Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi - has anyone every done at home chemotherapy? We are trying to find alternative options because 8 days post surgery (and a traumatic car ride to the ER - just getting him in and out of the car was the worse part than being in the ER) we are looking to see if there is even an option for at home chemo? I wonder if it is as effective as in the office? For a point of reference we are North of Boston (right up 93) so if there's a traveling vet clinic that could help us I would love that suggestion too!
Thanks, Melissa
Mom to Axel, 8.5 year old Rottie
Left front leg amputation on 9.30.21
Hi Melissa,
I hope Axel is better today. I'll go look at your other post in a minute. Thanks for starting a new topic here! And yes, at-home chemo has been done. Here is what we can tell you:
For many years a therapy called metronomic chemotherapy has been given to dogs and cats. It's given in a pill, and usually it is given after IV chemo. There are some studies done on this therapy (the link has a ton of posts, go to the most recent), but it has never been used as a primary way of eradicating cancer. It's more of a palliative approach to keeping lung metastasis from spreading. Some vets don't consider it as effective as once thought, so it's slowly falling out of favor.
You may want to check out this interview with Colorado State oncologist Dr. Seguin:
Tripawd Chemotherapy Candidates and Alternatives
Most chemotherapy alternatives require at least a few vet visits. You are in a good area for care, and may be able to find a mobile vet who can administer things like immunotherapy vaccines.
I do know of one "out of the box" oncologist in NYC I can refer you to, if you'd like. Private Message me for details.
Always remember that chemotherapy is optional. Many dogs who have chemo do great and beat the odds. Many do not. We see it go both ways here, it's always a gigantic crapshoot. Studies show statistically dogs have a better chance at longevity if they do have it, but you just don't know.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi - Thank you for all this - I will read through it carefully. It was recommended that he do 5/6 rounds of chemo and has already done one "light" IV chemo in early September while we were waiting for our appointments at Angell Memorial. He didn't have spread thankfully.
What we are concerned about is his "trauma" of getting in and out of the car to take him to his appointments. We got him outside today and he peed (no 
) but showing him that he can go out to pee after doing it 4x in the house yesterday and this is not something he did even as a puppy. He's very hesitant about going outside. Hoping the trip to the ER for him will be a memory soon - at least we can hope! 
His incision looks great today and the seroma
has responded well to the warm compresses so no leaking at all yesterday! 
Alright, we have a victory to celebrate!! He peed outside!!! Yes indeedy, , this counts as a victory! And poop may take a vit longer. But let us know when it happens because we celebrate We love to celebrate
I understand the struggles of getting a large dog in the car by yourself while they are recovering from surgery. I lost all ability to br a strong confident pack leader while trying to lead Happy Hannah up (125 lbs) Had to check my tears and frustrations many times.
Inky YOU have the memory of the ER trip. Just put lots and lots of chicken all over the car as you try and entice him in. Be upbeat, fun and happy (I know, good luck, right?). By the time you start chemo he should be healed eno thankmyou won't have to help him as much. And if he hates being helped with a harness, try it without
Do you jave any neighbor or friend that he likes who could help?
Also, the Onco Hapoy Hannah went to did it by appointment. It was not a case where you dropped them off all day and picked up later. Hopef you can make the same arrangement. Some Oncos recommend four treat, some more. Hers recommended four and she sailed thru each treatment just fine.
How is his mobility at this point? Does he have stairs he has to deal with to go outside? Did he like going outside before? Did he like carrides before???
GIVE him lots and lots of massages all up and down his spine, shoulders, neck. Muscles are being used in different ways and are quite tight and sore.
You're going grest!!!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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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!
So it is more that you're worried about the car issue than how he actually feels about being at the vet clinic? Does he do OK once he's there? I ask, because in time it will get easier to assist him into and out of the car with his harness. Which one did you get?
I'm so glad to hear things seem to have calmed down. Great job on dealing with the compress! Did you see our recent Tripawds Gear blog post?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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