Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Had the 3 month (bit more) check up yesterday with oncologist- Fuzz Xrays per radiologist showed no spread or additional cancer at this time and oncologist was pleased with his condition yesterday at check up. Reported he is doing very well and has maintained weight and condition since his surgery. The lump I was initially concerned about was nothing and was just part of a granuloma (shrinking now) where incision began and there is some suture material in muscle that can be felt per oncologist but it was nothing to be concerned with. I have had Fuzz off the Gabapentin for a bit as there is no sign of pain or discomfort. Can always go back if needed. He still is active and occasional has the grumpy episodes but Dr. stated it could just be age and a startle reflex( kitty PTSD). The issue that was noted by radiologist was his heart appears to be enlarged (a bit more from initial radiographs back in August. He was diagnosed with a heart murmur of minor/moderate and at time was not an issue. Suggestion was to now see the cardiologist and see if medication is option. It was noted that it is not uncommon for enlarged heart and such in a cat of his age.. he is now nearing 11 years old. I just stress because it always seems its one thing after another.. I am finally relaxed from the cancer/amputation scare and now this... I will get him in after the first of year/holidays as with my job and holidays I am literally stressed to max. Was just wondering if anyone on here has a kitty with this type of condition and on medication and what prognosis/advice would be?
Thanks for the update. Glad Fuzz is doing well overall and is still full of spunk. Interesting about "suture marterial in the muscle". Wondering if that could cause him to be "grumpy" every now and then if it causes a "tweak", or a "pull". I doubt it, but just throwing that out there.
Now, as far as an enlarged heart, not too uncommon at all and can definitely be treated with some meds IF necessary. It sounds like Fuzz is symptom frre. I "think", but can't remember for sure, that Enapril is one pf rhe meds that he,ps if needed. Mah ve pff base on the name. I've had a dog or two who developed an e large heart at sone point snd it never became an issue
Now go enjoy your holiday and know that all is well with Fuzz! His weight is good, no spread of the crap disease, the lump is going away! A whole, or to celebrate!
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!
First, focus on all that GREAT NEWS! Oh my gosh don't let that slip by, it's precious, you both worked so hard to get where you are! 
As for the potential heart condition....don't jump too far ahead and don't Google yourself into a frenzy. Those are all questions that will be answered in time when all the diagnostics are complete. I know it makes us crazy to wait, and we do worry, but try to remember that there's no point in wasting that energy on worry when there is nothing you can do right now.
Fuzz wants you to be happy, not stressed. Focus on giving that to him and it's the best medicine he can ask for.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Here are actual radiologist reports that I had to wait to read until I got home.. feel much better after reading them... "mild" he is almost 11.. no fluid, no sign of cancer and no sign of heart failure... will follow up and actually speak to my local vet as he was given these reports as well.. not to sound awful but I am just leery about getting sucked back now into all this cardiac testing and care.. I am currently setting at over $4200 for Fuzz's cancer testing/amputation and followup... so budget wise not sure how much many more thousands I can swing through this hospital... I love him and will do always what is best but finanancially I have to be wise as well... I am not a millionaire by no means and wish I was because I would have a house full of fuzzy critters to care for lovingly with not a thought at expense!
M ETROPOLITAN V ETERINARY H OSPITAL – A KRON V ETERINARY I NTERNAL M EDICINE / O NCOLOGY
1053 S. CLEVELAND-MASSILLON ROAD, AKRON, OH 44321 DIRECT: 330) 670-2351 FAX: 330) 670-2375
RANCE M. GAMBLIN, DVM, DIPLOMATE ACVIM (ONCOLOGY)
GREG W. CHAMBERS, DVM, DIPLOMATE ACVIM (SMALL ANIMAL INTERNAL MEDICINE)
VANESSA H. DOLLO, DVM, DIPLOMATE ACVIM (SMALL ANIMAL INTERNAL MEDICINE)
JULIE A. STANTON, DVM, DIPLOMATE ACVIM (SMALL ANIMAL INTERNAL MEDICINE)
SARAH A. PERDION, DVM, PRACTICE LIMITED TO INTERNAL MEDICINE
PATRICIA L. THALHOFER, DVM, PRACTICE LIMITED TO INTERNAL MEDICINE
Client: Melissa Wells Client ID: 165476 DVM: Rance Gamblin, DVM, DACVIM
Patient: Fuzz Patient ID: 249895 Species: Feline
Breed: Domestic Longhair Gender: Neutered Male Age: 10 Yrs. 7 Mos.
Referring DVM: Heidi Woodruff Referring DVM #2:
Clinic: Carrollton Animal Hospital Clinic:
Phone: (330) 627-4898 Phone:
Fax: (330) 627-6314 Fax:
Thursday, December 12, 2019
THIS LETTER IS TO UPDATE YOU ON THIS CASE. PLEASE SEE COPIES OF ANY DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS.
LABORATORY/DIAGNOSTIC TESTING:
Chest radiographs: No obvious metastasis, mild cardiomegaly, final reading by radiologist attached
PROBLEMS/DIAGNOSIS:
R scapular osteosarcoma, amputated
Heart murmur, cardiomegaly (mild)
HOME MEDICATIONS:
Gabapentin 50 mg/ml suspension (you have): 1/2-1 ml orally every 24 hours if needed for pain control (I do not perceive Fuzz is
painful at this time)
DIET: As before EXERCISE: Unrestricted
FOLLOW UP CARE:
1.) Monitor for any changes in attitude, appetite, and activity.
2.) Recheck appointment with Dr Gamblin in app 3 months, unless needed sooner.
3.) Given the apparent progression in cardiac size and the murmur, I am recommending owner consider a cardiology
appointment for further evaluation. Thank you.
Attending Clinician: Rance M. Gamblin, DVM, Dip. ACVIM (Oncology)
Rance Gamblin, DVM, Dip. ACVIM (Oncology)
Thank you for this referral. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions concerning this or any other cases.
Page 1 of 1
Radiology Report:
Requesting Doctor: Rance Gamblin, DVM,
DACVIM (Oncology)
Patient Name: Fuzz Wells (249895)
Species:
Gender: Breed:
Age:
Weight:
Feline 10Yr 6Mo
Male Not known 4.70 Lb
Radiology Report (5137259-15/Radiographs Only - Priority)
IDEXX Telemedicine Consultants
radiology | cardiology | specialty services
Completed 12/11/19 08:21 PM
PRESENTING COMPLAINT: Thoracic metastasis screen
HISTORY: Owner reports Fuzz is doing well at home other than randomly "attacking" owner, doesnt seem painful, etc.
Please check small lumps in region of amputation incision. On physical exam: Bright, alert, responsive. Temperature-
98.9 Heart rate-160 . Respiratory rate 24 . Eyes, ears, nose and throat- pink mucous membranes., mild bilateral otitis
externa. Heart and lungs- Grade IV/VI systolic murmur over sternum, no arrhythmias, lungs clear. Abdomen palpates
moderately tense and non-painful. Lymph nodes palpate within normal limits. R forelimb amputation with 2 small (1 mm)
palpable nodules associated with incision (suspect SQ closure/suture reaction)
PROBLEMS/DIAGNOSIS:
R scapular osteosarcoma, amputated
please compare to previous films.
THORACIC RADIOGRAPHS December 11, 2019: 3 views are included. This is compared to the previous study from
September 20, 2019.
FINDINGS: The right forelimb has been amputated. There is a persisting and stable diffuse mild bronchial lung pattern
consistent with normal age-related changes or incidental allergic bronchitis/asthma. The pulmonary parenchyma is
otherwise unremarkable, there are no nodules/masses or signs of edema or consolidation such as pneumonia. The heart
now appears mildly enlarged. Pulmonary blood vessels are not distended. There is no pleural fluid. There are no
enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes. The body wall is unremarkable with no evidence of a mass or swelling.
CONCLUSIONS:
1. No evidence of metastatic disease.
2. Apparent mild cardiomegaly, suggestive of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Other acquired heart disease cannot be
ruled out. There is no heart failure.
CONCLUSIONS:
1. No evidence of metastatic disease.
2. Apparent mild cardiomegaly, suggestive of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Other acquired heart disease cannot be
ruled out. There is no heart failure.
SPECTACULAR NEWS!
I think that's awesome. And of course you have to consider finances, it would be foolish not to. The most important thing here is you are doing your best for Fuzz. As we say around here, any time we have left together after amputation is icing on the cake. You're living it!
P.S. I hope you don't mind but I edited out your veterinarian's contact information. On the web, you just never know who might use that kind of information in a harmful way. Thanks for understanding.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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