Shi-tzu/seizures/gastro trouble/edema

[Hillary77]

10 yr old F shih tzu,good health til approx 2 mo ago.

At that time, became lethargic,weight loss, rapid respiration while sleeping/lying down, no appetite, gassy, constipation Then had 2 seizures. (No exposure to poison)

Took her to vet. Blood panel-all the general stuff fine, also tested for organ failure- tests perfect.  Vet prescribed phenobarbitol for seizures, plus Prednisone (3 stage regime w/decreasing dosage).  (vet thought a combo of a neuro issue  with gastro/IBD.

Better within 5 days, acting like pup. Slight edema on tummy behind frt legs. Vet not sure why upon exam

1 week after pred was finished, took a bad turn again.  Lethargic, bloated, loss of appetite, not pooping much, edema came back, Back to vet, exam and prescribed to go back on pred at lowest dose on a perm basis

5 days later a marginal improvement but edema worsening, vet recommended re-starting pred at highest dose gradually reducing to lowest dose, then keep in low dose perm. Added gastro-diet. Still not pooping all that much, but is going daily.

We are at the 5th day of the highest dosage, some improvement in how she is feeling, but appetite gone, (this COULD be because she is picky eater and is tired of the bland gastro diet)> Significant edema had been behind her front legs on her tummy, and smaller amounts on her sides infront of her hind legs.  By last night that seemed to have disappeared.

2day  has developed edema size of 2 tennis balls behind her frt legs.  General state has not changed other than that.  Vet did recommend a laxative, i have not been able to make it due to bad winter weather, so mineral oil tonight, about 2 hours ago...nothing yet.

I realize that this is not likely going to end well but she is not at the point yet that I have to help her along her way, but I want to do everyhting I can to help her be comfortable.

Any ideas what this could be, and what I shoud do to help her? Vet bills are really adding up and I want to do all I can for her.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

I am very sorry about your dog.  Everything seems to be happening at once!

Differential diagnosis of peripheral edema (the possible causes for edema in extremities) can occur from the following:

1. Cranial vena cava syndrome, which is, simply stated, increased pressure on the vena cava (large heart vein) from either a blood clot, cancer or other cause.

2. Heart disease

3. Coagulopathy, vasculitis of disease (Ehrlichia & Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, or Lupus), or other disease of blood components.

Specific blood tests are necessary to rule out the above many of which your vet may have already performed:  clotting time tests, test for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ANA & Coombs test (autoimmune diseases), Bile Acids (liver disease), Thyroid profile (hypothyroid can affect clotting).  

Blood testing for specific diseases is recommended if not already performed,  if affordable of course.

Other tests such as X-Rays and Ultrasound of Chest and Abdomen are also recommended to rule out heart and lung diseases and masses or abnormalities of the abdomen.

[Hillary77]

Thank you for your reply!

If there where issues with pressure on her heart, would the vet hear that when listneing to her heartbeat?

Something very strange-when i give her a warm bath, the edema seems to dissipate temporarily...Could it be possible the bath/warm water helps, or just a coincidence? (I have noticed it twice)

My vet feels she has a tumour in her adomen and a secondary tumour in her brain.We have not done xrays, vet feels we should just her comfortable for as long as we can, so I am hink he is definitely of the opinion we are not fixing this, only hoping to control it for as long as possible

I have done some research on a product called flor-essence, an herbal tea blend concentrate, contains Burdock Root, Sheep Sorrel, Slippery Elm Bark, Watercress, Turkish Rhubarb Root,Kelp, Blessed Thistle and Red Clover.  It is supposedly very good for cancer patients both human and canine, so I think I might give it a try. What do yo think? From the research I have done it seems that all of those ingredients are safe for dogs.

Thanks so much!