Phebe's Health Problem

[Phebemarie]

Phebe is my twelve year old Sheltie. She's a beautiful, sweet-tempered dog who's been a joy to my family. Unfortunately, her health is failing. Her doctor has her on PPA for urinary incontinence. I've finally begun giving her Tramadol for her arthritis. She also has a thyroid pill twice a day.

In the last few months, her hearing and vision have both become noticeably weaker. She drinks a great deal of water and has a healthy appetite.

This evening I was petting her and noticed obvious lumps of fatty tissue over her hip bones. (She had a Spindelcell tumor removed from her hip last summer, but this doesn't really feel the same).

Would starting Tramadol cause this sort of reaction? Does anyone have any experience with this? We have a doctor's appointment Monday. Should we contact the doctor with this new concern before our appointment? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dmeyer123]

Bless her heart. Twelve is getting up there for a dog. If I were you and was concerned about the lumps, I'd give the vet a call. It can't hurt to ask and will probably alleviate your fears.

 

[sable]

I don't have any advice, but hopefully she comes around for you.

Its really hard to watch and a great worry when our little pals age.

Positive thoughts.

 

[Calliesmom]

I can totally relate. Callie is going on 11. Ears and eyes not as good as they were. bad hips, hypothyroid too. she was on PPA for a while but didn't seem to help much so vet said not to bother with it anymore. She's been on a couple joint supplements- haven't ever used Tramadol though. She's got some fatty lumps here and there and whenever we go to the vet, I have him check out every new bump. so far, nothing to worry about. but I do contact him anytime I have a concern and if he thinks it's something to check out then he tells me to bring her in.

 

[Phebemarie]

I was feeling optimistic about the use of the Tramadol. She seems to feel much better since I began giving it to her regularly this last weekend. I'm hoping it's just fat deposits, or some effect of her arthritis. I'm actually really grateful we have an appointment Monday so I can see what the doctor thinks.