Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It's been a long day... our 10 year old, 85 lbs Greyhound Lab, Harley, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front-right leg today.
She originally hurt her leg in a fall in the summer, but recovered fairly quickly. She started limping about 4-5 weeks ago, and at the time it was a barely noticeable limp and she was walking fairly well. We took her to the vet just in case, but they didn't find much.
A few weeks later, she ran down the deck stairs after a squirrel, and ended up coming to a screeching halt, unable to move. Had to carry her inside and scheduled the next available vet appointment for the next day. The vet couldn't move her shoulder at all with her crying, so we did an x-ray immediately.
At the time we didn't find any bone fractures or cancer, so we chalked it up to a sprain in her shoulder, and decided to see how she'll do with pain meds over the next couple of weeks, thinking it was similar to her last incident. She's already been on Metacam, so we upped that dose and added Tramadol as well.
Week 3 and she wasn't getting much better, so we went in for another examination. Our vet decided to send us to a orthopaedic specialist for a better look. He sedated her so he could manipulate her shoulder and x-ray her, with a possible ultrasound. Didn't end up doing the ultrasound because they found signs of cancer in the x-ray.
We met with the oncologist later in the day to find that she had an extensive, aggressive bone lesion visible in the majority of her leg (osteosarcoma) and they also had done an x-ray of her chest, where they did find some evidence of cancer spreading (metastasis).
Bit of a tricky decision to make now, given the following:
- She's 10, but her eyes are full of life and she doesn't seem keen on giving up just yet. She still loves chasing squirrels and pretending she's a Roomba in the kitchen. I'd give her till 12 before the cancer.
- She also has hip dysplasia in her hind legs, so we're worried that amputation might make that worse. The orthopaedic specialist commented today that her hips sounded like they were crunchy. She seems to get along well with her Metacam on a day-to-day basis. though.
- She suffered a torn ACL in her hind knee and had a lateral suture surgery 3 years ago, and recovered extremely well.
- Most osteosarcoma cases we're finding don't have the lung metastasis discoverable yet, so we're not sure what our odds of making it past that are with chemo (Carboplatin or Doxorubicin).
Our oncologist is one of the only three in western Canada, and they're giving us 6-10 month estimate if we go with the amputation+chemo route.
Does anyone have any experience with tripawds that have hip dysplasia? Trying to figure out how good her quality of life will be if we go ahead with this.
Hi Harley and family, welcome to the club nopawdy wants to join. We are so sorry you're in this tough situation, many of us are familiar with it and struggled with the same decisions, under similar if not identical circumstances, so we know your anguish, you are not alone.
My first thoughts are: 1) wow how cool you are near the oncologist and able to work with them! We would love to send them our Tripawds Foundation Vet Outreach brochures, if you'd like, let us know! And other specialists, very cool. Now, what did they say as far as Harley's candidacy for being a Tripawd? Did they "rate" her on a scale of 1 to 10? Another member's vet did that recently when they were trying to decide and it was so helpful.
Yes, we have had many Tripawds with conditions like arthritis, cruciate repairs, etc., before amputation. Just search the Forums for those words and you'll find tons of experiences. Rarely does anyone go into it without a condition of some sort and the majority of dogs here are over 7 years old. What does the ortho specialist think about her ability to get around on 3? Is she overweight at all? If so, that's not a big deal, she can lose weight with your help. As far as her age, honestly 10 is not a big deal either, at least for her breed type, as long as she has the sparkle that you feel will help her through recovery and enjoy life on 3.
When it comes to chemo, remember, that is optional. Yes, there are odds to think about, but chemo is no guarantee of beating those odds. We've seen countless dogs do great and live way beyond expectations and statistics both with and without chemo and others who sadly, didn't make it more than a few months with chemo (or without). Our own Jerry lived 2 years post amputation with no chemo, so you really just don't know, it's a crapshoot.
The most important choice to make right now is what will help her feel better and alleviate that pain, which is horrible even if they don't show it, whether you do it palliatively with pain meds (short term solution), or with amputation, we'll support you either way.
I hope this helps. Stay tuned for feedback from others.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Jerry, thanks for replying!
Yes, we're really relieved that we're a short drive away from an oncologist, as a year ago we were living in a different city that wasn't close to one.
Our initial consultation didn't give a clear answer as to how well she would do as a tripawd, but the oncologist did give us amputation as an option at least. We just gave the vet a call and asked for a call back from the oncologist to get a better answer. Would be nice if we could get the orthopaedic specialist to give her a proper examination to determine how her legs can handle the extra weight.
Harley is 85lbs, so for a Greyhound Lab, she's at her ideal weight. Got that going for us this time, at least! With her knee surgery, she turned out to be obese at the time, which was obviously horrible for her knee, but we focused hard on getting her to her ideal weight and she came out with a perfect recovery.
We realise that osteosarcoma is very excruciating pain, but even though amputating would relieve it immediately, we're worried it'd be horrible if she put even more stress on her bad hips that already "crunch" and put her in worse pain than she was the other month. The oncologist said they put 40% of their weight on their hind legs after amputation. We had her hip x-ray'd a few years ago, and the bone was practically bare and the vet was amazed she was doing so well without a hip replacement. This is why she's been on Recovery and Metacam daily for the last few years, and does remarkably well. We don't think a setback her would bode well for her quality of life.
The other wildcard for us is the lung metastasis. Given that it's already visible ("one small soft-tissue opacity within the ventral lung fields"), we're concerned on how that'll affect her. The general estimate our vet gave us for dogs with osteosarcoma is 10-12 months with amputation and chemo, however chances are worse if she already has lung metastasis. If recovery from amputation is 2-3 months, that might leave her with anywhere between 1-3 months, while her lungs get worse over those 6 months. It seems like it might be downhill from here, but we can't seem to find a good answer on that.
Lastly, Harley's always nervous when going to the vet, so making her a frequent flyer might just end up being rather traumatizing for her in general.
So, will we be trading one pain for another (albeit lesser) pain? If so, maybe we should just spare her the trouble while she's ahead, even though she's in good spirits now. If it wasn't for the hip dysplasia and lung metastasis, this would've been a lot easier of an answer. She doesn't seem ready to go yet, so we'd regret letting her go too soon if we're not saving her from an imminent worse outcome.
I'm so sorry you are in the place you are having to make the decisions you have to make. Your love for Harley shines through your post. Can you have an orthopedics dr do an evaluation on him? Do your research with the Drs and then make your decision out of love. Don't focus on the statistics focus on quality of life for Harley. You know your Harley the best. Prayers that you can find the right answer for your beautiful boy. You'll have our support no matter what you choose to do.
Hugs,
Linda & Max
Harley's not having the greatest day today. She can't seem to get very comfortable laying around. Took her out for a car ride to her parks, gave her some ice cream and chicken nuggets at the park. Didn't do very well with the car ramp, wasn't able to keep herself very stable in the car, and was panting quite a bit at the park.
We were pretty optimistic yesterday, and the past couple of weeks were relatively better, since it seemed more like a sprain at the time and keeping her calm. Today, the effects of the osteosarcoma are painfully clear, and just getting worse, even with the max pain meds. She's starting to losing her spark.
The oncologist just got back to us, who spoke with the orthopaedic specialist about Harley's odds of being able to handle being without a leg. They're not very optimistic about her hind legs being able to support her. Not worth risking it.
Just called our regular vet to schedule a house visit to put her to sleep tomorrow. This is going downhill too suddenly, can't let it get worse for her. I imagine we're already 3+ weeks into the osteosarcoma, even though it's barely been a day since we discovered it.
Thanks for the support
I have tears running down my face. My heart hurts for you. If it helps at all I think I would have made the same decision if I were in your shoes. Loving them enough to let them go is the last and the greatest gift we can give them. Harley let you know it was time and with love you listened. Please know this whole tripawd nation will mourn with you.
Many hugs
Linda & Max
I just now caught up on your post. My heart is breaking for you, just heartbroken.
Harley has let you know she's ready to transition. You have to trust that Harley has no fear of making that transition. You have ro trust that, for whatever reason, it was not meant for her to go through the surgery, the recovery, the unknown issues that she may have been facing. She will be pain free and that is the greatest gift you can give her.
This is hard, so incredibly hard. Your love for Harley is pure and selfless. You will do the seemingly impossible tonight. Yiu will continue to stay strong for Harley. You will stay in the moment. She is with you now. Loving and spoiling will be non-stop, that's for sure.
You are giving her the gift of dignity and not allowing things to get any worse. I just sit here and shake my head in awe of the depth of your love for Harley and your stength.
I'm just so sorry, so very, very sorry. There are no words. We all want to try and find a way to bring you comfort and we can't.
Harley is part of our family. She jumped into our hearts with your first post. You gave her a great day today. Yeah, she was tired but she enjoyed it. We celebrate her life with you. When you can, PLEASE share more about your wonderful Harley with us. Her life matters to us.
If there is ANYTHING we can do to help you through this difficult time, please, please, let us know. The grief you will face is gut wrenching. But right now, you are together. There will be time to grieve later. We want to be here ro help you through that. We understand like no others can
We also understand that Harley will ALWAYS be with you. As Jerry reminds us, the transition is just a blinkmof the eye compared to the thousands and thousands of days of happy memories you shared with Harley. Harley wants you to remember those splendid days. That would .make her happy.
Sending you all the love in the world..
Sally and My Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
I'm so sorry to hear your Harley can't be with you longer. One of the greatest challenges we have is knowing when it is time. You are doing the most loving thing you can to relieve her of the pain.
I hope you have a peaceful evening spoiling and comforting Harley.
Kerren
Bless you for doing everything you have (and are) for Harley.
Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry you've had to make this decision. Sometimes the only thing we can do is let them go, no matter how much it hurts.
Denise.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Holding you in our hearts today.
The pups at the Bridge will give Harley a wonderful welcome as they present the fabulous "weldome feast" they've prepared. Oh yeah, she'll have platters of chicken nuggets as well as bowls and bowls of ice cream.
With love,
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
Thinking of you today as Harley transitions. I hope you have a peaceful day, and that the good memories will help in the coming days and weeks.
Harley will live on in your hearts and so will never be far from your side.
Karen and The Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
I am so sorry ... this is the hardest part.
Hugs and love to you!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Harley peacefully left us Thursday morning.
We made the appointment at 11:30am, so she could have a bit of a normal morning and so we could spend some time snuggling her but it was tough leading up to it. When the vet arrived, she was pretty excited to greet them. We made sure she got a vet she hadn't seen before, as she hated going to the vet office, so it was a relief that her last moments weren't anxiety. She laid down on her own shortly after she settled down, and we comforted her until the end.
It's a huge relief that Harley is no longer in pain. We spent a lot of effort making sure that, despite her severe hip dysplasia and whatever other issues came up (e.g., torn ACL), she would always be as comfortable as possible, regardless of the impact on us. She wasn't just any member of the family, she was practically our child. Many of our major decisions revolved around her, like where to live, what car, even which bed frame, so she could jump up and be a little bed bug, rubbing herself in our pillows then roaching. At one point in the last few weeks, after we got her on Tramadol, she caught me off guard and jumped up on the bed with me in the morning - that's how much she loved it.
Here are some pictures of Harley: http://imgur.com/a/z40IP
We really appreciate the support from all you. It's tremendously helped in reassuring us that we did the best thing we could possibly do for her. It was definitely rough thinking you might have a chance if all the stars align, but really, she knew it was time so we did the best we could to make that as graceful as possible for her. Thank you.
Oh gosh...can't write much right now..too .many tears. She exited with so much grace, peace and love. Soooo .uch love.
But I nwave to point out one thing now. As I was sliding through her pictures, the one of her "off leash on a cold blustery day"...not sure how to explain it, but it was as though she was staring at a scene from the Bridge. It's just a beautiful picture. It jist took my breath away.
I want to write more later. Just too much of a puddle right now.
Sending love...
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
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