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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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New Diagnosis - Multiple Myeloma
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Member Since:
18 December 2020
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7 January 2021 - 1:41 pm
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I don't know if this will come up with advice or if this will help with processing. My Siberian husky was diagnosed officially with multiple myeloma today. It's a bone marrow cancer that is unusual and normally occurs in middle-aged or older dogs from 6-13 years. My husky is 4.

We started out with him having lameness in his front right paw then suddenly it fractured due to something underlying. We rushed him to the emergency vet, had him checked, was told that it had a hairline fracture and there was something else. The vet referred us over to a larger internal medicine group who explained the bone was extremely weak and there was a mass in the leg so a day later he became a Tripawd. Two weeks later after the bone was examined we have our diagnosis - multiple myeloma. Monday is blood work day and then we are going to see the oncologist on the 28th.

My vet mentioned that chemotherapy & Prednisone would be our go-to but the oncologist would have more information. Then explained that he has 6-9 months left. I'm terrified because I continue to read awful side-effects for Prednisone on top of I don't know how chemotherapy will affect him. Everything I read so far involves relapse, that it won't be cured, that this will absolutely happen again and that if it goes away it'll come back up.

Has anyone had any experience with this cancer?

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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7 January 2021 - 3:00 pm
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Hello there. I'm so glad we connected in the chat and that you posted. 

First, how is your doggie doing? And what's his name? Huskies are such a resilient breed! I'm hoping your boy is doing really well and thriving. Do you have any recovery-specific questions?

Now about that cancer. Yeah, as I mentioned, these forums search results about multiple myeloma show that is doesn't happen too often in this community. I'm sorry you guys are one of those who are dealing with it. I had a good friend (human) who battled it, I didn't even realize while she was that it's another cancer that dogs and humans share. Ugh.

While I don't have any direct experience with this cancer, what I can tell you is this: every cancer prognosis is just an educated guess based on averages. You don't know who will thrive beyond the prognosis and who will not. Cancer is really unpredictable and we see it go all sorts of directions here. We always hope and pray that every member will thrive for way longer than anyone predicts. And again, remember that a prognosis doesn't take into account your dog's unique physiology either. He writes his own story.

All you can do is your best to give your dog a great quality of life so that he can continue being the happy guy that he is. Whatever that looks like. Because he doesn't care what the lab report says, all he wants is for the people he cares about to be as happy as he is. 

So meet with the oncologist and get the information you need to make an educated decision. You'll feel good about leaving no stone unturned and in your heart know that you are making choices out of love and not fear. That's the only way cancer can 'win' is to allow you to live in fear of it. Don't allow that to happen and you've done your job as his parent. 

And meanwhile we will be here for you every step of the way. However you decide to treat this, or not, we won't judge, we will support you in your choice so ask any questions you'd like. Oh and speaking of, this Questions to Ask a Vet Oncologist article can help you prepare.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet


Member Since:
18 December 2020
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7 January 2021 - 4:59 pm
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He is trying his best, right now he is set in his crate with a big ole pillow and relaxing. His name is Orion. As far as recovery is there any suggestion for a Tripawd who may have weaker bones as far as his front leg? Do you know of a cast or brace or something that may help as he hops around so it doesn't harm it?

And I really appreciate that, it's a terrifying thing to get a time frame and then just dread the clock for him. I want to make sure I can do everything possible to ensure he will be happy and not in pain. Honestly, reading your post makes me realize I should be thankful I have the time I do with him instead of worrying. So, thank you.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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7 January 2021 - 8:56 pm
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((((hugs)))) as we like to say around here, don't "should" on yourself, just Be More Dog !

I love the name Orion! 

As for the weaker bones, no I don't know of a specific brace and I don't recommend getting one until you work with your vet OK? A poorly fitting brace can do more harm than good. I do know that for many cancers, bisphosphonates can help strengthen bone and decrease pain levels so that may be what your oncologist recommends.

Since Orion needs to take it easy right now anyways (truly difficult for a Husky!), try to keep him mellow so there's no chance of another fracture. interactive brain games are one of the best ways to tire a dog's mind and keep them happy.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet


Member Since:
18 December 2020
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13 January 2021 - 10:58 am
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We received the two medicines for him today: prednisone & melphalon. I'm going to start them tomorrow but I wanted to check if there are known concerns for either medicine? I've talked to the vet and we will be speaking with the oncologist soon, but I didn't know if there was any expectation.

On The Road


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13 January 2021 - 1:21 pm
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Hmm. That's a good question for your vet. Although our prednisone link leads to an article about side effects when taking it in higher doses, it may not be applicable to your situation. So ask the vet and then let us know what they say OK?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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14 January 2021 - 9:48 am
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Sorry you fi d yourself here, but as you can see from Jerry's posts, it's  the best place to be for support and information.  

Ypu are surrounded by people who understand the depthmof love ypu have for Orion and will do anyth poss to continue  giving him a great quality  life!  And that is sll Orion cares about.  He doesn't  count day s on a calendar, never looks at a clock and doesn't  have a timeframe  stamped  anywhere on that fluffy Husky butt of his!!  

When is your Onco appointment?  I think that os your best resource  on what treatment plan is best for Orion and his specific issues.  It maybe that a Rehab Specialist  can advise you on weak ess in the other leg.  The Tripawds Foundation   will pay for the first visit!

Meep us posted and give Orion a big smooch for us.  And rem, YIU ARE NOT ALONE!!

Hugs

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

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

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