Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My beautiful baby Duncan, a 7.5 year old black lab mix and the light of my life, was diagnosed with bone cancer January 25th, 2012. He had surgery to remove his front left leg on January 26th.
He doesn't seem to realize his leg is even missing! He was ready to play fetch and go for a run less than 24hrs after surgery and got to come home almost right away!
Pre-op blood tests and X-rays showed no sign of the cancer in the rest of his body (but unfortunately that doesn't mean its not there) and he'd only been limping a little for about a week. The X-ray showed an area about the size of a quarter in his leg that was of different density to the rest of the bone. I am hoping that the cancer was caught early enough that we experience lots of success with the operation, chemo, and remission time. He will begin chemo after he has recovered from the surgery, and we are expecting the biopsy results soon to determine what chemo route we will be following.
He is gobbling down his Omega 3 Fish Oil pills and is in the process of being transitioned into a zero grain, high protein and fat diet (he has no allergy issues that I know of and his blood work showed that his liver and kidneys had great function). I am wanting to start him on a supplement regime as soon as possible to get his immune system bolstered before the chemo starts. I am thinking either the K9 Immunity and K9 transfer or the K9 Immunity Plus (except I don't like that it has canola oil, soy lecithin, or veg oil) , and/or anything else people can recommend who have gone through this before. I have been told to look into sheep sorrel, astragalus, and cat's claw as well. I am DETERMINED to see that he has as long and as high quality life as possible. Help and input is much appreciated, as well as positive thoughts for my boy!!
Hi Tori, welcome to Tripawds. Duncan is a handsome pup, I love his photo.
Sounds like everything is going great with his recovery, that's a big relief! How is his appetite and bodily functions? Everything going OK? It sounds like you're probably dealing with osteosarcoma?
I think you have a great, pawsitive attitude, and this will take you far. If you haven't already done so, check out Jerry's Required Reading List for some tips on what to expect as far as life with a Tripawd, and the cancer journey.
We're glad you found us and thanks for joining. Your future posts won't require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Tori. Your boy sounds like mine! Jackson was initially into playing for a a few min when we got him home, but then he crashed for like 3-5 days straight. You've found a great community here to help answer any concerns you're having or at the very least, be pawsitive! It sounds like you caught the cancer early, but the scary thing is no one really knows. So in the meantime, be strong, be pawsitive, and yes, get a plan. Having a plan helped push my tears away and give me something to focus on and work on. It sounds like he's off to a great start and has some awesome pawents in his corner. Way to go!
As for your supplements: people here love K9 Immunity . I also like the sound of the its PLUS formula, but don't let the amount of Omega3 in there suffice. Its dosage is really quite low. I guess use the PLUS b/c it combines the original with the transfer factors. That all said, I think K9 is largely based on mushrooms. There are other products out there (you can read about them in the nutrition blogs and BUY them thru this site...Tripawds gets a kickback!) that may be cheaper or consist of a formula you like. We're putting Jackson's cocktail together piecemeal. The few herbs you mentioned are in supplements we use: Only natural pet's BSST (sheep sorrel is in there - I think LifeGold es/clear also has it...is that even the right name? User Baileyboo has been using that LifeGold stuff for years and swears by it!), Only Natural Pet's Immune Strengthener (cat's claw and astrag are in there AS WELL as the mushrooms). He's also on Omega3 oil (Nordic Naturals Omega3) according to Dr D's dosage. Luckily, our onco is OK with all these during chemo, just not the day before, on, or after a chemo day. We've been happy with all his supplements, but I am moving him off the Immune Strengthener to just a product of all mushrooms (Power Mushrooms - again, another product here that folks love).
When you do your herbal research, post what you're thinking and seek feedback. Also, if you can buy anything thru this site, do it, as it supports the community. Ask your onco about whether you can give your supplements during treatment. Also, high protein diets can cause loose stools, so watch out. So can chemo.... go very slowly transitioning so you know what the problem (if there is one) is.
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
fetchon3 said
When you do your herbal research, post what you're thinking and seek feedback. Also, if you can buy anything thru this site, do it, as it supports the community.
That's so sweet of you, thanks so much for spreading the word!
The two places we recommend looking for and sharing nutrition type info are the Tripawds Eating Healthy Forum and our Tripawds Nutrition Blog. You will find lots of good info provided by members about how they are fighting cancer through food and supplements as well as links to online suppliers, etc.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks so much for the replies, and for complimenting my doggy, the quickest way to my heart is through him! I am still learning to navigate my way around this website and keep finding great info everywhere I look. The love and support from this site is so tangible and great. I will definitely order what I can through here!
Duncan is doing wonderful 6 days out of surgery. His appetite is great, his energy is great, he just wants to go for walks and runs!:) The furthest he has gone was just shy of 1/2 a mile, with rest breaks along the way, and he took a nap afterwards. Can't blame him! When he goes out for pee breaks, he grabs a stick and trots around with it in his mouth, playing with it <3
I've ordered the Dog Cancer Survival Guide , PectaSol-C MCP, K9 Immunity and K9 transfer factor, as well as the K9 Immunity Plus (I couldn't make up my mind, and decided to get one of each and see which Duncan preferred!). And of course he's continuing with the fish oil that he started the day after his surgery, and he is LOVING his new diet!:)
I am still doing research on other herbs and will order more in the next few days. I've read about some people who are standing by giving their dogs Essiac Tea. Thoughts on that? Dr. Dressler says no to it, but the stories I've read the people are adamant that it works....
Right, Dr D doesn't endorse Essiac. But, humans do for their own aliments and other owners do for their pups. I figure it's worth a shot. So long as it doesn't harm, I'm on board. I'll be even more on board with Jackson's program after his bloodwork today. Today is chemo #2. I'll post what happens...
Your cocktail and approach sound great. Let Duncan decide! Very good.
I love hear he's up and about and picking up sticks with utter joy. Isn't it just simply fabulous and heartwarming when they return to themselves? Sounds like yours is well on his way!
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
I agree with Jackson's momma, we all have to find solutions that work best for our own budget, situation and gut feeling. While there is lots of terrific info out there to provide guidance in making treatment decisions, going with our instincts is the best way to go. You're doing a great job researching your options.
Good luck with chemo today, Jackson!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes, please post how it goes! I hope the blood work comes back all clear and that his chemo goes great! Will be thinking of him today:) Are you doing the 4 rounds of carbo or 6? I think we will go with the 4....though still waiting on biopsy report.
A childhood friend of mine is an oncology nurse at CSU's animal cancer center and she has been giving me advice. She says that the resident there she's been speaking to about Duncan says not to give him any supplements other than the fish oil and Purina Fortiflora probiotics before or during the chemo as it could upset his stomach and set him behind before even starting and make chemo that much harder for him. My gut says to give them to him, it's what I would do if it was me or any of my human family members...If they seem to upset his stomach, then obviously I'd stop them right away, but otherwise it just seems right to try and fortify his immune system sooner rather than later. I've also been thinking of getting him some PH water to help alkalinize his body (along with increasing the amount of high alkaline foods in his diet), making it more difficult for the cancer to survive/thrive.
Of course, this is all subject to how Duncan handles everything and I'll make the transitions slowly to help him and his body accept things better, which will also enable me to see if something interacts poorly with him and know to stop whatever it is.
Thanks for the advice and support!:)
Hi to you and Duncan. I really liked Dr. D's book. It helped me put a plan together for Abby's treatments and supplements. To be honest, I can't remember everything we had her on now, but in my mind the key things were the K9 Immunity Plus (I liked those because they were a "treat" and not another pill I needed to get down her), fish oil, and artemisinin . We did a green tea supplement as well and a coupla other things, but I felt like those 3 were the most important. (Just gut feel on that!)
I wrote a post about arte a while back if you want to read more info on it.
All the best with Duncan! He's gorgeous!
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!
Hey- we'll probably do 4 rounds of carbo, since that's the recommended protocol. Heck, I may be able to barter with my banker here that we stick with 4 carbos AND do metronomics . We'll see...that choice is dependent on many things.
I heard the same advice you did, but more from vets via people here: "don't change his diet or add anything to it until you're done with chemo b/c if there are side effects, you don't know from what." Like you, I also thought that if there's something I can give him and it's tolerated and seems to help...go for it! the first sign that something wasn't right, I yanked it (that was cottage cheese!). Since we had about 2 weeks before chemo would start, I got going on supplements, etc during that window and went very slowly. I still went slowly introducing them after his first chemo. While Jackson didn't get sick from chemo, his stools were a little loose for the week right after. Nothing alarming, and I didn't let it bother me. Nor did I dwell on it, wondering if it was the chemo (entirely likely) or the 1/2tsp more Omega oil he got the day before. We're over the first hump of wondering what chemo's side effects are and now knowing how his WBCs were, I'm sticking with his drug/supplement cocktail. Clearly, his immune system and poo have been a-ok for the last 4 weeks!
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Some Pictures of Duncan post amputation. Here he is the day he came home!
He now has to wear a t-shirt as he figured out how to untie the closest stitch!
And here he is mid tail wag ready to take a snooze on the couch!
Here he is with a stick walking around the back yard!
I don't have much experience yet since we are pretty new here. Libby is 4 days post amp, but I just wanted to chime in on what a beautiful boy your have. So handsome! Good luck Duncan!
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Lookin GREAT Duncan! I know you are so hoppy to be at home, I can see it in your eyes. Yay!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Duncan, you are so darn cute! I want to hug you all day! You're looking good, buddy!
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
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