Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello everyone,
Ari, my gordon setter, was diagnosed with ostesarcoma late last year. We went the typical route of amputation and chemo and he just had his 3rd round of carboplatin last week. This week when I took him in for blood work they did x-rays to see if the cancer had shown any signs of spreading. I'm happy to say that they were all clear. I know that in something like 90% of cases by the time it is diagnosed it has already spread, regardless of whether or not it is visible in an x-ray. My question is, what is the expected time frame for it to start showing up, assuming that it will? I know this is probably an answer that can vary greatly I just can't find anything to even give me a clue.
Thank you,
Ben and Ari
Welcome and best wishes for Ari!
Every dog is different. There is really no "average" prognosis. We have had members whose dogs never had chemo last 5 years, others decline just months after final chemo treatments. The best thing you can do for Ari (and your sanity) is to focus on quality of life, not quantity. That's why our best advice is to Be More Dog - and that is not just some silly saying.
Please keep in mind that only Tripawds members with a Vet Expert badge beneath their username actually are a veterinarian or have any sort of formal veterinary training. Replies from these members may take much longer due to their busy schedules.
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
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I was told 10-12 months with chemo. But Rocky's cancer started spreading while he was still getting Carboplatin, and he only made it seven months.
A year is probably about the average, but like Jim said, it varies. Cancer plays by its own rules. Some dogs make it years, some only weeks.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
It is so variable. My dog Tazzie lived 14 months after surgery and had 5 doses of chemo then artemisinin . Some dogs can live 2 or more years.
Pam
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