Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Elsa had her first round of Carboplatin almost 3 weeks ago and is due her next one on Friday.
The only side effect that she appears to have had is the occasional bout of runny poops but this could be due to her new carb-free, protein-rich diet instead 
It wasn't actual diahrrea, just a bit too loose and is fine and back to normal now.
Apart from that, she actually been full of energy and is so very happy, which is very encouraging.
As it's quite a drive to her Oncologist, our local vet is testing her bloods the day before and emailing the results over to them so that we don't have a possible wasted journey. I know that there's no way of telling if her white blood cell count is too low apart from the blood test, but are there any 'signs' that may point to it being too low? I seem to remember reading somewhere on Tripawds that people could generally tell that it would be if their dog was lethargic.
I just want to prepare myself mentally for any eventuality - I SO hope that it's ok......!
First of all, YAAAAAAAAAY FOR ELSA!!! So glad fo hear she's doing well!!
As far as low WBC, Happy Hannah didn't experience it so I can't address it from first hand knowledge. I can tell you that it is not unexpected at all to have this happen! Usually, its just once, but it can certainly happen more than once...and has. Kitty Jill had hers delayed numerous times.
Others can chime in, but I don't think there are any "symptoms" to be seen as you aren't dealing with an "infection" per se. I'm no vet and, again, others who has this happen cal clarify if there were any signs. As noted in The Dog Cancer Survival Guide , a low WBC caused by the chemo may actually mean it's working! Go figure!
Thanks for checking in and looking forward ro more great updates!!!
Hugs to all!
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!
Ellie had a low WBC after her first round of Carbo but we had no idea. We didn't see anything in her attitude or energy level. The doctor did say in her case the WBC was 'borderline low'....just a bit too low to do the next dose.
With Ellie, the onc adjusted her dose downward the next time so we never had a second issue of low WBC.
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
My Dobe nitro had a low WBC after his second or third dose of carboplatin; there really was no outward sign of this. His behavior didn't change from when it was normal or low. We just spaced out his remaining treatments by an added week and all was fine. I'd be surprised if you could tell if Elsa was low by looking at her. At least you can know in advance and not have to make the trip in vain. But don't be worried if you have to delay treatment a bit. Good luck.
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
Thank you all very much for your replies - will just have to wait and keep all our fingers and paws crossed for Elsa's blood test results on Thursday 
Will let you know how we get on.....
andreak said
Elsa had her first round of Carboplatin almost 3 weeks ago and is due her next one on Friday.The only side effect that she appears to have had is the occasional bout of runny poops but this could be due to her new carb-free, protein-rich diet instead
Apart from that, she actually been full of energy and is so very happy, which is very encouraging.
As it's quite a drive to her Oncologist, our local vet is testing her bloods the day before and emailing the results over to them so that we don't have a possible wasted journey. I know that there's no way of telling if her white blood cell count is too low apart from the blood test, but are there any 'signs' that may point to it being too low? I seem to remember reading somewhere on Tripawds that people could generally tell that it would be if their dog was lethargic.
I just want to prepare myself mentally for any eventuality - I SO hope that it's ok......!
From our experience (we do Carbo every three weeks) Eva always has a low wbc at 2 weeks post chemo, usually falling between 60-65. We've never interveined at that point, but tested her the next week when she was due for her next treatment and she had them back up on her own. I don't think I ever noticed a difference in the way she would act, but Eva definitely needed antacids and diarrhea meds throughout carboplatin. We do Zofran, Reglan, (for the belly) and metronidazole for the poops. They definitely seem to make E more comfortable.
Elsa's white blood cell count was slightly too low to do the next round of chemo, so it's been postponed until next week.
The oncologist said that it was nothing to worry about and that she was very confident that she'd be ok for continuing treatment next week.
So, just to be safe we've booked her in for a blood test with out vets next Thursday and they will email the results over to the Animal Health Trust.
Everything crossed (again) for a good outcome!
Elsa, you silly girl. Just wanted a little break before your next treatment so you could get spoiled even more...as if that's possible!!
As you can see from all the precious ppsts and your own vet's comment, it really is nothing to worry about!! REALLY!
Thanks for the update...and don't forget..PICTURES! We love pictures around nere!
Hugs!
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!
andreak said
Elsa's white blood cell count was slightly too low to do the next round of chemo, so it's been postponed until next week.The oncologist said that it was nothing to worry about and that she was very confident that she'd be ok for continuing treatment next week.
So, just to be safe we've booked her in for a blood test with out vets next Thursday and they will email the results over to the Animal Health Trust.
Everything crossed (again) for a good outcome!
I'm sure all will go well! Some princesses take longer to spit all the medicine out from their kidneys which, I've been told, can contribute. Lots of water, lots of lovin, and I'm sure she'll be ready next week for the continuation of treatment!
Hi just wanted to chime in here! Three weeks After Jill's first carbo her wbc count was "dangerously low" and I was SHOCKED...she was acting totally normal, healthy and happy...so I dont really think there are any signs. Two weeks later they were back up to normal levels. After that, I wound up taking her to a closer vet to have her blood tested a few days before her scheduled chemo, so I think that's a great idea, saved me the trip! She wound up having to delay 2/4 of her treatments bc of low counts.
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
I was hoping you'd see this Erica, thank you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Update on Lady Elsa.......blood test at our local vets today and her WBC is fine, so she can continue with her chemo tomorrow!
So, off on a road trip tomorrow to The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket for round 2 (knock 'em out, Elsa!)
YAAAAY!!! Good luck, we are thinking of you two. Elsa you can do it!!!!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
GOOD JOB ELSA!!
Make sure you get a cheeseburger and some ice cream on the way back from the vet! You deservemit!!
Hugs!
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!
Elsa's chemo went well - the Oncologist was very pleased with her progress and said that rather than it being a worry that her WBC count was too low last week, it could actually be seen as GOOD news!
She said it shows that the chemo is doing its' job (yay!) and she also said that they've found that dogs who experience this have a history of having a higher survival time! ( - not sure how they know but i'm going with it!)
Given the dip in her WBC, she'll now be going once every 4 weeks (instead of every 3) for her treatment with the dosage staying the same
As an aside, Elsa seems to actually thrive on the chemo - she's full of beans, charging around the garden and has the appetite of a horse! Our dogs are so amazing, aren't they?!
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