Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have a 12 year old border collie that i brought to the vet because his usual limping had gotten worse on 5/20th. They said he had slight arthiritis in his left wrist. On may 29th my partner brought him in for an inflamation shot to reduce pain. I brought him in on May 31st and realized at the vets it was now his right leg that he would not put weight on not his usual left leg. After new xrays it revealed a large bone chip in his right shoulder. On june 2nd i was referred to a surgeon. On june 3rd after the surgeons examination he was not convinced it was the bone chip but bone cancer even though the xrays did not show bone cancer. We did a bone and joint tap which both came back negative. We scheduled surgery for today the 16th. I just received a phone call that he still expects cancer as the tissue is so inflamed on the outside of the bone. He is still going to remove the chip but is going to do aggressive bone and tissue samples as he is convinced it is cancer. I don't know what to expect, i thought because the first tests were negative we were in the clear but now he's telling me he still thinks its cancer. Has anyone had similiar diagnosis?
Linda
linda friesen
Hi Linda...I'm sorry for what you're going through...the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming. Zeus' diagnosis (I did a story on "share your story" of what we went through) was clear cut and the cancer was evident - we had the whole limping thing and even the mis-interpretation of which leg he was limping on.
I think the only thing that you can do at the moment is wait until the surgery is over and see what the doctor says. I'm not a doctor and have no idea what cancer would look like if I saw it without the guidance of doctors - I've just had to entrust my guy to the doctors (who 2 are thankfully best friends of mine), get all the facts and obtain all the knowledge that I can and at the end of the day, listen to my gut.
Ask him/her to see and walk you through the xrays, test results, etc...listen to your gut - if you feel like you want or need a second opinion, don't hesitate to get one.
Please keep us posted...we're here for you to help you through this.
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Zeus said:
Hi Linda…I’m sorry for what you’re going through…
Dear Heather and Zeus
I am trying to hold it together. Riley has limped for 3 plus years on his left leg and if it had been cancer I feel he would not have survived without treatment for so long. The right leg is definitely new and alot more painful. The vet is doing surgery right now and is suppose to call me with what he sees, I am in shock as 2 weeks ago the good news was all negative for bone and joint fluid cancer. Now he is going to be getting larger bone samples and tissue samples. I am still hoping the bone chip is the cause of all his pain. I have been reading the sight and it is helpful to see some of the posts.
The vet has been really great as he has told me even though the xrays haven't shown clear cut tumors he does have slight modeling of the bone. Which i would expect in an oler frisbee nut border collie. I just didn't expect this today. I was thinking we get the old chip out and he would be good as new. He did suffer a fall on the 20th of may and fell on his right shoulder and could not get up without help.. Thats when we noticed the limp so it just seemed like the bone chip happened that day. According to the vet his symptoms of pain do not match the bone chip, so that is why he is being aggressive with more testing.
I will let you know what I find out later today.
Thank you for responding I am going a little stir crazy waiting
Linda and riley
linda friesen
Yes, I know the waiting is the hardest part. When Zeus had his biopsy the day after the initial diagnosis, I wouldn't leave the hospital. I sat there for 6 hours doing nothing but crying and pacing drinking coffee. It was horrible and I should have listened to everyone and gone home for some rest or at least out to get some food. I know the stir crazy feeling - it's terrible. Hang in there - you'll have some answers soon. It's out of your hands at this point, so there isn't much you can do but trust and have faith that all will be as it is supposed to be.
We are here praying for you - please let us know as soon as you hear something.
Hugs and licks,
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Waiting is tough...am here, all across the ocean, thinking of you and with you.
All love
Zeus said:
... please let us know as soon as you hear something.
Dear Heather and Zeus
I just got a call from our surgeon. He said that he removed the bone fragments but does not think that is what was causing his pain. He did find a thickening of the pectoral muscle where it attaches to the bone. He took a large biopsy of that tissue as well as several bone biopsies. He did say that their is a chance that the muscle or tendon could have an infection from a fungus but he honestly thinks it is more likely cancer. He said it will take 3-4 days for the biopsy results to come in. I did ask if it is cancer what is the treatment and he said it would still be amputation , chemo and possible radiation depending on what type of sarcoma it is. It's strange we did already do a bone tap and a joint tap as he suspected cancer intially and we got good negative news. The negative news has been short lived. I hope riley suprises our surgeon and its negative on the cancer again. I would have preferred negative news upfront to avoid having to have all these painful tests on my rileyboy. They did say his bones look normal.
I am to pick him up tomorrow morning and I am worried about how I am going to get him to get up to go outside to go potty. He will hold it forever rather than go inside. Did you buy your guy a vest? Should i try to get one so I can help him up and down stairs? The surgeon said he will have a large incision as originally the plan was orthoscopic but that didn't happen.
How is Zuess doing with treatment now?
Lots of love to you both
Linda and riley
linda friesen
lalla, moderator said:
Waiting is tough…am here, all across the ocean, thinking of you and with you.
All love
dear lalla
thank you for thinking of my boy riley. Riley is such a sweetheart. read my post to zuess as i gave the update on the surgery. I told the vet I was worried about the pain the biopsy would cause him and he assured me that the inflamation of his pectoral muscle was causing him more pain and the biopsies were neccessary to get a diagnosis. We have 3-4 days to wait
will update when i get results
Lol
Linda & riley
linda friesen
lalla, moderator said:
…am here, all across the ocean, thinking of you and with you.
dear lalla
thank you for thinking of my boy riley. Riley is such a sweetheart. read my post to zuess as i gave the update on the surgery. I told the vet I was worried about the pain the biopsy would cause him and he assured me that the inflamation of his pectoral muscle was causing him more pain and the biopsies were neccessary to get a diagnosis. We have 3-4 days to wait
will update when i get results
Lol
Linda & riley
linda friesen
Linda,
Hang in there. I know it is hard to wait that many days for result. Let's just hope for the best.
For the time being, to help him move around after you pick him up tomorrow, try use a bath towel to wrap him around his chest, give him some support by semi-lifting his front body. A bath towel would be a bit more gentle on the incision.
I will be thinking of Riley and you.
Love,
Jessie
Hi Linda - thanks for the update. Jessie's suggestions are good ones...riley will eventually have to go and he will...It took Zeus over a day. I bought a harness, but honestly - the towel idea is a great one and will do the trick...and doesn't cost a thing 🙂
My surgeon (post amputation) said going potty may take up to 2 days. Try not to worry, I know it's hard. When Riley comes home let him rest and sleep...that is normal. Try and be upbeat and positive - they absorb everything we feel. I bet you can't wait to bring him home...
We are praying for good news -
Zeus is doing well - thank you for asking. We go for our last chemo treatment next Wednesday. So far, no mets and all blood work is normal. He's a happy boy which in turn makes me a happy mommy and we're just treasuring each day that we have.
Love to you both,
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Hi RileyDog,
Thank you for registering, and welcome to the forums! My people started this very website while I was in the hospital having my operation, almost 18 months now.
We hope your mom finds the help and support she needs here during this tough time. But I'm sure you'll surprise her. You'll learn how to get around, and the new potty routine pretty quick, but tell your mom not to worry if you take a couple falls.
The Ruffwear Harness definitely helps when it comes to stairs. It is something to consider, but there is no huge rush. We do sell them here, but do not recommend using them until surgery wounds completely heal and your stitches are out.
Best wishes for the best results from your tests!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just a "welcome home" note to you Riley...I'm sure you're glad to be home.
We're thinking of you 🙂
Love Mom and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
I was just thinking what wonderful names you guys have ... Riley and Zeus... am glad things are looking up. Riley, your vet sounds like a very thorough guy and I think you're very lucky to have him on your team. LeLooking forward to hearing from you soon, you are a brave boy.
Zeus - smooch. Always wanted to kiss a the king of the gods, the ruler of Mount Olympus and the god of the sky and thunder.
Love,
Hi Linda and Riley,
Our thoughts are with you right now - tough time I know, but this is all with Riley's best interests at heart - not a pleasant process but the results will help you to make the best most informed decision. He's lucky that he has such a caring Pawrent that puts him first.
Love and best wishes
Max
Hey Lalla - thanks for the smooch...right back at ya. Tell your mom since I'm the 'king" (as mom does actually call me) that you are in heaven being treated like the queen that you are...:-)
I know our paths will cross one day and I'll look forward to seeing your beautiful face.
Hope mom is holding up OK..we're thinking of her.
xo
Love ya,
Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
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