Jogger's Treatment
I remember just sitting by the phone waiting for the updates. When I got the call that I could pick Jogger up, zip, I was there. Jogger came hopping out with a t-shirt. The t-shirt is for the human as they shave a considerable amount. I peeked inside and saw this rather large incision in the shape of an upside down “T”. The incision was clean and tight and I could immediately tell that Jogger had a skilled surgeon (Dr. Ehrhart). Jogger had a fentanyl patch for pain and I was to give her Etodolac. We checked out and she hopped into the van and fell asleep.
The first few days were tough, she would cry a bit and you could tell that she was adjusting to balance. I have wood floors and Jogger lost her balance quite a bit. I was constantly running to the store to get more floor coverings. Some people suggested using a towel as a sling to help support, but Jogger never really needed that. It did take a while to build up strength. Jogger lost her front leg, which is a little more difficult than losing a hind leg since two-thirds of the dog’s weight is supported by the front legs. Jogger would hop a few times and lie down and rest, then hop a few more times and lie down and rest. I just let Jogger go at her pace.
Remember I told you I did not struggle with amputation. It was during this time, I said to myself, “OMG (oh my gosh) what did I do”. “I wonder if we can stick the leg back on?” Rational thinking was gone. However, as each day passed, Jogger proved that this was a good decision. Extra floor coverings were no longer needed and stairs could easily be tackled (up and down). Her strength grew and we rarely rest now. It took a good two weeks and there was no looking back from a month out. We had zero complications and the amputation and having a “tripod” of a dog became the least of my worries.
I am so sorry if you are reading this and struggling with the option of amputation for your pup. First of all, there are no guarantees. However, many dogs like Jogger do very well with three legs. Consult with your vet, they can give you a realistic idea if your pup is a good candidate for amputation. It is truly a very personal decision and there are no right or wrong answers. Speaking from our experience, the negative stigma of amputation is a human problem as the dogs have no issues with it. If I ever had to face this decision again, I would not hesitate.
Chemotherapy:
Jogger came home and was fine. She started to experience incontinence but it stopped within a couple of days of coming home and I chalked it up to the extra fluids she was given. Appetite was fine. A week later when we went in for a blood check- all values were fine. On Oct 1, we had our second treatment and had the full dose of cisplatin. Jogger did experience vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. This lasted a couple days and went away. Her incontinence came back and did not go away. She also started to drink more. This time when we went in a week later for blood tests, Jogger showed elevated kidney levels (creatinine and BUN). We immediately started Jogger on daily SubQ fluids. Also, it was decided to change chemo agents from cisplatin to carboplatin.
Jogger’s third chemo treatment was delayed a week due to low white blood count. On Oct. 29, 2002, she got carboplatin. Carboplatin is less toxic and Jogger tolerated it well. No vomiting or diarrhea, just slight loss of appetite for a couple of days. Jogger’s incontinence stopped. I loved this drug. However, a week later, blood tests showed elevated kidney levels again.
We had run out of chemo agents. I knew in my heart that Jogger needed chemo to stand a chance of any extended survival. Anything less than 4 treatments had shown to be ineffective. I was heartbroken. So, with a lot of handholding from Dr. Walter, we revisited the use of adriamycin. Now, there are no guarantees with any treatment but this is when you have to feel comfortable and trust the experts. We decided on 3 treatments of adriamycin and to monitor the heart. Since Jogger’s heart was already compromised, a drug called zinecard was also given to help protect it from the toxicity of adriamycin. Jogger flew through these treatments with basically no side effects. On the third treatment session, the echocardiogram showed a change. So, we decided to wait a week and re-check. A week later, the results showed that it was ok to administer. I couldn’t take that chance. So, we stopped at two treatments.
In summary, we had ½ cisplatin, 1 cisplatin, 1 carboplatin, and 2 adriamycins. When I asked what are our chances, I got the politically correct statement, “ we have no statistics on what we just did”. I knew this to be true and knew that we really did put forth our best effort.
In the scheme of things, do we ever really know? On the bright side, I will never wonder what if we did this drug versus another drug. We did them all.
Cisplatin in rare cases can cause hearing loss. I read this to Jogger as I had read all related information to her. Soon after, she did experience selective hearing. She had trouble with the frequencies that sounded like, “come”, but had no problems with the frequencies like, “treat”. Upon further investigation, I determined that Jogger had succumbed to “spoiled rotten just diagnosed with cancer” syndrome. Luckily, this syndrome is not fatal.
If you are struggling with chemo for you pup I can empathize. I have mixed feelings about it and many times I wanted to stop as I felt the treatment was worse than the disease. Objectively, as I look back on it, Jogger only had a handful of days that she did not feel well. In hindsight, the course of action we took was ultimately based on not making the treatment more harmful than the disease. I do not regret any of the treatments we have done and would do the chemo again under the same set of circumstances.
Complimentary Therapy:
Massage: I started giving Jogger a massage shortly after her leg was amputated. At 9 months out, she started getting a professional massage. She is one happy pup. You can see how much she enjoys it and that in itself makes it worthwhile. We will continue the massage on a monthly basis, spacing out the timing with her acupuncture.
I also have on her collar a couple of healing crystals (clear and amethyst). Most people look at me and say, “ You do not look like a New Age metaphysical nut”. Well, I am. I do not discount things just because we have not yet found a way to explain it.
Medicines:
Finally, the best treatment I have found is Jogger’s playtime. We play daily and it is truly the best medicine.
Acknowledgements:
Acupuncture: Jogger also has received acupuncture from the day of her surgery and every three/four weeks since. Jogger appears to love it and I do see both mental and physical benefits. I personally have received acupuncture myself. To tell you the truth, it has never done much for me. With a dog, I was expecting to see no difference, however, that is not the case and Jogger does appear to relax and enjoy it. They say if a dog is to benefit, you will see it within 4 treatments.
Jogger goes for chest x-rays every 2 months. Also, she is still on SubQ fluids to help keep her hydrated and help the kidneys function. She takes Doxycycline, Cyclophosphamide, and Pepcid AC. Piroxicam was eliminated due to her kidneys. (Doxycycline is from the tetra family and has shown promise to act as an agent that inhibits angiogenesis)
I would like to thank Colorado State University’s entire staff and faculty. Every aspect from the moment we check-in to the moment we check-out are all done in a professional and caring manner. Special warm gratitude goes to all the oncology nurses.
