Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well I dropped Jill off for her second chemo this morning and just got an email from the onco that her white cell count is too low to proceed 
I'm really kind of shocked since she's had no side effects from the first round and it was a low dose. Is this a bad sign of something? I feel awful that she now has to stay there all day for no reason at all. She was crying this morning when I put her in her carrier, which is unlike her, but has become a pattern as of late.
She is going to be put on antibiotics and we will go back in two weeks...........
sigh...........
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Bummer! I'm so sorry Jill and Erica. I know the pain of having to keep her there all day w/o reason. Try to convince yourself that she doesn't know time and is curled up, sleeping away the hours. Try. Was she on antibiotics after her first chemo? Maybe this is connected to her weight loss - or, was her weight stable this AM? I'm so sorry! This stinks. Lots of treats for her tonight!!!!
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
She was not on antibiotics after her first chemo. Her weight is actually good, she gained a few ounces. I know this is silly but I feel so sad. We had been cruising along so wonderfully I am anxious that this is bad
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
The same thing happened to us on the 3rd round of chemo. She went on antibiotics and it took care of the problem and she was fine. I was concerned also, but my vet said it is pretty common when an animal is getting chemo. Try not to worry. The antibiotics will take care of the problem and she will be ready for her next session.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
It happened to Maggie once or twice during her 6 months of chemo. We just had to wait a week or two, then pick up again. I know it makes you wonder, but odds are it is a temporary blip. Focus on how well Jill is looking and feeling- if something was really wrong you would know it.
Karen
Karen is right. Jill is doing really well! She's OK. Maybe from here on, get antibiotics after each chemo and use them. Jackson was on them for 10d after his chemo. It was for this exact reason - to keep wbc up and normal. She'll be OK, Erica.
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Bummer! I know it's such a worrisome letdown when you get this kind of news but trust me it's very normal and happens to a lot of pets. You have a great vet who's taking exceptional precautions to make sure she's up to the challenge of a chemo session, so fear not, this is good that they want you to wait. Hang in there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Erica,
I am sorry to hear this. I have heard this happening a lot. Actually to be quite honest I have been expecting it with Sassy since I had heard it happening so much. We will see what happens when we go for chemo # 4 in a few weeks. I am praying the white counts stay up and we can proceed but if not we will wait like everyone else. Each baby is different. Her counts could have been on the lower side of normal when they did the 1st one too. Either way she will be better for the next. Have they said when they will reschedule?
(((((((((((Erica & Jilly))))))))))))))
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."
UPDATE:
Been emailing with Jill's oncologist, here is her response:
"White blood cells, specifically neutrophils, are the cells we use to fight off infection and are often time suppressed by chemotherapy. Her count was 390 this morning which is very low which is why we're prescribing amoxicillin in effort to prevent infection. Right now there is no signs of an infection and we expect her white blood cell count to rebound in the next week or two. She gained a little weight today too 
(gained 0.37 lbs- now weighs 10.03 lbs). she's
nervous but giving lots of hugs to everyone. she'll be happy to see you!"
I had to include the part about her hugging everyone
btw, normal neutrophil levels in cats are 2,500-12,000
Also, we discussed it and from now on, I'm going to bring Jill to our regular vet 2 days prior to her chemo sessions to have her blood work done, that way she wont have to sit in the animal hospital all day if she can't have treatment (thanks Kelly for that suggestion!!!!)
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
I just thought of something (yes this is consuming my every thought). Maybe if I had had Jill wear her cape to her appointment yesterday she would've had her super powers and would've passed her test?
I was just afraid if they saw her in that cape they would've called the ASPCA on me..............
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
I think it is definitely because she didn't wear her cape. Next time you will know.
All kidding aside, they do the bloodwork so they can circumvent before a problem has the chance to escalate. It is more worrysome for the humans than the pets, and yes, each time you will be worried.
Jill has won a place in my heart, and that is saying so much - before her, I really wasn't a cat person.
Sending good thoughts to you both as you work your way past this little setback.
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.
Awwww thank you. She is very easy to fall in love with and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mama
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
The blood work at your local vet was a great suggestion! We did that with Maggie after her first 'WBC too low' episode.
Definitely wear the cape- at least take it with you for luck. I hate to break it to you- but the people who might think you might be a little 'off' for what you are doing for Jill have made up their minds and are not going to be swayed by a three legged cat in a cape 
.
I can tell you that I never intended to push my dog in a stroller- but that is what Maggie needed so I did it. I got used to all the people pointing and smiling... I'm just the crazy lady in the neighborhood who puts pugs in a stroller!
Karen
Oh, I think the cape is a very good idea! I'm sure it has special powers!
The blood work at the vet is a great idea too. Hope all goes easier from her out.
Hang in there,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Well, she studied REALLY hard and aced the test this time
Neutrophils went from 390 to 3200 in two weeks so we are a GO for Wednesday's chemo
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
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