by call2arms » September 20th, 2010, 9:37 pm
Often high levels of calcium show on bloodwork of animals with cancer... My cat had a "Hypercalcemia of malignancy" test done to double check a high level of calcium on a blood tests. Turns out that his hypercalcemia is due to renal issues, but it's still a first pointer to cancer.
Metacam can also cause renal problems - here's the side effects: The most common side effects of meloxicam are nausea, appetite loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If any of the above are noted, meloxicam should be discontinued and the pet brought in for a liver enzyme and renal parameter blood test. In most cases, the reaction is minor and resolves with symptomatic relief, but it is important to rule out whether or not the patient has more than just a routine upset stomach.
If a patient has borderline kidney function, NSAIDs should not be used as they reduce blood flow through the kidneys. It is also important that NSAIDS not be given to dehydrated patients because of this potential side effect. This is particularly true in cats.
The hepatopathy side effect (usually occurs within the first 3 weeks of use).
So definitely go for a blood test, wether it's related to use of meds or not, Jasmine sounds like she could use it. And I concur, chest rads are easily done without sedation, unless the dog is super stressed out/fighting or downright aggressive (which I doubt Jasmine is). They'll see if there's heart enlargment or fluid buildup around it/in the lungs, or if there's any metastasis in the lungs as well. And, with loss of appetite it's worth shooting the abdomen as well, check out the liver and kidneys while she's on the table.
“Your birth is a mistake you'll spend your whole life trying to correct.” Chuck Palahniuk
I love pus but I hate people.
I can say words like undifferentiated gonads now!