Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Greetings Tripawd Community - our beautiful dog Jake, who was 14 in June lost his left front leg to Osteosarcoma one year ago today and one month after the amputation he started Carboplatin drip Chemo every month since. We also started him on a Chinese herb shortly after the amputation to help fight the cancer - Wei Qi Booster, 2 x daily. When they did the first follow up x-ray on him in late December they saw 2 small nodes on his lung and decided to add Palladia 3 x a week in addition to his monthly Carboplatin therapy. Since then he has had 2 rounds of x-rays (each 3 months apart) and it he has been all clear no signs of the Osteosarcoma thankfully. He has been tolerating both meds very well, really no problems at all. So the Oncologist moved him to 2x a week on Palladia back in June.
We brought him in for his monthly Carboplatin drip last week and based on somewhat low platelet count they postponed one week. We brought him back this week and the platelets are only slightly better but there is also low Neutrophil, so once again postponed Carboplatin for a week and told us to skip 1 week off of the Palladia. We go back next week for another to check bloodwork and if better he will get his Carboplatin. Jake is doing well, eating well, energetic and pretty much himself. I am wondering if anyone in the community has had experience with long term chemo using these or similar drugs - it seems like a long time to be on the meds and now the bloodwork is presenting the side effects. So thought I would come here and see if anyone had similar experiences or insights. Thanks in advance for any info! 
Hi Ron, it was so nice chatting with you today. I'm glad you stopped by and posted about Jake. What an amazing senior Tripawd! It's simply awesome that he's beating the odds and thriving! TAKE THAT CANCER!!! 
I love the treatment he's getting too. As you mentioned, Dr. Brooke Britton of NYC's Blue Pearl is the one who got him started on the long term chemo. I'm going to reach out to her to see if we can get her on Tripawd Talk Radio . There aren't too many Tripawds members who have received this kind of chemo treatment. Based on Jake's experience, this sounds really promising!
Anyhoo, to address your concerns about low platelets and neutrophils, as I mentioned, we didn't do chemo but have had many members go through the same experience, and from all accounts, it's a pretty common and temporary situation. I'm hoping some folks will chime in here about their experiences, but meanwhile here are some forum search results that may give you some insight on how common this really is:
https://tripawd.....s/#p174035
https://tripawd.....s/#p101602
https://tripawd.....er/#p78716
And lots of search results about low neutrophils
I hope this helps!
PS Please consider sending us a Tripawd Tuesday story, we would love to share Jake's story far and wide!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
First of all, YAY TO YOU AND JAKE!! To have a senior dog kicking this piece of crap in the butt inspires everyone!!! Jake is truly a Beacon of Hope for newbies, especially senior newbies!
Can't address your situation as my Happy Hannah's Onco recommended for rounds of Carboplatin. I know some recommend five, some six. And generically we see Palladia suggested if mets show up. At least that my recollection....may be off base.
I fo know that the blood work you are experiencing does happen. And it does mean a session may be skipped while a dog is often given an antibiotic. Sometimes the next dose is reduced too. I can't address this happening at this point after chemo and Pallidia for this length of time.
Jake is doing great and that's all that matters!-!
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!
Hey Ron and Jake, how are things going? Around here we like to think no news is good news so feel free to update when you can. We are interviewing Dr. Britton today for Tripawd Talk Radio , and thinking of you two!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Greetings, we are happy to say that Jake is doing great. We had to postpone the September Chemo (Carboplatin) for two weeks so he ended up getting his in mid September, when the platelet count was in an acceptable range. The Oncologist asked us to hold off on the Palladia until the October check up.
We brought him in yesterday for his monthly Chemo treatment and quarterly X-rays all went well, he had the treatment and the X-rays are clear! We are very thankful and know we are fortunate. The Oncologist also told us to start the Palladia again next week, he takes 2 pills a week.
We will continue to update the community and we appreciate all the support! - Ron, Brian & Jake
So happy to read how well Jake is doing! Clear xrays....wonderful news!!!
This calls for a drive thru cheeseburger and a scoop,of oce cream....just one small scoop😎
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!
Wheeeee! Let's hear it for Jake's pack! Best. Pupdate. EVER!!!
It's always such a joy to know how a member is doing after being away for a while. We like to think "no news is good news" around here and you've proved that to be true yet again. GO JAKE!!!!
Everypawdy stay tuned, we will have a full tripawd talk podcast with Jake's oncologist, coming up soon.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Spectacular pictures! Beautiful backdrop to celebrate Jake enjoying being Jake!😎
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!
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