Comments on: Kiva’s Story: A Christmastime Recovery

By: jerry

jerry — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 01:56:22 +0000

K9 Immunity drug, and if so what are your thoughts on it?

Spend some time in the Tripawd Discussion Forums and you'll feel much better. There are plenty of posts about K9-Immunity, and other supplements. You will also find lots of large breed dogs who are doing just fine on three legs ... just look at Tazzie! A harness will help your dog on stairs. Sadly, Kiva has passed, but you will find many other success stories of large three legged dogs in the forums.

By: Tina

Tina — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:00:30 +0000

Hello,
Was reading your story about Kiva (hope she is doing well), and I was wondering if you have heard of the K9 Immunity drug, and if so what are your thoughts on it? I just found out that my 5 1/2 year old dane has bone cancer. Well, my vet said she is 90% sure from the x-rays. We had her do a biopsy and send it off so we can be 100% sure. This is really rough for me because I lost my other dane at this same time last year and she was also only 5 1/2 years old. Nikita (the dane I lost last year) had many problems throughout here life ( HOD, IMHA, BLOAT, tore her ACL and had to get a double pin system put in, and so on). So I am struggling both emotionally and financially (since I spent enough on my other dane to buy a new car) with what to do this time. I have been researching online a little and came across the k9 immunity. It sounds like something that might be good for your dog after you are done with chemo. You might want to do a search online and check it out. And if you have heard of it, any input would be greatly appreciated. Honestly though, with the personality of the dane I have I don’t think she would do well with 3 legs…any change freaks her out, and she hates the vets and has to be muzzled when she is there so I am not sure that spending that much time there would be a good choice for her. Then there is the whole quality of life issue. Maybe it is just better if she enjoys what life she has left instead of spending it at the vets, etc. I was just hoping that maybe the k9 immunity could help her live a little longer. I know these are questions we all struggle with. And it drains us emotionally. I, like many, consider my dogs like children (and I do not have children). But I want to do what is best for her….I’m just not sure what that is. Thanks for listening!
Tina

By: jerry

jerry — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:03:13 +0000

Riley: Please check out the Tripawd Forums for lots of discussion about osteosarcoma in large breed dogs and how well they can cope on three legs. And please remember; it's all about quality of life, not quantity. Yes, cost is a concern of course. But you must decide what it's worth to you. A heart-wrenching decision, we know.

By: riley

riley — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:42:25 +0000

I have a great dane who just was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of his right front leg. He turned 7 in June. He weighs 174 pounds. I find it hard to make a decision financially and am worried about his quality of life since a great dane’s life expectancy is only 8. I love my Riley but am very indecisive about this. I would appreciate any thoughts you have.

By: Jamie Voss

Jamie Voss — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:39:05 +0000

Hi there, my name is Jamie and I have a 6 1/2 year old great dane named Ripken. We have just been diagnosed with bone cancer. After doing a lot of research I too am making the decision to amputate. It relieves me to read your story and thank you so much for sharing it. I’ve been struggling with making this choice but I too can not bear to see my love in pain and just sit and do nothing. He has been my best friend, the love of my life. My vet discouraged me at first telling me large breeds do not do well with amputations, especially front leg amputation. This was not an answer I could accept so I’ve been looking for people who have gone through it and know first hand. Thank you for putting my heart at ease. I know it’s going to be a rough road but I’m all in. I’m very interested on how Kiva’s doing. If you have the time could you let me know? I also have some concerns about stairs, I live in a two story home and moving is not really an option. Kiva is a beautiful girl who’s lucky to have a mom that loves her so much! Thanks again, after reading a lot of stories Kiva’s has been the most helpful.
Sincerely,
Jamie & Ripken (aka Rippy Do)