow. Now how about that pasta!
    Thanks to Phantom and Mom for sharing how he doing with us. The tail looks healed up pretty well and medicine always a tricky business. We will be thinking of you and hoping the other tumours don't cause any more problems.
    ~lickies, Ludo!

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  46. I is glad you got snow. Now how about that pasta!
    Thanks to Phantom and Mom for sharing how he doing with us. The tail looks healed up pretty well and medicine always a tricky business. We will be thinking of you and hoping the other tumours don't cause any more problems.
    ~lickies, Ludo!

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