Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

I have an almost 17 year old chihuahua that was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma 8 months ago. I have been taking him for years for acupuncture and the Dr that does it said he felt something was not right and told me to do an ultrasound. The internist saw the tumors and said his spleen needs to be removed ASAP. Luckily the tumors had not stared to rupture and bleed yet. We got VERY LUCK and caught it very early.

We chose not to do chemo due to the fact that he has a bad heart and kidneys. His cardiologist said his heart would not be able to handle the chemo. So we decided to try the mushroom I'm Yunity. Tomorrow will be 8 months since his surgery.We do very regular ultrasounds and he has 2 small spots on his liver so the Hemangiosarcoma most likely is back.

We had a small scare about 3 months ago. He did not want to eat. I tried cooking him chicken and rice and he ate that for a few weeks and then he stopped and then I tried turkey burgers and he would only eat that for a few weeks. He lost a lot of weight and was so weak. Then I decided to try "just food for dogs" it is a local place that makes their own human grade dog food. He LOVES it and he now begs for food. He has gained all the weight he lost and even added a little extra.

I know that he has 2 small spots on his liver and it could be sooner than later but I am just so grateful for the last 8 months we have had with him.

Ok, seriously crying happy tears here for this pup, 17 years old AND an 8 month hemangio survivor!! jwlbel we need pictures of this little guy!! 🙂 

I am so sorry for not coming back and replying.

Here is a little update. We are at 11 months now since he was diagnosed with Hermangiosarcoma. We are still doing the I’m Yunity. He has been getting weekly ultrasounds. On 6/25/15 the internist found 2 small spots on his liver. Since then, it seems like there are new spots/tumors every week. He has some on his liver, kidneys and now there are new ones on his gallbladder. On 8/12/15 he found a new large one on his liver that concerned him. When we did the ultrasound yesterday (9/3/15) that one has almost doubled in size and he said that it does not look good. He said he thinks he has maybe 1 to 6 weeks left. My main question and concern at every ultrasound has been if he is bleeding and so far we have been lucky and the answer has always been no, he is looking good. This past month he has lost his appetite and is very lethargic and wobbly when he walks. Last week I bought him some rotisserie chicken at the market and he most of time will eat that. Last night I bought him the leanest ground beef I could find and he loved that. At this point I just want him to eat and enjoy it as much as he can and be as comfortable as he can but unfortunately I think the Hermangiosarcoma is winning. I am just SOOOOOOOOOO grateful for the past 11 months that we have had him in our lives. (Yes, I am crying as I write this) 

Thanks for kind words. It really means a lot to me. 

I couldn't figure out how to add photos of him but I was able to make him my avatar.

Thanks everyone for your kind words. I feel so lucky. Sammy is 17 years old and 4 years ago he had his adrenal gland removed. He was diagnosed with an adrenal gland pheochromocytoma. He also has heart failure and kidney failure for the past couple years. He is a fighter.