Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hector our just turned 10 adorable Tibetan Terrier had a soft tissue sarcoma removed in March which was followed up with radiotherapy. Unfortunately the tumour has come back, and the vet has recommended his front left leg is amputated. We had agreed to this, but the adrenal tumour he has had for about 9 months has grown and pressing on a major blood vessel. We just don't know whether to still get the leg amputated or just give Hector palliative care.
The vet is leaving the decision up to us, but has had advised amputation, and then discuss removal of the adrenal tumour at a later date. Hector has been through so much, and I just don't want to put him through major surgery, then learning to walk again to find out that he will succumb to the adrenal tumour.
Any advice you can give me would be most helpful
Mary
Hi Mary, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval.
I'm so sorry you're dealing with a very tough decision, it's definitely harder with the tumor to be considered. Whenever a situation like this happens, I always recommend getting another opinion, preferably from a board-certified oncologist, then taking it from there.
When it comes to recovery from amputation, it's not so bad for smaller dogs (usually), they bounce back even faster than most and they're usually walking by the next day, so I hope that brings you some comfort.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much for your advice. We have had 2 opinions about the adrenal gland, with one being from a senior university veterinary oncologist. But I just can't and don't want to believe the adrenal tumour will cause real problems. I just want to see Hector pain free, and he is such a great character that I think he will be great on 3 legs. But my husband and son are so worried about putting Hector through all the trauma of amputation, to then just find out that he has a major stroke due to the adrenal tumour.
It is so very hard, as we adore a Hector, and my husband is disabled and Hector and him are absolutely devoted to each other.
I just don't know whether or not to keep trying to persuade my husband and son to give Hector another chance by getting the leg amputated.
He is also on Tramadol for pain control, and is whining a lot, which is hard.
Mary
archie said
Thank you so much for your advice. We have had 2 opinions about the adrenal gland, with one being from a senior university veterinary oncologist. But I just can't and don't want to believe the adrenal tumour will cause real problems. I just want to see Hector pain free, and he is such a great character that I think he will be great on 3 legs. But my husband and son are so worried about putting Hector through all the trauma of amputation, to then just find out that he has a major stroke due to the adrenal tumour.
It is so very hard, as we adore a Hector, and my husband is disabled and Hector and him are absolutely devoted to each other.
I just don't know whether or not to keep trying to persuade my husband and son to give Hector another chance by getting the leg amputated.
He is also on Tramadol for pain control, and is whining a lot, which is hard.
Mary
Mary hop on over to the chat room , I'm in there now.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Mary and Hector...and Family!
Can't offer much specific.advise, but just wantto send as many hugs as the computer will allow!
What a rotten scenario.....so sorry you are faced with this.
I don t know if this helps to process the situation, but ask yourself how you would feel if you proceed with the amputation and got some good quality pain free time with Hector....and, of course, ask yourself how you would feel if you amputated and he was "gone" in a very short time. It's a cruel choice, but would you find comfort in knowing you gave Hector a chance even if it didn't "work out"...or are you more comfrtable going ahead with pallative care.and not second guessing yourself. And trust me, this journey is a breeding ground for second guessing, so that's probably unavoidable anyway!! And then to have Hector's human family divided on what's best....geez...not fair...just rotten!!!
Have the vets given any insight into whether amputation would have any effect whatsoever on aggravating the other tumor in some way?
Another crazy question...based on the growth of the tumor over the last nine months...if it continued at that pace, can the vets "guess" how long it would take for the increase in size to effect Hector negatively?
And most importantly, what do you think Hector would want?? Worth the risk to him? Be pain free once recovery is over, k nowing there's a risk? Right now, if he's.on pain meds, he's hurting some.
As you've already seen from your research, dogs do splendidly on three legs! Hector is already basically just using three so you already know that won't be an issue. Your vet has assessed the situation and feels amputation is the route to go and then he will deal with the other! Is he an Oncologist,,although that may not be ofimpotance here.
And just an aside about amputation in general.......the first week.or so, many ask "What have I done TO my dog?" After that, they say "I'm so glad I did this FOR my dog!" It is major surgery though and complications can arise.
We're here for you and walking by your side. You are not alone! And remember, Hector isn't worried about a thing and doesn't even know he has any "issues"! Give him an extra cuddle for us, okay? And we'd love to see pictures when y o u can! We love pictures around here!
Sending clarity and hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah and My Pal Merry Myrtle
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!
Thank you so much for your lovely reply, your advice is so helpful. I have Hector lying beside me, getting lots of cuddles. We have made our decision to go ahead with the amputation, as you are right we must do what is best for Hector, and that is to have him pain free. He has such a lot of character and wants to live that we want to give him another chance. You are right what you say about the adrenal tumour, and no one knows what is going to happen there, so we are going to do what needs doing for the present, and not worry about the future. I am waiting to hear from the surgeon as to when they will operate, as they want to speak to the oncologist to discuss the adrenal tumour and if it might impact on the surgery, but I hope not. It is unlikely they will now operate until next week, which will be hard as I would prefer to get it over and done with, but we will take the advice of the experts.
I will attach some photos of Hector, as he is just great, the only delay may be my poor IT skills in trying to work out how to upload photos.
Thanks again for your kindness and advice, it has been so much appreciated.
Mary
Hi Mary,
So sorry to read about your sweet boy Hector, and his dealing with 2 separate issues.......I know this situation is very difficult, but trust in your vets, and your own instincts. I was wondering if Hector has any symptoms from his adrenal tumor? The reason I ask, is my sweet black Lab Maggie, my pup I had before my Tripawd Polly, also lived most of her life with a small adrenal tumor. Hers caused some minor symptoms of Cushings disease, minor but still noticeable. The tumor never caused any other problems than these symptoms, and she never developed full blown Cushings.
The decisions we need to make I know are very difficult, but in the scheme of things, I believe amputation is still the best treatment for his STS.....hopefully, your vet can come up with a way to deal with the adrenal tumor if it becomes necessary.
Keeping you in my thoughts, and keep us all updated on sweet Hector.
Bonnie & Angel Polly
P.S. You have found the best support group for dealing with this new journey in yours and Hector's life......there is a ton of knowledge and complete understanding here.
Mary,
So sorry to hear that Hector and your family are having to make this journey. I have no doubt the decisions for Hector are more difficult since he has 2 different issues to consider. Just remember Hector doesn't understand these issues and all he knows is that his leg hurts and his family seems sadder.
As is said so often around here you just need to be in the "now" with Hector. When he's in your presence try to be as easy going and up beat as you can. You don't want him becoming "depressed" (for lack of a better word) because he's sensing your emotions. Hector will let you know when he's tired and wants to take his final rest. But for now he seems like he still has some fight in him and he wants to remain with his pack.
Good luck with everything and keep us posted. This is a wonderful place for support and advice!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Thanks everyone for all your advice and kindness, I am so pleased I have found you all. The surgeon has phoned and Hector is being admitted tomorrow morning to get his leg amputated, so I am just praying he gets on ok, and comes back to us happy and pain free. The surgeon says he might take a small sample from the adrenal tumour to find out the type of tumour, but I don't want this done as I am terrified in case it spreads,
Hector tonight is lying at my feet, quite comfortable, and he even managed to go on a short walk. He is such a lovely courageous dog. And I do hope he gets through tomorrow and is back to his cheeky self soon.
Thank you all again for your kindness and support, it means so much to me at this difficult time.
Take care
Mary
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