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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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11 y/o kitty diagnosed w/fibrosarcoma (injection site)
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Member Since:
1 November 2017
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1 November 2017 - 6:27 am
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Hi All,

So happy to have found this site; I've been pouring over the info posted here.

My 11 y/o kitty, Bubbie, was just diagnosed with an injection site sarcoma on her left front leg, and it looks likely that she will need an amputation, as long as her surgeon says she is a good candidate (consultation is tomorrow). 

My question is, has anyone had a kitty with arthritis in their lower back become a tripawd?  Part of Bubbie's diagnostics were x-rays of her lungs (thankfully clear! yay!), but they showed "bridging" between three of her lower vertebrae, which my vet said was arthritis.  She does not act like she is in any pain, nor has she slowed down whatsoever since she was a kitten. big-grinWe did immediately put her on Nutramax Dasuquin for Cats because I read that it contained avocado, which is supposedly good for inflammation in addition to the benefits of regular Cosequin, which I would think would slow down a cancer response as well.  I also put her on Dr. Mercola's Krill Oil, also for the anti-inflammatory benefits.

Would lower-back arthritis possibly eliminate her as a good candidate for amputation?  I had a consultation with an oncologist and he said that right now, amputation looks like the best chance at being curative, as long as the biopsy of her amputated leg comes back with clean margins...fingers crossed!!

On The Road


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1 November 2017 - 9:27 am
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Hi Bubbie and family, welcome. We're glad you found us too! Sorry you had to though, this is the club that nopawdy wants to join. But we'll do what we can too help you throughout the journey and beyond.

You'll have to forgive me, I know that some of our older TriKitty members have indeed dealt with conditions that may have excluded them from amputation at first, but at the moment I'm blanking. I'm hoping some will chime on with their own experience. But in the meantime, whenever there is a doubt about an animal being a candidate, the best thing you can do is to get a second option or even a third that will put your mind at ease. If you haven't had an orthopedic vet look at her case, now would be the time. 

Many Tripawds have been diagnosed with arthritis before and after amputation and in most cases they were still candidates for surgery. Our own Wyatt Ray is one. It sounds like you are super conscientious about managing it, which is great! Kudos to you! 

One thing to keep in mind as you decide what to do is that animals are experts at hiding pain. Take a look at these pain signals that animals give and keep it in mind for Bubbie OK? 

Stay tuned, others will chime in soon.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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1 November 2017 - 9:54 am
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Thanks, Jerry!  Wyatt Ray is one handsome guy!!  And it looks like he is still super active; that's wonderful!

Bubbie hasn't had any pain symptoms apart from in the leg her tumor was on; the arthritis doesn't seem to be affecting her at all as far as I can tell using the pain guidelines provided (thank you!).

We are having a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon tomorrow.  I am just worrying because if she's not a candidate for amputation, there isn't a good prognosis.

Speaking of which...this type of tumor, from what I have researched, is pretty scary and reoccurs 90% of the time with conservative treatment; however, the oncologist said that actually, as long as it hasn't metastasized (most commonly, to the lungs or lymph nodes for this type of tumor), there is an 85% chance of a radical treatment -- such as an amputation for wide, clear margins -- being curative.  The prognosis/survival rates I have found posted seem pretty grim...is that because most people don't treat cats aggressively? If so, is there a reason for that? I was really upset with the initial diagnosis, but the oncologist gave me a lot of hope and said her prognosis is actually pretty good, and I want to believe that really badly, but I'm afraid to. sad

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10 June 2017
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1 November 2017 - 10:19 am
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Hi Bubbie and family

I am sorry you are having to go this but I am glad you have such a fabulous family to see you through it all. I second Jerry's post about opinions. Let's see what the vet says tomorrow but if they are against amputation please do consult another vet. Some vets can be very conservative and what you need is one that is going to fight for your Bubbie.

If it helps my cat is a double amputee. She lost one leg six years ago and then the nasty cancer back six whole years later and claimed another leg.  It was very difficult to get people, including vets, to see that perhaps she could thrive on two legs and in the end I decided to give her the chance with two legs. If it was too hard for her, if she was miserable, I had made a deal with her I would put her first but I wanted to give her the chance to show me first.  Well, she was running across the room within a day of amputation and had very little problems adapting to two legs at all. 

I guess my point is that  I let her choose what she could or could not handle rather than having other people determine it for her. I knew she had an indomitable spirit and to not have tried would have been a betrayal of her spirit. You are fortunate ( not sure that is really the right word ever with cancer)  as they don't seem to see any metastasis at present so a quick decision is necessary.

There is no right or wrong decision. Please understand that. You know your Bubbie. In your heart you will sense what she wants and what she can handle.

love to you all

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1 November 2017 - 10:35 am
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I was just reading about little Three Paw; she really doesn't let anyone stop her and even those stairs don't get her down! laughing And what a beauty!!

Bubbie has a spirit very similar to your Three Paw, so I have it in my head that I am going to go forward with amputation as long as it is a good option.  I will definitely get a second (or third) opinion if this surgeon sounds too conservative, because you're absolutely right, time is of the essence.  My thought is that Bubbie is tough and a fighter, so I have to be too...I at least have to try to cure her.  If it doesn't work, at the very least it will give her a good quality of life for hopefully much longer than she would have had, and she will tell me if/when she isn't feeling well enough to keep going.

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1 November 2017 - 10:52 am
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lucky Bubbie having a fighter fam...you know Three Paw had her amputation even with me knowing it wouldn't be curative. She had metastasis in her lymph nodes. But it is six days until her 5 month ampuversary and to say these last months have been golden would be an underestimation. I don't regret it at all and I am sure as heck she doesn't. 

Our beloved animals trust us and we too must trust them. They really do tell us what they want and when they have had enough.  I believe in giving them their chance with the understanding that I am there to take the hard decisions if things don't work out. Bubbie sounds like she's got the sass of Three Paw and I tell you that goes a long way for recovery.

Here with you all the way xxox

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1 November 2017 - 11:58 am
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Hi Bubbie and family!

You will get a wealth of knowledge here, there are many people that are here for lots of different reasons. Don't be surprised if somebody has been in the same situation you are in. Cosequin is a great supplement for cats, I use it every day. My little man did not have cancer, he was injured sometime before I brought him in and suffered a complete fracture to his right femur. I will keep using supplements like Cosequin to try to deter arthritis from setting in as he ages. It will not take long for others to visit and chime in. 

I think people have a hard time dealing with that prognosis and unfortunately hesitation can be against you when you are dealing with an aggressive cancer. I also think that people sometimes do not know what they are dealing with and do not see the vet until they are well into the issue. Neither of these things seem to describe you, your kitty is lucky smiley

Once cancer has a chance to metastasize, that means it has spread throughout the body, usually through the lymph nodes. It sounds like they are feeling like you may have caught it before that happens, that is awesome news!

Please keep us up to date on how everything is going and welcome smiley

Jackie, David, and Huckleberry 

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog



Member Since:
27 July 2014
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1 November 2017 - 1:48 pm
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Hi Bubbie and BubbieMama,

I have a great-nephew who my sister and I call Bubbie!! Love the name and I also adore tabbies.

My kitty Mona had her front leg amputated in June 2014 due to a vaccine associated fibrosarcoma (VAS). Amputation is the best way to save your cat from this cancer. When cats get cancer from an injection in their scruff or butt it is difficult for the surgeon to get wide enough margins. These are the cats who generally have reoccurrence and likely require additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. If the tumour is caught soon enough and low enough down in the leg an amputation can likely do the job.

My vet told me that most cats get arthritis over 10 years old. He saw some arthritis in Mona's wrist at age 8. I don't believe there is any reason Bubble won't be able to function as a tripawd. We've had cats get amputations at 14 years old and older. I know of another cat who has VAS at 5 years, leg amputated and lived another 11.5 years and did not die from VAS.

Yes, this is an aggressive cancer and has to be treated aggressively. Please ask your vet to contact the pharmaceutical company that produced the vaccine so they can have the pleasure of reimbursing you for all vet costs including diagnostic tests, xrays, surgery, pain meds.

You're a great mom for listening to Bubbie.

Hugs,

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

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1 November 2017 - 3:22 pm
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I somehow missed that about Three Paw, I didn't know she was showing metastasis in her lymph nodes - what a wonderful mama you are to listen to her and give her all these months. heart She is inspiring!!  I have a feeling she will continue to astound her doctors. I really couldn't believe how fast she is on those stairs!! Her personality really shines through; she is very spunky!!

Hi Jackie, I just started reading little Huckleberry's thread!  What a cute little guy he is, and how lucky he wandered into YOUR yard! laughing I'm only about halfway through his story so far. I'm so sorry you guys had to go through an amputation, but so glad it wasn't due to cancer! My Bubbie had a grape-sized lump on her arm for over two years...I took her to the emergency vet when I first noticed it.  He did a fine needle aspirate and assured me it was a harmless lipoma.  The mass was firm and felt kind of attached and irregular, and he did not even look at the fluid under a microscope much less send it for biopsy - all red flags, though I didn't know it at the time. A year later, she began mowing or barbering the hair on that leg, so I took her to a different vet who also said it was a lipoma, and that her barbering was due to allergies or stress; gave her a steroid shot and sent us on our way saying to monitor the lump for size.  About a month ago, that lump grew almost overnight to the size of a chicken egg, so this time, I took her to a vet specializing in cats the next state over.  That's where we finally got started on this journey with a biopsy and correct diagnosis.  It is very odd that it seems to have been "dormant" for over two years without metastasizing (knock on wood). Once I can figure it out, I am going to blog her story so hopefully it can help others going through this.

Hi Kerren! Bubbie kind of named herself; everyone just started calling her that because it fit - not sure where it started!  laughing I just love little Mona's sweet face; black cats look like 90% big, beautiful eyes! Could YOU tell Mona had arthritis, or did the vet just know by the x-rays? That's the only way we know about Bubbie's, because she certainly doesn't act like it's bothering her. I know we can't project too much, but I personally would rather lose a limb and have some arthritis (as long as we can manage the pain) than go the conservative route and have a poor prognosis. I don't think I am projecting because she is full of life, joy, and is VERY loved and spoiled. I wish we had her records, but I was 23 when I first got her and moved around a lot, so she went to a lot of different vets and I was not good about transferring or keeping copies of her records. Of course now I feel horrible about that. cryingI hope she can do as well as Mona is doing.

You all are so supportive and inspiring, thank you SO MUCH for helping Bubbie and me!  She is the love of my life...well, tied for first with my husband!  big-grin

Amanda and Bubbie

Michigan


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1 November 2017 - 3:49 pm
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Hi Amanda & Bubbie,

I am sorry you had to join us and dealing with a ISS.
You have received great advice, the Vet will tell you if she is candidate for amputation & you can always get a second or third opinion if needed. I don’t think you will need one.

Amputation is your best choice of getting rid of the fibrosarcoma or giving Bubbie a extended pain free life. We hope for the first of course. We have many members with VAS unfortunately.

Statics are just that numbers they are guidelines we can go by, but please don’t abide by those! Many animals are not statics & do not hop on knowing statics!!

Our cat Purrkins had his amp 15 months ago he was 6 at the time now 7 he had a soft tissue sarcoma on his front left leg. They took his leg and scapula. He gets around great, better then I could have ever hoped for!!! Recovery is not easy but with the the proper pain medication you can have a smooth recovery ! Cats do great on 3 & 2 like three paw!

You have a fantastic attitude going into this

“My thought is that Bubbie is tough and a fighter, so I have to be too...I at least have to try to cure her.  If it doesn't work, at the very least it will give her a good quality of life for hopefully much longer than she would have had”

YES & YES & YES keep that attitude up and you guys are going to do great!

Keep us posted please & we will send positive energy your way for tomorrow.

Hugs,
Holly & Purrkins❤️

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2 November 2017 - 3:52 am
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Good morning Amanda and Bubbie!

Just wanted to wish you both luck with your appointment today, will keep an eye out for an update. Bubbie is lucky to have you as her mama smiley

Hugs

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog



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2 November 2017 - 2:28 pm
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Hi Amanda,

No, I didn't notice that Mona had arthritis in her wrist before the amputation. I've noticed that my older cat will stretch his hind legs more when about to go up the stairs. 

I hope your appointment goes well and you get all your questions answered.

Hugs to all,

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

p.s. Yes, Mona does have beautiful eyes. They tend to be more green and very round. She uses them to distract people from thinking she looks like a cartoon character with little legs, a round body and fur that goes every which way. laughing

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2 November 2017 - 6:59 pm
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Jackie, I saw your message this morning even though I couldn't log on to respond; it was so sweet and it really meant a lot. Thank you!!

Bubbie update: Consult went GREAT!!!  Really like the orthopedic surgeon.  He said that he has no reservations about her age, size, or the spondylosis/arthritis, as he sees many 10+ cats with that, which I already knew thanks to Kerren. 🙂  He also said he likes to try a more conservative approach before amputation, EXCEPT in the case of cancer.  (graphic detail warning:) He is confident that we can get clean margins with an amputation and will send her little forelimb for a biopsy to be sure, along with the lymph node in her armpit if he can get it.

He also thinks it very strange that the mass was just sort of hanging out, not doing anything for two years, and said the location was odd (kind of where our elbows are).  She goes in Wednesday for her surgery and will stay at least over night with 24-hour supervision. He showed us the operating room where they have a special heating pad for kitties to keep their body temperature up, and said even the IV fluids are warmed up before going into the body.  He said that they use IV fentanyl during the procedure because of its short half-life and the ability to monitor and tweak it quickly. They will also do a blood panel the morning of to double check that she is okay for surgery.  I was very impressed!!  pain management is buprenorphine, but I am going to ask for a prescription for gabapentin as well since it really helped her nerve pain during her last biopsy/lumpectomy.  And I won't be shy about asking for pain medication for her - thanks, Holly and Purrkins!  big-grin

I went on Chewy and bought the Lucky Champ litter box with a low lip, as well as some stairs and a couple of washable beds. I am going to turn our extra bedroom into a recovery room after I barricade underneath the bed. I am going to study Holly's guide for a modified onesie and give it a go! laughing I think I am as ready for this as I can be!!

Thank you guys so much for your support, you are all so kind.  Bubbie really enjoyed your messages AND her after vet treat of one grilled chicken nugget from Chick-fil-a!

Side note: The surgeon told me he didn't know my background, but that I seemed very informed...so I told him all about you guys on Tripawds and he said he had heard of this site!



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2 November 2017 - 7:21 pm
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Hey Amanda, you've got this! Your surgeon sounds great. I'm impressed he showed you the operating room. My vet showed it to me on the morning of Mona's amputation and it gave me comfort to see it and meet the many assistants. 

I'm happy the surgeon has heard of the site. I believe brochures can be sent to him if he has other amputee patients. I think the support here is really helpful for the pets' recovery.

Have fun spoiling lovely Bubbie. heart

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

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2 November 2017 - 7:30 pm
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That's wonderful news😁 You are preparing like a professional! I wish I could have had my little boy in our bedroom but he's not ready to roam the house yet.  I got that supplement in and gave him first dose tonight.  Will see how he does and let you know.  It sounds like you have top notch doctors and that she will be in very good hands.  I love chick-fil- A! That's top grade treats 😊 

I'm glad things are starting to go your way, big hugs❤

Jackie,  David,  and Huckleberry ❤

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

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