Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I’m looking for advice on our dog Howard who is 5 weeks post amputation for what we now know to be hemangiosarcoma. His chest and abdomen were clear 1 week before surgery. He was at pt today and I decided to do radiographs before his oncology visit next Thursday as I was surprised to see he had 2 small nodules in his spleen. His chest was clear and this was confirmed by ultrasound. He is scheduled for a splenectomy tomorrow. He has been doing great! No physical signs of metastasis so I was very surprised. Who did chemo under these circumstances? I want to give him the best and longest time possible. Hoping for a miracle and this is a unrelated benign find. But I know that’s not likely.
So, did they find these nodules by standard X-ray? I didn't know they could do that.
Jet's hemangio was subcutaneous/intramuscular, and because the tumor had woven itself into the muscle fibers, they did not get clean margins with surgery, so I guess we did chemo knowing he was likely carrying cancerous tissue, but we didn't know of actual metastasis. That was a while back, but because hemangio is SO aggressive, my oncologist is of the opinion that the subcutaneous tumor was primary.
I'm not a vet let alone an oncologist, and Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is pretty harsh, but we gave it try and Jet is almost 4 months post-diagnosis now. Thing is, I think I've found another subcutaneous lump . . . His appetite is suddenly off a bit too so . . .
Regardless, I understand that visceral hemangiosarcoma is brutal. You've clearly identified the spleen nodules early and you're getting them out of there. That has to help, and even though the chemo was "harsh" (I say that only because the Carboplatin that Casey was treated with was such a breeze) I personally would give chemo a try.
Jet probably had three or four "off" days after each treatment, but no nausea and no loose stools.
As you know, the numbers aren't good, especially with visceral involvement (but you're catching that so early). Clear lungs are a huge positive.
See what your oncologist says. FWIW, Doxo is noticeably less expensive than Carboplatin.
Yeah, just clarifying that the xrays DEFINITELY showed nodules, and were they looked at by a Radiologist! Just curious.
Can't give any insight into your specifics, but Jet's situation and treatment plan sounds like one you may want to check into to discuss with your Onco. And yes, having good lung xrays is a good thing!!
And remember, Howard could care less about "nodules". He's feeling good!!! And that's all that matters!!
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!
We dropped Howard off his morning for his surgery. He will spend at least 1 night. Was very disappointed with the small breakfast!! But seemed happy to see his friends there
We are sending all our best for an easy surgery and recovery. I'm sorry to hear about the nodules, that's a tough blow for sure. But yeah, I agree that Jet's treatment plan is something to discuss with your oncologist (sorry to hear about the new lumps, Jet!). I'd love to learn about their feedback for Howard's situation.
If there's anything we've learned from all of the members who have dealt with various cancers, is that you never know who is going to beat those odds. All you can do is hope for the best, and follow your gut to make the choice you and your hero can live with. Sounds like you are making the kinds of choices that are great for Howard and you, so stay strong and know that he is getting terrific care. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Howard and family 🐾🌸
Just wanted to send lots of pawsitive energy for Howard today and wish surgery will go well.
My Eurydice had osteosarcoma and we did try doxorubicin for her lung tumours, she had no side effects from the chemo but doxorubicin did not stop her tumours from growing.
As Howard has a different kind of cancer I cannot really comment but you've got Jet's Dad to guide you which is great!
Hugs and cuddles 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Rocky had osteosarcoma, so I don't know much, if anything, about hemangiosarcoma or how our experience relates to yours.
We were 5/6 through his Carboplatin treatment when tumors started popping up along his side. They turned out to be his osteo. We switched to Palladia, which at least initially worked against his osteo. Unfortunately, it only took about six weeks for the osteo to readjust to that and start growing again.
Doxo was out for us because it can be hard on the heart, and Rocky was heartworm positive when I first got him. While he had received his heartworm injections years earlier, I felt he was at greater risk to its side effects because of that and his oncologist agreed. So we went with the Palladia. Right before the end, we switched to Lukeran and something else that I can't remember other than it began with an M.
I'd definitely discuss with your oncologist and maybe ask about Palladia. Good luck!
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
Thank you everyone. He did well during surgery and if he is up and able to walk tomorrow I will take him home. Hopefully he recovers well and this does not set him back from the amputation. I will definitely mention the other treatment plans and will push to try something. He is our first child and we want to help him. His surgeon is very good and understands how we want to do everything for him so I’m sure he passed that along to the oncologist
Oh YAY for getting the surgery behind you all. We have our paws & fingers crossed that he can come home asap!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So glad surgery is done! Howard will still need recovery time of course, but at least it shouldn't be as tough as recov from amputation!
Being at the Clinic for a night or two is going to help him rest and recuperate. He'll get his mojo back soon!
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!
howard said
Who did chemo under these circumstances? I want to give him the best and longest time possible. Hoping for a miracle and this is a unrelated benign find. But I know that’s not likely.
Hey guys just wanted to let you know that Dr. Sue will be taking live questions tonight, and her focus is on hemangiosarcoma. She sent out an email announcement but the link was bad, so here is a direct link to her Facebook page where the Q&A will take place:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh I'm sorry I just now saw this. But the good news is I goofed, the talk is next Thursday 9/27. Here is a link to the Q&A which happens at 8pm Eastern:
https://www.fac.....682291793/
Looks like you can ask questions ahead of time so if you have one now I would go there and ask it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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