Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My dog, Lulu, had osteosarcoma in her left back leg. Her leg was amputated in June. She did really well after surgery. Her amp site healed with no complications. She was back to being herself in no time at all. She was doing really well until about two weeks ago. She started licking and lifting up her front right paw and her right eye became inflamed. I took her to the vet. The vet checked her neck, shoulder, and leg. It appeared that one of the toes in her foot was sore. The vet x-rayed it and nothing showed up on the x-ray. She had her liver and calcium levels checked which came back fine. The vet also didn't seem concerned about her eye. So, we went home with a rx for rimadyl. The rimadyl seemed to make Lulu lethargic but it didn't seem to help her pain (she would lay on the couch and move her leg continually like it was hurting her). I switched her to previcox which she took pre-amp to control her osteo pain. Lulu's eye got worse so I called the vet and asked for some kind of treatment for her eye. They prescribed some eye drops which didn't seem to help. Then, along with the painful leg and red eye, she began drinking and urinating excessively. I got her a rx for amoxicillin which helped her eye slightly. I took a urine sample to the vet and she has an appt on Monday. She seems to be in a lot of pain and isn't acting like herself. So far, the vet doesn't seem to have any idea about what is wrong. They seem to think its just a sprained toe. I'm worried that its something more serious. Has anyone experienced anything similar? Could it be the cancer taking over? Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for joining us here, we're sorry you are in such a tough situation. Not knowing what's going on is incredibly difficult and stressful, our minds can come to all sorts of awful conclusions.
I will tell you that we've seen these kinds of situations range from nothing but a minor sprained toe, all the way to cancer metastasis in a different part of the body. My best advice is to go with your gut feeling; if you don't like what this vet is telling you, take those test results to another vet, preferably an oncologist. If your vet is a good vet s/he will be happy to refer your case to a specialist. Remember, only you know LuLu better than anyone else. Don't wait, so that you can put your mind at ease as soon as possible and help her feel better.
We have our paws crossed and hope that this is nothing major. Please keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm with Jerry on this one. Run, don't walk, to another vet. If you aren't getting results, it is time to try someone else. Not that your vet is bad, they just aren't able to give you what you want or need right now.
Sending good thoughts that you soon have an answer and Lulu is on the road to recovery. She is beautiful!
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Sending pawsitive thoughts out for Lulu. I hope it ends up being something easily fixed. Abby had a sprained toe once, and I was convinced her cancer had come back, but luckily it turned out to be just the sprained toe.
Hoping for good news.
Jackie, angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Thank you so much for the support. Lulu was diagnosed with osteosarcoma one year ago. We've been through a lot together. She's one tough girl. I'm hoping for the best tomorrow and if need be, we will pursue help from another vet. I'll be sure to post tomorrow night after her appointment.
I was told that the osteosarcoma is recurring in her front paw. Isn't this atypical? Doesn't osteo metastasis usually occur in soft tissue? Also, she's having problems with her eyes which the vet said could be osteo related. Her blood work came back ok (kidney and liver function). There was white blood cells present in her urinalysis which I was told suggests that she has a uti. She was prescribed baytril and pain meds (previcox, tramadol). I was told to just keep her comfortable. Any thoughts?
Ugh, I'm sorry to hear that, I know that kind of news hits hard.
Unfortunately we've seen cancer mets return in all sorts of weird places other than the standard lung presentation.
You can do more as far as palliative care, however. Look up "bisphosphonates " here and you'll find lots of info about this class of drug that can ease pain and often slow down the tumor. Sorry, I would link to it but I can't do that on my phone. This treatment has helped many with a good quality of life even at this point.
I hope this helps, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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