Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Wow that's interesting they want both tests. Why the neurologist consult? And a bone scan even though there's lung mets? Did they say why? Who is the oncologist you spoke with? Just curious.
Geez that has got to be making you nuts, I'd be frustrated too. Hang in there, we'll help as best we can.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Find another vet. It has been my experience that some consults and tests are recommended but to try to force them upon you does not sound right. Keep us posted. We are here for you!
I agree with the general opinion - skip these tests, find another vet. In Dr. Dressler´s book, he says he doesn´t even recommend a bone biopsy prior to the amputation if there is a clear diagnosis for OSA. The biopsy will be done with the whole bone after the surgery, in order to identify the type of OSA.
Daniela
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Jerry this is the UF oncology dept. It makes me feel like they are just after money. I took him there expecting the best of the best and now I question my decision. it just seems like they want to explore all these diagnostic testing as a teaching tool. It's just frustrating since tis is my second specialty consult and I might just have to do a third one. I am looking into a new research vaccine called Morphogenesis (Imunox) vaccine. Has anyone heard of the statistics on this protocol. its a vaccine that enhances the immune system so it just targets the cancer cells. I will keep you guys posted.
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Okay...deep breaths.....your frustration level must be off the charts by now and we sure get it!!!
Sometimes I felt somewhat the same way about them using my Happy Hannah to fund a wing of the hospital! They wanted certain tests, etc.and if I got my regular vet to run them (at a much lower price)...it was never exactly ehat they wanted....evennthough it was EXACTLY what they wanted...and they always wanted to run the test with their stuff....for a gazillion more dollars!!!
Maybe the third time will be a charm! Hope so!
No, I jave not heard of that vaccine, but perhaps others have.
During all this research, remember to stay in the moment with your pup!!! Spoiling and loving...it's a beautiful thing!!!
((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
I'm so sorry, I'd feel the same way too. Sometimes third opinions are the deciding factor so if it's something you could do then I say do it. As for Morphogenesis (Imunox) vaccine, I haven't heard of it and only see a PR piece about the company in google from 2012. How did you hear about it? Sounds interesting.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jerry, Its actually called ImmuneFX technical data. There is a Utube video on it. My friend who is a DVM attended a conference on this procedure and we are looking into it. The research company is based out of Tampa Florida. Research sounds promising for cancer treatment just trying to identify if Buddy would be a good candidate. The pet receives a series of vaccines to enhance their immune system therefore attacking only the cancer cells with no side effects. Investigating it further to see what the statistics are for OSA. I will keep you posted. I know there is a similar study by Dr. Mason at Penn State, I tried to contact them with no luck. Praying this is a break through. Alina
Awesome, I hope he's a candidate. I'm glad you're friend is familiar with it, it helps to have a vet that's knowledgeable about this kind of things (lots of snake oil out there as you know, can't be too careful).
Dr. Mason's trial has been mentioned quite a bit here, we have had some members go through the trial. Check out the first year's worth of Forums search results here for info.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Okay so this morning I had one of the UF oncology surgeons call me and explain to me why amputation wouldn't be in Buddys best interest. To summarize it, he told me because Buddy has mets in his lungs by the book he probably just has two months to live, if I amputate he would be loosing time in recovery and Palliative treatment would be his best option to feel better now. Wow, I don't even know how to feel at this moment whether to appreciate him for being so straight forward or hate him for being so negative as to Buddys future. I guess it comes with the territory of being a Dr. I feel so heartbroken and mad.
I'm really sorry. I agree, it's a love/hate thing when it comes to how doctors present the facts that way. Again though, a prognosis is just a guess, it doesn't take your own dog into consideration. Some dogs go longer, some do not. Generally amputation isn't advised if there are mets but that thinking is changing with some oncos. UF does Stereotactic radiation therapy, was that discussed as an option?
Here's a few posts about this subject and an article by one of our favorite oncologists Dr. Joanne Intile:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Okay....we're here holding you up while you feel like collapsing..........now, catch your breath, check out sllnthe links Jerry gave you, and let's continueto focus on a solution that works best for Buddy.
YOU KNOW BUDDY BEST! Statistics are guidelines.....nothing written in stone for each individual dog...good or bad.
Perhaps you could get a ohone consult with Dr. Intile and see what her experiences have been now that she generally proceeds with surgery.
This is sooooo hard!!!! So blankety--blank hard! We're trying to GUESS at a time frame....and that's impossible! My heart breaks for you...no one should have to be put in this position.
So many DO beat the odds....and, so many don't.
Sassy, one of our heroes around here, had her rear leg amputated, started with some chemo treatments, only to discover mets a few months later. Sassy continued on with a great quality for several more months.
Another great hero, Lexie, a very senior girl to begin with, got extended bonus time after mets!
And SOME did not.
Remember, in dog years, three months of pain free quality time is equal to over 1 1/2 years!
You are truly in such a rough spot. I can honestly say, I do not know what I would do. My nature would be to "try".....and yet, at the same time, there have been recoveries that are pretty drawn out due to infections, etc.
I guess I would want to hear from an Onco/Surgeon who would be in favor of prceeding and why before I made my decision.....and then try and understand what Buddy would want.
In the meantime....and this is sooooooo important and has been said by all of us so many ways......let NOTHING rob you of your time together NOW!!! No one knows when out last day on earth n is....all we have is now. And "in the now" is where Buddy is and where your happiest memories in the making are!
Everyday....regardless of whether we have a thousand or one, is a treasure sacred memory time.
Thank you for your courage. Thank you for continuing to share your nourney with us. You and Buddy continue to inspire and teach us all!!!
Sending you all the hugs in the world! Give Buddy a bit of ice cream tonight! He deserves it!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Jerry thank you I read the articles and it gave me the hope that I need to keep fighting for Buddy. Yes I am still going to go through with amputation that's what my heart keeps telling me. Like Benny says there is no right or wrong choice so I will follow my heart. I emailed the surgeon and expressed my decision, so if he is still reluctant to perform amputation then I will try elsewhere. Will keep you posted. Alina
ALINA AND BUDDY!!! Okay, you've made your decision and, in a odd way, that has to bring you some relief! And oddly enough, this has real l y been how you wanted to proceed all along! That seems like a validation from the Universe...and Buddy too!
Now you can focus on getting things ready for recovery.....non-slip scatter rugs if you have hardwood floors to prevent him from slipping. Maybe raised food bowls and water bowls so he doesn't strain as he bends down to eat. Stock up with lots and lots of treats, some chicken and even a little bit of ice cream for you snd Buddy!!!
You are making a decision out of love, out of tuition and out of your desire to give Buddy a chance at some more spoiling and loving...and that is a "right" decision on this crazy journey! Your heart has spoken.
By removing the leg, you have also removed the risk of an instant and painful fracture. That could jave happened if you were at work or out for several hours...and that would be just awful if that happened and there would be NO options at that point.
I admire the courage of your convictions and the depth of your kove for Buddy! Stay connected to us...now than more than ever, okay? Recovery can be full of ups and downs for a week or two, as well as some sleepless nights. We've all been through it here. We're not vets, but we sure are graduates of the University of Real Life when it comes to recovery.....AND......when it comes to how happy we are when we see the sparkle come back!!! Buddy is going to feel so much better with this painful leg gone!
Now go buy yourself a boatload of chocolate and eat it by the handfuls! It helps!!!
Sending you all the pawsitivity energy in the world!!!
((((((((((((((((((((((((/((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Benny55 thank you for making me smile, yes I love chocolate and I will be indulging on chocolate ice cream to relief all my stress. Well the surgeon emailed me and agreed to proceed with amputation with the understanding that he advices against it. I sent him a picture of Buddys protruding shoulder and I guess a part of him knows where I am coming from. Yes you are definitely right, if his shoulder fractures while I am at work, it will not be a good turn out. Any recommendations as to the preparation of his amputation will be very appreciated. I am getting nervous now that he has agreed but I still feel it is the right choice for him. I will be by his side no matter what. Oh, he did request that radiographs be done again prior to his amp to see progression or not of the mets in his lungs. Prayers please this is the part that scares me the most. Alina
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