Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I wanted to poll all of you on where you think the best veterinary oncology department is in the US. I have been looking to find ratings and recommendations online and on this website but have been unable to locate a single source that identifies where people believe the best equipped center with the most knowledgeable staff is located?
I have come across a few that I have seen repeatedly but am wondering if I am missing some and or which one is the best
The ones I have identified as likely being at the top of the list are
- Colorado state university animal cancer center
- Ohio state university college of veterinary medicine
- University of Wisconsin – I have seen them mentioned a lot but not sure
This coming week I will be making "the decision" and I want to be sure that Dakota has a fair chance at a good evaluation by a team approach. I do trust my orthopedic surgeon and her initial diagnosis but the more I read on here it seems like I really should have an oncologist leading the charge and not just an orthopedic surgeon. Any and all comments are welcome. I am also happy to compile results or do more research as needed.
Thanks! Gerry and Dakota!
We had Jerry treated at UC Davis (CA) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hosipital. I would rank them as one of the best one of the best. But after a recent visit to the CSU Cancer Center in Fort Collins, we would have taken Jerry there if we were closer to Colorado out the time. Amazing facility, equipment and staff there. Stay tuned to the Tripawds News blog for a multi-part series of posts about CSU coming soon!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We took Emily to the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital and have loved everything about it. They could not have been more wonderful to Emily or more supportive of us. Because it is a teaching hospital they have students there around the clock! I may have missed it, but where are you from? You probably want to go somewhere close to home to make it easier on Dakota post-op. Good luck and prayers to you. (Also, from what I have read the price is considerably less than some people here have paid.)
Debra & 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.
Jerry and Emily - This is really good information, thank you very much for the replies and the good thoughts. From looking around it did look like the Colorado and Ohio centers did rank up there but I had no way of knowing for sure - it helps to hear from people that know. I am eager to see the upcoming posts about CSU - from the pictures and website it looks like a real people hospital.
I am in Boston, well... just north of Boston in the suburbs. I had taken Dakota around to vets and ended at the Angel Memorial Hospital in Boston where the initial diagnosis took place (MRI on Tuesday 9/29 to confirm diagnosis). I have to speak with them tomorrow but I just want to know that I am doing the right thing and have the right people looking at him before he goes under the knife. From what I hear it seems like all of you have an oncologist helping you, Dakota has not seen an oncologist yet and I get the impression that this is a second thought of the surgeon right now. Also, where his condition is somewhat unique I even more so think an oncologist should weigh in first and if possible I want a team approach.
About proximity to home - do you think a road trip in the back of an SUV would be unrealistic post surgery - a large flat area to rest for the drive? I know how crazy I might sound right now - thinking of actually taking a road trip to get Dakota the best care possible - but I would do it in a heartbeat without hesitation just to be sure he was getting the care he needed (I just know he would do it for me). I have read of people driving 6 hours to their closest options.
I did see pricing ranging wildly on here in many different posts. I expect mine will run to about $5K up to and through surgery at this point, where I am currently going, that is not including Chemo if that will also be needed. Do you mind if I ask approximately how much your experience cost at Ohio?
Does anyone else have experience and/or knowledge about the best oncology departments in the US?
The closest to you would probably be Cornell Univ in New York. They are very good, and are one of the top research schools in the nation. I would agree that the top 5 would include (in no particular order) OSU, Univ of WI, CSU, Cornell, and UC Davis. There are many oncologists in private practice as well but the newest research is found at the vet schools. You may also be able to participate in drug trials and have some of the costs offset.
Pam and Tazzie
gerryuml said:
CSU - from the pictures and website it looks like a real people hospital.
In some ways, better. When it comes to limb sparing and radiation they have some of the most advanced pieces of equipment. One of only two pieces in use, at any hospital in the U.S.!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My sister is an emergeny vet tech who worked in Fort Collins, CO and and Angel's in Boston. Although I can't ask her right now (I think it's 1:30 am there and a call might be the end of our relationship!) I remember her being very impressed with both. Costs may be a different matter.
I am with Jerry, we went to UC Davis and have been nothing but impressed with our care there. Also, our amp was guessed to be 1100-2500 and turned out to be 1700. Of course our dog is 44 pounds....I think size bears a little bit on price.
When I mentioned to my sister that we were taking Caira Sue out to UC Davis she said "Mary, don't worry. She'll be in very good hands there." And my sister tells me the truth. She has cancelled appts at vets she thought I was getting improper advice from, and called and told them exactly what they were doing wrong (she's an office manager now-go figure).
Anyway, If there is any questions I can ask her that might help-let me know.
Mary
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
When Jerry says in some ways the vet hospital is better than a people hospital it's true. You sure will get better care at a vet hospital! The people are more in tune with you and your pet's needs. Trust me, I'm an RN. And now since I've spent sooooo much time at various vets (1 cancer dog-2 (now one) senior cats-and 2 rescue kittens) I can really tell the difference in care!
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
Sorry to keep posting...things keep coming to me!
I think the long SUV ride (from CO to MA) directly after surgery would be too much. The first week to 2 weeks are a bit hellish. I try to think how I would feel after major surgery! Bleck! If you do decide on someplace far, maybe you could find someplace to stay where you could have lots of Dakota's belongings to help your dog feel safe? I'm not sure. I just know the 1 hour ride home turned into an almost 3 hour ride due to driving slow over bumps and stopping due to upset stomach (movement+lingering anesthesia) was really bad.
Just my two cents.
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
Tazzie, Jerry..
Thanks again for all the info. Tazzie, thanks for the top 5 roundup - I really appreciate the guidance! I did not have Cornell in my list building but am looking at them now. I did poke around at a few sites that helped me kind-of piece things together as well based on the number of members for the various boards with a focus on oncology (it was leading in a similar direction as your top 5)
http://www.petc.....US_p1.html (good starting point)
http://www.acvr.....mates.html
http://www.acvi.....ex.php?p=3
http://www.acvs.....Directory/
I did visit the websites of a lot of places, and I have to say that OSU and CSU are impressive - they both have huge oncology teams! I have to admit, I have not looked much at Davis due to distance and the closer proximity of OSU/CSU that appear at a minimum to be equal. Tomorrow I am starting with calling both CSU and OSU to begin communications with them and get an idea of what their thoughts are and options. Based on what I have found so far these two look like the best options.
If someone wants to shout at me and tell me how crazy a road trip idea is now is the time! 😉 I am keeping my fingers crossed that this cancer was found in time and the MRI results on Tuesday allow me some options (surgery, amputation, chemo, other…) to then decide on. Everything is moving so fast and every day that passes is another day that Dakota is in pain - half me wants to take it slow and be sure while the other half wants a decision/solution now.
Jerry, I just wanted to say that you really don’t know how valuable a website you have. I am so so very thankful that tripawds.com exists. I don’t know right now where my journey will take me from here but I do know that I have found comfort in this site and especially the people (and their best friends) that belong to it – you are doing an amazing thing here and I just wanted to say thank you for it – Dakota and I are in your debt.
Gerry and Dakota
P.S. I could not figure out how to hyperlink the sites I posted in here, I hope they auto-hyperlink
Mary, you posted while I was typing up my reply - thank you very much for the info. I was thinking the same thing about Dakota and the long trip after a surgery. I have someone that can help me provide for 24x7 care after the surgery (i wont be able to take a full two weeks off work) here in MA but not on the road. I am definately conflicted about this part of the road trip idea.
As for your sister - you rock - thank you for offering. If you do get a chance to ask her a question - my key question right now is "does Angel have the oncology staff and team approach that will give Dakota the best care and chance at successful treatment". Now don't get me wrong, I know that Angel is very good - it is known to be the go-to animal hospital in this area along with tufts veterinary school/hospital. I am only concerned as when it comes to oncology and a team approach for cancer treatment I am not sure they compare to CSU/OSU?
Gerry and Dakota
P.S. please don't apologize for the many posts, I love reading them and communicating with all of you - it helps a LOT
Gerry
To clarify, tazziedog (engish mastiff named Tazzie) who suggested Cornell and other valuable things is a veterinarian. Take her advice very seriously! It is always excellent. Tazzie (pyrenees x collie cross named Tazzie) is just a happy mutt. Tazzie the mastiff (aka Tazzie 1 had her 12 month ampuversary recently). Tazzie 2 (or Tazzie the mutt) is a relative newcomer.
Road trips depend on your dog. My first dog would lie down cross-country. For Tazzie, a 10 min road trip is great. By 20 things are getting edgy. 30 min is over the brink.
Having said that, hopefully Dakota will stay in the hospital for a couple of nights, and you'd probably want somewhere to stay after that. Doing a trip that lasts over 6 hr in the first week. Not my idea of fun! You will meet great individual oncologists and surgeons at all the places you are checking. Who knows which place will have the person with whom you are most comfortable. That could very well be in your backyard.
Susan & Tazzie 2
Gerry
Another thought, partly based on my experience (I considered 3 hr and now 12 hr from the hospital long distance). Great if you find the very best orthopedic surgeon in the country. That person's role will pretty much be done when the surgery is done.
But when it comes to an oncologist, you want to make sure you will be able to be in regular contact with them, so I don't think I'd base my decision just on what happens during the week of surgery. If they are fantastic in person, but you can't turn to them when you have questions next week or next month, it doesn't really help. Their willingness to communicate and take time for your pup down the road does not depend on distance, but it might be related in some cases. I'm not sure how you gauge this ahead, but it is important.
Is your regular vet involved or of help with these decisions? That person can be a great bridge to the specialists.
Hi Gerry, I'm sorry to hear about Dakota. The decisions you are facing are still fresh in my mind. There are lots of things to factor in, cost, location, and quality of treatment. I opted for a 3 &1/2 hour trip to Perdue vs letting my local vet do the surgery. I have been pleased with the quality of care that she recieves at Perdue. She didnt have any trouble on the way home but she has always been an excellent traveler. In retrospect, I'm still unsure about the decisions I have made. I know you want to give Dakota the best treatment. I don't want to make things more stressful for you, but Zoe's cancer had already spread, I guess I can't help but think if I had just gotten the leg off even if it was a week earlier maybe things would be different. I guess what I'm trying to say is if you can find a teaching hospital closer to you that you feel comfortable with ( meaning that they offer adequate pain control, have someone with them around the clock, plan on keeping them for at least a couple days) I would consider that option. You can always do chemo and follow up somewhere else if you want a second opinion post amputation. I hope you find some comfort right now, this is a stressful time.
Karin and Zoe
Tazzie - wow, How do you keep it all straight? I think I got it now.. Tazzie, Tazzie1, Tazzie2 and Tazziedog - Thanks for clarifying that - but no promises I wont get this all confused again - like tomorrow 😉 I do appreciate the feedback and recognize the name as I have come across Tazziedog's posts throughout the forums. I am looking again at Cornell as I admit I only gave it a half hearted look as it was 2:00 AM in the morning and I was dreading work this morning (on lunch now and making calls). Thanks for the nudge, I honestly appreciate it - i know I am running ragged here and likely I am missing more than one thing as I trudge forward.
Cornell does look like it has a great oncology surgery department and is bigger than I thought it was. Has anyone been there for treatment?
Dakota has always liked road trips and does well in vehicles - I may have the option of doing a minivan with the flat back to make things easier for him on a long trip like that. All this said, I do hear you on the distance. After the MRI tomorrow I am expecting to share the MRI results with a couple places to get opinions and suggestions. Depending on what I hear, suggestions, expected outcomes, etc.. then I will make the decision on where to go.
Let me ask, do you all agree that I should at least have an oncologist heading up Dakota's care as opposed to the orthopedic surgeon?
Gerry and Dakota...
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