Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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i remember a forum a while back discussing whether dogs with cancer should be vaccinated. Otis had a three year rabies in December, before he was diagnosed, but was "due" for his other vaccines. I was prepared for a conversation with my family vet on this topic, but he didn't even bring the vaccines into the appointment. When I asked, he said that he doesn't generally recommend vaccines for his cancer patients. What a relief to not have to advocate on this issue!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Very good! Agreed - glad your vet is of that opinion. My vets are not "anti-vax", but they do keep up on studies for efficacy of vaccination (how long), share that info and are conservative about vaccinating elderly or compromised pets.
Pofi will not be vaccinated again for anything.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
We did not vaccinate after Shelby got cancer and was being treated. I think that is more the norm.... but I could be wrong! 🙂
But good news that you didn't have to fight against it!
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
MSU had a sign on their wall that said Rabies vaccine was fine, as was heart worm & flea protection, but that they did not recommend other vaccines during chemo.
We did vaccinate again the next time Murphy was due after chemo was completed, I think it was about 6 months later.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Yep, here's that article
Rabies Vaccination Waiver for Cancer Dogs
Everyone has to weigh their animal's risks differently. If we were to deal with terminal cancer again, I would not vaccinate. But that's just me. The thing is, finding a vet who agrees with this position can be tough.
Recently we were at Texas A&M and when I brought up this issue with the overseeing vet treating Wyatt, he clearly, adamantly, said that he would always vaccinate even if the animal had cancer. In fact he was a little perterbed when I brought it up, because of the huge rabies risk in Texas. He said that if one person contracted rabies because they got bit by a rabid dog that he didn't vaccinate, he couldn't live with himself. He stated that it goes against his oath to protect animals (and the public) by not following through. And he didn't believe in titers for rabies either.
When I asked "What about other core vaccines?" he said he might consider allowing a waiver. Obviously a holistic vet wouldn't be of the same mindset but basically what I learned is that there probably isn't a single vet in Texas who will allow a rabies waiver. I imagine it's the same in other states with a higher rabies risk.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I think Murphy was someplace in the middle of his 3 year vaccine, so I was ok. At least it was 1 less thing to worry about at that time.
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
If Otis is still with me in December 2018 when he needs a new rabies, I will not object in the slightest.😀
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Rabies is the sole exception I would likely make.
But Jerry, your point about local risk factors is definitely important and part of the equation.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Well, sadly here in the UK if you take your dog out of the country they will not allow him/her back.
I called the customs because I want to take Eurydice to France and Portugal to see my family and friends when chemo is finished and sadly the rabies vaccine expires at that time.
I was told there are NO exceptions even if I could produce a report from the vets and have a blood test done showing the antibodies count, as vaccines stay effective in the body for much longer than the renewal date.
There is no rabies in the UK but there is no rabies as well in France and Portugal, it isn't as if I was taking my girl to India...
So I called the oncologist and said that everybody seems to agree no vaccines for cancer patients but he disagrees, which was a surprise to me.
I am no doctor but would have thought pumping a supressed immune system with a vaccine would be a risk.
In fact I feel, in my heart, it IS a risk.
So, I have a few months to decide if she ever will leave the UK or not.
I hate it when no kindness is shown and no exceptions are made, even with reassurances (antibody count presents a total fact)
As for other vaccines, my girl is having none!
Lots of love and cuddles 
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Sounds like Eurydice needs to do her own Brexit and stay put in the UK!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Yeah decision was made for us, for sure 
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Yeah, I opted not to vaccinate Nitro anymore, the exception being rabies - couldn't really get around that one. Luckily my vet supports my decision....she kinda defers to my wishes, within reason, of course. Nitro doesn't leave our yard except to accompany me on shopping trips; he doesn't go to dog parks or get groomed, so she saw no reason tempt fate.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
When Sassy was around Dr Boyer said she never would vaccinate a dog who had cancer. Her reasoning was this she wanted Sassy's immune system to fight the cancer not build antibodies to a vaccine. Now with that being said we had started discussions because I wanted to know about Rabies. Our county had never had anyone have a vet say they wouldn't vaccinate for rabies. Dr Boyer told me Rabies is a "dead" vaccine and the others were live. So if we had to do the rabies that she would do it but she really preferred not to. We never got to that point though.
We did not vaccinate Sassy when she was due for the others though.
just my 2 cents
xoxox
Michelle & Angel Sassy
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."
In NZ if we want to put an animal in a Cattery or Kennel for any period of time, they have to be on an annual vaccination schedule. This will have to be considered with Jack because the holiday travel option takes him into a very rural setting with lots of working dogs around. The dogs are trained not to worry cats, but they are big dogs...a stray bounce would terrify most cats.
Rabies, is a huge concern here in this area. In fact, the girls killed a raccoon a couple of months back while we were at work. Raccoons are nocturnal and for them to be out in the day time is a symptom of rabies. They were a bit scratched/wounded so we both took deep sighs of relief knowing they get their rabies vaccines on a regular basis.
Harmony became sick (MCT) right after she spent a week in a kennel while the hub-a-dub and myself were on vacation. Ever since, we haven't had a vacation simply because of what happened to Harmony. But now that the discussion has been brought up, I think it could very well have been the vaccine(s) she had to have in order to stay at the kennel.
We will never know, but now we're looking into alternatives to the kennel (e.g. friends, family, etc.).
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
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