Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi there
My Xena is a rotty x lab 7 years old and was diagnosed two days ago that she has osteosarcoma bone cancer in her front left leg her op is on Friday at 9.30am for amputation and then follwed with chemo sessions. This is obviously brand new to me and dont really know what to do after op when she comes home and also a change of diet etc. This forum and whole entire site has helped me so much and especially to make that jump for amputation, also seeing that there is life after the op, as i wasnt sure i if she would be the same dog! my xena is a couch potato and we live in Spain so she just sun bathes, im hoping she will have a quick recovery. i also have two other dogs that adore her and im sure will look after her in her during this whole thing! Please any tips or advice things to help her during chemo and and herbal medicine that can help to keep the cancer at bay please let me know, as all info is greatly recieved! Thanks Chloe x
Hello Chloe and Xena, welcome! Cancer is no fun, and it can be scary, but we are here to help however we can. We're glad you found us.
First, be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List , which will answer many of your questions. Our ebook, "Three Legs And A Spare " is also a huge help when you're first starting out. And of course our members here have LOTS of wonderful advice for you too.
We are always so interested in learning how veterinarians in other countries are approaching cancer treatments in animals, what kind of chemotherapy is your doctor recommending?
Where in Spain are you? My human pawrents traveled around Espana on motorcycles many years ago and fell in love with it, they hope to go back again someday. My human mom's ancestors are from Agreda, in Soria province. You live in a beautiful country!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hey thanks for the speedy responce! 
we live in Torrevieja on the costa blanca just on the beach! As this is all new to me im not sure what type of chemo he is recommending, is there a better one out of all of them? Also she has no spots on her lungs and blood work looks great too! i hope we have caught it early as its only a few weeks since the limp developed. She doesnt seem herself at the moment and i just want her back to the waggy tailed way she was before how long should the sessions of chemo go on for normally? And do dogs ever completely survive this? Lovely to hear that you have been to Spain i do love it here im orginally from the UK but resident here with my family since feb 2005. Im also 4 months pregnant so desperatly want my xena well ready to help me look after baby as she is such an amazing dog i just coldnt be without her took me a while to decide as i didnt want to be selfish and put her through something that wasnt fair on her, but she is so full of life and has still got soo much go in her, i would feel like i was giving up on her. i hope i have made the right decision soon to be a proud tripawd owner and will be getting one of those fabby bandanas if they ship to Spain Thanks again x
Welcome to Tripawds, I'm sorry to hear about Xena's diagnosis. Sounds like you have the right attitude to get you both through this! The first couple of weeks after surgery can be hard, full of ups and downs. Don't get discouraged if Xena's seems not herself for awhile. Some lucky pups sail right through recovery- maybe Xena's will be one of those!
What I've seen here most often as chemo for bone cancer is carboplatin, 4 or 6 treatments. I'll let those with experience share what they have done. My pug Maggie had a different kind of cancer, mast call, so her chemo was different. I will tell you that Maggie's prognosis after surgery was 6 to 9 months due to lymph system involvement. She lived almost 4 years and did not pass from mast cell cancer. I have a local friend Cemil who is a 150 pound Anatolian Shepard front amp from OSA. He is almost 4 years past his diagnosis and doing well! No false hope here, many don't get so long, but there is always hope.
You asked about meds and supplements in your first post- be sure and check out the Nutrition Blog
: http://nutritio.....pawds.com/. Lots of info there on diets and supplements.
Good luck with the surgery on Friday. Keep us posted on how Xena's is doing.
Karen
Hi. Sorry you found us, but now that you have, I'm glad you did. This community is amazing. You're in good hands. Welcome.
Jackson is undergoing IV chemo for his OSA. He has had 2 doses (carboplatin) so far. He'll probably get 4 total, that is if at his third appt next week his lungs are clear. Each appt takes less than an hour - that includes the exam, bloodwork (to mainly confirm his white blood counts are high enough), and the drug administration. We were given antibiotics and 2 kinds of anti-nausea/poo-problem meds. We haven't had to use either! In fact, I swear you can't tell he's gotten chemo at all. It's amazing. We're so proud! The fact that he handles it so well makes it a very easy decision to stick with it. We haven't changed his food, but it is topped with delicious foods to keep it interesting and healthy. There's always protein - to keep muscle mass high, to deliver more nutrients, and to fuel muscle growth. He's on supplements, too. He is just simply doing so darn well. But, it's true, the first 2 weeks were pretty slow and low. We had a really good post-op with great pain management , but he was tired or depressed; hell, I would be! We didn't have any incision leakage or any scares. His energy was just down. Then, 2 weeks post-amp, he wanted to play fetch! Then, 3.5 weeks post-amp, he wanted to play tug 'o war! Then, his voice came back! Now, he's absolutely back to normal.
You will be amazed at how well your pup does! You'll be amazed how wiggley she'll be when you pick her up. It was stun you. After that, though, be prepared for some highs and lows. You'll never be more happy when she poos or gets up the stairs for the first time. She'll be great!
Keep us informed! Best wishes for Friday.
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Thanks so much for the replies! It really does help as i wasnt sure if she will ever forgive me or look at me the same way! I have to drop her off in the morning at 9.30am and i think im going to find it really difficult to leave her there alone, i will let you know how she got on. I pick her up at 4 in the afternoon so im pleased i get to bring her home to be with me and she doesnt have to stay there over night! Also i have a small problem in that i live in a 5th floor apartment, i have a lift but there are a few steps to get her inside, how are they on their feet after surgery? Balance? Also any ideas on how to get her in ?or is carrying the only way? She does weigh just over 70 pounds. And obviously for doing her buisness its up and down those steps. Thanks for all your info, i really dont feel alone i will ask exactly what the name of the chemo he wants to use and hopefully you guys can give me a hand on some more info! Thanks again guys Chloe and Xena xx
clottsie said
... i wasnt sure if she will ever forgive me or look at me the same way!
Dogs don't have shame or regret, these are silly human emotions which the book Without Regret has helped many here come to terms with.
how are they on their feet after surgery?
Every dog is different, but most bounce back quickly, often quite literally. Jerry hopped out of the hospital the next day and was navigating our 25 stairs within a couple days. A harness can certainly help once healed, and in the meantime you might consider using a soft towel slung under the belly if additional support is required. A reusable canvas shopping bag slit down the sides also makes a handy temporary sling.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry you had to find us here. I know it's all probably pretty overwhelming right now, but there can be lots of good times ahead for you and Xena still.
Our Abby hopped out of the vet's office on her own, but we did use a folded towel (I sewed handles on to it) to help her in and out of the car and up the stairs for a while.
The recovery period can be rough, but once she is off the pain meds and the staples are out you should see your happy girl's personality return.
And, yes, some dogs do completely beat this disease. It's in the minority unfortunately - but try not to focus on how much time you may or may not get. We got 15 months with our girl and they were an amazing and wonderful 15 months. Focus on making the most of everyday with your girl.
Hang in there. Keep us posted,
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!
Sorry you are dealing with this horrible disease but glad you have found us. I would strongly recommend a harness. I belatedly realised how helpful it could be, especially for getting in and out of the car. We used a ramp but it was a bit steep and awkward. A sling for the back legs can also be very helpful.
With this disease you can never know how long you will get. Some dogs beat the odds, some don't. My advice is plan to beat the cancer but never take anything for granted and live each day "in the moment" because you can never be sure what lies ahead. We fell short of the odds, getting 8 extra months. It wasn't as long as we hoped for but it was an ubelievably special, precious, time together that I would do again in a heartbeat.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
We (or more appropriately, I) held Jackson back from stairs. Turns out, he was pretty darn good at them and took his time the first few times he did them! Granted, he had far more than the 2 you mention, though. I'd say, while she's most under the influence of heavy drugs (the day you get her and maybe the day after), help her out a lot. Try the harness and/or the handled canvas bag trick. After that, let her tell you. She may stare at you wondering what to do - give her encouragement and loads of praise after. Her ability to move, albeit over short, small distances will surprise you. A little movement is great for post-op recovery (bloodflow, muscle movement, stretching, balance work, poo-movements, etc), but like all parents and dogs, you know her best! Do what is right for her, so if she simply doesn't want to do the 2 stairs for 2 weeks....OK then! Jackson was very clearly proud of himself when he did them. I'm glad we let him go for it - and that's b/c we knew him best. Listen to your girl. She'll tell you what she needs. You're going to do great!!!
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Ooooh you live in a very nice part of Spain! I'm jealous! Tell you what, we will bring the bandanna to YOU! All you need to do is put us up in your home for a month. Hahaha! Just kidding. Yes of course we will ship to Spain.
We wish you the best of luck tomorrow. Please keep us posted.
You have your hands and paws full, but you can get through this. We'll be here to help. Write down all of your questions so that your vet can put your mind at ease. Be sure to ask about pain medication; what she's getting, and how often and when you should administer it.
Take things one step at a time. First get through the surgery, then get your chemo questions answered so you can make up your mind about whether or not it's right for Xena.
Have you slip-proofed your home yet? Look around and make sure she has good traction areas so she has sure footing. Raise her bowls off the ground and basically just "Tripawd-proof" your place so she can be more comfortable. Your biggest challenge will be the stairs but it's nothing you can't deal with successfully. Here's a good stairs video that shows you how we handled our stairs in our home.
Let us know how she does tomorrow.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks guys you are absolutely fantastic, ive just got home from dropping her off and she jumped in the car not a care in the world thinking she was going off to the park, i then dropped her off with her favourite blanket and the vet was then preping everything for surgery! Im picking her up at 4 and the vet is going to give me a list of everything that comes next in her beating cancer plan and also have to go pick up her pain killers from chemist afterwards. My other two are now very confused looking round the house for her as i have come home and she hasnt so im sure they will be pleased to see her when she comes home! Thanks so much for the ideas for helping up the stairs ideas, im going to help her as much as i can (even though she is a little stubborn and likes to do things by herself). Im going to order that fabby harness ive seen on this website and going to get a few bandanas too i bought a food raiser so its easier for her to eat and ive made her a very comfty bed in my room with her own matress and duvet her toys and every thing else she could need. I have another question for you guys my dogs have a routine of being fed twice a day, once at 9 and again at 6. Then its bowls up as i dont like to leave food hanging around its a nightmare out her for atracting flies etc. Am i better off leaving it out for her until she feels like she can eat it? Or should i keep the same routine for her? Thanks again guys i dont think i would of been able to do this if it wasnt for you lot means the world really! And feel free to come to torrevieja whenever you wish, as the beach accepts dogs and the sun is always shinning xx
In 20 mins im leaving to pick her up got my soft towel in hand for helping her up those stairs. They said the surgery went great! Ill let you guys know how she is! Thanks sooo much! Xx
Oh, I'm glad to hear things went well! Great! As far as feeding...I kept the same routine. Libby was very hungry when we brought her home. She stayed overnight and hadn't eaten. I haven't waivered from that routine. I would try feeding your pup as you always have. If her appetite is not good, and it may not be today so don't be alarmed, you can try feeding her some goodies by hand. Cooked chicken, lean beef, etc to stimulate her appetite.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
She is absolutely great! When i got there she came running over to me yes nearly pulling the vet over she was so happy to see me! I bought her home and she ran up the stairs with me behind careful xena! Slow down! But she paid no attention to me, played with my other girlies had a few treats and then had a nap, back up at 6 ready for dinner, ate the whole lot and finished before my other girlies and down stair for a wee or more like a play on the beach as she didnt want to do anything, busy sniffing around, run back upstairs and is now chilling out in her bed with my labrador reagen im so proud of her! She is such a clever girly! She jumped up tail waggy when my parent came round and was so pleased to see them! I couldnt be happier with the way she is. She has a perforated tube that runs the length of the cut and we add a local anaesthetic every 6 hours so she feels no pain from that area. And it seems to be doing the trick as she feels nothing in the area! Thats for the next 4 days and she also has antibiotics and anti inflams too that she takes once a day for a week from tomorrow. Now i have a new questions, keeping that area clean from any weeping or anything? What did you guys do? Ive notice there is a little bit of leaking a tiny bit and iam stopping her from cleaning it. Am i doing that right? Let me know please. Xx
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