Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Hi Jerry and everyone,
Yes! after my Dad got to meet with the oncologist he felt reassured Joaquina was in good hands and also the fact he got to talk to her and listen to her explain how she sees Joaquina overall made my Dad feel at ease with her approach.
Still waiting on blood work!!
Keep you updated thanks guys!
Oh PAWESOME! Give your Dad a big hug from us, I'm so happy he feels better about things.
Paws crossed for more good news.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi guys so a new update with mixed results.
the blood work is in and Joaquina is perfectly fine on everything. Even on a particular enzyme that I forgot the name that is present on cancer patients. So she is fine.
Now the mixed part: on her x ray she is showing degeneration on her spine and degeneration on her right shoulder so the oncologist said that at this point amputation is not an option. She let me know of an alternative which is to do kind of like half amputation and put a prosthesis in ( like a pirates leg that’s the best example her dr gave me) . She also sent her to a physio yo start physical therapy and of course keep her on the diet.
I feel a little devastated this plan just changed and I’m just overwhelmed because in a way I feel helping Joaquina is getting out of my hands. The prosthesis thing sounds awesome but I’m a little scared that the estimate comes in and is something I just can’t cover. I feel in a way that amputation should be urgent and in a way I feel like her dr knows maybe we still have time to work on other things I just don’t know I’m confused and a little down to say the least.
Well I can certainly understand your confusion and why you feel conflicted as to best path forward.
To clarify, this was the opinion of an Oncologist, but NOT an Orthopedic Surgeon, right? Nor jas an Orthopedic Surgeon seen the xrays, right? And also, this is not the opinion of a Certified Rehab Specialist., right?
Is the "degeneration'" in reference to arthritis and, as far as the spine, is it in reference to disc degeneration?
Sprry for all the questions, but guess I'm uess I'm trying to say get more opinions on the path forward.
((((((((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!
I'm sorry that this curveball has been thrown into the situation. Ugh! I would be confused too!
So it's interesting that the oncologist recommended a partial amputation. Yes, a prosthetic leg can really spare her a lot of problems later down the road. Dog prosthetics are amazing for the right candidate. They are not inexpensive. Did they give you any idea about the cost?
Even with a prosthetic, there is still a recovery process that needs to happen which could still present mobility challenges if her spine and shoulder aren't where they need to be. Check out Bridget's story for an example of what recovery looks like.
At this point, it would be helpful to have her see an orthopedic specialist. These vets are experts at spinal and mobility issues and can give you a better idea about whether or not she would be OK on 3. Can the oncologist refer you to one?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Everyone,
Thanks so much for your replies, and thank you Jerry for sharing Bridget's story is so inspiring. Do you know if there is a way I can send her mom a message? just as a thank you for sharing it.
Yesterday while writing the update I was just in shock because as Jerry said, this is a curveball. The physio her oncologist suggested has an orthopedic veterinarian so she would evaluate Joaquina and give us a better picture at what we could do so she does ok on either three, or partial three or whatever the case. She has the appointment at the physio clinic tomorrow.
On the costs for the prosthetic, I should have an answer today but her oncologist didn't really know how much, which in a way I do appreciate because having an inexact number in your head and then have it be something else would be even more shocking.
I just want to thank everyone that has posted a message here because this whole journey has been a roller coaster of emotions and just as someone said earlier (forgot if it was Jerry) this journey is so unpredictable at times all you can do is deal with whatever you have in front and take one step at a time.
You are so welcome! You can comment on Bridget's story and her mom should see it. Unfortunately she didn't register as a member, she just sent us her story, so you can't Private Message her through our network.
Your oncologist sounds really awesome. I love that the physio has an ortho vet too, that is the ideal combination. Tomorrow you will have more answers to help you make a good decision.
Whatever we can do for you please just ask OK? Yes, one step at a time is all anyone can do in this situation!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi dearest community
so an update and in advance I apologize for any rambling but I just had the weirdest call with Joaquina’s oncologist.
so she started Saturday with physiotherapy and she did good. Today while we were waiting to go in for another round of therapy her oncologist called and said that both the orthopedist and her (both are working together on Joaquina’s case) feel they should get a second opinion on the biopsy. She said that both drs concur that the x ray shows growth bilaterally and as if bone is being added as opposed to being destroyed which to them doesn’t look like a typical presentation of osteosarcoma.
her oncologist mentioned that we could get a second look at the biopsy or do a new one all together. Having the second look will mean I will have to get the sample from Joaquina’s regular vet and have them send it over. Everyone in the family (sister, mom and dad) feel we should do a new biopsy entirely since paranoia of “chain of custody” on the sample has settled in and that having a new one all together will be safer.
Also the cost for the prosthesis came in but honestly is just something we can’t afford.
To me is just weird or I find it odd that a biopsy could be wrong? I don’t know I’m still letting everything sink in.
thanks for reading!
Bummer about another curveball.
Hmmmm......guess my first thought is that often times biopsies do come back inconclusive. And there would be no guarantees that a second one wouldn't also come back inconclusive
How did she do with the first biopsy? Some the mrecovery can be hard and painful. Not always, but sometimes so just wondering how she handled it. Also, a question for the O co or Surgeon, how much risk is involved with a second biopsy as far as weakening the bone.
I understand wanting a new one. How 'bout this though? Go ahead and have the sample sent over for a seond look. It may be that it will still be inconclusive to them or it may be that it becomes more clear that it is, or is not, osteo. Does that make sense? Then you could proceed from there.
Others may have more insight, so hang on, okay? In the meantime give swee Joaquina a smooch for me. Love her name!
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!
Oh wow I'm sorry for another surprise like this. But your vet sounds super cautious and that's really, really good! If the original sample is still viable I would go for it and have that looked at again. And if they need to take another one via surgery ("bone biopsy"), I'd want to know the fracture risk for her before proceeding.
This is a really good question for Dr. Pam in Ask a Vet.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
anairis84 said
Also the cost for the prosthesis came in but honestly is just something we can’t afford.
Look into Joey's Paw. They donate prosthetics and wheelchairs. We don't encourage someone acquiring used prosthetics or wheelchairs unless someone is working closely with an orthopedic vet, which you are (yay!). Not sure about sending a prosthesis to Mexico but since it's a smaller item they might. And if not, you can have it shipped to me personally and I'll get it there for you. Tell them you have an alternate USA address if you decide to apply.
P.S. Biopsies occasionally come back inconclusive, it happens more than we'd like unfortunately. And oh, you are not rambling at all!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi dearest community sorry for the lack of updated I just was catching up to the new messages.
Jerry thank you so much for your kind offering, I will look into the link you provided but before anything goes let me give you guys the latest:
Ok so we did a bone biopsy on Saturday and also sent the sample of the other one (I've come to learn this biopsy was not one that involved getting a piece of bone). This time around it was, as you said Jerry, taking an actual sample of bone meaning Joaquina has stitches. Honestly she has great mobility which in a way is hard to keep her calm. She came home with more pain meds. Saturday and Sunday I felt like the most horrible person because I could tell she was unconfortable, and I've been feeling so bad thinking I did this horrible thing to my Joaquina.
I am hoping as the days go by I see her better and better and this guilt goes away but as of right now I feel awful.
In a way I know this was the best option because if her oncologist is having doubts and the ortho is also having doubts it was more than worth it to take a second look but oh my the guilt!
Thank you guys for all your support!
Your new mantra is`I did this. FOR Joaquina! We know it feels like you did this ' to" her, but nothing could be further from the truth.
You dis the right thing with so much confusion on the part of the professionals. You, and they, need clarity.
Keep on on the pain meds and. although hard, keep that silly girl calm and low key. As mentioned, the biopsy can be painful and you also want to protect that compromised bone right now. We know how itt hurts us to see our dogs not feeling so great. Remember, though, this is temporary!!!
All paws are crossed you get a conclusive result!!
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!
Hey you are so welcome, thanks for taking time to update. Yes I also believe that when two vets are uncertain about the diagnosis, the bone biopsy is a good call. No, it's not fun seeing Joaquina in pain but if you stay ahead of the pain by keeping her medicated on schedule, she should be feeling better soon. And yep, use care with her activity level, it's smart to consider the bone as compromised until you know what you're dealing with.
Keep us posted and give her extra kisses from us 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi dearest team (yes you are my team),
A quick update on Joaquina. Yesterday I took her to the vet to change her bandages and get a check on her wound. She is healing really well and the vet taught me how to change her bandage so we don't have to go in just for that. While we were there her onco pop up and said she had sent the sample of the first biopsy and the sample of the new biopsy for the second look and did say that since this might take up to a month (my jaw dropped) she wanted to get Joaquina started on chemo to kind of get ahead while we wait. She said that if I had the time we could start that day with pamidronate (I hope I am translating it correctly), so we made the time. She took it like a champ and got some cranberry cookies from the vets. I was told she might feel a bit tired or be sleepy but honestly I didn't see any change on her.
On Monday will be her first chemo, the drug will be carboplatin (again, sorry if I am not translating this correctly) I am a bit scared not going to lie here specially because I've read that carboplatin is not well tolerated in some dogs so I wouldn't want to be an statistic but we'll see.
Today has been super challenging for me because even though my girl is ok, she is her old self I have no idea why but today I've been crying a lot, just feel phsyically and mentally tired, and sorry to put this in here since is not the spirit of the post. If you guys know of any thread on emotional support for dog parents please feel free to share!.
Paws crossed and prayers going up!
1 Guest(s)
