Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Ack I'm so sorry that the visit made things even more complicated.
This is such a tough call. We all want more reassurance that things will work out but sometimes this is a bigger leap of faith than others.
If you did SRT, at some point you will find yourself at this crossroads again. I do know that Hazel's dad told me (I linked to her SRT story earlier) he was glad they went that route. She just wasn't a good candidate and when the cancer returned it was a little easier to say goodbye because they gave her several more pain free months.
If you do the amp and she blows out the other knee, you're in a very tough situation, even tougher than this because now you're dealing with cancer and another major recovery that's even tougher than amputation recovery.
I can't tell you what to do because every dog is different and every situation plays out differently. What I can tell you is that the best thing to do is to ask Nova what she wants. Not what you want, but if she could answer in our language, what would she say?
She has never been super flexible but the arthritis hasn’t been that noticeable.
she is on several joint medications and has been for a year or so including adequan shots.
I know you asked what path Dr Mueller took with her three dogs who had osteo - 2 were eligible for amputation which she did and one wasn’t.
Also… past 2 nights her breathing has been a little more weird. It could be the acepromazine she had to take to go see the vet and it could be our panic and total state of anxiety. She had clear x ray and ultrasound 2.5 weeks ago so I’m hoping this isn’t anything more serious right now such as lung mets this early but I suppose we’ll know one way or another soon with the radiation or amputation.
I would be lying if I said that our lives have been even remotely normal for the past 2.5 weeks since her diagnosis. There’s just a heavy cloud of sadness weighing us down. We of course don’t show that to her and she is having daily fun and incredible food (my wife is cooking her steaks, salmon etc nightly or we’ll order her sushi… which she absolutely loves …) but otherwise our new normal is not something I’d wish for others. Hoping it gets better with time.
lastly I couldn’t figure out the image upload process. Is there any alternatives? Would love to share some of her pictures. She tried the harness today as prep and did great!!!!
Yes, this is a helluva decision to have to make. We get it.
Glad the arthritis seems to be managed.
To maybe put your mind at ease for one thing anyway, with clear lung x-rays just two and a half weeks ago it is highly unlikely she has long Mets.
Ace can certainly is not dogs out as they try to shake off the effects. So the panting could be from that or, as you said maybe picking up on the anxiety no matter how hard you try to hide it.
Is it possible the panting is from the pain of the leg?
I'm going to PM you my email so you can to me and I'll be more than happy to post them for you.
((((((((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!
Sam, we get it. This diagnosis turns your world upside down! You are doing everything right with her, and checking all the boxes to make the decision you can live with.
Try not to panic about the breathing. Once we get a diagnosis like this, every little behavior is amplified and worries us! It's very common to focus on things like breathing and think the worst, but usually, it's not mets, especially this soon. Mets that affect breathing will also usually affect appetite and stamina. Based on her behavior you are describing, it sure sounds like she is doing pretty darn well! I'm super happy she did good with the harness too!
Here's how adding images works. Check out the tutorial and holler with any questions.
Two things that remain unclear to me:
1. If we do stereotactic radiation and down the road she suffers a pathological break, is our only remaining practical option to put her to sleep? I don't quite understand why we wouldn't be able to amputate at that time if she otherwise doesn't have mets. I will also ask the surgeon this same question. What am I missing? Is it due to the fact that logistically she wouldn't be able to withstand the pain until the surgery even if we could get a surgery scheduled the next day etc.? Sorry to ask this somewhat miserable question but just trying to understand this as if I don't have to risk her on 3 legs now we won't given her other orthopedic issues . Trying to think of everything.
2. Are the odds of mets greater for stereotactic radiation and chemo versus amputation and chemo? I haven't seen any research on this but it is very clear that most long term survivors (1 year or more) are amputees. Is that because amputation is just more common and this is just a matter of net numbers (like if 90% of dogs going forward were given stereotactic radiation and not amputation would we start to see more long term survivors that used stereotactic radiation)? Our own oncologist thought that Nova would likely live a few months less on average if she isn't subjected to amputation. The surgeon didn't agree and thought it had nothing to do with it. Just trying to factor everything in...
Hopefully this will help:
1. If we do stereotactic radiation and down the road she suffers a pathological break, is our only remaining practical option to put her to sleep?
Not as far as I know. In most cases you will still need to decide between amputation or euthanasia.
2. Are the odds of mets greater for stereotactic radiation and chemo versus amputation and chemo?
You're right, I've never seen a study that shows either. That's a great question for your oncologist. I would say that the reason you are seen long-term survivor Tripawds is just that more go through amputation surgery than SRT.
Our own oncologist thought that Nova would likely live a few months less on average if she isn't subjected to amputation.
It's hard to say how things will unfold for her, or any dog. Remember, averages are just that, they don't predict the future or take into account her own physiology, cancer stage, etc. It could be more or it could be less. Of those people who do opt for SRT, generally we see them return to the amputation decision within a year of the first treatment (Hazel's story is a good example. I'm happy to connect you to her dads if you want to talk to them). And then for the people who do go through amputation instead of SRT, there are many instances where the dog doesn't make it to a year, sad to say. But you just never know how things will happen with either treatment.
Thanks so much. I would love to connect with Hazel's dads if they are open to it. Keen on gathering as much information as we can... (within realm of reason!).
Will send them an email and cc you, they are always happy to share their experience.
Get ready to smooch the screen! Drum roll please.....introducing the adoravle NOVA, as well his his big Mastiff buddy!! A whole lot of cuten ess in these photos. What a handsome pair!
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!
We're moving ahead with stereotactic radiation and chemo for Nova. It was a really difficult decision and we have swayed back and forth but are ready for the next chapter. Her risks on amputation seem too great and we felt the need to take a path sooner than later as the disease clearly doesn't wait.
Nova's CT scan was today. Her radiation therapy will start next Monday. We really liked her radiation oncologist - Doctor Lauren Quarterman at TrueCare for Pets in Studio City.
We'll do the zoledronate infusions next week as well to help strengthen the bone.
Chemo would start shortly after radiation.
Hoping for as much time as the universe allows us with our girl.
Hey Sam thanks for the update. I hope Joel was able to give you a good picture of what you might expect with treatment.
Keep us posted, maybe start a new topic in Treatment and Recovery so we can learn together, and send tons of love and pawsitivity! We will support you through this journey regardless of whether or not you did amputation so don't be a stranger. We have our paws crossed for really great results!
I'm glad you guys have come to a decision and are moving forward. You had sooooo many factors to consider! I hope making the decision has provided at least a little relief.
Have you written down your decision making process? I found that very valuable when making decisions for my first Tripawd Maggie when we were facing her second cancer. Remember- no matter what happens you can never know what would have happened if you chose a different path. You have put so much thought and research into this decision, your love and devotion for Nova shines through. This is the right path for you.
I also hope you know that you are family here now- amputation or not the cancer journey is tough and you need all the support you can get. Besides, your journey with Nova will help someone else down the road.
And a final thought...I think Archie's face is bigger than either of my dogs!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Remember- no matter what happens you can never know what would have happened if you chose a different path. You have put so much thought and research into this decision, your love and devotion for Nova shines through. This is the right path for you.
Always wise words from Karen. Yes, do remember to write down the reasons you went with this decision. It's especially helpful to look back on when "forced choices " are never clear cut.
Must have missed the name of your wonderful Mastiff.earlier......Archie suits perfectly!!!
(((((((((((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!
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