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Spirit Jerry, October 1, 1998 to October 3, 2008

Jerry, has it really been three years since the last moments when we rubbed your velvety ears and smelled your sweet puppy breath?

Time moves so fast, but your spirit, your lessons, your life, stay forever young and always a part of us. Even as you soar through the heavens, you continue to do your job, spreading the word about all that really matters in life . .

Like when you paid a visit to our friends who were visiting Bangor, Maine, a few weeks ago. They knew you from the PBS show, but never got the chance to meet you in pawson. One day they decided to grab a beer, and being dog people that they are, decided to head downtown to visit the Sea Dog Microbrewery.

As they roamed the bar to check out the dog mementos, something made them look up on a wall full of pictures. And who, out of the hundreds of photos tacked to the wall, barked out to them?

You! In this early Tripawds business card that we left in the bar, the day you hopped in on all threes and charmed all the bar flys, back in September, 2007.

Thank you for making our friends smile, and bringing back so many good memories of that momentous occasion when you reached the East Coast, despite all odds.

Fear not, brave Spirit Jerry. For today we will will not grieve, or cry.
We will cast aside our tears and celebrate your life!
Here’s to you, a very special pup who will go on living in the hearts of many,
from sea to shining sea.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In Memory of
Jerry G. Dawg, Fearless Leader and Furever Friend
October 1, 1998 – October 3, 2008

Can holistic treatments fight cancer in dogs?

Dr. Chretin is an advocate of holistic treatments and doesn’t discourage pawrents from pursuing this type of care, as long as pawrents are talking to a qualified practitioner and remain aware that holistic care cannot replace what western medicine does.

“Any good holistic practitioner is going to tell an owner what they can offer, not replace what western medicine does.”

Holistic care is not going to replace chemotherapy, or surgery, and if pawrents are talking to a practitioner who says their methods can replace these things, go somewhere else.

But for any pawrent who asks about combining holistic care with western medicine, Dr. Chretin says “I tell them ‘absolutely!’ Odds are you’re not going to hurt (the dog) and if they’re willing, I say more power to you!”

 At VCA Animal Hospital West L.A., Dr. Chretin works in conjunction with on-site holistic practitioners who treat his patients, which keeps the lines of communication open so both doctors know exactly how a patient is being treated. About 30 percent of Dr. Chretin’s patients are also being treated with holistic medicine.

 The jury is still out as to whether or not holistic care actually improves quality of life and fights cancer, but Dr. Chretin says “I think it’s a matter of time before we have a landslide of studies that say “yeah, that is the way to go. It’s not going to be across the board . . . I don’t know where it’s going to take off to, but there is something to it.”

Watch Dr. Chretin Discuss His View on Holistic Therapy

Click here to view the embedded video.

Dr. Chretin has treated enough cases (like Reno, in the following video) to know that sometimes holistic care can make a difference, although nobody knows for sure. Still, he cautions pawrents to keep in mind that in his experience, probably less than half the holistic treatments available can actually do something for dogs with cancer.

 Dr. Chretin’s Team Helps Reno Beat the Odds

One of Dr. Chretin’s many long-term success stories is Reno, a three-year survivor of osteosarcoma who’s lived with lung mets for the last two years.

Earlier this year, Reno told us about his experience with chemotherapy, metronomic protocol and mushroom therapy.

In the following video, his dad explains what the family went through when Reno was diagnosed, why he pursued amputation and chemotherapy at VCA Animal Hospital West Los Angeles Oncology Center and how Reno and the family are coping with life on three legs.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thank You Dr. Chretin and VCA Animal Hospital

This is the last in our series of video interviews with Dr. Chretin at VCA Animal Hospital West Los Angeles. Check out more of Dr. Chretin’s informative advice about canine bone cancers, such as:

• Cisplatin and Doxorubicin Side Effects in Dogs
• Canine Chondrosarcoma and Chemotherapy
• Bone Cancer Tumors and Treatment Options for Dogs

Tripwds sends sincere thanks to Dr. Chretin and his helpful staff for allowing us to bring this impawtant information to you!

Recommended Reading

• Learn about holistic and alternative medicine at the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine..
• Find a holistic vet at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website directory.
•  Tripawds Nutrition Blog

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

During our video chats about canine bone cancer with Dr. Johnny Chretin, head of oncology at VCA Animal Hospital West Los Angeles Oncology Center, we asked him some questions that Tripawds members often ask, such as:

“Can Removal of the Primary Tumor Expedite Metastasis in Dogs with Osteosarcoma?”

Dr. Chretin states that in a small pilot study at a veterinary teaching hospital (likely Colorado State University), researchers studied a small group of 15 or 20 dogs who didn’t undergo amputation after being diagnosed with bone cancer because their owners didn’t want the surgery or couldn’t afford it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The pilot study followed these dogs throughout the remainder of their lives and concluded that there was no difference in the rate of metastasis among dogs who had amputation surgery versus those dogs who did not. This has also been the case in Dr. Chretin’s practice at VCA Animal Hospital.

Will Radiation Help if Postponing Amputation?

Another study at Colorado State University showed that a large percentage of osteosarcoma dogs who were treated with stereotactic radiation therapy instead of amputation had good long-term survival rates. Instead of succumbing to sudden pathological fractures or untreatable bone cancer, the cancer eventually metastasized as it does for dogs who do undergo amputation.

Why Amputate Sooner Rather than Later?

Although stereotactic radiation therapy is showing great promise for bone cancer dogs, it’s only available at Colorado State University and the University of Florida. For the majority of dogs who cannot undergo this therapy, their pain must be addressed promptly to avoid additional suffering.

“There’s no way to completely get rid of the pain, except taking the leg off,” says Dr. Chretin. “We can do quite a few things that can make them feel pretty darn good, but there’s no way to take all that pain away from them if they have that leg intact. By delaying amputation, the dog is at great risk of a pathological fracture and “that’s as bad as pain gets in animals,” says Dr. Chretin.

Historically, cancer researchers believed that the longer the cancer tumors are left in the body the more time it has to spread. However Dr. Chretin states that this theory is being challenged. Nobody really knows for sure at this point.

“That’s why medicine is really interesting and challenging,” says Dr. Chretin. “Just when we think we understand cancer and say ‘OK this is how it works, this is how the cancer has behaved over the last 20 years,’ all of a sudden someone asks a different question (and everything changes).”

Does the Location of a Tumor Matter?

Finally, we wanted to know, does the location of a dog’s bone cancer tumor determine the severity of the cancer or a prognosis?

Click here to view the embedded video.

“I’m not aware of anything that says that radius versus humerus is any different,” says Dr. Chretin. Each individual dog’s cancer presents its own unique challenge. For example:

“If anything, having a tumor on a scapula might be better because (your dog) doesn’t necessarily have to lose the leg, you can just lose the scapula. So if you look at things from that perspective, then it’s better to have the tumor higher up.”

When a dog has a leg tumor it can be more challenging to treat, not because the cancer will behave more aggressively but because there is less tissue to work with when attempting to removing the tumor. This is why amputation is often the recommended treatment.

Moving down the leg, clinical studies show that if osteosarcoma is below the wrist, those patients tend to do better and live longer even without chemotherapy. The cancer will still spread but it seems to take longer. Unfortunately, it’s rare for osteosarcoma to present itself in that location.

What about limb sparing for lower extremity tumors?

Limb sparing is often presented as an option for dogs who aren’t amputation candidates or for pawrents who are hesitant about removing the limb. However, the reality is that a limb spare is a lot to put a dog through, plus there is a 30 percent risk of infection and a 30 percent risk of the cancer reoccurring in the same limb. Usually, the limb will have to be amputated anyways.

Stay Tuned for More Canine Cancer Oncology News

This is the latest in a series of video interviews with Dr. Chretin at VCA Animal Hospital West Los Angeles. Stay tuned for additional interview clips with Dr. Chretin that offer informative advice about canine bone cancers, such as:

• Cisplatin and Doxorubicin Side Effects in Dogs
• Canine Chondrosarcoma and Chemotherapy
• Thoughts about combining holistic and traditional oncology therapies

Tripwds sends sincere thanks to Dr. Chretin and his helpful staff for allowing us to bring this impawtant information to you!

Recommended Reading

North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Osteosarcoma in Dogs

PubMed: Palliative radiation therapy for canine osteosarcoma

PDF: Bone Cancer in Greyhounds, Dr. Guillermo Couto, DVM, dip. ACVIM

Dr. Charles Louis Davis, DVM Foundation: Outline of Veterinary Skeletal Pathology

Veterinary Practice News: How to Treat Osteosarcoma When Surgery is Refused

All content Copyright Tripawds.com, July 2011. If you like this article enough to mention it on your website, we simply ask that you attribute the source and contact us when you post it.  Thanks!

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When a Tripawds member visits our Discussion Forums to find answers about canine bone cancer, if we don’t have the information, we’ll ask a professional. During our visit with Dr. Johnny Chretin, head of oncology at VCA Animal Hospital West Los Angeles Oncology Center, we wanted to know a little more about chondrosarcoma in dogs.

Chondrosarcoma in Dogs

According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary tumor of the axial and appendicular skeleton, after osteosarcoma. Only five to 10 percent of all primary canine bone tumors are of this type. However, compared to osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma is uncommon. Like osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma is a metastatic disease that spreads.

Chondrosarcoma is often found in cartilage of flat bones like the ribs, but sometimes presents itself as apendicular disease on thigh and leg bones. At first glance, it looks like osteosarcoma but it’s a slower moving disease. The tumors are much more resistant to chemotherapy than other types. As a result, surgery is the primary way to treat the disease as long as the tumors are in one part of the body and haven’t metastasized.

As Dr. Chretin discusses in the following video, chemotherapy is “a long shot” and has not been shown to be as effective in treating it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Chemotherapy and Chondrosarcoma

Like many cancers, chondrosarcoma behaves similarly in dogs and people. And unfortunately when it comes to treating it with chemotherapy, the success rate is typically less than 20 percent. That may sound positive, but in the oncology world, if a therapy doesn’t work for patients at least 30 to 40 percent of the time, it’s not considered to be effective or a good option.

Dr. Chretin states that there haven’t been any good, large scale studies done on dogs with chondrosarcoma who were treated with chemotherapy. However, plenty of studies done with humans indicate that the odds of success are just as slim for dogs.

“Unless there is a significant reason why we should give them chemotherapy,” says Dr. Chretin, “it’s hard to recommend it (chemo), because it doesn’t work in people and based on what we know, it’s probably not going to work for the majority of dogs.”

Although Dr. Chretin doesn’t recommend chemotherapy as a primary treatment for chondrosarcoma, if the dog isn’t a candidate for surgery, the tumor can be treated with radiation therapy to alleviate pain. However Dr. Chretin cautions clients to remember that “we’re not treating the tumor, just treating what the tumor is doing to the patient.”

Stay Tuned for More Canine Cancer Oncology News

This is the latest in a series of video interviews with Dr. Chretin at VCA Animal Hospital West Los Angeles. Stay tuned for additional interview clips with Dr. Chretin that offer informative advice about canine bone cancers, such as:

• Cisplatin and Doxorubicin Side Effects in Dogs
• Bone tumor removals: do they promote or prolong metastasis?
• Does the location of a primary tumor impact cancer development?
• Thoughts about combining holistic and traditional oncology therapies

Tripwds sends sincere thanks to Dr. Chretin and his helpful staff for allowing us to bring this impawtant information to you!

Recommended Reading:

Vet Info: Chondrosarcoma in Dogs

American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Bone Tumors in Cats and Dogs

Tripawds Discussion Forums: Chondrosarcoma

Tripawds News Blog: Bisphosphonates; When Amputation Isn’t an Option

VCA Animal Hospitals: Bone and Joint Tumors in Dogs

As a large breed dog with bad elbows and two previous bi-lateral TPLO surgeries, Lucy might have appeared to be a poor candidate for amputation to some people.

But her pawrent, Dr. Amy Kramer, knew better.

Amy Kramer, PT, DPT, CCRT, is co-founder of California Animal Rehabilitation in Los Angeles. Her extensive background in human and animal rehabilitation gave her the confidence she needed to proceed with Lucy’s amputation after the diagnosis.

Nearly one year after her  amputation, Lucy is beating the odds and thriving, especially thanks to her twice-weekly canine physical therapy workouts at CARE.

Lucy’s Rear Leg Workout Routine

In this video, Lucy demonstrates a few workout tips for us, along with therapy assistant Catherine Shields. After her morning hydrotherapy session, Lucy performs a series of reaching stretches, weight shifts, pole weaving and abdominal crunches to gain flexibility, strengthen her core muscles, and improve her proprioception (body awareness). Keep reading below for a written outline of Lucy’s workout.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Reaching Stretches
Lucy has just had a water workout, so Catherine is gently supporting her remaining rear leg by allowing Lucy’s rear end to balance on Catherine’s thigh.

To promote better flexibility in the shoulders and sides, and to alleviate neck and upper back pain, Catherine is using treats to have Lucy perform range of motion exercises such as:

• Turn her head and make wide side-to-side torso movements
• Look up in a “chest-to-sky” movement

Reaching stretches are often called “cookie stretches,” but we recommend using fruit, carrots or green beans as treats to help avoid weight gain.

Weight Shifts
Lucy performs weight shifts to help strengthen her back muscles and encourage weight bearing on her remaining rear leg.

Dog weight shift exercises are similar to how you would balance yourself when walking on a floating dock: as the dock bobs around on the water, you must adjust your balance and weight to keep from toppling over.

Catherine demonstrates weight shifts by gently putting pressure on one side of Lucy’s hips and then the other.

Weight shifts are explained in detail by Darryl L. Millis, MS, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, CCRP Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. He says:

“The goal is to disturb its balance just enough so the animal can recover, being careful not to push too hard.”

Dr. Millis advises that “weight shifts may also be performed during walking. As the animal is walked, the handler gently bumps or pushes the animal to one side. Caution should be used to avoid falls and injury.”

Weaving

Agility dog Maggie can tell you, weaving is so much fun it doesn’t seem like a workout. Weaving helps improve a dog’s reaction and control, increase trunk and core strength and stabilize weak areas. Weaving also improves balance and awareness of the body’s position in space.

You can use a traditional agility weaving set with poles or cones or line up simple obstacles found in your home. Weaving works like this:

• The handler slowly tempts the dog to follow her hand movements with a treat.
• The dog simply follows her nose by weaving in and out of the cones and back again.
• A beginner workout should consist of weaving between four to six cones or poles (depending on your Tripawd’s energy level)
• Eventually you can work up to 12 weaving obstacles.

Remember to take it slow and if your dog sits down or doesn’t want to do anymore weaves, your dog is probably tired, so stop.

Dog Abdominal Crunches
Gentle abdominal crunches for canines work the same way oblique (side) crunches do for humans. Catherine explains that canine abdominal crunches help to build abdominal strength which better supports a dog’s weight and promotes flexibility.

Canine abdominal crunches for dogs are performed by:

• Having the dog lay on one side
• Bring a treat to the dog’s nose and slowly move your hand down the length of the dog’s body to the groin area
• Release the treat and repeat a few more times depending on your dog’s fitness level
• Repeat on other side

Watch for Fatigue

These are just a few basic exercises you can do on your own to help your rear legged tripod. During your dog’s workout, watch for subtle signs of fatigue that can include:

• Lip licking
• Uneven breathing
• Panting
• Staring at you
• Sitting down
• Refusing to move

If your dog is exhibiting these behaviors, stop and praise your dog for a job well done!

We highly recommend contacting a certified canine rehabilitation specialist like CARE who can help you build a complete home workout routine and get your Tripawd into the best shape pawsible.

Many thanks to everyone at California Animal Rehabilitation in Los Angeles for helping us bring this series to you. If you are lucky enough to live nearby, be sure to visit their facility and see how staff can help your canine amputee stay strong and live hoppy!

Recommended Reading and Resources

Cookie Stretches: Learn additional ways of performing these beneficial movements at AgilityNerd.com.

Exercises to Enhance Proprioception by Darryl L. Millis, MS, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, CCRP Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

See all of our three legged dog rehabilitation videos with CARE.

In last week’s video interview at California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE), we learned about how Lobo regained his health, thanks to the doctors at CARE and his pawrent, Dr. Lisa Swan.

In the following video, we learn about Lobo’s acupuncture sessions, how canine rehab therapy can benefit Tripawds and how to find a qualified practitioner.

After the video, you’ll learn more about these topics and where you go for more information about effective canine rehabilitation therapy.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Acupuncture Alleviates Pain in Dogs

Lobo is a front leg Tripawd who has returned to the clinic after suffering from severe back pain. Dr. Jessica Waldman, VMD, CVA, CCRT, explains that Lobo has a weak front wrist, which is most likely caused by overuse from years of excessive weight bearing on the remaining front leg.

Front leg Tripawds like Lobo are at risk of this condition, which happens when the fibrous tissue in joints breaks down. Spinal problems are also a potential challenge Tripawds may encounter. Both of these conditions are the result of aging, as well as living life on three legs.

Dr. Waldman says that Tripawds “put a little more stress on their back. It is going to happen with older dogs too, but with Tripawds we see it a lot more.”

This is because Tripawds must alter their natural body mechanics to get around on three legs. It’s similar to when a human walks with a limp; eventually the limp will lead to back pain. If a dog’s natural gait is totally altered over a lifetime, aches and pains can arise.

Core strengthening exercises and fitness games done at home can help to offset this compensation. Additional benefits can be enjoyed by regularly consulting with a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner to learn how to alleviate age-related aches and pains.

In the past, pain medication wasn’t helping Lobo to feel better. Just one month prior, his back pain was so bad he couldn’t walk. But now, Dr Waldman explains that with rehabilitation and acupuncture, Lobo is back to “his old rowdy self and ready to go!”

What Can Acupuncture Do?

According to an article in WholeHealthMD,

“Acupuncture practitioners believe that the therapy stimulates the body’s internal regulatory system and nurtures a natural healing response.” The article explains that acupuncture works by “release of endorphins and monoamines, chemicals that block pain signals in the spinal chord and brain.”

Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive way to help alleviate pain when performed by a skilled, certified practitioner. When considering what types of pain relief options are available for animal patients, Dr. Waldman says:

“I tell patients that acupuncture can’t hurt. There’s so many things that we can do that do hurt. Surgery has a lot of good and bad things about it. And medications have side effects. So why not try this plan?”

Anyone considering acupuncture should keep in mind that for the best results, you’ll need to make an ongoing commitment to the therapy. At Dr. Waldman’s clinic, pawrents are encouraged to try a comprehensive, four week acupuncture treatment plan before moving on to more invasive options. If a pawrent doesn’t see results, or the doctors at CARE don’t see improvement, treatment can be halted. Usually, though, acupuncture helps.

“Once they see that their dog is improved, they’re sold (on acupuncture),” she explains.

How to Find a Qualified Acupuncturist and Rehabilitation Therapist
Canine rehabilitation is a growing field and practitioners are opening rehab centers all the time. How do you know who’s qualified and who isn’t?

Dr. Amy Kramer, PT, DPT, CCRT, co-founder of CARE, advises pawrents to seek out practices that have a veterinarian and a licensed canine rehabilitation practitioner working together.

“If there’s no therapist and no veterinarian involved, then I think you’re missing a link in the chain of what works,” she says.

This collaborative approach works because canine rehabilitation veterinarians are trained to recognize and diagnose animal diseases, but canine rehab practitioners are not.

When a dog is undergoing rehab therapy but his condition is not being monitored by a rehabilitation veterinarian, small signs of disease and illness could be missed, which puts the patient’s health in jeopardy and possibly lead to additional treatment costs.

Pawrents can find certified canine rehabilitation practitioners by visiting:

• The American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV)
• The Canine Rehabilitation Institute, which awards the certificate of Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT)
• The University of Tennessee’s Outreach and Continuing Education Department (in conjunction with Northeast Seminars), which grants a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) certificate.

These organizations certify veterinarians, veterinary technicians, physical therapists, and physical therapy assistants. Both U.S. and International practitioner directories are available.

Acupuncture therapists can be located at:

• The Association for British Veterinary Acupuncturists
• The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncturists
• The Chi Institute

Additional Reading

Therapies: Acupuncture, WholeHealthMD.com

“The Benefits of Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning”, Whole Dog Journal, by Lisa Rodier, September 2009

Many thanks to everyone at California Animal Rehabilitation Center in Los Angeles for helping us bring this series to you. If you are lucky enough to live nearby, be sure to visit their facility and see how staff can help your canine amputee stay strong and live hoppy!

Learn more about Lobo in Part 1 of this series with CARE, “Canine Rehab Therapy: Senior Tripawd Bounces Back with CARE”

Tripawds Member Sadie33, Joe and Lisa, were pawrents to Sadie, a beautiful Shepherd/Rottie girl who triumphed over bone cancer.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sadie earned her wings last October but her assignment here on earth wasn’t complete. So she sent Ranger, a special, gentle Tripawd to Joe and Lisa, to lead the family along more three legged adventures.

We asked Lisa about her journey with Sadie and what it’s like having another Tripawd in the pack. Here’s what she had to say:

What was it like when you went through cancer with Sadie? What would she say to humans about coping with cancer if she could?

I think Sadie would tell someone coping with a pet’s cancer to spoil them rotten!

Seriously, she would say “I don’t know what cancer is, I only know that my parents loved me just as much when I had 3 legs as when I had 4.”

She would also say “Keep doing what you enjoy with your pet, don’t let cancer get in the way of living.”

Why did you decide to adopt Ranger? What has he taught you about coping with adversity?

I fell in love with Ranger as soon as I saw him! I think I wanted another tripawd because they are so inspirational. His story really moved me.

He was hit by a car, and neglected so badly by his owner that the only reason he was taken to the vet was to be euthanized due to his now mangled and infected leg. His behavior and love of people in the face of such neglect inspired others to save his life.

He’s taught me that even if things look hopeless, there are good people that will step in and help.

He’s taught me that just because one person hurts you, It’s OK to trust people.

Mostly, though, he’s taught me that it’s possible to adapt, and thrive in the face of adversity.

What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking of adopting a tripawd?

I would tell them to look at the dog’s face, look in the dog’s eyes. That will tell you much more than looking at the dog’s legs.

You also have to be comfortable with the fact that once you adopt him, most other people will ONLY look at your dog’s legs. But as a tripawd owner, you have a unique opportunity to inspire others as your tripawd will certainly inspire you!

Chaos (not pictured at left) is a middle-aged dog who might have a splenic tumor.

In this video, he will get an ultasound, which will tell Dr. Wiltzius more about condition of his spleen.

Do you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes when your dog undergoes a veterinary procedure?

If so, here’s a sneak peak video of one important procedure, the ultrasound.

Click here to view the embedded video.

What Does the Spleen Do?

In both dogs and people, the spleen performs several functions that keep our blood and circulatory system in top condition. The spleen is located in the abdomen and works by removing old blood cells, bad particles and contaminants from blood. It works in unison with the immune system to keep the body healthy, removes contaminants out of the body’s circulatory system and stores red blood cells and platelets for emergencies when the body needs them. Other than the body’s bone marrow resource, the spleen is the only other place in the body where red blood cells are made. Despite performing these important functions, the spleen isn’t necessary for life.

According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, a splenic mass can indicate anything from hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive, high-grade soft tissue sarcoma cancer, to Hematoma and Nodular Hyperplasia, two common conditions that the ACVS says “account for 20-41% of all splenic lesions. Hematoma and nodular hyperplasias are  benign nodules/masses of clotted blood. Surgical removal is curative.”

Symptoms of Spleen Problems

The ACVS says that spleen problems can appear as an acute condition manifested with pain and collapse. Or, it may be more chronic and appear as:

• Intermittent abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal distension
• Weight loss
• Excessive drinking and urination.

Why the Ultrasound?

An ultrasound (otherwise known as a sonogram) uses sound waves to create images of body organs. According to Dr. Louise Murray, DVM, author of Vet Confidential,

“the sonogram process is similar to the sonar used by bats and by ships at sea. The sound waves are reflected by the patient’s tissues, and these reflected sound waves are recorded and displayed as a visual image.”

Ultrasounds are used when a veterinarian, internal medicine specialist or radiologist suspects diseased organs.  The organs an ultrasound machine can examine include the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, urinary bladder, pancreas, adrenal glands and reproductive organs. This technology can also pick up obstructions, such as accidentally digested foreign objects. Most animals don’t need to be sedated unless there is severe abdominal pain from the suspected illness.

What Happened to Chaos?

Soon after the ultrasound, Chaos went into surgery to remove his spleen.  Luckily for him, Dr. Wiltzius reported that the tumor was a benign hematoma. By removing the spleen, it cured him of the issue.

What a lucky dawg! Not only was he cured, but he has Dr. Wiltzius for a vet!

Many thanks to Dr. Wiltzius for her pawesome perspective on canine health, leg amputation and bone cancer.

Learn more from Dr. Wiltzius in this video playlist or in more detail here:

• “Post Amputation Side Effects”
• “Diagnosing Bone Cancer in Dogs: What to Expect”
• “A Day in the Life of a Tripawd Vet”
• “One Vet’s Canine Amputation Surgery and Recovery Tips”
• “Meet Three Legged English Mastiff Tazzie”

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

We knew it the first time we laid eyes on her. She was like a supernova just waiting for the right time to explode.

Today, we’re thrilled to announce that Tripawd Member and Girldog Extraordinaire, Miss Codie Rae, can now add “Hollywood Superstar” to her street cred.

Tripawd Member Stars in New Patrick Stump Video

In January rock star Patrick Stump (of the band Fall Out Boy) was looking for a three legged dog to be in his new video for Spotlight (Oh Nostalgia) from his brand new Truant Wave EP.

We happily fulfilled his request and brought the incredible Codie Rae to the attention of producer Joe Wein.

Today Patrick released his new video which stars the one and only, Codie Rae!

Click here to view the embedded video.

The video shoot took place in January at a dog park in the Hollywood Hills.

It was a grueling day as three Tripawd Members Travis Ray, Wyatt Ray and Codie Rae vied for the attention of the cameramen.

In the end, Codie’s gazelle-like intensity caught the eye of the Hollywood dream machine as she leaped her way into stardom and into the hearts of Patrick Stump and fans everywhere.

For the first time ever, Codie Rae’s unequaled zest for life and overly-enthusiastic prey drive is being rewarded with instant fame and glory.

In the last 12 hours, media and fan feedback on YouTube has been phenomenal:

“It may very well be the best video Stump’s ever been associated with . . . the end result is a truly captivating, unapologetically positive experience.” – MTV

“The dog made me cry o.o”

“perfect editting–slow motion dog running on the most building part of the song~”

“I almost started to cry, that dog is just so beautiful!”

“I wish I had three legs too… “

“I’m not really sure why, but this video made me cry when it came to the German Shepherd.”

“When I saw that dog with no leg manage a leap I almost cried :’)”

“Thumbs up for the awesome three legged dog ”

Who knew that a girldog who started out abused and neglected on the mean streets of Oaktown could find such fame and glory with a beloved rock star like Patrick? Dreams do come true in Hollywood!

Be sure to tell everyone you know about the world’s newest Tripawd Rock Star, and get your Codie Rae-inspired Tripawd gear soon, before it sells out.

This is such a huge public awareness victory for the capabilities of three legged dogs everywhere. We’re so proud of Codie and are proud to say “we knew her when…”

Now, see if you can catch her and get her pawdograph . . .we’re betting it’ll be worth a million bones soon!

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

In April, 2009, we had the pleasure of meeting Barney B., a loving Lab who was amazing everyone by beating histiocytic bone cancer. Yesterday, we were thrilled to learn that Barney just celebrated his three year ampuversary!

Barney’s Mom sent us this hoppy update:

“Valentine’s Day, a day that celebrates love. And we will be celebrating the love of one crazy yellow lab this Valentine’s Day that marks his 3 year ampuversary!

Barney was diagnosed with cancer in early February of 2008 and with some extensive research, and through resources like Tripawds.com, we quickly made the decision to amputate.

It’s a decision we’ve never once regretted.

The docs said even with amputation we might have 3-6 months of time with him, but that the amputation would at least free him of the pain he was enduring from the cancer.

We did follow the surgery with Adriamycin, IV chemotherapy. Barney did remarkably well with the chemo and really didn’t have any adverse side effects from it.

Since then, like most of us who have been touched by cancer, we’ve made many changes.

• Barney enjoys a diet of low carb foods
• lots of nutritious treats like carrots and apples
• and takes K-9 Immunity supplements
• And, he’s surrounded by lots and lots of love

Since Valentine’s Day of 2008, we’ve enjoyed everything Barney – the goofy sideways looks, the begging for a seat on the sofa next to any of his people, the gusto with which he enjoys anything that he eats, and even the stealing food from the kitchen counter.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Having had several dogs over the years, I can say without hesitation that he is the happiest, loving dog we’ve ever owned.

He is full of joy, always wagging that big yellow tail, and still anxious to greet all new people and other critters by hopping and barking at them.

He will celebrate his 8th birthday in March, and we feel so blessed for each and every day that we get to spend with this wonderful creature that God gave us.

He is our miracle and I am inspired by him every day!

Love to all of you from Barney B and the Baldwin Pack in Houston, Texas!”