Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone - our dog, Tucker, was just diagnosed with osteosarcoma. He is 11 years old, but still quite active and otherwise healthy. We're debating a few treatment options, but we know that we need to act quickly. We are considering stereotactic radiation as an option to save his limb (rear right), but we're not completely opposed to amputation. Amputation sounded shocking initially, but we've become more comfortable with the idea as we've read more about it. Any thoughts from those who have gone one way or another or explored both of these?
Also, we're very interested in the ELIAS vaccine as an alternative to chemo. Unfortunately, no in our state seems to offer it, but we're willing to travel to receive it. We've been reading as much as possible about it, but there just seems to be limited information because of its newness. I'd love to hear more from anyone who did do it, or even those who considered it and why they went a different route.
Thanks so much everyone. Tucker is my souldog, and this has been really tough to make a quick decision while also processing my emotions.
Hi Brian and Tucker, welcome to the club nopawdy wants to join! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away!
I will have some feedback in the morning. For now here is some info on the Elias vaccine and other immunotherapies:
https://tripawd.....notherapy/
And one story on stereotactic radiation therapy (I will do a deeper search tomorrow):
https://tripawd.....tive-care/
Back tomorrow!
Hey Brian,
You need to do what's best for your family and Tucker, this is my opinion for my situation. My Ellie is 7 and also in great health except for this, I can tell you I decided to do amputation for a few reasons. I read that radiation can help, but often times owners end up amputating anyway farther down the line. My biggest goal was to get Ellie pain free as quickly as possible- amputation was that route hands down. Yes the initial surgery is shocking and it is major, but the tumor in Ellie's leg was extremely painful and only getting worse, radiation helps with that, but doesn't take it completely away (To be clear this was my conversation with my oncologist about Ellie's particular tumor which was pretty large and at risk of fracture).
Part of me wishes I had looked harder into the ELIAS vaccine for Ellie, but no sense doing the what ifs at this point. With that said Riley recently went through it so his parent, Bill, would probably be a great one to ask questions of! He has a few forums on here, I think this one goes over most of Riley's vaccine journey.
Hey Ellie, and thanks so much for your reply. I've been trying to read any ELIAS related forum posts, but somehow missed Bill's, so thank you for pointing me in that direction. That has already helped immensely.
I know what you mean about questioning your decisions - the options seem overwhelming and yet we have to make quick decisions for the best prognosis. It's incredibly challenging. I've never felt so indecisive, and I'm sure there are factors and options that I'm not even considering. I faced the hard decision today of cancelling an amputation at UGA tomorrow so that we can go to another clinic next week that offers the vaccine. I have no idea if that was the right decision, and I guess I'll never really know. I will just have to follow your strong lead and try not to second guess myself.
It sounds like you've done a great job of navigating all of this for Ellie. I'm sure she's proud of you 🙂 Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions and provide more information. Although I hate that this community needs to exist, it's really heartwarming the way everyone supports each other. I'm so glad I found this incredible resource.
We are right here by uour side regardless of how you move ,forward. You clearly love your sweet Tucker and only have his best interest at heart.
We can all relate to the indecisiveness with which path to take that this crazy journey thrusts upon us.
I read that radiation can help, but often times owners end up amputating anyway farther down the line
And yes, as Whitney pointed out, the radiation can help but amputation is often the end result anyway. Of course, not always the case, When talking with an Oncologistregarding that, ask about likelihood of fracture.
Cancellation of the surgery and waiting until you can discuss the vaccine next week shouldn't be a problem at all. You are covering all your bases and doing a great job of research.
BTW any decision made out of the depth of love you have for Tucker is ALWAYS the right decision!♥️
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!
Whitney thank you for pointing to Bill's posts, I completely spaced on those. I'm sure he would be happy to answer questions via PM. Maybe we should do an interview with him for tripawd talk . Hmm...
I agree that you made a decision that works for you and Tucker. The more information you have the more empowered you will feel and the better the recovery will be.
Brian,
No problem! Bill has a few forum posts on here for Riley, I know there's a more recent one tracking Riley's progress in case you hadn't seen it and are looking for updates.
The indecisiveness is SO hard! between the not being able to read your dogs mind, to the money on pretty rough timelines of survival, to the science. We are the not so lucky ones to be a part of a time where all these incredible studies are going on but our dogs are still the guinea pigs. It's enough to drive anyone mad. You are doing amazing and have faith you will make the best decision for Tucker and your family!
Postponing the surgery makes sense. I would need to find the post, but there was a gal who had the amputation and they collected the samples they needed to make the vaccine, but she didn't start it immediately, I wonder if that's something your original vet could do? I'll track down that forum and post it.
Jerry,
You should! He already got interviewed once, so he's basically an expert now, right? haha. and no problem, I follow a few forums on here versus you following ALL of them, so much knowledge sharing!
Reach out to Bio Research Labs regarding a Cancer vaccine! We use them and they are awesome!!! You have to go through a veterinarian to get this but I would suggest Dr. Deva Khalsa (holistic vet). You're able to do consults with her over the phone. She's a freaking genius. My bulldog is 5 and was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in may 2023. We've taken a completely holistic approach and he's doing great. Besides some issues with nerve and muscle from amputation that the chiropractor is working on. Ramaekers Nutrition Vet Immune Powder and the Daily supplement are incredible. They can be a little pricey depending on dog size but are so worth it. Best of luck on your journey with your baby!
Summer said
Reach out to Bio Research Labs regarding a Cancer vaccine! We use them and they are awesome!!!
Thanks for that info Summer. Do you happen to have a link to them? I see one to Dr. Khalsa but not to the company itself.
Really glad your dog is doing well! Feel free to keep us posted in a new topic so we can follow along.
Postponing the surgery makes sense. I would need to find the post, but there was a gal who had the amputation and they collected the samples they needed to make the vaccine, but she didn't start it immediately, I wonder if that's something your original vet could do? I'll track down that forum and post it.
Hi All,
I'm new and found myself here as many of you did, I'm assuming, due to a surprise diagnosis of osteosarcoma in our 8 year old Pyrenees mix's left hind leg. I am interested in the immunotherapy option but none of the clinics in my area have consultation appointments available until mid-September, which isn't a good option given that our girl is in pain and we want to get the primary tumor removed ASAP. Curious if the forum quoted above was ever tracked down and if it can be posted again or shared with me? Thanks in advance for the assistance!
Hi Jeremi, thanks for joining and sorry you had to! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval. Please consider starting an all new topic here about your dog so we can help you better. Over there, please mention what specific info you are looking for and we will try to help.
I agree, getting the tumor removed asap is so important.
I'm honestly not sure what forum topic Whitney was referring to but hopefully she will see this.
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