Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, I've been struggling with amputation uncertainty for our Charlotte (Charlie). She's an 8 year old GSD that had TPLO 3 years ago and never really got back to 100% (trouble going up stairs, doesn't jump on things/in cars, etc.). Back in early October she feel and since then seems to be favoring her right hind leg (same one as the TPLO).
I noticed a bump on her leg and since then:
- Took her to vet in Mid Nov, Idexx x-rays had concerns about stifel swelling (possible synovial sarcoma); X-rays showed "moth eaten appearance" but was attributed to possible arthritic changes
- Took her to oncologist beginning of December (thought it might be ostosarcoma and she got the Yale vaccine); took a biopsy (incisional); biopsy evaluations came back negative (I understand this can happen in about 10% of false negatives).
- Gave her a CAT scan last week; showed the tumor appeared to wrap around the leg (larger than the bump). Also saw thickening of the spine on the left side and bulging disc lumbosacral stenosis diagnosis (she was a little slow on the paw flip test and had some mild discomfort for LS palpation, hyperextension and tail jack.)
-This week took her to another oncologist facility (for radiology assessment); Since they didn't really have definitive diagnosis she was really only considered to be a candidate for palliative radiation; However the surgeon and neurologist that looked at here said they think she's still probably an ok candidate for amputation (didn't notice the same issues as the first surgeon).
She doesn't seem to be getting worse (on some days she's pretty darn good) and will take me on 1 1/2 mile walks still. Aside from somewhat favoring the leg (which we've been use to) she's pretty happy; has good appetite and still wants to play (esp. with the new puppy)... (in a sense this would be a lot easier if she was experiencing a pain that I know removing her leg would save her from).
What I'm struggling with now is to keep waiting and seeing or to move forward with the amputation. Has anyone dealt with that uncertainty and had regrets if it turned out to not be cancer, or had to deal with LS (or similar issues) afterwards?
Thanks so much, and I really appreciate the community here and all the information.
v/r,
ted
Hi Ted and Charlie, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away. You had me at GSD 😉
It's always a tough decision when amputation is on the table, and it's even more difficult when the diagnosis is uncertain along with other medical issues. LS is a tough one, and especially for a GSD. Our Wyatt Ray had a similar situation, suspected IVDD during his last year of life (after he'd been on 3 legs for 11 years) and it was very tough on him with a missing back leg. His lack of mobility is what eventually forced us to set him free, but his mind was still 100%. It was heartbreaking.
So it sounds like Charlie's diagnosis might be back to the synovial cell sarcoma possibility and not osteosarcoma? I ask, because cementoplasty is an interesting palliative remedy that's seeing some successes out there, but only for osteosarcoma tumors. For a soft tissue sarcoma, a therapy that isn't mentioned as often is electrochemotherapy or intralesional chemotherapy . Both are widely practiced on people and pets outside the US, not so much here in the States. However there are vets doing it, and we've had some members experience successful palliative care when amputation wasn't an option.
Whatever you're dealing with, remember that dogs hide pain really, really well, so now that you've done a great job with getting multiple opinions, it's important to act quickly on a treatment of some sort. Dogs and cats hide pain much better than we do. Both humans and animals have identical pain pathways, so although she isn't showing pain signals all the time, it's likely this growth is hurting her. Try to imagine what it would be like if you had the same on on your leg. Humans just can't hide pain from a tumor nearly as well.
One thing to consider is that if you go through with amputation, taking Charlie to canine rehab therapy on a regular basis shortly after surgery will be a huge benefit and probably pretty critical for a good recovery and long term mobility. Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit too.
If you'd like, Colorado State's Flint Animal Cancer Center has a great consulting service that you or your vet can talk to. They're an incredible facility that may be able to help you and your vet team make a decision.
Please keep us posted on what you decide to do and how we can help.
Thanks Jerry.
We went ahead and had Charlie see multiple oncologists/surgeons/neurologists and had her assessed for both Radiation and electrochemotherapy . Because they don't have a definitive diagnosis she's really not a good candidate for either of those (aside from palliative radiation) so we're forward with amputation Monday (took a while to get scheduled).
I've taken your advice to heart about her pain, and while she doesn't have the common pain signals (typical GSD) I can tell the leg is hurting her more. I also noticed another potential growth area on the same leg (the original one was on her femur inside, this one is on the outside).
I have her scheduled for Chemo Next Friday (I'm still unsure if I should wait on this prior to a definitive diagnosis when they assess the amputated leg).
I've started using an EZDog Harness with her to get her use to it; and I think it's helped her with the stairs getting in/out of the car (+love how easy it is to get on/off). We have a lot of wood flooring so will be spending the weekend getting more area rugs for her as well.
I've started calling around (DC/Maryland/Virginia area) to see about rehab (though some places seemed booked). I'll also look into picking up the rehab program.
We celebrated her 8th birthday yesterday, got to go for some nice walks in the snowy woods and she got to play a bit with her brother.
I'm hopeful, know I'll be depressed and feel regret; but am readying myself to keep a smile on my face and encourage her when I see her after the surgery.
Just catching up on everything about your sweet charlotte. You have done an outstanding job of checking, double checking, triple checking the best path forward. Please know that you were doing everything possible and with the best professional advice available.
Jerry has given you great insight, as always. I know you found that so very helpful.
Check with the oncologist, but I can understand why you would want to wait a little bit for the chemo. In the past, most uncles suggested chemo start about 2 weeks after surgery. I know some are now doing it at the time of surgery. Most dogs have few side effects, maybe some nausea, diarrhea and a little lethargy for a couple of days some don't have any side effects at all and some have far worse. So if the onco thinks it's best to go on and get through surgery recovery and then start the chemo that would be something to consider.
And yes, your energy and positive attitude is so crucial to Charlie's healing.
keep a smile on my face and encourage her when I see her after the surgery.
Just tell her what a good girl she is and she's going home! Don't even draw any attention to the incision. All she wants to see is your smiling face and giving her a standing ovation for doing such a good job! Recovery is no picnic for the first couple of weeks. We are here by your side to help you navigate through all the ups and downs. She may not want to eat much at first and it may take a few days to poop. But drinking and peeing are important, as well as proper pain management . It may take her a little bit longer to get her sea legs, but she'll figure things out in her own way and at her own pace.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET CHARLIE!! Hope you had some ice cream and cake! 🎂🎂🍨🍧 Good nutritional food is highly overrated when it comes to celebrating birthdays.
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!
Aww you are so welcome. I'm sorry that she is losing her leg, it's not easy for us. But you'll see that it's easier for her. First, she's a GSD (ok I'm biased!) and second, all dogs, whatever the breed, are so resilient! There will likely be ups and downs with recovery but that's what we are here for so lean on us.
Sounds like you are both doing pretty good, and that you're well-prepared. Be sure to check out the Tripawds Recovery Shopping List to make sure you didn't forget anything, and our What to Expect articles are helpful too. And of course ask any questions you'd like, that's why we are here.
Where is her surgery and chemo taking place? NoVA has some great vet practices. You're in a good spot for this kind of thing. We also have members in the area so you're in good company with our community.
Thank you both!
i reviewed the recovery list and didn't think about the dog beds. She has a lot of them and tends to like two of the round fluffy ones stacked. I'll get those moved out after surgery (she has a big barker that she doesn't use as much, but hopefully she'll be ok with it).
i was planning on sleeping with her down stairs (she normal sleeps in the bedroom with us ) but will play it by ear... half the time she already runs down the steps without using her bad leg (going up is where she has difficulty).
We are having the surgery at medvet in Manassas (chemo too). They are close by to us and open 24/7. We had her tplo there and haven't had any bad experiences (been there off and on for other issues through the years). They were also able to schedule us in earlier due to a cancellation.
i'm sure i'll have lots of questions as days move forward (car rides, dealing with a puppy in the house, ice/snow/cold protection, etc.) but i'll try to ensure i post those in the most appropriate forums.
Again, i really appreciate the responses and advice, thank you!
v/r,
ted
Ted you are so welcome, anytime you have questions yes, do post.
Sounds like you are well set-up for her. Fluffy beds aren't ideal since Tripawds can trip on them, but try to see how it goes and not change things up too dramatically at first.
I think sleeping in the same area really depends on the situation. You want to try to keep life as normal as possible but if it's going to stress her out by being blocked from going upstairs to the bedroom, that would be worse than your sleeping downstairs with her.
Rear leg amputees have a harder time going up stairs than going up. The harness really helps for that purpose, to give her a light assist while going upstairs.
Medvet is a terrific clinic! Really glad you have an existing relationship with them, just sorry it's because of a previous surgery. But at least now you know what she's like on pain control, and won't be surprised by her behavior when she's on them again.
Ask away anytime!
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