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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Hemipelvictomy experience?
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Member Since:
5 February 2022
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1
8 February 2022 - 5:13 am
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Hello,

first off thank you for all the great posts and responses. I have already silently gathered so much information and strength.

My 7 year old Irish Setter boy Egan has Osteosarcoma diagnosed in the right hind paw exactly at the joint. The vets are saying that an amputation of the leg and partial pelvis is way too invasive and that I should just do the pain management that I can and let him go. He's in full life swing, eating, asking for walkies and generally is just way to "alive" to part with us.

We would like to have the amputation done. Have you had this kind of "more than just the paw" surgery done on your pooch? Surgeons near-by seem hesitant, or just way to busy, wanting us to wait two weeks (Lung x-ray is clear).

I'm looking forward to your support.

Thank you so much for being there!

Jo

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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8 February 2022 - 10:46 am
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Hello Jo and Egan, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval, so you're good to go, post away!

I'm sorry about the diagnosis. Osteosarcoma is a shock but as you've seen here, it doesn't need to be a death sentence. At seven years old, Egan should have a lot of spunk left in him! Does he have any other health conditions that make your vets think he wouldn't do good on three legs? Is he overweight? Any neurological issues? Generally a 7 year old dog would be a great candidate.

And why do they want to do a hemipelvectomy when the tumor is all the way down his leg?

This is a procedure that removes half of the pelvis bone. Yes, search the forums for hemipelvectomy and you'll see many members with dogs who have gone through it. But are you sure you're thinking of the same thing? That procedure seems mighty excessive and usually only done when the tumor is so high up the leg, or very invasive into other tissues (generally the hip area) that getting a complete removal isn't possible without a hemipelvectomy. But for osteosarcoma tumors located so far down the leg, usually a general amputation is what's done. This is the most common procedure for osteosarcoma.

If your vets insist he's not a good candidate for amputation surgery, it's time to get another opinion at a different clinic. Can I ask where you are located? Yes, vet clinics are slammed these days but most will push up the surgery date when osteosarcoma is involved. Or at least put you on a cancellation list. This cancer is an aggressive, incredibly painful condition. Is he on any pain management ? If not, he needs to be. Even if he doesn't appear to be in pain, if it's osteosarcoma, I guarantee he is (in my non-vet opinion, that is!). If you'd like us to find an orthopedic vet or oncology clinic for you, please let us know. 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Where ever my car goes


Member Since:
6 July 2017
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8 February 2022 - 1:30 pm
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Hi Jo and Egan,

So sorry you had to find us in this manner.  It is something no one ever wants to do, but welcome.  There are many great people here with much combined experience going through similar situations.

While Tuxedo, my fur baby is a cat and did not have cancer.  He did have a hemipelvectomy when he was 9, almost 10 years old due to trauma.  After an eventfully long recovery, he got back to his new normal.  He is now 14+ years old and gets around great, runs, jumps, climbs, and in general is his old sassy self.  The only real issue he has is his balance is not as good as previous.  So if caught off guard he can be easily toppled, something my other cat takes full advantage of 😉

I realize your concerns are far more involved due to the osteosarcoma, I did want to chime in and comment that it is very possible for an animal to live a long and active life following a hemipelvectomy (limb and partial pelvis).  Hopefully that might ease a bit of your worries.

As Jerry mentioned and based on what I have seen on here, the norm is not to do a hemipelvectomy when the tumor is low on a limb.  Did you perhaps mean it was at the joint of leg and pelvis?  If not, I would definitely see about getting another opinion.

No matter what direction your path might take, I wish you the best.  If there is anything I can help with please do not hesitate to drop me a message as I do not hop on here often these days.

Hugs and best wishes,

-Dawna, Tuxedo, Lilly, and Angel Dazzle

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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8 February 2022 - 2:23 pm
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Dawna thank you so much! You are such a sweetheart for offering your experience and support! Hope that you, Tuxedo and Lilly are doing well!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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8 February 2022 - 3:50 pm
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DAWNA♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

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!


Member Since:
5 February 2022
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9 February 2022 - 5:53 am
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Thank you to all of you already. I am sorry to have made it sound like Egan's tumor was further down the leg. It is right at the hip joint on the leg. 🙁

And I have good news! The surgeon that we were favoring has said he will perform the surgery on Feb 15th (Tuesday) first thing in the morning. They expect him to be home that evening for home aftercare.

I am starting to gather everything I might need and looking through checklists.

Thank you for being out there. It really helps.

Jo

PS: You asked where we are located: We're currently in Germany.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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7
9 February 2022 - 10:22 am
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Oh got it. Yes in that case the hemipelvectomy makes sense. So happy you are working with a surgeon you like, and they can do it next week. If your dog is coming home the same day, be sure to check out this post. And let us know how we can help OK? Ask any questions you'd like.

https://tripawd.....mputation/

p.s. We often have members from Germany join us, you are in good company. Willkommen!!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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