Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

Hello,

We are new to the forum. This looks like a great resource for people like us from people that have been where we are now. Logan is a 12 yr black lab. He has a history of some allergies and newly diagnosed hypothyroidism but otherwise he is healthy for his age. 

About 5 weeks ago, he lost a nail on his back right paw. A week or so later it appeared infected to me and we made the trip to the vet. We started antibiotics but after a few days there was no improvement. So, back to the vet we go. The vet said that since the toe will not heal that we should remove the toe and send for pathology since occasionally large black dogs can get cancer in the toe. The pathology report comes back that it is a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The margins were not clean. The toe was completely removed so further surgery to the toe is not an option. It has now been 3 weeks and the area were the toe would have connected is swollen. We go back to the vet hoping it is an infection but know that it is probably the remaining tumor cells multiplying. I could tell immediately that the vet had the same concern that I had because her demeanor changed instantly when looking at the foot. We increased his prednisone (on small dose for the chronic allergies) and started the antibiotics. We spoke about treatment options if the antibiotics did not work. She was concerned that due to his age that amputation could be challenging and would get some information on radiation therapy. 

We have an appointment for Monday and know that we have some decisions to make. Logan is healthy appearing and happy. He continues to play and act his normal self. I am curious if any of the members have had a similar experience with having to choose radiation and limb salvage vs amputation in a senior dog with SCC. From the research I have conducted and the vets information, SCC typically remains localized and mets is rare. Any information from the group would be great. 

Thanks