Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Wow...what a horrible day...where to begin...
The past couple of months have been a whirlwind of problems...Lily recovered so beautifully from her left front amputation on 5/29/12. Unfortunately, Lily had some spleen metastasis that was diagnosed about 1.5 months ago. She had a splenectomy and was recovering well postoperatively, except for a right rear limp that came on pretty quickly postoperatively. I took her to my vet where they took radiographs that were otherwise 'clean.' Vet thought that it was likely arthritis or something ligamentous given the additional strain on the three remaining legs. Put Lily on Metacam (has been doing well on that) and we followed up with A&M today for further testing and chemo. Further testing today included chest x rays, a repeat abdominal ultrasound and a nuclear bone scan (to look for early metastasis).
The chest x rays revealed small, early lung mets and the bone scan revealed mets to her right femur and to her neck...I'm so dejected...we've fought so hard and can't catch a break. We were initially on Carboplatin (she got 3 doses )and then switched to Doxorubicin after the spleen mets were found. She got one dose of Doxorubicin before we found all the other mets today...
Now, they want to switch Lily to Palladia and metronomic therapy...which I completely agree with (I hope she tolerates the Palladia). I don't know whether or not to do palliative radiation to the bone met sites now or wait or even do it at all (it's a little pricey ~ $1500-2000 total for up to 4 treatments)...Lily's spread of cancer has been so aggressive....Her pain seems to be well controlled on Metacam now and the occasional (maybe twice a week) dose of Tramadol as needed...I'm considering stopping most of the naturopathic therapies that she has been on religiously since this all began since they don't seem to be helping slow the osteosarcoma mets...I just don't know how to proceed anymore....
Other than the slight limp, she's the spirited 3 legged, spoiled monster that I know and love and that keeps me fighting for her quality of life!
For those that are on or have been on metronomic therapy...what meds have you chosen...cyclophosphamide or chlorambucil? I'm leaning towards chlorambucil (even though its more expensive) because it doesn't have the potential urinary side effects (the hemorrhagic cystitis) that cyclophosphamide does...any other options out there that you think I should consider?
Thank you all....don't know what I would do without this site!
Allison and Lily
Lily is 9 y/o Shepherd/Lab/Pit mix who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma 5/26/2012. Left front ampuversary 5/29/12. Eastern and Western medicine used to attack the cancer. Splenectomy secondary to mets 8/24/12. Mets to right rear femur, neck and lungs 9/21/12. Sweet Lily fought hard for 4 months and earned her wings on 9/27/12. Run free and chase those squirrels my love bug!
I am so sorry to hear about Lily's latest diagnosis. The cancer journey is never an easy one. It sounds like you have a great team of doctors leading you. Keep doing your research and asking those questions. Keep Lily's best interest at heart and there will be no wrong decisions.
Regardless of how much time we are given, it is never enough. No matter how prepared we think we are, we really are not.
So wish I could comment on the treatment options, but I have no experience with any of the ones you are considering.
Lots of good thoughts to you and Lily. And don't forget, no matter what statistics tell you, there is no timestamp on their butts - no expiration dates. Live each and every day to its fullest and build those beautiful, lasting memories.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Allison that is indeed rough, I'm so sorry. I know you're doing all you can for Lily and it just stinks that the cancer isn't playing by the rules. Unfortunately this is the kind of situation where you have to really analyze whether or not more treatments and more expense is going to make you more stressed out, and in turn, make Lily more upset to see you stressed out. Because ultimately all dogs want is to spend their time having fun, not being worried about their pawrents. Remember, she doesn't know what the reports said today, all she wants is for you to be happy.
I think your onco doc's plan is a good one. We did metronomic therapy and used cyclophosphamide (cytoxan). I didn't have any side effects but some dogs like Angel Zeus, did and yes, girl dogs have a higher risk of contracting a UTI if the drug isn't flushed from their system within a few hours. There are risks with both metronomic drugs, I would ask your vet to recommend one. Sounds like your docs are really great, you're so lucky to be working with them.
Again I'm sorry you got such stinky news. I hope we can help you feel better about making a decision.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm really sorry to hear this news about Lily. Please know that all of the Tripawd Nation is thinking of her and sending positive thoughts her way (and yours too).
Our Max did the MP with cytoxan. He did not have any side effects either; we were also prescribed a diuretic (Lasix) to make sure his pee would be okay (sometimes Cytoxan can cause some issues, as Jerry mentioned). Max did really well on the MP for several months, but eventually, lung mets were discovered.
I will be praying and thinking of Lily. You are Lily's advocate, and you will make the right choices for her because you love her so much. Hang in there, and stay strong for your girl.
I am so sorry to hear this news. I can't offer you any advice on the metronmics accept to add that if you are using Palladia make sure you are given something to protect Lily's stomach.
And to reitrate Hugapitbull - "Regardless of how much time we are given, it is never enough. No matter how prepared we think we are, we really are not." Enjoy each moment together, consider each day a gift, not a given.
Be strong. We are here for you.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
First, I am so sorry to read your post. It's heartbreaking when you are doing everything right and then this happens.
My only experience with metronomic chemo is chlorambucil. Harley was on this for two month this summer. We really are not sure what type of cancer he has. The tumor on his limb came back as benign twice and it was not until the morning his amp was scheduled that chest xrays showed two masses. they were already large -- about 4 and 6 cm. A FNA of the larger one could only confirm cancer but not specifically what kind. So, maybe the chlorambucil has helped to slow tumor growth or maybe he just has slow growing cancer. He just had surgery Thurs and after stitches are out we will try another metronomic -- cytoxan and piroxicam.
Hoping for the best and hugs for you and Lily.
Harley is an 8 year old Golden Retriever. Amp surgery for an infiltrative lipoma canceled due to two masses in chest. A rescue, he found his forever home on 3/18/07 and left for his eternal home on 1/09/13. His story and medical history are at http://myharley.....pawds.com/
I am so sorry to hear your news. I really can't offer you any advice on this subject, but I just wanted to say that you are in my thoughts and prayers...I hope you get some sort of relief soon...HUGS!!!
Roxy…Border Collie cross born on approximately October 27th, 2011;
Rescued in January 2012 by Oops a Dazy Rescue & Sanctuary;
Right hind leg amputated on January 20th, 2012 due to a severe spiral fracture;
Adopted on February 21st, 2012 by Teena, a devoted human & Charlee, a purebred BC.
Hugs, tail wags & sloppy kisses
Sorry to hear things are not going better for Lily.
We did Palladia alternated with cytoxan and Piroxicam every other day. Abby only was on the Palladia for 3 months as her GI issues got worse on it. Then we went to the cytoxan/Piroxicam every day.
I hope the treatment helps. There is never enough time with our sweet pups.
Hang in there,
Jackie, angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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