Ayla is an 8-year-2-month-old spayed female Shar Pei/Pit Bull/Mastiff cross, currently approximately 39kg.
BEAM
Diagnosed with IBS as a puppy and fed a hypoallergenic veterinary biscuit diet for many years. Later changed to Nutripe tinned food, Possyum dog roll, Addiction biscuits and some leftovers.
Since her lymphoma diagnosis approximately 4–5 weeks ago she has been on Nutripe tinned food, raw beef/mince, frozen red meat medallions, sardines and small amounts of berries, apple, cucumber and celery. No grain-based biscuits.
Vaccinations / Medications
No vaccinations for approximately 2.5 years.
Currently receiving:
Approximately 10 weeks ago Ayla developed excessive salivation and lethargy after a longer walk than usual. At that time she weighed approximately 45kg and I was advised to reduce her food intake for weight loss.
A few weeks later she again developed excessive salivation after a walk, together with swelling on one side of her face/neck. At that stage she weighed approximately 43kg.
Bloodwork was reported as normal, however a fine needle aspirate was consistent with lymphoma. Biopsy and oncology referral were recommended but not pursued.
Prednisone reduced the swelling dramatically and it is now almost completely gone. Despite a very strong appetite and increased food intake, she continued to lose weight and muscle mass, particularly over the top of her head. Current weight is approximately 39kg.
Better / Worse
Heavy panting/breathing, increased thirst and urination since starting prednisone, ongoing weight loss despite eating well, and noticeable muscle loss over the top of her
BEAM
- Behaviour: Still greets visitors at the door, wags her tail, enjoys family interaction and food.
- Energy: More lethargic than usual and spends much of the day resting, but still enjoys short walks when she feels up to them.
- Appetite: Extremely hungry and currently eating 4 meals daily due to ongoing weight loss.
- Mood: Generally bright and engaged but clearly not feeling her normal self.
Diagnosed with IBS as a puppy and fed a hypoallergenic veterinary biscuit diet for many years. Later changed to Nutripe tinned food, Possyum dog roll, Addiction biscuits and some leftovers.
Since her lymphoma diagnosis approximately 4–5 weeks ago she has been on Nutripe tinned food, raw beef/mince, frozen red meat medallions, sardines and small amounts of berries, apple, cucumber and celery. No grain-based biscuits.
Vaccinations / Medications
No vaccinations for approximately 2.5 years.
Currently receiving:
- Prednisone 40mg daily
- Homeopathic remedies prescribed by a homeopathic veterinarian
- Small amounts of Vimergy Micro-C, barley grass juice powder, wild blueberry powder, olive leaf, zinc and B12
Approximately 10 weeks ago Ayla developed excessive salivation and lethargy after a longer walk than usual. At that time she weighed approximately 45kg and I was advised to reduce her food intake for weight loss.
A few weeks later she again developed excessive salivation after a walk, together with swelling on one side of her face/neck. At that stage she weighed approximately 43kg.
Bloodwork was reported as normal, however a fine needle aspirate was consistent with lymphoma. Biopsy and oncology referral were recommended but not pursued.
Prednisone reduced the swelling dramatically and it is now almost completely gone. Despite a very strong appetite and increased food intake, she continued to lose weight and muscle mass, particularly over the top of her head. Current weight is approximately 39kg.
Better / Worse
- Generally brightest in the mornings.
- Panting and breathing difficulties tend to worsen as the day progresses and can occur even while resting.
- Activity/exercise appears to make fatigue more noticeable.
- Swelling improved significantly after starting prednisone.
Heavy panting/breathing, increased thirst and urination since starting prednisone, ongoing weight loss despite eating well, and noticeable muscle loss over the top of her
