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A lot of stress and questioning
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Member Since:
10 February 2022
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14 February 2022 - 6:01 pm
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Hello everyone from Quebec!

I am very happy to have discovered this site and these resources, wow.
My little Juliette has shoulder osteosarcoma. X-rays don't show any metastases, so according to the vet the prognosis is good. She is just 6 years old.

I don't feel like having the biopsy done because I tell myself that it won't change much. I hope that this surgery will allow him to have good years of life, but on the other hand, I know that I will not do chemotherapy for my cat. At this point, I would feel like I was doing it more for myself than for her.

I still feel guilty leaving this in the hands of fate, others have experienced this?

I am also very worried about the aftermath, but I will come back to ask my questions afterwards. The surgery is tomorrow morning... I'm really sad. Everyone thought of a shoulder dislocation, this diagnosis had never been considered. I know it usually goes well, but I've read a few stories here where it seemed more difficult. I cross my fingers..

Thank you for reading me.

ps : I'm a French speaker, so be indulgent with my English please.  Thanks

On The Road


Member Since:
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14 February 2022 - 6:17 pm
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Bonjour Marie and Juliette! We are so glad you joined us, and please don't worry about your English, it's way better than my French! 

Osteosarcoma in cats is rare but we tend to see it here more often than anyone would like. However, the prognosis is much better for cats than dogs. Chemotherapy is optional. No need to feel guilty about not doing it, many people don't, especially for cats since amputation usually cures the cancer. It also takes away the pain Juliette is in, so it's a good move.

And yes, everyone feels guilty about making this decision for their cat or dog. But you know what? Our pets don't hate us, and they're not mad. All they want is to feel better and when they do, you'll feel much better about things.

Have you seen our e-book, Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats ? It's filled with lots of tips, as well as our What to Expect articles , so be sure to check them out. 

Do you have a recovery area set up for Juliette? She should be in a small, safe place while she recovers. If you have other cats it's a good idea to keep them separate until you know they will be nice to each other.

Not all recoveries are hard. If she is coming home the same day of surgery, that can be tricky. Will she stay overnight? And what kind of pain management will she have? Good pain control before, during, and after amputation is the key to an easier recovery.

Let us know what questions you have for us OK? We are here to help! All of us are sending sp_hearticon2 to Juliette for an easy recovery! 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
10 February 2022
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14 February 2022 - 7:17 pm
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Hello, thank you for this quick response. My English is helped a bit by Google translation, but at least we understand each other 🙂

I still have a lot to read on the site, what a colossal job! I will look at the links you provided me. I had also watched a video about coming home, on the same page that talked about the cellular app to identify facial signs of pain, but I can't find it anymore. If you ever have it near, I'd be happy to find it.

For the surgery, I have to pick up Juliette in the evening tomorrow. I prefer that and the vet too because there is no one there at night to carry out monitoring. The road back worries me because inevitably it will be pressed on the wound (45 minutes driving). But I imagine they will give him adequate medication when he leaves.

I didn't prepare a room especially for her because after watching the video, I was under the impression that it wasn't a good idea since I don't have a room where everything would be at a lower height 30 cm and Juliette loves heights.

So I'm not sure which would be better. For sure my other cat won't be happy at first...but it shouldn't hurt her either. I am teleworking, so I will be able to monitor and adjust.  What do you suggest ?

I don't know what pain management protocol will be used, but it looks like anti-inflammatory (Onsior) and Gabapentin. I will read about that too.

Do you think I should schedule a meeting in physio, osteo or other to avoid adhesions during the healing of the scar?

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14 February 2022 - 7:25 pm
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I forgot, actually the veterinarian told me that it was very rare, on the other hand he told me that he often had cases where the cats were affected in the jaw...

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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14 February 2022 - 8:28 pm
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Just want to add my suppprt to you and your beautiful Juliette.

You have valuable  input  and links from Jerry.

You'll find soooo much information Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats .  Spearheaded by  Kitty Purrkins and her hooman Holly, as well as other kitty mem.  .  I'm sure Holly will see your post and provide more insight.  Holly can give you suggestions on a eecovery area, as well as how to handle the cats interaction.

For now keep things chunked down.  You can decide on whether to do chemo, etc later. There really is no right or wrong when it comes to that.   Sometimes  it does come down to what you feel in your gut, or "fate", or anything that resonates  with you.  You know your Juliette better than anyone and yoh will always make a decision  out of love..that is very clear to us♥️.

Yes, if your Vet doesn have overnight  staff, picking her up the same day is best.  It won't  be easy as the drugs, shaking off the anesthesia,  etc can be a little rough to watch.  Sometimes  they sort of sleep through it.......sometimes  they can be a bit restless and unsettled.   Just depends.  

Stay connected.   You are not alone, okay?  We are here for you.

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!

Member Since:
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14 February 2022 - 8:47 pm
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Thank you for those kind words, finding this website has been the only good news in recent weeks. It warms my heart. Thank you very much sp_hearticon2

Michigan


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15 February 2022 - 7:03 am
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Hi and Welcome to you and Juliette,

Sorry, you had to find us! Jerry and Benny have given you excellent advice already. Yes, we all question this decision and experience guilt, but please remember your doing this for Juliette, not to her! 

I think this is the video you are referring to

Here is the chart and link for the app you were looking for Feline Grimace Scale - https://www.fel.....escale.com

As far as the ride home in her carrier, have it padded in some way, a little bed, blankets, etc. (washable) something to help her comfort, and yes, she should be plenty drugged on the way home,

Ditto, not all recoveries are rough; it comes down to having proper pain management & duration of meds. The first day home was hardest for me watching Purrkins try to walk/hop for the first time. Expect some face plants as Juliette learns her new body. Have some rugs or rug runners, yoga mats for traction , and a cushion under her if you don't have carpet. We used exercise mats in the recovery room.

Stock up on some yummy foods as they can be fussy after surgery. We always recommend wet food, so you don't have to worry about hydration! 

The litter box make it as easy to access as possible for recovery. 

Recovery area: Many people use dog crates, tents; we used a spare room to close the door and limit activity. Our instructions were limited activity for 14 days. We gutted the spare room and put a mattress on the floor. (You don't want Juliette to be able to get under a human bed!)  

Most cats will want to have a little nook of some kind to feel safe in recovery. Purrkins chose the closet in the spare room. I rigged a little bed in there for him. Most importantly, you want to be able to keep a close eye on her and have easy access for med time. 

Yes, they should not be jumping in recovery. Be prepared. Nothing has changed in those back legs; they still can jump up with no issues. (Purrkins jumped in the window the first day home!) He could not even hop yet) Getting down is when it can be hazardous on that remaining front limb.

Other cats - Here is a post with what other members did in a multicat household. How Did You Prepare Your Other Cats for the New TriKitty?

Meds are critical for a smooth recovery for you both. I would ask if Buprenorphine or like being sent home? Excellent on Gabapentin. Onsior is NSAID and is usually prescribed for three days. Ask how many days of pain meds you will be sent home with - three days is not enough medication for major surgery! 

We got permission to use a baby onesie rather than the cone from our surgeon.

Coming home the first night can be tough; many have done it. It is best when there is no overnight care available. You become the 24/7 care. Have an emergency contact number to call & know where to go IF needed, ok. 

Ask any questions you have we will all do our best to help!

We wish Juliette a smooth, uneventful, successful surgery! 

Update when you can, please.

(((Hugs)))

Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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15 February 2022 - 11:03 am
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You've gotten some great input from Holly and Sally! To that I'll add:

Do you think I should schedule a meeting in physio, osteo or other to avoid adhesions during the healing of the scar?

Yes! It's so helpful and Tripawds who receive physio after surgery have a better chance at an easier, and shorter recovery. The best part is the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit ! We will pay up to $200 USD for any Tripawd that sees a physio therapist for the first time. So check out the link when you get a chance. And book soon. Most therapists like to see the animal within 10 days of surgery and many are booked out a few weeks. If you know of a clinic give them a call and if not, let me know and I'll try to find one for you.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
10 February 2022
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15 February 2022 - 2:05 pm
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Hello, once again, thank you for this valuable information. I have a question for grants $. What should be provided? the diagnosis was based on the x-rays which were very telling, but I didn't want to pay almost $300 for a biopsy because I find it unnecessary…. What do you think ? I would have to decide quickly… What stress today all that…

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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15 February 2022 - 2:44 pm
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Hi Marie,

For the rehab grant, all you need to do is make the appointment with a credentialed therapist and then go to the appointment. They will have a "CCRT" or "CCRP" after their name, which means they have veterinary physio training. You send the receipt to the Foundation within 60 days and then you can get reimbursed. But again, the therapist has to be a CCRT or CCRP . More details here:

https://tripawd.....bursement/

As for biopsies, did they do a fine needle aspirate (FNA)? This is a needle injection of the tumor site. It's usually not expensive and doesn't require anesthesia. The other type of biopsy is a bone biopsy. It's a surgical procedure that does require anesthesia and a recovery time because it's so painful. The question to ask your veterinarian is, "Is the leg beyond saving?" If the bone is destroyed and you need to amputate no matter what is going on, there is no point to the bone biopsy before amputation. It can be done after the leg is removed to get a clearer picture on the type and grade of tumor. Hope that makes sense.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
10 February 2022
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15 February 2022 - 3:18 pm
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Hello,
it's strange because on the link https://physiot.....bilitation, there is nothing for Quebec ! However, I found another animal physiotherapy resource that I think is fine, and it is possible to have an appointment within 7 days:

Elise Renault-Roy
TSAc, CCFT, CCRP, CCMT, CCKTP, CNCM

Regarding the biopsy (the surgery took place this pm and everything went well, I have to pick it up around 7 p.m., I'll give some news afterwards because my whole day has been a marathon), I was also wondering compared to the other grant mentioned on the site for the surgery itself. I believe it's $500 for cancer cases but it takes a certificate.

That's why I wondered if the fact that the vet wrote that the x-rays suggested this diagnosis was enough. When I spoke with him earlier, he told me that to write that it was 100% confirmed, you would have to do a biopsy and that there was still time. I was told about $250, so it must be painful and honestly, with the difficult day she just had, I don't see myself imposing another pain on her 🙁

However, since I really don't have a big income, I would have liked to be able to take advantage of this offer as well, which would have helped me enormously. If I had discovered the site before, I could have taken all the information and not find myself at the last minute with so many questions and dilemmas 🙁

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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12
15 February 2022 - 3:45 pm
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Surgery  is done!!!👏     Soon your sweet Juliette will be home and on the road to recovery!  I know you and she both will be glad to have her home.  

Many amputations are done  based on xrays only.  As Jerry said, many do not do biopsies often because of the cost, the fact that it generally is painful and often inconclusive anyway.

No worries about filling out   the applocations, etc.  Jerry will help you. She is one of the most patient and helpful people in the world!!

You have a lot on your plate right now,.  It's exhausting  emotionally  and physically  getting to this point.  Sleep is hard to get, right??   Soon all this will be a distant memory.   You will be so hapoy once recovery  is over and Juliette's sparkle is back!

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!

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10 February 2022
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15 February 2022 - 3:49 pm
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You are so kind, I am so grateful for all the support received here, the kindness and benevolence encountered.

It is indeed a very big day at all levels. I hope the return will go well.

If I want to put pictures, do I have to create a blog and share the link or is there another way?

I'm not sure my English is still ok, but I guess you understand.

Thanks

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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14
15 February 2022 - 4:10 pm
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Your English is fine!   We understand  you perfectly!  My typing is horrible and, with all the typos, quite often hard to understand!  And then when "spell check" comes behind me and tries to I interpret  my typos....it can be quite entertaining.

Yes, when you making a blog os def one way to post pictures.  I'm not tech savvy so others will tell you how to do that.  Also, here is a link that may help post them in a other way.   adding images .Cant wait to see them!

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!

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10 February 2022
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15 February 2022 - 4:28 pm
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