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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Bone cancer in my 4 year old chocolate lab ….. devestating
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Member Since:
22 January 2023
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22 January 2023 - 8:40 pm
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I’d like to first apologize for diving right in to my issue. I hope I picked the right forum. 

My chocolate lab Lacey is a lover of the outdoors and chasing a ball is her life’s goal. Three weeks ago she started limping and I thought it was me pushing her too hard chasing a ball. Our first doctor visit said it was probably a strain so I tried to limit any ball throwing and we had her on meds. Three weeks later we took her in and we’re told it’s osteosarcoma. She has a small bump on her left wrist. We have an appointment this Friday for an amputation consult. I am devastated beyond belief as I am sure you all understand. They want us to amputate then do chemo to get 11 more months. I want her to survive forever…. Sorry I am a lost father wanting the best for my little girl. 

any responses are welcome. Just want to relate to others with similar issues. I’m scared! I guess I am also past being a manly man…I cry daily

The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
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23 January 2023 - 11:14 am
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Hi to you and Lacey! your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.

I'm sorry for the diagnosis, it's a total gut punch! We were equally as shocked when our Jerry got the diagnosis too, same exact situation. And like Lacey he was a super active dog in the prime of his life. 

Try not to focus on any prognosis right now. You  just never know what will happen with this cancer, and we see many dogs go way beyond the projected timeframe (our Jerry included, 2 years post-amputation!). Plus, a lot of those prognoses are not based on current research and therapies like immunotherapy, which is giving many dogs a chance at beating the odds much longer than in previous years. Numbers are not based on Lacey, she is her own dog with her own story.

For now, focus on one day at a time. You caught this cancer pretty quickly, and you are taking the right steps to find out your options. First deal with the pain, and then deal with any treatments you want to pursue, or not. There are no right or wrong choices here. Stay strong though, Lacey needs you to be a strong leader so that she can feel strong too. Remember that dogs mirror our emotions.

We are here to help any way we can. Be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List and our What to Expect articles when you get a chance.

Member Since:
22 January 2023
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23 January 2023 - 3:12 pm
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Thank you Jerry! I will have to look into the immunotherapy you mentioned. Thank you for replying. It feels so lonely. We meet the bone doctor Friday to see if she is eligible. Is this where I can update her story?

The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
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23 January 2023 - 3:26 pm
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You betcha!

Here are some links about immunotherapy.
https://tripawd.....unotherapy

yes you can update her story here 🙂 And of course ask any questions you'd like. You are not alone, promise.

Member Since:
18 November 2022
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23 January 2023 - 3:30 pm
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Hi Robid - and hi to Lacey, too.  I'm sorry for the news you received, it's so scary.  I cried for a solid 2 weeks, for sure - and then someone on here urged me not to grieve in advance, lest I miss time.  They have no idea they're sick, they just know whether or not they're happy, or in pain - and how we're feeling.  

My guy, Boone, has osteosarcoma as well.  He wasn't a candidate for amputation (front leg, giant dog, deteriorating disks in spine); so we did SRT.  He's doing chemo now, and asides from some weird appetite things, he is doing really well and loving life.  He received his diagnosis in late November, and if ya saw him today (5 days after his last round of chemo) you wouldn't know he had cancer <3

All the best to you guys on this journey, and update frequently!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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23 January 2023 - 6:10 pm
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Jist want to add my welcome and, as you can see from the caring and informative  replies, YOU ARE. IT ALONE.

We understand the depth of love and unbrealable bond you have with your sweet Lacey♥️. We know this is such a scary thing to hear.  Eoght now you are shell shocked, full of fear, hysterics,  panic and uncertainty.  Yeah, we get that all too well.  We also know all too well that dogs don't  "listen" to any'prognosis, statistics,  etc.  They love in the NOW, j  the orese t and flow effortlessly  from one moment t to the next.  Days on a calendar  mean nothing to them.  All Lacy cares about is being with you and soaking up all your loving and spoiling, treats and tummy rubs. 

You are doing yoir research, gathering  information and you are here where you can get the support and information that can't  be found elsewhere.  You will formulate  a plan out of love for Lacy, and that  always helps you plan the best decision going forward.

Now go hig Lacy, give her a cookie and watch her wag her tail.  Remember  she is Happy, feeling good and is strong and fit.  All big pluses in her corner.

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!

Member Since:
4 April 2019
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24 January 2023 - 3:14 am
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Hi, when I saw that pic of Lacy all I could think about was my Beloved Brownie, also a choc lab when he was four. I can tell you that during Brownies journey he showed me just how determined, bullheaded, and strong labs can be and they are fighters . Brownie was giving the same time line as Lacey. Two to three months with amputation and 10 to 11 months with chemo. Brownie lived an additional year with only amputation.

So, as Jerry and Sally said all dogs are different and this is Lacy's journey. You found the right sight for advise and support .

Would love to see pics of Lacy .

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

Member Since:
22 January 2023
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26 January 2023 - 10:17 am
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Trying to figure out the picture adding thing.

Tomorrow we have the amputation consultation. 

The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
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26 January 2023 - 11:11 am
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OK this is how adding images works in the Forums.

Basically you need to:

- upload a photo somewhere like your own Tripawds blog, or a public image hosting site like Imgur.com
- then copy the image URL (or just tap the image and copy it if you're on a mobile device)
- return here, and paste the image into your forum post.

Hope that makes sense. Let us know if you'd like help!

Member Since:
4 April 2019
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31 January 2023 - 5:40 am
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Just checking in on Lacy. How was the consultation?

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

Member Since:
22 January 2023
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31 January 2023 - 9:49 pm
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Lacey’s appointed went very well. The Dr will remove the entire front left leg to the shoulder. The operation will be this Friday. After she heals they recommend chemo. We are setting up our house with beds, flat surface all around. Basically preparing the best we know how. We are curious about how we’ll be able to help her get around. What is the best harness? Also picked up a donut vs the large cone. Seems we need to do our best to protect the wound. What a gut punch like jerry said and I’m sure all of you have experienced. Thank you for asking about Lacey!

The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
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1 February 2023 - 10:45 am
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Hey thanks for that nudge, Nancy, and for giving us the latest on Lacey @robid!

So you're taking the big step and have done all your homework. Excellent!

Here's some helpful harness info for you. For front leg amputees we recommend the Ruffwear Flagline harness . It rotates the least out of all harnesses we've tested (all dogs missing a front leg will have some harness rotation, some slip more than others but this one stays put pretty good, especially on larger dogs). If she travels with you and goes in the car a lot, the Flagline is very handy. If she's mostly a stay at home dog and you don't have stairs she needs to use, she can probably get along just fine without one. 

Keep in mind that many dogs will get around a donut, especially a longer-nosed dog so you'll need to watch her carefully. 

Check out the Tripawds Recovery Shopping List for more ideas and ask any questions you'd like.

Member Since:
14 May 2022
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1 February 2023 - 12:46 pm
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Hi Robid and Lacey!

Just wanted to chime in and offer my love, support and best wishes. My sweet Bailey girl, a 12 year old yellow lab was diagnosed with osteosarcoma last May in her left front leg. We did amputation and chemo. Despite our best efforts, we sadly lost her in October when the cancer spread.

But, if you search my posts, it might help you along the way. Things that worked well, things that didn't, costs, feelings, ect. 

Just know that whatever you decide to do for Lacey, it will be the right thing. We do our best in the crappiest of situations and we love them every second they are still here.

Reach out if there is anything I can do to help!

Shannon 💗

Member Since:
22 January 2023
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1 February 2023 - 4:35 pm
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This is a great resource site and I appreciate any and all feedback. Ugh it’s so hard!

Thanks for the info on the collar. My wife is on Facebook and someone mentioned a t-shirt? I want it to be as simple and comfortable for her. Would that be feasible? Guess I have more reading to do…

Shannon, I will look up your posts. It broke my heart hearing you lost Bailey! I am trying so hard not to be a mess. 

Before this I was pretty strong and now everyday challenges me. I bet I am preaching to the choir! 

Brownie I’m trying my best to build up the courage to put up a blog with pictures. 

Lacey hits me with her bad paw if I’m at my desk which tells me it’s time to sit on the couch where she can be closer to me. We have a flat bed downstairs getting ready for after the surgery but my wife and doggies sleep in the bed upstairs….LOL…. 

Long winded today sorry, but how can these animals have such a profound effect on us humans. No answer needed. I am humbled.

The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
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2 February 2023 - 10:37 am
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You are welcome! Yes a snug t-shirt tied at the waist can be helpful and used as extra protections so she can't get to the stitches. It's a good move just in case.

Your feelings about all this are totally normal and we can relate. I cried a ton when we got the news, and I cried after Jerry made it through surgery too. It took a while for the waterworks to stop but they did once I realize that I was taking it way harder than he was. You'll be so amazed by Lacey's resilience, and you'll feel better once you start seeing her get her mojo back.

Never apologize if you think you're being long-winded, we are here for you to vent and ask questions and just share Lacey's story as much as you want. 

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