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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Number of carboplatin doses and pressure sore
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Member Since:
19 January 2020
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1
29 April 2020 - 2:29 am
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Hi everyone,

I hope you're all keeping well under the current circumstances. I've not been on for a while as life tends to get in the way but Ava's doing well mostly, she has some bad days but on the whole she's good and we got to celebrate her 11th birthday which I'm so thankful for. I just had a couple of questions if people don't mind sharing their experience. 

Firstly the vet has recommended between 4 and 6 doses of carboplatin, we're up to dose 3 so I was wondering what others had done? 4 or 6 doses? Is it a case that more is better? She seems to be tolerating it well but I'm also aware that even with the chemo she may not get that much time and I want to make sure what she gets is quality time. 

Secondly she seems to have developed a sort of pressure sore on her back hock, the opposite side to the front leg that was amputated. The vet seems to think it's because of how she's having to get up and down now. I'm struggling with trying to protect it though, anything I try to put on there slips down because of where it is on her leg so I wondered of anyone here had had the same problem and had any ideas on how to get round it? 

Member Since:
4 April 2019
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29 April 2020 - 4:46 am
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First of all I want to thank you for the kind email you sent me! I am so happy that Brownie helped you with your decision to amputate due to him doing so well, and Ava being a senior . You know what they say, Its all worth it if you can jist help one!

Brownie also developed a pressure sore on his elbow, because he liked laying on the hard floor and all his weight would shift to that side. I took a toddlers sock and cut the foot out and used it as a sleeve. I know there have been some members do some really creative things, and you can also buy sleeves, socks and such to protect it. Over time the skin in that area seemed to toughen up.

Again, thank you for the email, It really filled my heart with joy, and I needed to read those words. I know Brownie is looking down and smiling!

Give that beautiful big Ava a big hug from us!

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

Member Since:
4 April 2019
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29 April 2020 - 5:11 am
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When Brownie saw the oncologist they suggested 6 rounds of carboplatin at three weeks apart. Of course each dog and case are different. 

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

Member Since:
19 January 2020
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29 April 2020 - 5:25 am
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You're welcome, honestly you were such a huge help back in January when everything happened. Everyone here's been lovely and supportive but seeing your gorgeous boy Brownie and hearing how he'd got through it all just helped me feel so much more positive.

The sock idea is brilliant and well timed, I'd been through all my son's old clothes that he's grown out of and so had some of his toddler socks, she's got one on and so far it's staying on so thank you 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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29 April 2020 - 6:33 am
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Good to hear sweet Ava is doing so well!  YAY!  

Wonderful that Brownie and Nancy were abe to inspire you with their story and help you move forward in making the best decision for Ava❤  Yeah, that Brownie beat the odds with gusto!😎

Yes, some do four rounds, some five, some six.  My Happy Hannah did four rounds and this was what jer Onco suggested.  She actually used the quote that often "less is more".  I felt comfortable with that based on our conversations and why she  suggested four..  

I just felt like, even though she didn't  mind Vet trips, it was just time to stop the poking and prodding and be "Vet free".  

As you know, there is no right, no wrong.  Some feel five or six is an extra dose of good, some feel four is ample.  And, as you know, some do no chemo and all and have a qreat extended  quality  time like Brownie!

You can also search pressure sores on here and I think you'll find some used high grade medical Manuka Honey.

Give Ava a big smooch for us!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

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!

Member Since:
4 April 2019
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29 April 2020 - 7:10 am
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Thank you guys for speaking so highly of Brownie! He was A fighter.  I am so happy that him being so stubbrand paid off!

Give Ava a big hug, and happy to hear the sock idea is working!

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

Member Since:
19 January 2020
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7
29 April 2020 - 10:55 am
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Thank you Sally, my vet hasn't expressed a preference she's just said between 4 and 6 treatments so as we're getting close to the 4th I just wanted to get an idea of what to do for the best. As you said Brownie did amazingly with no chemo but I just find it hard knowing what to do for the best. I think I'm leaning towards stopping at 4, she doesn't really like being left at the vets and if she possibly doesn't have long I'd rather it's quality and be done with all the prodding and vet trips but at the same time I've got in my mind we've got this far will 2 more sessions get her longer and I know no one knows that. I was saying to Nancy that's what's so hard about this is making decisions and having no idea what would happen if you'd made the other, there's a lot of what ifs

Member Since:
4 April 2019
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29 April 2020 - 2:29 pm
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There are so many what if...

 When we saw the oncologist and they told me with chemo maybe 10 months. Also, with the job I had at the time, I would of had to drop Brownie off in the morning. Leave him there all day, and pick him up after work. I know Brownie would of hated that, and I did not want to stress him out.  Also the appointments in between. At the Hollostic vet I was able to be with him during his treatments, so he was ok with that. So when they told me three months without chemo, I said it's gonna be the best three months of his life, and I'm going to let him be a dog! Who knew he would live an additional year and eight days. 

Years ago I had a shepherd who loved going to chemo! I would say " Charlee, it's time to go to chemo", and she would hop to the truck, and drag me down the hall when we got there. So I feel chemo was the right decision for her. She also lived an additional year. 

Every dog is different. You know your dog better then anyone, so I know you will make the right decision on her behalf...

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

New York, NY
Member Since:
24 March 2020
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9
29 April 2020 - 3:00 pm
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Hi Ava's human!  I'm Stacy, Griffin's mama.  I've been struggling with the chemo decision, too, and started a new topic under Ask A Vet about Chemotherapy Protocols.  I just posted a bunch of question/answer information there I obtained from a series of emails between me and Griffin's oncologists.  I also posted about the decision I made in Griffin's Journey.  I hope those posts are helpful to you! ~ Stacy

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

Member Since:
4 April 2019
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29 April 2020 - 4:33 pm
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I know you have a connection with Ava, because I could always tell by your words.  I know because I had the same connection with Brownie.  Look into Ava's eyes, and feel her heart and you will get your answer.

I asked myself what if I would of done chemo?  Would Brownie lived two years? I don't know, but what I do know is he was happy and had quality time.

It is good to ask the questions to your oncologist as Stacy did.

In the end you have to do what is best for Ava and your family. You will make the right decision

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

Member Since:
19 January 2020
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11
29 April 2020 - 11:26 pm
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Hi Stacy, aww isn't Griffin adorable sp_hearticon2 I hope he's doing ok. Thank you so much for the information, it's really helpful so thank you for taking the time to post. 

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