Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello All,
i am new to this forum but am so glad I found it. I have a 6 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback named Jack. He was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma and will have his front right leg removed today. His lungs were clear as of three weeks ago however I know that can change so fast with this cancer. I know the next ten days will be really tough. I will be home with him and I have been trying to prep my home as best I can.
I am asking about chemo.... what are your thoughts? I know they will probably scan him again when we meet with the oncologist. Jack is my special handsome boy that I have had since he was 6 weeks old. The only thing I want for him is to not be in pain 🙁 How have people's experiences been with chemo? I have never had to go through anything like this before. Thanks goodness for this site!!!
Erin
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Hi, we are new to this site as well, my dog Tasha is on day 5 post op. Her incision is very large and has done a lot of brusing and swelling , which we were told that this would happen. She is uncomfortable and she does cry very softly at times, can't blame her. She watches me and wants me to be close to her alot of the time, I find myself on the floor just petting her, she seems to find comfort with that.
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Thanks for the info!! I just spoke with my surgeon and she said the exact same thing. She said he will be stressed at first and rather clingy due to the stress. Do you find that she gets up easily and moves around? As in going outside to go to the restroom? Sorry to hear about your amputee. Was it the front leg>?
Jack and Erin,
First, we want to express our sympathy at your diagnosis. From what you have posted, you are dealing with this diagnosis well by getting all your facts together and making good decisions. Like so many here, we want to welcome you to this community of wonderful people who will help with suggestions, sympathy, and great support.
Before dealing with chemotherapy, I would like to suggest you prepare yourself for Jack's return home. Stealing from a recient Jerry posting, I would suggest:
What to Expect Part 1:
http://tinyurl......tToExpect1
What to Expect Part 2:
http://tinyurl......tToExpect2
Also, there are my usual suggestions: 1) Remain as positive as possible around Jack. He will pick up on your feelings and if you are down , it will only make it harder. I have often left Cherry, left the house, and then totally lost it before regaining composure and returning with a smile. 2) Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something that Jack loves and can still do during his recovery. Then exploit that love to give him purpose. For Cherry, it was/is her trips in the truck/car. It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered. To this day, as the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approaches, you can see the excitement grow. Help Jack find a purpose to fight. 3) Consider keeping a journal. I kept a journal and posted it on-line. It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison. This really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery. Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition.
Now to directly address your question, Cherry's first chemotherapy treatment was literally just hours after surgery. For Cherry, the chemotherapy was far worse than the amputation. Each dog responds to the chemotherapy differently and many have no ill effects at all. Cherry did not vomit, did not suffer nausea, but did totally loose her appetite. Thus, I had to stuff nearly every morsel of food during the two months of treatment. I want to say very clearly, the amputation and very aggressive chemotherapy were the best things that I could have ever done. Amputation removed the pain and our aggressive chemotherapy have given her a wonderful life. We are ten and a half months post amputation and life is extremely great. She moves extremely great in spite of being a very senior Standard Poodle, and the old sparkle in the eye, mischievous spirit, and loving girl has totally returned. We are already planning for our month long trip to Yellowstone next June, which is an experience that she absolutely loves (as does the entire family.)
Please keep the community posted. Crossed Paws and Sending Nothing But Pasitive Thoughts From Here!!
Bob & Cherry
Thank you Bob and Cherry!
My surgeon was pushing me to wait for Jack to see an oncologist until his staples come out. Should I challange this? I read that you started your chemo really soon after the operation.
Jack and Erin,
The short answer is YES! I would think that you would like to visit with the oncologist as soon as possible to discuss you options. Understanding all your options and starting treatments are two different things. We were "lucky" in that our local vet (also a friend) refered us to the oncologist to coordinate the entire amputation/chemotherapy treatment regiment from a single facility here in the East Bay Area. While we still consider ourselves as newbies, we have had great success with this extremely aggresive chemotherapy treatment. However, one would have a hard time saying that Jerry, who did not undergo immediate chemotherapy, did not also have an extremely great success. I would refer you to an article about Osteoscarcoma that our local vet provided to us at the time of the diagnosis. As it was explained to me, this type of cancer is a fast spreading cancer and one should asume that that it has probably already spread. An agressive and early chemotherapy treatment allows you to attack cancer cells that are in the system but are not yet shown in xrays. My sister, an MD, totally agrees with this approach on a very general basis. In humans, we often allow the body to recover from the surgery before the chemotherapy (a poison) is introduced into the system. Our surgeon and oncologist do not subscribe to the wait for recovery approach.
Back to the short answer, I would encourage a consultation with an oncologist to discuss the options as soon as you can, but I also subscribe to the notion that the more knowlege you have the better your decisions.
Bob & Cherry
Welcom Erin and Jack. I love Ridgies, we had one when I was a kid. An absolutely wonderful dog. I'm sorry Jack had to join our club, but it is a pretty elite group of pups and their people. Trouble's chemo started just a little over two weeks post amputation. I think the timing depends on the oncologist, but most of my research indicates the preferred timeline is within 2 weeks of the surgery. This is a very emotionally draining time for you, so take time to rest when Jack rests. You'll have tons of questions in the next couple of weeks and someone will be hanging out here to help out. You've found the best support you could ask for. We've all been there and know for sure what you are dealing with.
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.
Erin & Jack,
Welcome to our Tripawds family, we are so sorry about the diagnosis. We know it's kinda weird to welcome people to this group, because nobody wants to join, but we are so glad you found us. As you've already seen, there's such a pawesome group of pawrents here who have experience and advice that helps us all get through.
The advice that Trouble and Cherry have already given is spot-on. Check out our questions and answers, and ask away here in the forums.
My own experience was that I didn't do chemo right away, for many different reasons. I had chemo after lung mets were discovered, about 16 months after diagnosis. But I would say, get all the info up front, and know what your options are. Talk to an oncologist just to get a better idea of the benefits and drawbacks. Write down your questions, don't hesitate to ask the professionals who can help you.
Most importantly, remember to take everything one step at a time and try not to overwhelm yourself with all of the info that's out there. As much as we know you want to help Jack by battling the cancer, another great way you can help him is by being present, in the moment, and treasuring each day, instead of drowining in information or feelings that you aren't doing enough (all pawrents feel that way at one point or another).
Good luck with the amp. Please let us know how it goes OK? We are always here to help.
Your friends,
Spirit Jerry, Rene, Jim & Wyatt Ray
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Erin and Jack - ditto to everything that was said here!!! We are soooo glad that you found us during this difficult time - we are family with this unique connection that was made because of the love for our dog and the friendships that develop, the support that is found and the love and understanding that is felt is truly second to none.
We, too, met with our oncologist on the day that the stitches were removed...2 weeks post amputation. That seems the common practice, but NOT to say that other paths aren't the right one too. Gather all your information, ask questions, challenge when you feel is needed and then, the bottom line for me was always to lay quiet with Zeus and listen to my heart and my gut....even at the end when I didn't want to hear what my gut and heart were telling me.
Zeus had 4 treatments of carboplatin each 3 weeks apart. They are about 10 minute IV treatments and he had no side effects. From what I understand, about 2% of the dogs have side effects with that type of chemo. They do blood work before each treatment to make sure the immune system is strong enough to handle it and Zeus had lung xrays before the 3rd treatment. We also did 2 treatments of pamidrinite which is a bone strengthening treatment after the chemo was done...they were one month apart and if I remember correctly, the IV took about 2-3 hours each time. Again, no issues or side effects - think of it as an infusion of calcium to help the other bones.
Zeus hung out with me for another 17 months with an enormous quality of life which is what this is all about. No cancer ever showed up again...he ended up shutting down from renal failure. 
We don't know what the sudden cause was - it came on very suddenly. Was it any of the chemo or the prioxicam? His age? (he was 11 1/2)...we don't know and that was very hard for me to accept because I really wanted to know why...but sometimes it's just God's time...not ours and the point of me telling you this is to share with you what I learned from my journey with Zeus...Cherish the very moment that we live in with our furkids and that no matter what happens (none of us has a crystal ball), live this journey with Jack one day at a time and enjoy each little milestone and know in your heart that you are a great mommy for all the love and devotion that you give Jack. That's important.
We are all here for you and will walk the road with you...so, ask away when you have a question or when you need some love and support. You will get it tenfold.
xo
heather and zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
THank you all so so much for all of you wonderful words. I cannot express how grateful I am to have other folks who I can turn to who have walked this road I am about to take. I know this path will be a really hard one but Jack has been with me since he was just a wee one and I am not about to let him down. I do have one question.. I was trying to update my profile pic to a pic of Jack...can anyone tell me how to do it? I was looking under my profile but for the life of me could not figure it out...can you guys tell I havent gotten much sleep ? 🙂
Stay Well,
Erin and Jack
Erin and Jack,
I believe that you want to add an Avatar to your profile. The following link from the Technical Support should explain how to do this. We all love to see the pictures. You may get a kick of viewing Cherry's photos through this link. There are twenty one thumbnails which in turn link to larger sizes if desired. They cover from the weekend after the initial diagnosis but before the amputation thru last week. Included are days after the amputation, just after removal of stitches, during the second chemotherapy treatment, and other silly photos including her custom made TriPawd sweater.
Good Luck
Bob & Cherry
YAY!! Another Jack!! Good name 🙂 Well, we are a little over 4 months post amputation and the only problems my Jack ever had were severe abdominal bruising and phantom pain . But...he only bruised because he was way too active after surgery and ended up breaking some capillaries and his compression bandange pushed all the blood into his tummy area. The phantom pain started around this same time (3 days post-amp) and some gabapentin stopped that. We also went ahead with chemo - our oncologist's plan was 6 treatments of adriamycin, but we had to stop after 4 due to costs ($400 every 3 weeks and as a matter of fact, I had to move back home so I could work and save up money because this whole ordeal drained us financially). But most studies are done between 4-6 treatments, so hopefully the 4 we did had some effect. For some reason, Jack has not been set back at all, either by the surgery or the chemo. He was hopping in circles and jumping up on people and counters the day after surgery, and was going for his normal walk by the time his stitches got removed. He runs faster than he did before, and today my dad took him out while I was at work where he met another dog that has cancer...apparently he was licking the face of the other dog's owner and hopping around so cutily that the lady wondered how old he was because he was acting like a puppy. He is starting to do things he has NEVER done before, such as taking his stuffed skunk outside with him when he goes potty, chasing squirrels, and he stalks other dogs when they start walking his way. From all 4 chemo treatments he had, he only had diarrhea once (and even at that it could've been something he ate). Yes, some dogs do have a hard time with recovery, but Jack is proof that every dog recovers in their own way - we were just lucky enough that Jack's way was awesome. Good luck and I can't wait to hear more about your Jack!!!
<3 Laura and Jackers
Welcome Erin and Jack,
You have certainly came to the right place for encouragement and practical advise. I think Tasha and Jack will both find out that the pain meds they are on will cause strange reactions. If they were humans we would call them stoned. Emily did the same thing Tasha is doing with the whining. In fact, Emily is having problems in her remaining back leg (hip dysplasia) and was on Trandadol (sp) and did the same thing. She spent several hours on night fascinated with the numbers on the alarm clock. Recovery has its ups and downs so expect good days and not so good days.
As far as chemo goes: Emily started her chemo three weeks after her amputation. She was/is in a drug study at the Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. It is a clinical evaluation of combined carboplatin and gemcitabine. Her treatments were scheduled every 21 but due to a low white blood cell count needed to occur every 25 days instead. I am happy to say that she did very well on chemo. No side effects at all. The doctors at OSU are very proactive so she was given anti-nausea drugs as a matter of course so I don't know if she would have had problems or not. I could tell around day 7 and around day 20 that her blood cell count dipped because she was more tired but she continued to eat well and played with the other dogs. She just got tired a little quicker.
Because Emily is in the drug study we agreed to not give her supplements or any other drugs without approval so we did not start K9 Immunity or any other supplement you will read about others giving their dogs. Now that Emily is suffering from hip dysplasia I wish we would have started glucosamine. I don't know that it would have helped or not but if you're not in a drug study you might try it.
Good luck with Jack. He will be in my prayers.
Debra & Emily (4 1/2 months post-op)
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Hi Erin and Jack!
Hope everything went well with Jack's surgery today! My Jake is just 19 days post amp of his front right leg. He is a 10yr old golden retriever, and he's been slowly getting better each day. I took a little over a week off from work to be home with him, and it really helped. We've been using a sling to help support him when he goes out, while he gets used to balancing himself. We are getting our ruffware harness in 2 days, and I think that will definitely help alot too. Jake even went swimming for the first time in a month this past weekend! He had so much fun! You can see his pictures and videos on his blog... Jake's Journey.
So glad you found Tripawds. Everyone here has been so wonderful and supportive! Good luck in Jack's recovery!! Hurry up and make a blog so we can see pictures of Jack!!
Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Hi Jack and Erin,
You already know you found a good support group--great folks. I was scared as heck when my Doc said amputation and on edge until after surgery. Bob and Cherry are 1000% correct--stay up, it’ll help Jack and I bet he'll suprise you. Surgery went as planned, Polo was fine and we went home. The first few days were slow--but no one told Polo he was missing a leg. He's now 8 days post-op (front left leg amputation, ostesarcoma) and doing most of things he used to do.
Chemo: We do not have an oncologist, which isn't necessarily by choice. I'm not sure if there is one in our area, but we love and trust our Doc and his staff. However, everyone recommends oncology. Nevertheless, Polo's Doc wants to start chemo right away when the stitches come out. Jake’s circumstance (lungs, etc) will impact your Doc's decisions about which chemo treatment is best for Jake. I learned that here. I told my Doc that I didn’t want to know everything (he was planning accordingly). That advise works for me but may not be sound advise for others. Check all the forums for different approaches and communicate with your Doc.
My Doc is familiar with this site and reassured me to feel comfortable about approaching him with questions, concerns about anything I read here.
Loading pic's is hard for me too! I established a Blog when I registered. I noticed the word "Avatar" under settings I think. Had no clue what that meant. Good thing I'm married because my wife, Jenny knew that it means picture (I reckon). I selected it and went from there. If you establish a Blog use the "Post" and "Page" options to start loading pic's, text, etc... I'm sure others will give you better advise.
House: We did prep the house. Polo’s around 10, we’re not exactly sure because he was rescued as a stray early in life, he’s been with us 8 years. Our house looks like a rug outlet (we may be a little over protective). Game on when the stitches come out. Polo’s doing well so I’m eager to let him go. My wife likes to go slow, so I guess you could say we have balance. We keep him off the stairs.
Thoughts and prayers. Polo and Mike
Polo Jones, Golden Retriever, Shalimar FL
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