jerry said
I'm so sorry you had to join our club but so glad you found us and decided to post. Charlie's experience is going to help others some day if not already, so we appreciate your taking time to share all the details. I have some thoughts for you that I hope will help your pack, and I know others in the community will too.

It sounds like Charlie is getting excellent care! Super smart to not delay surgery and treatment. Who is his oncology and surgical team? They sound great! Feel free to share their info in our Veterinary Specialists Forum if you'd like. 

As a result of pneumonia, chemo was not an immediate option, so we moved straight into the autologous treatment plan, and we completed the first three vaccines. 

Yay! Is he getting the ELIAS vaccine? We have some articles about immunotherapy treatments you might want to check out. Sounds like you got all the details about the treatment, and understand everything about what's involved. Great job! 

Any recommendations for a proper exercise routine, diet, and any other supplements we should be giving him are greatly appreciated. 

I'm so glad you asked! Did you know that Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit ? That's really the best way to find out how you can help Charlie make the most of life on three. They'll assess his capabilities now, and what he can do in the future, then explain exercises and things you can do with him to help him get there. And the best part is the foundation can pay for your first rehab visit with him!

As for diet and supplements, hold off on any big changes for now. Most oncologists will say to wait until the chemo (pretty sure it's the same for immunotherapy) is done too. That way if Charlie has any side effects from it, they'll know that it's the treatment and not dietary changes as the root cause.

When you're ready and if it's in your budget, working with a veterinary nutritionistwould be the gold standard for a dog fighting cancer. To be blunt, there is a ton of unproven garbage on the internet about what to feed a dog with cancer. Many unscrupulous companies are more than happy to take your money right now, so be careful and shop with both eyes wide open. We always recommend a vet nutritionist first, because they can come up with a plan tailored to Charlie's physiology, and needs as time goes on. 

We did discover the socks with traction on the feet to help him stabilize himself on the wood floors.  Right now we are only using the sock on the front right paw as he seems to manage the back two feet. 

Glad you have something to help him. For a better long-term solution, carpet runners with a no-slip backing are our #1 recommendation, and behind that, Dr. Buzby's Toe Grips. That way you won't ever need to worry about a sock rotating on his one good front leg, or remembering to put it on.

Our boy likes to sleep on our bed and travel with us in our jeep however, I am very concerned with ensuring we keep his remaining three legs strong and healthy.  We have tried numerous dog ramps for the car and dog steps for the bed and haven't found the right fit as of yet. 

Many dogs have poor depth perception, which is why ramps are scary to them. If you find one he will tolerate, great, if not, don't worry, there are other options. Pet stairs for your bed are smart, and for the car, a Ruffwear Flagline harness can help you help him get in and out. As for the back of the jeep, if you have a larger one, these dog crates for the car recommended by @mischief sound spot-on for you guys.

We look forward to following along with Charlie's journey! And ask as many questions as you'd like, we are here to help.

  

WOW! Thank you for the warm welcome, and I truly appreciate the feedback, resources, and tips. 

Charlie's oncology and the surgical team have been amazing.  I will add their info in the Veterinary Specialist forum once I figure that out. LOL I am still learning how to navigate the website.  The hospital is blue pearl specialty & emergency hospital (formerly Affiliated Vet) in Maitland, FL.  I saw them listed on your site as an option for the first rehab visit .  I reviewed what was required for reimbursement and am grateful that we have options to assess what is required for exercise going forward.  After all, I want him to continue living his best life for as long as possible. The incredible team of doctors includes -  his oncologist, Dr. Teresa L. Goodson, surgeon - Dr. Christina Cramer, and Internal Medicine - Dr. Sidney Bannister.  Ironically enough, Dr. Cramer has a tripawd of her own. She amputated her own pup's leg after being hit by a car.  She made us feel very comfortable with the process at a time when we were beyond confused. 

Thank you for the tip on his diet and supplements. It totally makes sense.  I started reintroducing some of his supplements this week but will hold off on that until we get through the treatment. 

We are doing the Elias treatment.  This Thursday, we go in for follow-up x-rays to confirm he is past pneumonia and next Thursday is the Apheresis treatment.  This treatment is a long day process. I pray it all goes well and there are minimal side effects.  Thank you for sending the link to other articles about immunotherapy treatments.  

You have provided a great deal of info. Thank you so much! 

benny55 said
Oh my gosh!!  What a completely  unexpected set of challenges after amputation!  This had to be soooo scary!!  You stayed the course and didn't  give up, nor did your sweet Charlie.

You left no stone unturned to get yim over those hurdles, and now you are doing the same as you  plan a path forward.

As Jerry mentioned, we all learn from each other and you and Charlie will definitely  be teaching us a few things!

Okay, it's time to be off that crazy roller coaster and on t0 smoother  times with uoir boy!  And we look forward  to following  Charlie as he continues  to be victorious  in all his endeavors!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

  

Thank you for your message.  I appreciate all the feedback and support.  I look forward to getting to know everyone and, YES, learning a lot from each other.  

He is starting to feel more comfortable laying on left side of his body where the leg was amputated so that makes me feel better.  We also had  a nice short walk outside and sat on the front porch as long as we could until it became too hot.  

He felt so good that he jumped on our bed afterward when we weren't looking.  Had to lift him to take him off.  We will definitely need to work on that and get him some stairs. 

Thank you again!