Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Rory (a nine year old cat) was diagnosed with an aggressive but not systemic tumor growth on his left forelimb last December. The vet removed most of it, but noted she could not remove all as the growth impacted on major blood vessels. She also conducted a bone scan, which seems to say that the tumor is confined (at that point) to soft tissues. I was referred to an oncologist, who noted (after lymph node analysis and urine analysis) that this cat's tumor had not gone systemic.
My options according to both doctors were three: radiation therapy, amputation, or palliative care.
He is a wonderful boy, and doesn't really seem to feel pain yet, so I opted for radiation. Unfortunately I could not get him down to the radiation facility (45 minutes away) before the tumor began re-growing. There were several logistical problems on that part. But at any rate, this tumor has re-grown at a remarkable rate, so much that I sort of say that I can almost physically watch it grow. Maybe not quite that bad, but every 24 hours it looks significantly worse. They'd need to do another surgery to remove this tissue prior to radiation. And, frankly, I don't think weekly radiation will do it for Rory. Not at this point. My regular vet was amazed at the tumor re-growth. I hate to consider it, but from what I've been reading, amputation is now on my table.
Thanks for providing this forum.
Hi Rory & Family, welcome. As we like to say here, this is the club nopawdy wants to join but if you have to there are some great folks here ready to offer support and a place to lean on.
I'm sorry to hear about the tumor. I know what you mean about how quickly these things can evolve, it's frightening. But at least you're working with an oncologist now who can guide you in the process, whatever you decide.
I'll tell ya, Tripawd kitties adapt very well, even older ones. In fact they recover and get along better than dogs (ssssh! Don't tell my k9 friends I said that!). Have you seen our Tripawd Kitty blogs? Lots of great examples of life on three legs so do check it out.
What I can tell you is thiis; following your gut instinct is so valuable. Only you know Rory better than anyone else, so do what you think is in his best interest and you can't go wrong. There's quite a few kitty pawrents here who will offer better insight than I can, so hang tight and stay tuned.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Rory cat's family. Sorry to hear about this aggressive tumour. It's very scary isn't it?
It sound similar to the one Mona had last June. Mona's lump on her front leg grew from nothing to a golf ball size in a day and continued growing. Her vet suspected it was a fibrosarcoma caused by a vaccine injection and because it was so aggressive he wanted to amputate immediately. There was no biopsy done to confirm the vet's diagnoses and the leg xray did not indicate bone cancer. The rapid growth scared me enough to agree to the amputation. I had no time to worry about the amputation, I just knew I wanted this lump gone and, like you, I could see it growing before my eyes. In less than a week from first feeling the lump, Mona's leg was amputated and she was back home recovering. Mona did not know she was recovering. She did all the things she was not supposed to do (running, jumping, escaping from the house, peeing everywhere except the litter box). The vet told me that cats are resilient and he was right. More resilient than me!
Today, seven months later, I can't even remember what Mona was like with 4 legs. She still has the same routine she always had, still hits my other cat, still likes to climb up to high places, and still loves to cuddle.
Do you know what caused Rory's tumour? Did the vets explain why they would suggest palliative care over amputation?
Check in with us and I'm sure others will share their experiences and insights.
Kerren and Tripawd Mona
Hi and welcome to you and Rory!
I'm sorry you guys are in this position - I know how scary it is....My Jill, also a kitty, is now 2 years post amputation for bone cancer. To say she is doing great would be, almost an understatement. She runs, plays, cuddles, she is just as happy on three legs as she was on four. I hate to brag and annoy the doggies - but cats really do recover at a remarkably faster rate than the doggies, mostly I think given their size and agility.
I know it's a scary concept - but definitely check out all the blogs Jerry suggested. Seeing Fang's blog (that was the only blog at the time of Jill's amputation, look how far we've come!) helped me SO MUCH. It gave me so much comfort to know how well kitties do on three legs.
Please let me know if you have any questions at all, about anything, the surgery, recovery, etc.
Keep us posted!
xoxo,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Hi Rory! You sound like a delightfully good boy! Can't wait to see some photos!
You jave gotten great advice from everyone! Just wanted to offer my support and understanding. This is such a nightmarish decision but, as you can see, cats general k y recover fairly quixkly. It is majore surgery, but once recovering from surgery is over you will be astounded at how well Rory does! And yes, ...shhh.....it does appear kittens recover faster than dogs! My Happy Hannah, a "fluffy" Bull Mastiff, took about three weeks before her sparkle started coming back!
I know amputation sounds scary, but everyone here will tell you that their ability to adapt to three legs is almost instantaneous!
Sending you love and hugs! Keep us posted, okay? You are not alone!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Thanks everyone!!! Rory is very appreciative of the welcome, and while he hopes to keep all four legs, I’m here to learn more if this becomes the option I go with. And I’ll get some Rory photos up by Sunday.
I have an appointment with the radiologist Monday morning (which I may have to cance/postponel if the predicted snow storm comes through – the radiologist is 45 minutes away in good weather. However on Tuesday he’s going back to the local vet for assessment as to if this has gone systemic – lymph node aspiration and x-ray. (This was set up mid-type….)
We penciled in next Friday for amputation at the local vet’s. I can always cancel. I will definitely do so if there is any indication that this has gone systemic.
Re the option of palliative care – I think this was offered as an “out” for those who might not be able to spend the money. Or if we/I felt that this has a great likelihood to spread systemically. From my vet and in consultation with the oncologist, this particular tumor’s behavior is not well understood in cats.
Even if not systemic, radiation may not be a full cure. I just got off the phone with my vet who has been in contact with both the oncologist and the radiologist (mid typing, actually). My vet said that depending on the current tumor ulceration size, they may not be willing to radiate, as radiation definitely damages the skin. Bu t that radiation therapy may be effective even without excising out the current regrowth.
A conundrum, but I truly thank all of you for your support and being here.
Re the blog about Fang the cat – that’s how I found this site during my Google-frenzy. That’s why I am thinking amputation may well be a viable alternative to the others – as long as the tests we just set up for Tuesday are in line with a localized problem
I’m going to be checking out the other feline-oriented blogs (and mid-aged doggy blogs, since I need to know how less-youthful animals of whatever species survive) as often as I can.
And right now, he's sitting on my lap, purring like crazy. If it's not systemic, I am definitely opting for amputation.
DEEP BREATH: If I go this way, there will be a blog for us feline folk.
Oh I'm so glad you found Fang's blog! Feel free to private message his mom Chantal, she is always so helpful with others who are making big decisions like this.
It's definitely a lot to consider right now. You're right, you can always cancel the surgery depending on how things develop this coming week but as long as you continue doing your research you'll feel so confident no matter which way you decide to go.
Enjoy your weekend. We can't wait to see photos!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Here's Rory: He's a handsome tuxedo, with a twin sister named CeeCee. I will have to think of something to do with her while he is in early recovery, should we go the amputation route. I may end up boarding her temporarily, while he gets back up on one less foot.
Rory is a beauty! I just want to let you know that I set up my office as a "nursery" for Mona. I left the closet open for her and put a bathmat under a shelf where she spent most of her time for the first few days. It worked really well because cats like to be under things (usually beds) went not feeling well and it was easy for me because I could just slide her out by pulling on the mat.
I kept the door closed to keep Mona in and my other cat Eli out. Eli was constantly at the door wanting in and darted in the room within a day. He sniffed Mona who was sleeping in the closet and then "stood guard" over her by lying a couple of feet near her. He was very sweet and did not bother her and she took little notice of him. I realized that it was important for things to get back to normal as soon as possible and allowed Eli access to the room and tried to keep Mona in the room. That lasted for 2 days and then things went awry from then on with Mona escaping any chance she got.
Looking back I tried to change too many things for Mona, based on what I read on very short notice. What I would do: create easy to access hiding places (easy for the person to access), keep the same litter box and litter, feed canned kitten food, not bother with a cone or shirt unless the cat fusses with the staples, learn about the pain medications in advance, take comfort and relax when the cat is sleeping - this is the healing time and the cat is pain free. I would still try to keep the cat isolated so I'd have an idea where she is when time for meds.
Kerren and Trikitty Mona
Wow he is one handsome kitty!
Great advice as always Kerren, thank you so much.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
oh! HE IS HANDSOME! Jill would like to know if he is single??
As for your other kitty...I guess it depends on how rambunctious they are together. My other kitty Jack was totally fine being around Jill after her surgery. But they dont play rough at all, only cuddle 
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Thanks, Kazan, Jerry and Rica -- he's definitely handsome!
He's got a laid back personality. He gets on well with his sister and they both cuddle, but ever so often she tries to start something. I used to think it was his fault - no, he's laid back but sometimes she purposefully irritates him enough that he finally decides to put her in her place (he is bigger). I have discovered that apparently he never instigates it! (They are second-hand cats -- I got them when they were just barely six years. Long and not particularly happy story, but fortunately not relevant.)
Anyhow, she pestered him a bit more than usual when he came home as a conehead after the initial surgery. He seemed a bit down while he had to wear the collar, but once it was removed dynamics returned to normal
I'm thinking of keeping him in the colllar when I have to sleep/be at work, but take it off when I'm socializing with him, or just simply watching him. I find it amazing that he hasn't yet tried to worry at his tumor or ulcer, and I know his leg is giving him some discomfort. I saw the comments about onesies, but I'm thinking my attempt at modifying a onesie would probably look something like what Mom told me Dad did to me using diapers the one and only time she allowed him to change my infant self.
Right now Rory is happily sitting on my lap as I type. And, Jill, he is single!
I think leaving a cone on is a good idea. It's not fun for the animal but definitely serves a purpose and prevents a lot of potential prolems.
Looks like Jill and Rory may need to have a date!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Whoah! What a beautiful kitty kat Rory is. Sorry no kitty advice here as we are all dogz in our pack. Just sending you lots of love and support, no matter what decision you make! The Tripawds Nation has your back!
xoxoxo,
Codie Rae and the Oaktown Pack
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
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