Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our 14 year old Aussie Sadie developed a large swelling of her right rear hock in late August that appeared very quickly. She had x-rays and a CT scan as well as another x-ray about 2 1/2 weeks later showing no difference. She aslo had cytology done but no culture at the time. Radiologist and Internal Medicine doctor all felt this was some kind of infection or irritation. Further aspiration and culture showed no cancer cells or bacterial cells. We were having trouble getting a diagnosis so we traveled to UC Davis for a consult with Internal Medicine there. The doctor ruled this to be a soft cell carcinoma of the non aggressive type and refered us to Oncology at UCDavis which we just returned from yesterday. Unfortunately the Dr. at UC Davis found that this had metastasized to both lungs in a major way and that amputation and even chemo would most likely not prolong her life. The Doctor said he had never seen anything like this.
The reason for this post is we wonder if anyone else has faced this type of situation and if so were you able to do some things to get your best friend over thiese hurdles.
Hi Michael & Sadie, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away. It was good chatting today.
I'm sorry you are facing this very tough situation. I'm curious, what did the docs at UCD suggest as far as treatment and keeping her comfortable? I recall you mentioned they didn't recommend chemo, but what about Prednisone to control lung met inflammation, or any clinical trials? UCD is the best in the world and if anyone has something they can offer it would be them. It would be surprising if they don't have any good recommendations to at least try to keep the mets under control for as long as possible.
There are many people who do face lung mets at the time of diagnosis. I tried sifting through search results here but there are so many that mention metastasis it's hard to pinpoint members who had the exact situation.
More often these days, amputation is done anyways to alleviate the pain and simply manage quality of life. Did they rule this out for Sadie?
Thank you for alowing us to post rere. The Doctor at UCDavis did prescribe some Tramadol as needed for pain as well as Yunnan Baiyao to control lung bleeding. Mets were so far along that it was pretty hopeless. He did not give her much time and while they would have done Chemo and amputation if we wanted to go that way it would not help. This is obviously a much more aggressive cancer than we all thought.
Oh my gosh of course you can post here, I'm glad you did. What the docs prescribed is pretty standard. I'm just so sad for you guys.
Many of us have faced end of life care and it's not easy. I'm just so sorry that Sadie's cancer is so far along.
As heartbreaking as it is for the vets to not be able to offer any mets treatments (which still surprises me, even at UCD?!), now you know where things stand and can make a plan to ensure whatever time she has left is filled with love and all the things she enjoys. My biggest suggestion is to focus on Sadie right now, and consider all the things that bring her joy, then do them! We have this article that might help give you some ideas.
Also, consider having a hospice vet evaluate her situation. They are so well-equipped to guide you through this time so that you feel a little better about how things might unfold, and how to understand Sadie's needs. A hospice vet can also provide additional pain control that helps alleviate any issues she might have with the mets. Thankfully, mets are not as painful as say, a bone tumor. She will likely just be more tired than anything as time goes on.
Another thought: we have seen many cases where things don't play out as predicted. Some dogs will go on and enjoy life for longer than anyone suspected. There is always that chance. So try your best to prepare for the worst but hope for the best. All Sadie wants right now is to be with you, to enjoy every moment. She doesn't know why you are upset, and doesn't care what the xrays said. She is the perfect role model for living in the now, and a wise teacher.
We are here for you so please keep us posted. I hope this helps a little.
Just kind of shaking g my head in disbelief at how all this has unfolded so quickly.
I can only say ditto, ditto, ditto to the sage advice Jerry gave you. I know you have a lot to digest, but this isn't necessarily the"end of the road" yet. As Jerry said, often things like this don't play out as badly as predicted. Sadie is her own dog with her own make up unique only to her. The fact that she's already made it to fourteen is quite a testament to her internal fortitude and to the loving bond she shares with you.
Yoi are a powerful advocate for her. Just because the Vets at UCD didn't offer any "treatment" per se, doesn't mean that they don't exist. Some have found acupuncture to provide relief and definitely the Prednisone is something to consider to keep her feeling good. It reduces the inflammation that mets cause. And some find Gabapentin and maybe Amantadine more effective than Tramadol. So by managing the pain and keeping those crap mets stable, Sadie can continue to have good quality for hopefully a good while.
Curious, other than the bum leg, has she shown any other lung related "symptoms "? When the Bet said "he had never seen anything like this", was he referencing size of mets, number, .location, etc?? Also, the Yunnan Baiyao is often recommended for Hermangisarcoma, but this is Oesteo, right?
Anyway, there should be suggestions for keep things stable and, of not from USC, maybe the Hospice Vet can make other suggestions.
I know your head is spinning right now, but the bliss of being dog is Sadie isn't worried about a thing.
We're here to help in anyway we can, okay?
(((((((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!
Thank you to all that have responded to our post on Sadie. It is much appreciated. The suspected cancer is Hemangiosarcoma not osteo. That s why Yunnan Baiyao was prescribed. We are going to see an integrative holistic vet next Tuesday and explore further things to help her. We have been going to her clinic for some time now. Has anyone used CBD Oil in cases like this?
Your advice and suggestions are all very welcome.
Thanks for the clarification. Yes many have used. Yunnan Baiyao for Hermangisarcoma. I personally know someone who felt like she got good extended time by using that for her dog. If I recall, it started with larger dose (or more frequent) atfirst. Not sure though, double check. Also, had the time I think she got it from Walmart pharmacy as it was hard to find. Anyway, your Holistic Vet can help mon all that.
Really glad you have a Holistic Vet in can maybe add some therapies to help Sadie continue to be Sadie💖
I don't have any insight in to CBD specifically, but Jerry and others will chime in on the brands they reccomennd.
Keep on spoiling and giving that sweet girl a cheeseburger with fries for us
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!
Ahhh OK that makes sense. Hemangio is one of those cancers that is extra awful. I'm so sorry. So glad to hear you have a vet who can help manage the situation with other remedies. CBD / cannabis products be helpful but it really has to be a good product and dosed effectively. Being in California it's likely your vet has some resources to help with choosing a good one. If not let me know and I'll point you in the right direction (see my Cannabis articles if you want to dive into the subject).
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