Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello all.
This has been a rollercoaster of an emotional week. My 9-year old corgi Sophie went through a rear leg amputation two weeks ago. She is doing well and had stitches out yesterday. I was thrilled at how well she is managing, and my heart soared at the thought of having her around for years. Then last night I got another call... this time from the oncologist. The leg they removed had a fibersarcoma on it that they thought 85% of the time was the type of tumor that would not spread elsewhere. The bad news is that Sophie’s cancer WAS detected in her lymph nodes... so she is suggesting an immediate chemotherapy course (I think 5 treatments).
Does any member have experience with chemo following amputation? I would be grateful for any info or experiences you could send my way... and Sophie would too.
Mike
Hi Mike and Sophie, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
I'm sorry to hear about Sophie's pathology report. Ugh! What is the chemo protocol the vet is recommending?
So yes, MANY Tripawds have gone through chemotherapy after amputation, and for the most part, few dogs experience side effects more serious than a few days of appetite loss and maybe some runny poo. The thing to keep in mind is that treating cancer in pets is a very different thing than how it's done in humans. In humans, cancer treatment is about eradicating disease. In pets, it's mainly about managing the disease so the animal can live out their normal life expectancy without any issues. Eradication is a bonus. As a result, animals don't get super high doses of chemo drugs the way humans do, and the focus is on maintaining quality of life throughout treatment. We rarely see serious side effects, and when side effects make a pet parent question the treatment, the good thing is they can always stop, it's not a crime to do so and they can know that at least they tried.
There are no right or wrong choices here. Chemo isn't right for everyone's situation. If you opt out, that's OK too. Statistically chemo gives dogs a better chance at beating the odds but it's not a guarantee. In our experience, chemo treatment is a crapshoot for many cancers and the results can go either way. Some dogs live longer with it, some don't. Some live longer without it, some don't. You never know.
It sounds like you haven't met with the oncologist yet. If not, here are some Questions to Ask Your Oncologist that you'll want to review with them. They are from The Dog Cancer Survival Guide , an excellent book that's a must-have when you're dealing with this disease.
Also, here's a blog post about the Chemotherapy Decision.
The Chemotherapy Decision: Joys and Regrets
And see
Tripawd Chemotherapy Candidates and Alternatives
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for the compassionate and quick response. I am a single guy a bit overwhelmed by this piece of news, so it is great to have such a resource as Tripawds in my corner
Mike (and Sophie)
Mike, we are totally here for you, you are not alone. Take things day by day and lean on us, we are here to help. Feel free to call the Tripawds Helpline anytime OK? And keep us posted on how things are going.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jerry,
In answer to your question about what the oncologist is suggesting: a 5 chemo treatment (lasting about three months) with diagnostics and monitoring after every treatment. I think the drug was carboplatin.
What complicates all this is a second opinion that I got from her regular vet, who I of course shared the oncology recommendations with. Here is what he wrote:
(I talked to your oncologist and) she told me there are no stats in the literature about soft tissue sarcomas acting this aggressively.. there is no evidence that the proposed treatment plan will change the outcome. There is very real chance the proposed treatment plan will lead to side effects, complications and additional costs.
So that’s why this decision is so difficult. Thanks.
Well that IS a dilemma. It's interesting that there are no studies on this type of cancer behavior. No wonder you're feeling so uncertain, I would too.
Well your vet is right, there is a chance those things can happen. But honestly ... side effects, complications, and additional costs ... those can happen regardless of whether or not there are studies, and the type of cancer being treated. Carboplatin is one of the mildest, safest, but effective chemotherapy drugs on the planet for pets or people. It's used all the time without major issues. Aside from the risk of side effects, the treatment may not slow down the cancer, but you really take that chance no matter what you're dealing with.
If you are able, I highly recommend a consultation with an outside source, specifically the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State. They have a FREE consultation service for pet parents, and I'm sure would love to learn more about Sophie's unusual case. It's the best pet cancer treatment center in the universe, with super smart people who can give you more perspective that can help you make a decision.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Mike and Sophie,
My Pug Maggie lost a rear leg to mast cell cancer way back in 2006. I thought the amp would be curative so was devastated (all over again) when I learned the cancer was in the lymph node removed with the leg. In Maggie's case the there was lots of data to consider- WITH chemo her prognosis was 6 to 9 months. I did choose to do chemo and actually Mag lived almost 4 more years.
Sounds like the data is not clear for Sophie's cancer, so I would be asking the oncologist all the questions your vet did. I would also consider other factors like how does Sophie do at the vet? Will the cost be a burden causing stress on you? Does Sophie have any other health issues that would make chemo tougher on her? Like Jerry said counting on stats in a cancer journey may not have much validity- but, I would think a lot about doing chemo if there is very little to no data indicating chemo would be of value.
I've been on four cancer journeys with my last 3 dogs. Chemo was recommended in three of the four cases, I chose chemo once and turned it down in two other cases (the fourth case is in my 15 year old Pug boy, the vet and I both agreed that we won't do chemo). I turned chemo down in general because of other health issues in the Pug Girls, and how they did at the vet. I focused on life quality and did some holistic things like changing diet and adding herbs and supplements (with a vet's guidance).
One other thing I would suggest. Keep notes on the information you get and the basis for whatever decision you make. Cancer journey's have a way of making us question on decisions as we get down the road. Maggie passed just 3 months after her second cancer diagnosis, I had decided against any invasive or aggressive treatments. Human nature made me start second guessing my decisions... having my notes to look back on really helped me be comfortable and free of the 'what ifs'.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Online
Just want to add a link where there are some similarities. Also, some great advice from Jarry. And you will also see I referenced Stubborn Pug Maggie for some inspiration and hope for ya'. And now you've gotten great input from Karen (Pug Maggie) and Jerry.
My Happy Hannah. had four rounds Carboplatin and sailed thru'. Not sure if your Bet was referencing no data on chemo and her specific cancer or not. We can tell you from our observations on this site, aide effects, if at all, generally just involve some nausea and maybe a little Lottery for a couple of days. The Onco will give you Cerenia for the nausea. And if side effects are a bit too rough, you can always stop. As always, no eight or wrong when it comes to chemo.
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!
Hi Mike and Sophie the Corgi! My precious 2.5 year old corgi had a front leg amputation for hemangiosarcoma in March, followed by 6 rounds of chemo. We were thoughtful about the pros and cons of chemo, but given his young age, we wanted to give him every chance at a wonderful life! We are very happy with our choice. He is doing great now overall! The first round of chemo was a little rough on him with GI issues, but we worked with the oncologist and they adjusted his chemo dosage and also his meds. The remaining rounds of chemo were really very easy on him! He would just get a little tired for a few days, but that was it. So remember you can influence his treatment based on what is working and what isn’t.
He just went back for a Re check 2 months after chemo and his ultrasound and X-ray are still clear! We are thrilled because he is living a happy life every day now, despite quite a grim prognosis. He goes on “walks” in his stroller with his brother because he can’t walk that far anymore, but he loves sniffing and riding. In typical corgi fashion, he is enjoying every day…eating, playing and exuding goofy joy. We are very grateful we went with chemo…honestly, you are through the worst of it already with the amputation!
Its not an easy decision, so best wishes with your journey and choice! Below is a recent picture. And there is a string with more info and photos, but I don’t know how to link it. With love from Shadow!
<a href="https://imgur.com/wnG6ZK8"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/wnG6ZK8.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
Shadow is adorable!! Corgi's are so darn cute, but then to be a tripawd Corgi....cuteness overload!!♥️
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!
LOVE LOVE LOVE that Shadow!
P.S. Watch the Tripawds Gear blog this week for a little more about him!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
an update on Sophie and my decision about chemo:
Sophie came through the rear leg amputation very well, with a two week healing period of 28 staples that left me thinking I could cast her in a Tim Burton film. (She’s right by my side and knows I love her despite that joke!)
I decided to go ahead with the chemo. Even though she is 9 years old, she is my sweet lovable gal... and I decided it was a good measure to take. She has received the first of 5 treatments (with three weeks between each one). Blood work run every week, making sure her levels are monitored by oncologist.
She had NO nausea or diarrhea at all. I really didn’t see much of any change to her appetite either.
The vet called me to congratulate me on how amazing she is doing with her mobility and her spirit. And indeed she is. Corgis are wonderful, spirited dogs. And Sophie amazes me more every day.
Mike
ps: tried posting photo of her, but can’t seem to get it to work. but here’s the Instagram link: https://www.ins.....=copy_link
YAY YAY YAY! Cheers to your beautiful, resilient, rock star Sophie! This is the best news ever Mike, thank you for letting us know. She's still a kid at 9, for a dog her size.
And don't feel bad about thinking that way about her stitches. When our Jerry had his amputation, it was Thanksgiving. We called him our carved-up turkey dog when he came home!
I'm super hoppy for you guys.
She looks GREAT!
I tried embedding her picture here but it looks like IG has changed their algorythms again. We can't keep up! But we were able to see her photo, she's magnificent!
Cheers to more easy peasy treatments ahead. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wonderful update! So glad things are gping well. I love that your Vet even recognizes Sophie is a Tripawd RockStar👏👏
And you are doing a great job of st pawsitive and embracing the NOW👍
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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