tkk81 said
I am soo frustrated with peoples feelings about my possible amp dog.  People give me opinions without me even asking for them, ugh so frustrating.  I am really finding that people dont "get" it. My mother of all people, keeps trying to convince me that I should just do nothing and enhance his quality of life through foods and vitamins.  I dont think she gets how painful it would be for him.  Right now he is taking duramax for pain and is doing quite well on it, running playing jumping.  I wonder if I am not getting it, but from what I read, the disease is fast and painful.  I feel that if I do not act soon on his amp, he will likely need to be put down soon as the meds will not help forever. 

I'm very lucky that my wife is supportive of the path we've chosen for Norah and that the rest of my family, if they have any reservations, has kept their mouths shut on the topic.  Still, there are definitely challenges to owning a tripawd.  

Just the other day we were at the vet to have Norah's staples removed and to talk to the oncologist.  Even some of the other dog owners were staring at Norah (who was rocking her Webmaster harness and Tripawds Rule bandana !) and I could see them staring and some of them muttering "Oh God!" or "That poor thing!"  Even some dog owners don't understand because they haven't been there.  Hopefully they will not ever be in this position, but if they find themselves there, they too will understand.

You have to be secure in your decision and in your relationship with your dog.  Since surgery 18 days ago, Norah's back to her usual self.  We're seeing her go back to habits and behaviors that have been gone since the pain in her leg started.   I do feel the need to explain myself and the decision from time to time, but for the most part the little sweet moments I get to have with Norah again make it easier to deal with other people's lack of understanding.  And, as I hope this thread has proven to you, you have found a great, supportive community right here in this forum!

Sending good vibes your way for the oncologist today.  Keep us informed!

Hehehehe... Kermit seems to totally eat it up when we go out & everyone says "Ooohhh, poor thing, what happened to him"? Or "Awww, is he a rescue?" (I think because he's a pit bull they probably assume he had his leg eaten off in a fight)  All of which Kermit replies to by saying, in his own very clear doggy language, "Yes, I am DOOMED to a life of HORRIBLE MISERY that can ONLY be comforted by your rubbing my tummy!  And scratching my ears! And I MIGHT survive just a BIT longer if you give me one of those cookies in that bag there... maybe TWO cookies.  Two cookies would help a lot." "And a new toy, can we go over to the toys?  If you throw my ball I'll feel better, go ahead, you KNOW you want to help poor little ol' me!" 

It's all in your perspective, I guess.

Well, I don't even know what to say. Today was...odd. I went to the oncologist and the first thing she said was that he had a lesion on his leg. When I asked if it was for sure a cancerous tumour she said he was pretty sure it was but the only way to confirm is to do a biopsy. A biopsy would cost about 1100. So she said that if I was going to remove the leg a biopsy would be pointless. To treat it as if it is OSA would be extremely costly, 2600 for chemo and 4600 for the amp!!! I was taken aback by this extremely high cost, which brought me down quite a bit cuz I can never afford this kind of money.

I got the feeling that there was an element if doubt in her mind that it really is OSA A) because they figure this started in November and Congo is still prancing around as if he has no pain in his leg. And B) there is no mets to the lungs yet. I felt very overwhelmed with this visit and the information and cost.

While they did some blood tests, I had an epiphany, I called my American neighbours! This very nice vet called me back to give me a quote for an amp and he started asking questions. He felt that something was not right regarding his pain. He felt that if Congo had OSA for so long he would be in pain. And the fact that he is on duramax "wouldn't touch the pain of OSA". He didn't think it is possible for Congo to be on duramax and going on with regular activities like running full speed, jumping and sitting on his hind legs for treats. So with this being said I'm sending the X-rays to him tomorrow and will book Congo in for a biopsy next week. The doc said that its better to do a biopsy to be sure. Because some bone cancers respond better to radiation and amputation and chemo may not be a necessity. The cost for me to do the biipsy across the line...300!!! The amp, 1100. Can this be possible?

So I am asking my American friends, is there a website in which I can read reviews of veterinarians?

I'm sorry I missed you in chat last night.  I'm SO glad you thought to call another vet and get another opinion.  Are you getting the biopsy done in the US or BC?

In Jackson's onco practice, there's a large yellow lab, 4 legs, that has been undergoing treatment for OSA for well over a year.  He's a big guy and very happy and limps a little.  Yes, you can see the tumor on his rear ankle.  He's been on IV chemo, metronomics , radiation, and pain killers this entire time.  As I understand from his pawrents, the tumor hasn't really grown and his pain is very well managed.  It's great to see him getting around!  That said...they make very frequent trips to the onco for his care, namely radiation.  So yes, they've saved the limb and maintained his mobility, but I'm sure they have paid waaaaaaaay more than what we've done for Jackson and his three limbs.

This is my way of encouraging you to get costs for long term care.  We want all our pups to live for YEARS.  Well, if that happens, what may the cost of radiation be?  Assuming it's OSA, of course.  Maybe the lesion indicates another kind of cancer?

I'm looking forward to additional posts, as you're right in the middle of it!  Best wishes!  I'm SO SO glad you called around...good thinkin', Lincoln!

~Katy

I will happily pay the amputation fee if its meant to go that way. But it just seems that nobody is really sure. I wish I could show you all the X-rays. Waiting for dr Pam to call me!