follow-up on be-be

Question
Hello Dana.  Thank you again for your very informative response to my last question.  I asked the vet many question based upon the information you gave.  The Diagnosis for my little Holland Lop is Lymphoma.  The lab results came back "suggestive of lymphoma".

Wednesday, his breathing changed and became very labored and rapid.  His stools became incredibly small, just a few millimeters.  I began to panic about it at night, and called several emergency vets.  none had an exotic vet in. they all recommended coming in, but another person in my family was completely against taking him in.  I hardly slept, and I called my Vet right when they opened.  We went in and he was put in an oxygen tank.  He was also given some liquids.  After examination, the Vet mentioned the possibility of putting him down today.  For our own reasons, we decided we would like to try supportive care for a few days.  He is still showing us his personality, eating a little bit, and using his litter box (with assistance to get there).  

The following was prescribed:
1.  Torbugesic -0.1 subcutaneously every 8-12 hours.
2.  Metacam- 0.4 orally every 24hrs.
3.  Sulfatrim Pediatric- 1 ml orally every 12 hrs.
4.  Beneback- 1 gram orally every 24 hrs 30 minutes before or after antibiotics

Food:  25 mls critical care orally 4 times (equals 100mls) a day.  Offer his favorite foods and encourage eating.

Water:  Free Choice

and then there were things to watch for.

Be-Be seems to be feeling a little better.  His breathing isn't as rapid, but is still faster than what it used to be.  His stools tonight were still very small and he did not urinate.  What should I do about keeping him hydrating?  I was not able to give him 100mls of critical care today.  more like 60-ish?  but will do my best to have him eat 100mls tomorrow.  

I'm having trouble injecting the Torbugesic subcutaneously.  I was unable to do it properly.  Be-Be moved and the needle actually bent.  I think .07 may have gone in?  Do I just poke the needle in really quickly and then just let it all out really quickly?  I'm having my brother do the injection tomorrow.  I really didn't do well with it.  The Technician showed me how, and she made it look so easy.  

Anyhow, any advice or thoughts on Be-Be would be greatly appreciated.  I want to make sure he is as comfortable as possible.

Thank you!
Irene and Be-Be

Answer
Dear Irene,

Poor Be be.  Poor you!  I am so sorry you're having to go through this ordeal.

It does sound as if you have truly excellent vets working on Be be.  These medications are all quite appropriate.  And don't worry:  0.07ml of torb for a wee Holland Lop will probably keep him quite comfortable.

To keep him hydrated, you may have to administer subcutaneous fluids (Lactated Ringer's Solution) at home, which isn't too difficult once the tech shows you how.  Please ask about that, since this, too, will keep him comfortable, as long as the vet doesn't think Be be is in renal failure or has congestive heart failure.

I can completely understand your wanting Be be to be home with you and perhaps give him the chance to choose his own passing at hime.  I wonder if the vet would be willing to make a house call if things become really bad...or if he'd be willing to give you enough torbugesic to let Be be sleep peacefully and be unaware of any pain if things go downhill when the vet is not available.

This is such a difficult time, and my heart goes out to you and your dear friend.  I am glad he has you to be with him, since that's probably the most important thing in the world to him right now.  I am sending lots of healing vibes.

Take care,

Dana