Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Would love some advice.
We have an almost 9 year old Berner and he has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left leg just below elbow. He is healthy in every other way, except an ACL issue in his back right leg and arthritis and an amputated toe on his right front leg. Recommendation has been to amputate entire front left leg and the. Follow up with chemo infusion treatments for 5 months. They have told us this may get us a year. My concern is what will his quality of life be like during this time? How long to recover from amputation? Can he really support himself? Will he tolerate chemo? We are heartbroken, but feel the best path may be to go the palliative med route and keep him comfortable and hope for 4 months. Would love any insights?
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Hi Dana, so sorry you got this bad news. Try not to focus on the prognosis, that is just a best guess based on statistics that don't take your dog's physiology into account.
Amputation isn't the answer for everyone but in most cases, giant breeds can do fine on three legs. What is your vet's opinion? WHen people are undecided, a second opinion is helpful.
Palliative care is understandable, and we will support you if that's the way you go. But keep in mind that with pain meds alone, no pain medications can touch the pain of bone cancer after a while. It gets bad, sometimes very fast, and there is also the real risk of a pathologic fracture. Radiation therapy can help, as well as a new procedure called cementoplasty. Those are valid options.
Don't jump ahead to chemo and other decisions right now. It pays to book a consult with an oncologist if that's what you're thinking, just to get your information straight in your mind so you can feel good about whatever decision you make.
The important thing is to decide how you want to handle the excruciating pain of bone cancer (the worst there is). Take things one day and one decision at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself. We are here for you.
Hi Dana - My 13 year old miniature Australian Shepherd (Kody) just had his left front leg amputated last week due to a osteosarcoma. He’s recovering really well and has been easily getting around the house. So many helpful tips on this site about making the environment helpful for our recovering tri-pawds. As far as chemo, I do know they tolerate it very well. This was Kody’s second bout with cancer and surgery in seven months. The first was an anal gland adenocarcinoma and totally unrelated to this one. He had follow up chemo and had no ill effects at all. If you have not already done so, I would encourage you to consult with an oncologist. And as Jerry says, please try not to focus on the prognosis - those are statistics. All the best to you and your sweet pup!!
just wanted to check in and see if we could help support you any further. you clearly love your sweet pup and you will mae a decision based on that love.....and that will be the "right" decision
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!
8 y/o Berner here with similar diagnosis just a few days ago. Amputation scheduled for 1/3…but not sure if we want to go the chemo route either.
Let me know how your boy is doing.
Craig, we know it's scary to first hear the diagnosis, but 2e mate here to support you in any way you need.
We can better do that if you start your own "thread" in the forums. That way everything can be very specific to your situation 2ith your pup.
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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