Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My dog (shepherd-husky mix) was diagnosed with a "spindle cell tumor, e.g. hemangio-pericytoma" on her back leg. The vet advised amputation since it is on the bone and she didn't think she could get it all, that it would grow back. That follow-up radiation would not really be an option due to cost and travel. I've put this off for months because my dog is doing great with the tumor. She runs full speed, jumps, plays with other dogs, jumps up on them with her front paws on top of their shoulders (dominating posturing), etc. Doesn't show any discomfort at all. Except when I feel on the tumor. Then her tail will go between her legs. And the tumor is slowly getting bigger. Sometimes it bleeds a little after she has been playing. The vet had x-rays done of chest, no sign of the tumor having progressed. But that was five months ago. Maybe amputation would prevent any chance of it spreading? Some information states that hemangio-pericytoma's rarely, and sometimes never, metastisize. That's why I figured if it's not bothering her...Any feedback greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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The best if not only way to keep that tumor from spreading is to remaove the leg. And with the type of cancer having little chance of metastasis, she should live a long happy healthy life on three legs. If she is otherwise healthy and strong, I say go for it. But I am no vet.
The risk you have with not removing the leg is that the tumor will grow to the point where the bone will break. Not to mention she has cancerous cells continuing to grow in her body, as you can see by its growth.She may not seem to be in pain, but you'd be surprised at how well they hide their weaknesses.
Best wishes in your decision. Thanks for asking. Keep in mind that if you register and log-in, your posts will appear immediately without requiring moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for replying. Short on time..will check back here again...vet ahdn't said anything about leg breaking just that it might get so big as to immobolize the leg. A different vet said he'd try to remove the tumor, see if it grows back. Might that be a better option then than amputation?
Well, this is definitely something that you want to ask your vet and/or surgeon. What method would the other vet use to remove the tumor?
We do know of others who tried to remove non-cancerous tumors only to have them come back, so you may want to weigh the risks (and costs) of multiple surgeries versus amputation, if there's a chance it could return.
Keep us posted OK? Good luck.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hemangiopericytomas are locally invasive and rarely spread. Did your vet do a biopsy? Shepherds are very prone to hemangiosarcomas and these are highly malignant and can met to the spleen, lungs, liver, or heart. If it is a hemangiopericytoma your vet can do a "debulking" procedure to decrease the tumor mass. The tumor may regrow but it could take years. If it is hemangiosarcoma then the leg should come off ASAP after chest xrays and an abdominal ultrasound are performed to check for mets.
Pam and Tazzie
Apparently the "needle aspiration" biopsy showed it to be a malignant spindle cell tumor "i.e., hemangiopericytoma". The first vet recommended amputation. The second vet said he would remove the tumor and see if it grows back. "Maybe in 2 years, maybe in 2 weeks". The first vet then agreed with that and said she changed her mind about the amputation and would try to remove the tumor instead. I balked for past five months simply because it sounds like a debulking would risk complications and possibly aggravate the tumor? But since it is getting bigger maybe a debulking is necessary at this point. Thanks so much for replies here. Any more would again be appreciated.
A fine needle aspirate is not the same as a surgical biopsy. A spindle cell tumor could include a synovial cell tumor, a nerve sheath tumor, or a hemangiopericytoma (to name a few).
If it has been 5 months already then I guess I would debulk the tumor and send in a piece for biopsy.
Pam and Tazzie
Thank you for explaining the difference. I wonder why neither vet recommended biopsy to determine the exact cancer involved. If either of the two you mention are more aggressive than hemangiopericytoma then that would make a huge difference in how to proceed. The second vet didn't even bother to look at the pathologist report from the needle aspiration. Simply said he would try and remove it and see if it grow back. Maybe now debulking would prolong the risk of the cancer spreading if it's something other than "locally invasive" hemangio-pericytoma. Just go through with amputation to reduce risk of it spreading if it hasn't already? I'm kind of angry at the moment neither vet bothered to determine the cancer specifically.
Anger is a common reaction. But in the end, it doesn't help. I'm glad your at least finding some answers here. Keep in mind that if you register, your posts will appear immediately without requiring our moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I must agree with Jerry, anger does not help. But what bothers me is your apparent lack of trust in the vets. This is a long, sometimes scary journey, and if you can locate a vet that you absolutely believe is in it to do their best for your dog, you are way ahead of the game. We chose the consulting vet to treat Trouble because we felt his beliefs were more in line with ours, and we trust he will be the best advocate he can be for Trouble.
I truly hope you find that relationship with the vet who will be treating your fur child.
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.
This just came in from Prince Myshkin via email ...
A little research answered the question: Nerve sheath tumors and hemangiopericytomas "can be virtually indistinguishable", and "most are locally infiltartive but do not metastasize". Hopefully then amputation is not necessary.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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