Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Just wondering if anyone has had their cat's leg amputated and then found out that the cancer metastisized to the lungs. My cat is 12yrs old and has a heart murmur. He had 2 surgeries before it was confirmed that he had VAS caued from the rabies short. He is a beautiful tabby cat and I love him very much. He had no cancer for 1.5 yrs...and I was hopeful
I was recently told that my oncology group is getting the ability to perform srt (stereotactic radiotherapy). My oncologist said that I would need to have a ct scan and then would go from there.
I have 2 questions
1) Does anyone have experience with lung metastises ? what should I look for
2) Has anyone had their cat go thru the srt ?
thanks in advance,
Lani
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Welcome and best wishes for your kitty. Please keep us posted, your future forum posts will not require moderation. You will find many topics here discussing SRT and vaccine associated sarcomas. The Tripawds News blog also has many posts about stereotactic radiation therapies.
While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Lani,
My cat Mona had her leg amputated due to VAS 3 years ago. The pathologist's report said that the margins from the amputation were huge and that, according to the studies "these tumours have minimal metastatic risk".
As I understand it your cat had his leg amputated 1.5 years ago due to VAS and now they believe the cancer has metastasized to his lungs. Is that correct?
I had a cat with skin cancer and was told it would likely spread to his lungs at which time he might develop a cough. He only had a cough every now and then. Treatments were not suggested, I just ensured he was pain free and comfortable.
I understand that any treatment for lung metastasis is palliative and not curable. You might want to ask the vet what the SRT will accomplish, how long it will help, what are the risks and costs of the treatment. You could ask what you can expect if you do not do the SRT. Ultimately, you will want to improve your cat's quality of life. Will SRT do that or will it take away by the treatment (time, sedation, etc).
I hope this helps. I'm sorry to hear you are going though this.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Hello Lani, welcome. I'm sorry to hear about the mets. Are they positive that it's from the VAS? That is unusual from what I understand. And yes, what Kerren said is correct, the SRT is palliative when it comes to mets. It's a much better way of doing radiation therapy than the old way (cuts the visits down in half which means less anesthesia and stress) but it's expensive, so get all your questions answered before making a decision.
Meanwhile although this post focuses on osteosarcoma lung mets treatments for dogs, the concepts are usually the same for cats. I wish I had more feline-specific posts to share but at this point in time there just aren't enough studies. Mets are super rare in kitties overall. But by your joining us here, you are adding to our collective knowledge so thank you for that.
Oh and here's a post that may help you have a good convo with your vet too:
Questions to Ask Your Veterinary Oncologist
Keep us posted oK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I just want to add my best wishes for some good solutions for your sweet kitty.
You've gotten excellent input and I hope it gives you some additional clarity on a path forward.
Update us when you can.
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!
Hi Lani,
Welcome I am sorry you find yourself here & have been dealing with a VAS. Have you been diagnosed with lung mets then? I read that it came happen in VAS but its very rare, I am sorry if that is the case! By joining & sharing your story will help gain awareness & help others in this journey !
Jerry wrote a article on it also, you may find it helpful?
We have had members join with osteosarcoma and have lung mets or got them later. Jimmy comes to mind which is in that article and Cami & Rocky also in that article below .
How to Cope with Osteosarcoma Lung Mets Signs in Tripawds
I have no experience to share on SRT or lung mets our kitty Purrkins lost his leg due to a soft tissue sarcoma !
Just wanted to send you our best wishes to you and your beautiful Ginger tabby kitty
Hugs!
Holly & Purrkins
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