Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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sjcj813 said:
Back from Oncology appointment. We were given three options. Best long term results with amputation and chemo, pain releif and slow down of cancer spread with radiation or just amputation alone.
Well that's great to hear!
Yes, there's a lot to think about. But keep in mind that if you pursue chemo, and then decide that it's not the right thing to do for him, you can always adjust or stop the treatments. The important thing is to first manage the pain, then decide what you want to do next. One hop at a time.
Good luck. Keep us posted and remember we're here if you want to talk.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Trac said:
our oncologist gave us the address to this site and said go and look at all the dogs that have been through what she is going through you will be very surprised at how well they all do…He was right we were amazed ……
Wow! That is so neat to hear! Who is your oncologist, and where do they practice? Please thank him for us OK?
We really appreciate your sharing Montana's story with everyone here. It is so important to let others know that we understand what they are going though, and support them through the process. Thanks for making life easier for other pawrents by taking the time to share your honest feelings about the whole thing.
Many hugs to you...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I know we are going to amputate. What we aren't sure of is chemo...and it's sort of an agonizing decision. I've heard of a home therapy treatment but didn't ask the oncologist about it...is anyone out there familiar with K-9 Immunity or similar product?
Thanks again everyone!!!! We are loving all of the support you've given us<3
Oh, ok, got it.
Well, we didn't do chemo at first, for many reasons. We did to it later, and did the Metronomic Therapy, which is what I think you might be referring to. It's an at-home chemo pill you can give, along with a few other supplements. Not all oncologists are using this therapy though, and there are pros-and-cons for it.
As for K9 Immunity , I also took that. There is a ton of info here about it. You can search the forums and the blogs, or check out these links that will help get you started . . .
To Chemo or Not to Chemo, That is the Question
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We approached the chemo very tentitively. At first the vet wasn't recommending chemo. He felt relieving the pain was the main issue. But when the post surgery biopsy came back with the tumor fully contained, he thought it was worth the shot to give her the best chance at an extended life.
I was very scepticle after seeing how badly chemo affects humans. I simply did not want to put her through a lot of misery for results that were not guaranteed. My husband finally convinced me to at least give it a try. If the side effects were bad and for an extended number of days we could always stop after the first round.
Trouble went through chemo with minimum side effects. She had mild nausea about six hours after each treatment, and was tired and a little weak for another 12 - 24 hours, but after that she was back to her bouncy self. Chemo isn't for everyone, but I'm glad we made that choice.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
This past January my Java, a 13 year old 64# Rottweiler diagnosed with cancer in her front right shoulder. One surgeon refused to do an amputation because she has arthritis in her back legs, weakness in her back and back legs (4 years ago she tore her ACL and 3 years ago she was completely paralyzed for 6 months due to a mini stroke in her back). She went through 4 rounds of radiation and two rounds of chemotherapy and two rounds of bone building treatments. She still fractured her front leg last Thursday. This is very common as the cancer eats away the bone. Since her blood work looked good and the cancer has not spread to her lungs, her oncololgist and new surgeon recommended a whole front leg amputation as they were optomistic that she would do well. Her surgery was last Thursday and she is hopping around on her own! She does get tired quickly, but she is happy and healthy, and enjoying life. Hopefully her back legs will continue to get stonger (she has lost a lot of muscle mass in her back legs) as she rehabilitates! Tomorrow Java will have her staples removed from her amputation and her third chemo treatment. She has had no ill side effects from the chemo. All I can say is don't underestimate your dog's ability to adjust to his or her circumstances. You can always make the hard decision later if he or she can't handle the situation.
I would like to start off by saying thanks to everyone here at tripawds.com for your positive support, knowledge, and encouragement!!!
Tomorrow, Thursday April 23rd is our big day. Max will have his right front leg amputation. We are happy for him but extremely worried as well. The surgeon expects him to be in the hospital for a couple of days and this is probably what freaks me out the most. I can't stand being without my big guy, but I know it's for the best.
Thanks again to everyone who has lended support through what I know is only the beginning of this difficult time.
Will keep you posted on Max's recovery,
Shaun
(Max's Mommy)
Good Luck! I'm sure he will suprize you by how fast he recovers. Going through this process has been amazing for me.. my dog had his front leg amputation less than a month ago and he's already swimming and catching frisbees.. He's an 83lb black lab, unknown age, but guessing around 8 or so... Let us know how your guy is doing. Keep your chin up!
Good luck Shaun. We will be thinking of you today. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I hope everything went well today! A lot of people are thinking about Max and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Max is out of surgery and resting well. Everything went "routinely", as expected.
We can't see him until tomorrow because they want to keep him down and resting but will start him up and walking in about six hours. This is tremendously hard for me. We are all ways together and I swear I keep seeing him out of the corner of my eye laying next to me;( My husband wanted me to ask them jokingly if we could at least talk to him when they called to give me an update!! Love, love, love our boy!!!! Looking forward to visiting him tomorrow and Saturday when he comes home to us.
Thank you all for your keeping him in your thoughts!!
Shaun
Whew! What a relief! This is so great to hear. Hang in there and be strong, he's going to need you to be when he comes home. Just remember how stoic he is, and follow his lead. You guys WILL get through this!
Just out of curiosity, where did Max have his surgery?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for the update, Max sounds like he's in good hands now, where he needs to be. Best wishes for a speedy complete recovery!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Okay. Thanks for the advice…are they generally stoic when they come home? Is this from the trauma of surgery?
Max had his surgery at the Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group in Ventura, California. His surgeon is Dr. Adrienne Bentley.
Hi Shaun and Max!
Glad to hear that Max's surgery was a success and he is back home resting! It is not ususual at all for our pups to be "not themselves" when they come back from surgery. The anesthesia from the surgery, mixed with the pain medication can really throw them for a loop. Personally speaking, Shadow's moods ranged from anxious, to sullen, to nervous throughout the first 2 weeks of recovery. There were times I would watch him and think "OMG, what did I do to my baby boy?". But we got through it, as soon as the sutures were out and he was off his pain meds, he was back to his old self. I have zero regrets. Max will get through this, just be the strong leader he needs you to be and take one day at a time. Best wishes for a speedy, uneventful recovery Max!
xoxo
Tina and Spirit Shadow
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