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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Monday I took my 4 1/2 year old Great Dane, Sully, to our vet for x-rays of his "injury" as he began limping a week earlier, after playing with another dog. We talked about the possibilities of arthritis, bursitis, bone spurs... but not osteosarcoma. On Monday (11/2) we found out that Sully had osteosarcoma in his front, right humerous. On Tuesday, I was sitting in a veterinary oncology office to learn our options. Chest X-rays were taken that didn't show any mets in his lungs, but I was told to assume they were there. Today, Friday (11/6), we have made the decision to amputate. Both our vet and the vet- oncologist insist that chemo should come after the amputation, but my husband and I are still trying to wrap our head around all of the information flying at us this week. We both agree that we want quality, pain free days rather than prolonging any pain or suffering, which leads us to questions about Chemo after amputation.
Has anyone chosen to only amputate without chemo for an osteosarcoma? I have been told that the cancer will spread even after amputation, but if it isn't showing up yet, what are "aiming" the chemo at? We've been told we aren't going to prevent the cancer from spreading even if we do the chemo, so my concern is that if there are side effects to the chemo are we taking away from what could be "quality" days of life?
With that said are the side effects that you have experienced with chemo for osteosarcoma? What types of chemo were used? Are there any other things I should research or consider before deciding to do chemo after amputation?
I am so thankful to have found this site. I am still exploring the required reading list and gathering any and all information. Any tips, thoughts, suggestions are appreciated as I begin this journey with my Sully.
Hi Sully and Family, welcome. We're glad you found us too, but of course are very sorry for the reasons why.
As you'll come to read about, we opted out of chemo. Jerry lived two amazing years after osteosarcoma! Of course that's somewhat of an anomaly but that's not to say it doesn't happen, we've seen it many times and for even longer periods of time. With or without chemo, the survival prognosis is a crapshoot. All we can say for sure is that dogs don't have a date stamp on their butt.
It sounds like you're OK with the amputation procedure itself, which is great, especially for a Dane mom. And you are doing your research too, which is amazing. I would also recommend checking our e-books library and Dr. Dressler's Dog Cancer Survival Kit for more insight about how chemo works. Basically what you're "aiming at" after getting rid of the tumor, are the cancer cells going through the body. Chemo's goal is to obliterate them, but with dogs it's not as rough as it is with humans, because there is an emphasis on quality of life since a dog's lifespan is so compressed with or without cancer. Most dogs don't have side effects, but some do. Again, a crapshoot.
Where are you getting treated? Who is your onco? Just curious.
Sully is gorgeous. Just an aside, it was a Dane who inspired us to proceed with amputation, and that Dane, Moose, lived way past his prognosis too!
Stay tuned for feedback from others. Thanks again for joining, your future posts won't require approval.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks so much for the info. I tend to be an optimist, so I am trying very hard not to have unrealistic expectations or get too hopeful, but it is so encouraging to hear about Jerry and Moose! I only hope Sully has many great days ahead of him!
We are located just outside of Syracuse, NY so we are working with vets associated with Cornell University. Our regular vet will do the amputation and we have been working closely with him since we moved here 3 years ago. He has a great relationship with us and with Sully so we're thankful that he is able to do that procedure. We met with an oncologist in Syracuse, from Cornell, this week and he would be able to do the chemo for us should we decide to do it.
Welcome! Your optimism will carry you far on this journey. Check out Clyde's 3 year Ampuversary on share your story. He's a 3 year survivor of osteosarcoma with no chemo. Whether or not to do chemo or not is such a personal decision. One good thing about chemo is you can always stop it if you think it's affecting your dog negatively. Regardless of what you choose to do you've come to the best place in the world for love and support on this journey. I don't think I could have done this journey without the help I received here. Please keep us posted on Sully's journey because now you and he are "one of us".
Linda & Max
Sully's Family,
Buddy and a I are right with you on your journey. His injured psoas muscle turned out to be Osteosarcoma. We are 6 days post op from his right hind leg amputation (tough decision as you know - agony). He's doing well. We too are trying to figure out if we are going to do chemo or not. We have an appt next week for our consult with the Oncologist. I just got off the phone with Sally (she answered my call on the Hotline) and really bolstered me up.
I will tell you that I'm a very new member, just like you. This site has helped me so much. Please feel free to email me. I would love to hear more of you story since our timelines are so similar.
Sally gave me great advice today. Follow Buddy's lead. He doesn't know he has cancer. I will pass that advice onto you. Follow Sully's lead.
The first days post op are tough. I took time off to be with Buddy and make sure his pain was controlled. It's amazing how quickly they adapt. I think the cone of shame is what is bothering him most.
Stay on the site and know you are not on your journey alone. I have been coming here daily for "nourishment for my soul" and it has helped me get through this b/c no one else I know can understand this the way the Tripawds alumni do.
Take care and please keep us posted on your journey with Sully and reach out when you need to.
Best,
Julie and Buddy
Julie I'm SO glad you called the helpline! Sally is wonderful isn't she? Oh, keep in mind that we have the Private Messaging system here so you don't have to use your email address when contacting members off-site. Just click the little envelope icon at the top right of the post belonging to the member you want to reach.
Sully's family, as for the care you're getting, you couldn't ask for better vets, what a great area you're in. I'm confident that they will help you make the right decision for all of you.
There are so many great stories in the Tripawds Member Blogs, be sure to check them out. You can always search the blogs for phrases like "Dane" or "osteosarcoma" to find members who have similar journeys.
Keep us posted everypawdy.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The reason your vet said to assume that the metastasis is there is that there usually is microscopic cancer cells floating around. They don't always show up on imaging such as x-rays or ultrasound yet. So even though you amputate, it still may spread. However, many people have chosen to do surgery and not do chemo.
Murphy had histiocytic sarcoma, which is highly aggressive and normally found in organs such as the spleen or liver. When he had his surgery we were told that we might get 12-18 months, if we were lucky. That was 2 1/2 years ago. We did do chemo for him. He had 6 doses of CCNU, which is a pill. He also had to take denamarin daily to help protect his liver. Each dose of chemo was 3 weeks apart and he had blood work done on that day, then again a week later (that one was done at our regular vet since the oncology vet is a hour & a half away).
From what I've seen, most dogs do well with chemo. They don't normally have the same side effects that humans do. Murphy seemed a little tired after his doses and didn't usually eat much that evening, but that was about it.
Money also plays a part in things. You have to do what you are comfortable with. Most oncologists also recommend a grain-free diet. Others on here can also talk to you about supplements, we haven't used any supplements with Murphy.
Ultimately, you know Sully best.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Thank you all so much! I can't begin to tell you how much your support has already helped. Sully's surgery is set for tomorrow and I am having more and more anxiety as the time approaches. I know it is the right thing to do and will take his pain away. I also know its going to be a shock to see him after surgery tomorrow. Thanks to the suggestions I've read on here I've tried to prepare our house and am feeling as good as I can about Sully's care after his surgery. It also helps to know that I have a support system here too! As for decisions about chemo and our next steps, I am staying positive and open- minded and trying to take it one day at a time.
As for now my only major concern is sharing my time between Sully and my children and helping my children understand what is going on. My husband and I have two little boys (3 years old and 10 months old) who are still fairly needy and we know that Sully is going to need a LOT of support. Luckily I stay home with our boys, so I will be around all the time for Sully and my husband is taking the remainder of this week off to help us adjust. I know we can do it, because we have to, I'm just not sure what it will look like for us. Probably a little crazy at first.
I will post after surgery once Sully is home. Thank you all again for your support!
Rachael & Sully
Rachel,
Buddy is 10 days post op and sooooooo much better, dare I say, his old self.
I was not prepared when I first saw him post op. I was shocked but I didn't let him know it. He has just carried on like "what's the big deal."
The first day home was the hardest and the second one too. Buddy tolerated the cone was able to take breaks of my own but he mostly slept the first few days.
I'm telling you all of this because it's gonna be hard, very hard.....BUT, it gets better each day. Day by day. Just take one day at a time and breathe. And drink wine or beer!!!!
Reach out if you need us. Several helped me through this tough part and we are having a good day today (yesterday, I cried most of the day). It comes and goes!
Take care and keep us posted. Buddy and I will be including Sully and everyone in your family in our puppy prayers tonight.
Hang in there
Julie and Buddy
Oh and Rachel.....when you start to second guess your decision remember:
You did this for Sully. It is the best treatment for OSA. It is. Just keep telling yourself you did the right thing because you did!!
Aww Sully! Giving you and Sully big Hugs!! You made the right decision for him. Our pup Charlie had his surgery back in August and adjusted very fast to 3 legs. It is sometimes hard to keep up with him now!
My husband and I used to live in Ithaca a year ago, and in Rochester (we were fingerlake natives ;)) Cornell is amazing, and they are very good there.
If you need anything we are here! And just know that bone cancer isn't a death sentence but a reminder to cherish each day, and give Sully the best days to come. Filled with lots of Treats, Pets, dog play time, walks, and scratches.
Loves and Hugs from Charlies Mommy and daddy
I'm so glad your hubby will be there the rest of the week for you to lean on each other for support. You are right it probably will be a bit of a zoo at first. But eventually you will be able to find a sort of rythmn that works. Stay strong for Sully and be a strong pack leader. I wasn't I tended to panic at everything and looking back I think things could've been easier if I had dealt better. Remember Sully will feed off your emotions and if you panic so will he. You and your family WILL get through this and after the first few days it will get easier with much to celebrate. Stay connected here this wonderful group of people can get you through this journey. We're all sending healing thoughts to your beautiful Sully for surgery tomorrow and an uneventful recovery. Good luck and we're here if you need us for anything!
Linda & Max
sully said
As for now my only major concern is sharing my time between Sully and my children and helping my children understand what is going on...
Consider these various books and videos to help kids understand amputation for their pets and how well dogs adapt.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Rachel,
That's gotta be tough but you will figure it out.
Remember, it's temporary and things will get easier as Sully recovers.
We'll be looking for your update after surgery.
Sully has a strong advocate in you. You've done your research and you made all the necessary preparations to help Sully have a smooth recovery.
As far as chemo, etc., you have plenty lf time to make a decision on that later. Keep things chunked down and just focus on recovery for now.
We're here for you...but I think you have already seen that.
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
1 Guest(s)
