Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Has anyone had any experience with osteosarc in the spine??
We just arrived in Alaska for the winter, and little Sally has been lame for a couple days (I was assuming it was from the long drive up - I sure am sore!). We took her in to the local clinic for xrays to rule out any disk injuries, but the vet came back with a "possible (can't be sure) start of what looks like osteosarcoma in C6". We are shocked!
Before I do any further tests, I am curious if anyone has dealt with this before. If so, what is the prognosis? Can't really amputate a neck....
We aren't convinced anything at the moment, as the vet was not certain from the xrays. We are treating her for pain and muscle relaxer hoping that resolves it, but if not....., well, I don't want to think about it at this point.
Any helpful ideas would be greatly appreciated!
TC, Spirit Cali, and little Sally-roo
Is Sally a tripawd already? Has she already been diagnosed with OSA? How old is she?
Where did you travel from? Bacterial and fungal infections in the bone can mimic the radiographic changes seen with OSA.
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
No. Way. I'm sorry. Stay pawsitive TC.
Ugh. Well, if that's what it is, which I hope it is NOT, there are a few pups here who have dealt with osteo in the spine, but typically they happen as a result of a primary osteo tumor somewhere else. Search for "spinal mets" and you'll find some results, which are unfortunately, not great news.
What's your next step? I know your specialty center options are relatively limited up there right?
P.S. Wookie, she traveled from Denver to Alaska.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh dear, I hope it's not that. I do remember that other pups had it on the spine - but as Jerry said, those were 2ndry tumors.
Sending good thoughts!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I have seen 1 case of primary OSA in the spine of a Bulldog. It was suspected on radiographs but confirmed with an MRI. That dog was very painful and did not do well but fortunately that condition is rare. Intervertebral disc disease or diskopondylitis is more common but also may need an MRI for complete diagnosis.
Pam
Sorry - I should have been more detailed.
Sally is a 12-yr old female Alaskan Husky. Twenty-four pounds of fury, and our self-appointed rule-keeper in the pack. She has no pre-existing health issues and has been healthy up until 5 days ago when she came up sore.
Calpurnia was our matriarch who lost a leg to cancer, then subsequently went on to live 3 quality years with us before leaving us at the age of 16. Unfortunately, with a pack the size of ours, it seems there is always something going on with someone. 🙁
Yes, we are quite limited in what we have available where we are this winter for vet care. I did get the xrays digitally and have sent them to be looked at by a radiologist specialist. I am not sure there is an MRI option anywhere reasonable.
Thanks for the info Pam - I will research disk diseases and see if that fits the bill. In the meantime, paws crossed for our little girl that this isn't OSA.
TC
Some good news-
I sent the xrays to our vet in CO to have their radiologist look at them, and she reported she didn't see anything to indicate Osteosarcoma in the vertebrae. She did see a possible disk injury and some arthritis, but she isn't ringing the doom bell!! Hooray. We have weaned Sally off the pain meds and she seems to be doing OK. Haven't worked her yet, but maybe we will try a short excursion today. Yippee!
YESSS!!!!!!!!! WOOO OOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! 
OMD NO CANCER is great news! The Tripawds Nation howls with hoppiness for Sally and the Odaroloc Sled Dog Team!
Hey TC don't be shy, tell everyone about your new merchandise to support the team, in our "Tripawds Skillshare" Forum. Your postcards are pawesome!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yea indeed! Hope she has a speedy and full recovery.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Yea for Sally!!
I know your not close to much but I have found chiropractic very helpful for my 12 year old quad pug who has pretty sever arthritis, including in her spine. Maybe when you get to your summer digs.
Tani is my 15 pounds of fury!!! I only have two pugs, so Tani likes to keep order at the dog park.
I hope Sally makes a full recovery.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Yaaay for no stoopid cancer! We have a Sally too. 
As Karen said, don't know your options up there, but I've heard chiropractic might be good (although I have heard differing things if it is a disc problem - some docs advise against it, some say it works miracles.). When Holly had what we think was disc disease/injury, we did acupuncture and it perked her up some - I definitely think it made her feel better even though it didn't have a lot of effect on the final outcome. We were also about to try K Laser...I've read a lot about it and sounds like it could be helpful; someone here also recommended it to me - I want to say Dakota's mom?
Good luck!
1 Guest(s)
