Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hey welcome back. I'm sorry that Vera's terrific bounce-back is being sidelined by this. How is she getting around otherwise?
The vet aspirated, which after reading some new info that has been shared here I wish we hadn't done.
Just curious but do you recall what you read that makes you regret it now?
to give the green light to go in and biopsy and try to remove it doesn't make much sense at this point. It's disheartening, but I'd rather her last days be doing what she loves.
It may not be a hopeless situation. Try not to jump to any conclusions yet. Are you going to see an oncologist?
Treatments like electrochemotherapy and intralesional chemotherapy can treat some soft tissues tumors successfully, and gently, without doing any invasive surgery. These things might be an option.
You can keep you post here if you'd like since it sounds like you are now coping with another diagnosis. I'm so sorry!
While the circumstances may not be the vest for you roght now, it IS good to jear from you and to kne adorable Bera has been enjoying her cute self!!
I don't have mich insight into the particular situation other than to agree with everything Jerry said.
Right now Bera is still be Vera. .The aspiration didn't detect anything "bad". On this journey it's always so easy to jump to worse case scenarios when any lump shows up. Sometimes a lump truly is just a lump.....and that may well be the case here.
((((((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!
First off, I'm so happy to hear Vera has been doing fantastic and returned to life as usual! 2nd, I'm so sorry you are in this position and have this worry again!
The Vet aspirated, which after reading some new info that has been shared here I wish we hadn't done. It was clear but doesn't mean much, and he was cautious and honest. He thought it could maybe be a cyst caused by internal suture irritation, but we are outside a general timeline for that occurring.
Why do you wish you hadn't done the aspirate? Because it did not give you a clear picture? I understand that 100%. If it helps any, I would have aspirated the lump too! It is the least invasive test one can do, and they do not always show us a clear picture, but they can. It is the first step. If it came back as C you know. It did not. And DITTO Sally, we always jump to the worst-case scenario on this journey & it is not always the case & of course, it's possible Vera had a high grade but taking the arm and scapula should have provided clean margins. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is a sample (a surgical biopsy). As Jerry posted, they are other treatments available that might be options for Vera, something to consider.
If you do not wish to pursue further treatments & it proves to be a reoccurrence and continues to grow. I would look into hospice care like Lap of Love- to help Vera, you, and the family. You can see who will help in your area by putting in your zipcode under find a vet - or asking your Vet if he knows of any. I remember you were in a rural area.
Sending massive ((((hugs )))) & please give Sweet Vera a chin scratch and smooch from us.
Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
I'm not sure how I missed reading a couple of articles posted here under "3-legged cats" that gave info on fibrosarcomas associated with vaccination, might have been busy scouring the internet and overwhelmed. It said aspiration is not the best tool. And I didn't understand the association of inflammation with these types of cancers, as in a trigger. I'm hesitant to cause any more trauma that would exacerbate the situation. It is growing rapidly and there is already a smaller lump down below the first, very much like the first time. To try to remove with good margins seems impossible, it would mean removing the muscle covering the space where her scapula was.
We are in a rural area so oncology is really out of the question (3 hours to large city). I want to be prepared for whatever happens. Holly, I'll contact the hospice place you suggested to see what information they can share.
I for sure don't feel hopeless. I'm so thankful for the past 6 months and however many more to come. She has been a trooper. And you all have been great guides through the journey. I'm planning to visit with our vet this week to discuss a plan. If there is anyone you know who has experienced this please send them my way. I've been looking through the forums searching . . .
Little Man is my immediate thought you could post in the blog; hopefully, Michelle will get back to you with some input.
You are correct. Aspirates are not always the best for this type of cancer, but it is not pointless, from my understanding anyway. It could have provided an answer. It didn't, but yes, no regrets, ok. You did what most of us would have! I'm not sure on the margins at this point either only an oncologist would have those answers. You know what is best for Vera and your situation. I would see if my vet could contact an oncologist to assist you with your questions. I know there are online services for oncologists to consult Jerry? she can provide a link. Is it Colorado state? I'll search and see if I can find it. I'll come back if I can locate it.
I'm so sorry it is proving to be a reoccurrence! You have an excellent plan, and get things aligned asap so you are not scrambling later. Please let us know how the vet visit goes and if Lap of Love is available for Vera.
((((HUGS)))
💝💝💝
Vera is so darn lucky jave uou as her hoomam. I kmow you feel privileged to have such a special kotty in your life.......and she feels just as privileged to have you jn hers♥️.
You clearly have Bera's best interest in everything you do. When coming from the loving place in uour heart like that uou will always make the "right" decisions on any path forward.
There is a relief in contacting an in home Vet for whenever the time comes. It's just something you can discuss ahead of time so you can feel comfortable and then you can put all that on the back burner and get back to living in the moment.
And yes, maybe a phone consult with an Onco, or even a Holostic Vet can offer some suggestions.
The most important thing is that Vera is feeling just fine. Those lumps may or may not be anything. As you already jnow, don let the fear of what something "might" be take away from the glorious time you have now with Vera.
You know we have to jave more pictures, right? Hmmmm........this may be the second request now. Hint!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Holly we are always so grateful for the time you take to share your kitty wisdom👏
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 know there are online services for oncologists to consult Jerry?
Yep, we just talked to one on Tripawd Talk Radio .
Remote Pet Cancer Consulting with Dr. Venable
I understand your concerns about aspirating, but I think most of us would have chosen that route. Having at least some information is better than none, and now you at least have a little more knowledge so you can feel a little more confident about moving forward with any path you decide to take. As Sally mentioned, she is feeling good, so focus on that, it's such a gift! I know you will make the most of her days with you, she is one loved kitty.
Let us know if you decide on the remote oncology consulting, I'd love to know how it worked out. Scritches to Vera & hugs to you!
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