Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello All. Our beloved 12.5 JRT Floyd was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on 07/23. On 07/24 his left front leg was amputated. The biopsy confirmed osteosarcoma grade 3. All tests show no spread of cancer yet. We don't know how to proceed with his treatment. Should we go holistic with Dr. Loops or traditional (the oncologist recommends combination of doxorubicin and carboplatin). Are there any other alternatives? Your input is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Tanya
Welcome, your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Every dog is different, as is every person's circumstances. You'll find plenty of resources here and feedback from others to help you decide on the best treatment plan for you and your pup. We've written about Dr. Loops extensively in the Tripawds Nutrition blog , and recommend Dr. Dressler's Dog Cancer Kit for advice about Coprehensive care including the best of traditional and holistic care.
Check out our veterinary oncologist video interviews with Dr. Chretin and certified oncologist Mona Rosenberg for more professional opinions too.
We also believe K9 Immunity helped Jerry, and be sure to consider a healthy canine cancer diet.
Try not to get overwhelmed with the wealth of information available. Pick a treatment plan and stick to it. And most importantly, focus on quality of life and your time together rather than treating the disease. Floyd does not know he has cancer.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Tanya and Floyd, welcome to tripawds.
Admin gave you lots of links to good information on treatment options.
The bottom line though is you have to do what is right for you and Floyd. Tri-pug Maggie had two types of cancer- one I treated with chemo, one I did not treat at all because of other health issues. Mag's little sis Tani has cancer now too- and I have chosen to treat with diet and supplements- no chemo.
I will say that Maggie tolerated her chemo very well, and reading stories on this site most, but not all, dogs handle chemo with minimal side effects. And if you chose chemo you can always stop if Floyd does not do well on it.
Good luck with your decision. When you have time you should post some pictures of Floyd.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Hi Tanya and Floyd! I'm so glad you found us and I hope our Tripawd community will be of some help during your journey with Floyd. As Admin and Karen have both said there are choices either way.....chemo or not. I don't believe there is a exact "right" answer as many people have gone down the chemo route and many have chose not to. I think you just need to gobble up as much information as you can about his cancer and listening to his oncologist. Maybe two or three opinions besides just one doctor if your still uneasy will help. Then go with your gut on what makes you feel the most comfortable about the decision you make. Armed with as much information as you can find you can make a decision for your buddy Floyd that's the best for both of you.
My Rizzo made it through three rounds of chemo with zero side effects and then after the fourth her liver started to fail. We ended all chemo after that fourth treatment and decided we (her oncologist and I) that she was done with chemo.......and that was two years ago.
As you can see, Rizzo is a JRT too, so good luck to you and give us a shout if you have any questions or concerns. Give Floyd a ear rub from us!
All our Best!
Suzie and Rizzo
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
Hi Tanya & Floyd - sorry you had to find us here. It's hard to know what to do... The options can be a bit overwhelming. I'd recommend Dr. Dressler's book - I think it's called The Dog Cancer Survival Guide. It does a good job of laying out the options. Based on what I read in his book, we did a "halflistic" approach (as I called it) with our dog, since it wasn't wholly holistic. We did IV chemo (our dog was young and handled it well) plus at home chemo plus a lot of herbs/supplements, especially artemisinin .
I honestly don't have an opinion on what's the "best" way to go. We've seen it all here - dogs do well and live for years with or w/out chemo, or have chemo/no chemo and still gain just months.
I think you just have to kind of look at all the options, consider your dog (does Floyd hate going to the vet? If so holistic will be easier on him...), your finances, etc.
Whatever decision you make, it will be the right one because it's made based on your knowledge of Floyd and your love for him.
Keep us posted on how he's doing and let us know what you decide. We're here if you have questions.
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Thanks a lot to all for the support. It looks like we decided to go holistic with Dr. Loops. Our conference is set up for tomorrow 08/08/12. I feel 08/08 is the lucky number.
That does sound like a lucky date! Keep us posted on how things go!
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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