Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
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Hello!
I stumbled across Tripawds just over four weeks ago when my boy, an 11.5 year old chocolate lab Hershey, had his leg amputated fairly suddenly. The site has been a great resource and been a great comfort during this roller coaster ride! I can't thank you enough!
I keep hearing that Hershey's story is pretty rare so I'm hoping someone has experienced something similar to what we're going through. Hershey had been limping consistently for about four weeks so we took him to his regular vet to get x-rays. The vet noticed an odd looking bone loss on Hershey's x-ray and referred us to a specialist. Two days later, we were sitting in the specialist's office when Hershey broke his leg jumping off an x-ray table...the vet at the time thought osteosarcoma even though the tumor was in an usual location and recommended amputation. He had his front left leg amputated that day, and was up and about the next day - so he was sent home. It was a very scary, but great day when he came back home! 
The biopsy results from the tumor came back in a few days, and showed that the tumor was not osteosarcoma, but was indeed a carcinoma. Another biopsy was run and came back as neuroendocrine in nature. Supposedly, it's very rare that any neuroendcrine tumors attack bone, but in this case all vets and oncologists involved believed that there was a primary tumor in his neuroendocrine system with the secondary tumor being in his front left leg.
A week later, Hershey had an ultrasound to find the primary tumor. The ultrasound could not detect any tumors. Without any solid answers, we started Hershey on chemo this past week with the understanding that there is cancer in his body, it's neuroendocrine in nature, and it's too small to be detected. Other than that, I've been unable to get any prognosis or solid information.
I'd appreciate if anyone has had any experience with a neuroendocrine tumor leading to amputation....I'm at a loss.
Hershey is a crazy boy full of love and life! Even at 11, he's mistaken for a puppy. He came into my life when he was 3 years old, and has been my shadow ever since. He's athletic and fun loving and a flirt! We could be found hiking or swimming any given weekend. My only hope is that he can enjoy one of his favorite things in the whole world and go swimming again this summer!
Thank you again for your great site and its resources!
Melissa
7:49 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Hi Melissa! Thanks for joining us and your kind words. I apologize for the brief hello but I'm about to lose cell service. I know others will jump in so I will check back tomorrow. Talk soon!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
9:23 pm
9 February 2011
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Hi Melissa, and welcome to that oh-so-special club you didn't want to join! I'm glad you found us.
Hopefully one of our vets here will see this and give you some clarification or advice. I don't know anything about that type of tumor. What are the odds of breaking your leg at the dogtor's office? They should give you a discount for that!
How has Hershey's recovery been? Are things going well? You're over the hard part, so I hope that it's smooth sailing from now on and that swimming is right around the corner for your boy. Where do you live? Someplace warm where he can swim right away, I hope.
Let us know if anything more turns up from the vet. And just keep loving your boy.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
10:46 pm
1 February 2013
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Welcome Melissa and Hershey.
It sounds like you have had quite an interesting initiation into the tripawd world. I wish I had some insight into your situation, but someone should be on soon that can get you some info.
I hope Hershey is doing well since surgery. Glad you found this site as it id a great place for support.
You might check the chat room as you never know who may be checking in that could help you out.
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.
11:16 pm
Moderators
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Bucketeers
22 February 2013
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As far as Hershey's concerned, the vets are screwing up..misdiagnosis, alowwimg him to jump off table and break leg and that's just or staters:-)
So go love on him and spoil him and cram an eternity of joyous memories into every breath he takes! He will indeed swim again! Just look at Jerry's videos o YouTube.....talk aboutnaweinspiring!!!
Just stay strong and empowered with the fact that Hershey is alivenandnhappyand by your side and that's all that matters!
Will look forward to more victorious updates!,
Craddling you safely in our heart, Sally and Happy Hanna
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!
10:43 am
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Melissa and Hershey,
OK so I'm catching up and just got a chance to read through your post. You're right, that situation is pretty rare and honestly I can't think of anyone who's dealt with a neuroendocrine tumor before. If you're not getting the answers you want from your vet team, what about having your case sent out to a university? Colorado State has a great program that will take a look at your file and give you their take on it. They do it for free/donation basis and lots folks here have had great experiences with them.
Meanwhile it's great to hear Hershey is doing so well! Kudos to you for giving your happy boy a chance at a great quality of life. As far as swimming, you betcha! <a href="