Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all! I think we are nearing the end of Libby's cystitis. She has been on Rimadyl as part of her metronomic therapy but the vet feels it might be contributing to the cystitis it so we have stopped it (we also switched from cytoxan to leukeran). We are almost to the end of the 2 week NSAID"flush out" period and I want to get her back on one early next week.
I thought I wanted to try Piroxicam and have been doing some reading. GI problems seem to be the most common side effect. I also noted that Piroxicam seems to be used more in the treatment of some cancers (which got me excited) but read an article where it is used less as an NSAID because there are other products out there with fewer side effects. I don't want to trade one problem (cystitis) for another so now I'm rethinking my decision. No, I haven't discussed this with the vet yet. She was off today so it will be Monday before I get another chance. I wanted to do a little research ahead of time so I can have a semi-intelligent conversation without sounding clueless. 
Sooo....any advice, experience or ideas would be appreciated.
Amy & Libby
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
Amy,
I never switched Sassy off. The oncologist never suggested it. I am sorry I can't help you out there. Good luck
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Hey Amy and Libby! As you know from our other "conversations", both Happy Hannah and my Benny had been on it. Benny for several months Neither had any tummy upsets at all.
Your post jogged my memory...it seems that Piroxicam was initially used as an anti-inflammatory and that's when it was discovered it also appeared to shrink tumors. Again, my initial exposure to this was many years ago with Benny and the benefits were just being discovered. I think it's much more proven now.
I'm glad your going to proceed with Luekeran and I kow Libby will continue to do well for a very, very lng tk e! She's Libby and that's how she rolls!!
Another thing yo might want t do is search The Dog Cancer Blog or download The Dog Cancer Survival Guide . I know it's mentined there. I'm not i Virginia right niw so I don't have access to my book or I'd look it up for you.
And maybe post this under "Ask a Vet" too.
Give that Sweet Libby a really good ear scratch for us. And remember, she's blissfuly hapy and that's what it's all about!
Love and hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Thank you, Sally! Libby is still her happy, hoppy self.
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
Hi Amy
Tucker takes Metacam (aka Meloxicam) as an NSAID. GI upsets are also common with this one but so far (knock on wood) Tuck has not exhibited any of those symptoms. Tuck's dose has been decreased since his amp but he may always need a small dose as he does have some arthritis in his one hip.
Give Libby a hug for us!
Linda and Tucker
During metronomics we switched to Metacam after bad GI problems with Deramaxx and Rimadyl. Metacam was easier on the stomach and seems to have much less side effects for many dogs, plus you can get it far cheaper in generic human form at regular pharmacies.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Linda & Jerry. I was looking hard at the Metacam too. I actually take Meloxicam myself, on occasion.
Linda, Libby has arthritis in one of her hips as well. She wasn't on an NSAID prior to her amp (her joint supplement has been amazing) but since it's part of the metronomic protocol AND she now has mets, I want to get her back on the total program ASAP.
Thanks again!
Amy & Libby
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
Shelby's been on Metacam since she broke her leg in JUNE! We also get it at our human pharmacy for 1/2 the price of the vet but we have to keep it in our fridge since it's a special compound. I haven't noticed any GI issues with that (shelby's current issues are unrelated, I think). I have also heard from our vet since Shelby has fatty spots on her liver, that she shouldn't be on any NSAIDs for daily use (like humans) - I also take a ton of advil from time to time and need to wean off to save my liver.
Good luck!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Thank you for the info and your experience with the drug. The less expensive price makes it appealing as well.
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
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