Cosmo's Chemo - Do I Need To Find Another Vet?

[Tracey]

First of all, .

 

Okay, now that that's out of the way....

 

My vet, bless him, is wonderful, but not an oncologist. I - it should go without saying - have never been down this road before. Not only not with a dog, but not with a human either. I have been freakishly untouched by cancer in my family and social circle so I have practically no firsthand knowledge and I don't know if I'm asking all the right questions or not.

 

Anyway, my vet said he would administer the chemo for Cosmo. Apparently he assumed that since OSU was providing the drugs that they would also provide the guidance as to how they should be administered, what needs to be done before, during and after, side effects, etc. My vet called OSU, spoke to Dr. Vilar and then told me that he was told to get the information off their website (which I looked at, and unless I'm missing something, there is a general discussion of their chemo treatments but nothing like a specific protocol that is outlined). I spoke to Dr. Vilar as well and I think he pretty much confirmed that OSU will provide the drugs but no guidance as to how to administer them. I say 'I think' and I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I have trouble understanding him. And I am not sure if this is where the problem lies with my vet as well because he is Hungarian, so between the two of them they may have trouble understanding one another. But because Cosmo is my dog, my vet keeps telling me he needs the above-mentioned protocol from OSU. I really don't feel like I am an effective go-between but my vet has called OSU a couple of times and he just seems to be getting frustrated. I've left another message at OSU but I really feel as though I'm out of my element.

 

So, my question is this: Do I need to find yet another vet (I always go back to my guy, but we've seen 5 vets' offices since this adventure began)? Do I need to find an oncologist? I think if my vet knew one he would have said so, so how do I find an oncologist locally?

 

Alternately, from anyone who's been down this path before, are my vet and Dr. Vilar just misunderstanding one another and is there actually some sort of instruction they will provide as to how to administer the drugs? Or is this just a bad idea for someone who hasn't had training with these drugs? I'd really appreciate any input.

[ZoomDoggy]

Are there any universities with vet schools near you? I would think they would have a veterinary oncologist on staff...? I would be extremely leery of my pet undergoing treatment from a vet who freely admits never having done it before and also seems to be having trouble acquiring the proper protocols. He may be a wonderful vet otherwise, but...

 

I hope you can get it resolved quickly. Nothing more frustrating when helping your ailing pet than to be forced to deal with these kinds of details.

[NancyB]

I spoke to my own vet about this for Marvin and she agreed to do it for me. I know she did speak to OSU about how to administer it, they also sent her the chemo. This was four years ago so maybe they things are different now. I don't understand why they would say to get it off of the website. if it's not easy to find or doesn't really give specifics.

 

Sending prayers and hugs for Cosmo.

 

 

[mom2four]

Tracey, We just got Jamey's chemo in the mail yesterday, and he will be starting his chemo tomorrow. We are going to a vet specialist, who is an oncologist. I have read things on how to not let the chemo drugs touch the outside of the dog as it can cause necrosis etc. I spoke to the oncology vet tech this morning who told me they would be "suited up" to administer the chemo, as you don't want it to touch anything you don't want it to touch. She told me specifically how they were going to do it. So, unless your vet knows all of this, IMHO I think you may need to look for a specialist/oncologist.

 

Since Jamey and Cosmo are going through this at the same time feel free to PM or email me!

 

ETA some more info

Edited July 13, 2009 by mom2four

[ahicks51]

If you don't go with another vet, get OSU instructions in written form- by email or similar.

[packmom]

I would see if I could find someone with chemo experience.

[Guest MorganKonaAlex]

We went to a Vet Oncologist at NEVOG (New England Veterinary Oncology Group) linky to NEVOG. Our Vet did a referral and did not attempt this herself. I would recommend finding an Oncologist.

 

From the description, you are talking about Adriamycin (Doxorubicin). It will burn skin if it comes into contact with it. Care must be taken that the needle doesn't come out, etc. When I had it, the chemo nurse was required to use a syringe and "push it" instead of putting it in a drip and leaving it unattended. The nurses used standard gloves and gown protection; the same as with the other chemo agents.

[Guest HeatherDemps]

I second the suggestion about locating an oncologist through a university vet school.... I know there are potential issues- I don't remember details but the oncology nurse went over those with me before the first chemo treatment. We also had to use some meds for some side effects related to stomach and appetite. I think I was also told to avoid Dempsey's urine as well.

[Guest RynnAndLyra]

Tracey - do find an Oncologist to administer the chemo. They are trained professionals who have done this time and time again. Sterling's Oncologist is Board Certified and I have all the trust in the world in her.

[Guest Energy11]

I would definitely find someone confident with doing the chemo, for sure. Good Luck! I hear, dogs don't have the same terrible symptoms we humans do. THAT is good. Hoping it all works out!

[Bluesky]

We'll be taking Cali to an oncologist once her secondary infection is cleared up.

 

Hope all goes well for Cosmo.

[Graciehound]

Here's a website I found that might be helpful for finding an oncologist:

http://www.petcancercenter.org/Veterinary_...ists_US_p1.html

[MaryJane]

If this was me .... I would not want to come this far and then have someone untrained in administering the chemo. It's just not worth the risk.

[Guest greytkidsmom]

If this was me .... I would not want to come this far and then have someone untrained in administering the chemo. It's just not worth the risk.

 

 

Keeping you and Cosmo in our thoughts and prayers.

[RobinM]

My vet had the same problem (communication) with Vilar so we did the chemo on our own with OSU protocol which is listed on their website.

Edited July 13, 2009 by RobinM

[GeorgeofNE]

Tracey, I don't know how long a drive it is from Hamden to HERE, but Angell Memorial is up here, and it's a very, very good animal hospital with every kind of specialist. In Grafton, Mass. is Tufts veterinary school.

 

You have highly qualified oncologists available not that far away!

 

Perhaps you could ask Dr. Vilar to email or fax you the protocol, and if you still don't have confidence in your vet, give one of these options a call?

 

There are LOTS of Greyhounds around here, and there have to be plenty of vets who know how to do the chemo. In fact the vet who saw George for his LS would probably be more than capable!

 

I could even offer you a place to sleep over if needed!

[HopeForHounds]

I CC'd you on an email I sent to Dr Couto.

[MaryJane]

Tracey, I don't know how long a drive it is from Hamden to HERE, but Angell Memorial is up here, and it's a very, very good animal hospital with every kind of specialist. In Grafton, Mass. is Tufts veterinary school.

 

You have highly qualified oncologists available not that far away!

 

Rhode Island has a place called "Ocean State" that may also do chemo and they might be closer to you. This place was on the short list that my original vet gave me when my greyhound went through this a few years ago. I ended up using Angel Memorial in Boston because they were only 20 minutes from me.

 

 

[Tracey]

I CC'd you on an email I sent to Dr Couto.

 

I'll keep an eye out for it, Janet. So far, nothing's come through the pipes.

[Tracey]

Tracey, I don't know how long a drive it is from Hamden to HERE, but Angell Memorial is up here, and it's a very, very good animal hospital with every kind of specialist. In Grafton, Mass. is Tufts veterinary school.

 

You have highly qualified oncologists available not that far away!

 

Rhode Island has a place called "Ocean State" that may also do chemo and they might be closer to you. This place was on the short list that my original vet gave me when my greyhound went through this a few years ago. I ended up using Angel Memorial in Boston because they were only 20 minutes from me.

 

 

 

Thanks for the exceedingly kind offer, Susan! I really appreciate it! And thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions of places to take Cosmo. I'm currently playing phone tag with Dr. Vilar so I'll hopefully catch up with him tomorrow.

 

I found two places in the state listed that have oncologists, one being the place in Norwalk, which is a bit of a hike but not undoable. The other is in Cheshire at a place we actually took Cosmo once during this whole adventure. I'll have to contact them during business hours tomorrow to see if they actually have an oncologist on staff at the moment as I found a recent job ad they placed for one online when I was surfing.

[Bevd]

My own vet (not an oncologist) administered Darcy's chemo. He was a vet of many years experience and he had administered different types of chemo but not for bone cancer. However, he researched the protocols himself and he got himself fully clued up on how to work out the dose, how the administer the dose, what protective clothing to wear (you may recall those pics!), what to check for in follow ups etc etc. I think he spoke to an oncology specialist too, to make sure he was correct in what he'd learned.

 

My only concern about your vet, from what you have written, is that he doesn't seem willing to do this same research - under his own steam. I think it's very wrong of him to make you the go between.

 

I hope you can sort something out

[Guest greydogluvr]

First, hugs to you in this difficult situation.

 

I have learned over the years that we have to be the advocate for what we feel is the best for our situation. It sounds to me like you are uncomfortable with the situation, and it appears that your vet is as well. Like Bevd stated, my concern is that your vet is not doing the research or leg work needed to guarantee Cosmo the best care. I feel that in any profession it is the duty of the professional to indicate when something is out of their range of expertise and assit in determining the best way to ensure quality care.

 

Chemo, as you know, is serious stuff. With Willie, my vet immediately referrred me to an oncologist. After seeing the precautions they take while administering it and having a knowledgeable staff (in this area) to answer my questions and provide follow up care, the extra 1 hour 30 minute drive was well worth our while. Kisses to Cosmo. Hang in there.

 

[lflaherty45]

I have to agree with greydogluvr, I have been thru this and I would be more comfortable with a trained oncologist. When Clark needed chemo, our vet told us upfront that he could do it if needed but it would be much better to have someone trained in that field. We love our Vet and never more than when he suggested we go to Virginia to a specialist. It was 2 hrs each way but well worth the time.

 

Please consider going to someone trained in that field. Best of everything to Cosmo.

[Guest manymanyhounds]

You know best for Cosmo. If you are not feeling it...move on. We are fortunate to have a vet here that has more that once consulted on and treated a hound with various types of "C".

 

If it's not right, and it sounds like it isn't, try another vet.

[Guest MZH]

Tracey,

 

Dr Matz who's right in your backyard, has been doing chemo for a long time. She was our vet when we lived in Hamden and she's wonderful. She's not an oncologist but is quite experienced with it. I'm not sure where she works out of at this point though.