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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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How soon should we try to start chemo after amputation?
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Member Since:
13 March 2021
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2 May 2021 - 7:45 pm
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Hi all!  It’s been about a month since I posted last. We did decide to start chemo for Shadow....and his first round was really rough on him. He bounced back after about a week though (bless his heart!).  We let the vet know that something needed to change if we were to continue, because his quality of life is too important. They agreed and we had his second round last week. They reduced his chemo dosage and we also started his diarrhea meds right away...and bingo!  He’s done great!  He’s had normal appetite and energy and is his normal self.  So we are continuing on our journey. Yay for Shadow!

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Virginia



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2 May 2021 - 8:45 pm
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YAY FOR SHADOW!!!!  And YAY FOR YOU FOR ADVOCATING  FOR SHADOW!!!   Good job of monitoring his side effects the first chemo and sharing  with the Onco that was not an acceptable  quality for Shadow!

So thrilled to hear how he sailed thru his second chemo👏👏   Sometimes the doses need to be adjusted from one treatment  to the next, as well as adding aide effect ""preventatives" to derail possible nausea, diarrhea,  etc.

Keep on rockin' Shadow!!!  We're  cheering for you sweet boy!!

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!

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3 May 2021 - 10:06 am
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WHEW! This is great news, thank you for sharing. So many people are reluctant to try chemo because they don't realize that IF side effects happen, the medications can be tweaked and adjusted to make sure it doesn't happen again. Shadow's story is a wonderful way to show others that things can go well even after one bad episode. I'm so hoppy for you guys!!

What diarrhea medications did they give? Just curious.

Got any new pics of Shadow to share? We would loooove to see them. Here's how adding images works, let me know if you'd like help!

  • Upload pics to a photo sharing site like imgur.com or your own Tripawds blog (https://tripawd.....#supporter). Pictures and video have to be hosted (live) somewhere other than in the forums.
  • Once the photo is uploaded somewhere, right click and copy the Image URL or just copy the image if you’re on a phone
  • Return to your Tripawds Forum post and paste the image URL (or the image itself) in your post. It should automatically appear. 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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4 May 2021 - 9:12 am
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They put him on Cerenia (which is more to prevent GI upset) and Metronidazole (which is an antibiotic anti-diarrheal) - both for 5 days starting the evening of his treatment day. It really made such a difference!  The last time they had us wait on the Metronidazole and we didn’t start it until he started having diarrhea....and it was a week before he was better. 

Here are some pictures!  He is with his brother Comet in a couple of them.  We even took his buggy to the beach and he’d get in when he got tired!  Lastly, Shadow is hanging out in his favorite position on his back. smiley9

I am now thinking about a front wheel cart so he can take longer walks. I know it’s an investment, plus has to fit just right. Are there forum posts that give any advice on front wheel set ups and people’s experiences?  I’ve found a few only. I’m planning on calling Eddies Wheels and Ruff Rollin’ to get more info. 

We will keep you posted!  Thanks for the support and advice! (PS I’m still learning on the photos...hoping I did it right this time). 

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4 May 2021 - 9:57 am
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Wheeee! I love the photos, you did it! He is SUCH. A. CUTIE!!! And so is Comet, of course! They look so so so hoppy out there! Would it be OK if we put one or two in our photo gallery?

They put him on Cerenia (which is more to prevent GI upset) and Metronidazole (which is an antibiotic anti-diarrheal) – both for 5 days starting the evening of his treatment day. It really made such a difference!  The last time they had us wait on the Metronidazole and we didn’t start it until he started having diarrhea….and it was a week before he was better. 

WONDERFUL! I wish more vets would give it as a preventive. GI upset is the most common side effect after chemo and while it doesn't happen to every dog, when it does it's a doozy. I'm so glad the combo drugs worked out.

I am now thinking about a front wheel cart so he can take longer walks. I know it’s an investment, plus has to fit just right. Are there forum posts that give any advice on front wheel set ups and people’s experiences?  I’ve found a few only. I’m planning on calling Eddies Wheels and Ruff Rollin’ to get more info. 

Here's what we suggest: before calling anyone who wants to sell you a wheel chair , please please please make an appointment for a visit with a canine rehabilitation therapist. Get him evaluated to find out if one is really necessary. It very well may be, because of his breed and body type, but don't spend anything until you go OK? Remember, the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit . One of the reasons we started that program is we saw that too many people would rush out and buy a cart when it wasn't really necessary at the time, or they spent a LOT of $$ on a poorly fitted one and then were out of luck when they tried to return their custom cart.

Here's a recent about wheelchairs and Tripawds for ya:

Expert Tips for Tripawd Wheelchairs

(be sure to read the article, and here's a video in it)

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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4 May 2021 - 11:17 am
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Ok, thank you!  I will watch the video and read up a bit more....and see about a rehabilitation therapist in our area. 
And yes!  You have my permission to use our photos. Thank you!

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4 May 2021 - 3:12 pm
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Wonderful! Thank you so much Linda. Let us know how your research is going. Smooches to the pooches!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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Virginia



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4 May 2021 - 9:04 pm
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Your pups are ADORABLE!!!   And Shadow....a Corgi as a tripawd.....doesn't  get any cuter than that!!   Well, I think it actually  can get cuter!  A c]Corgi tripawd in his stroller with his BFF Comet posing with him.....ADORABLY CUTE!!!

Thanks for the smiles!!!  And really glad Shadow has the right supportive stuff now to help him sail thru chemo👍

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!

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22 July 2021 - 10:40 pm
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I thought I would post an update because we had an exciting milestone. Shadow had his last chemo of 6 rounds yesterday!  He is doing great and we are so proud of him. He will go back every couple of months for ultrasound, bloodwork and X-rays. We are just thrilled he can enjoy his best life every day right now!

We also visited a rehab specialist who recommended against a cart at this stage, so he is enjoying hopping around the house and stroller rides with his brother. Thanks for all of your advice and support. Here’s to as many happy days as possible for Shadow!

Ive attached the photo with us and his care team celebrating his last chemo!

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23 July 2021 - 11:41 am
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WOOOHOO!!!! What a great way to kick off the weekend, congratulations to all of you and especially your sweet Shadow! Let's party! 

Cheers to a very HUGE milestone in your journey, I imagine you feel so relieved to put all the medical stuff behind you and just get on with living life together. 

Be sure to apply for the rehab fund! We would love to hear more about what the therapist said regarding wheelchairs. I honestly didn't know which way that would go, since Charles is a Corgi and a front-leg Tripawd. If you feel like sharing we are all ears 🙂

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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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Virginia



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23 July 2021 - 9:44 pm
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HUGE MILESTONE!! GOOD JOB ADORABLE SHADOW!!

And I love that his  Care  Team celebrated with you in such a big way!  I have a feeling Shadow wins over hearts everywhere he goes!♥️

Keep on keeping on Shadow!

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!

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24 July 2021 - 12:26 pm
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Thanks for the lovely replies!  For the question on the rehab specialist…..thanks very much for recommending we go, as I wouldn't have ever thought of that. He had a consult where they looked at his gait, movement, tested for any pain, etc. Based on his status, they thought the cart would actually do more harm than good, as it would detract from his current natural muscle strengthening.  He gets around pretty well, and I had been thinking a cart might help just intermittently so he could go on longer walks. But the therapist said the cart can take a lot of getting used to, and it’s not that easy to just switch him back and forth like that. That using it would likely make him more dependent on it and he’d possibly get weaker. Also, she said the front wheel carts are typically harder for dogs to adapt to and if we did ever get to the stage of needing a cart, she might recommend a 4 wheeled one! smiley3 She recommended some exercises instead, and just to let him enjoy his stroller rides for our walks!  So we will go with that!  I’m sure it is different for every dog. Thanks also for mentioning the rehab fund. Believe it or not, his pet insurance covered the visit!

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24 July 2021 - 1:53 pm
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Linda thanks for all the details, they are pawesome. I'd like to share your experience in our Tripawds News blog if you don't mind. Her comments about the whole wheelchair thing are exactly what we have been told by rehab therapists we've talked to, exactly spot-on. Too many people rush their dog into a wheelchair without meeting with an expert, and I'm so glad that we have these kinds of stories to share so that we can build awareness.

That is GREAT the insurance covered the rehab! What company?  (sorry I know I'm bombarding you with questions!). 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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24 July 2021 - 2:41 pm
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Yes!  It’s fine to share in the blog!  And our pet insurance is Nationwide. They have been amazing and I am grateful every day for it. Since Shadow is so young I only got it on a whim, because he’s a crazy corgi and I figured he’d tear his ACL or something running around, the way our prior corgi did. Who would have known we’d need it for this! 

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24 July 2021 - 3:43 pm
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Oh fantastic, thank you, I will do that.

Sooo happy to hear Nationwide is treating you well! My niece has them for her dog, I'll have to share your story with her. And yep, these unexpected situations are why we need pet insurance. Good job getting it while he's young!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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