My puppy is sick (*Update in OP*)

[isabel]

Sorry this is so long. Thanks for letting me ramble.

I can't stop crying and we don't even know what's wrong with him yet. 

He's had a cough for about 6 weeks now. Diagnosis one was kennel cough and a round of antibiotics, which didn't really do anything. We saw our vet again a couple weeks ago and he suggested xrays as a next step, but wasn't concerned. He said that if it was cancer then he would have other symptoms (lethargy, not eating, etc.).

Things took a turn for the worse last night. His breathing was fast and shallow and his cough sounded wetter than it had previously. We took him to the emergency vet and they did xrays. His entire left lung is cloudy. She said she suspected pneumonia and suggested leaving him overnight for IV antibiotics and fluids. We decided to have him get the fluids and antibiotics, but took him home for the night. We went back to our vet this morning and she basically said he needed to go back and stay overnight. She said it looked like "serious pneumonia." When we got back to the e-vet, the new doctor we saw said she didn't think it was pneumonia, maybe cancer, but that she couldn't tell without having an internist look at him. So, he's gotten fluids and we're back home with orders to rest. He will likely have an abdominal ultrasound tomorrow (which would show cancer) and/or lung aspirates, which would show infection or parasites.

I am just beside myself right now. He turns 10 this month, but he still acts like a puppy. I don't know what to think right now and my heart is breaking for him. I know he doesn't feel well. I am just so sad and scared. I'm not really even sure why I'm putting this out there, except that I just need to walk through it in my head. DH is being so strong and I am a mess. Anyway, well wishes and head pats would be nice. Also, if anyone here is a vet and wants to tell me that he's going to be fine, that would be ok, too.

UPDATE: It's cancer. Multiple tumors in his left lung. We think the coughing is from a secondary infection (pneumonia maybe), so he's on a 10 day course of antibiotics and anti inflammatorys. We're hoping this treatment will get him back to "normal." He's still very happy, eating, going on walks, etc. The anti inflammatory treatment should help with his coughing and make it easier to breathe. We'll do more xrays next week to see if there are any changes. At that point, the oncologist might be able to give us more information and a prognosis. At this point, she says surgery isn't really an option (too invasive and too much to remove). We may do chemo if that ends up being an option. DH and I are pretty broken up right now, but we're trying to cling to time we have right now and that he's feeling alright. Thanks for all the well wishes.

[yellowbrkrd]

Oh no, I'm sorry. I hope your puppy gets well soon.

[greencrayon]

I hope he gets well soon. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this.

[mbcdefg]

I'm sorry. I hope you get good news soon.

[dexteroni]

Oh no, poor puppy. I hope they figure it out and he's on the mend soon.

(hug)  (hug2) for him and for you.

[rubytue]

Poor puppy! I hope he feels better soon (and its not cancer!)

[Deleted]

Oh no, poor puppers, get better soon!

[Deleted]

Awwwww, the poor pup. Remember they are resilient and stronger than we think. Give him a belly rub from me. I'll be hoping for a great outcome.

[lochnessie]

Aww,I hope he gets better soon.

[CloudBee]

Poor pup. I hope he is better soon.

[RoxMonster]

Aww I'm so sorry your pup is sick. Sending thoughts and hugs your way and his. Hope he's on the mend soon.

[MrsE]

I'm so sorry.

[protozoa]

I'm so sorry. Hope he feels better soon.

[isabel]

Thanks, guys! I appreciate it a lot! I will update tomorrow when we know more.

[KaraOrNot]

I am sorry. Hope he is feeling better soon.

[isabel]

Bumping this since I updated.

[CloudBee]

I'm so sorry to hear that it's cancer.

[mbcdefg]

Oh, geez, I'm sorry hon.

[dexteroni]

Oh no. I'm so, so sorry that it's cancer.

[5thofjuly]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I know the roller coaster of pet health problems all too well. Here's hoping that you and your sweet pup are both able to find as much comfort and peace as possible.

[Susie]

I'm so sorry re: your update.  Hopefully he feels better soon with the abx, etc., and you have some happy days with him.

[mrssavy42112]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I really hope that after his infection clears up, then maybe they'll be able to see more clearly & hopefully things aren't as bad as they seem. I hope he feel better soon.

[whitemerlot]

I'm so sorry. Thinking of you.

[estrellita]

So sorry to hear that

[daydreamer]

Poor puppy. I'm so sorry. I hope the anti-inflammatory medication helps and he can enjoy some more happy times.