Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Has anyone's tripawd from osteosarcoma broken a bone on another leg for whatever reason and what was the outcome??? What about if it was a second osteosarcoma on the leg, what did you do???
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I am devastated right now as my tripawd Kokomo who is 2 years and 3 months post (right front leg) amputation just fractured his left femur, not sure exactly how as no one saw it happen, but possibly from jumping off the sofa. The X-rays show the left femur to possibly be abnormal as well, and they are questioning an underlying lesion, possibly another osteosarcoma. I have opted to do a bone aspiration/biopsy on Monday, the soonest they can do it. If it comes back as another osteosarcoma, his surgeon said we have limited options, and that is another amputation (!!! Anyone here with a BIPAWD dog?!?!!!), fix with metal rod and screws and then radiate (high risk of failure and infection leading to amputation in the future anyway), or euthanasia. I am not ready to part with my baby boy!!!! He has been healthy and well up to the sudden fracture, loving life, playing, eating, drinking, going with me everywhere I go. I am beside myself and need advice please!!!! Thank you!!!!
Carla I am so sad to hear this! It's got to be a very scary time for you, it's every Tripawd parent's worst nightmare. I'm so sorry!
(For new members, Kokomo was featured in Tripawd Tuesday. Here's his story).
First, remember that you don't know what exactly you're dealing with yet. Monday will seem like a year away but it will come and you will get more information so you can make the best choices for Kokomo. There are other options besides amputation, including limb spare/limb salvage and radiation therapy. Here's a story about Hazel's radiation therapy treatment, since she wasn't a candidate for amputation.
Also, I urge you to contact University of Florida vet oncologist Dr. Sarah Boston. She is in Florida like you and she may be interested in his case. Last I heard she has a clinical trial for dogs who aren't amputation candidates. Please tell her we sent you if you call.
As for Bi-Pawds, yes, we've had a few here. Among them is: Antouanetta the Large Two-Legged Dog Hero of Greece.
But don't jump ahead of yourself yet, it may not need to happen that way. I know it's hard not to think the worst. But Kokomo needs you to be strong OK? And we are here for you to lean on. Call the Tripawds Helpline and post here, keep us informed and remember we are all sending lots of love & strength for news that this is not cancer.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I've debated whether to reply or not, because I know you're not going to like my answer.
Rocky had his right front leg amputated in February due to OSA. Two weeks ago, he suffered a pathological fracture of the femur in his left rear leg. I didn't have it confirmed, but it was likely due to OSA as well.
Everything I've read is that it's incredibly rare for it to hit more than one leg, but it seems like several dogs here have suffered this recently.
In the emergency room, I made the decision to end the fight. Rocky's cancer was getting more aggressive. We tried different forms of chemo with limited success. I felt we had crossed that quality of life threshold with a second bad leg. I regret I had to make the decision I did, but I don't regret the decision. Rocky went to the Bridge peacefully with dignity and me by his side.
Every situation is different though. And Kokomo may not even be dealing with OSA. Hopefully Monday comes back with better news. I wish you and Kokomo the best in whatever you decide.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
We're all right here by your side to support you and Kokomo no matter what! I know you are scared ojt of your mind thinking every worst case scenario you can! We all do that so well around here!
As Jerry said, try not to jump ahead and just know that there are options for almost any scenario. Every dog is differnet and goodness knows Kokomo has a lot of spunk and determination and, other than the leg "issue" has been feeling just fine! That's a real plus.
I loved re-reading Kokomo's Tripawd Tuesday p's article about Kokomo and all his great photos! 🙂 I thoroughly enjoyed the article then, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it again! 🙂
Lots of hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS...We need our Kokomo picture fix, preferably a couple of him styling all his fashionavle shirts!!! adding images
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!
Kokomo is adorable and you might search for Nubby Bowlin - he's an adorable bi-pawd that I follow on Facebook. He just got his cart this week.
My dog Izzy had knee surgery a year after amputation (today is actually her anniversary for both) but prior to having the knee repaired, she had to get around using two legs, much like Kokomo is likely doing now. Iz was a front amp and the hind knee on the amp side gave out on her, so different situation from Nubby (he's missing both front legs due to a birth defect).
In any event, I'm hoping you get good news and the doc has some options for you. Keep us posted!
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
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