If you don’t already subscribe to Dr. Dressler’s Dog Cancer Blog, we highly recommend you do. As a veterinarian who believes in a “Full Spectrum Cancer Care” approach, he covers all of the latest advances in not just holistic medicine, but traditional canine cancer treatments too. We really like this about him.

Earlier this year, Dr. Dressler came out with his first e-book, the Dog Cancer Survival Guide. While not specific to bone cancers that affect many of us, this is a 300 page PDF filled with information that presents the latest findings in suspected causes of cancer, treatment options, nutrition and supplements, and kindhearted advice to help you stay strong throughout it all.

We recommend this book because it’s as much a resource guide as it is a mental health guide for coping with canine cancer cancer. Using the old adage “You must put on your own oxygen mask first,” Dr. Dressler explains why your mental health is mission critical.

“”You must get into a state of mind where you can be most effective as your dog’s primary caregiver. You have some big decisions to make, and they require a clear mind. Your ability to focus and be totally available to your dog — who really needs you — is your number one job.”

In a step-by-step, straightforward manner targeted at the layperson who has just learned that their dog has cancer, he turns complex information into easy summaries the layperson can understand and utilize, such as: what are some suspected causes of cancer, questions to ask your vet, what a pathologist’s report is and why you need a copy, financing treatment and more. You’ll learn basic cancer terms, causes, and why your dog’s immune system is his own best defense.

Because the book is for anyone coping with canine cancer, it covers eight major types of cancers in detail. Later, you’ll learn how Dr. Dressler’s “Full Spectrum Cancer Care Plan” can be tailored specifically to your dog’s health status. You’ll learn what strategies (from chemotherapy to natural medicine) and techniques have scientific studies that support their effectiveness, and the pros and cons of each.

Another thing we liked about the Dog Cancer Survival Guide is, unlike a lot of traditional veterinarians, Dr. Dressler doesn’t ignore  alternative nutrition therapies as a way to combat cancer. He understands that what you feed your dog during his battle with cancer is just as important as what kind of surgery you decide  to have performed. You’ll learn about foods and supplements that can enhance treatments and improve your dog’s quality of life, and how to feed them to your dog.

This book will also help you manage the side effects of most conventional and alternative medicine treatments for canine cancer (did you know you can give your dog fresh ginger to manage nausea?). You’ll learn how to evaluate your dog’s quality of life, and how to figure out when the time is right to set aside cancer weapons and begin hospice care for your beloved companion.

We wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Dressler’s e-book because it’s one of the few we’ve found that addresses all aspects of ways in which you can battle the evil monster called canine cancer. But a word of warning: Dr. Dressler is an eloquent writer. The book’s last chapter, “If Your Dog Could Speak, This is What She Would Say to You,” is a real tearjerker:

“And if their short lives are to be useful, it is to remind us of a few simple facts that we humans forget pretty easily.

‘We are alive. We are breathing. We are here. We are smelling and tasting and the breeze feels good. We are holding each other and we like each other. We play and walk and run. This is good. You are good.”

Be sure to subscribe to our new Tripawds Downloads blog for more e-book reviews and updates about other downloadable resources we find! Have you started your Tripawds Blog yet?

The following article was written for the website, Tripawds.com, an online community for three legged dogs. Many of Tripawds’ members are battling cancer, and searching for innovative new ways to fight the disease. This story was written from the perspective of Jerry G. Dawg, Founder of Tripawds.com

My Metronomic Therapy

When I was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma, my Mom and Dad didn’t want to put me through chemotherapy, mostly because it was a six hour drive to the hospital, and, since doctors said that I only had a few months left even with chemo, we didn’t want any of our precious time to be taken up with poking and prodding and long drives.

We took our chances, hit the road, and beat the odds, but now, fifteen months later, the cancer devil has paid us another visit. We are prepared to beat the odds again, only this time, we’re going to do it with the help of something called “The Metronomic Protocol.”

Treating Osteosarcoma with Chemotherapy
Most of you know that chemotherapy can help dogs beat cancer. Usually, chemotherapy drugs are given in high doses every couple of weeks, and administered in an injection of some sort. Most of us aren’t affected by chemo drugs like people are; if the drugs are given correctly. And if a dog does experience side effects, the oncologists can lessen the doses and lengthen the treatment time. Our friends at Bone Cancer Dogs have a lot of good information about traditional chemotherapy for osteosarcoma.

When I got the bad news a few weeks ago, my Mom and Dad couldn’t rest without trying something that might give me more time on this earth. Dad did some research on different chemo treatments, and learned about the Metronomic Protocol. It’s chemo in a pill, and it can be done anywhere . . . even in an RV, on the road! It seemed too good to be true. At home chemotherapy?

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When canine pet guardians are faced with the difficult decision of amputation for their beloved dog, they are often unaware that dogs can live happy, fulfilling lives on three legs. This article was written to promote the website Tripawds.com, an online community for three legged dogs and their humans. It resulted in publication in numerous print and web-based publications, including  K9 Perspective Magazine.

Jerry: Adjusting to Life on Three Legs

Jerry is just one example of what a tripawd dog can achieve and is at his happiest playing in the lake and sniffing out interesting smells on the lake shores.

If your vet has just suggested amputation for your best friend, you’re probably scared and wondering if your dog will still be able to lead a happy and fulfilled life. The answer is a definite “Yes!” Three-legged canines can do just about everything their quadruped counterparts can do. Plus, their gracefulness in how they do it serves as a constant reminder to we humans that no matter what kind of challenges we face in our daily lives, if we behave more like dogs and live in the moment, we can overcome anything!

If you decide to proceed with amputation, there are some simple things that you can do to help your furry friend’s transition into the tripawd lifestyle.

Emotional support: be a pack leader
Before, during and after surgery, you must be a strong pack leader and put aside any feelings of sadness or pity towards your dog. Your dog picks up on every emotion you have, so being positive will help him make the transition faster. While it’s difficult to watch your dog’s first steps on three legs, remember that soon he will re-learn how to run, go to the bathroom, and play on three legs.

Keep in mind that dogs don’t feel sorry for themselves when they lose a leg, they’re just glad to be out of pain and want to get on with the business of playing. It’s we humans that have a harder time with amputation. Our dogs live in the moment, so be sure to take their lead! Keep in mind that with any invasive procedure, there are pre-surgery and post-surgery risks, and things may go wrong. But most will come through it with flying colors.

All dogs have a different recovery timeline, but generally we’ve seen Tripawd dogs who’ve visited our Jerry’s site take anywhere from three to six weeks for a healthy recovery. Be patient. Jerry’s experience was that he did not completely recover overnight. He was slow getting around and it was a couple of months before he really got going again. Even today, one year later, he is slower and his walks are much shorter, but he’s healthy, and that’s all that matters.

Physical support: simple changes for safety
Three-legged dogs can keep up with their quadruped counterparts! Sure, there are things that he might find too challenging, like going on 12 mile hikes, but much of what you and your dog used to enjoy together will remain the same. It can take time, but your lives together will be just as fulfilling and fun if you’re patient and creative.

Try a harness. If you’re able to get one before surgery, a harness is a great way to help your dog maneuver when he or she comes home from the hospital. Later on it will come in handy when she needs to navigate stairs, get into cars and leap over obstacles while hiking. The best one we’ve found for Tripawds is the RuffWear Web Master harness. It has a handle on top, which makes it easy to pull your dog up from a down position. The material is non-binding, breathable and durable. Front leg amputees may find that the harness moves around a little, but an occasional adjustment is a small inconvenience compared to the help that it provides. For dogs with additional ailments like hip dysplasia or arthritis, we have found that the AST Pet Support Suit is the best option.

Easy changes around the home
If possible, slip proof your home before your dog returns from surgery. Gather up all of the throw rugs, carpet runners or floor mats that you can, and place them on slippery floor areas where your dog likes to spend time. If you didn’t have time to do this before surgery, keep your dog in a confined area until you can.

Block access to any stairs, until your dog becomes more confident on three legs. Amputee dogs tend to forget that they only have three legs, and navigating downstairs is tricky for most. Once Jerry did a face plant going down our hardwood stairs, we decided that he would no longer descend them without assistance.

Put your dog’s food and water bowls up on risers. Even a milkcrate will do. Tripawd dogs find it tricky to stoop all the way down to the floor.

Exercise and fitness
And speaking of food … the key to making it easier for your dog to get around on three legs, is to keep his weight down, especially if your dog is a front-leg amputee; that’s where 60percent of a dog’s weight is carried. Once your tripawd recovers from surgery, don’t hesitate to get back into the routine of daily walks. Just consider the following to make the most of your time together:

• Take shorter more frequest walks. Start with just a few minutes at first, one block at a time.
• It’s easier for tripawds to hop along at a quicker pace than it is to walk slowly.
• Watch for signs of exertion and stop to rest as needed.
• Always carry water and a portable bowl with you
• Remember: dogs carry 60 percent of their weight on the front leg, so don’t throw balls and frisbees up high. This is especially important to consider when exercising front-legged tripawds.

These are just a few changes that we’ve found to be helpful with Jerry’s transition into a three legged world. For more tips, resources, videos and success stories of other three-legged wonders, please visit Jerry’s Tripawds website at: Tripawds.com. Good luck with your new three-legged wonder dog!

This press release / feature article was written to promote Tripawds.com, an online community for three legged dogs and their humans. It resulted in publication in numerous outlets including Canada’s Guide to Dogs.

Canine Cancer Survivors and their humans
share inspiring stories and health tips at Tripawds.com

When a dog permanently loses mobility in a limb, oftentimes a veterinarian will recommend removing the limb to relieve the pain. Whether that pain is caused by bone cancer or a car accident, more and more pet guardians are willing to extend the lives of their best friend through amputation.

Yet, despite the rising numbers of “tripawd” dogs in society, when a pet guardian has to make that decision to amputate, oftentimes they aren’t sure if their dog will live happily as a tripawd. Handicapped pets are a relatively new occurrence in society, and finding information about their unique needs can be difficult.

But one dog’s pack hopes to make it easier for new tripawd guardians, by connecting three legged dog families and sharing their stories and health tips on the web, at Tripawds.com.

Tripawds Inspires Humans to Go the Extra Mile for their Friend

“We had never even seen a three-legged dog in person, until our own dog had to have his leg taken off” says Rene Agredano, co-founder of the website. Last November, her nine-year old dog Jerry was diagnosed with canine osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer, and the immediate treatment was to remove his infected leg. Vets gave him three months to live.

But as weeks turned into months, this pound puppy amazed his family by demonstrating his tenacity for life as a tripawd. As Jerry regained his strength and reverted back to his old playful self, Agredano, along with her husband Jim Nelson, wanted to share the wonders of tripawd dogs with the world, by creating Tripawds.com. Nelson coined the term “Tripawds” and registered the domain after discovering references to canine amputees as “tripod dogs.”

Shown above: Left – Calpurnia the Colorado sled dog is now a Canicross Champ!
Center – Cooper in Scotland sends tripod cheer from abroad
Right – Twelve year old Genie from Alberta, Canada, bounces back from amputation like a puppy

“When we were trying to imagine our best friend living life on three legs, we went online and found technical information about canine bone cancer, but very little that showed a tripawd in action or descriptions of every day life” said Agredano. “We created Tripawds.com with the goal of having a layman’s guide to life as a canine amputee.”

Today, people from around the world are flocking to Tripawds for tips and advice about caring for their own three-legged friend. The website offers practical advice for new tripawd guardians, such as:

• Slip proofing a pet’s environment
• Making mealtime easier by raising up food and water bowls
• Using a special harness to assist with tricky situations
• Which foods and supplements can aid in mobility and help fight cancer

For those guardians who can’t decide whether to amputate or not, Tripawds provides a wealth of inspiration. Jerry’s dog blog is regularly updated with movies of him running on the beach, catching Frisbees, playing rough with other dogs, and even swimming. Readers can comment to share their own stories. Nelson also scours YouTube and includes movies other people have made about their three-legged wonders, and posts them on the site. In addition, Tripawds also includes photos, a storefront with tripawd needs in mind, definitions of canine cancer terminology, and links to other therapeutic resources.

Creating a Worldwide Community

Every day Jerry receives emails from canines and their guardians from across the world – from L.A. To New York, from Israel to Canada. Some people are looking for advice while awaiting a diagnosis from their vet, while others want to share their own dog’s stories about life on three legs.

“Thank you so much for having a wonderful resource for those of us facing our best friends illnesses! It was so helpful to have the positive reinforcement to assist our difficult decision to go through with the surgery, Keep up the great work!” – From a reader in New York, NY

Three Legged Wonders Inspire Humans

“It’s amazing how they bounce back,” says Nelson. “Most dogs will pick up that funny little tripawd step as if they were born that way, and they’ll hop right out of the hospital after surgery. We humans should learn from their resiliency and determination.”

Since hopping out of the hospital a year ago, Jerry has gone on tour with his family, traveling in an RV across the United States, and sharing his story with other dogs and their companions.

“We’re spreading the word that it is better to hop on three legs than to limp on four,” says Nelson. And people are listening. Everywhere they go, people are amazed at Jerry’s abilities when they see him in person.