Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Astro is a pretty typical, goofy Dane. Big, sensitive mommas boy. Toys are his security blankets when he can't be physically touching someone. He is roughly 6.5-7 now, 130lbs. Been in our pack for 2.5 years, from a family that did not treat him well, but he has blossomed here with us. He had a rough start to 2016, with 3 emergency surgeries in the span of a few months (gastric torsion, spleen removal, colonic torsion). I honestly thought he wouldn't pull through the last 2, but here he is. Snoring on the bed like a champ.
Well, last monday I thought I noticed the slightest limp in the big meatheads front right paw. I checked his pad and leg but found nothing obviously wrong. Thursday we woke up to a full-on limp, but still no other signs from him that something is wrong ( tail wagging, no reaction to articulating his joints, eating and drinking fine, goofing off with his bro, etc). Thankfully, my vet is a friend (and Astros godmother) and I took him in first thing yesterday (Friday) morning. He lets her manipulate all his joints without complaint, no other signs of distress besides the limp. X-rays are taken and everything looks good except for this darker, opaque section of bone at the top of his humerus. Not good. Most likely Osteosarcoma. Some possibility of a fungal infection of the bone ( this IS the Central Valley of CA, where 'valley fever' potential is all around). We schedule a biopsy for Monday, and now we are home reading 5001 vet journal articles. Even considering our geographic location, I have a hard time believing the fungal possibility is anything but a long shot.
Considering I am already the guardian of one chaotic Tripawd, Rosie, the potential amp does not bother me. Astronaut is a happy, go lucky soul, we could manage. I AM concerned that the location (high up at the top of the humerus), makes for a higher likelihood of spread to the rest of the body. Does anyone know of any papers showing growth rates, etc of osteo? I see so many references to it being a fast-moving cancer, but very little hard data on what "fast" really means. Thanks for reading and I appreciate your thoughts!
Cheers,
Kat
So sorry to hear about Astro.
He'll do great not matter what the diagnosis -- after all, he is a GREAT Dane!
Astro is such a cutie Great Dane! While I do not have answers to your question on how fast is "fast", I was told it was very aggressive and with pain management most pain can no longer be controlled in 1 to 2 months.
I wish you and Astro luck!
-Rhonda
Otis - 121 lbs pre amp - 114 lbs post amp and now 118 lb Great Dane - English Mastiff X. Started limping on 12/24/16. Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 12/28/16 - amputation of front left leg on 1/6/17. Stitches out and 1st round of Chemo on 1/19/17. 2nd round of Carboplatin on 2/10/17 - 3rd round on 3/2/2017. 4th round was scheduled for 3/22/17 - however due to low WBC postponed - 4th Chemo completed on 3/28/17. Had breathing difficulties, stayed in Tufts ICU overnight. Due for 2 more rounds of Chemo but we are opting to go with homeopathy with Dr. Loops instead.
Oh gosh Kat!! Sorry you are dealing with this! Regardless, it's wonderful knowing that adorable HURRICANE ROSIE is doing so well!! It's also good to know Astro has the most loving furever home any dog could hope for!!
I saw your bolg and the great pictures vut didn't have a chance to post. I @ove the lictures of Asto here! Such a sweet boy! And very handsome too!
Astronaut is obviously a very gentle Soul but with quite the inner strength of a WARRIOR!! My goodness, he has been through some unbelievable stuff these past few months!!
At least you know how to care for a tripawd and can be "somewhat" prepared.
As far as research, all I can say is that you will find sooo many contradictory and conflicting information, sooo many variables.. It can make you crazy!!
There is a helpful source that may give you some clarity. The Dog Cancer Survival Guide . It's combines a lot of information and research into one book. There really is no crystal ball to say IF it will even spread, or how fast if it does. We've just seen so .any blow "statistics" out of the water and some who do far less tha. "statistics" say. Astro is clearly a very strong dog!
As I'm sure you already know, a biopsy can be painful and is often inconclusive. I understand why you want to check for fungal though.
THE most important thing to remember though is EVERY DOG IS DIFFERENT!! EVERY SCENARIO IS DIFFERENT!! ASTRO IS NOT A STATISTIC AND DOES NOT HAVE A TIMEFRAME STAMPED ANYWHERE ON HIS HANDSOME DANE BUTT!!!
Let us know how he's doing after his biopsy, okay? We are here for you! And again, it's good to hear from you, just sorry about the reason!
Higs to all!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Oh, my goodness, Astro is just gooooooooorgeous! I have no relevant experience and nothing useful to contribute but I cannot help just stepping in to admire him 
i'm sorry you are having to deal with this and hope you can get some answers next week to help decide the way forward.
Sending all best wishes to you and your pack,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Hey Kat,
I was so bummed to hear about Astro. However we know you are a GREAT Tripawd mom, so he's got a huge advantage there and that's one big hurdle you guys won't be dealing with. But yeah, cancer sucks. I'm really hoping it's not that. To answer your question:
I AM concerned that the location (high up at the top of the humerus), makes for a higher likelihood of spread to the rest of the body. Does anyone know of any papers showing growth rates, etc of osteo? I see so many references to it being a fast-moving cancer, but very little hard data on what "fast" really means.
Nope, don't know of any papers. But when we did ask oncologists about whether or not location plays into the cancer's spread, most said there are no studies that show it does. Some say that the lower on a limb the osteosarcoma tumor is located the better the odds of survival, but there's no real proof. Not sure if that's changed, but what I DO know for sure is that Jerry's tumor was in his scapula and he put the odds to shame by living two years (with no chemo!). And MANY others have as well, no matter where the tumor was located.
I know that your scientific brain is going to be really focused on statistics and I can't blame ya. But maybe you can help yourself stay a little saner during this journey (IF it's cancer) by trying not to focus too much on the stats. Through the years we've seen so many dogs and cats defy those studies and stats when it comes to osteo. If Astro is diagnosed, focus on the fact that this is one of those cancers that can and often does behave differently than predicted, and it can very well be a good thing when it does.
Keep us posted oK? We are thinking of your pack!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Anyone else ever have moments of surrealism before the big day? Mine came in target this morning. I was greeted with tail wags and cuddles this morning, thinking "it's all a big mistake, maybe he just strained his shoulder or something and it's all a big misunderstanding", but 2 hours later - there I was in Target with a cart like....... it's happening. My rational brain and my emotional brain are not speaking to each other right now apparently.
So, after more conversation with our vet, we are in agreement that the likelihood of it being fungal is low. So we are going to forego the biopsy in favor of a full workup (chest xrays and blood panel) tomorrow morning. Surgery is now scheduled for Thursday, the 12th. For now, we are bunkered down in a warm house, dreaming of one more trip to the snow before the big day. Happy Sunday to all.
Cheers,
Kat and Astro (and Hurricane Rosie and The Zig)
Yup, I can relate to that. Totally. As though if you could just switch to a different dimension, it wouldn't be happening. I remember too thinking how strange it was that the world was just going about its business, completely unaware.
Will be thinking of you tomorrow, Kat. Enjoy your trip to the snow. Sounds great. Wish we could get some over here.
All best,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Hmmmm....When I cancelled my Happy Hannah's scheduled surgery, yeah, I think that qualifies as a form of surrealism!
I'm glad you're foregoing the biopsy for all the reasons I mentioned nefrore favor of a full work up.
Your snow picture is STUNNING!!! What a treasure!
Update us when you can.
Hugs and love
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Thinking of you and Astro today and hoping for a good update.
Have faith that you and Astro can handle whatever is to come.
Otis is a boss Great Dane today. Three days post amp and he learned to hop and pooped already omg!
- Rhonda
Otis - 121 lbs pre amp - 114 lbs post amp and now 118 lb Great Dane - English Mastiff X. Started limping on 12/24/16. Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 12/28/16 - amputation of front left leg on 1/6/17. Stitches out and 1st round of Chemo on 1/19/17. 2nd round of Carboplatin on 2/10/17 - 3rd round on 3/2/2017. 4th round was scheduled for 3/22/17 - however due to low WBC postponed - 4th Chemo completed on 3/28/17. Had breathing difficulties, stayed in Tufts ICU overnight. Due for 2 more rounds of Chemo but we are opting to go with homeopathy with Dr. Loops instead.
Oh your boy is gorgeous! Ask your vet about a blood test for the fungal infection. That's what my vet did, he also wanted to do a biopsy once those results were negative just to see what kind of cancer we were dealing with, and I told him no. The blood test cost around $500. Valley fever is really rare (even more so in So Cal where I am located), but if your vet is comfortable with a blood test, may be worth doing.
Oh totally! I remember it well. When we drove the six hours from Eureka, CA to Davis, CA for Jerry's surgery, I wanted to believe that we were on a road trip for fun, not to amputate his leg. It wasn't until we got to UC Davis and stepped inside that I realized it was really happening.
We hope things are going as well as they can today, keep us posted.
Kat you take such great photos. The snow one is spectacular, but would it be OK if we pimped your shopping cart photo for use in a future blog post? That's a good one. We're big on carpet runners as you know.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well, Astro worked the crowd like a pro, as he always does. The techs just fawn on him. His chest x-rays look great and no evidence of pulmonary metastatic disease! They took a fungal titer, so hopefully we hear back soon. Surgery is on for Thursday.
otisgreatdane said
Thinking of you and Astro today and hoping for a good update.Have faith that you and Astro can handle whatever is to come.
Otis is a boss Great Dane today. Three days post amp and he learned to hop and pooped already omg!
- Rhonda
YAY Otis! I'm so glad Otis is here to role model for Astro! Keep on kicking butt, buddy!
lawcat said
Oh your boy is gorgeous! Ask your vet about a blood test for the fungal infection. That's what my vet did, he also wanted to do a biopsy once those results were negative just to see what kind of cancer we were dealing with, and I told him no. The blood test cost around $500. Valley fever is really rare (even more so in So Cal where I am located), but if your vet is comfortable with a blood test, may be worth doing.
Thanks! We are unfortunately right in the middle of the Valley Fever hotspot, so it's pretty common up here in people. I still think it's a long shot just because of all the other factors that make the timing unlikely, but we did the titer just to cover the bases.
jerry said
but would it be OK if we pimped your shopping cart photo for use in a future blog post?
Pimp Away, brother. It's possibly the most emblematic moment of our journey thus far.
Thanks again for all the well wishes and support! You guys are all the best community we could ask for! Glad to have you with us as we journey on!
Cheers,
Kat and Astronaut
ohhhhh that face! That adorable, kissable face!! I love danes for their gentleness, goofiness and ability to attract people of all ages.
Wishing you both the best on surgery day.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Seems to me that your rational brain and emotional brain are completely in sync. Lucky Astro to have you!!! Your last picture is ridiculous...ridiculously awesome. I am a little cautious about Danes but I must admit that I want to KISS HIM! He is just adorable. So sorry for your upcoming journey but the fact that you already have a tripawd makes me smile. You have many others here to offer you support and advice and just, well, whatever you need. Good luck to you and your sweet Astronaut. Sweet Boy.
w
Okay, I'm in the kissing line too!!! Smoooooching that mug!!!
He sure does know how to work the crowd!!! What a sweetie!! 🙂
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR CLEAR XRAYS!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 WONDERFUL NEWS!!! 🙂
Kat! I didn't see any CHOCOLATE in your cart!!! YOU have ro have that!!
Hugs to you!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
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