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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Register your free account to join the Tripawds Support Circle. Connecting with members and getting the support you need is now easier than ever with the Circle app!
✅ Easy Photo Upload
✅ Direct Messaging
✅ Subscribe to Topics.
✅ Live Chat and much more!
Forums Locked: Search archives for answers & join Tripawds Support Circle to keep discussion going!
Log In
Members
Rusty was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 3 weeks ago in his wrist on his left leg, he’s 12. Our vet was able to get him enrolled in the trial vaccine up in Cincinnati with MedVet. We had his lungs checked, X-rays done and there is no cancer anywhere else.
This last Friday he underwent the surgery to amputate his leg, which is required for the trial. The oncologist that runs the trial doesn’t want any chemo treatment prior to starting the trial.
Rusty is doing really good after his surgery, and I’m giving him the recommended mushroom supplements……..turkey tail, lions mane, rishi……..and 4 blend.
It’s my understanding that even if there is no indication of the tumor metastasizing ……..lungs are clear……..that after removing the tumor/leg…….that this cancer starts attacking him aggressively.
Has me really worried because he’s #8 on the trial vaccine list right now and I feel that the sooner he starts the trial……..the bette
2:29 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
Helpline Hosts
26 April 2007
Offline
Hi Chris and Rusty, welcome. I'm sorry you are dealing with osteosarcoma, it's a tough diagnosis to get but we are here to support you through treatment and beyond!
MedVet is an awesome clinic practice, you are so lucky to be working with them. It sounds like you and Rusty will be participating in what they are calling the "Experimental EGFR/HER2 Tumor Vaccine," which is otherwise referred to as The Yale Vaccine because that's where it was developed. We have a number of Tripawds members also doing this treatment so you are in great company!
It’s my understanding that even if there is no indication of the tumor metastasizing ……..lungs are clear……..that after removing the tumor/leg…….that this cancer starts attacking him aggressively.
Try not to panic. Yes, it's true that by the time amputation happens there are "micro-metastases" in the body that are too small to get picked up by X-rays (but can usually be caught with CT scans). But it doesn't always behave as aggressively as you might be thinking. Many dogs (including our Jerry, who lived 2 years post diagnosis) will go on to defy the odds and outlive the prognosis. So try not to focus on those numbers and statistics. Remember, Rusty is his own dog, with his own physiology. Osteosarcoma can be mean and unpredictable, there's no doubt. Some dogs will live a shorter time than the prognosis, some will exceed it. Immunotherapyis giving more dogs a better chance at longevity, and we've seen some like Dexter live into old age.
Right now, the important thing is to focus on the here and now with Rusty, and take things one step at a time. That is the best medicine! Focus on his recovery, know that he is getting the great care possible, and everything after amputation is icing on the cake because now he is able to get around without that bad leg.
He is going to surprise the heck out of you! How is he doing?
And thank you so much for your generous support of our community! 
1 Guest(s)
