Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
Join The Tripawds Community
Register your free account to join the Tripawds Support Circle. Connecting with members and getting the support you need is now easier than ever with the Circle app!
Easy Photo Upload
Private Messaging
Subscribe to Topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Forums Locked: Search archives for answers & join Tripawds Support Circle to keep discussion going!
Log In
Members
Offline
Our sweet 9yr old Golden Retriever is 18 days post op from amputation and finally feeling good. I drop her off tomorrow morning to have her first round of chemo by IV. I'm not sure if I'm prepared for the side effects. I have to work the next day and am afraid to leave her alone. Any words of encouragement or experience you'd like to share? Thank you!
Sassy didn't have any reactions to the first chemo. Her first one went really smooth. Make sure you get antinauseau drugs as some will have reactions early on.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Jasmine looks so cute! What a darling face.
Jackson, like Sassy, is also getting IV chemo. Sassy and Jackson both are getting carboplatin. Unlike Sassy, Jackson has had zero side effects from it! Now, the first dose I thought he was kinda tired from it, but I know presume it was because he was still recovering from amputation. I've been told that if he were to have side effects, they're more likely to happen days 3-5 afterward. Since Jasmine is still post-op, I figure she's going to react the day after chemo like how she acted today. Which is...? Sleeping and resting? If you're worried about nausea, like what Sassy has sometimes experienced, is there someone (or you) who could come back midday for a check up? Side effects for dogs are pretty mild and can be regulated well - but, that's easier said when you know how your pup responds! I feel your anxiety. Try to get someone over midday for a little peek into her day and then try to relax. You'll get to her as soon as you can - until then, she'll be lounging around in style!
~ Katy
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
hello! What type of chemo is Jasmine getting? Llike Sassy and Jackson, my Jill is currently undergoing IV chemo. She, so far, has had one round of carbo, one round of doxorubicin and has had no visible side effects. On the morning of her second round of chemo (this was to be doxo, her first round was carbo) her white blood cells were very low and we had to postpone her chemo for two weeks. DO NOT FREAK IF THIS HAPPENS (like I did lol). This is totally normal and, as Jill's oncologist told me, means the chemo is actually working!
Come on over to the chat room
if you are around, Michelle and I are in there most nights and can chat with ya 
Jasmine will do GREAT!
All our love,
Erica & Jill the Kitty
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
What kind of chemo is Jasmine getting? Is it carboplatin? My dog Max got 6 treatments of carboplatin. He got through the first 4 great. He would get a little tired and not too interested in food about 24 hours after the treatment; this would last about 24 hours, then he'd be back to normal! Treatments 5 & 6 knocked him down a little more. Chemo is cumulative in the system, so by #5 & 6, Max had some nausea and diarrhea. Other than that, there really weren't any side effects for him. If you're worried about Jasmine experiencing nausea or diarrhea, you can ask your doc to prescribe some anti-nausea meds; and you can add a spoonful pumpkin to her meals for the diarrhea. And also remember, if you're really worried about your girl, call your vet. Don't be afraid to call them; you've paid them for a service, and they can take the time to answer questions you may have. Good luck tomorrow, please update on your girl when you can!
Hi Jasmine & family, welcome to Tripawds. As you can see we've got lots of great advice here from folks who have been in your paws, so you're not alone. If it's any comfort, know that most dogs do not see side effects and those who do usually just have very temporary nausea for a day or so. Ask your vet for some anti-nausea meds just in case, and who you should contact in case you need emergency advice in the middle of the night.
Take comfort in knowing that most folks do sail right through it with few side effects. We have our paws crossed that Jasmine is one of them. Keep us posted and good luck tomorrow!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I have nothing new to add to what has already been said. My Brendol had her first chemo a week ago and I too was worried sick. After I dropped her off, I was the one that fealt nauseous. But she did great. We were also told that any effects would be in between days 2 to 5. I did get an anti-nausea pill as a precaution, but still holding on to it in my purse for future treatments. Hope your girl sails through the treatment and that you do as well.
Karma and Brendol
Adelaide is a young tripawd Husky, from an injury. Her amp was on 10/1/12. She has 4 sisters, Aissa (a senior border collie/chow), Maggie May (a puppy Great Pyrenees), Mathilde and Morrigan and 1 baby brother, Bagheera. We are all watched over by our angel Brendol, who was dx with OSA 1/30/13, amp on 2/6/13, and left us on 8/20/13.
You can read their stories at http://adelaide.tripawds.com and http://brendol.tripawds.com
Hi, best of luck first with Jasmine.
Zuess did NOT do well on iv chemo, got nausea right away and stopped eating for days as i scrambled to get him to the vet nearly daily to get him help. The oncology vet FINALLY prescribed PREDNISONE and he started eating immediately.
Being Jasmine is older too, bring it up RIGHT AWAY with your Oncologist (especially if they are not closeby) that you want to have that ON HAND in case she stops eating.
FOOD ie: Nutrition is a MUST during this time of killing of the cells !!!!
Wow, this is awesome thank you all so much for your responses. Jasmine did good today. Me not so much. Exhausted. She was energetic a couple hours after she came home. She ate every bite of her dinner, plus a multi vitamin, rimadyl & cefpodoxime in cheese. She was given carboplatin. The vet did a smear from incision & found she has a mild infection & I'd giving her cefpro because of the chemo. She has been laying now for 4 hrs. Hope she is just tired like what mentioned above.
I'm concerned because the vet did not send home any anti meds. He said he would have to give by iv, but that is not what I'm reading about. What do you think?
Will get check back tomorrow when I'm more alert. Off to bed. Thank you from Jasmine
Don't freak out about the slight infection. She's getting meds for it and I'm sure you'll watch over her. The MAJOR upside to that is antibiotics also help her WBC rebound and/or keep them elevated after chemo. That's a good thing! This means you'll be less likely to postpone her second dose b/c of low WBCs. Yey! Jackson is always on antibiotics after his chemos - not b/c we had low WBC; it's standard protocol with his onco. They are pricey, but we're thrilled with his response to chemos and they may be part of it.
You dropped her off, right? For the whole day? Since it was carboplatin, the total "drip time" was likely very short. I presume she was there the whole day b/c you had work to tend to? I ask, b/c it would seem weird to hear that they gave her chemo all day long.... Maybe they are treating her like Sassy's oncos, where they keep her hooked up to fluids all day? Did she pee a lot when you got her home? I suspect her sleep afterward was b/c she was in a new place all day, with new noises, smells, sounds, etc. It would tire me out! I don't think her 4 hr nap was b/c of the chemo per se, but b/c of the day's excitement. Again, I think side effects are more delayed, like days ~2-5. She may sleep then or get a little sick or want special meals.
As for anti-nausea meds, well, they can be administered via IV. They can do that right before chemo, but I would think they'd only do that if they knew the dog would get sick. So, obviously if Jasmine gets ill, let them know and they can give that (probably Cerenia) via IV next time. However, Sassy's mom will confirm that's pricey, or at least more pricey than the pills. So if they only offer the IV Cerenia and you don't like the price, ask about pills. For take home meds, I don't think it's too odd they didn't send you home with pills. Granted, that's a wonderful safety net if you need it - you wouldn't have to call anyone or wait to get her (you?) relief. However, not every dog needs them. So far, Jackson hasn't, and I've got brand new, pricey Rx in his drawer! I like to return them.... That said, his onco is about an hr away, so again, having them on hand is good. If your onco is near enough and you can reach them easily at all hours, I wouldn't panic. If she does need some meds, call them and ask about the pill version vs IV delivery. There are both. Go with the form you're most comfortable with.
I'm glad she sailed through it! Now that it's over, you will too! You know what to expect, or rather, you will after you 2 get over the next few days. I'm happy her welcome home meal was so appreciated. Great work, Jasmine! Keep it up, cutie!
~ Katy
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
fetchon3 said
As for anti-nausea meds, well, they can be administered via IV. They can do that right before chemo, but I would think they'd only do that if they knew the dog would get sick. So, obviously if Jasmine gets ill, let them know and they can give that (probably Cerenia) via IV next time. However, Sassy's mom will confirm that's pricey, or at least more pricey than the pills. So if they only offer the IV Cerenia and you don't like the price, ask about pills. For take home meds, I don't think it's too odd they didn't send you home with pills.
You took the words right out of my mouth Katy.Pills are FAR less expensive. According to the Dog Cancer Survival Guide, you can also try grating ginger and administering that in her food. Ginger is a terrific, natural anti-nausea medication. Of course that's IF the symptoms appear, which we hope they won't.
Also, yes, side effects either happen in the first 2-3 days or later at about 7-10 days, at least that's what an onco doc told us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
All terrific and much needed advice! This is perfect! Just called home to check on Jasmine and she did great today. I am working on trying to figure out how to set up a camera to check on her at work online so I'm not wondering all day. I would feel awful for her being in the room getting sick all day, if that happens. Still thinking positive!!! It's really hard for both of us to check on her during the day.
Great info on the anti-nausea meds. I tend to be a skeptic with Drs when it comes to them suggesting something for profit. I like to be aware of options to ask about.
I've been reading about proantibotics??? Any recommendations? The ginger sounds good too. I just wish I had more time. This job thing is consuming too much of my time, but need to pay the bills!
You all are great! Thank you very much, Sherry and my sweet baby girl Jasmine!
Hi Sherry and Jasmine,
Jasmine is SO cute! Sorry you had to find us here.
Do you mean probiotics? I can't really help with those as we didn't do them with Abby.
Sounds like Jasmine has been doing well, post her first chemo. We did 6 rounds of carbo w/ Abby and overall she tolerated it quite well. She did throw up a tiny amount of bile a couple of times, but always kept her appetite - although sometimes on the day of the treatment, she would only eat something very bland. (One nigth all she would eat was plain pasta - we later read the paperwork the vet had sent home and it suggested plain rice or pasta, so apparently Abby had read the paperwork!)
Another thing to be aware of that I didn't know going in to it, is that the effects of chemo are cumulative. By the 5th treatment, Abby was SO tired - not at all herself, and i was so freaked out thinking the cancer had come back. Called the onc. in a panic, and it turned out she was just wiped out from the accumulation of the chemo. (Also we did her treatments every 2 weeks, so she was getting hit pretty hard with the stuff...). After a couple of days of rest, she was as good as new!
I hope you have lots of good times ahead with your beautiful girl!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
jasmine said
I've been reading about proantibotics??? Any recommendations?
So glad to hear that she's doing well! Now, do you mean probiotics? If so, here are some Nutrition blog posts about them:
The Basics of a Good Anti-Cancer Diet
The Scoop on Antibiotics, Probiotics and Prebiotics
Are Probiotics in Your Tripawd’s Regimen?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm glad she's doing so well. I use probiotics for my dogs. My vet feels all cats and dogs should be on them. Very easy to use...just sprinkle on their food daily. Good luck. Jasmine is so pretty.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
1 Guest(s)
