Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Good morning! With a foot of new snow on the ground, Winnie is supposed to start metronomic chemo today. But, I have some questions and am hoping for some advice:
1. She has been given Cyclophosphamide but I've read (I think here) that there may be some better options.
2. I'm supposed to wear gloves when I give it to her. Does that mean she'll always be a little toxic? What if she licks my nephew?
3. I've also been told that I have to be sure she is able to pee whenever she wants for 6 hours after I give her the pill. I don't have that kind of window so I'm trying to figure out -- dog door or dog sitter?
Anyway, beside that Winnie is doing ok. We're coming up on our one month ampuversary. She starts physical therapy next week. Those people are amazing and promise me they'll make her strong.
Would love to know your thoughts.
Glad to hear Winnie is doing well! One month already? Woowwweee! You're both to be congratulated for making it this far and being so upbeat, you're pawesome!
OK as far as metronomic therapy, have you checked out this Tips & Resources info? Whenever we have new info about metronomics we try to remember to include it here (you can also click on the "metronomics " link anytime you see it, it will take you there).
1. She has been given Cyclophosphamide but I've read (I think here) that there may be some better options.
That depends on who you ask. Cyclophosphamide (cytoxan) is the de-facto metronomics drug of choice by most vets. Ask Dr. Biller and she will tell you why she prefers it (longer track record of success). Ask Dr. Intile and she'll tell you why she uses Leukeran (less potential side effects).
2. I'm supposed to wear gloves when I give it to her. Does that mean she'll always be a little toxic? What if she licks my nephew?
No she's not an Atomic Dog 
Here's a great post about precautions to take: Tips for Giving Your Dog or Cat Metronomic Chemotherapy at Home, Safely
3. I've also been told that I have to be sure she is able to pee whenever she wants for 6 hours after I give her the pill. I don't have that kind of window so I'm trying to figure out -- dog door or dog sitter?
Dog door should be fine. You just want to make sure she has easy access to go so it gets out of her system as quickly as possible.
If you haven't done so already, I highly recommend The Dog Cancer Survival Guide, the book is great reading and the kit is so informative when you're on this journey.
Let us know what other questions you have!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Soooooo glad to hear from yo and to know Winnieis doing well!! Such good news!!
But a poat without a picture of that sweet girl?? Wjat were you thinking??? And the crowd roars, "We need picutres of Winnie!" 
Glad you've got a plan for moving forward. I kow tjat's a relief!
And yeah, I oly did Cytoxon for a couple of weeks and you just had to wear gloves while handling the pill itself...not the dog!!
She's going to do real well...just o e of those "feelings"!
Tha ks for the wonderful update!
Hugs and love to all!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
You guys are all so amazing. Don't know where we'd be without you. Thank you! Pics coming soon!
I had Jill on Leukeran for a bit (she did not tolerate it well, she lost a ton of weight which is apparently a very very rare side effect of Leukeran and more common in Kittys, Jill is a cat, than in dogs).
We decided to go with leukeran because she was already having some urine issues, and cytoxan can cause urinary issues - cytosis.
As for the wearing gloves, it was explained to me that you shouldn't come in direct contact with the medication, but your pet with not be toxic, just wear gloves when cleaning up after their pee and poop.
All the links that Jerry gave you have really great information.
Good luck!
xoxo,
Erica & Jill
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
Libby switched from cytoxan to leukeran due to cystitis. The leukeran is being compounded at a local pharmacy and I asked about the gloves because the cytoxan bottle (compounded at an out of state pharmacy) said to wear gloves. The local pharmacist said I didn't have to because the medicine was contained inside the capsule.
I make sure I give the chemo pill in the morning so she has all day to drink water and keep her system flushed.
Like Erica said, Jerry gave you lots of good links to read. Good luck!
Amy & Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
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