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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Tommy's Chemotherapy
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Member Since:
31 March 2015
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1
5 May 2015 - 11:06 am
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Hello again!

Just a quick question from Tommy. He had his first chemotherapy session last Thursday, so that's about 5 days ago. The doctor proposed 4 treatments of Adriamycin. The doctor mentioned that he might have a bit of diarrhea and/or vomiting but he didn't have either so I guess he's such a strong boy! He did, however, lose a lot of energy. He still seems to sleep a lot, and sometimes he has trouble getting up and walking. Would you guys say this is normal? I assume it is because I called the doctor and they said it was, but how long would you guys say this lasts?

He is recently amputated, so I guess it's understandable for him to have trouble walking at times but it almost wasn't an issue before the chemo. Another thing that I noticed is that, he yelped a few times as if he was missing his leg. This only happened the following day after the chemo and hasn't happened since but, again, it really wasn't an issue before.

I'm considering not continuing the chemo, I just don't like that he's having trouble walking. It breaks my heart and it brings back all my anxieties about having his amputation in the first place. I will be speaking to his vet about this but again, just wanted to hear thoughts. I'm under the impression that it isn't even really necessary in the first place because all he had was a soft tissue sarcoma which was completely removed when the leg came off. They told me the risk was that it had spread to his lungs before it was removed but as of now it there are no signs. If I'm being way to optimistic please tell me so!

Thank you so much!

Los Angeles, CA
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13 June 2013
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5 May 2015 - 11:53 am
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Have you called your oncologist to discuss this about Tommy? 

Shelby never had any issues w/chemo other than some slight lethargicness for about a couple days after. She bounced back quickly but was more tired ... but by the time her next round came, she was much better. 

As for the not-walking,... that I do not know about but the yelping .. that might be phantom pain . I would definitely check on that too!

Hugs!

Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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5 May 2015 - 3:45 pm
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I'm sorry he's having some side effects. Not all do but some will get tired like this and it does break your heart in the meantime. Definitely get on the phone with the vet asap but have a detailed list of what's going on before you do. That will help pinpoint whether this is a pain management issue from learning to walk on 3, or side effects. Here's some info that may help:

Cisplatin and Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)  Side Effects in Dogs

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
31 March 2015
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7 May 2015 - 12:33 am
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I did talk to the oncologist about it. They said it was normal.. I guess I'll try to discuss it with them further. Thanks a lot for the links! I'm definitely going to read up before I talk to the doctor again. It should be more helpful if I know what I'm talking about. 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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7 May 2015 - 9:04 am
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Awww Tommy! You get back to feeling better right now!!!

I can certainly understand your concerns about continuing, ESPECIALLY if there is so much uncertainty about whether it was even necessary!! Im no vet so I couldn't tell you the supposed benefits of that particular chemo for Tommy's specific issues. I do know it's all about QUALITY!!

Perhaps you could put him on some Gabapentin. It's a pain med and works well with phantom pain too. Ask your vet about trying that for a few days and see if it makes a difference. His trouble walking could very easily be a pulled muscle, tweaked back, etc.

I actually videod ine of my recent vet visits because I never could figure out what they said once I left the parking lot...even when I took notes! Someone here suggested that so I'm passing it onto you.

Keep us posted and give that sweet pup a big smooch for us!

Hugs and love!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!

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