Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, seeking advice. I just got a diagnosis for my cat, age 10. It is on her hind leg. They do not see signs it is anywhere else. They recommend amputation. Does anyone have experience with this situation? How did the cat do? From what I see and have been told, it is rare in cats and does not metastasize as it does in dogs.
Thanks!
Hi and welcome! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
What is your cat's name? I'm sorry you got the diagnosis. It sounds like osteosarcoma?
Have you seen an oncologist yet? You'll want to do that so you have all of the latest information and treatment options. It's good to know that you left no stone unturned so that you feel more confident whichever way you go. And we'll support you no matter what.
In the past it was thought that osteosarcoma doesn't metastasize in cats, but a recent study shows that it happens more than was once thought. See:
Osteosarcoma Metastasis in Cats Not So Rare After All
However, don't let this be the deciding factor as to whether or not you go forward. Getting rid of the pain is most important when it comes to osteosarcoma. Everything after that, every day, is icing on the cake.
We have had a lot of cats with osteosarcoma, more than most vets see in their own practice. See:
Charlie the Osteosarcoma Cat Beats the Cancer Odds!
and
Forums Posts about Vaccine Associated Sarcoma - Fibrosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma
So in short, yes, we've had quite a few cats go through this and they really do end up doing better than most people think once recovery is over.
As you can see from Jerry's response, you have come to the roght place for information and support. We all understand the emotions involved in trying to do what's best for our cats and dogs.
Glad your cat had a good check up and no signs of this crap disease anywhere else. Getting rid of the pain is crucial to quality.
A d yes, we've had cats far older than yours thrive on three.
We'll look forward to supporting you with whatever path you take.
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!
AEO3:
I have a 12 yr old American shorthaired cat who has hyperthyroidism that was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his rear hind leg back on 4/18/22. I opted to amputate his leg (May 9th 2022) and had done really well for a while, then in Aug developed nerve pain or hyperesthesia. This is not to be confused with phantom nerve pain though. He does not yell or howl when the onsets happen and has been able to reduce those symptoms.
In Dec 2022 he had a chest x-ray that revealed a tumor in his chest. It is smaller than his microchip at the moment and has only grown a little bit. He is still happy, eats, sleeps, and poops just fine, and has no effects of cancer as of today. I am opting to put him on chemo, Pallida, but have not started it yet. I'm sure IV chemo might have been better for him, but the clinic is 2 hours away and I just cannot drive him and back and forth so much not knowing if it will help.
My boy has had a very hard journey, but I know he & I have been happy to have the extra time to be with each other. So my recommendation to you is to do what you think is best for your baby. Many people were telling me to put my boy down, but I couldn't do it! I looked into his eyes and soul per se and knew it wasn't his time yet. I know I can't keep him forever but I'm willing to fight for him as long as he lets me know he is willing to do the same. Nothing is guaranteed in life, right? I wish I could express how much I love my little boy and do not wish him any discomfort!
My heart goes out to you and your baby! Stay strong, do more research, and listen to your & her heart ~
ccbusch said
AEO3:I have a 12 yr old American shorthaired cat who has hyperthyroidism that was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his rear hind leg back on 4/18/22. I opted to amputate his leg (May 9th 2022) and had done really well for a while, then in Aug developed nerve pain or hyperesthesia. This is not to be confused with phantom nerve pain though. He does not yell or howl when the onsets happen and has been able to reduce those symptoms.
In Dec 2022 he had a chest x-ray that revealed a tumor in his chest. It is smaller than his microchip at the moment and has only grown a little bit. He is still happy, eats, sleeps, and poops just fine, and has no effects of cancer as of today. I am opting to put him on chemo, Pallida, but have not started it yet. I'm sure IV chemo might have been better for him, but the clinic is 2 hours away and I just cannot drive him and back and forth so much not knowing if it will help.
My boy has had a very hard journey, but I know he & I have been happy to have the extra time to be with each other. So my recommendation to you is to do what you think is best for your baby. Many people were telling me to put my boy down, but I couldn't do it! I looked into his eyes and soul per se and knew it wasn't his time yet. I know I can't keep him forever but I'm willing to fight for him as long as he lets me know he is willing to do the same. Nothing is guaranteed in life, right? I wish I could express how much I love my little boy and do not wish him any discomfort!
My heart goes out to you and your baby! Stay strong, do more research, and listen to your & her heart ~
That is super sweet of you, thank you for offering your sage advice and experience!
It's great he's otherwise doing so well. Did you happen to read aboutthis option for removing lung metastasis?
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