Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I wanted to start a new thread for Mosby mostly because the old thread has so much of our trials and tribulations post-amputation, and I wanted a fresh start. Our days have been pretty "normal" lately, which has been a welcome relief. Mosby has gotten back into his normal routine and seems comfortable most of the time, although I still worry about the strength of his remaining hind leg.
Time really flies, because tomorrow he's going to get evaluated for surgery on that remaining hind leg to remove the sarcoma on his thigh so that it can be biopsied so we know what we're dealing with. He's completed 3 carbo treatments, then paused for 3 weeks (more than the initial plan of 2 weeks, due to his prior illness), and will be evaluated tomorrow at 9:00. If he's cleared for surgery, it will be tomorrow afternoon. To say I'm nervous would be an understatement. I know this needs to be done, but I am not sure exactly how invasive it will be, whether he'll be totally put under or just sedated, how long the recovery will be, and how much it will impact his ability to get around, which is already limited. I have a TON of questions to ask tomorrow. My husband will go with me so that we can make any decisions that need to be made together.
Mosby has been through so much, so I hope that this affects him as little as possible, and that we can then push forward to the remaining 3 carbo treatments, but most importantly return to "normal."
So, if y'all could send some positive thoughts our way, we would appreciate it. Our sweet Mosby deserves a smooth recovery with no bad complications. We just love him so much.
Thinking about you and Mosby. Hopefully he breezes through this one, and it turns out to be a big old nothing.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Best of luck then!! Boy, time does sure fly! It's actually a good thing you have tons of questions to ask!! I am at the point now where I write them all down and take the big list with me to the vet so I don't forget anything.
All fingers (and remaing paws) crossed for you!!
tina & Manni
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
Thanks for the update. Best wishes, please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We will be all be thinking of you and Colonel Mosby. Bucketloads of positive vibes coming your way.
Big hug,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
All PyrPaws here sending huge hugs Mosby's way! The Mosby is one tough cookie. So happy to hear that he is having normal days and that this bump in the road is being addressed. Hoping you hear only good news. Hugs, best wishes, and love from Da Bear's HQ.
Sending positive energy to you and Mosby today!!! Update us when you can!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
PUPDATE: And one I am happy about (and relieved to be honest).
We had a consult with the surgeon this morning, and I really, really liked him. We talked through all of the pros and cons of removing this sarcoma node (which is so small I had to help him find it), which he feels is more likely than not to be soft tissue sarcoma, and which isn't really clinical (doesn't bother Mosby at all). It's on Mosby's remaining hind leg, and we would not be able to get a deep enough margin to do a "surgical cure" (that would involve a 2-3 cm margin, which would involve a substantial chunk of muscle - not an option on a tripawd's remaining hind leg). So, the efficacy of the surgery would be questionable. Plus, Mosby has been doing so well, and this would open him up to setbacks, and a 2 week recovery at the very least. Meanwhile, the big baddy isn't this node, it's the osteosarcoma. And the high priority treatment is the carbo. Weighing all of this, we decided not to do the surgery, but to go forward with his 4th carbo treatment today (hopefully, provided his labs are ok). After we said that was our decision, the vet said that would be his decision if it were his dog, but he couldn't say that before we decided. We feel very, very good about this decision. He'll have the normal post-chemo "downs," which we will deal with as they come, but we are back on schedule with only a 3 week gap in treatments. If things change with the node, we can reevaluate before each next treatment if we want. Or after he finishes treatments.
My mom had actually already booked a flight to come in Sunday to help us take care of Mosby, and she's still going to come, and stay home with him Monday - Wednesday for post-chemo company. She's the best and we can't wait to see her again (and Mosby loves his grandmom).
Hopefully if Mosby gets his carbo today, he'll have a smooth recovery, and we will continue to move onward and upward. Chris and I are definitely at peace with this decision, and focused on keeping Mosby happy and healthy by making the best decisions that we can given the circumstances we have been given.
WOW!!! SOOOOO GLAD YOU CAN MOVE FORWARD!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 And move forward with just "normal" issues as opppsed to all thee horrible uncertainties you were dealing with shoukd he need the operation!!! Sounds like you really hit the jackpot with this Vet!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
I can feel your relief through the screen....or maybe it's my own relief....or both!! It's really clear that you are at peace with this and it's really clear the Vet thinks this is the best path for Mosby too! 🙂
And the extra bo us is Mosby gets to spend time eith his Grandma! She's a special Mom/Grandma 🙂 🙂
Tha js for the update znd YAAAAAAAAAY FOR GOOD NEWS!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hugs and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Thanks for the great update! Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What a great surgeon!
From what you have said I think this is a very smart and logical decision. As tough a time as Mosby has had with everything its great that you can avoid another surgery and recovery.
It is not easy juggling multiple problems, I like how you have put things in priority order.
I hope the chemo goes well and that Mosby gets through without issues.
And grandparents are THE BEST!
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Sweet, adorable Mosby! So glad to read the news! How lucky to have a visit from Grandma, too. It's a blessing when your family "gets it" and wants to help. 🙂
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
Oh Colonel! Glad to hear you have been doing so well!! Sorry to hear about this 'hiccup', but it sounds like you guys have made the right decision and are moving forward! Hopefully this round goes as smoothly as the rest and you can recover by hanging with your grandmom!
Keep on keeping on,
Astronaut
So glad to hear Mosby is doing better and does not need surgery right now. Grandma is awesome to come stay with him!
Otis - 121 lbs pre amp - 114 lbs post amp and now 118 lb Great Dane - English Mastiff X. Started limping on 12/24/16. Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 12/28/16 - amputation of front left leg on 1/6/17. Stitches out and 1st round of Chemo on 1/19/17. 2nd round of Carboplatin on 2/10/17 - 3rd round on 3/2/2017. 4th round was scheduled for 3/22/17 - however due to low WBC postponed - 4th Chemo completed on 3/28/17. Had breathing difficulties, stayed in Tufts ICU overnight. Due for 2 more rounds of Chemo but we are opting to go with homeopathy with Dr. Loops instead.
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