Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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HI Im new and fell on this site thankfully.
Im not sure I'm posting in the right forum either.
I found out yesterday after a months worth of x-rays, blood work and urine that My 9 yr old Chocolate Lab my heart dog may have synovial cellcancer… May is the operative word.
Before Labor day say last week in August I noticed him skipping a bit on our walks. He had a back issue a few years ago and I said hmmm Let it go a few days and gave him some rimadyl that she had given him for back and neck pain he sometimes experiences . After a few days I took him in to see his vet whom we adore she did hip and leg xrays blood and urine with no significant findings hips were great R lower leg joint showed fluid on joint.
Started him on gabupentin and tramadol told to ice follow up . this started on 8/27 . Leg kept bothering him they then did a joint fluid aspiration that came back with no findings of infectious disease a few white cells test showed no active lyme . Home again continue meds.. Back again as it kept swelling sent home with Rimadyl six doses later he starts to vomit stopped all medication that was a thursday gave fluids boiled chicken pedialyte back to vets on Sunday two days iv fluids and he stopped limping for 2 days….
Back again for follow up on Tuesday he started limping again sent to Ortho specialist On Wed of this week. He does X-rays is impressed with his vets work up would of followed same protocol. He sees us thinks it could be still and infectious joint as he has seen many false negatives sent home with clavamox, tramodal since he now is red flagged for NSAIDS . He reads xray and thinks ok may be injury or infection we need to do antibiotics first then prednisone if it doesn't work. BUT he may possibly have some beginnings of Synovial cancer well that threw me He says I'll call you when our radiologist reads it tomorrow.
I get a phone call last night that the radiologist sees swelling on the joint some arthritic changes and some subtle changes in the fluid that are significant to this synovial cell cancer , the only way to treat this I want you to know is amputation of the limb… I'm floored…
We dont' go back to see him till the 9th of OCt he doesn't want to re xray for a full month to see if there are any other changes. told me not to panic… OK:0 He said he cant biopsy it yet as he doesn't know if he will get the right spot as there is no tumor present. Continue with clavamox till we see him again… this makes no sense to me what so ever … I did not ask the right questions as I kind of went numb and am waiting for him to call back soon as he was in surgery last night and not in till later today.
Im so sorry to ramble but this is what we have been through this past month. I feel so badly for him . So I have been up since 3 am after I sobbed myself to sleep and ran across this board. He told me we are ahead of the game as most people don't bring there dogs in thinking its arthritis or small injury and by the time he sees them the tumor is present , and has spread.
Does any one know of any members who have had this type of cancer Any info on it or questions I should ask this vet are more than appreciated.. Thank so much for reading this ramble.
Karen
Karen I'm so sorry that you and Harley are going through this but we're glad you found us. Your future posts won't need approval. You are not rambling. All of us here can relate to your worry so no apologies needed.
So it sounds like the ortho doc is taking a "wait and see" approach? I'm not a vet but I know that if I were in the same situation I wouldn't want to wait an entire month (others agree). What is the 10/9 visit for if you're not doing any more diagnostics?
Are you able to see a veterinary oncologist? If so, I would definitely get another opinion but from a cancer specialist.
Hang in there, we're here to help. In the meantime here are some search results about synovial cell cancer in dogs (sorry, I know there's a lot but at least you have lots of examples of other Tripawds with this condition).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, Karen,
My dog, Willow, had synovial cell sarcoma. I don't know if I can be of much help, because she was living at a rescue when she started having problems, and her amputation happened before she became mine. But, I will share with you what I was told by the rescue. Willow started limping. At first, the vets thought it was arthritis, but it wasn't getting batter with treatment. After further X-rays, they suspected bone infection (bacterial or fungal) or possibly cancer. Because of the difficulty in getting a biopsy from exactly the right spot (it was her left shoulder area that was the problem) amputation was recommended. Willow had no signs of cancer in her lungs or anywhere else at the time. After amputation, she was diagnosed with synovial cell sarcoma. She had no chemo and lived 2 1/2 more years.
Please remember, this is all third hand since she wasn't mine at the time. This is what I was told, but I wasn't able to ask the questions at the time of her surgery so there may be "missing information".
Willow did great on 3 legs, as most of these dogs (and cats) do! She ran and played, chased squirrels and could dig holes in the ground even though she was missing a front leg. It didn't stop her from loving her life. She was very happy. And, she was already a senior at 10 yrs old when she had her amputation. Her cancer did comes back, but it was a full 2 1/2 years later, and that's a lot of time to have left to live.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Carol
Hi Karen and Harley!
We understand! We are here by your side!
Now first, B R E A T H E.....INHALE DEEPLY......EXNALE SLLWLY.....B R E A T H E!
Youhave been on a crazh roller coaster ride and, ifyou are like me, frigtehed out of your mind and sobbing all the time! That was before I found thissite.....okay...and maybe a little bit afterwards too! But I held onto this site and haven't let go! It became...and still is, my lkfeline! So hold on Karen, we've gotyou!!
Youhave plentynhere to research andyou will find many success stories.
Remember, Harley doesn't know he's "sick". He doesn't care about any stupid diagnosis or statistics, okay! He's jusr liing in the moment wagging and begging for his next treat and tummy rub! He's livingin the moment and he's teachingyou to do the same.
Should younhave toproceed with amputation, Harley will amaze you at how well he does on three legs! He's practically just using three now! My Happy Hannah is a big girl and, although recovery was no picnic, she getas around like a little ballerina floating through the air!
Okay, that's a lie, she gets arond more like a three legged bull elehant in a china shop! She runs, althoug in short spurts, she turns, she even backs up which is hard for rear leg amps to do! Burt she moves just fine!
Keep us posted if you go for a second opinion and you come here anytime and let us help you through this, okay! We get it like no others can!
B R E A T H E ......now go hug Harley and watchis tail wag! Doesn't that make you smle? Yeah, us too!!
Hugs and calm comingyour way!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
I just wanted to say thank you Jerry for approving my membership and offering links to some great information I can arm myself for his next visit on the 9th. Being his advocate and having this information is key for me. This is a great support site and we really need this. Carol thank you for sharing your story and Sally for your words of support. I spoke with the ortho vet again on Friday and asked him what his gut was he told me at this time 50 /50 so on the 9th we will be more proactive and I will ask to be referred to an oncologist if he feels its necessary, there is one on staff there . Also what diagnostics can be done NOW to get some more information. Yesterday was the first time in days I have seen Harley's demeanor so happy I let him lie in the sun and hop out back past the paddocks. Let me tell you already he gets around on three legs just fine so if there is any chance this might be cancer he will do fine on three I'm sure of it.. Have any of you had long waits with a firm diagnosis? Our thanks once again .This is the vet we are seeing credentials
Daniel Beaver, DVM, DACVS
Board-Certified: American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Dr. Beaver earned his DVM in his hometown at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He completed a rotating internship at UPenn and a surgical residency at the University of Florida. During is his time in Florida, Dr. Beaver was directly involved with training of Surgery Residency candidates in private practice. He is a regular contributor to the Cape Cod Veterinary Specialist continuing education program, leading CE courses on various topics in surgery for practicing veterinarians. Dr. Beaver's areas of expertise include arthroscopy, diagnoses and management of lameness, fracture care, soft tissue surgery and advanced oncologic, neurologic and orthopedic surgery. See Dr. Beaver’s credentials, experience and research publications here.
Thanks for the info! Consider posting in the Veterinary Specialist Referrals forum too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hey Carol!
So glad Harleyhad a good day! I agree with you, he will do just fine n three leags! The ajority of dogs here are already switched to three legs before the amp and that does make t easier to adjust!
Did wnt to answer ne od your ori al quesions about having t wakt for a diagnosis. Ues! There are often "delaus" much longer than what yo are experiencng for a variety of reasns. Mkst, as your vet alluded tl are because dogs are treated for mnths off and on fkr "arthritis"' sprans, etc.. The limoing quite lften cmes and gles at first so appears the "srthritis meds" are workng. Then, n top of that' add in a little extra tme for the humans to do research, seek out advice, go through various appointments, tests, etc......and there you have it!!
Patience is not something many of js possess n tnis journey, but we are forced tl develp it! "Give me patience! Hurry up! I need it now!"
Keep us posted and give Harley a vig squishy hug for us!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Carol Willows story is similar to Harley's.. I have questions about not being able to do the biopsy yet . We go back this Wed.. He is no better limp wise its progressed since the last week of August and this last series of clavamox has not helped..
Spoke to his reg vet yesterday as she works on Sundays she had the radiologist report. Her concern to me is that I should opt for a ct scan… Can I ask how many of you have done that ? Is it 100% ? Am I selfish no t to have it?
My concern is his theory on infection clearly my gut is he doesn't have one We should of seen some improvement with two courses of different antibiotics. Injury? I'm not feeling that either he was healthy, fit and active before all this on supplements and with me all the time I should of seen or heard something?
A wait and see theory is not acceptable to me I don't want to wait. If it is cancer yes we are ahead of the game take his leg he'll adapt… What my vet is concerned with is how do I feel after amputation and biopsy if it wasn't cancer and I took his leg for no reason?
My head is spinning I would rather put in the cost for his surgery and after care then doing another test that he needs to be anesthetized for if its not going to tell me 100% its cancer. we are on the 50/50 line now. He was out in Sept for the joint aspiration , then the ulcer he was down for a few weeks.
There is an oncology dept that has a satellite office at this vets so I will ask for a referral on how to proceed. Any other questions you all think I should ask please tell me. I am just so consumed with this every waking moment His disposition is better as I am not crating him during the day its open he'll go in but has the freedom to the kitchen and at my feet are his favorite spots so he is in it a night only. He's not a big mover and if he cant be near me he's sad.
Sally I am really trying to be patient I really am but if waiting will mean it has a chance to spread that makes me nervous.
I get up every morning and pray maybe it'll stop ..
Been reading this site as a book thank you thank you . Its so informative, caring and hopeful .
Karen
Karen,
I'm so sorry that you have so many unanswered questions. Making a big decision is hard to do when you're well informed, but almost impossible when you aren't.
Since Willow came to me after her amputation and diagnosis, I didn't have to ask all the questions, so I can't help. Maybe you can post in the "Ask a Vet" forum and get some help. I'm not a vet or medical professional of any kind, but if the antibiotic isn't specific to the type of bacteria that is causing the infection than I don't think it will work.
Get another opinion, and more than that if it will help you. You have to be comfortable with whatever decision you make. We are all here to support you, no matter what!
Sending you a big hug!
Carol
Darn Karen, this is such a miserable and stressful time for you! I kow you have a milliom scenarios running arou d in your head. If you were like me, sleeping was out of the qestion! Besides, how could I sleep when I was crying all the time?
But nce you get a plan...and get the plan started...you will feel so uch better! Promise!
I agree with Carol, maybe post this u der the "Ask A Vet" sectin. And I kow we've all said this before, but a second opinion or ore may be needed here! All the tests, etc, that Harley's had to tell with I'm sure are hard n him...and you. The medical profession can be quite scarey and quite often, inconclusive.
You are an incredible advocate for Harley and very, very strng. I'm glad he's being able to get arou d and enjoy the simple things.....just having the freedom to go to his favorite spots is healing!
Karen, I feel like I realy need to apologize to every "newbie" for my horrific typing! It's 99% me and 1% tablet keyboard that keeps disappearing and leaves out letters...especialy n's! Bit I hope my message of care and support still comes through anywahy!
Have we already mentioned The Dog Cancer Survival Book? A trmendous resource of i formation and hope.
Surrounding you with peace. You'll jave a plan that works very soon! Now go give thst sweet Harley a hug for us all, okay?
Sall and Happy Hannah
Glad
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!
Hi Karen and Harley-
Just saw this thread so I'm a little late jumping in. I don't have any knowledge of the type of cancer you are facing, but I can't imagine having to wait so long for some type of confirmation. I actually knew within 3 days of the biopsy and the amp scheduled for a week and a half later and I thought that was a long wait.
I guess I am uncomfortable with the word "wait" for anything involving cancer.
Will be sending pawsitive thoghts your way.
Keep us updated.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Yes, definitely get an opinion from an oncologist asap. The Dog Cancer Vet Dr. Dressler recently posted his thoughts about a "wait and see" approach here.
Go with your gut instinct: if you aren't liking the answers you are getting, get a referral to a specialist. Let them do the diagnostics. If your regular vet does them you may need to do them over anyways. Here are some questions to ask your oncologist.
I hope this helps. I know you are frustrated and scared, I would be too. You can lean on us. We're all wishing you the best and are here for you OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Afternoon
Talked to ortho vet this morning. We are having a CT scan on Thursday morning he feels its the best possible diagnostic tool to use at this point. He will consult with the oncology dept there onsite. He answered all my concerns about anesthesia and told me they monitor very closely and he couldn't come home Thursday night until he cleared him .Results should be in at beginning of next week. If its cancer he'll be having surgery at the end of next week… Thanks again everyone .. I feel a bit lighter knowing we are moving forward with no long waits. Thanks for all your input , positive thoughts &hugs . Reading everyones stories has empowered me that I'm doing the best for him.
Karen
Sally my tablet does the same thing thats why I hate to use it LOL,
Hi Karen,
I'm late to post and don't have anything new to add. But I did want to say welcome to the family (you're in no matter what the outcome of CT!) and sending best wishes for some definitive answers.
Karen
Ditto to what Karen said! I have nothing to add, everyone's given great advice 
xoxo,
Erica & 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
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