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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Marley starts Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) tomorrow
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Member Since:
24 January 2009
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26 February 2009 - 5:20 pm
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Since Marley has liver issues (ALT level is over 500 right now, 5xs the normal) we won't be using NCCU, the best drug for hystiocytic sarcoma. We start on Doxorubicin tomorrow instead. I've been told the response rate will be 20% with the Doxo instead of 40% if we were to use NCCU. But the chance of her going into complete and irreversible liver failure with the NCCU (6% chance for dogs without liver issues) was too great. So I just received a printout of info from my vet on Doxorubicin and it talks about the risk of the injection leaking into the tissue surrounding the vein, and extreme reaction can occur - the tissue will die and rot away, leaving a large unhealing wound and amputation may be required. I'm assuming this is rare, but seriously - what next?? also, I'm reading that it can affect the heart and that many oncologists will ultrasound the patient's heart before delivering the drug. 

Just wondering what others' experiences have been with this drug? Did your oncologist ultrasound the heart first? (our oncologist did not mention it)

Thanks everyone! 

Holly and Marley

Northern CA
Member Since:
23 December 2008
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26 February 2009 - 6:39 pm
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Holly,

Wrigley had one round of Doxorubicin- we were alternating Carboplatin and Doxorubicin. I too read about the "leaking"  and side effects and asked my oncologist a million questions.  She put my mind at ease by assuring me that 2 nurses would be with Wrigley during the entire time of the administration of this agent- one adminsters, one holds her down. She would be monitored at all times, not once would she be left alone- that made me feel better. She said she has never had an incident of this happening.

As far as the heart- Wrigley is a Shepherd mix ( most likely with Australian Cattle Dog) and because these breeds are not ususally prone to heart problems, the oncloogist did not feel this would be a great risk. We were offered the heart ultrasound if it would make us feel better, but did not do it since the vet did not really feel is was necessary.

As far as the other side effects- Wrigley did seem to pant a bit more on the Doxo than the Carbo ( I thought, my husband didn't really think so ).She vomited her breakfast and dinner on day 10 - and she had mile diarhea on day 4/5 after treatment. Those were really the only side effects.

She was due to have another 2 rounds of each of the drugs, but we have stopped chemo treatments because prior to her third round they did find lung mets. So we are living one day at a time for now.

Good luck to you- try not to worry.

We wish you all the best.

Seanne and Wrigley

Seanne and Angel Wrigley

Member Since:
24 January 2009
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26 February 2009 - 7:26 pm
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Oh Seanne, 

thank you so much - I will now be able to sleep better tonight. I was so very sad to hear the news about Wrigley's lung mets. the inevitable news that we'll all have to face at some point. Gosh, aren't we lucky we have each other as we're going through this. 

Holly and Marley


Member Since:
22 August 2008
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26 February 2009 - 8:12 pm
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I agree that doxorubricin is the best choice for Marley!  I would not worry about her heart since Labs are not prone to cardiomyopathy.  This drug does do horrible damage if it leaks out of the vein but all vets are well aware of this and take extra precautions to make sure that the catheter goes in properly.

Please keep us updated on her condition..

Pam and Tazzie

Northern CA
Member Since:
23 December 2008
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26 February 2009 - 8:25 pm
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Holly,

I can't imagine this journey without my tripawd friends- let me know if you have any other questions- try not to worry- it will all be fine.

Keep us posted on how Marley does and give him a big hug from us.

Seanne and Wrigley

Seanne and Angel Wrigley

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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26 February 2009 - 8:40 pm
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Thanks for starting this important discussion and sharing all the details. It is certain to help others down the road.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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