Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi my name is Sabrina, blessed friend of Ruby, a black lab who has had my heart since day one. My girl is now six almost seven and just got diagnosed with hemangioscarcoma. It all started with problems in her front right paw. Seemed to be a wound , cut, slice, etc. on her pad. First time we had surgery, it healed and she was good as new in January. Then two months later it happened again, another surgery and a month and a half of tending the wound, soaking, antibiotics, keeping her still and comfy and of course the dreaded cone. I started feeling like something was very wrong as this wound was just not healing . . . another trip to the vert who found a swollen area on her upper leg and took an aspiration and saw strange cells so it went to be analized and was definately cancer but didn't know what kind, so biopsy of that spot and her paw. No cancer was found in the paw which is where her wound is . . two biopsies on that paw at different times! But the one from her leg showed hemangioscarcoma without a doubt.
I'm really struggeling because this cancer is usually found in the spleen and has a diagnosis that is poor for recovery. What they told me is that with hemangioscarcoma I could amputate and get 6-12 months. Maybe much less. However this is for dogs who typically already have this cancer in their spleen, liver, etc. I want to amputate her leg and get the cancer part out and then believe that we got it and that she will be in recovery and live the rest of her life happy as a tripawd. However the statistics are not at all saying this is possible. My vet has told me to trust my gut as I have been right on before about Ruby's condition. I cannot find one other case of this kind of cancer in a leg with no sign of metastasis in the liver, spleen or lungs. She is clear everywhere but her leg so far!
I am a single mom and I have four kids. I am currently recovering from a surgery on my spine and am out of work. I see the bright side in this as I have three more weeks of recovery so I can be 24/7 with Ruby for her recovery if we amputate. I don't want money to be a factor in this decision. Ruby has saved my life and I want to do this for her. I would not be able to do chemo. My plan, if I go with amputation is that I would continue with a super healthy cancer diet and supplements (I've done my research but would love to hear other's ideas). I die inside when I think of the pain she will go through recovering from the amputation and I also have fears that my kids and others will think I'm a monster for getting the amputation. I will say that no-one really understand what I've been through with Ruby. The past firve years of my life have been the hardest I've gone through and she's been by my side for all of it! With the exception of my kids, I am closer to Ruby than any other people. I really want to do what is best for her and not for me. The statitstics are not on my side at all. But I don't know if I can live with the choice of just letting the cancer come and work it's way through her body and not even give her a chance to fight it.
I am a mess over this and I would love to hear from some of you your thoughts and experiences. I might add that I've had dogs and rescued dogs my entire life and have gone through all kind of medical crisis. I have held, four beloved dogs in my arms as they were leaving this world and I don't have a problem doing that. I have a problem with the fact that Ruby is beautiful and healthy in every way except this leg and she is happy and fun and only 7 years old. We have plans for many camping trips and adventures together! I am painfully aware that my friends and family (kids aside) will not at all support this decision to amputate. They have already said many times that I need to think of my kids and the money that it would cost, etc. I am reminded over and over that I'm a single mom, out of work, etc.
I'm really torn up over this 🙁
Thank you so much for reading and I look forward to hearing from any of you who have the time to write.
Sabrina
Hi and welcome Sabrina, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I have to run but I wanted to approve your post so others could comment. Hemangio is a tough one- we have members here who have faced that specific cancer and they should comment soon. Sometimes it is quiet here on the weekends so check back often for comments.
We have been down this path and know how hard these decisions are. Sounds to me like you have this well thought out so far. Don't let what others think about your decisions influence you- you know what is best for Ruby. And you now have the Tripawds family to help you on this journey, no matter what path you choose.
I'll check back later.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
The recovery period is hard, but it is fortunately fairly short. For us, 10 very intense days, but then the staples came out and Otis started feeling better bit by bit. Now, in month 3, he is doing great - we have a blog with photos if you want to see a very happy Tripawd. Otis has osteo, so cannot comment on your specific type of cancer, but for us, amputation was the right decision and I would do it again even if the past 3 months were all the time we had (but hoping for many more!). The amputation is a chance for her, and I suspect will get rid of pain in that leg (although again, I don't know how painful Ruby's particular kind of cancer is). Your thoughts about Ruby were very like mine when Otis broke his leg and was diagnosed - how can a dog who seems perfectly healthy one day be facing death the next?
And ignore anyone who criticizes your decision. A lot of people might not understand, but they are not Ruby's guardian and have probably never been in your situation. Your decision will be made from love and will be the right decision.
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.
My heart sunk when I read your post ... my girl, Shelby, also battled hemangiosarcoma. It's a HORRIBLE cancer (all cancers are evil but this one is extra evil). Our story is similar in some ways in that Shelby broke her leg and we couldn't find the cancer but there was a mass. We chose to fix her leg and a few months later, her spleen became enlarged and that was when we found the cancer. We removed her spleen and started chemo. That fixed leg never fully recovered so we removed it and only then did we find the cancer there. It was tough to find.
They gave us 1- 3 months after the spleen was out and we got a total of 8 months. I have no regrets about my decision but I also don't have any kids and am single so Shelby was my heart dog and I would have moved mountains for her. I don't know what to tell you other than you are NOT alone. Whatever decision you make, you know you will make with love and affection. I am so sorry you have found yourself here.
I hope Bonnie sees this post as she has been through too much with this cancer with her labs. I believe her Polly got an extra year (or more???).
HUGS! And keep us posted!!!
XO
alison with spirit shelby in her heart (and little jasper too)
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
Online
Ditto Karen and Otis's mom
Okay, take some deep BREATHS...really...do.it now...B R E A T H E.....B R E A T H E....B R E A T H E.....injale slowly...exhale slowly...
You and Ruby are an incredible team with a Soul deep bond! And you just joined your new BFFs...your new Tripawd Family!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! We are all right by your side! We understand like no others can! And we support whatever decision you make. It clearly be a decision out of love for Ruby and that is ALWAYS the "right" decision!
You feel like you are stuck in a nightmare. You can't sleep. You cry. You can't eat. You are panicked. You are uncertain. Yeah, we get it!!
We also know you are doing your research, you will gather as much information as possible.and, knowing there are no guarantees with this crazy journey, you will decide on a plan of action and you will move forward. That, in itself, will bring you a sense of relief.
There's something that you said that really jumped out at me...
"But I don't know if I can live with the choice of just letting the cancer come and work it's way through her body and not even give her a chance to fight it."
Part.of our decision process when there are no clear answers (and there rarely are), is what "decision" can we love with without second guessing.ourselves the most. What decision will.leave.us as "free of regret" as possible. That answer is individual and personal. Just like every dog is different, so is every human and their though process.
The decision needs to be made with the input of the professionals, your input and Ruby's input.
The main reason we do amputation here is to relieve pain and give them a chance at extended quality time pain free. Time full of loving and spoiling and tummy rubs and treats. Sure, it has risks like any surgery. Cover all that with your vet. Obviously your vet thinks Ruby is a good candidate, correct?
Its hard ro try and let go.of days on a calender, really hard. Remember that Ruby doesn't care about her tomorrows or days on a calendar. She sure doesn't have a timeframe stamped.on her vutt, right? Double check...go look...no timeframe, right? Besides, just to make a point...six months in doggy hears is over three years in human years!!
You sound like an incredibly strong women who jas come through some really rough times. That type of strength and empowerment is exactly what will help you and Ruby get through this journey and the bliss of enjoying each other never looking back.
My Happy Hannah had osteosarcoma, but others will chime.in with more specifics on this type.
It's your journey and Ruby's journey. Your love and devotion comes shining through with every word. We are here to support you, love you and cheer for you and your amazing Ruby!
Love and 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!
Just saw Alison and Shelby's post. Shelby never listened to some.ole' bogus statistics either!!
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!
Hi, I think, for Ruby's comfort, the amputation is a good option. My Doberman, Romulus, just had his front right foreleg removed for osteosarcoma. The first 2 nights were a little rough - he got on the couch and wouldn't get down the first night, so I slept on the floor next to him. He had a couple of moments when his pain patch started to wear off or he had a phantom pain when he yelped, but that was literally only twice. He started being happy and more himself once I had him home for 2 days - I got him on a Friday from the hospital and on Sunday, he was still low stamina but more my Dobie than the previous days. He'd been at risk of fracturing his leg, was falling from pain before I had the amputation. And I am going to try the chemo, if he doesn't tolerate it we will stop. I don't know if funding is your main reason for not trying chemo - it was definitely a consideration for me, but my vet gave me a list of great foundations that contributed quite a bit, and I started a gofundme page on facebook that also decreased my direct cost to much more manageable. If she has no mets anywhere and the chemo is tolerable (this is my MAIN worry - will it just make him sick?), perhaps it's worth a try... I feel your pain - Romulus got me through a terrible job situation, a divorce, and has been the love of my life since we met at the shelter where I adopted him. I talk to him about this a lot, how much he means to me and that, although I understand eventually he has to go, we are going to make our time together that much more special. I think it's sort of therapeutic, even though it also makes me tear up, not infrequently...
Ruby seems amazing, and you clearly love her dearly - don't worry about doing what's right for her, you love her too much to do anything else.
Hi Sabrina,
We are very, very sorry to hear about Ruby, your beautiful girl ..........
I cannot comment on the type of cancer she has as in our case my girl has osteosarcoma.
But I can say you should not worry about how amputation will change her life, my girl weighed 77kg and I thought she would have a hard time adapting to life on three legs but you know what? She stood up by herself the very morning after the operation and has been hoping (slowly as amp was only a little over 2 weeks ago) ever since.
And please, please, don't let people tell you what is best for your girl, it is us humans that have all these preconceived ideas about amputation, dogs get on with their new lives before you can say "woof woof". If your heart is telling you this is the right decision for Ruby, you should go ahead and get it done. She will thank you for all you do for her, she knows how precious she is to you and will accept any decisions you make.
Maybe you could look at videos of three legged dogs hoping around and show them to your children so they realise how happy those dogs are and how they can do almost everything they did when they had the extra leg?
Stay strong and rest assured your heart will guide you all the way and you will do what is best for sweet Ruby
Sending you lots and lots of kisses and cuddles to Ruby and lots of slobber from Eurydice
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Hi Sabrina ~
Murphy had histiocytic sarcoma in his right front leg - also a type of cancer normally found in organs such as the liver or spleen, and it's normally very aggressive. He had been limping for a few months by the time he was diagnosed, after initially being misdiagnosed. Then he had a biopsy that was inconclusive. So by the time he had his surgery, it had been over 5 months since he had started limping. The lymph node they removed near the leg was also positive, which means it had spread (his chest x-rays had been clear). We did do chemo, although many people choose not to. His prognosis was 12-18 months, if we were lucky. Our oncologist also told us to put Murphy on a grain-free diet, which we did. We've never done any other supplements. After he finished his chemo, they found what they thought was another tumor on his left shoulder blade. We decided not to do any further treatment at that time. His follow-up x-rays showed that his lungs were still clear and that the tumor hadn't grown. The same was true a few months after that. And a few months after that. Well, Murphy doesn't know what "prognosis" means, or that he had cancer, because as of April 4th, it's been 3 years since his surgery! He's still a really happy, bouncy, barking dog that chases squirrels, jumps on the bed and amazes us every day.
Some people may think that you are crazy, but that's ok. If you can swing the surgery, then Ruby deserves the chance. You never know who's going to get more time than what they say, especially if it's a kind of cancer that's in an unexpected place. Make sure that your kids see pictures of what to expect, so that they won't be so shocked. The incision is pretty big. The first 2 weeks is the hardest to get through. Make sure that you keep up on the pain meds, give them around the clock for good coverage.
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
Sabrina it was good to talk with you earlier today, I'm so glad you called and posted. As you can see, you're not alone, we are all here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wow! I'm truly overwhelmed by your responses to me. I feel very, very blessed to have stumbled upon this fantastic group who obviously love and support each other and our fabulous dogs. I cannot thank you all enough for what you have shared with me. I cried with relief as I read your posts just to feel heard and not alone. Thank you!
Actually the vet gave me ableak outlook becaue they have to go by the survival rates for hemangioscarcoma regardless of where it starts. So that was hugely depressing. However our Vet kept telling me that nothing about Ruby's case made sense and our oncologist agreed. And several other vets she consulted with agreed. So what I say to that is that if we are a "strange" unexplained case that makes no sense, then it also makes no sense to me to go by survival statistics for dogs that presented so differently with this type of cancer. I'm afraid that I'm being overly optimistic but I want to run with that and believe with all my heart and do all in my power to help her now.
I had a family meeting with my kids and they all agree that they want to do the surgery and giver her a chance. I've told them how shocking it will be to them and tried to prepare them but . . . I should do more in that area so thank you for your suggestions.
I completely agree that I have to make the decision that I think I will least regret. I have lived with regrets from other amazing dogs in my life when I was younger. I never want that to happen again. So Ruby is on a wait list because the earliest we can get the surgery is Wed. and we could have done it last Friday but the shock of her diagnosis halted me in my tracks, especially with the bleak prognosis. But I've re-grouped and am moving forward, with all of help and support.
I've decided already what my response will be to doubters and hopefully I won't be in that position. I've also warned my kids that family members will have opinions so they can be prepared for that.
So she may get to have the surgery tomorrow. I will be updating! Thank you all again so much. Ruby and I came to the right place
I would hope that no family member would be so crass as to share an opinion with your kids!!! I think kids actually see things differently from adults. They will see the incision and know she is hurt, but I think they look more immediately into the eyes to see the dog they love!
There are some things you can do to get your house ready before Wednesday. Tripawds need good traction , so make sure that hard wood or tile surfaces have non-skid floor mats. Yoga mats work really well too, but hard to vacuum up dog hair off a yoga mat. Where does Ruby sleep? If with you, consider moving your mattress to the floor (can you sleep on a mattress after your own surgery? If not try to think of a good option for you both. She will want to be near you, but will not be able to jump up on furniture for at least 2 - 3 weeks. Otis was back on the sofa in week 3, and we currently have the mattress and box springs on the floor). Raised food bowls are great. And I found it helpful to keep a log book to keep track of the meds, food, water and elimination. For about the first week, Otis really didn't want to get up much, so I needed to know when he really had to go, and when I could just let him sleep. You might want a harness for after the staples come out - makes it easier to lift Ruby if she needs assistance. And no stairs right away (we had two to get outside - Otis did fine on those, and now, at 3 months, can go up and down the whole flight to our second floor).
We are all in your corner!
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.
Hello!
Welcome to Tripawds! I've been here a little over a week now, and I can say it is the best support ever. Bandit and I will keep you and your pawsome Ruby in our thoughts and prayers!
Hi Sabrina and Ruby,
I am really happy to hear your are going ahead with the operation, Ruby is so lucky to have you !
Otis mom has already detailed what you should do following the op, so ... deep breath ... and Ruby will be in good form hoping around before you know it !
And hopefully she will have a long, long life like so many other doggies here
We will be thinking about you and your girl and sending good positive energy to you both on Wednesday
Big hug and lots of licks (and slobber) from Eurydice to Ruby
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
I'm glad you were able to make a decision you are comfortable with. Take the time until surgery to get your house ready for a new tripawd and get the kids prepared.
Check out our Gallery for some post-op pictures, scroll down to the surgery and treatment pictures. The first look is startling, especially a front amp, and knowing what you will see when you pick her up will help.
How old are your kids? Kids are generally much better at 'Be More Dog '. It's what a lot of us strive for around here- that is living in the moment and appreciating what is right in front of you.
Keep us posted.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
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