Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone,
I posted a couple weeks ago about our 14 year old mixed breed. We decided to amputate the leg shortly after I posted. The vet called today and said that he does have osteosarcoma and that the lymph node in the amputated leg was cancerous. Has anyone else experience this? I don't know what to do...
Duke I'm so sorry, I know this is heartbreaking news. What is your vet's recommendation for treatment?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
He told me to set up an appointment with an oncologist. That was really his only advice.
Tripug Maggie had mast cell cancer, not OSA. After surgery she was diagnosed with cancer in the lymph node removed with her left back leg. Her prognosis was downgraded to 6 to 9 months with chemo. That was one reason I chose to do chemo. Maggie lived almost 4 years after her amp, and did not pass from mast cell cancer. She really beat the odds, it can happen. I don't want to give you false hope, but don't give up either. I'm not sure how lymph node involvement compares in OSA and mast cell.
I was stunned and pretty devastated when I got the news. I went from thinking we were in good shape after the surgery to thinking I had made a huge mistake by doing the amputation. I came to realize that I had not made a mistake, I had given Maggie a chance. I know the pain of bone cancer is excruciating, you have given your pup a chance for pain free time.
What about other tests? We're the lung x-rays clear?
I still remember the knot in the pit of my stomach when the vet called after surgery. Go talk with an oncologist and see what your options are.
Sending strong thoughts your way tonight.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Thanks Karen and the pugagalooza,
His lung x-rays were clear. I was just beginning to feel better about it all. He is doing so well with the amputation. Less than 2 weeks out and he is running in the backyard. I'm just devastated by the news today. Trying to stay positive and optimistic but it is really hard today.
I'm with Karen on this one. Take each day one at a time. Statistics are numbers and there are the ones who beat the odds. Trouble lived 27 1/2 months after amputation and chemo. She never had any metastasis, and complications from age and arthritis were what took her from us. The cancer diagnosis does not come with a time stamp on their butt.
Make the appointment with the oncologist and find out what you are facing. You and Duke can do this together, and the rest of us will be here to offer encouragement.
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.
I'm so sorry that you have this news. But, at least you got the all clear on the lungs. It's OK to freak out for a bit. You need to let out the emotions. But then, see the oncologist and get a plan together. There are no guarantees, one way or the other, with cancer. So plan for the future but make every extra day with your pup a special day. Live more dog!
Hang in there. We are here to help you.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Sorry you are dealing with this. I don't remember another member having it in the lymph nodes but not the lungs - usually it is the other way around - so I don't really have any words of wisdom, but just wanted to say we are sending pawsitive thoughts your way. Hopefully the oncologist can set you up with a plan.
None of us ever gets enough time with our wonderful pups, so all we can do is make the most of whatever time we have. Enjoy every moment with your precious pup.
Jackie, Angel 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!
Oh, yes, absolutely consult with an oncologist, I didn't realize you hadn't seen one yet. Even if you don't pursue chemo at least you will have the information to make the best decision for your pack. Information is power, and by consulting with a cancer doc you will feel so much better about the situation and feel like you have a better handle on it.
I know it's tough to walk this journey but as you can see, there IS hope. Cancer doesn't always play by the rules and oftentimes it can work in our favor. If you are in a larger area with a veterinary teaching hospital, I highly recommend going to one for your consult.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Unfortunately osteosarcoma is a very aggressive cancer and almost always has spread, at least microscopically, by the time it is diagnosed.
Consulting with an oncologist is your best bet to go over treatment options.
We all want to "cure" our dogs, but with osteosarcoma, that is usually not possible. That is the hard truth. However, there are many treatment options available to hopefully extend their time while giving them a good quality of life.
The good news is that Duke is just as happy today as he was yesterday. They really don't care what their diagnosis is, they just want to enjoy their time with their pack.
I know it is heartbreaking and it is a lot to take in all at once, but try not to be too discouraged. Many dogs have lived many happy months, and sometimes years, with their cancer.
Please let us know how it goes with the oncologist.
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
I wouldn't worry about it too much. I have seen dogs with OSA live over 4 years with amputation alone and dogs that have had clear lymph nodes only live a few months even with chemo. This cancer has a variable prognosis and you have already done the most important thing which is to amputate to relieve pain. I would still consult with an oncologist but the preferred treatment is often 6 doses of carboplatin IV and usually a lung xray is done after the 2nd or 3rd treatment to make sure that there are no lung mets.
Pam
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