Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi there,
I just wanted to update everyone on Finn's progress as I have not written since first diagnosis. Finn is being treated at Washington State University for osteosarcama in the right front ulna. He had his leg amputated and responded really well. He was a bit grumpy for a few days but was back to happy and motivated Finn in about a week and a half. About 4 weeks later, he is running and playing on his 3 legs. We have him on Rimadyl as his 3 legs that are left are arthritic and he has some ligament issues as well. He responded really well to chemo-carboplatin-but it did have one side effect that is not going away quickly. His white cell count fell and is only back up to 4600. I am concerned for the next round of chemo -on the 19th-because he is unable to fight infections, which I understand is a major cause of death in dogs with cancer. They have him on a second round of very strong antibiotics in hopes we can get that back above 6000. He is in high spirits and is, as always, an absolute joy to be around.
Glad to hear Finn is recovering well and is running and playing well as a tripawd! Jake's first round of chemo (Cisplatin) was on Nov 7th and we are heading in on Monday Nov 17th for a check on his blood levels. Hopefully someone else who is more experienced with chemo and white blood cell counts can give you more info regarding the fight of infections. Our inspiring and loving tripawds certainly have way too many hurdles involved with this fight, don't they?! Even more reason for us to stay pawsitive and keep on enjoying each and every day we have with them, right? Finn sounds like such a happy guy! Please give him lots of warm hugs from us and we hope Finn continues to do really well! 
Luv Spirit Jake, Smooch, Baby Gus & Mom (Sherri)
I am glad that Finn is doing well. How long ago was his chemo treatment? The white count can fall to its lowest levels anywhere from 7-21 post-chemo. Tazzie's always goes low but she bounces back quickly! She gets her chemo every 3 1/2 weeks to allow for recovery. The most important thing is not the white count itself but the neutrophil count (the neutrophil is 1 type of white blood cell). In general the neutrophil count needs to be 2500 before the next chemo can be given. Is your regular vet checking white counts before you go to WSU?
If the dog doesn't have a fever and the neutrophil count is not too low then antibiotics usually aren't needed unless the dog has a concurrent infection.
Thanks for the update!
Pam and Tazzie
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