Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Sorry for not going into the history as others but I'm in I need of some quick answers or minimally some advice. After amputation, 4 rounds of chemo, torn acl on his remaining rear leg, starting Palladia last week due to newly discovered lung mets, I'm beginning to think he's tired of fighting. This morning he was lying in his own vomit - only attempted to get up twice - can't get him outside to pee -won't take any food & has been sleeping all day. He has not urinated in close to 19 hrs. His vomit was bright yellow. Waiting to hear from his vet/oncologist. Has anyone experience any of these symptoms and if so, what can be expected. Thanks for your response.
Hi Baron,
So sorry to hear all that you are going through right now. That is really rough. How long ago was the amputation and what size dog do you have?
If you only just started the Palladia the vomiting and weakness could definitely be due to that so I would NOT give any more Palladia until talking to your oncologist. Are you giving him Pepcid or any other kind of GI protectants? I'm sure your vet will discuss this with you if you're not.
Hopefully, if the vomiting is from the Palladia, he will recover fairly quickly. Is your dog scheduled for more chemo? Some dogs get 4 rounds, some get 6.
If your pooch has not had very recent blood work, your vet may want to get that too to see what is going on with his internal systems.
Try not to panic (easier said than done, I know), and keep your pooch as comfy as possible until you're able to get a hold of your docs.
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
Webster is 13 yo & was 60 lbs. at the time of amputation 11/12. His weight continues to drop & is approx. 47#'s currently. This morning vet had me hold off on his Palladia for two days & his scheduled piroxicam for tomorrow. He is also taking several meds. To aid in his digestion & ulcer prevention. Unfortunately he refuses to takethose today.
Unfortunately, some dogs just don't tolerate Palladia. It could be that feeling crappy on top of the ACL tear is making him not want to eat or get up.
I worry about him becoming dehydrated. Can you take him in to your vet to get him checked out or are you waiting for a call back first?
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
He is drinking water (in a lying down position & only when I bring it to him!), so I'm not concerned about dehydration. My concern in the vomiting is that it isn't related to all his meds as I was told that dogs who don't tolerate Palladia will show signs immediately. He has been on it for over a week. His most recent blood test 2 wks. Ago showed an elevated liver enzyme- & ultrasound revealed clean organs but that is when his lung mets showed up.
I have no expertise to offer but you are getting great info. from others...I can say that with carboplatin "thet " say side effects usually show up between three--five days. You will see plenty of people on the site who had experiences court ten plus days later so it could indeed be some delayed effects to the Palladia.
Just keep loving and spoiling Webster as he knows you are doing everything out of love. Keep trying g to get his good meds in him-----I'm sure you've tried all the tricks---baby food, cheese , ice cream, etc.
You are doing such a good job. I know (believe me, I know), trying to stay cal. When your Webster is of feeling good is really hard.
So all I can offer is surrounding you and Webster with gentle, healing love and an infusion of serenity and calm and peace------o'kay, it's now being installed and you should be able to breathe a little easier! We are all here for you.
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!
Webster and family, we are sending you lots of pawsitive energy and hope that the new advice from your vet will help you feel better. You might want to try adding some finely grated ginger to Webster's food, ginger is great comfort for upset bellies.
I too would want to make sure he can urinate; if he's drinking water but not eliminating, that's a concern but handled at your vet's office very easily. That does happen sometimes and usually it's just a matter of getting some help. Did your vet say anything about that? In general if a dog doesn't urinate in 12-15 hours it's time for a vet visit.
Hang in there. Hopefully this is just a side effect of the Palladia. One week on meds isn't a long time, so this could be the problem. The hardest part of this journey is just taking things one day at a time. We'll be with you every step of the way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
He finally urinated @2:30 this am but still won't eat & very weak. It has been 48 hrs. Since he last ate & it wasn't very much. I've tried every food group to no avail. Is this a common reaction to Palladia? Based on the past few days, I'm debating the continuation of this therapy. Has anyone tried and stopped Palladia?
I know you celebrated the pee--whew! What has vet said and did they say bring Webster in? Sorry, no experience with Palladia, just letting our know I'm thinking of you
Walking by your side, 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!
I'm glad that he finally went.
There are a few members here who have stopped Palladia because of side effects, I'm sure they will chime in.
Not every treatment is right for every dog. Remember, if Webster's quality of life isn't what it needs to be, you can always stop treatment no matter what treatment he's on. All he wants is for you to be happy and for him to feel good. You are still a good dog parent if you discontinue.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. Hope that today is much better.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Vet appt. is tomorrow morning. She is very concerned by the long lasting reaction after he came off the Palladia - apparently the effects are supposed to dissipate in 24 hrs. It is now going into day 4 drug free & he is sooooo lethargic and weak. I was able to get him to take a couple spoonfuls of homemade chicken soup (......and in reading these boards, I know I'm not the only "helicopter mom" to my baby!!). I gave him a sponge bath hoping it would energize hIm & it did for about an hour. He has been sleeping all day again.
Thanks for all the support - for the past few months I was only a curious lurker, now I am one of many who have the opportunity to voice their concerns, fears and hopefully after tomorrow's appt., optimism.
You will so much better after vet visit and you can develop a plan for whatever the challenge is. Perked up from a sponge bath? That's encouraging and chicken soup is indeed a nurturing source of sustenance. Did forget to ask you earlier about taking his temp but it can wait for vet visit. Get some rest tonight and get lots of hugs and kisses from Mr. Webster and know that all is well--you are together--he knows he is loved and that makes Webster a happy boy.
We are all here for you and walking by our side.
Please update when you can
Sending healing energy your way.....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!
It is with great peace and comfort that a decision has been made to remove Webster from all meds except metoclopramide and piroxicam for his arthritis and torn acl. My little guy, through his eyes & actions this past week, told me he did not want to pursue the treatment as the effects were worse than the disease. The time remaining will be spent on his terms & not mine. I love him too much to deny him the quality of life because I want him here for me. Thank you all for your support and understanding.
We're so sorry, we know how hard it is to reach that point in this disease. On the one hand it's heartbreaking, on the other it's a relief and peaceful knowing that medicine won't interfere with your daily life anymore.
None of us ever knows how much time we have left. This disease really teaches us to live every moment to the fullest doesn't it?
Give Webster a big big hug from us. Whatever happens next, know that you can come here for support.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am new to this thread. I'm so sad for you. What an ordeal! I'd freak out and skip work just to be with my pup in that condition. In his own vomit? That color vomit reminds me of a time when Jackson's tummy was really upset. It was due to some new kibble we tried (and trashed! Happily!). Maybe Webster's condition was brought on by Palladia or something else? Poor guy. But, he should start to feel a little better soon....right? Maybe more appetite? Maybe some more movement? When he starts to feel a little better, can you have a special person come over to cheer him up? Ohhhh, my thoughts are with you guys. It's tough. You're fighting hard and it's clear he's trying too....I hope he perks up a bit more now that his drug program is slimmed. PLEASE keep us posted!
~ Katy
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!
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