Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My dog Mia had a bone biopsy yesterday and her leg is really swollen. Really, really swollen--like twice the size of her other leg. Since it's Saturday my only option is to take her to the emergency vet. Since I am leaning toward amputation I'm really trying to watch my every dollar.
Is swelling common after a biopsy? How do I know if I should take her in?
Heidi
Offline
Can you call them before you go?
Paris also had a bone biopsy and she had no swelling afterward, but I know there is a risk of infection, bleeding and fracture after. Is Mia in more pain? It sounds like she probably needs to be seen.
Take care and good luck,
Ginny
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
When a previous Rottweiler had osteo, the vet did a biopsy and he was dreadfully painful afterwards...as I understand a biopsy is normally not done these days because usually radiographic findings are pretty clear...it's straight to amputation if that's the decision made and then the biopsy is done with what's removed. I don't recall swelling...but this was a long time ago.
How is Mia now? Did you make a decision? I am wondering if perhaps infection...but I'm not a vet and really don't know.
Honestly, I would err on the side of caution and take her in if it's that swollen, especially if she's acting differently, depressed, or in pain.
It is possible to have a large amount of swelling, pain, or even fracture after a bone biopsy so that is why a lot of vets don't do them anymore since the diagnosis can usually be made from a radiograph. Tazzie's leg was biopsied post-amputation.
Is your dog on an NSAID like Rimadyl or Metacam? What about Tramadol? These meds can really help to reduce swelling and pain so if she is not on these then I would go to the ER for a visit and prescription. If she is on these meds and is swollen but eating and not acting too painful then you could wait until Monday.
Pam and Tazzie
If you're going to proceed with amputation, then I recommend just managing the pain until then and getting it done as soon as possible. A couple days won't make much of a difference, and the emergency vet is probably only going to prescribe some pain meds. So if you need them to do that, go. Otherwise, see if you can have the vet call in a script. The waiting is the hardest part.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Mia's leg was even worse today (Sunday 2/22/09) so I took her to the emergency vet (which is the same clinic as the U of MN--just emergency hours and prices.) Turns out her leg is broken, either as a complication of the biopsy or just from the cancer; they can't tell me. I didn't realize the biopsy could result in a broken leg. I probably wouldn't have gone ahead with it but, as they say, hindsight is 20/20.
They did a chest radiograph which came back clear (yeah!). Tomorrow they will due an abdominal ultrasound. Then, in all likelihood, they will amputate. I am scared s^&%$;ess and very sad that I don't have the support of my father who is one of my best friends, but I think Mia has a lot of life left in her and I want to honor and respect that. I also respect the opinion of my vet and he feels amputation is what he would do if it were his dog.
Mia is spending the night at the U and I am confident that they can manage her pain better than I can. Plus, in a purely selfish motive, I need some sleep. I am so exhausted from crying and being hyper-anxious about her condition. I need to go to work to get my stuff in order so that I can take the time off to care for Mia after her surgery.
Again, I appreciate all the feedback and support I've received from this site and, if I I've ever in a position to donate $$$, I will do so ASAP.
Thank you with all my heart,
Heidi
They will take good care of Mia at the vet school and most likely have her on a morphine drip so she is probably resting right now. It is so good that her chest rads were clear. I'll bet her ultrasound will be fine and then she can get rid of that nasty old cancer leg! Get some well-deserved rest....
Pam and Tazzie
Heidi-
So sorry you are going through this. What a horrible thing, but at least now you know what was wrong .
get some rest tonite- Mia will need you to be strong when she gets home and she will be in good hands tonite. I know it would be nice to have the support of your father, but you know you will always have ours. It is just sometimes hard for those who are not in our shoes to understand.
Hang in there and keep us posted. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Seanne and Wrigley
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
So glad she is in safe hands, not hurting and yay on the clear chest xrays. I think everyone on this forum understands your anxiety...get some good sleep and we'll be thinking good thoughts for little Mia tomorrow.
It looks like there may be a mass in Mia's abdomen. The vets are doing an ultrasound at 1:30 today (2/23). The vet did not appear hopeful that the mass is benign. I am assuming they will suggest I put her down.
Heidi, we will be thinking of you and Mia. Stay positive for the time being. Hugs.
P.S. please consider registering as a member, so that your posts will be displayed in the forums instantly without any delay.
MiasMom said:
It looks like there may be a mass in Mia's abdomen. The vets are doing an ultrasound at 1:30 today (2/23). The vet did not appear hopeful that the mass is benign. I am assuming they will suggest I put her down.
We have our paws crossed for a good result. Try not to assume anything till you hear back. Please keep us posted OK? We are thinking of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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