Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Zoey is having her first chemo treatment this afternoon. I have been trying to research diet, supplements, etc. Any suggestions for her care? She is an eight year old ninety pound lab mix. We live in a rural area so there are no canine oncologist. Her doctor is very caring but not optimistic.
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
What kind of cancer? What kind of chemo? When was her surgery?
Have you looked at our nutrition blog? Lots of ideas for good, healthy diets and supplements. But a word of caution- since you just started chemo you might want to wait before changing her diet. If she gets some tummy upset you won't know if it is the chemo, the diet or new supplements.
That being said, most pups handle chemo just fine, maybe a bit of nausea which is usually easily controlled with meds. Lots of people here with information and support to share as you navigate this cancer journey with Zoey. Don't be shy about asking questions or asking for support.
Hopefully Zoey handles the chemo just fine.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
I'm with Karen on this one. Your instinct is to change everything - NOW! Our vet specifically asked that we not change the food until after the chemo for exactly the reason Karen gave. If there were changes of any kind, he didn't want to have to guess whether it was chemo or food related.
Take this time to do your research and find something you are happy with.
As for the vet not being too optimistic - cancer is a serious diagnosis. But truly, no one knows how much time each tripawd will have. Some defy the odds for a long while, others hang right in there with the statistics. Be positive, make decisions based on what is best for you and for Zoey, and you can't go wrong.
This isn't an easy journey even when everything is going great, but it is life changing and you will meet people who will be friends for life, even though you've never met them in person.
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.
Thank you for your responses. Zoey is family pet that started out with one son, then another son, and most recently she has been my girl! She had her back right leg amputated last November. Her doctor did not recommend any chemo then because nothing was showing in her lungs. She started coughing last Friday and then coughing up some blood on Sunday. My son took her to see the vet Monday and they were able to start the chemo today. She has osteoscaroma and they are giving her Doxoribicin. I have read many of the post here and other places. I am just so confused as to what is best for her. We currently have six other rescues that have found a home with us, so trying to decide on supplements and/or food choices for her is overwhelming...
Hi there, how is Zoey doing today? How was chemo? Did your vet say what the coughing/blood was from?
We are glad you're here. As others have said, take things one step at a time, it's all about quality of life and you can give it to Zoey by focusing on making the most of each day without letting worry bog you down. It's hard, but it's a lesson every one of us learns on this journey.
Have you seen the Dog Cancer Survival Guide or the Tripawds e-books yet? Lots of cancer care tips there for you so dive in when you can and of course ask any questions, we are here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Zoey is doing really well so far with the chemo treatment. She seems a little tired but not overly so. The vet thought the coughing and blood were probably a combination of allergies and the tumors in her lungs. Thank you again for the support.
Thanks for the update, and best wishes! Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Zoey sounds like a gentle, but very strong girl! Bet she gets that fromm y ou!! Six other rescues? WOW! You are so kind!
Yes, this whole journey is very daunting!! And the research can be so confusing, but you've come to the right place!
One thing you can research links to here is. Metronomics,. You can also research the chemo your vet is giving her on here too.
Zoey does NOT have a time frame stamped on her butt anywhere!!! She could care less about any "diagnosis" or "statistics"! All she cares about is being by your side and soaking up all that wonderful loving and spoiling you are giving her!! She's not worried about tomorrow...she is living in the NOW...jn the Present...in the Moment! SOIL!! SPOIL!! SPOIL!! Its therapeutic for Zoey and you!!
As far as nutrition, perhaps one scoop of ice cream and a bit of steak every other day coukd do wonders!!
Is it possible your vet woukd do a phone consult with an Oncologist? What state do you love in? I bet we have other members in your area who could recommend an Onco. Doing research on your own can be so overwhelming and so darn consufing! Remember, you have given Zoey bonus days pain free and there is no reasonnthat can't continue for a long time! Many dogs herenhave had lung mets and have gotten many, many, many, many, many months of great quality time...including JERRY...he got over anyear after mets were discovered!!!
Keep us posted, okay?
You are NOT alone! We understand and we are right here by yourr side!!
Hugs and Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
I was asking these similar questions...you want to do EVERYTHING you possibly can to help them to the point that you get overwhelmed by what you research then confused as to what to do for the best.
We started our Chemo end of Dec 2014 & have gone round & round about her diet...but we have decided to continue on cooked chicken & her dry food with fish as a treat when she is having a non eating day. This isn't much different to just dry & tinned food daily that we had been on, but we go with what she wants as she isn't a big eater.
Green veg was the one that kept jumping out to me & not feeding them foods with sugars in as Cancer cells feed off it I discussed with the vet so she is on fatty foods which cancer cells cannot use & fish oils, BUT weight consideration on fatty diets & amputees needs to be monitored). She won't eat veg annoyingly enough but hey, we can only do what we can & shouldn't really change their food drastically as that causes other issues.
Hope you decide on what supplements/diet you wish to follow.
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