I am very happy there is a support site for tripaws.  We have a seven and a half year old Chocolate lab named Hershey, who has bone cancer.  It actually started like others; with a limp and lump on the joint of his back leg.  Unfortunately, we were taking to him to a pet store vet and he was misdiagnosed with arthritis and a cyst.  They told us it wasn't cancer after taking fluid.  He went through 6 weeks of adequan injections and wason Rimadyl.  There was a little improvement at first, so we were hopeful, but then the lump got larger and he started limping again.  Finally, I took him to the vet our pet adoption agency uses and the doctor knew he needed good x rays and a tissue sample right away.  After the first set of results were sent to the lab, we thought surely we would have an answer.  However, they could not find cancer cells, so the vet tried a bunch of different antibiotics to rule out any other infections that might cause the fluid build up in his leg.  By this time, Hershey has already stopped using the leg and compensated with the other.  Again, no improvement.  Finally, the vet schedules the biopsy (he was hesitant because the bone was already compromised and he didn't want to risk breaking it).  The results came back – cancer, but the vet could not tell what type of cancer cell.  Regardless, amputation is necessary. This all started April 24, 2010 and the amputation took place on July 7, 2010.  I can't tell you how much guilt we have for not being more educated about dog cancer.  The vet did say they found no signs that it had spread, but we can't help thinking about all that time wasted while the cancer grew. 

Today, it has been two weeks since Hershey's amputation.  He started out normal enough for an amputation.  He whined, didn't eat or go to the bathroom, and wanted us nearby always.  After four days, he got up and started to act normal.  He even wanted to play with the ball!  Then, this week, he started lying around looking totally depressed.  He doesn't eat or drink unless I feed him human food.  When he walks, it is slow and deliberate, and only to use the bathroom or change sleeping spots.  On Monday, the vet said Hershey had a fever and probably infection from surgery, so again, he's on antibiotics.  We postponed chemo until next week.  Unfortunately, there is still no improvement today.

Hi, and welcome to Tripawds. I can say you couldn't have found a better place, these people are amazing. 

Sorry to hear about Hershey, but try not to feel guilty.  (I know, way easier said than done)  Not many people are educated on dog cancer.  I certainly was clueless until about 6 months ago.  You did what you knew to do to take care of your pup.  There's no guilt in that. 

My dog, Roxy, seemed depressed after amputation too.  I'm not doing chemo with her, I have her on a homeopathic protocol with Dr. Loops (in NC) who I found on this website (I'm in IN).  There are some other pawrents on here that are doing the same thing.  I told Dr. Loops about the depression and started her on the protocol and her depression disappeared.  She perked up very quickly and started behaving like the same crazy dog she was before amputation.  You may consider getting in touch with him, just to see what he says if nothing else. 

I hope Hershey shows great improvement soon! 

Leslie

Welcome to Tripawds! So sorry to hear about Hershey. So many of us didn't know about dog cancer, but this site has certainly educated me! We're keeping our paws crossed, and sending pawsitive thoughts and prayers your way. Please keep us updated, as we all do care a great deal about each other.

Thanks to all the quick responses.  I feel a lot better already, and I am sure with all the suggestions, so will Hershey! 

Welcome!  Although we ALL would rather be elsewhere…but this is THE bestest place to be for dealing with amputation/cancer situations with your pup!

Please have NO guilt regarding not knowing and the time lapse of getting a correct diagnosis.  Your story sounds sooooooooo similar to my very own dog's last year. 

My dog started a low grade fever and off her food 5 days after amputation.  Many med changes occurred…taking her off NSAIDs, switching her antibiotics to a stronger one, trying stomach nausea meds…none helped or fixed her low grade fever and lack of appetite.  I treat my dogs as holisitically as possible, so used Belladonna homeopathic, which is traditionally used for fevers.  I also had the vet put a bag of fluids/VitB drip thinking it would "push out" all the crap Maggie had probably lingering in her system…anesthesia, meds(she'd been on pain meds of Tramadol and Gabapentin for a long time prior to surgery as well)….  after putting her on Belladonna and the fluids, her fever started breaking and she started eating on her own!  What a relief that was!!!!

Keep your chin up and prod your vet(s) to get to the bottom of your dog's issue of not eating etc….  We have to be our dog's advocate!

Tracy, Maggie's Mom

I hope you're feeling better real soon Hershey!  I don't think any of us were thinking cancer when our pups started limping.  Just be assured that you have always done the best for your friend.  I hope you have lots of good days ahead!

Spirit Ruthie's Mom

I'm sorry about everything that Hershey has been going through… My Jake also had limping for several months, on and off, before he was diagnosed with his bone cancer and had his front leg amputated… I also thought it was just from old age… you know, arthritis… Cancer was definitely the very last thing on my mind… boy was I ever wrong…

I hope that Hershey is feeling better now… and that his infection is under control. Keep us posted on his progress!

Sending you a big hug!!

Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom