Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well, Zato's report is back and the tumor was confirmed to be osteoblastic osteosarcoma (which is the most common type of osteosarcoma, the vet said). They got clear margins around the tumor. They also took a nearby lymph node and found a small number of cancer cells it in, too. His lungs were clear on the day of surgery. This doesn't change our treatment plan, but I was curious if anyone has dealt with lymph node involvement and cared to share their experience...does it make a difference in any way? The oncologist said there is already the assumption it had metastasized already anyway, but we just can't see it yet.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
We are taking this news pretty well. It is not unexpected, and we are just enjoying each day with our boy that we are lucky enough to have
.
Zato said he doesn't care what that report says anyway...he's more interested in the food bowls I'm rattling in the kitchen. This is one of my favorite views of him. He doesn't miss a trick.
Tracy & Zatoichi
Tracy & Warrior Angel Zatoichi 💓
Zato was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in October 2016. He triumphed through radiation and amputation with dignity and grace. After living a life of love and happiness, Zato earned his angel wings on February 19, 2018. Read his story here.
rikntracy said
We are taking this news pretty well. It is not unexpected, and we are just enjoying each day with our boy that we are lucky enough to have
Zato said he doesn't care what that report says anyway...he's more interested in the food bowls I'm rattling in the kitchen.
Tracy & Zatoichi
EXACTLY!!! Enjoy each and every moment, stay in the present and let NOTHING rob you of your time together!!! That "report" doesn't mean squat to him!!!
For whatever it's worth, when the pathology report came in on Happy Hannah, it said no lymph node tissue was "present". When the Onco asked Happy Hannah's Surgeon abput it (same office), she said it was so badly damaged (by the disease) that it must have basically "disintegrated" and coukd not be analyzed. It was not an answer that sat well with her regular Vet.
Anyway, Happy Hannah didn't care what the report said about any ole' lymph node. She lived her life to the fullest for one year and two months and never, ever let any "prognosis schmognosis" enter her consciousness or interfere with her unbridled joy! 🙂
Follow Zato's lead....And from the looks of that ADORABLE picture...Zato has NO intention of gping anywhere anytime soon!! 🙂 🙂 And more pictures please!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Lots of hugs
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!
I was curious if anyone has dealt with lymph node involvement and cared to share their experience...does it make a difference in any way?
In this post, our Fairy Vet Mother Dr. Pam says:
It is true that if you look at averages, dogs with lymph node and lung mets don't fare as well but you have to look at the individual dog.
And here in this post about diagnosing bone cancer in dogs, she adds:
But what's important to understand before deciding to proceed with amputation, is that as long as your dog is not showing inward (or outward) signs of cancer, she will have a better chance of living a longer, healthier life and beating the bone cancer odds once the affected limb is removed. If a dog is a good candidate for life on three legs, just because a dog has a high grade tumor doesn't necessarily mean that amputation is a bad idea.
This is one of those times when it pays to Be More Dog . You guys are doing a great job of following Zato's lead.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you, Sally! That helps me not panic so much (I know there's no point in it, anyway!)
Thank you, Jerry! We're trying to follow Zato's lead...sometimes he has to drag us along, but we're trying hard every day, so I guess that's what matters!
Tracy & Warrior Angel Zatoichi 💓
Zato was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in October 2016. He triumphed through radiation and amputation with dignity and grace. After living a life of love and happiness, Zato earned his angel wings on February 19, 2018. Read his story here.
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