Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Snoop had his oncology consultation today. Was difficult for numerous reasons. The oncologist stated that Snoop has a high grade osteo of the right distal radius removed by amputation. All this we know. It was not specific in classification. She said that this really doesn't affect the recommended treatment. She has recommended 6 rounds of chemo, alternating carbo and doxorubicin every three weeks. We discussed the risk of damage to the heart muscle of doxorubicin and she said they could give Snoop an ECG as he is ongoing with treatment. She stated thAt dogs that are able to complete the 6 total treatments have a median survival rate of 1.5 yrs. This is more guarded for high grade of a survival 8-12 months.she also recommended to start metronomic in conjunction to his chemo treatment.. Doxicycline and a low dose of Cytoxan with Dermaxx. After the two doses of standard chemos she wants to add in Cyclophosphamide.
I found this consult challenging on many levels. I found asking questions were a difficult in obtaining explanations,I had not read of any one doing chemo and metronomic simultaneously, which concerned us greatly. Her answer was that because its low dose it takes a while for this to work and why wait the 4 months to start after his chemo treatment. Has anyone been advised this or are familiar in any way.
To sum up our feelings about the consult is that we have opted to have another consult from a different onco. Since we knew we were going to do chemo we started Snoop on first round of carbo today. Felt that we wouldn't lose time for him in moving forward. Finally I had the feeling with this Dr we were a number , and our Snoop is not a number for anyone.
Hi Esther,
That does indeed sound frustrating. You are right, Snoop is NOT a number and you should feel very comfortable with your oncologist.
What I can tell you is this, there are one or two dogs on here that did start metronomics while on standard IV chemo, Jackson is one, I'm sure Katy would be happy to chat with you about that - Jackson handled chemo VERY well, so if you use him as an example, he did great.
Jill did the carbo/doxy combo, so if you have any questions about that at all, I am the expert 
Jill handled it extremely well. The exception was her white blood cells dropping after the carbo treatments, but besides that, we had smooth sailing.
Let me know what questions you have!
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Esther, I think you really have to like who you are working with so it's good you're getting another opinion.
You wouldn't be the first to complain about the rushed atmosphere of an oncology consult. There are so few onco vets in this country (less than 250!) that they are indeed dealing with jam-packed schedules. But again, you have to go with what person gives you more confidence.
Believe it or not I have heard of cutting-edge oncos doing metronomics and IV chemo simultaneously. It's a relatively new practice but some oncos believe that it is worthwhile to do it concurrently. I wouldn't be afraid of that recommendation but might embrace it since it is a very progressive way of attacking the cancer.
Let us know how the second visit goes. Keeping our paws & fingers crossed for Snoop that he has no side effects!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good form you for being such a great advocate for Snoop!! You are his voice and you are a strong g o e!
Yeah, while my. onco was very nice the few seconds she came out to the waiting room to tale with me before each session, K still felt li,e a umber also!
The protocol I followed was carbo. every three weeks for FOUR treatments. Decided against the doxy because of potential side effects and SUPPOSED, carboplatin is effective on its own with fewer side effects.
As I read about some of the more aggressive treatments...or going five and six carbo. instead of four...........It almost makes me wonder if this onco. is very cutting edge at all.
It. makes me feel like she had already decided to give up on my Happy Hannah........BUT THANKS TO YOUR BLOG TO IGHT---------- I'm calling tomorrow for a onco e co quotation! It's a month past her fourth chemo and if I'm going with more or with metronomics K need to get started!!
Have you ordered The Dog Cancer Book.......It addresses carboplatin versus doxy.
Thanks for empower in us all to be better advocates!! Please post after your second d opinion.
YAY TO YOU ANDYAY TO SNOOPS,
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!
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