Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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We just got back from the vet. They said her nerve sheath tumors biopsy came back and the margins were not clean. So.... Now my dog has cancer!!?? And the vet kind of sped through telling us this! And was very unclear until i said.. Wait so what exactly what are you saying? She saiid your dog has cancer. Then started talking quickly again about radiation and chemo!!?? Which is NOT the way i wanna go! Does anyone have ANY holistic treatments that will make the cells go into remission and stay away??? I really want to protect my baby!! Im so confused and unsure of where to go from here! Please anyone with any experience and knowledge of how to handle this naturally and keep my dog safe and away from radiation and other treatments of the same nature please help. Im freaking out.
Others here will be able to speak to going the holistic route, but I just wanted to say that our experience with chemotherapy has been very positive. My dog has had no ill effects from her treatments. In fact it has not once slowed her down, and she has had no vomiting, not lost whiskers, etc. (Of course each dog's response will vary.) Something you could start immediately would be feeding your dog a "cancer diet"... For myself, that means feeding a very low carb kibble. Athena's is 11% carb. (carbs=sugar=cancer cell food) Also, look into mushroom supplements, such as power mushrooms or mush from fungi perfecti.
Finally, is this vet you are talking to an oncologist? It would be worth voicing your concerns about chemo... and if you insist on going the holistic route they might be able to recommend something?
04/09/13- OSA Diagnosis ~ 04/23/13- Left Forelimb Amputation ~ Carboplatin Chemo (6 total)
July 2006-November 18, 2013
I will always love you, Athena.
Ok first thing first . . . breathe. You can't help her if you're not strong yourself. I know it's hard to be at a time like this but she really needs you to be a strong pack leader. I'm sorry we didn't get back to your post earlier today, I think a lot of our members were outside with their pack today, usually we get answers a little faster here.
I'm sorry about the diagnosis, that sucks and it's hearbreaking. But this situation isn't unusual and as far as cancers go it could be a lot worse so try to be optimistic, it's definitely helpful. Now, my best advice to you is to gather all of the information so you can make an informed choice. Even if you think you don't want to do chemotherapy or radiation, always remember that information is power. Is there a reason why you don't want to do it? Or is it just scary to you? If it's scary, rest assured you're not alone, many folks here have felt that way. But it helps to know exactly what it is and how it can help before you say no. Ask your vet for a referral to an oncologist in your area, then take it from there.
As for holistic treatments, like anything else there are no guarantees, but for many people this works. Make an appointment for a holistic vet consultation who specializes in cancer, and see how they can help you. Our Tripawds Resources Page has links to finding a holistic vet in your area.
For real-life examples of how holistic therapies have helped, scroll through our Tripawds Nutrition blog. Many pawrents have experienced great success with alternative medicines. Several stories are there with ideas for diet and nutrition.
Whatever you decide to do, be honest with the vets you consult with and tell them your feelings about therapies and your budget so you don't feel pressured into anything.
I would also recommend investing in Dr. Dressler's Dog Cancer Survival Guide before purchasing any supplements. This is a terrific educational resource that can help you feel grounded and discover how you want to approach any therapies for the type of cancer she has.
I hope this information helps. Please know we are here for you and although sometimes we might take a few hours to get back to you we will. Also, our Tripawds Chat Room is always open. Just go to that link, scroll down and you'll see a chat box where you can "bark" out loud. Best chance of reaching someone is during evening (after work) hours.
Keep us posted and please let us know how we can help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Excellent advice from Jerry (as usual). We started on this journey with my Roxie and bone cancer in March. The choices/decisions/information since then would have been even more overwhelming without Tripawds, so you've already got a great team to help you.
I have a primary care vet, an oncologist and her surgeon husband, and a holistic vet I can reach out to for help. Each one offers their perspective based on their beliefs, training, and experience. What I've found, and others can confirm, I think, is that you don't have to pick one one-way road. We followed the onco's guidance for amputation and IV chemo but have made other choices when they felt right to us for our dog. Our vets do a good job of keeping each other informed, but I'm always sure to update each on what we're doing.
And that's something to remember; whatever we do is done out of love and care, and that will always be the right thing to do.
Sending you warm thoughts from Liz and Roxie
Ohhh, so sorry you are here...AND...you could not be in a better place for support, information and empowerment. You WILL do your research. Jerry has outlined great resources and you WILL proceed with a plan that will give you and your pup the most hapoy, joyous quality time you could ever imagine.
Remember, your dog does not care about any old stuid diagnosis or statistic or teatment! Use your dog as your role model for calm and living in the moment.
You are scared right ow and feel like you are stuck in a nightmare. Research and arming yourself with a plan will help thrust you towards the empowerment you will need to proceed with c fidence and optimism. All of js nere nderstand the fear. We also understand the progress yo will make as you step i to your strength.
And as an aside, when my Happy Hannah was iagnosed with bone cancer and my vet "casually" mentined amutation and then chemo.....absolutley not....I wouldn't do that TO my dog. Did my research....lurked around thise site....changed my mind. Happy Hannah just celebrated six month amuversary, completed four IV chemos and has had two weeks of a chemo pill. All I'm suggesting is, again do your research, and be open!
Now, go do so ething to make your dog wag and wag and wag! Did that mke you feel better? Your pup sure does!
Others will chime in who have had specific exp. in this situatin. Lots of varied optins here with lots of good results!
You hang in there! You can do this! You are strong and we are here for you!
(((((((hugs)))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
We are all here for you. You are NOT alone!
Would love to hear more aout your pup and see more pictures. The avatar photo is wo derful!
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!
My pug Maggie had a different kind of cancer, but I found myself in your situation. I went into surgery thinking it would be curative but the path report came back with lymph node involvement. In Mag's case I did choose chemo, but I had ruled out radiation because she did not tolerate anesthetic very well. Mag developed a second cancer which I chose not to treat, mostly because of other health issues. Mag's little sis Tani also has mast cell cancer. She had surgery when she was younger, but now I have chosen a more holistic regimen.
All my decisions have been made in consultations with all my vets. They know me well and understand that I want to know all the options available and they respect and support my decisions.
My point is that there is no one right path. Get all the information you can, weigh your options, and make the decision that is right for you and your pup. Don't throw away options until you know all the ins and outs. There is nothing wrong with choosing holistic or traditional treatment, but knowledge is power and I think you are better able to live with your decisions and the consequences when you are informed.
And, a not so good path report is not a death sentence. Maggie's prognosis was 6 to 9 months with chemo, she lived almost 4 years and did not pass from mast cell cancer.
So give your pup a tummy rub, gather information, and go forward with confidence!
Karen
So sorry you had to join us! We're fairly new members ourselves with our dog getting amputated 3 weeks ago. I'm also sorry to hear you have a vet similar to one of ours who speaks very matter-of-factly. It can be offensive. I'm sure she didn't mean to come off so carefree about it, it's probably a routine day for them to inform someone their pet has cancer. We felt similarly when first speaking to ours about our new situation. This is very scary for us owners and I think sometimes they forget that.
As I'm sure you've read on here, the first couple weeks are really rough. Not just for our dogs, but for us, the owners. It's very hard to decide what to do. Our dog has osteosarcoma in her hind leg. We decided to amputate and do chemo as she's a fairly young dog and we felt it was worth a try. We've only had one IV dose so far (and all dogs have different of course), but Nevada flew through chemo day and didn't have one side effect. My husband actually thought she seemed more chipper (but of course that couldn't be due to the chemo!). She never got sick, didn't rest any more than usual, it was just another day. We personally aren't too familiar with holistic means, but if you feel that's the best fit for your family, that's what you do. There's no right answer, just go with your gut.
I hope things have improved a bit for you (at least as well as it can be considering the recent diagnosis)! Our dog had the super dark tummy also. It's scary to see, especially when it's still spreading. About a week after amputation, it was pretty much normal again. On a side note, would love to see more pictures of Mala! She looks similar to ours from the photo you have posted.
We know how that news is like a punch to the gut. Step back and slow everything down s you will be able to make the best choices for both you and your dog. Unfortunately there is just no easy way for this news to be presented, but there are ways to make the aftermath easier to deal with. you will find so much info on here to help. Thinking of you. Please keep us updated.
Luanne and Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Sorry to hear of your lousy news. It is never easy, regardless of the type of cancer.
Tahoe's cancer is a Hystiocyctic Sarcoma (in the front elbow) which the surgeon recommended amputation followed by chemo. We amputated just over 5 months ago, and he has been great (with the occasional exception) with everything. We decided to do 4 rounds of chemo (CCNU, lomustine) which was done orally with minimal side effects except elevated liver enzymes.
I also wanted to look at some alternative treatments and was referred to a highly regarded homeopathic vet, Dr Charles Loops, who treats mainly canines with cancer. We have been working with Dr Loops for almost 3+ months now, and so-far so good. If you would like to contact Dr Loops, just do a search in this community.
Good luck with everything
Stirling and Tahoe
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
mytahoe said
I also wanted to look at some alternative treatments and was referred to a highly regarded homeopathic vet, Dr Charles Loops, who treats mainly canines with cancer. We have been working with Dr Loops for almost 3+ months now, and so-far so good. If you would like to contact Dr Loops, just do a search in this community.
Glad he's working out for Tahoe! Here are search results links to Tripawds Nutrition blog posts featuring Dr. Loops. Scroll down and the earliest post tells all about him I believe.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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