Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My flatcoat Bluebell had her front leg amputated in March from a histiocytic sarcoma and has been plagued with swellings and constantly on antibiotics ever since. The lymph in her neck swelled up and took weeks to go down. We started chemotherapy but have had to stop because she was so poorly with the infections. She now has a whole load of swellings along the line of her scar, under the skin. The vet thinks it might be the internal sutures. They are painful and make her feel tired and uncomfortable. She has a couple of good days and then is poorly again. She is 5 years old. Has anyone had experience of this? My plan was amputation, chemotherapy and then a couple of years of fun with Bluebell. I just didnt expect her to have all these problems.
Hi Bluebell and family, welcome! Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
It's not unusual to develop an internal infection from the hidden sutures. What is your vet's plan for dealing with the infection? It sounds like she's on some antibiotics currently? How long has it been since treatment started for the infection itself?
If you aren't happy with your vet's direction in treating this issue then there's nothing wrong with getting a second opinion from another vet. Sounds like she could also use some nutritional support too. Ideally you can work with another vet who can treat the infection as well as get her immune system boosted, sounds like it's taken a whallop.
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this but it does sound like a treatable situation that can have her bouncing back in no time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Has your vet done an aspiration to run a culture & find out what antibiotic is needed? You can give antibiotics until you're blue in the face, but if you're not giving the one that the infection is susceptible to, then it won't do anything to it. It may even take IV antibiotics to take care of it.
I would ask for a culture. If there is nothing that is draining that can be cultured, then they can actually aspirate with a needle & syringe right into any of the lumps (probably more than 1 would be better) and run the culture off that.
This needs to be treated correctly before Bluebell becomes septic. Any infection can become worse - it can attack the organs, it can become immune to antibiotics, etc.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
We have had aspirates done on some of the lumps before, but no cultures. It seems like every time we go to the vets Bluebell has needles stuck into her. The previous lumps disappeared, but these new ones came up out of the blue and are much worse. The vet wants to operate and take some biopsies to check for cancer, but remove the lumps if she can while under anaesthetic. If I thought this would be the end of it I would go ahead, even though I don't want to put her through another operation. She has not been 100% for a long time now, but still has some fight in her. Its tough enough being a triped without added problems.
Awe poor Bluebell! 
That's a tough situation to be in. Before surgery I would probably want a chest x-ray to make sure her lungs are ok for anesthesia. I'm not sure what I would do ... Maybe a second opinion? It probably wouldn't hurt to have another pair of eyes on her, just to see what someone else has to say.
It is hard ...the worry never ends!
Hugs to you,
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Gosh, so aorry you and sweet Bluebell are going through all this added stress! Just stinks!
Yeah, really want to encourage a second opinion!!! The infection needs to be addressed and it doesn't seem like that has properly been treated and diagnosed!! The pain from the sutures needs ro be addressed IF that's even the cause!! She shouldn't be having any incision pain after all this time! Don't know how long internal sutures stay in place before dissolving, but since March seems like a long time...maybe??
Is the Vet you're seeing an Onco?
Take some deep breaths, okay? Getting things properly diagnosed with the proper treatment plan can turn this around. I DO think a second opinion is in order though with some good blood work.
PLEASE keep us posted, okay?? We'll help in any way we can to get Miss Bluebell's sparkle back!! 🙂
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!
Going in tomorrow to have biopsies taken and lumps removed if possible. Really don't want more anaesthetic and surgery but it seems the only option. The abscesses are so thick walled that the antibiotics aren't penetrating them. Bluebell is managing well, quite bright, but just lacking in energy. I am hoping that this will be the end to it, and after this operation she can start to recover her tripawds strength, and enjoy her life. I guess as we have had to stop the chemotherapy after just three sessions she may have a shorter life expectancy, and I was only given 18months at the start. The four months so far have been difficult for all of us, so just praying that the next few will be easier for my little girl.
Bluebells operation went well, all the lumps were removed, and despite a drain and 50 staples on her amputation site she recovered quickly and had a real energy boost. It was really positive, but a week later the lumps started to come back. Today we had the staples removed, and the vet told me that the samples she sent away were all histiocytic sarcomas. So now it's just palliative care. She has had a terrible time since we were diagnosed with cancer in February. So much pain and suffering and all for nothing. Losing her at only five years old is heartbreaking......
l
I am so very sorry to read this update for your Bluebell...she, and you, have been so brave through all of this. Nothing ever prepares us for news like this, especially in a doggie so young...it is beyond heartbreaking. I wish there were words I could say that would lessen the pain, but I know there aren't any. Please give her a gentle hug from me. I know you will fill her every moment with love.
Sending you strength and love.
Trini
Bluebell and pack,
I am so very sorry to hear the sad prognosis! my heart goes out to you, but you never know what tomorrow will bring, enjoy all the moments and the hope for tomorrows!
Peace and love to you!
Super Stu and his pack xxx❤️
Remember...“live in the moment!“
Just shaking my head at the bad hand Blue Bell has been dealt.
Fron what yiuve said though, she IS feeling better than xhe has in awhile And everyone here is hoping she continues to feel better. As Super Stu said, enjoy all the moments and continue to hope for the tomorrows.
It's hard to stay in the moment and to be fully present with Blue Bell. Remember, Blue Bell lives from ine moment to thenother. And every moment bynyiur side is gloruous and never ending. Do NOT let this piece of crap disease rob you of your time together!!
You have not lost her today, and you won't lose her tomorrow. Just continue to focus on the fact that she IS, indeed, with you today and she willn indeed be with you tomorrow. One day at a time. Continue to celebrate every day. Blue Bell doesn't losten to statistics or Vet reports. They mean nothing to her. MAKE EVERY DAY BLUE BELL DAY!!! JUNK FOOD! TUMMY RUBS! MAKE EVERY DAY BETTER THAN THE DAY VEFORE!
I certainly would check into Holistic options, as well as nutritional and supplement options. Have you consulted with another Onco for possible other treatment optio s...even if they're a bit off the wall? If something causes no harm, you may want to consider it!
And we'd love to see some pictures!!! 'If you need halp posting them here, just let us know, okay?
Sending lots of hugs and lots and lots of positive energy
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!
We are thinking of you and Bluebell, and hope you are able to enjoy lots of cuddles, treats, and spoiled dog time. She's been through a ton, and it sounds like you're bearing the weight of her suffering. We're all here for you through this.
Hugs and puppy kisses,
Brittnie and Loki
🐾 Loki, Dog of Mischief 🐶
I loved life as a tripawd for over three years following right forelimb amputation due to an aggressive and recurrent hemangiopericytoma. I reclaimed my place among the gods and valkyries in Valhalla on November 11th, 2020. My parents miss me tremendously, but I know they'll keep me in their hearts forever... and don't worry, I've approved my mom's use of my Tripawds account.
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