Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Every time I think I can't cry anymore the tears keep coming my heart feels like it has been torn into 100000 pieces all I can say why why my dog why the pain is so bad I can't breathe I can't even think straight
I am devastated I took Bogi in for what was supposed to be shoulder surgery for calcification and a torn ligament (he had been limping since approx. February and it had gotten worst the last few months we tried laser therapy and acupuncture ut nothing worked. So today was his day of surgery and since it was 6 weeks since I saw surgeon for consult he said to retake blood and X-rays this morning and they saw... something suspicious took ct and they say it looks like he has bone cancer that the CT confirmed abnormality in his CT as well. Next step he suggested was a Bone Biopsy surgery. I didn't do it today because I was just so numb and in shock from the news. He told me prognosis of bone cancer like that in shoulder is bad. 4-5 month and if I amputate leg and chemo maybe 12???? Has anyone ever gone thru this? I think he said suspicion is osteo sarcoma which is a very aggressive form of bone cancer please keep Bogi in your prayers i have to make a decission for possibly ambutating his leg i feel like someone ripped my heart out this cant be happening not to my Bogi I don't know what to do why us why???? He is only 9 yrs old why dear god please help us to get thru this. What is the right decision? Just putting him down? I cant do that. I just can't. but then i cant just amputate and do chemo that i feel isnt fair to him either is it? is it just buying more time for me? I dont want to be selfish what other options do we have? Shoud i even put him thru this bone biopsy?
Any experience you had and can share would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Jamie,
Oh boy can many of us here relate to what you are feeling. I am SO sorry that this is happening to you and Bogi, we went through an identical situation and know what it feels like to have your world shaken up like this. If it makes you feel any better, I had osteosarcoma in my shoulder too and the docs told me the very same statistics. Well you know what? I lived TWO YEARS! And I didn't do chemo either, so talk about proving that statistics can be wrong eh?!
First, breathe. This is a LOT to take in and it can be overwhelming. You have come to a place where we can help you decide what you want to do and will support you no matter what path you take. Remember first of all there are no "right" or "wrong" answers, every dog is different.
My first suggestion is to ask your surgeon: does the leg have to come off regardless of what happens next? Because if the leg is so badly dissintegrated that it does, then a bone biopsy before amputation is a terribly painful procedure, and expensive too. In most cases when a leg has to go, and you know you will amputate anyways, the biopsy can be done AFTER amputation to spare the dog of excess surgery, pain, etc.
Now, have you checked out Jerry's Required Reading List yet? Start there, it will give you a good overview of what to expect and hopefully put your fears at ease. I'm at work now so I need to run but I know others will chime in to help you. Stay tuned and know that you and Bogi are not alone.
{{{{hugs}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry, Jamie. I was in your exact shoes a little over 2 weeks ago. I was shocked, heartbroken and torn. I couldn't believe that out of nowhere I was facing a decision to either let my Zoey , a gorgeous 8 year old rough coated collie (like Lassie, but with white and black fur) be euthanized or have her leg amputated.
The diagnosis was on Monday. That Friday she had her leg amputated. That was 2 weeks ago tomorrow.
I am so glad I did it.
She is feeling great. She's happy. She's free from the horrible pain from the osteosarcoma (same thing your dog has). We chose not to do a biopsy. No reason to put her through that when the vet was so sure of the diagnosis.
I will now enjoy every second I have with her knowing that she is pain free. I hope she has many, many months ahead of her. When the cancer resurfaces then I will help ease her from this life with a clear conscious.
Download the book that Jerry mentioned. Ask questions here. I'm truly sorry. It's quite horrible when you first find out.
I feel the pain in your words. It doesn't have to be the end of the road for Bogi. Jerry has given you good advice as will many others that write after me.
Read, read, read as many threads in Tripawds as you can. This site saved our sanity when going through what you are experiencing. Libby, our chocolate lab, was 9 when we found out she had osteosarcoma (OSA). We took a few days to cry and let it all sink in (which it never fully does). After joining here and doing lots of research we went ahead with amputation. Libby also never gave us any indication she was ready to give up, so we didn't give up on her. We never looked back and Libby is doing great. We didn't choose IV chemo but are doing Metronomic Therapy along with supplements.
I agree with Jerry about the biopsy. Our vet said the risk of breakage during the biopsy is great. Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a very painful disease. Libby's biopsy was done after her surgery.
Keep reading and discussing it with your family. You have to decide what is best for yourself and Bogi. Like Jerry said we are all here to support you no matter what you decide. Good luck and please continue to research and ask questions. There are so many people here willing to help and lend a shoulder to cry on.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
I am sorry you had to join us here. I went through all those feelings of "why my dog?" the first days after the xray showed a tumor in my Athena's front leg. But then, I had a mission and it gave me strength... what do I need to for my dog to help her live pain free an have a good quality of life? She is young too, only 6 1/2... others are even diagnosed much younger. But, the "good" news is this isn't an immediate death sentence!!! Did they do chest xrays?? That is usually the determining factor for how advanced the osteosarcoma is. If there are nodules (metastasis) in the lungs, amputation is not recommended by the vets. If anything is questionable, request to have it looked at by a radiologist. From everything my vet told me, and hearing from others experience on these boards, a biopsy is usually not necessary and can be quite painful and possibly even fracture the weakened bone tissue. I opted for a post amputation biopsy. I know you are just processing the diagnosis now... But please ask any specific questions you have about the process of amputation and chemo! Lots of people here have been through and are currently going through the process. (Including myself and Athena, who just celebrated her 1 month ampuversary by running around the backyard!)
~Jessica
04/09/13- OSA Diagnosis ~ 04/23/13- Left Forelimb Amputation ~ Carboplatin Chemo (6 total)
July 2006-November 18, 2013
I will always love you, Athena.
Jamie,
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Sassy has Osteoscaroma and is a rear amputee. I put her through not 1 but 2 biopsies. I will never do another one again. If there is a hint of Osteo in another one of my dogs I will just amputate. The reason why I say that is both of Sassy's biopsies came back inconclusive. I wasted almost a month between doing those biopsies and her actual amputation.
She is now almost 7 months post amputation (June 14 is 7 months). Doing good besides having lung mets (the cancer did spread). I do not regret one moment of the decision to amputate. I love on her every day.
Jerry is right. Breathe. Everyone who is dealing with cancer asks the Why question. I don't have a good answer. I sometimes still ask that question. But the best thing I ever did was start a journal. I write in it every day. It may be a short one or 2 sentence. But then sometimes its a lot. I wrote down, treatment plans, how she ate, felt, poohed etc. I still do that. It just helps. I also started a blog on here. I go to the chat at night. It all helps.
((((((((hugs)))))))))))))
Michelle & Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Hi Jamie,
I'm new here, too. One week since we made the decision to amputate our little schnauzer's right hind leg. Two days since her surgery, hopefully she's home tonight.
You have come to the right place, everyone here is 100% behind you and your pooch. Listen to them, it helps!
And, as they say, breeeeeathe.
Good luck and bless you and your lovely dog.
Victoria
First of all THANK YOU so much for taking the time to answer me.
Here is what had happened about 3 months ago Bogi started limping my vet did an xray and she said he had a calcification in his shoulder joint and a torn ligament. So plan was to do surgery to correct. But of course me I was hesitant about surgery and dragged it out and had him instead do Laser Therapy and Accupuncture but last week I decided its just not working. so I decided to schedule surgery for "yesterday" so I went to vet and surgeon said well since its been 4 weeks since our consult lets just redo xrays I thought well okay no problem. WELL little did I know I would get such devastating news. Now I asked him why did this not show up on his xrays in March? He said maybe since my vets xrays are not digital and they can not "lighten" them up as much as their digital ones it wasn't clear? or I am thinking maybe it wasn't even there yet? I don't know I am confused. Also how do they even know this is causing all of his pain and limping? I mean until yesterday I was assured all this pain is from the ligament that's torn and possibly calcification pressing on the shoulder. so here is his discharge from yesterday. The vet said so much but he kept pushing for a BONE BIOPSY yesterday and I am so thankful I declined after reading everyones story. OMG.
I don't have an appointment with my vet until tomorrow so all this below sounds Chinese. Does it sound like his lungs are affected? Does anyone understand this medicial verbiage?
Now his discharge paper said the following:
Diagnosis: Tumor of the proximal humerus – suspect osteosarcoma
Diagnostics: CBC, chemistry panel, electrolytes: mild anemia (HCT 35.5%) , elevated ALT (119)
Right shoulder radiographs: moth-eaten osteolysis and irregular trabecular pattern with intact cortices in the
Proximal right humerus, focal area of increased opacity cranial to proximal humerus.
Chest radiographs: mild alveolar lung pattern noted in left cranial lung lobe, heart size WNL, pulmonary vascular WNL, no obvious pulmonary masses, generalized mild bronchointerstitial lung pattern.
CT scan: findings suggestive of a tumor in the proximal hummers (multiple areas of lyses.)
Medications: Continue previously prescribed: Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl
Recommendations: On reexamination Bogi had marked pain on manipulation of his shoulder and proximal humerus (palpation, flexion and extension) Blood work and radiographs of the right shoulder were performed. Due to suspicious lytic areas in the proximal right humerus, it was recommended that Bogi have a CT scan of the area performed. CT scan confirmed the abnormal bone pattern and suspicion of bone tumor.
Minimal changes were noted around the affected area of bone on x-rays and it was discussed that fine needle aspirate cytology (needle biopsy) obtained via ultrasound guidance has a relatively low chance of providing a definitive answer. If bone biopsy is not elected, repeat x-rays in 1-2 weeks may show more significant changes and needle biopsy may be elected in that case.
As discussed, the most likely underlying cause is a bone tumor, specifically an osteosarcoma. If osteosarcoma
Is ultimately confirmed, average survival time with amputation and chemotherapy is 12 months, while amputation alone is 6 months. We recommended bone biopsy over fine needle aspirate in order to obtain a diagnosis. At this time, you have elected to take Bogi home and decide on further curse of action.
Jamie & Bogi-
So sorry about the diagnosis. It feels like someone just dropped you from a tall building and you just can't breath, but that is exactly what you need to do. You can get so much knowledge from this site and I have found that helped me focus so much better and be able to help Shooter. Bogi doesn't know he has cancer and just wants to feel better. I will never regret doing the amputation no matter how everything turns out because my dog is happy right now and wouldn't be if I hadn't taken that course of action.
Hoping someone can jump on here that is more familiar with the lung specifics on your discharge papers. As Shooter is a different type of cancer I can't, unfortunately, help much.
Just wanted you to know we all care and are always here to help and listen. Take care.
Luanne & Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Hi Jamie. Many of us have been in your shoes and we understand the devastation that you feel right now. Please don't beat yourself up for not knowing sooner. Most limps are nothing serious and there is no way you could have known. Nor could your vet until something shows up on an x-ray. We had two sets of clean x-rays in July 2011, treated with laser and rest, and in November the limp worsened at which time x-rays indicated OSA. These tumors can appear that quickly.
I am not a vet, but I can help you understand some of the report. OSA has a very distinctive pattern on x-ray. It is a spiderwebby/honeycomb type look which indicates the bone is being eaten away. This is what they are referring to when they say "moth-eaten osteolysis" and "suspicious lytic areas".
The reference to "no obvious pulmonary masses" is important - it means that they don't see obvious lung mets. The statistics say that if lung mets are visible at the time of diagnosis, then the prognosis is much poorer than if the lungs are clear. **However, I must add here that the statistics are important to give us a reference point, but they are just averages. Our Zeus had a visible lung met at the time of diagnosis and we were given a six-week prognosis. We decided to take a chance, so we proceeded with amp and chemo and Zeus lived ten months. And, they were ten fabulous months.
The diagnosis was horrifying to us. What it came down to was that in every other way Zeus was healthy. Despite the pain and the limp, he still seemed happy. His eyes were bright. I just didn't feel like he was ready to give up, so we weren't going to give up on him. Every dog is different and every family must make their own decision that works for your circumstances - financially, your physical ability to help him during recovery, etc. Just keep an open mind. The news is hard, the recovery is hard, but after that things can be really good for a long time.
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/
I'm so sorry you have been given this diagnosis. I still remember bursting into tears when the specialist mentioned bone cancer. Of all the possible reasons for her limp I had never considered that one.
I just wanted to add to what others are saying..... the prognosis you have been given is the standard statisitical response. I think we were told 4 to 6 months with amputation alone and 10 to 12 months if we included chemo. Some dogs come in on this prognosis, some get years more extra time, and some, unfortunately only get a few months or less. The way I looked at it was 10 to 12 months was potentially 10% of her life span and was worth fighting for, especially given how vibrant and happy she still was.
Each of us must make the best decision for us and our pack and that will be different for each of us. For us, Magnum was a "young" 9 year old rottie who was still feisty and full of life. I didn't hesitate to amputate since I knew that would get rid of the pain. We also chose to go on and do chemo. Yes we did it for ourselves but we did it for her too. When I look back at the 8 extra months she got (she was one who did less than the stats) I know that it was most definitely worth it. She got to do so much extra living and as I love to say "we loved and lived a life time in those 8 precious months".
Try to settle the panic, get all the info together and see if you can feel what is the right decision for you and for Bogi. We will be here to support you no matter what that decision is.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
It takes a long time to process all this new information, so don't try to do things too fast. Hopefully you get some good advice from your vet tomorrow and they can answer your questions! Moth eaten is how our OSA tumor was described as well. I can't help with translating the info about the chest radiographs. At time of diagnosis, however, 90% of dogs with OSA do have microscopic cancerous cells in their lungs that can't be detected by xray. The goal of chemo is to slow down the growth of those cells. (Unfortunately, we are dealing with one of the most aggressive canine cancers.) By the way, chemo for dogs should have no side effects, besides doing a regular test to check white blood cell count.
I was just as stunned to get the cancer diagnosis. I went to the vet with Athena thinking she had a sprained ankle, and what a shock it was to see the xray and hear the word cancer. I started bawling before I left the vet office as much as I tried to keep myself together and I couldn't discuss any treatments that day. I had to go home and process. Take time to think about all these decisions that you will need to make and understand the expenses and commitment this is going to take. Best of luck for your appointment tomorrow!
04/09/13- OSA Diagnosis ~ 04/23/13- Left Forelimb Amputation ~ Carboplatin Chemo (6 total)
July 2006-November 18, 2013
I will always love you, Athena.
Jamie and precious Bodies
We all can relate to the sheer panic you are feeling....being stuck in a nightmare so frightening you feel like you are suffocating. Please take us seriously when we say B R E A T H E.........B R E A T H E.......AGAIN.....B R E A T H E. IN.......SLOW EXHALE OUT......B R E A T H E. IN .......EXHALE. slowly out.....
You are doing your research....also suggest. The Dog Cancer Book order through amazon on this site.
Everyone here will tell you statistics are a "general guideline". and Jerry will also tell you nine out of ten statistics re wrong:-) 
If I could guide you to the thread/post under "treatment, diagnosis.......heck, I've forgotten the title.....but anyway...go to Six days after amputation and Scared made wrong decision. The responses of everyone on this site will be incredible helpful in giving you a blow by blow description of ow-----even though right now you are scared out of your mind-------how this community will help you get through the surgery...the recovery....and jumping straight into the most blissful relationship with your dog you could ever imagine:-) Wow.....that was a crazy sentence, but I think you get the point!!
NO. ONE can give anyone one a timeframe. What we can tell you is whatever timemou have, Bodies will be pain free and willing and able to receive all the loving and spoiling and treats and bely rubs you are willing to give him!! I am living in the moment with my Happy Hannah and now, after four chemistry and almost four months after amputation, I can tell you it was a
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!
Sorry keeps cutting off Bodi.. really, really glad I proceeded with amputation.....her sparkle is back better than before. Every day is a gift and it's filled with loving and loving ad loving.
Now go hug Bodi....he,s of worried...he's living in the present. Do something to make is tail wag. What did you do? Is he wagging? Now, go hug him and give yourself the gift of calm.
We are here for you. You are not alone. You are strong and so courageous!! You are!!
Looking forward to your update.
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Jamie,
I can totally feel your emotions through your words - I remember being exactly where you are right now. It will be ok. It's going to be a hard journey, but you will get through it! You've come to the right place! Without this website, I would be a lost puppy! I know the thoughts that swirl through your head when you get the diagnosis, and they tell you your pet has to have their leg amputated, but I promise, you'll get through it and Bogi will too! Use this website for EVERYTHING it offers, go look at the videos, the pictures, see how well these animals do on three legs. Yes, OSA (Osteosarcoma) can be a scary, scary thing, but as Jerry mentioned, many dogs (and cats in my case!) defy the odds.
Please come to the chat room if you get a chance, there are usually some of us in there, and you can get some answers and support in real time. We can tell you all about our experiences with amputation and some of us with OSA.
Hang in there, remember to breathe and hug your baby tight!!
Sending you lots of support and love!
xoxo,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty Cat Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
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