Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I own two beautiful pit bull sisters who are now 8 years old by the names of Luz and Paz. They are the first pit bulls we have ever owned and like everyone I had the stereotypical image of pit bulls in my mind. You know, killer dogs. These two are the most gentle, friendly and loving dogs ever.
Luz was diagnosed with bone cancer after limping for about 6 months and the vet guessing it was arthritis. She had her front leg amputated shortly thereafter and it has been a year since that happened. She has gone through the chemo, blood tests, x rays and plenty of angst. She has been on a regimen of previcox, tramadol, doxicycline and alkeran along with fish oil and glutamine powder. She had been doing extremely well and her oncologist wanted to perform x rays on her lungs last week. The cancer has spread to her lungs and I am extremely devastated and heart broken.
Has this happened to anyone else?
Jeanette,
Thank you for joining us here. We're sorry you had to, but you'll see that you'll have lots of support as you cope with metastasis.
For many of us, it has happened. Some within just a few months, others longer. To go one year without mets is amazing, it really is. I know it doesn't feel that way right now, and I'm just so sorry it even happened at all. It feels like getting the first diagnosis all over again.
When I was diagnosed with mets, I was 17 months post-amputation. The good news is that I lived for many months afterward and made it to two years post amp. We have many other members here whose stories are similar. In fact, just last week we met a 12 year old Malamute who has been living with lung mets for TWO YEARS! Seriously! He started out with three mets, and two dissappeared after aggressive metronomic therapy, like the one you're getting.
By any chance, is your oncologist Dr. Jeannette Kelly from Santa Fe? She is one of the only vets we know of who is using that exact metronomic protocol.
Please try not to give up hope. While statistics do give a grim picture, always remember that 9 out of 10 statistics are wrong!
I hope this helps somewhat. We are here for you OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry to hear about Luz. But like "jerry" said, you got a year and that is super fantastic! And you still have more time with Luz! That's a gift and blessing!
And yes, the cancer spreading to lungs is, unfortunately common. The goods news, outside of you still having time with Luz, is there are so many here that have experienced lung mets and can support you.
Just know we are here for you and Luz, so try to not feel too sad.
Warm wishes,
Comet's mom
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
I know lung mets is a devastating blow, but you are doing some aggressive treatment and that can buy you valuable time. The community here is extremely supportive, and there are many folk here who have walked in your shoes and have a lot to offer. My Trouble is a 12 year old pittie who will celebrate 26 months cancer free next week. She (and I) are sending you lots of pittie good thoughts.
And don't forget, lung mets do not mean there is a time stamp on her butt. None of us know how long we have with our special angels.
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.
I'm so sorry to read Luz has been diagnosed with lung mets. My Mackenzie (golden retriever) was diagnosed with lung mets in June of 2010. I was completely devastated when I first heard the news. My vet put her on the metronomic protocol that included palladia (very effective form of chemo pill) and cytaxin (another effective form of a chemo pill - both have very little side effects.) This protocol really helped in keeping the lung mets under control - these lung mets never grew in size or increased as a result. Unfortunately we just lost her on Dec 29th as the cancer metastisized to another leg but it wasn't because of the lung mets. I would recommend that you talk to your vet about this protocol as it's becoming more well known as a very effective treatment for lung mets and other types of tumors.
I would also like to say that there is life after lung mets. Mackenzie lived a very healthy and happy life for many months after her diagnosis and honestly, I didn't even know she had them once I accepted this. It didn't stop her from swimming, running, climbing up hills and doing all those things she loved. So I wish you all the best and if you have any questions on this protocol please don't hesitate to ask. I highly recommend it.
Kami, Angel Mackenzie and Kobe
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
And here's a video of Mackenzie from last November, just to show you that even mets didn't keep her from doing what she loves best!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
In a way I want to say congratulations, a year is quite good, unfortunately this journey shows no mercy, I'm not sure if saying mets are normal, but it seeems like they eventually show up in a good portion of these guys, so I guess I'd have to say take a deep breath, it's just part of the process. Address it, but don't consider it a death sentence by any means. I'm not sure I would be right in saying this, mets surely have an effect on these guys, but the more I read and hear from people here, they are not the determining factor when we lose them, it seems to be the progression of the cancer to other parts of the body that ultimately takes them. Rely on your vet for treatment, sounds like he/she has done you well so far. Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Luz's oncologist is Dr. Jeanette Kelly. She does have her office in Santa Fe but works out of Albuquerque two days a week (lucky for us)! Thank you to everyone who posted, you have given me new hope.
I am so sorry to hear that Luz has developed lung mets. My heart goes out to you. Remember though, as others have told you, it is true. that dogs don't have time stamps. It sounds like if you wouldn't have had a routine x-ray you wouldn't even know. (Ignorance is bliss, actually.) Many dogs have lived a long time with mets. I know we don't get enough time with them. Cancer sucks, there is just no way around it.
Keep us informed.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Dr. Kelly is PAWESOME! No matter what happens, she will be there for you as she was for us and myself. If it wasn't for her Metronomic Therapy and clinical trial I was in, I'm not sure what would have happened. Please tell her we said hello.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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