Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Bella's biopsy results show that her leg fracture was due to a hemangiosarcoma rather than one of the 'usual' bone cancers. Lymph nodes are clear, and no other tumors visible elsewhere. We have requested an oncology consult and they will call us tomorrow after looking over her records. Luckily we have a facility with ER, surgery and oncology all under one roof, so communication and record transfer from the surgeon is already done.
Hoping we can offer good quality of life for a year or more, but we'll take what we can and enjoy our girl's company every minute.
We had another dog who lived years after his spleen removal due to HSA, when we only expected 3-6 months. I don't expect that much luck twice, but I am not going to panic either. Right now she is happy and feeling good, so we will follow suit as best we can. And apply for a zero interest credit card for chemo...
Hi Carolyn. I'm sorry you are dealing with HSA again! UGH!
But you have a great attitude and Bella is reflecting that right back to you so keep it up! I'm so glad to see she's doing well.
P.S. I keep hearing great things about Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Hemangiosarcoma, something you may want to discuss with her vet team.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks, we will ask about the mushrooms. We have a consult scheduled at 7:15 tomorrow morning. The doctor will do an exam and talk us through options. If chemo is possible and we sign on, Bella may get her first treatment right away. Really hoping that snow coming in overnight isn't going to lead to cancellations.
Bella had a slight crash in energy level yesterday. She had a busier day on Monday and we had tried to drop the Rimadyl and go with Gabapentin only. She let us know that was not ok. She didn't eat much yesterday and barely moved off the couch all day. We put the Rimadyl back in and cooked another batch of chicken, and she is coming around more today. It makes me sad to see her take a step back, but I am trying to keep perspective.
I keep trying to remember it is only two weeks post op and she is 12... I think with not having much to do because of Covid it is too easy to overthink and worry. I feel guilty taking our other dog out for long walks and leaving Bella home, but we really need it. Bella's Doggyride buggy should be here on Friday so she will be able to get out more. I got her a basted beef bone with marrow that she gets to have while I am out with Walker for now.
It helps to read other stories here to know the struggles of both the dogs and humans are normal. Thanks for being here.
I imagine Bella thinks that great bone she gets to gnaw on is even better than a walk! Pretty good trade-off!
It was three weeks before I felt like my Happy Hannah was really starting to turn a corner. Also she, like many others, needed to stay on pain meds during those three weeks.
It is sooooo easy for a recovering dog to overdo a bit one day and then crash the next, especially a "mature" pup.. It's really not a "step back", more like what we call the "normal" roller coaster part of recovery.
So yeah, more rest and slow and easy.
Recovery doesn't last furever just seems like it right now. You're doing a great job.👍
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
You are so right, the Covid situation doesn't make anything easier, especially at a time like this. Try to focus on the good stuff; you found a way to keep her pain under control (consistency with pain management is so important), and she gets spoiled rotten while Walker gets the attention he needs. You're doing great juggling everything!
Good luck with the appointment tomorrow. Here's a list of questions to ask your veterinary oncologist, you might find it helpful.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for the encouragement and the question list. Although it is crazy to be doing something this important with curbside drop-off and phone conversations, my husband and I were very happy with the consult. The doctor was very thorough and honest and has a great attitude about being totally about quality of life.
Bella is staying there today for an echocardiogram and blood work. She already had an abdominal scan before surgery, so that speeds things up a bit. Assuming all is ok with cardio, she will get her first round of doxorubicin this afternoon.
The oncologist also recommended the mushroom supplements before I even asked. He will provide the dosage amounts and we will order those. Do you know of a reputable place to get them?
Also, in a small world occurrence, the research vet who has a published study on the mushrooms and hemangiosarcoma is Dorothy Cimino Brown. We went to high school together and were roommates freshman year of college. 🙂
Hi Carolyn. So sorry that you and your Bella are having to deal with HSA (and a 2nd time for you) 
. My Boxer Wally recently passed away due to complications from HSA, so I unfortunately know what you're going through.
I recommend joining the following Facebook community if you haven't already. Just a heads up that some of the posts can be pretty depressing, but the page and community has a wealth of knowledge on HSA, supplements (like Turkey Tail), diet changes, etc. They also have plenty of success stories.
https://www.fac.....4568087083
As for Turkey Tail the "official" supplement is I'm Yunity (linked below), which depending on the size of your dog can get crazy expensive. I went with Canine Matrix TT powder, which is much more affordable and you can order from Chewy.com (also linked). Unfortunately, Wally's fight with HSA was so short lived that I can't personally vouch for the Canine Matrix TT, but there are several folks on the FB page that have had success with it.
https://www.buy.....d=19279717
https://www.che...../dp/225681
Also, not sure if your oncologist recommended it or not (mine did), but there's also a Chinese herb called yunnan baiyao that is supposed to help slow HSA spread and also help with internal bleeds. I was able to order off of Walmart.com (linked below). It's fairly reasonably priced but can take a week or 2 to get, but if you join the FB page there are folks on there who will either donate leftover YB or loan a box or 2 while you wait to get your order.
https://www.wal.....head=yunna
Good luck! I hope things go well for Bella!
Thank you! I am so sorry to hear about Wally. I had read your posts about him. I am sorry you didn't get more time, but you know you made the best efforts you could.
I looked at the prices for the I'm Yunity, and Yowza! We will ask the oncologist about the other brands or if he really thinks that one has any advantage. We would need about 7 capsules a day according to the website. After getting the cost of the chemo/oncology treatment protocols today though, the sticker shock is just another 'whatever.' We just got approved for a zero percent interest credit card to space out the pain. I will also ask about the other supplement.
Thanks also for the suggestion of the FB group, but I took a mental health break from FB and Instagram a few months ago and not in a hurry to go back... Which is why I am extra grateful for this site! X
You're welcome and thank you for the kind words.
Yeah, definitely ask your oncologist on using Canine Matrix (or another reasonably priced alternative). FWIW Wally's oncologist was ok with it and as previously stated there were several members of the FB page I posted who have had success with it. I can't seem to find it now, but someone had posted a poll asking for the type of TT used for 1+ year HSA survivors ~a month ago and Canine Matrix was the 2nd highest next to I'm Yunnity.
Definitely ask the oncologist on the yunnan baiyao. Kind of surprised he didn't bring it up in your initial consult. If you don't end up joining the FB group then do some google searching on the yunnan baiyao emergency protocol for internal bleeds (the FB group has it pinned for quick access). FWIW on the FB group they do a good job of screening new members, and I have not seen any ridiculous political posts or social media arguments on the page. But totally understand wanting to stay away from FB, lol.
Thanks again for the kind words and good luck with Bella! Again, hope all goes well!!
carolyn said
Also, in a small world occurrence, the research vet who has a published study on the mushrooms and hemangiosarcoma is Dorothy Cimino Brown. We went to high school together and were roommates freshman year of college. 🙂
WOAH! That's crazy! Are you still in touch with her?
The oncologist also recommended the mushroom supplements before I even asked. He will provide the dosage amounts and we will order those. Do you know of a reputable place to get them?
That's awesome, love the onco vet! Who is it? I would check in with them first to see what brand they recommend. For mushroom therapy, many our community members like Boone have often had good results with K9 Medicinals Immune Support.
Thanks also for the suggestion of the FB group, but I took a mental health break from FB and Instagram a few months ago and not in a hurry to go back… Which is why I am extra grateful for this site!
That makes us really happy to hear that. We try hard to offer a level of support that isn't found on social media, so this means a lot. Thanks!
I hope everything goes smoothly with the chemo!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Unfortunately Dottie and I lost touch when she left University of Maryland to go to her pre-vet program. That was back in the dark ages when keeping in touch involved mailed letters and long distance phone calls. But I like to think she learned everything she knows thru our chemistry lab partnership in our junior year of high school. Lol.
Our specialty vet team is at Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Annapolis MD. The oncologist is Dr Kyle Renaldo. There is oncology, surgery, internal medicine, canine rehab, cardiology, radiology, Opthalmology... Anything possible, all a fifteen minute drive away - ten in an emergency. I wish there were human medical facilities as well coordinated and easy to access as this. Bella was supposed to see her surgeon for her post op visit next week. Instead, Dr. Moore called this afternoon to say she saw Bella was in at oncology so she took a look at her there and cleared her so we don't need to make another trip. Something like that with all we have on our plate right now is huge.
I talked to Dr Renaldo about the generic turkey tail. We decided on the Canine Matrix just for ease of availability and measuring, but since it is a powder and not capsules, we'll have to see if she will eat in or on anything. If not, I'll find it in a different form. He also did have the yunnan baiyao dosage written up on the discharge summary for today. He said Walmart is the best place to find it.
So now we have pain meds, anti nausea and anti diarrhea meds to start proactively, and supplements ordered. Blood draw to check white blood cell count in a week at our regular vet, and then a couple weeks off. Whew! It has been an intense two weeks.
At least we know her other legs, her heart, lungs and other organs have been examined inside and out and right now there is no sign of illness or lesions. Going to do our best to keep it that way as long as possible!
You're good to go and ready to kick cancer's butt! 
That practice sounds awesome. I'm with you on wishing that more human medical facilities were that good. I know that our Wyatt Ray
got better health care in his life than we did! 
I read Dr. Renaldo's profile and saw that he's got firsthand experience with a dog who had HSA so you definitely found the right onco vet. Be sure to post a shout out in Veterinary Specialist Referrals if you get a chance.
As for you and Dottie, heck, I'd work that connection right now. Don't be shy! Onco vets enjoy sharing their work with people who are really interested, I've never been turned down when requesting an interview. I would send her an email to say hello!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Glad to hear things went well with the oncologist. For the Canine Matrix, I mixed it in with the moist food that Wally liked (Canidae Pure Elements to be exact) and which I had always given him a little with his kibble to wet his appetite. He scarfed it down no problem.
I cannot tell you how glad I am to have the guidance of all these resources as we stumble through with Bella. I feel like I have taken a crash course in biochemistry trying to figure out the meds and how they are affecting her.
She had a very bad day yesterday, and after watching the video on pain management realized that her problem was too much meds rather than too little. She was alternating between totally zoned out and anxious trembling and pacing like there was a thunderstorm. Apparently since she got the Cerenia added in after chemo, and it has a sedating effect, three Gabapentin a day was way too much. Switching that down to every 12 hours instead of 8 has made a huge difference. She has been alert, initiating trips outside and wagging her tail when we pet her.
Still not back on track eating, but she is getting some canned food in and cooked chicken. She has no interest in things that she used to love, like raw carrots. I wonder if the meds make things taste funny like some human meds do to us. We keep offering a little food throughout the day and she slowly gets some calories in. She is technically on a prescription kidney diet because some months ago she had a very early marker of kidney trouble, but I think that ship has sailed for ever getting her to eat it again. Her labs for kidney function last week were "unremarkable" so that is the least of our worries.
Tomorrow is day 3 post-chemo so we are bracing to see if any GI upsets come along. We already have the Cerenia and metronidazole started with some Zofran as backup if needed. Not even going to try to start the turkey tail yet, as we can't take a chance of turning her off to any of the things she will eat.
Every day is a new challenge and a new bit of progress. Today she realized she could go in and out of her doggie door. 🙂
Oh man I'm sorry she hit a ruff patch. How is she today? Glad you could figure out how to adjust her pain control. It's such a balancing act! Yes sometimes too much is as bad as too little, as far as helping them along through recovery. You've earned your honorary biochem PhD!
That's awesome about her rediscovering the doggy door! If you remember, take a video or photo, we'd love to celebrate this big milestone with you and Bella!
And as you suspected, all those medications do have an affect on appetite and food tastes. Be sure to follow these appetite tips when feeding Bella. Even something as harmless as feeding her pills and food together, or handing her a treat after you've handled pills can turn her off of eating.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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