Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi
My wonderful mixed lab Scout who is 4 years old was just diagnosed with osteosarcoma on her scalp. It started as a small lump above her right eye which I thought was a bug bite. After a round of antibiotics her vet did a biopsy. We got the news yesterday and needless to say we are devasted. Any suggestions on how to handle this since amputation is not an option. We can't afford chemo and I don't even know if I'd want to do it. Her vet says she has anywhere from weeks to a few months. Any suggestions?
Hi Scout's mom...this is zeus' mom and I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis...I know the devastation of receiving that news, but not quite the devastation of not having a lot of options.
If you are not able to treat with chemo, my first suggestion would be to discuss some holistic options with a holistic vet. Be positve - they pick up our emotions more than we could ever imagine - in your voice and actions with Scout. Keep Scout comfortable with pain meds as needed and reach out to other people who have gone through this diagnosis or are going through it...a support system is an amazing thing and you'll find many answers to questions.
I'm sorry I'm not able to offer much more than that other than our love and prayers. Keep in mind that our furry friends can amaze us in many, many ways...I know MANY families who received a short time limit with a cancer diagnosis of their furry loved ones and they beat those odds and then some.
Much Love,
Heather and Zeus.
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Scouts Mom,
We are so sorry to hear this very sad news, Scout is just a baby. Thanks for writing to us, I hope we can help in some way.
What did your vet say your options are? What are the chances that chemo would help reduce the tumor in this instance?
As far as chemo goes, I know it seems daunting and scary, and yes, it can be expensive. My pawrents felt the same way about chemo when I was diagnosed. They didn't want to do it, for a lot of reasons, mostly because they thought it would reduce my quality of life. So we didn't do it. But when I got lung mets, and they found out I could have chemo at home, they went ahead with this system, called the Metronomic Protocol. I'm so glad they did, because the chemo has shrank my lung tumors by 10% and I am now at "stable disease". It's working.
Heather's advice was perfect. And yes, she's right; vets give the worst case scenario. In my case, they told me I had about four months to live, after my amputation. I'm going on two years now.
If you don't want to do chemo, then you option is to treat Scout with pain management methods. Yes, talk to a holistic vet, and find out what your vet recommends.
There is good information here about canine osteosarcoma that you may want to check out.
I hope we've helped in some way. Please let us know what you decide to do. We will be thinking of you and Scout and sending love your way.
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh my gosh, what a terrible place to get osteosarcoma. I am not one to offer you any options, but I can offer my condolences. I just hope chemo IS an option for you, or some other holistic treatments to boost K-9 Immunity .
Jerry, I didn't realize you had lung metastases. I'm glad the chemo was able to shrink the tumor, but I am just so distraught to hear about this right now. You are such a brave dog; all the dogs in the world are brave, but you are such a great spokesdog... you crazy, goofy, log-chewing guy!
We love Scout and Jerry,
Blazer, Kimber & Vicki (we are praying for all dogs with this terrible disease; our hearts are heavy with grief)
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