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.
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Hello everyone. I can't say how thankful I am I found this group since I am totally overwhelmed and at a total loss after receiving the news today that my precious 11 year old chocolate lab has bone cancer. To be perfectly honest, I don't remember much of the Dr.'s visit except for the fact that the outcome doesn't seem very optimistic. Although I don't recall the terminology grade or scale being used, she did say that although amputation was an option for pain management , she did not feel that chemotherapy or radiation would be of any help. Then came the really bad news - the scans that she took to rule out whether the cancer had metastisized were inconclusive, and she is not comfortable putting her through a biopsy. There are several little white spots the size of pinpricks that she is not comfortable with...she took the initiative to have a colleague look at them and he doesn't agree that they are of any concern. My husband and I will take her to the best doctors and go whatever is necessary as long as her quality of life is good. As I type this, she is absolutely miserable even being on medication. My concern is whether I should have a third opinion as to the "spots" in her chest. She tends to be a little high maintenance in the attention area to begin with and I don't know if it is fair to her to put her through the recovery of an amputation if the inevitable is just around the corner. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
First of all: Breathe. I know that is easier said than done - believe me, I was in your shoes three and a half months ago. I could almost have written your post... But, you do have hope.
When our Zeus was diagnosed with OSA our vet ran CT scans of the lungs which showed a "suspicious" spot. He basically told us that it 'wasn't good' and that he had a dog recently who made it only six weeks after amputation. We didn't think it was fair to put an 11 year old dog through a major surgery just to have him die before he fully recovered. At the last minute we decided to give it a try. His leg was amputated on 12/1/11 and he has completed four rounds of chemo. Today (3 mo. and 19 days post-amp) he ran the length of our one acre yard as if it were just a jog down the hall. Don't get me wrong, recovery isn't a cake walk, and every dog is different, but you certainly need to hear that it can be done.
You need to feel confident with whatever decision you make, so get a second opinion if need be. Please make the decision based on YOUR knowledge of your dog, your finances and your family dynamics and not on the recommendations of one vet if you feel uncomfortable with what that vet is telling you.
Good luck!
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Welcome, we're sorry to hear about your pup. What's her name?
Osteosarcoma has already metastsized in the form of "micromets" at the time of diagnosis in practically all cases. And lung mets are not a death sentence by any means. Jerry survived another 9± after we discovered a couple golf ball sized mets, which we attribute mostly to his canine cancer diet, metronomic therapy, and K9 Immunity.
But every dog is different. And without amputation, the pain of osteosarcoma will only get worse and result in a traumatic pathological fracture. Between the two vet opinions and what you hear from other members here, we hope you are able to make a relatively quick decision. Just keep in mind that it's all about quality of life, not quantity.
Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh gosh! I'm so sorry! And how terribly scary.
I think admin and zeuspod gave you some great advice. I'm sure others will chime in too. As you noted, the pain is unbearable so unfortunately, a decision has to be made soon. I wish I could be more helpful, but I didn't go thru bone cancer.
None the less, I am sending you and your little girl the best wishes possible!
Please keep us posted!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Welcome - I'm sorry you needed to find us, but glad you did. It's so awful to have to make big decisions so quickly! You'll see many different approaches - I love that the humans on this site don't judge. (The tripawds may have some opinions, but thank goodness they can't type)
When Baby was diagnosed we were limited by finances and by our belief to not put our furbabies through too much for the sake of our need to have them with us. The compromise we felt comfortable with was to amputate the leg to get rid of the pain and hopefully catch most of the cancer. We're following up with power mushrooms, fishoil, glucosomine and pain meds when needed. We will enjoy every day and hope for a couple of years at least. If she has too much pain in the future we'll say goodbye, but we're focusing on every wonderful day. There's fears and tears, but you get through that to the joy.
Lots of folk choose chemo and other meds and have done very well, also. Read the stories, download the tripawd book 3 legs and a spare and do what feels right in your heart. Your furbaby's not judging, just wants pain-free cuddles.
Hugs and Wags
Judy and Baby
I'm so sorry you got the news of cancer. It does come as a terrible shock when you first hear it. What is pawsitive though is that you 1) found this site right away and 2) you sound like you have a good rational head on your shoulders. Bone cancer is especially painful so there is a bit of pressure to make a fairly quick decision. As was already said, lung mets are microscopically present in almost all of the osteosarcoma dogs by the time the disease has progressed to the point of actually getting a diagnosis, so I suppose it comes down to how large they are and how many there are. The good news is that is sounds like they are so small they are almost, almost, insignificant. You have to trust your Vet, as they will become an invaluable member in your "cancer fighting" team if you decide to proceed with amputation, so make sure you are comfortable with their opinions now before you start down the road. Everyone second guesses themselves and it is undoubtedly a hard decision to make. Just remember that we are here to help you and support you no matter what path you choose.
Sending big hugs and best wishes.
Laura
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
Sorry you had to find us here, but you won't be sorry you did. THis is a great site for support and info. Zeus's mom's advice is very good! And, as Jerry said, most dogs do have micrometastisis at the time of diagnosis. Our dog did, but we had another wonderful and amazing 15 months with her.
Remember that the amp will take the pain away. So if you do decide to go through with it, the cancer may not be gone, but the pain from the cancer will be!
Please keep us posted. Hang in there. I know how hard and overwhelming this all is!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I just want to thank everyone for all the well wishes and support over the past couple of days. Unfortunately, the cancer was more advanced than anyone had expected and our beloved Brooke isn't going to have the opportunity to become a "tripawd". I'm sure that someday I'll realize that everything happens for a reason and she is in a better place, but right now I can't imagine tomorrow without her. I hope that anyone new to the site realizes the value of the information available here. Best Wishes to everyone else in their journeys.
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news about your Brooke. Love up your girl with whatever time you have left with her. I know she knows how much you love her. Sending healing thoughts to you and your family.
I am terribly sorry about your Brooke. What a beautiful name. I know she is a beautiful Dog too. It is so heartbreaking and for you losing her came upon you so quickly. I really wish you didn't have to experience this. I can tell by your posts how much you love her though and I know that you gave her a wonderful life. Losing them is so very difficult. I just lost my Valentina Feb. 3rd. Everyone kept telling me it would get better but it didn't seem like it at first. It does though. It just takes time. Praying for strength and healing for your family as you go through this very trying time.
Angel and Valentina Angel Dane
So very sad - I'm so sorry for your hurting heart! May your memories help to fill the hole in your heart.
Tears and Whines,
Judy and Baby
We are so sorry to hear this news. Give your girl lots of love and cherish the time you have left. It is so difficult to let these precious babies go, but releasing them from their pain is an act of love that they will so appreciate. We're thinking of you during this hard time.
Meghan & Angel Bo
Hi, I've been checking this site for a couple of weeks now. Our bernese Mountain Dog was been diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the shoulder. Excruciating pain for Pieter and absolute shock for us. Pieter is his name, he is eight and a half years old, and he only came to us last June. He underwent an amputation two and a bit weeks ago, staples and drain out this week, off the pain meds and picking up beautifully. Due his age, and the breeds longevity (or lack of it!) we were initially quite concerned, but he is a fit and independant (read determined) boy, and it was definetley the right decision - he no longer has that pain. All you positive people and dogs give the rest of us heart in a very anxious period.
kathryn said
All you positive people and dogs give the rest of us heart...
Thanks for the comment Kathryn, please consider registering to make the most of these forums and start a new topic share Pieter's story with others.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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