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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Hey, guys thank your for all the replies! My dog Diesel is a 6 1/2 year old Cane corso. About 5 weeks ago, he suddenly started limping. I took him to the clinic I usually go to but they couldnt diagnose him since they couldnt take xrays due to his size ( he is 180 pounds). They suggested its a muscle rupture and send us home with pain pills. After 2 weeks of no change, I took him to a different clinic where they sedated him and took xrays. The result - osteosarcoma with no mets in lungs. Couple of days later we saw an oncologist to confirm the diagnosis. They did a cytology report which came back saying its reactive bone (not the cancer itself but the reaction of the bone to the cancer). Our options where either to amputation and chemo or to euthanize. I didnt do either. I changed his diet do grain free , started giving him golden paste (turmeric). Bought CBD pills, R17 tumor drops, mushroom blend extract and glucosamine. I also give him gabapentin, tramadol, carprofen and amantadine. So far, Diesel still eats and drinks (not much but he does), he doesnt get up as much but a few times a day to go outside. In the beginning was unable to get comfortable and panted a lot but now he seems to sleep a little better and doesnt pant as much. I havent been able to follow up to find out if its gotten worse and if there are mets since Im afraid to get him in the car (we own an SUV and Im scared he might break it when he jumps out).
Couple of questions:
How do I know the cancer has spread?
How do I know Its time to euthanize
Sorry to near abput the diagnosis. It's good that the lung xrays came back clear though! Most likely, they probably are still clear if it's inly been a couple of weeks since the earlier xrays.
I see your on line now, so I'm throw out a auick question. Did you feel amputation was off the table because kf his size, finances, Vet advice, etc? There is no right or wrong at all! Every single situation is different and very much a personal decision. Itsw certainly not an option for everyone. Just curious if you would be open to considering it though.
You have him on some good supplements and meds.
Okay, I'll check back in a bit.
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Woukd loooove to see pics of this biiiig boy!!!
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!
I guess its a combination of few things but mainly because deep down inside i wish i can find a way to help him beat it . So i keep reading and buying in hopes that something will eventually work. I hate the idea of seeing him after the surgery - the shaved fur, huge scar and stitches. Also, last time he had surgery for an intestinal blockage), he had a very hard time recovering and almost didnt make it due to the anesthesia.
I just want him to go peacefully. No surgeries, no chemo sickness, no skin burns from radiation. No doctors. I just want to make him comfortable until its time to say goodbye.
Thanks for your well thought out and very heartfelt response. I hear you. The reaction to the anesthesia is definitely a concern!
The most important thing right now is managing the pain and preventing a fracture. You have a good arsenal of pain meds that, based on what youve said, seem to be helping. Not sure if any type of brace or wrap would be helpful or not to help prevent a possible fracture. You can ask the Vet
As you know, dogs are very stoic when it comes to hiding pain, especially a big 180 lb Corso!!! His lack of appetite could be a result of pain. He could be a little off food because of the meds too.The panting and all that was probably pain. Of course, the meds can car some panting too. But it sounds like you have it under control now.
You know your dog better than anyone. You know what Diesel enjoys and what gives him sparkle in his day. As long as he can still be Diesel...as long as ne still enjoys tummy rubs...as long as he still enjoys butt scratches....yeah, all of these things are indicators of quality for Diesel!!
Spoil like crazy!! Make everyday DIESEL DAY! Cheeseburgers, ice cream, steak....okay,I know you're trying to feed him good nutrition, but a little bit of those things won't hurt!!
You might check out The Dog Cancer Survivr Guide by Dr Dressler and Dr Ettinber. He offers a lot of alternative info.
The most important thing you can do is stay in the present, in the NOW with Diesel! He's not worrying about the tomorrows! He's just enjoying being by your side enjoying all your loving and spoiling!
STAY CONNECTED! We are by your side and support your decision. We are also all cheering for Diesel a d hope he blows statistics sky high!! 🙂 🙂
Love and hugs!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Ah, I totally understand. Many here have gone the palliative care route and were able to do the same until the pain overshadowed quality of life. I know you don't want doctors to interfere, but creating a good pain control plan with your vet is the best way to ensure he's not hurting. Bisphosphonates are a bone-building drug that can also help reduce pain longer than without. It's a simple (but not inexpensive) infusion and doesn't usually have side effects that I know of. Also, have you considered working with a pawspice care vet? Home-based vet visits by these practitioners can put your mind at ease and know for certain when it's time to say goodbye. I can post links if you'd like them.
Ok, so to answer your question about knowing when mets have occurred. In most cases an x-ray will tell you. In others, if it's traveled to other bones, a MRI is required to know for certain. Symptoms are usually labored breathing, being more tired than usual and lack of appetite. But again, only an x-ray or MRI can tell you for sure. Those symptoms can also indicate pain.
I hope this helps. We are here to help you every step of the way so don't hesitate to ask OK? And do post pictures, we'd love to see your gorgeous pup! Here's a post about adding images to the forums.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Howdy and welcome!
At first when I read the title of your post, I hesitated submitting a reply. But after reading everyone else's comments, and of course, yours, I totally understand the reasons behind your query.
We lost our sweet Harmony 11 days after surgery (2 after chemo). One would ask, "Do you think she would have survived longer if she hadn't of had the surgery?"
I've asked this of my decisions every day since her diagnosis. No, I don't think she would have lived much longer, and of that time she did live, her suffering was due to her recovery more-so than the cancer itself. At least that's the truth I hold on to.
I've spent a lot of time soul-searching after her transition and, also after losing my dad 4 months later, the one thing I understand more than anything else is, "One can be on the plane that crashes or the barber shop it crashes into. When it's time, it's time."
This is the peace I hold close to my heart. I miss our sweet girl everyday, but her absence doesn't cheapen the depth of love we shared during her corporeal stay.
May you find the peace you're looking for. Give your sweet fur-baby a huge smooch from me!!!
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Its just such a hard decision to make. I know Im being selfish, I do. After all, I wanna keep him around forever. I know thats not possible but Im having such a hard time drawing the line. Last thing I want is for my dog to suffer. If I, in any way, had a guarantee that amputation and chemo is gonna give me the results I wish for, Ill do it in a heart beat.
573la said
. . . If I, in any way, had a guarantee that amputation and chemo is gonna give me the results I wish for, Ill do it in a heart beat.
But therein lies the crux of it all; there are no guarantees when you're dealing with cancer. In fact, that is cancer's MO; to keep you second-guessing and doubting your decisions; keeping you on an emotional roller-coasters. And just as soon as you think you've got it figured out, cancer will pull the rug out from under you.
So, what do you do? First, don't empower cancer. Love just for the sake of loving. Cherish all the wonderfulness Diesel has brought to your life. Acknowledge the blessings and find peace for that is what will reflect in his eyes. Second, take all those negative feelings and "hate" cancer into non-existence. Cleanse your soul of this vile disease.
Peace to you my friend,
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Well said Pam. Both of your posts, so heartfelt, so honest. I admire you on so many levels.
My belief system through the years, and through the losses, also has evolved to "when it's your time, it's your time".
And wanting to keep our furbabies with us as looooong as possible with some quality is NOT selfish!! It's called LOVE, SOUL DEEP LOVE!
I want to remind you of two things that you mentioned earlier that could help ease some of the stress in your decision(if that's even possible, eight?)' You mentioned his size at 180 lbs. Certainly big dogs can do just fine with amputation and we've seen thst many times here. However, you do want to make sure an Orthopedic Surgeon has evaluated him to make sure his joints, etc are in pretty good shape.
The other thing you mentioned, and perhaps the most concerning, is that he almost didn't wake up from his previous anesthesia for intestinal blockage. I'm not sure, but I imagine he would be under longer for the amputation.
Sometimes, and I'm certainly not saying this is the case with Diesel, but sometimes is best "not to try" proceeding with surgery and, instead, "to try" continuing managing the pain, etc
How is Diesel doing today?
Again, we are here ro help you tthrough this, whatever that may mean!!
(((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Would anybody know where I can get a low cost orthopedic consult in the Chicago area? Im willing to travel
I did a google search, so this is NOT a personal recommendation whatsoever, but this Dr. Jackson was mentioned a couple of times. I copied one of the comments below
.........Dr. Jackson at Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center. He is a board certified orthopedic surgeon. There are only a couple board certified ones in the Chicago area.
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!
There are, and they cost an arm and a leg. The consultation only is $130. Not including any tests or xrays 🙁
Ugh!
Also saw University of Illinois Teaching School........University of Illinois Veterinary College mentioned. Generally they are less expensive than other specialists.
I know we have some Chicago members who, hopefully, will see this and give you some first hand experience options.
How's that big boy doing?
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!
Today is a bad day for him. He is panting a lot and seems to be very uncomfortable. Im planning on trying to take him in tomorrow but but Im afraid he wont be able to get in my SUV. Im very scared he may get a fracture.
Here's another link tt mah, or may not, have a mention of a Chicago Vet. I haven't visited it in awhile so it may not jave anything helpful at all.
Jist throwing stuff out there til someone from your area chimes in!
Hmmmm...just dawned on me Christine of Otis and Tess fame may be from Chicago. Let me go see what I can find out............
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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