Well, we had a follow up today with Alexander's oncologist. ALL of his doctors think that the appetite supression and lethargy are from A) Medications and B) He's tired!

So, basically, I am being a worrywort mommy, panicking because he got SO lethargic. The docs took him of the rimadyl completely, as well as the Cephalaxin. He was prescribed Gabapentin today due to the act he seems to still be having pain. He gets panty and tremors once in a while. The drugs still keep him pretty sedate, but the vet said he looks good overall.

All of the techs were absolutely amazed at how well he is getting around! I kept hearing "Alex, you act like you were born with only three legs!" That made me feel awesome, especially after the first ortho consult when that surgeon told me he wouldn't do well.

As for the Thrombocytopenia, his platelets are back to perfectly normal. No worries there, could have been a bead draw, an off day or the Rimadyl. Thank goodness!!!!

He is still not really eating. He wouldn't even eat a McDonalds cheeseburger or chicken nuggets yesterday. He did have some peanut butter last night. When I was at the vet today, she gave me some canned science diet I/D, he gobbled that right up today….so, hopefully we are on our way back to eating…I just wish he'd eat his RAW diet, rather than commercial dog food. We had problems with allergies before we went RAW….

Alexander's first Chemo treatment is scheduled for next Wednesday, as long as bloodwork that day is good, as well as a physical exam. Everything is moving so fast!

I am anxious to have my Alexander back, I want to see him living, not suffering. I knew these two weeks were going to be hard, but I was not ready for the emotional impact! I could not even fathom the sense of panic over some weird breathing, or the sense of joy over a poop. I know logically that we made the right decision for Alexander, I can feel it in my heart. I can doubt myself during the tough times, but I know what we are doing is right.

Question/Poll: Has anyone used acupuncture, if so, did you see benefits? Was it expensive? Would you recommend it?

Thanks for ALL the support, tripawds.com is the first page I go to every time I get on my computer now!!!!

Yay!  So happy to see this post, I have been worrying about xanderdane.  Don't fret, he WILL get his "normal" personality back, in bits and pieces over the next couple of weeks and then all of a sudden you'll realize that he's all back to "normal."  Really.  I was a doubter, but if you've been following my pposts you'll see that I was wrong.

Re the panting – we still have more of that (at day 15) than we did before surgery.  Vets say he's tired, he's hot, etc.  I actually think that he is just a little bit anxious in certain circumstances — kind of the way your pup might pant before if he was standing on the edge of somethign high, or at the vet if he doesn't like it there, or in the car if he doesn't like that …. it freaked me out but when the surgeon removed the stitches day 10 she said not to worry about it.  So we have seen it for a while after he moves around (he's working hard, after all!) and also when we have introduced him to new situations for the first time on 3 legs.  I would say that the panting alone, without other symptoms, is not as bad as it seems to us.

Can't help you re food as I have a Labrador. That means that I could give him a box in which a McDonald's hamburger once lived, 10 minutes after surgery, and he'd eat it.  That being said, he did lose his lunch once or twice during the first 2 weeks, but it didn't slow him down.

Good luck!

Glad to hear that the blood count is back to normal, but being one who really struggled with the appetite, I know that it can worry one. I also agree that the medications are probably the major culprit for this problem. Miss Cherry started her chemothearpy just hours after the amputation and as the chemicals traversed her body, her appetite shut down. Even I could taste the chemicals when I kissed her good night. Bottom line, I have many things that I used with varrying degree of success during the two months of chemotherapy. Just PM us if you need them.

Many of our community do not have any problem at all with chemotherapy, so I would not worry but go into that as optimistic and upbeat as you can. It will help Alexander.

Spirit Cherry's Dad

Yes, yes, yes for acupuncture.  The initial visit was a bit pricey but the ultimate outcome of seeing a happy, comfortable dog was well worth it.

So hoping Xander has better days…..my 1 month Tripawd Shelby sends her love! xoxoxo

Hi  Alexander's parents,

Sorry I missed your post from a few days ago. I'm slow and have a hard time keeping up sometimes . In any case it sounds like Alexander is doing much better. The first couple of weeks are so very stressful! Hang in there and before you know it your Alexander will be back and enjoying life as a dog!

sending positive thoughts your way for a thumbs up visit with the vet next Wednesday…

Fortis has had several acupuncture/chiropractic treatments. Rene and Jim had recommended them and so I gave it a try. I feel there has been a benefit. Fortis who has had some serious issues with his remaining leg seemed stronger after each subsequent treatment. I know his spine was shaped like an S. The chiropractic treatments have really made a difference here. We will be going in for another treatment within a week or so.

If I remember correctly the initial visit cost a little over $200. But within that amount was a prescription for meds, and overall check-up. The following visits have cost around $100. I'm sure this amount will change based on your location.

Well that's my two cents. Keep us posted.

Fortis'Chump

I know you are still having some trouble, but I'm glad you are getting some of them behind you.  We never tried accuncture, but I've only heard good things about it.

Maybe it's time to try a drug that will get Alexander stoned AND stimulate his appetite!  Hee Hee…nothing like the munchies.

You're doing a super job!

Spirit Ruthie's Mom