Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone,
Three weeks post amp and we finally "saw" our Toffee yesterday! She met me at the door when I came home from work and pushed her two sisters out of the way! Tail wagging, hopping up and down (just like she did with four legs) ran to get a toy, threw it up in the air and chased it around the house for a good five minutes. It is just amazing how quickly they adapt.
She was supposed to start chemo today; 5 treatments of Cysplatin. Doc called me at noon to say that he had decided against it. He actually called the vet school at MU (Univ of MO) and talked to one of the oncologists about the effects on Greyhounds. After much discussion the treatment was changed to Doxy-Rubison (?) He has assured us this is the better way to go. She starts treatments on Tuesday.
Anyone have input on what we can expect? She feels so good right now I hate to see her feeling bad again.
Laura and Toffee
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Oh yeay! Laura, thanks so much for letting us know and giving hope to others who are having a ruff time after surgery. Toffee's once again proven that our pups can definitely get back to normal! Many hugs.
We would like to know more about this treatment too, and why the doc thinks this one is better. This is great info for us to have here. Thanks!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I can understand why they decided against cisplatin (can be toxic to kidneys) but I am surprised that they did not recommend carboplatin, either alone or in combo with doxorubricin. It has come down in price, is easy to administer, and has very few side effects.
Doxorubricin is a commonly used agent but can affect the heart muscle (rare) and can cause some serious soft tissue damage if it goes out of the vein. It is not a wrong choice, but I would ask about the carboplatin.
Pam and Tazzie
Great news about the return of the real Toffee! Trouble had Carboplatin (5 treatments) and had minimum side effects. She had minimal nausea the first evening after administration and was a little tired for a day or two afterward, but did amazingly well. I would not have continued the treatment after the first one had it been difficult for her.
I totally understand your apprehension, I had a very difficult time agreeing to the chemo. My husband and our vet finally convinced me we would try one and if she didn't tolerate it well, we wouldn't do any more. I have to say I am glad I gave it a try. Seven months later we still have her with us and she is doing great.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Thanks for the insight. Doc did talk about carboplatin and using it in conjunction with the doxorubricin. He said in his conversation with the oncologist she explained to him they are finding there are no extra benefits to combining the two and that doxy alone is sufficient. It's all way over my head and I just have to trust he (and we) are making the best decision for Toffee. I'm convinced if I spend enough time on the web there are a million "fors" and "againsts" for all of the different chemo drugs....it's all too confusing.
We'll touch base after Tuesday, hopefully with a good report!
Laura and Toffee
You're right; you can drive yourself crazy with the pros and cons. Having a good relationship with your doc is so important, and makes going with their recommendations and your instinct much easier. Good luck Tuesday, let us know the results.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Toffee is home and resting....I think she wore herself out today! She's starting to think of the Vet's as doggie day-care! Our good friend (who used to be vet tech) just happened to be there to pick up pain meds for her boy (with OS that isn't a candidate for surgery) and she stayed with Toffee while doc did her treatment. I can't tell you how much good it did my heart to know that someone was with her that she knows and loves. She handled the treatment great and so far no issues. She's laid around quite a bit tonight...but she is a Greyhound....that's what they do!
She had dinner and doesn't seem to be having any nausea...but we'll keep a close eye.
Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts,
Laura and Toffee
Wow, that's awesome! Go Toffee!
We hope things stay on the upswing. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Way to go Toffee, show those treatment who's the Boss! I'm so glad all went well. Hope the nausea stayed away.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Laura and Toffee-
Glad to hear all went well. Wishing you many many more good visits like that.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
I am so glad that I found your post. My greyt "Brody" is a few weeks behind your Toffee, having his right front leg amputated on 5/22/09. There have been a few rough days in the first two weeks, but this website gave me hope and Brody is completely back to normal including his cute but obnoxious rooing for his food half an hour before breakfast and dinner. Brody had his staging/workup on Monday and we are waiting for the results. I was leaning toward Cisplatin alternating with Doxorubicin because of the amazing results that have been achieved. However, after having read your comment I will get my oncologist to check with UM and then we will go another route (providing Brody is a candidate). Let us know how Toffee is doing. Pat and Brody
Three days after chemo and no problems.....well, I didn't feel well yesterday (sympathy pains?) She seems to be feeling greyt. It certainly hasn't hurt her appetite! Here she is after playing with me in the backyard and beating me up the stairs to the door....she's pretty proud of herself! Pat, I think our doc didn't like the possible kidney problems that Cisplatin can cause, but the Doxy can be serious to the heart. I'm sure you vet will make the best decision for Brody. Hope his blood work comes back good!
Greyt updates like this are good for everybody here. Thanks! Now, I doubt your girl is feeling sorry from the looks of her smile. Follow her lead.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Laura, Thanks so much for the update. Glad to hear that Toffee is tolerating her treatment so well. Brody's oncologist called yesterday with the good news that there Brody's lungs, stomach and blood work were all normal. I put a post on the forum about vets, but I will repeat it here. Ohio State University does a lot of work with the local grey rescue group and will provide free chemo to retired racers with cancer. My sister-in-law used to be a teaching vet and is going to call Dr. Cuoto, who she personally knows, to get more info about greys and chemo so that we can make the best choice for our precious boy.
Greyt Photo. I just love seeing the pics of our precious pups. They are so awe inspiring.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
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