Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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This has been a tough holiday, Wednesday evening I found out my 6 yr. old Y. Lab Supai has Osteosarcoma on her right tibia. In 2005 she had TPLO done on this leg. She has a fracture on the head of the tibia. Further x-rays show her lungs are clear, as well as shoulders (she had been a little lame, arthritis was found). We have decided to amputate the leg in order to make her more comfortable. Not liking the radiation and chemo option. Supai has had 2 TPLO's and with all the latest poking and prodding she get's very anxious at the Vets. We are pretty realistic with her prognosis for the future. We are looking into a holistic approach to give her a chance to make it to spring.
Suapi's Ortho surgeon has been great, our Vet and friends have helped but WE HAVE no one to talk with that has ever been in this boat. I am glad I found this web page!
Thanks
Shaun & Supai
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There are lots of folks here to talk to and many of us have 'been there'. Last year the Monday before Thanksgiving, Trouble was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. On Tuesday she was in for a second opinion consult, and Wednesday morning she was in surgery. My head was spinning. Thanks to the support and information here, we made it through that difficult recovery period, the decision to try chemo, and found many new friends who share our journey. The road is not always smooth, but there is alway a comforting person here so you know you are not alone.
Welcome!
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Hi Shaun and Supai,
Welcome to the Tripawds family... I'm sorry that Supai was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. You have come to the perfect place for information and support!!
My Jake also had osteosarcoma in his proximal humerus... He first fractured his leg beginning of Sept and then we soon found out it was because of the bone cancer weakening his leg. Before that, we just assumed he had arthritis (he was 10)... His amputation was on Sept 17... His first week of recovery was tough... but by the 2nd week, he started doing better and better. He was a happy dog, and got to play, eat and even swim alot with his younger brother Wolfie. Unfortunately, Jake lost his battle almost 3 weeks ago, due to the cancer spreading to his spine. But many other dogs do very well for several months, up to a year or more after their amputation. All depends on the dog, and how quickly (and where) the cancer spreads...
When is Supai's surgery scheduled for? You can ask us any questions or concerns you may have. We have all been through it, for sure!
She will be on pain meds and that may or may not cause all kinds of side effects... She will be pretty tired and sleepy for the first week, but it's important to make sure she eats and drinks. Get a sling to help her walk (hop) around at the beginning, and then a harness for once the stitches come out 2 weeks later. I have pictures on Jake's Journey with his sling and harness, and even a float coat to help him swim.
I wish you and Supai all the best with her surgery and that she has a very quick recovery. (most dogs recover within the first 2 weeks).
Looking forward to hearing more about Supai and her story...
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
We're sorry to hear about Supai, but glad you found us too! Don't miss Jerry's top ten Q & A posts for tips about what to expect. We look forward to follwing her progress.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to tripawds. It is a group none of us wanted to be in but we have all been grateful for. On this sight you will meet some of the nicest, caring people in the world. I am so sorry Supai was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma. It is very scary and most of us know what you are going through. I remember when Emily was diagnosed I was so scared I couldn't breathe and the wonderful people here got me through it.
Jake's Mom mentioned getting a sling and a harness. She was so kind to give Jake's sling to Emily and if you would like it, it would be my pleasure to pass it to Supai. Another tripawd parent sent me a harness but I have passed it on. If you sign on to the Angel Exchange if someone has one they are not using they would send it to you. If you want the harness just PM me with your address.
The first two weeks after amputation are unpredictable. Emily did well but had some side effects from the tramadol, shaking and nervousness but other than that it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Please do not let them talk you into taking Supai home the night of surgery like some of the people in this sight have had to do. If your hospital has 24 hour care (like a teaching hospital) take advantage of it. It really is the best. If your hospital does not, ask about hiring one of the vet techs or students to do private duty nursing for that night. While coming off the anesthesia many dogs whimper and have a hard time. It is really best if you let a professional take care of the first 24 hours. I think it would be well worth the money. Try to be positive around Supai. She will be watching you to see how she should react.
When you have questions, need to vent, or just want to talk to someone who has been there post and you will see how many people understand.
Anyway, if you would like Emily (Jake's) sling let me know. Kisses to your pup and you will be in my prayers.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Thank for all of your kind words. I am sure there will be some pt falls in the recovery. Fortunatley we have gone through 2 TPLO repairs on her. She handles Fentenyl and Tramadol (currently on Tram) and we still have the sling. I am less worried about the recovery, the TPLO procedure is pretty traumatic and Supai couldn't use it. Supai goes in this Thursday she will be hospitalized the first night. Will have the weekend to get her settled and my wife and I will take alternating day's off the first week to look after her.
My biggest questions are what have folks done for complimentary treatments. We don't want to put her through chemo., I am intrigued with Artemisinin . I am going to contacts a Holistic DVM Monday that is closer to home then where she will have the amputation (2 hrs each way). Time really seems to be of the essence but that makes it hard to narrow down the options.
The irony of this whole thing is 4 yrs. ago we spent thousands of dollars to make this leg work and now we have to spend thousands to take it off.
I know I have come to the best place for guidence.
Thanks All
Shaun & Supai
Hello and welcome to tripawds! In October 2008, my dog, Jack, started limping about which he did on and off for 7 months. In May 2009, he had an xray taken and it showed Osteosarcoma. It was horrible - everything I read said he had probably only a few months left since it is an aggressive cancer. We had his leg amputated the next week, and he started chemo 3 weeks after his surgery. After 4 rounds of chemo, we were financially drained and had to opt out of further treatments. Because of this, I researched supplements non-stop. Right now, Jack starts the day off with 2 IP6 and Inositol tabs and 2 Power Mushroom pills. In his dinner he gets 2 Pau d'Arco (which tripawds.com does not endorse because of possible health concerns) and 2 astragalus. Then in the evening he gets 2 more IP6/Inositol and Power Mushrooms. However, I found a new supplemental regimen I plan to start him on which includes an anti-angiogenic (which is supposed to decrease blood vessels in tumors - http://www.scie..... ). I am happy to report that not only is Jack's 6 month ampuversary on Thursday, but he is also happier and more outgoing than he has ever been (even as a puppy!). He even ripped my sweatshirt this morning by playing a little too rough (but it's soooo hard to yell at him for being naughty!). A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying, and I cried every day for the first month. Then, I just came to realize that our dogs don't know they have cancer, and all they care about is making you happy and having enough food and play time. If we, as pawrents, can help our dogs be the happiest little dogs they can be, then we have done our job 🙂 I hope Supai recovers quickly and that you can get some comfort from all this madness very soon!!!
<3 Laura and Bad Jack
Shaun & Supai,
First, we are very sorry to year of Supia's diagnosis, but you have found a great community which will share experiences, provide suggestions, and most of all give support. One of the wonderful facts of this community is the extreme diversity of knowledge. Thus, while I did not get onto the site last night as usual, you have already recieved excellent comments. Our experience was much like Shanna and Troubles and in fact, there are four of us (Nova, Cherry, Max, and Trouble) all of whom celebrated one year Ampuversaries this month. While Cherry did seem to catch a "bug" earlier this month, the month of October was her best month since the diagnosis. The sparkle has returned to her eyes as well as her impishness and willingness to get into mischief. For us the chemotherapy was worse than the amputation. Cherry's first chemotherapy treatment was just hours after the amputation. Cherry did not suffer any nausea, vomiting, or drop in blood count that can go along with chemotherapy, but rather the taste of the chemicals caused her to loose her appetite. Many are not effected at all by the chemotherapy and I would have to say that Cherry is here today because of the aggressive treatments.
When you get closer to the operation, there is a set of suggestions that we can forward. Do not underestimate Supai's ability to recover and return to a quality of life. I would urge you to set your goals far longer than just spring. We have already planned our month long trip to Yellowstone with Cherry for June. She wants to again sit on my lap, in the swing, on the porch of the Lower Hamilton General Store, at the Lower Geyser Basin. Last year we did that and radioed back the geyser eruptions to the Old Faithful Visititor's Center. At that time she will be 12½ years old and eighteen months post amputation.
Paws Crossed and Sending Positive Thoughts,
Bob & Cherry
Thanks all for you kind words and encouragement. I am guardedly optimistic. The odds are against us, Supai was a trooper through back-to-back TPLO procedures, I know she will handle the amputation fine. We just need some luck to get through the rest.
Hello Shaun
Cemil is on an alternative therapy too. His vet recommended the Hoxsey treatment and ImmPower (which is another mushroom immune booster). He just had his 10-month ampuversary, and while I don't know the condition of his lungs because I decided not to x-ray him all the time, he seems fine. I supplement him with acai berry and probiotic powder, salmon oil and Vitamins A and D (also recommended by his vet). Liver and kidney support are a couple other things that I think are important, and also Co-Q-10. And he eats grain-free food. If you have access to a certified accupuncturist, they can give you things specific to Supai's needs. That would help your decision making a lot.
Jerry's regimen is posted on the site, for more diversity.
Keep us posted on Supai's progress. We wish you the best.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Thanks for info Cemil, Supai goes to the Surgeon tomorrow and I will be beside myself until I get her Home on Friday. We have an appointment with a Holistic Vet in 2 weeks, I started her on the CAS Options which is a Mush. based supplement, it has the Co-Q 10 in it. There are so many different treatments out there, in the brief conversation I had with the H. Vet I liked her and will really like getting going on a treatment strategy.
Thanks All
shaun & supai
Shaun and Supai,
As I mentioned in my first posting here I have a standard set of suggestions that may help you prepare for Supai’s return from surgery. Stealing from a recent Jerry posting, I would suggest:
What to Expect Part 1: http://tinyurl......tToExpect1
What to Expect Part 2: http://tinyurl......tToExpect2
Also, there are my usual suggestions:
1) Remain as positive as possible around Supai. They will pick up on your feelings and if you are down, it will only make it harder. I have often left Cherry, left the house, and then totally lost it before regaining composure and returning with a smile. It will make a difference.
2) Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body. Find something that they love and can still do during recovery. Then exploit that love to give them purpose. For Cherry, it was/is her trips in the truck/car. It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered. To this day, as the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approaches, you can see the excitement grow. Jake's mom would probably tell you that for Jake it was the swimming pool. Once Jake saw the pool and was allowed back in, the improvement appears to have been remarkable. View the Fun! Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips. Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary! Finally there is Calpurnia who loves the life filled with the outdoors and sledding and has survived the amputation for more than two years. View the fun! Help them find a purpose to fight.
3) Consider keeping a journal. I kept a journal and posted much it on-line. It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison. The detail that you keep in this journal is more than I would ever put into a blog which is also a great idea. This very detailed journal really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery. Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition.
Paws crossed, sending pawsitive thoughts, and will definately keep you in our thoughts tomorrow'
Bob & Cherry
Thanks Cherry,
I found those post the other night and after reading them it eased my mind a lot. In 2005 Supai had both of her cruciate ligament's repaired by TPLO procedure. This is a very traumatic surgery with a 16 wk recovery period. Your suggestions and the ones on the post were thing we dealt with and Supai did well through it all. We have been very positive around her. The one thing that Supai loves most is swimming, for the past week I have been taking her everyday playing fetch. TYmorrow is the surgery and by the time the staple's are out the lake will likely be frozen. She too loves her rides in the truck; I am thinking we will drive to my Dad's house and visit him and Supai's brother. We have another Lab here at home and Supai is very fond of him so she is never alone, and Barley is very attentive to her. Luckly supai is a very positive dog, when recoverying from TPLO she was eager to do things when asked and staid quiet when she needed to work on healing.
Like I said before I am not worried about the battle (amputation) I am worried about the War (Cancer)!
Hi Shaun,
Jake also loved to swim... but no swimming after surgery until the stitches come out (usually around 2 weeks). Jake did alot of swimming in our pool once the vet gave the go ahead (but we live in Florida... so no ice!). I have a bunch of videos of him enjoying himself after surgery.
Good luck with everything tomorrow, and when Supai comes home on Friday!! I'm sending lots of good vibes your way!!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
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