Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Karl is about 9 weeks post amp and he's doing quite well. He's up to mischief rolling in stuff, playing tug and fetch, going to the beach, dog park and pulling me around as usual. So I'm really happy seeing him play like a regular dog ! Go Karl. Took him for his chemo yesterday and his white blood count was low so the appointment had to be postponed. Is there anything I can do to improve his white blood count? The Oncologist said that time was all I could do. Should I keep him away from other dogs if his white blood count is low during chemo?
Peace to all ,Karl and mom Julie
Hooray for Karl. Our oncologist told us to keep Otis away from other dogs during the entire chemo cycle - Chemo does impact their WBC count and overall immune response, and she was concerned about him being exposed to canine flu or something else while his immune reaction was impaired. And although I am not a vet, I think it is just a matter of time. Good chance that he will be good to go next week. I would hold off on any supplements or anything until you get through chemo.
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.
It is not uncommon to postpone chemo due to low blood counts. Shelby found herself anemic during our battle (not sure if that is the same blood count) but it is normal. Chemo kills even the good cells so it's natural.
As far as other dogs, we were a single dog home and Shelby wasn't much into playing anymore ...at the dog park that is. We played a lot on our own so I can't answer that part of the question!
HUGS!
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
Hi Julie and Karl!
It is a common side effect for the WBC to drop...my vet said that shows the chemo is doing what it's supposed to do. It happened to Nitro about the 3rd of 4th dose too. We then increased the time interval from every 3 weeks to every 4 and it was fine. I also don't KNOW the answer as to whether or not he should stay away from other dogs, but I would guess that would be a smart thing. Nitro doesn't socialize with any dog but his brother Kodi.
Yay for naughtiness!
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
Karl, your face is too adorable! Like you, Tipper wound up having to postpone treatments the first couple times. We eventually decided that his cycle would be every four weeks instead of every three. His WBC count was always terrific at our 7-10 day CBC and then way down around day 21 when we went for our next treatment. There's no way to increase the count. We eventually decided to adjust and schedule for every four weeks instead of three. It saved us lots of trips.
I was pretty worked up about it the first time, but turns out it's normal. Our vet and oncologist weren't concerned. I've found it best to take their lead!
With any luck, Karl's bloodwork will be dandy by the time you go back!
With regard to other dogs, the immune system is weakened throughout the chemo process. BUT, our doctor told me that if wbc count was scary-low, then they would put Tipper on antibiotics. Tipper has a little brother, and we did have a couple other dogs at our house, but only ones we know were current on vaccinations. Especially since vaccinations are on hold during chemo. It can't hurt to exercise a little caution until treatments are done. The wbc count goes up and down throughout the cycle.
Take care!
Julie and Tipper
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