Medical Therapy

We will have to manage the progression of Lily's cancer with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and pain medications.

The antibiotics are easy. Lily tolerates Clindamycin very well.

For an anti-inflammatory, we will use prednisone. We have some in Jim's medicine box. She should get it SID or BID, one-half to a full tab of 5mg. The prednison also will act as an appetite stimulant. Dr. Duda says Lily can have anything she wants to eat.

Pain meds are still a mystery to me. Tramadol is an option (.25 tab), but Lily didn't do well on it after her oral surgery--it's very bitter and she drooled alot. The vet suggested it could be compounded, but Lily doesn't do treats, and I can't see that a liquid would be less bitter than the pill. Maybe I should try pilling her with empty capsules, to see whether that might be a delivery option.

Buprenex is another option, because it comes in a liquid form that can be given subQ or orally. Just a drop on the tongue. However, Jess tells me it's not a long-lasting pain med. Used mostly for breakthrough pain. Works for 4-6 hours.

Jess also suggested fentanyl patches as a long-lasting pain med. However, I believe that Dr. Duda said that fentanyl might curb Lily's appetite, which would not be a good thing.