Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Harley had surgery 3 weeks ago to debulk a tumor on his front limb (he's a quadpawd). He had a rough recovery, but he is now doing great. The pathology came back as infiltrative lipoma but both surgeon and oncologist feel the tumor was really a liposarcoma. Today he had an appointment with his oncologist to discuss treatment. Unfortunately the chest xrays showed that the tumors grew a little faster than they were growing in summer and they are now about 11 cm. He had been on chlorambucil for two months this summer so it's possible that helped to slow the rate of growth or maybe the surgery compromised his immune system, no real way to know. Her thought at this time is to try cytoxan and piroxicam. Harley is still happy and has spunk so I'm going to give this a try. I'm not expecting miracles, but when I see him still so full of life I can't give up on him.
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'm sorry to hear the tumours are growing faster. You can't go wrong if you follow your heart when deciding what treatment you should do. I think you are sensible not to expect miracles. But if further treatment can still give you more quality time together then it's worth it. Enjoy every precious day with your beautiful Harley.
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/
Glad to hear Harley has recovered from his surgery. I'm sorry to hear that the tumors have grown; but I agree, as long as he seems happy and full of life, try what his dr's suggest. Sending positive thoughts to you and your boy.
Sorry to hear that the tumors have grown.
We did piroxicam and cytoxan with Abby and she handled it well. Hopefully it will at least bring you more quality time with Harley.
Keep us posted. Enjoy every minute with him.
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!
I hope this new protocol is well tolerated, and brings you lots of time with Harley.
Karen and the pugapalooza
kathyl said
I'm not expecting miracles, but when I see him still so full of life I can't give up on him.
This is an awesome attitude. Sending so many good thoughts to you and Harley as you take this new step of the journey together.
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.
Glad to hear Harley made a full recovery from his surgery. Hoping for the very best with the new protocol. You're a good Mom. 
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
Yay for Harley!
The plan sounds like a good one. Metronomic therapy is usually well-tolerated by most dogs, I hope he's one of them too. You might also want to ask your vet about adding fish oil to his protocol, as I understand some onco docs are doing it because fish oil has been shown to have anti-tumor properties.
Oh and remember, you can get the metronomics drugs in generic form for people so be sure to ask about that too, it'll save you tons.
Good luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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