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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Our Herman is a rescue who came to us after enduring some very cruel treatment in his early life. He has always been the gentlest, most affable and loving dog. You would never know that he was abused if you met him since he is so adept socially. Herman is a mix and we aren't sure of all the breeds (he is part terrier, maybe pit bull). He's 7 or 8 years old.
Herman was recently diagnosed with a Mast Cell Tumor on his left front shoulder area. and initial tests (ultrasound and chest x-rays) showed no obvious signs of spreading. His tumor was quite large and he was prescribed steroids to reduce its size. The resulting reduction in size was remarkable. He had surgery to remove the tumor on Friday. During the procedure, the doctor noted that the tumor was connected to his bone. The surgeon removed the tumor and a small portion of the bone. Hermie can walk fine, at least so far. He is still heavily medicated and seems quite depressed. We hate seeing him this way, but we know he'll be back to his plucky self soon.
The surgeon called during the procedure when he discovered that the tumor was so closely connected to the bone. We didn't want to be too aggressive and amputate because we want to try to give Herman a chance for the best possible outcome. We are now waiting on test results to determine the grade of the tumor. It is likely that the margins from the surgery are "dirty." If the tumor is a low grade (PLEASE) but the margins are "dirty," is it still likely that we will have to amputate? We are trying to help Herman keep his leg but his survival is of course our chief concern.
We have another dog, Grandma, who is also a rescue. She is not as strong as Herman and seems to be emotionally dependent on him. She gets very distraught and her activity level decreases when Herman is not around. We love our dogs, and we know we are doing everything to provide them with the best possible care, but we are very afraid that our decision to keep the leg may just be delaying an inevitable amputation and force Hermie to endure future operations. If you have any information or tips you can share, we will truly appreciate and consider what you have to say. Thank you all.
Welcome to the group no one wants to join and thank you for choosing to rescue. Your future posts will not require moderation.
Sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery. Making the decisions is the hard part. We each make them based on what is best for our pet, our household, our finances. Everyone here is supportive and non-judgemental. Please keep us updated on Herman's progress.
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.
Welcome and glad you found this site. Shooter's MCT was on his lower leg and as MCTs have tentacles an area around the tumor has to be available to be removed. That wasn't an option in our case. Have they checked for lymph node involvement? That seems to be very important along with the grade of the tumor as to recommended followup treatment.Sending pawsitive thoughts that Herman's is Grade I or II.
Spirit Maggie's Mom might be able to pipe in as Maggie survived a MCT and she is well versed in them. I can try and answer any questions you may have from what we have been told.
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.
fourminipups said
Spirit Maggie's Mom might be able to pipe in as Maggie survived a MCT and she is well versed in them.
That's for sure! Browse through the archives of Maggie's Tri-Pug blog for her well documented mast cell treatment history.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Herman, Grandma and family, welcome. Boy, I wish I could answer that question about dirty margins, but every cancer behaves so differently and not being an oncologist, I can't tell you anything really, other than this is one of those instances where you have gotta take things one day at a time. It sounds like you're working with specialists? That's great if you are, it's what you want to do in a tricky situation like this. When will you get answers on the biopsy?
We have our paws crossed that Herman starts to feel better soon.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It appears that his lymph nodes are normal. We are working with specialists. We should have biopsy results at the end of the week. Thank you all for chiming in. I'll look into the blog you linked and i'll keep checking back here.
Hi, I'm Spirit Maggie's mom. Maggie's mast cell tumor was in her knee, and there was really no option but to remove her leg. Mag did great for almost 4 years post amp, and did not pass from mast cell cancer. She did have recurring cutaneous tumors, one before her amp, and several after. Mag's tumor was a grade II, but because she had confirmed lymph node involvement we did chemo. Pre surgery tests showed no lymph node involvement, in our experience the needle aspirate test is sketchy. I don't mean to worry you or say the test isn't worth doing. But a needle sample is pretty small and in our case missed the cancerous cells.
Our oncologist calls mast cell one of the the most difficult cancers to deal with because it is so unpredictable. My quad pug Tani also has multiple MCTs, but has lived with it for several years.
There are new drugs now that were not available when Maggie was diagnosed. Palladia, Mastinib (or Kinivet). You should ask your vet about those, and also be sure you get the miotic index (I think that is want it is called) when you find out the grade. It can indicate how aggressive the cancer is, although it is only an indicator. Not saying you want to use the drugs, but you should know all your possible options.
As far as choosing an amp in your case- that is a tough call. If that had been my choice I'm not sure what I would do, but I would lean toward amputation unless the tumor in grade I with clean margins. It is a much easier call when you have been through amputation though. I don't think I had ever seen a three legged dog before Mag's amp so choosing amputation was really hard, even though it was really our only option.
If you are interested in Palladia there is a good blog called Rosie's Road. (sorry I have trouble inking from my iPad). It is about a lab with mast cell, no amp. She took palladia for a long time. Some dogs have lots of side affects, but Rosie did well.
What ever you decide we are here to help, cancer sucks! Feel free to PM my to if you want to talk more.
Karen
Thank you Karen. Right now I guess all we can do is hope for the best possible results from Herman's testing. I will be sure to ask about the miotic index.
Here's our Hermie taking a nap as he recuperates from his surgery.
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Hermie is a beautiful boy who just exudes with a sweetness that makes you just want to reach through this computer and give him a big ole' kiss!
You are in good hands on this site nd with you specialists.. Even though I can offer no insight at this point, just want Hermie and Grandma we are all with you on this journey.
You clearly are strong compassionate paw parents. Take care! Silly 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!
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