Thanks so much for the replies, everyone!  Kiwi has indeed thrown her back out, to put it colloquially.  The swelling is pinching the tail nerve, causing it to be limp.  We have a slew of meds and will continue the acupuncture for a few more sessions and see what happens over the next 7-10 days.  If it does not improve, a steroid shot may be in order to alleviate the swelling and promote healing.  In the meantime, Kiwi is finally resting soundly for the first time in 2 days, thank goodness.

On a different note, until today's visit, we have been taking her in for cold laser treatments and adequan shots in the remaining rear limb.  We were assured by our normal vet that she was an eligible candidate, even with the osteosarcoma.  Today, the new vet, who administered the acupuncture, was adamant about cold laser being awful for patients like Kiwi.  Has anyone else been cleared for cold laser post osteosarcoma amputation?  We have been pretty on top of our research and found cases for and against, and we trusted our vet and the clearance he got from oncologists he called. Now we feel awful.

Thanks again, everyone!

Kate

Thank you so much for the encouraging words.  The acupuncture vet is pro cold laser, too, but never on cancer patients, so it's simply conflicting views under the same roof.  I'm not sorry we did the cold laser treatments, as they really seemed to help Kiwi get super strong in that back leg and developed some nice muscle definition, proving to me she was finally using the leg as it should be used, and not just allowing the hip and spine to take the brunt of the hopping. 

Again, your positivity and kind words are so heartwarming.  It's nice to have such a welcoming forum to ask questions and get seasoned advice to ease my mind.

Thanks again!

Kate

Hi all,

So, we have had a rough couple of days and I just wanted to keep you all updated.  Kiwi's injury became worse in the wee hours Tuesday night/ Wednesday and we immediately brought her to the vet first thing on Wednesday morning.  We had xrays taken and there were no obvious signs of injury in her spine and an MRI was recommended to see if she slipped or ruptured a disc.  She was given a morphine injection for her pain while we figured out what to do next.  After a consult with an MRI doc, they suggested we not do the MRI and move forward with the cortisone shot to see what happens.  If over the course of 72 hours she doesn't significantly improve, she most likely has cancer in her spine and there will be nothing we can do at that point.  The xrays also presented with mets in her lungs.  So, we got the shots and have seen some improvement, but she still can't walk on her own.  We may have to say goodbye this weekend.  We are distraught.

Thank you all again for the encouraging and kind words. 

Kate

Thanks all.  Kiwi has improved quite a bit from the shots, which is encouraging.  She has started walking on her own, albeit wobbily, but she can do it.  And her tail is starting to come back, too.  So we are simply continuing with rest and mild ambulation, allowing her to go at her own pace and see what happens.  The vet we saw is her regular vet (their hours are incredible and they are amazing), so they knew all her history and wanted to be sure to do everything possible to help her.  

Needless to say, we are feeling some relief watching Kiwi experience relief.  This is most likely going to be a rollercoaster, but for now, we are grateful.

And to answer the lung mets questions, they aren't very large and she isn't presenting with a cough.  They are also very faint on the xrays, so we are guessing it's the beginning of the take over.  I have read so many of your stories about kids going strong for years with mets not growing or impeding quality of life, but there are others who have tumors explode overnight.  All we can do is stay positive and, as recommended above, love on her for as long as we can.

For now, we are in a holding pattern.  Thank you all, again, for your kind words and virtual hugs.  The comfort is felt.

Kate