Yesterday, our paths came full circle when we caught up with him at the San Antonio Texas 2 Million Dogs Walk.

Puppy Up, Texas Style!

Luke was at the San Antonio walk because these enthusiastic Texans raised more money for the cause than any other city in America. As the saying goes, everything’s bigger in Texas, and this event was no exception.

With dozens of vendors, hundreds of attendees and more dogs than humans, this fun-filled day was packed with good times for everyone.

In looking back at the afternoon, Luke told us “The energy and excitement were at levels I rarely see. Every aspect of it felt really good!”

When reflecting on the time span between his journey across America and the exceptional turnout at the San Antonio walk, Luke says “The trail magic continues to follow us after the walk, and I really felt that today.”

Last year, there were 12 walks across the country to help 2 Million Dogs raise money for comparative oncology studies. This year, the number of walks exploded to 27. Next year the organization is aiming for even more.

In addition to meeting up with Luke and 2 Million Dogs’ Executive Director Ginger Morgan, Tripawds Spokesdawg Wyatt Ray got to meet some really heroic pups!

Among them was Colonel, a Tripawds member who was looking for a home earlier this year and found it as a therapy dog with Penny’s From Heaven, a project pairing highly trained canines with returning wounded soldiers and civillians in hospital, rehabilitation and hospice settings.

We’ll tell you more about Colonel’s work in a future post, but meanwhile lots of other Tripawds were present, including a greyhound osteosarcoma survivor and a rescue pup named Galileo who’s now living the good life with some very special people.

What’s Next for 2 Million Dogs?

Everyone who’s helped raise funds for 2 Million Dogs will soon see the results of their hard work. Luke and Ginger report that the group is close to picking a comparative oncology study to fund, hopefully by the end of this year.

After dozens of conversations with promising researchers from  around the nation, Luke says that he’s confident that the study selected will be “a game changer” in canine cancer research. “We want to fund studies that have a ghost of a chance of truly having an impact,” he told us.

Over the last two years the organization has done their due diligence to find the right study. Instead of focusing on novel therapeutic studies, such as chemotherapy drug outcomes for a specific breed, 2 Million Dogs is focused on prevention, diagnosis and studies that are working toward finding a cure. This means that the studies they are honing in on will cost more than most studies and take longer to fund.

Next year the impact of the 2 Million Dogs mission will take shape as the money raised from all “Puppy Up” walks gets applied toward these studies that will work toward eradicating canine and human cancers, once and for all.

Stay tuned for a big announcement from 2 Million Dogs about their study selection, which should happen by the end of this year.

Today we learned that thanks to Tripawd Kess and her Mom Tombi, Rio will be Grand Marshall of the parade!

Meet Rio and Team Tripawds at 10:00 am at:

Roegner Park
601 Oravetz Rd
Auburn, WA 98092

Rio’s Mom Micki organized Team Tripawds for this annual walk and celebration in honor of canine cancer heroes.

Rio’s team raised over $500 for this event, which will help fund comparative oncology studies to eradicate cancer in dogs and people. Although the team has met their fund raising goal, it’s not too late to chip in to help this impawtant cause.

2 Million Dogs Walks are being held throughout the nation this weekend. Check this page for a city near your home. See you there!

“What a beautiful day we had for the Paw Rade in Mainstrasse Village!” says Barb. “It was great to have the opportunity to talk with so many pet owners, rescues and shelter people about the best group of folks around–the Tripawds community, our extended family.”

Barb and John’s “Mission of Hope” is their way of honoring the support they received while their Hope went through her own amputation journey and soon after succumbed to kidney failure. The Youngs have started this outreach program to offer information and support to Tripawd dogs in the Cincinnati area.

“Tripawds folks gave us so much support and encouragement after Hope’s surgery, that in honor and remembrance of her, we have started the Tripawds.com Cincinnati Outreach Program, ‘Mission of Hope’” Barb told us.

“It was easy to tell people how all of you have taken the path that is before them, and how you can help them along the way.

So many people told me that they wished they had known about tripawds when their pet had surgery,” she added.

Create Tripawd Awareness in Your Town

Spreading the word about the amazing capabilities of three-legged dogs is easy and doesn’t have to cost a lot. Print our free Tripawds fliers, then pass them out to your veterinarian, dog food store, beautify salon . . . “Anywhere and everywhere,” says Barb, “because there are people out there who need YOU and the support you and this community can give them.”

If you have an opportunity to set up a booth at an animal function, “do it!” Barb says. “It’s easy and you will get far more out of the event that you put in. Email me and I will give you all the info you need to do an event!”

At the Paw-Rade, the Youngs set up a beautiful table, and had beautifully-packaged, tasty homemade dog cookies ready for hungry pups.

Barb turned her kitchen into a biscuit bakery, and baked several different types of treats for the event.

Although competition was stiff among the many different treat vendors, Barb added a classy touch to her offerings. Instead of grabbing treats out of a jar when a customer requested some, she used tongs to bag their order. This gave her treats a cleaner, more sanitary look than typical treat vendors.

In addition to dog treats, Barb addressed the feline fans at the Paw-Rade, with her homegrown catnip treats.

They even had Charger, a Tripawd pup staff the booth to show everypawdy what three legged dogs can do!

“It really was a great time for everyone and gave me a good opportunity to talk with other rescues about tripod animals they might rescue in the future,” says Barb.

We’ve never seen a more well-dressed bunch of pups anywhere!

Thank you Barb and John for all of your hard work to raise over $100 to help Tripawds.com, and show the world that Tripawds Rule!

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Join Team Captain Rio for a fun afternoon of celebrating our heroic Tripawds and quadpawds, honoring our angel dogs and banding together to help find a cure to end canine cancer. All proceeds go to the 2 Million Dogs organization which is committed to discovering the common links between canine and human cancers and the causes of these cancers through comparative oncology research.

We hope you can be there but if you can’t, please consider making a gift of any amount through the 2 Million Dogs Team Tripawds web page. Or, look for a walk near you and start your own Team Tripawds!

If you’re walking, be sure to show your Tripawd Pride by wearing your Team Tripawds shirt, available in our Tripawds Gift Shop!

Veterinary Oncology Q&A with Dr. Johnny Chretin

Date: Sunday, 10/23/2012
Time: 6:30 p.m. Eastern (3:30 Pacific)
Length: 30 min

Special Guest: Dr. Johnny Chretin, DVM, DACVIM

Call-in Number: (310) 388-9739
Share: bit.ly/ttr102311 (Link to this topic.)

Join us for our second informative canine cancer interview with veterinary oncologist Dr. Johnny Chretin, DVM, DACVIM from VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital.

As head of VCA’s busiest animal oncology clinic in the country, Dr. Chretin and his staff provide breakthrough treatments for all types of cancers, including a bone marrow transplant program for dogs with lymphoma!d

Listen as we discuss the presentation and diagnosis of cancer in dogs such as osteosarcoma and the various treatment protocols available. Then call in with your questions or chat live during the show!

Reply to this topic with questions and we will try to get them answered. Please keep your questions brief and specific.

We will post an audio archive of this program here after the show.

Dr. Chretin on Tripawds:

• Don’t miss our previous Tripawd Talk Oncology Interview with Dr. Chretin.
• Check out our interviews with Dr. Chretin about impawtant veterinary oncology topics.

Metronomics has been around for years, but is finally gaining acceptance by veterinarians as groups like Morris Animal Foundation release studies showing how metronomics can help dogs with soft tissue scarcomas. In their 2010 study, Morris researchers:

” . . . studied whether metronomic dosing of the drug cyclophosphamide is safe and effective in treating dogs with soft-tissue sarcomas. Thirteen dogs were enrolled in the study and all but two (which experienced tumor growth and were removed to pursue other treatment options) successfully completed the treatment protocol. They identified the dosage of cyclophosphamide that resulted in a significant decrease in the number of small blood vessels within tumors, which suggests that this approach slows tumor growth by decreasing blood supply to tumors.

Because metronomic chemotherapy is associated with a far smaller incidence of side effects compared with conventional chemotherapy, is easier to administer and is less expensive, it is a very attractive treatment option for owners of dogs with cancer.”      (see Morris Animal Foundation’s report)

Metronnomics Explained

Tripawds favorite veterinarian, Dr. Pam Wiltzius, shared her knowledge about metronomics in this Discussion Forum post:

It is only recently that oncologists have started using it as part of metronomic chemotherapy.  The main side effects are on the GI tract although some dogs can have low white cell counts but this should be unlikely at low doses.

I just finished researching metronomics for Sammy and here is what I found.  Most oncologists prefer meloxicam (Metacam) as the NSAID due to it’s wide safety range but a few still prefer piroxicam. There are 5 different chemo drugs that are being tried but the only one with research behind it (so far) for this use is Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide).

The main side effect is on the bladder with some dogs getting infections and some getting sterile hemorrhagic cystitis (bleeding and pain without infection).  This is rare and usually reversible by stopping the drug. Some oncologists give a low daily dose of a diuretic (Lasix) to try and prevent this but most don’t since diuretics can affect the kidneys. My holistic vet recommends cranberry capsules as a way to prevent a UTI. . .

The other drugs used are Palladia (main limitation is cost), CCNU (possible side effects on liver so not good for your dog), Leukeran (chlorambucil), and Alkeran (melphalan).  The latter two are safe but not much info yet on efficacy but there are oncologists trying these.

Metronomics are so new that no one is sure yet what is the best protocol.  Some dogs might do well on 1 drug and others may not. It is hard to evaluate results since some dogs live a long time with amputation alone and no chemo so are these drugs really doing anything? I think it is worth a try!

When I was on metronomics in 2008, it was still a new practice that many veterinarians hadn’t heard about. We’re glad to see it catching on, thanks to funding from groups like Morris and practitioners like Dr. Wiltzius who are enthusiastically exploring this protocol for their canine bone cancer patients.

Are you on metronomic chemotherapy? Or were you? If so, what was your experience?

Recommended Reading:

Tripawds Discussion Forums: Tips and Resources: Metronomic Therapy for Canine Osteosarcoma Metastasis: Jerry’s Experience

Tripawds News Blog: Dr. Rosenberg’s Thoughts on Metronomics and Supplements

Tripawds Downloads Blog: Metronomic Protocol: A Primer for Pawrents

Dr. Dressler’s Dog Cancer Blog: Low Dose Chemotherapy and Cancer

Two members on opposite sides of the U.S. also share our fondness for Morris, and will show their love by walking in Morris’ Cure Canine Cancer Campaign’s upcoming K9 Cancer Walks in Knoxville, Tennessee and Los Gatos in Northern California.

As the oldest animal health research and advocacy group in the world, Morris’ Cure Canine Cancer Campaign is making amazing progress to prevent, treat and, ultimately, cure canine cancer.

Hop with ET Gayle in Knoxville, Tennessee

Tripawd member and bone cancer survivor extraordinaire ET Gayle and sister Charon are walking on Sunday, September 18 at Concord Park in Knoxville. Wooo hoo!

This dynamic duo is just $330 shy of meeting their fundraising goal of $1,000! Help them get there today.

Walk with this pawesome team in pawson or give any amount to help Morris continue making their remarkable strides in finding the causes and cures for canine cancers.

Join Tripawd Chloe in Los Gatos, California on October 9

One year bone cancer survivor (and counting!)  Tripawd girldog Chloe will hop with her momma Nicole on Sunday, October 9 in Los Gatos.

They are currently looking for teammates, especially so they can get a new Team Tripawds t-shirt made, so join the discussion forum topic about the Los Gatos walk and let ‘em know you’ll be there!

Let’s give a big SHOUT OUT to these pawsome members who are going the extra mile to raise money for Morris Animal Foundation’s Cure Canine Cancer Campaign!

Won’t you join them?

The Van Andel Institute, a biomedical research facility based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is seeking small blood samples of Great Pyrenees dogs with osteosarcoma for their  Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium.

It’s so easy to make a difference!

Dr. Roe Froman, DVM and Senior Veterinary Research Scientist at Van Andel explains:

“If owners prefer not to take their dog in to have a blood draw (at their vet’s office), we can also send them a salivary DNA collection kit.  The kits are very easy to use, owners can do them at home, and include prepaid return mailers.”

Your Tripawd Can Help Fight Canine Cancer

Known as the CHCC, this team  is utilizing Van Andel’s newest genetic resources and technologies to screen, test, diagnose and treat hereditary canine cancers, which will eventually help them gain insight into the ways that specific cancers affect both dogs and people. Researchers are currently studying five types of cancers that affect both dogs and people:

1. Osteosarcoma
2. Hemangiosarcoma
3. Lymphoma
4. Malignant histiocytosis
5. Melanoma (oral or digital)

Blood samples from other dogs affected by cancer are also wanted. Dr. Froman says “We are requesting samples from owners and veterinarians from affected dogs.  We can use both fresh (NOT formalinized) tumor samples, as well as blood samples.  The tumor cells are grown in the lab, and they are extremely useful for studying the biochemical pathways of the cancers, as well as the underlying DNA of the tumors.

In the case of the osteosarcoma dogs, a blood sample from a dog whose already undergone amputation (again, with a confirmed histo diagnosis), would be very useful.”

For more information about how your Tripawd can participate in this important project, please visit the Van Andel Institute’s Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium website.

From last November’s 2 Million Dogs event in Washington to the Fort Collins Doggie Olympics, if there’s an affordable dog event in our path, we do our best to be there.

Last week we put Tripawds Spokesdog Wyatt Ray to work at the Larimer County Humane Society 21st annual Fire Hydrant 5k Fundraiser and Pet Expo (which raised over $55,000 for dogs in need!).

Our Tripawds display included Tripawds Gear and canine fitness equipment, books, fliers,  Tripawds handmade jewelry and lots of doggie snacks.

The event was extra special because our Tripawd Pal Dakota, his sister Evelyn, Mom Shari and little brother Aidan came to help.

Who could resist sweet Dakota?

We were so hoppy to see that one of our exhibit neighbors was Doug Koktavy, author of The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer.

Doug’s book is one of the best tools for helping pawrents cope with their dog’s serious illness. Read it if you haven’t already, it’s a keeper!

Later the afternoon turned into a Tripawds reunion when Spirit Peyton’s people and little brothers Dillon and Rhys stopped by to say hello.

One of the highlights of the day was meeting Kara Pappas, Development Manager at the Larimer County Humane Society, along with her three legged rescue dog, another rear legger named Wyatt!

Kara was so happy to meet us in person, because Tripawds had been such a great resource for her when recently, a sweet, three legged lab came into the shelter.

Kara wanted to adopt him but she wasn’t sure if a tripod dog would require lots of care. She looked online, and Tripawds.com alleviated all of her concerns. Our discussion forums, blog stories, tips and resources all helped cinch her decision to give Wyatt a furever home.

Hearing stories like Kara and Wyatt’s are why we exist…

To show the world that canine amputees can have a good life and really aren’t any different from quadpawds.

And it’s because of the pawrents like you who contribute your time and financial support that we can do it; from taking the time to share your Tripawd experiences and offer support to new members, to shopping through our blogs and our Etsy store.

Every click, every dollar you spend on or through here makes the world a better place for three legged dogs.

Thank you so much!

As part of our ongoing commitment to show you where your financial support goes, here’s what this event cost Tripawds:

Exhibit Space: $75
Tent Canopy: Borrowed
Sales Tax Permit: $8
Total: $83

Clinical trails help doctors in the medical and veterinary fields investigate methods to improve detection and treatment of cancer, as well as improve the quality of care each patient receives.

Because many dog cancers act similarly to the way comparable cancers behave in humans (especially osteosarcoma), dogs are ideal candidates to test promising new treatments. Many of today’s mainstream treatments for humans were often first proven beneficial in dogs through clinical trials.

Tripawd Hunter recently reported that she is participating in an Ohio State University osteosarcoma clinical trial at her oncology clinic in Los Angeles, the Veterinary Cancer Group.

While most trials are conducted on-site at a veterinary teaching hospital, more and more forward-thinking oncology groups are partnering with vet schools and cancer researchers to conduct dog cancer clinical trials directly at their clinics. In addition, groups like Animal Clinical Investigation exist to match veterinary school clinical trials with veterinary oncology clinics to help more dogs than ever.

How Clinical Trials Work

According to the Perseus Foundation’s Clinical Trial Handbook (click here to download in PDF form), clinical trials are conducted at four distinct phases. In each phase, scientists seek answers to questions like: What is the correct dosage and use of the treatment? Does the new treatment have anti-cancer effects (i.e., does it shrink tumors)? How does the new treatment compare with existing ones? And finally, they test the new treatment against at least two established treatment regimens, by randomly assigning each one to a given group of patient.

There are often many requirements to participate in a clinical trial, which may include frequent visits to the vet and following restrictions on supplements and foods. In every instance, the dog’s quality of life is placed first.

In return for following the requirements, dogs get to receive things like a promising new drug and/or cutting-edge treatment. Their humans often (but not always) receive discounts on treatment costs.

For More Information:

• Read about clinical trials and one Tripawd hero’s experience while participating in a Colorado State University clinical trial.
• Visit the Tripawds Resources Page Clinical Trials directory to find an organization, vet clinic or a clinical trials matchmaker near you.