On Saturday April 29, over 600 walkers gathered in Elk Grove near Sacramento to walk in support of Morris’ groundbreaking work to end canine cancer.

Team Tripawds raised a whopping $1,540, more money than ever before, which propelled us to the 8th most successful fundraising team out of 30 that registered.

The Tripawds Tribute leash also made its first public debut. Stay tuned for an update about this beatiful project  from Modpawd Karen.

Ruby the Wiggle Dancer posted fun photos from the walk, visit her blog to see more!

Your Help Supports Morris’ Scientific Successes

Currently cancer is the no. 1 cause of death in dogs over the age of 2. Morris Animal Foundation will use proceeds from the walk to fund studies that will help create a healthier tomorrow for dogs.

Through Morris’ Cure Canine Cancer campaign, they are currently funding more than 35 canine cancer studies.

In 2011, Morris studies yielded a number of promising results, particularly in the areas of treatment and genetics.

Morris funding helped scientists

• Identify advantages of administering chemotherapy in frequent, low-level doses in dogs
• Discover genetic information that could lead to a prognostic lymphoma test
• Evaluate the usefulness of advanced imaging techniques to determine early treatment response noninvasively
• Identify inherited deficiencies in the ability of Golden Retrievers with lymphoma to repair DNA

New developments like these are taking place all the time, and each one brings us one step closer to better preventions, treatments and, one day, a cure.

Thank you Team Tripawds, we are honored that you chose to support the efforts of this pawesome organization!

Let’s give a BIG PAWS UP to everyone who has generously helped to support the team. With a total of $1,540 raised so far (and counting!), Team Tripawds is in spot #8 on the list of Top Ten teams who’ve raised the most funds! Thanks everypawdy!

Charon Coonfield
Jackie Bouchard
Brad Burkholder
Jackie & Cindy Crowder
Kim Fraser
Brian & Deandre Gabor
Desiree Haight
Diane & John Hollenbeck
Anna Holmes
Julie Horenstein
Fiona Iwan
Mary James
Ralph Kanz
Joanie Knorpp
Heather Knutsen
Martha Lowe
Susan McCauley
Micki Monroe
Holly Nishimitsu
Leslie Pierce
Karen Riley
Neill & Peggy Riley
Cindy Sipple
Mary Sommer
Deborah Stafford
James Starr
Tripawds.com
Robert Vincik

We will also be revealing the wonderful Tripawds Tribute Leash that’s currently being crafted by Tripawds member Karen Riley! If you haven’t sent in your tribute ribbon for the project, please read about how you can do that here.

It’s still not too late to show your support and walk with us in person or from your home. Support the Morris Animal Foundation’s Canine Cancer Campaign, by joining Team Tripawds Today!

Remember, all funds from the Cure Canine Cancer Walks fund the work of oldest and most respected animal health research organizations in the world, the Morris Animal Foundation.

We wholeheartedly support Morris Animal Foundation because of the huge impact their Cure Canine Cancer Campaign has had on the lives of our beloved dogs. Their succesful canine cancer studies give us hope that a cure is definitely coming.

Click here to view the embedded video.

 Join Team Tripawds Today!

Funds raised at the Cure Canine Cancer Walks go toward funding the work of oldest and most respected animal health research organizations in the world, the Morris Animal Foundation.

We wholeheartedly support Morris Animal Foundation because of the huge impact their Cure Canine Cancer Campaign has had on the lives of our beloved dogs.

Since 1948, Morris has funded over 148 succesful canine cancer studies, such as;

• Research that showed how bone cancer spreads
• Ways to custom tailor chemotherapy
• How chemo resistant cancer cells behave

The Morris Canine Cancer Walks help raise money so Morris can continue these breakthrough discoveries.

Join Us in Elk Grove, or at Home in Your PJs!

This walk will take place in Elk Grove, near Sacramento. Anybody is welcome to join our team on-site, but remember you can also walk virtually from the comfort of your own home.

We will also be revealing the wonderful Tripawds Tribute Leash that’s currently being crafted by Tripawd member Karen Riley! If you haven’t sent in your tribute ribbon for the project, please read about how you can do that here.

Team Tripawds has participated in every walk since they began a couple of years ago, and we would sincerely appreciate any kind of support you can give toward this effort.

Let’s make this year’s Northern California walk bigger and better than ever so we can reach our goal of curing canine cancer for good!

 Join Team Tripawds Today!

Tripawds members have often discussed creating some kind of traveling tribute item to honor our animal friends, that we could display at events like the upcoming Morris Animal Foundation Walk in California.

Well, Spirit Tri-Pug Maggie’s Mom, Karen, recently came up with a great tribute idea, and based on input from others, the Tripawds Tribute Leash idea was born.

The Tripawds Tribute Leash Project: Join Us!

We are creating the first traveling Tripawds tribute.
 All Tripawd canines, felines and quadpawd family members are invited to join in!

The idea is to pay tribute to all members of the Tripawds community. This leash will honor those who are still on the journey and remember those who have crossed the bridge.

We decided on a Tripawds yellow leash with a ribbon tied on for each animal who is a member of the Tripawd community.

Every member of the Tripawds community is welcome to send a ribbon to be added to the leash.

The Tribute Leash will be sent to different events around the country where Team Tripawds is being represented. We will continue to add ribbons, and new leashes as needed.

For now, the Tribute Leash will reside in Livermore with Spirit Tri-Pug Maggie’s Mom, Karen. The plan is to debut the leash at the Morris Animal Foundation Walk in Elk Grove in April. After this event, other members around the country can request it for their special event or Tripawds-related activity.

How to Participate in the Tripawds Tribute Leash Project

All ribbons must be received by Friday April 20
in order to be a part of the Morris walk on April 29.

• Use a piece of ribbon, any color; pick something that represents your animal friend. We want lots of color! Something sturdy is recommended, as the leash will be carried in walks, and shipped at least a few times a year.
• The suggest ribbon width is ¾ to 1 inch. Anything wider may not tie neatly. The ribbon should be at least 12 inches long, maximum of 18 inches long.
• Using an indelible pen (fine point sharpie works well) write your fur kid’s name, your name (optional) and any message you would like. Perhaps you would put dates, or nicknames, or a short tribute. You can write on both sides of the ribbon.
• Leave the center 4 inches clear of any writing; this is the part that will be tied around the leash.
• You may send a SMALL trinket or remembrance to attach as well, but it is not necessary. A tag is one idea. Some pet stores have machines that allows you to engrave a tag with anything you like.
• When you mail your tribute be sure to include a note with your name, your animal’s name, and your Tripawds User Name just in case Karen has any questions.

The ribbons and trinkets will be tied around the leash in the order received (except that Jerry will be first!). Angel and Spirit Tripawds will have a small piece of white ribbon attached when tied on to the leash.

We can’t promise that ribbons received after April 20 will be included in this walk, but they will definitely be added to the leash afterward for future events.

Please send your ribbon to:

Karen Riley
P.O. Box 2939
Livermore, CA 94551-2939

 Paws up to Karen for volunteering to head up this project. If you have a great idea to honor Tripawds and their families, don’t be shy! Contact us today!

See you tomorrow!

Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Time: 3:00pm PST (4:00 MT, 6:00 Eastern)
Duration: 30 min.
Call In Number: (310) 388-9739*

Tune In Here: Metronomic Chemotherapy for Canine Cancer
Share Link: bit.ly/ttr020812

*You do not need to call to hear the show. Listen live here and join us in the chat room or call (310) 388-9739 with your questions. If you can’t listen live, a podcast will be available after the broadcast.

Learn How to Fight Dog Cancer with Metronomic Chemotherapy

Dr. Biller’s research primarily focuses on the interactions between the anti-tumor immune response and metronomic chemotherapy. One of her most recent studies was for the  Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) during which she evaluated metronomic chemotherapy treatment on dogs with soft-tissue sarcomas.

For this study, Dr. Biller wanted to learn more specifics on how to treat dogs using metronomic chemotherapy protocols. She says:

“Even though veterinarians have been using metronomic chemotherapy on patients, we have been guessing on important factors like what drugs we should use, what dose is needed and at what intervals we should treat the patient. We hope to determine some of those factors.”

Join us in the Tripawds Live Chat during the show! We will be taking your calls and questions for Dr. Biller.

Recommended Reading:

Tripawds News Blog: A Look at Colorado State University’s Animal Cancer Center

Tripawds News Blog: Morris Animal Foundation Studies Metronomic Chemotherapy

Tripawds Discussion Forums: Tips and Resources: Jerry’s Metronomic Chemotherapy Experience

DISCLAIMER: Information provided at Tripawd Talk Radio and Tripawds.com is not a substitute for medical care by a qualified veterinary professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian prior to making any medical decisions about your dog’s health. Tripawds.com is not responsible or liable, for any damages resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied herein.

Metronomics has been around for years, but is finally gaining acceptance by veterinarians as groups like Morris Animal Foundation release studies showing how metronomics can help dogs with soft tissue scarcomas. In their 2010 study, Morris researchers:

” . . . studied whether metronomic dosing of the drug cyclophosphamide is safe and effective in treating dogs with soft-tissue sarcomas. Thirteen dogs were enrolled in the study and all but two (which experienced tumor growth and were removed to pursue other treatment options) successfully completed the treatment protocol. They identified the dosage of cyclophosphamide that resulted in a significant decrease in the number of small blood vessels within tumors, which suggests that this approach slows tumor growth by decreasing blood supply to tumors.

Because metronomic chemotherapy is associated with a far smaller incidence of side effects compared with conventional chemotherapy, is easier to administer and is less expensive, it is a very attractive treatment option for owners of dogs with cancer.”      (see Morris Animal Foundation’s report)

Metronnomics Explained

Tripawds favorite veterinarian, Dr. Pam Wiltzius, shared her knowledge about metronomics in this Discussion Forum post:

It is only recently that oncologists have started using it as part of metronomic chemotherapy.  The main side effects are on the GI tract although some dogs can have low white cell counts but this should be unlikely at low doses.

I just finished researching metronomics for Sammy and here is what I found.  Most oncologists prefer meloxicam (Metacam) as the NSAID due to it’s wide safety range but a few still prefer piroxicam. There are 5 different chemo drugs that are being tried but the only one with research behind it (so far) for this use is Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide).

The main side effect is on the bladder with some dogs getting infections and some getting sterile hemorrhagic cystitis (bleeding and pain without infection).  This is rare and usually reversible by stopping the drug. Some oncologists give a low daily dose of a diuretic (Lasix) to try and prevent this but most don’t since diuretics can affect the kidneys. My holistic vet recommends cranberry capsules as a way to prevent a UTI. . .

The other drugs used are Palladia (main limitation is cost), CCNU (possible side effects on liver so not good for your dog), Leukeran (chlorambucil), and Alkeran (melphalan).  The latter two are safe but not much info yet on efficacy but there are oncologists trying these.

Metronomics are so new that no one is sure yet what is the best protocol.  Some dogs might do well on 1 drug and others may not. It is hard to evaluate results since some dogs live a long time with amputation alone and no chemo so are these drugs really doing anything? I think it is worth a try!

When I was on metronomics in 2008, it was still a new practice that many veterinarians hadn’t heard about. We’re glad to see it catching on, thanks to funding from groups like Morris and practitioners like Dr. Wiltzius who are enthusiastically exploring this protocol for their canine bone cancer patients.

Are you on metronomic chemotherapy? Or were you? If so, what was your experience?

Recommended Reading:

Tripawds Discussion Forums: Tips and Resources: Metronomic Therapy for Canine Osteosarcoma Metastasis: Jerry’s Experience

Tripawds News Blog: Dr. Rosenberg’s Thoughts on Metronomics and Supplements

Tripawds Downloads Blog: Metronomic Protocol: A Primer for Pawrents

Dr. Dressler’s Dog Cancer Blog: Low Dose Chemotherapy and Cancer

Two members on opposite sides of the U.S. also share our fondness for Morris, and will show their love by walking in Morris’ Cure Canine Cancer Campaign’s upcoming K9 Cancer Walks in Knoxville, Tennessee and Los Gatos in Northern California.

As the oldest animal health research and advocacy group in the world, Morris’ Cure Canine Cancer Campaign is making amazing progress to prevent, treat and, ultimately, cure canine cancer.

Hop with ET Gayle in Knoxville, Tennessee

Tripawd member and bone cancer survivor extraordinaire ET Gayle and sister Charon are walking on Sunday, September 18 at Concord Park in Knoxville. Wooo hoo!

This dynamic duo is just $330 shy of meeting their fundraising goal of $1,000! Help them get there today.

Walk with this pawesome team in pawson or give any amount to help Morris continue making their remarkable strides in finding the causes and cures for canine cancers.

Join Tripawd Chloe in Los Gatos, California on October 9

One year bone cancer survivor (and counting!)  Tripawd girldog Chloe will hop with her momma Nicole on Sunday, October 9 in Los Gatos.

They are currently looking for teammates, especially so they can get a new Team Tripawds t-shirt made, so join the discussion forum topic about the Los Gatos walk and let ‘em know you’ll be there!

Let’s give a big SHOUT OUT to these pawsome members who are going the extra mile to raise money for Morris Animal Foundation’s Cure Canine Cancer Campaign!

Won’t you join them?

You helped us raise a whopping $650 for the Morris Animal Foundation’s Cure Canine Cancer Walk in Elk Grove, CA.

Collectively the walk raised nearly $60,000 to help Morris continue their impawtant work to help end this terrible disease.

Your belief in Morris’ Cure Canine Cancer Campaign propelled our amazing team onto a list of the Top 10 fundraisers!

We’re hoppy to report that this is the second time we’ve made it into their top 10 list for a Cure Canine Cancer Walk.

If you were there, we’d love to see more pictures. Please post them in this Discussion Forum topic.

Many thanks to everyone on our team, together we are making a difference!

Shout outs to the 2011 Team Tripawds crew: Neil & Margaret Riley, Diane & John Hollenbeck, Andrew Rockriver, James Starr, Lelise Pierce, Brad Burkholder, Tina Wong, Mary James, Gina Van Klompenberg, Christian Powers, Julie Horenstein, Anna Holmes, Seanne Moulton, Catherine Murray, Karen Riley and Erin Schultz.

Walk with us!

Whether you walk in pawson or in spirit from the comfort of your home, you can rest assured knowing that the hard-earned money you gave to the  Cure Canine Cancer Walk will go toward funding the work of oldest and most respected animal health research organizations in the world, the Morris Animal Foundation.

Our goal is to raise $500 and we’re almost there. We just need $155 to reach it!

Learn why we support Morris Animal Foundation. We’re sure you’ll agree that they’re pawesome.

Show Your Team Pride

And remember, there’s a whole new line of Team Tripawds gear to wear on the big day!

Join Team Tripawds today!

Join us on Saturday, May 7, 2011

Funds raised at the Cure Canine Cancer Walks go toward funding the work of oldest and most respected animal health research organizations in the world, the Morris Animal Foundation.

We’ve got three team members now and we would love to have more members walk with us. Our goal is to raise $500 and we’re not there yet, so sign up today.

Why We Support Morris

We wholeheartedly support Morris Animal Foundation because of the huge impact their Cure Canine Cancer Campaign has had on the lives of our beloved dogs.

Since 1948, Morris has funded over 148 succesful canine cancer studies, such as;

• Research that showed how bone cancer spreads
• Ways to custom tailor chemotherapy
• How chemo resistant cancer cells behave

The Morris Canine Cancer Walks help raise money so Morris can continue these breakthrough discoveries.

Join us in Elk Grove, or at Home in Your PJs!

This walk will take place in Elk Grove, near Sacramento. Anybody is welcome to join our team on-site, but remember you can also walk virtually from the comfort of your own home.

The walks are always so much fun! For our last team effort, Nicole, Chloe’s Mom, designed this fantastic shirt for everyone.

Team Tripawds has participated in every walk since they began a couple of years ago, and we would sincerely appreciate any kind of support you can give toward this effort.

Let’s make this year’s Northern California walk bigger and better than ever so we can reach our goal of curing canine cancer for good!

Join Team Tripawds today!