Isabelle is an approx 12y/o, boxer-shep-ridgeback mix, rescued 5 years ago from Hurricane Katrina. She was diagnosed w/osteosarcoma the day she started limping & had her L rear leg amputated 6 days later (08/24/10). She is not getting chemo. She's taking multiple immune system supports, Artemix & Hoxsey. She gets acupuncture & massage therapy weekly, chiropractic adjustments as needed & uses the underwater treadmill 3x a week for 32 minutes (her pre-amputation time & speed). She has had these therapies for a year because of LS spine arthritis. Isabelle is terrific & pretty much forgot about her leg as soon as she came home. She chased a rabbit around the block today! It usually take people a while to notice she's missing a limb. The only problems she has are r/t her arthritis, but not worse than before her amputation. I'm the one with the anxiety disorder, worrying about . She had a clear CXR at 1 month,& will have another xray soon. It seems like most dogs have had chemo, but I could be misreading & would like to hear from anyone w/similar experiences.  I also have a tripawd cat…but his R rear leg was amputated after an injury as an infant.  Thanks

Hi Isabelle and family.  It sounds like she is doing great – especially for a 12-yr old dog.

We adopted our boxer, Izzy, a little over 3 years ago, when she was about 8 or 9.  And, going from Zack, a lab mix, from puppyhood forward to a boxer – what a drastic difference in personality.  She is laid back and calm & just so sweet – perfect demeanor for a therapy dog.

That is great that Isabelle gets to continue doing something I'm sure she loves.

Welcome Isabelle and family,

What a beautiful girl Isabelle is. I'm glad she is doing so well. It's wonderful that she is able to continuing doing what she loves. The real winners here are of course us humans. Isabelle is certainly an inspiration. We didn't elect to do chemo for which there are many reasons but tomorrow Fortis will be celebrating his 10 month ampuversary. I couldn't have asked for more. When I say that it has changed my life I mean exactly that. Fortis responded well to acupuncture and chiropractic treatments as well. We're sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

Fortis'Dad

I'm so happy for you & Fortis! 10 mos is fantastic! Congratulations & enjoy!

Hi Isabelle!

Welcome to tripawds, though we wish we never had to meet you.  That said, you will find alot of friends here.  My mattie is not a tripawd, but her older brother was.  I just wanted to tell you that I put my boy Opie through chemo, but if I had to do it again, I would go the holistic route.  It seems as if, the dogs that get treatment like the original Jerry did, live longer.  Of course their are exceptions to the rule and Jerry is right in that there are no wrong answers.  You just do the best you can when each decision needs to be made.  I think you are doing what is best for Isabelle.

Spirit Opie's and quadpawd Mattie's mom

PS.  I love the name Isabelle.  It was on my list for mattie, but obviously didn't make the cut…husbands…sheesh.

Isabelle's name at the shelter was Madeline! Thanks for your kind words of support.

Cynthia and Isabelle,

First, we are very sorry to hear of Isabelle's diagnosis, but you have found a wonderful community filled with great people who will share their collective experience, provide excellent suggestions, and will always be here for support. I did opt for chemotherapy for Miss Cherry, but her diagnosis was very poor. She had a growth on her sole functioning kidney and more complications that I have never discussed. Her first chemotherapy treatment was just hours after the amputation and was far harder than the amputation. She lost all appetite due to the chemical taste had I had to stuff approximately 85% of her calorie intake during the chemotherapy protocol. While I totally attritube her 405 days after amputation to the chemotheapy and many do not have the difficulties that Miss Cherry encountered, the effectiveness of chemothapy is NOT as clear cut as the amputation. Many do extremely well without the chemotheapy while many also do not stay with us for very long even with chemotherapy. It is really an extreme wild card and NOT a magic bullet. The most important thing is that you are comfortable with whatever decision you make and know that you will have the support of this community.

About two months ago, we added a rescue to our family, so we are aware of the rewards and challenges of such a task. We wish you well and will be here if you have questions.

Spirit Cherry's Dad