Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our veternarian and the oncologist they sent us to thought my Goldie who just turned 11 may be a candidate for amputation. The blood work looked good. So then we did a chest x-ray and they saw one small spot in 2 of the 3 xrays about the size of a pea or smaller and said she was not a good canidate. So we went with chemootherapy in April. Just did the 2nd IV chemo this week. I'm just so confused about what to do.
Done research and looking at hoslitics meds online and talked to a store and looked at diets and started her on some things......hmmm....she is pretty lethargic after this chemo and she lost her apetite. Before her apetite was good.
Any ideas?
Hi Goldie, welcome to Tripawds. I hope you don't mind but I moved your post to this "Size and Age Matters" topic so it wouldn't get lost in the other one where you posted. This way you get a discussion all to yourself.
So if I'm understanding you, you had the chemo before amputation and the leg is still there? I' sure that's not unheard of but I can't recall a pup here having chemo before amp. Is it osteosarcoma you're dealing with? If so, what is the tumor like? Why did they suggest leaving the leg on?
You'll find lots of senior dogs do great on three legs. Just scroll through the stories in this discussion and you'll see them.
Lethargy and appetite loss are common when it comes to chemo. Did your vet provide information about what to expect? As you'll find out, lots of dogs' appetites wane but they do get them back. If the nausea is really bad vets usually prescribe something called Cerenia to help reduce it.
Before you buy any new supplements or change her food, please talk to your oncologist. Changes like this during chemo are usually discouraged. That way you will know that it's the chemo causing her lack of appetite, etc., not the food or supplements. If you haven't checked out Dr. Dressler's Dog Cancer Survival Guide, I highly recommend it, he covers a full-spectrum approach that covers use of both holistic and conventional therapies as you're doing, but bases his recommendations on supplements and diet that has shown strong anecdotal evidence as being beneficial.
I hope this helps. We're glad you found us. Please share more of your story so that we can better help you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello to you and Goldie,
I would 2nd that recommendation of the Dr. Dressler book. There is so much info out there, it can be overwhelming, but he does a good job of pulling all the pertinent stuff into one place - both the traditional treatments (chemo, radiation, etc.) and hollistic (supplements, etc.).
As Jerry asked, what kind of cancer does she have? You're likely to find other folks here dealing with whatever type you are faced with.
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!
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