TRIPAWDS: Home to 22974 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Not sure what to do biopsy was negative but they still want to amputate
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Cincinnati, OH
Member Since:
2 August 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
4 August 2016 - 7:55 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

About a month ago my dog Jynx started limping so we took her to the vet and they gave us tramadol and rimadyl.  She got better two weeks later it started again so we took her back and they referred us to MedVet for possible bone cancer.  We did the chest xray and ultrasound both were negative so next we did a biopsy and it came back negative.  She has not improved and I have taken her back to the original vet twice for xrays to see if it has gotten worse and it has from the first to the second with a month inbetween but not from the second xray to the third which was two weeks apart. I cant afford to redo all the testing and biopsy so the first vet is willing to amputate the leg without doing a second biopsy even though the first came back clear.  I have it scheduled for next week but I am having second thoughts - has anyone else ever had the biopsy come back clear but the dog still had cancer?  I am tearing myself apart trying to figure out what to do.  One day I am amputate strong and the next I am like no I cant do that I should let nature take its course.  She doesnt seem to be in alot of pain and other than a limp she is just like she has always been.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks from Jynx's mom

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
4 August 2016 - 11:26 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Okay, deep breaths....B R E A T H EE......B R E A T H E.....

You are not alone! We understand the fear and panic and uncertainty of this journey like no others can. You are doing your research and that's good.

Unfortunately, it's not unusual for a biopsy to come back inconclusive. Have these xrays been seen by a Radiologist and/or Oncologist? What's their level of certainty?

For whatever it's worth, a biopsy wasn't even mentioned in my Happy Hannah's case. I hadn't joined this community at the time and didn't even know it was an option. Anyway, many here don't do not do biopsies as the trained professional eye can make a diagnosis with the xrays.

So, from the xrays, the vets have determined it's most likely osteosarcoma? Right?

Anhway, Jinx is limping. When a dog limps it means they are in pain. They are so stoic they don't show pain unless it really hurts. So, regardless, it sounds like amputation will get rid of that painful leg. As you will see here on this site, dogs do amazingingly well on tnree legs!

How old is Jinx? How much does he weigh? Sou ds like the vets think he's a good candidate for surgery and being a tripawd. Good news that his lung xrays and ultra sounds are clear!

We have tons of first hand experience here ro help get you through recovery. It's no picnic at first, but we'll be right here by your side the whole way! Take a look at Jerry's Required Reading List .

Will look forward ro your update

(((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))

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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
4 August 2016 - 1:14 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi and welcome! Boy what a tough spot you're in, I can't blame you for feeling so uncertain, I would too.

Everything Sally has mentioned, I second. I would NOT amputate unless there was more certainty and the bone was so badly destoryed it had to come off regardless of whether it was cancer or something else, like a fungal infection.

What does the oncologist at MedVet say about the situation? I"m pretty sure that's a specialty hospital and am guessing you saw an oncologist there, right? What kind of biopsy was done, a fine needle aspirate or a bone biopsy? And the bigger question is, what does the bone look like? Is it beyond saving? Has either vet discussed this?

Take a deep breath and share more details, we'll try to help as best we can OK?

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

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
4 August 2016 - 1:16 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

If you're still online (looks like you are) I'm in the Tripawds Chat room for a bit. Hop on over!

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

Cincinnati, OH
Member Since:
2 August 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
4 August 2016 - 2:02 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Jynx turned 6 years old on April 15th and she weighs 68.5 pounds. 4 vets have looked at the xrays taken at different intervals and all 4 of them say it looks like osteosarcoma, its getting worse and if it isnt cancer whatever it is has done damage to the bone but not one of them can say 100% that it is cancer.  When MedVet (oncologist vet) called me with the biopsy results to say they were clear I was over the moon elated but she told me that it isnt uncommon for a biopsy to come back clear because they dont always hit the right spot (I dont know if it was needle or bone biopsy but you can see the holes they made on the xray).  They said repeat the tests or wait a month and xray again.  We xrayed at 3 weeks post the biopsy and the affected area had grown noticeably and the lump in her leg was bigger as well.  I have also had chest xrays done a month apart and still no sign of cancer in her lungs but if it is cancer time is running out. She is on tramadol, rimadyl and gabapentin and it helps but she is hurting.  Dont get me wrong if she were to see a rabbit in the yard she would charge after it bum leg or not putting all her weight on it.  This whole thing just sucks and it is sucking the life out of me, my husband, our marriage, you come home from work and she is at the door with our other two dogs to greet you, she rolls over for belly rubs and she wants to play yet there she is with that leg off the ground when sitting and limping when she walks.  I scheduled the amputation for this coming Wednesday but I just dont know if I am doing the right thing and I am literally crying every night reading and researching until I make myself sick. 

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
4 August 2016 - 3:20 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

When Murphy first started limping, I thought he must have just pulled something running out the door with the other dogs - you know how dogs can be.  After a few days I took him in to our vet who couldn't feel any specific spot of swelling.  He gave us some pain and anti-inflammatory medications to start and sent us to a radiology center for x-rays.  So a few days later I took him for his x-rays - Murphy could walk on the leg, and the vet there brought him back to me in about 5 minutes, telling me that everything looked fine.  When his medications ran out, Murphy started limping again, yelping when he walked.  So I took him and the CD of the x-rays in to our vet.  He thought that maybe he saw something in the x-rays, but he wasn't sure because it was blurry.  He gave us more medications just in case he just needed more time - he still didn't feel any swelling.  The next time we ran out we got a referral to an orthopedic specialist.  When we went out there, Murphy let the vet manipulate his leg in every position possible, and still walked for him.  The x-rays they took that day showed what they believed was a tumor.  I felt the floor drop out from under me because cancer was not even on my radar.  I really thought that he had a fracture.  There was a slim chance that it could be an infection of some sort, so we proceeded with the biopsy and waited for the results.  However, just like what seems to happen a lot, they were inconclusive.  Our follow-up x-rays showed that the tumor was larger and eating away at the bone.  We then went ahead with surgery.  The final diagnosis - which still took a couple of weeks after his surgery, was histiocytic sarcoma.  Our Murphy had been in pain for about 5 months before his surgery.  So even without a conclusive diagnosis, based on x-rays, we did the right thing. 

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
4 August 2016 - 3:24 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

First off ... HUGS!!!! We have all been there and I know how hard this is. My girl's story was a bit different as she broke the leg and they saw what they thought was cancer in the xray but no evidence. I elected to keep her leg and monitor it. She did well but still had a slight limp that we chalked up to age (she was 12). Couple months later, she had an episode and we removed her spleen. Found hemangiosarcoma - a different but equally awful cancer. Still on the 4 legs, we started chemo.... 

Couple months later ... stopped using the bum leg. We chose to remove it and send it off. It took TWO biopsies of the leg to find out that the leg had hemangiosarcoma so yes... it is possible to not detect the cancer in the leg.

But it sounds like you are proceeding with the amputation to remove that painful leg. Jynx will SO appreciate that!!! You are doing it FOR her .. not TO her. I think once you can get to that point and mindframe ... it will help. And of course, lean on us ... we are all here for you!!!!

XO

Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife



Member Since:
21 May 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
4 August 2016 - 3:56 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Jinx and family heart

Our story is similar to so many others here.

My girl was misdiagnosed by 4 vets and by the time I saw the 5th she was limping and her wrist was swollen.

I never, ever though she could have cancer but after an X-ray it was confirmed.

My partner had a really hard time considering and eventually accepting amputation, he insisted on a biopsy but I didn't want it to be performed.

The reason was she would need a general anaesthetic and being a gigantic breed there is always an added risk and most importantly osteosarcoma can be identified through X-rays to almost 100% certainty.

From the moment cancer was mentioned I went on the web and saw lots of photos of osteosarcoma X-rays so when the vet showed me the X-ray I could see the damage with my own eyes.

My partner queried our local vet (who had done the X-ray) the oncologist and the surgeon and they all said they were sure.

We went ahead with amputation and a couple of weeks later we had the result. It was osteosarcoma.

From what we read here, lots and lots of times biopsies come back inconclusive.

Thing is, Jinx is no longer using that leg so he is clearly in pain.

He will adapt without a problem to life on 3, he is already doing it.

Breathe and be sure he will thank you for removing that painful leg.

We are thinking about you and sending all the pawsitive energy we can master! You will be ok!

Bug hug and cuddles to Jinxheart

Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-) 



Member Since:
21 May 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
4 August 2016 - 4:05 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Just another afterthought ...

I would not have agreed to surgery as quickly as I did if I hadn't seen the X-ray and had the vet confirming it was cancer.

X-rays are quite self explanatory if it is bone cancer.

Sending you a big hugheart

Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-) 





Member Since:
16 October 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
4 August 2016 - 7:01 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Ok, I was in your shoes.  Sassy's didn't come back as a positive for bone cancer until we took the leg off.  They weren't sure and we tried the fungal treatment while we waited for the biopsy to come back.  Since the 1st one came back inconclusive we did a 2nd  it came back inconclusive also.  What my vet told me was it "looked" like it after the x-rays and biopsies but couldn't be sure but whatever it was caused pain.   Even up to the day of the surgery I wasn't sure.  My mom dropped her off and we were going to have our old vet who retired look at it but I said just let them do it.  I was glad I did.  It was Osteoscaroma

I know what I would do but I am not you.  me personally I will never put my dog through another biopsy if they think it looks like Osteoscaroma.  Her bone wasn't bad but looked like what they said was starting to get "moth eaten" a term they use for Osteoscaroma.  

Michelle & Angel Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
4 August 2016 - 7:25 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

We were in the same boat as you.  We got 3 opinions, our regular vet the UW of Wi vet school in Madison and finally a specialty surgeon in Appleton.  All 3 agreed it was osteo by the look of the X-ray.  We chose not to do the biopsy because we learned that many come back inconclusive anyway.  My heart goes out to you I know you feel like you are between a rock and a hard place.  We were told no matter what it was eventually the leg would fracture.  We knew the amp would take away the pain of that useless leg and that was mission accomplished.  The vets were 95% sure and they were right it did turn out to be osteo.  Hugs to you and for sweet Jynx.  

Linda, Riley & Spirits Mighty Max & Ollie

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
4 August 2016 - 8:15 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Wow, no wonder you're so frustrated. In light of those details, now I can see why your vet is recommending amputation. If the bone is beyond repair, then sadly it seems like it's your only option to alleviate the pain. Try not to let the scary stuff about cancer spreading and time delays, etc., weigh too heavy on your decision. Right now she's in pain and the #1 priority is to help her feel better. You are trying, we can see that, so hang tight and be confident that she's getting great care. We'll be by your side no matter what path you take.

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

Cincinnati, OH
Member Since:
2 August 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
5 August 2016 - 6:58 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I am so overcome with emotion right now you people have been a ray of hope for me.  I have checked back and read your posts and they have done wonders for me!!!  I only cried a little last night and I feel so much better about my decision to have her leg amputated this Wednesday.  I have read alot and now I am preparing the house for her I am buying a new firm bed for her and one of those harness that is recommended on the site.  I have accepted what is happening, I am confident now in my decision and I am moving forward without regret, I am still going to be a mess when I first see her after the amputation I am sure of that but thanks to all of you and all the information on this site ( I have been reading for 3 evenings straight) that is what needs to happen.  I will check back for more inspirational messages because I am so sad but I am not doubting the amputation now.  Thank you all of you!!!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
14
5 August 2016 - 7:20 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Awwww you made my morning, I'm really happy to see that you feel stronger and more confident. That is awesome. You are a great advocate for your girl!

You have been doing a great job preparing but if there's anything we can do to help just bark OK?

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

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
15
5 August 2016 - 10:00 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Geex, just wrote a long post and tavlet crashed!

STANDING OVATION TO YOU!!! It takes courage to make these kinds of decisions! You are stronger than you think! You are helping Jinx get on with a pain free life a d he is so grateful!

Is your regular vet doing the surgery? Is Jinx spending the night ast d does he have 24'hr care?

As far as picking him up, don't even look at that ole incision...he sure isn't! He will just be so happy to see you!! Just look I to his happy eyes and kiss him a d hug him and clap for him and tell him what a good boy he is!!! Actually, the amount kf fur they shaved in my Happy Hannah distracted me for a slit second. Maybe they won't get as clipper happy with Jinx!

If you have hardwood floors, you'll wa t to get some non slip scatter rugs for traction .

Every recovery is different! Every dog is different! My happy Hannah was very restless and uncomfortable and whiny the first several nights home. I don't think she or I slept more than a couple of hours those first several days. She never missed a meal though, however, some dogs do not have much of an appetite for a couple of days. The hospital meds stay in their system about 3 days. After that you may experience a little bit of a crash. it is really important to balance the pain meds and stay ahead of the pain. That can be a little bit of a trial and error.

Mini dogs start returning to their normal selves within about two weeks. Not my happy Hannah. It took about 3 weeks before I could finally say I did this FOR her and not TO her. But I tell you what, what's the sparkle starts coming back and you see how happy they are to be out of pain, you will be so glad you moved forward with this decision.

Stay connected! As you already knkw, you are not alone!heart

Lots of hug....eat @ots kf CHOCOLATE...and you'll be fine!

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!

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 254
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17735
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256809
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG