Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Dr. Pam, I would like to ask your opinion on our treatment choices for Tshuvah. She was dx'd with hemangiosarcoma about a month ago, primary bone tumor. We had the left foreleg amputated on the assumption that it was osteosarcoma, and then got the bad/worse news about 2 weeks later.
We met with the veterinary oncologist twice. She said basically that we could try metronomics or palladia, but that she didn't go so far as to actually recommend it. I believe her thinking was that the prognosis for hemangiosarcoma with primary bone tumor is so bad (1-2 months) that we should just focus on quality of life and enjoying what Tshuvah has left. The vet also said that traditional chemo wouldn't be a useful option. Additionally, we were taking into account Tshuvah's unwillingness to taking pills no matter what they're wrapped in (meaning any pills she takes are with the pill-gun, which is stressful), her general pickiness about eating, and the fact that she suffered some kind of acute kidney problem (elevated BUN and creatinine levels) after her amputation. She rebounded well after two diureses. She also seems to have GI trouble with NSAIDs (nausea, anorexia).
I have started Tshvuah on the artemix/artemisinin /curcumin protocol posted by Dr. Brown on the arte and cancer yahoo group, but the vet thought that oral artemisinin never reaches a sufficient blood level to be effective. I'm doing it anyway.
So my question is basically about your experience with and opinoin of hemangiosarcoma with primary bone tumor; is 1-2 months life expectancy after dx pretty on target? Can metronomics or palladia be useful? With a sensitive dog like Tshuvah, is it worth whatever physical and psychological stressors the use of meds would likely create?
I guess I just want to be sure that in choosing to do nothing but keep her comfortable and toss an artemisinin or curcumin pill her way once a day, we are making an informed and positive choice for her. She is 9 years old, weighs 40#, and is a real Heinz 57 dog with a lot of red heeler and a smidgen of pit.
Many grateful thanks, Beth
Beth with my beloved Tshuvah, 10 year old "TaosDog". Provisional diagnosis osteosarcoma on 6/10/10, amputation of left foreleg same day, firm diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma 6/24/10. Set free on 9/9/10. Treasured forever.
http://labrador.....ipawds.com
I have seen dogs with hemangiosarcoma live longer than expected (up to 1 year) and I have also seen some not survive past 2 weeks but it is probably worth a try to treat these guys. I would try metronomics with Metacam or Zubrin (easier on the stomach) but your oncologist may want to try CCNU instead of cylcophosphamide due to the kidney issues. If she doesn't handle these drugs you can always stop. Palladia is less likely to help and many dogs get nausea or diarrhea so that may not be a good drug for your sensitive dog.
Pam
Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful response. How wonderful to be able to get a second opinion and a professional's insight. I'm very grateful!
Beth
Beth with my beloved Tshuvah, 10 year old "TaosDog". Provisional diagnosis osteosarcoma on 6/10/10, amputation of left foreleg same day, firm diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma 6/24/10. Set free on 9/9/10. Treasured forever.
http://labrador.....ipawds.com
We too are always grateful for Pam's professional input.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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