Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello everyone,
A week ago I had my wonderful pup's (her name is Ella) hind leg removed due to an osteosarcoma diagnosis. It was tragic and sudden and scary. I know you can all relate. This afternoon, though, her wonderful, brilliant surgeon called and said that the pathologist who biopsied the leg suspects it is actually Hemangiosarcoma - a cancer of the blood vessels. Her lungs, bloodwork, and lymph nodes are all still clean as of now, which is good.
Honestly, I don't know where to start. There is only minimal information available online about this kind of cancer, particularly as Ella's spleen and other internal organs are clean as of last Monday. It usually starts in the spleen and spreads elsewhere. But if indeed she has this variety of nastiness, there isn't a lot online written about it (at least as far as I can find) when it just appears in the bone. Do any of you have any information, tips, *anything*? The new smear (or whatever test they are doing next) results won't come back until next week. I am desperate. Ella is still on lots of painkillers, so I don't think she is suffering - she mostly sleeps. I just love this big ol' wiggle so much. One site said that some dogs only have a handful of days/weeks once the diagnosis is made, but I don't know what is reputable out there.
Bah! I am all over the place. Anyway, Thanks for any recommendations you may have.
XO Anna and Ella
I do not know anything about the type cancer you are researching, but wanted to welcome you to the board. There are many helpful folks here that will make you feel better able to face the challenge you have embarked upon. I wish you courage and strength in the days ahead. Savour the time you have with Ella, these are special days you've been given.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
I am so sorry but I don't have any knowledge of this either. But hang in there. We will certainly add you to our prayers and keep good thoughts for you and Ella. Welcome to our little family and I'm sure someone will chime in soon with some more information on this particular type of cancer.
Give Ella big hugs and kisses from us.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
Thanks for your kind words. It is funny - I have always been skeptical about percentages and odds. I just read that this particular cancer happens in less than 1% of dogs and less so with dogs who are younger than 6 years old (Ella just turned 2). So basically, she already beat the odds by getting diagnosed, right? She is somewhat of a statistical anomaly. If I were given those odds related to a job offer (i.e. I have a 99% chance of getting it) I would say, "Holla" or "Word" or "Right on" or "My treat."
I guess I am going to will myself to expand that space between waking and sleeping - you know, that time when your nightmares are outted as imaginary; when the hero is actually the exception to the norm - and decide that Ella has already challenged the odds by getting diagnosed, so we can do the same in her recovery. I am going to do all I can to make that transition space (where problems can evaporate) into our (Ella's and mine) reality. Until I know more, that is all I have. That's all I can look toward. That's because I love this perfect pooch and she has a lot left to give the world.
XO Anna and Ella
Hi Anna,
Thanks so much for joining us here. Many, many hugs going out to you. As if Ella's cancer diagnosis and amputation isn't ruff enough, now this surprise gets thrown into the mix. Yikes. We can tell you are really strong though, and have a good, pawsitive outlook that will help you walk this journey with grace and hope in your heart. We will do what we can to help too.
You're right; Ella IS a statistical anomaly! Go Ella! How is her recovery coming along? I'm guessing pretty good, since you didn't say much about it. Whatever we can do to help in that area, let us know, all of us here a good grip on coping with amputation recovery.
As far as hemangiosarcoma goes, it is indeed a rarer cancer, but we have had a few Tripawds here who have battled it. One such warrior princess, Luna, led a courageous battle against it, and her mother Sandra is a wealth of knowledge. Read her story here, and PM her Mom Sandra for more info, she is great about responding and passing along her knowledge.
Also, give our friends at Bone Cancer Dogs a try too. I know they have many members whose dogs have battled it.
Where do you live? Are you near any university vet schools? They tend to be the most cutting-edge places to get help.
We send many many hugs your way, and want you to know we are here if you need any shoulders to lean on. Keep us posted OK? And give that beautiful girl of yours a big smooch from us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
There has been some success treating HSA with surgery followed by 5 doses of Adriamycin 2 weeks apart. You can then give metronomic chemo a try or I would consider the new drug from Pfizer (Palladia). It is marketed for mast cell tumors but may help with other metastatic cancers. It is an oral med that you can only get from an oncologist at this time.
This is a rare location for this tumor and unfortunately cancer is more aggressive in younger dogs but that doesn't mean that you can't fight!
Pam and Tazzie
I completely understand the feeling of finding out a diagnosis when you think it's something else! When we first took Jack in our vet thought it was probably an infection and gave him antibiotics since she didn't have time that day for an x-ray. So imagine our surprise when we got the x-ray 2 days later and found it was a tumor! Then our oncologist said the tumor was in an abmornal bone for osteosarcoma and appeared to be affecting the neighboring bone, so it was more likely to be a chondrosarcoma. Imagine our surprise when the results came back as osteosarcoma! What I've begun to realize is that the statistics you read on the internet and such really make no difference. Each dog is different and will battle their disease in a different way. Our surgeon also informed us that many of the statistics out there are based on older dogs who are more likely to get these cancers, so applying our darling who is 5 to statistics based on 10 year olds won't really work. Again, each dog is different, and like you said, Ella already beat one statistic! Let's hope she can keep it up and get healthy! Are you going to be starting chemo? Jack starts Wednesday on Adriamycin and another dog on this site, Yoda, started this week on Carboplatin, so we can all be on this roller coaster of a journey together. One pawed hugs to Ella from Jackers!
ldillon81 said:
What I've begun to realize is that the statistics you read on the internet and such really make no difference. Each dog is different and will battle their disease in a different way.
Got that right! Always remember, nine out of ten statistics are wrong!
We have heard of young dogs who have lived FIVE YEARS after an osteosarcoma diagnosis, which is one of the most aggressive cancers out there. Recently we met a Tripawd who was diagnosed with OS and another cancer within the last 2 and a half years, and she is still going strong!
Don't let the statistics get you down. They are just numbers. And keep in mind, no matter how long a dog battles cancer, whether it's one month or five years, dogs don't keep track of time. They don't check days off of calendars, and they don't look back. Just keep one paw in front of the other, living in the moment and always appreciating each day for the gift that it truly is.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi all,
Well the verdict is in: Ella has hemangiosarcoma. To add to the rarity that is just piling onto Ella and this whole scenario: it looks like the cancer did originate in the bone and not in the soft tissue surrounding the bone. My surgeon and oncologist have said that they have never personally had to treat a dog with this - particularly as it didn't originate in an organ.
Anyway, I am feeling totally bummed at the moment. I am meeting again with the oncologist on Thursday. Lots more waiting...and worrying.
Ella seems to be doing really well lately - she has been running around my apartment picking up different toys to bring me. She carried the tennis ball around with her yesterday for a good 3 hours. The only odd behavior I have noticed is that at night (she has only done this twice) she kind of dry-heaves. It is like she wants to vomit, but she doesn't. Both nights she did it, she was due for some pain meds. As soon as I gave her the pill, she stopped. Any ideas?
Anyway, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers,
XO Anna and Ella
Thanks so much for the update!!! I have been thinking about Ella lately and am glad to hear she's doing so well! As much as the diagnosis sucks to find out, at least now you know for sure what you're dealing with. I wish you guys the best in getting through this. Gold star for Ella 
<3 Laura and Jackers
Ella, hope you're feeling better soon.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Looking forward to an update on Ella. I hope there are bright spots on any news.
Have you had an ultra sound done on her spleen and heart? From my understanding it's the only way to detect tumors. Getting an early diagnosis is almost impossible - so I would feel grateful.
Wishing you many happy days with Ella.
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.
Hey everyone!
I hope you have all had a lovely transition into the new year. I wanted to update you about Ella. She is doing beautifully - a full 6 months after her hemangiosarcoma diagnosis and leg amputation. She is my hero. Her coat is thick and silky again, her tests are all coming out clear so far, she is eating and running and playing...and has picked up the lovely new habit of licking the inside of my ear in the morning when she wants me to get up. Her puppy-ness is back in full swing. Thanks again for all the support.
Big hugs to you all, and Happy New Year.
Ella & Anna
Wonderful, wonderful update. So glad to hear she is doing so well and getting you whipped into shape 🙂
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Wow! Hemangiosarcoma as a primary cancer in the bone... Well, there is always the good possibility that the leg was removed before any of the cancer had a chance to spread. From what I know about hemangiosarcomas... they are a highly vascular tumor, which would probably benefit from an antiangiogenesis therapy. The oncologist would probably have some knowledge about this.
I see from your original post till now, that Ella has been doing great for over 6 months now! I'm so happy for you!!! 
That is wonderful news! So, she probably had her amputation before the cancer had a chance to spread any further... What a wonderful way to celebrate the New Year!!! I wish Ella all the best and continued success in beating her cancer!!!
Please keep us posted... and maybe put up some pictures of your 'miracle' doggie!!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
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