Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We have received mixed news this week. The cancer is in Sparky's lymph node (not good), but the ultrasound of his abdomen (and a couple of aspirations taken during that scan) came back all clear (very good). The lump does not seem to have grown at all (3cm). Sparky still seems to have no pain. There is no limping, and does not react when the lump is pressed. He still dances and prances around during our walks. The heat slows him down a lot, but when we go out at 6:00am and 11:00 pm, he still doesn't want to stop after almost an hour.
The oncologist is away this week, but we have had lots of contact with the specialist surgeon who works wih her. The surgeon told us that when the cancer is in one limb, and the just the closest 'armpit' lymph node, it is still considered localized histiocytic sarcoma. I trust that she knows her stuff on this one. I realize that it very likely has micrometastasized, but when I read about Brady, it gives me hope. And after the week of bad news followed by worse news, a bit of hope is a very good thing.
We still don't have the final results from the next step of the bone biopsy. I think the test they are running is called immunohistrochemistry. The first step came back indicating 90% histiocytic sarcoma. The next step will be more definitive. One alternate possibility is a synovial sarcoma. The surgeon said that the treatment would be the same - amputation and chemo but the prognosis could be better.
We have a tentative amputation scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, which will take place only after I have a long discussion with the oncologist. The amputation will remove the lump and the lymph node. I need to understand better whether this is still considered 'localized' or not. And what that might mean for prognosis.
For about 50 minutes every hour, I feel good about my decision to amputate. But for those other 10 minutes I think I am putting my boy through huge trauma for the real possibility of 106 days (chemo only) vs 160 days (amp and chemo).
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Thanks for the update. If histiocytic or synovial sarcomas are "bulky tissue" tumors anything like chondrosarcoma, you might want to watch this video interview with vet oncologist Dr. Johnny Chretin...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Your Sparky is gorgeous! I wish you peace in making your decision. It is hard because everything comes at you so fast and you have to do a little crash course in cancer treatments and types and options and it is overwhelming. With Abby, who was only 15 months at the time, we found out about the cancer on a monday, got a lung Xray that showed they were clear on the Wednesday and had her leg amped on the friday. A crazy week!
The great thing about the amp is that it takes the pain from the tumor away and, while rough for a couple weeks, the recovery was quite quick. Unfortunately, the Xray did not show the micro met that was lurking there... In a way, I am glad it didnt because we might have chosen differently... And we are now at 9 months post amp (as of today!) and she is doing great. We go to the beach almost everyday and she runs like a maniac for an hour. Who knows how much time is left but the time we have now is awesome. She is our special tripawd gal and always amazing us.
You will find lots of folks on here who have had pretty good experiences with the amp procedure. Dogs are so amazing and adapt so quickly. While you are considering your options this weekend be sure to come on here and ask questions and look at past posts and get whatever support you need. It is really a great group!
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I second Jackie's comment "Dogs are so amazing and adapt so quickly". Exactly one year ago Chloe had her amputation of her left hind leg because she had a soft tissue tumor (cancer) called spindle cell sarcoma. There were ups and downs during the two weeks with staples (tired, wobbly, panting, drugged), but she was really motivated to resume her normal life. She LOVES squeaker toys, so after the first week, I started playing with her on the ground (move the ball, so she just pawed it from her laying down position) and then gradually encouraged her to stand up on her own. I did have a sling to help her walk (much like a big soft towel) to support her back legs (not sure about front amps) and slowly she learned to walk again.
What helped me emotionally was the idea that I would rather do everything I could to have a healthy three legged dog rather than try to preserve her leg and knowingly have a terminally ill 4 legged dog. We were lucky in that the amputation got everything and she is now cancer free, one year today. We wish you the best and we hope Sparky has a speedy and uneventful recovery!
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
I've tried 10 times to post something to you that would help - and I hit the delete key every time - but here goes......
We got a second opinion on Riley when we first found out about the cancer in her leg - we had tests run the day she broke her leg and then had more tests run 3 weeks later (while her leg was in a cast) and the results were actually DIFFERENT!! We knew we still had to amputate so we crossed that bridge and then waited for the bone biopsy. The outcome wasn't good - so I decided to go the K-9 immunity route along with other supplements, diet changes (she was already on EVO for her allergies) etc.... I didn't expect to get to the 6 month mark and yet here we are - (its been a emotional week for me - happy tears). I wasn't ready to lose my dog and so now every day is precious - she's been my buddy, my shoulder to cry on, my walking partner etc for 10 1/2 years - and I / we will fight every step of the way to have another day....and I wouldn't change a thing.
my motto -
No one knows what the future holds so live each day to the fullest and make each day better than it was the day before. Fill it with belly scratches, licky kisses, long walks, balls and sticks, whatever it may be to create a lifetime of wonderful memories.
You know those 10 minutes of 106 days vs. 160 days? Squelch them. "Hold every thought captive." Because the truth is, no one knows how many days Sparky has, not the vet, not the surgeon, not the oncologist. "Time" is different post-amp, it just is. Go with your heart.
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
tatespeeps said:
"Time" is different post-amp, it just is.
Exactly, it's all about quality of life, not quantity. Jerry taught us that.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
tatespeeps said:
You know those 10 minutes of 106 days vs. 160 days? Squelch them. "Hold every thought captive." Because the truth is, no one knows how many days Sparky has, not the vet, not the surgeon, not the oncologist. "Time" is different post-amp, it just is. Go with your heart.
I'm going to put this somewhere that I can cut and paste it since I use it so frequently, but here it goes one more time. There is no time stamp on their butt. As tatespeeps pointed out, no one knows how long Sparky has. Learning to live one day at a time, and enjoying each moment will come. It will come more quickly if you can let go of the 'what if's'.
Keeping you guys in my thoughts and sending you strength as you face those difficult decisions.
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.
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