Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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HI everyone, I am Michelle Sassy's mom. Sassy is a 6 year old female Rottie. We just found out about a week ago that Sassy possibly has Osteoscaroma. Did x-rays and everything points to that so we scheduled a bone biopsy for next Wed. Although I am not sure I am doing the right thing with that or if it would be better just to amputate but if I chose that what happens if its not Osteo?
Any way Sassy's story starts that she does have severe hip displasia in the same leg that she has the problems. She had a surgery about almost a month ago to remove some warts by her ear. Two- three days later she started limping. I thought she had something happen during surgery so waited a couple of weeks to take her in and that was when we did the 1st x-rays. Then I took her for a 2nd opinion on Oct 13. Just got the results from the Radiologist last night but said they are leaning towards the Osteo that is why I scheduled the biopsy. Any information is always greatly appreciated and taken to heart and I am reading everything I can about Tripawds.
I was referred here by a friend who had a male Rottie who was a Tripawd she thought this site would be of help to me & Sassy.
Thanks,
Michelle
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Hi Michelle, welcome. We're sorry to hear about Sassy's possible diagnosis. It's a tough spot to be in but we're here to help make it easier. Please check out our Required Reading List and our Tripawds ebook too if you'd like, for lots of info that can help answer many of your questions.
So I think you're asking whether or not you should do a bone biopsy?
Well, many folks don't do a bone biopsy if all indicators are pretty strong that 1) you're looking at osteosarcoma, and 2) that no matter what, the leg needs to come off. The reason is because bone biopsies are incredibly painful, there is a risk of the leg shattering because of the procedure, and they add unnecessary costs to an already big expense if you are certain you'll remove the leg, whether or not it's osteosarcoma.
Most folks will have the leg biopsied after surgery to find out exactly what kind of cancer it is, because this helps to decide on treatments.
All dogs are different in how they respond to bone biopsies but the majority we've seen here who have had one do experience pain after surgery.
Bone biopsies are usually only done if there is a significant amount of uncertainty about whether or not there is cancer in the leg.
Here is a good post about whether or not to do bone biopsies.
I would ask your vet exactly why they are recommending one.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm sorry to hear that you might be facing osteosarcoma. Sassy is so young and very beautiful, as are all rotties, no bias here 
.
Jerry's link has some good advice and first hand experience. I hope it helps you with your decision.
For us it was very clear cut, the vet was 99% confident it was osteosarcoma and we had already wasted 6 weeks due to misdiagnosis so immediately went for amputation because Magnum was in a lot of pain by then. Coincidentally, Magnum's cancer was in the same leg that had always been a bit "funny".
Good luck and please keep us posted.
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/
I'm sorry you are facing cancer and amputation with Sassy.
Jerry gave you some great links above. My little pug had mast cell cancer, not OSA so I didn't have to make a biopsy decision.
I just wanted to say welcome, and although its too bad you had to find us here, this is a very knowledgable and supportive community with lots of experience to share.
Karen and the pugapalooza
We did not face a bone cancer diagnosis but we were asked to consider a biopsy. Dakota had a tremendous leg swelling that came up rather quickly, and we didn't know if it was cancer or not. However, the vet said there would be no tissue left to close the wound if he tried to just take the tumor.
I asked how the treatment would differ and was told it would not. I thought that was a bit odd, so I said we'd opt out of the biopsy and proceed directly to amputation. I couldn't see putting Dakota through that pain (keep in mind it wouldn't have been a bone biopsy) and recovery if we were going to turn around and take his leg anyway. There was a biopsy after the surgery, and it confirmed it was cancer and defined the stage of the cancer we were dealing with.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Welcome to the group. We're sorry you had to join us but are happy to be here for you.
We also opted out of the biopsy. With the x-rays, they were 99% sure we were dealing with osteosarcoma. The second opinion vet had already convinced us the amputation was the only way to stop the pain, and we didn't see a need for an additional painful procedure to tell us what they already knew. He did give us the opportunity to change our minds, after he had her prepped for surgery he called and asked if we were sure we didn't want to do the biopsy. Again we declined.
For us, this was the right choice. Each decision you make along the way is a personal one, and because someone else made a different decision doesn't mean either of them are wrong. Make those choices based on what you believe is the best choice for you and your Sassy and be confident there are no wrong decisions when they are made with love.
Wishing you and Sassy the best of luck on your journey.
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.
Thanks everyone for the replies. I am sorry I haven't been on here since my original post but I had a gallbladder attack last Sunday the 14th. So after a week they decided to do surgery on me and today is Sassy's biopsy. We did have them do another x-ray before the biopsy praying that still might have been an infection in the bone or something. The vet saw some changes although minor on the x-ray so they are preceding with the biopsy. Still not sure if making that right decision or not.
I guess if it does come back Osteoscaroma I know what direction I am headed after reading some of the posts & blogs on here. Also reading the e-book helped a lot. Just wanted to let everyone know what was going on right now.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Owww! I'm glad you're OK, I know those things are so painful! Rest up and know we're here to help.
Remember there's no right or wrong decisions here, so no matter what you choose to do, we've got your back. I'm glad to hear the ebook helped. If you can think of any questions or whatever, chime in, we're here to help.
Feel better soon and give our love to your girl.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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