Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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I am getting ahead of myself since we don't have biopsy results from Bella's amputated leg yet, but I am starting to think about the probability of her needing chemo soon.
Before her emergency surgery last week, the ER took chest x-rays, x-rays of the good back leg, and an abdominal ultrasound. No visible tumors were anywhere, which was part of our decision to go ahead with the surgery.
Is chemo for surgery follow-up like this different than for dogs that have mets? Are different drugs usually used? Bella is 12 years and a couple months old and a Shepherd mix, so even without the cancer I am not expecting multiple years left with her, but I am hoping we can slow the disease to enjoy what she's got.
Part of me wants to hold the hope that it won't be an osteosarcoma result, but the grown-up in me wants to start information gathering.
PS. Bella continues to have steady improvement post-op, even getting around fine in our current snow and slush.
11:00 am
Team Tripawds
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25 September 2009
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OK be pawsitive, maybe she won't need it! Of course it helps to be prepared so I get it.
Typically dogs undergo IV chemotherapy after surgery. When dogs have mets, we were told that IV chemo doesn't do much good and metronomics (with different drugs, pills) might help, but recent studies are showing that it's not as effective as once thought.
YAY BELLA! So happy to read that you are improving! Moving around in snow is hard work so try to take it verrrrry easy OK? S
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks, that is what I was trying to sort out, the IV vs oral meds.
Yeah, we are being very cautious outside. On the leash only for potty and right back inside. Made a lot easier by cold temps and worse wind chill; nobody wants to be out longer than necessary! It is making it a lot easier on all of us to be inside and low activity.
I realized yesterday that we were going to be out of meds this coming weekend, so I called our regular vet to get refills. Thanks to all the great info on this site for prompting me to think about that! We are going to drop the codeine but keep Carprofen 2x and Gabapentin 3x for at least another week. I am hoping she will be off the meds by her post-op appointment on the 16th so we can get a clear idea of her progress.
I am so very glad that her recovery has been easy so far. This time last week we were waiting for the call from the surgeon. Bella has battled itchy allergies all her life and had finally gotten good control/relief with a new med for that about a year ago, so I am relieved that she has been spared discomfort now.
2:20 pm
Team Tripawds
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25 September 2009
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YESSSS! You are managing the recovery like a boss, good job! The pain plan sounds reasonable.
We are glad her recovery has been so manageable too. Glad to hear her allergies are behaving as well. WHEW! What is the med that's working for her?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Bella is using Cytopoint, an injectable med that lasts, for her, about 3 months. She had been through allergy testing, allergy shots, cyclosporine (Atopica), Apoquel, antihistamines, steroids... Nothing ever totally fixed it. Cytopoint ignores the allergy part and goes directly to desensitizing the itch, from what I understand. I am sorry that it took so many years of her life for a great remedy to come along, but it is amazingly effective. In fact, she had just gotten a shot the day before the leg fracture emergency, which in hindsight was extremely good timing.
6:52 pm
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Bucketeers
22 February 2013
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Excellent job in overseeing Bella's recovery👍 And good for checking on the meds and tapering based on where she is in her recovery. It sounds like her recovery is steady and smooth and progressing safely.
Thanks for the update AND great inforavout what has finally worked for her allergies and why.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
7:50 pm
Team Tripawds
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25 September 2009
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That's an awesome anti-allergy medication! We used it for Wyatt Ray once and wow it was like overnight he was a new dog with no side effects. I love your vet!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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