Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our greyhound Eva, who will be 10 in April, has a probable tumour on her hip. She went very lame the week before Christmas, was given an anti-inflammatory, seemed to get better over Christmas but then went very lame again afterwards. We went to the vet this evening and he says the point of pain is on the hip and he thinks the degree of discomfort she's showing could indicate a tumour. She's being x-rayed on Monday.
She's happy in herself, other than the obvious pain from her hip, so I'd certainly consider amputation if it were possible, as I don't feel she's ready to go yet. But I'm worried that possibly it's not even operable, and she won't have very long. Anybody any experience with hip tumours?
I'm so sorry you are going through this, we know how rough it can be.
If you want to come to the chat room there's a couple of us in there right now, it's 1pm Pacific time.
Meanwhile, all I can say is to offer this advice: try not to panic until you know what you are dealing with. There are so many variables and things that it could be. While it is common for Greys to be diagnosed with osteo, hopefully it's something not so serious. Before you think the worst, breathe and hope for the best.
Can I ask why you're waiting to x-ray until Monday? It just seems like a long time to wait, I'd be going craaaaazy.
Welcome to the community, your future posts wont' require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry Eva is have these challenges. I know it's really hard not to worry...realky, really hard! But, as Jerry says, wait 'til you get some answers nd then you can proceed with a treatment plan.
Even IF for some reason amputatin is not an options, tere are still several treatmentplans you can follow.
In the meantime, just follow Eva's lead...she's feeling good, she's hap and she's not worried avout anything. Just do so ething right now to make her tail wag and you'll feel better!
Please keepmus updated and we'll look for yor plst Monday.
Take care and give Eva a vig hug for us...and a big hug toyou too!
Sally snd Happy Hannah
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!
Hi, thanks for your words of encouragement. I have tried very hard to 'think dog' over the weekend, although it has been difficult! My poor boyfriend took her to get X-rayed today. When he picked her up the vet confirmed that she does have bone cancer, which I was pretty much prepared for.
Apparently though, when my boyfriend asked about amputation the vet was quite discouraging and said that by the time they've learnt to walk again the cancer has spread somewhere else. She's on stronger meds, and we have another appointment on Monday.
I'm looking for a second opinion, because I can see she's in pain, and I don't want to prolong it, but from her behaviour (still eating, having cuddles etc) I don't think she's ready to go yet.
My poor boyfriend is very upset, because I think he'd been hoping it wasn't cancer, and he had to deal with the vet today so it's a bit of a shock, but I now feel like I'm in action mode!
bluegreyhound said
I have tried very hard to 'think dog' over the weekend, although it has been difficult...
Just in case you haven't heard our 2012 Take A Bite Out Of Cancer keynote...
How to Be More Dog
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Eva! You MUST get a second opinion from a specialist! Unless there is some underlying problem, I'm pretty darn sure the second opinion will be quite different from this one!
I've already typed a response and it "disappeared" so Ill just keep this short. I don't know why a vet would say that. Clearly we have proff of dogs who have lived, not only many wonderful months of beng pain free...but many wonderful years!
Yeah, recovery takes a god couple of eeeks formost dogs.-.some faster...some slower. But once the sparkle comes back and you get to love and spoil andgive tummy rubs and treats 24/7, it's all worth it! My Happy Hannah just celebrated her ten month ampuversary and we re moving forward (knocking on wood)" And we are having a GLORIOUS ti e! Every day is a gift, a sacred treasure! She and I are loving every second!
Remember, in a dog's life, six months is equal to three and a half in dog years.....one year is equal to seven! NO one knows time frames! No dog comes with a tme frame stamped on it's butt!
PLEASE come back to s after you talke to a specialist. You are not alone! We are here for you! We undersstand!! I'll be looking for your update AND pictures! We OVE pictures arou d here!
HUGS!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Hi - update! We saw a new vet this morning (recommended by somebody local who also has sighthounds) and he talked us through the options - which was particularly difficult as our old practice hadn't yet sent the leg x-rays over, so he wasn't able to be sure where the tumour was. However, he was hopeful about being able to operate, if the tumour was on the leg rather than the hip, as he thought it was, although the case notes from the old vet said hip 
.
So, we left her with him, while he waited for the leg x-rays - and then he did the chest x-ray - which was clear - and then he rang me and said we were good to amputate. So we did - apparently it went well, and she is staying overnight at the vets'.
I'm so grateful that this site exists, because it has given me so much information about the possibilities. I know we're not out of the woods yet and the recovery period will not be easy, but at least we're still looking forward. If we hadn't been able to amputate it would have been the end of her story. Instead we are entering a new chapter.
This is her with four legs:
Ohhhhhhh, I'm in tears over here! Only this group of people....you're new family (whether you want us or not!) would be celebrating an amputatin
Yes, it's a "forced choice" but, u der the circumstances, clearly your vet feels gives sweet Eva a great QUALITY ...once recovery is through!! Now, as yo've read, every dog is different but, for a lot of dogs recovery can take at least a good two weeks before you can fnal see the sparkle come back! And it WILL come back! Now, searchmthe site, but I think so etimes those sweet gentle soul Greyhounds can fall nto the category sometimes of having a tough recovery.....I say this just so t wn't alarm yo IF she takes her tme gettng better. Pain meds help with the pain bt they can so etimes make a dog "whacky" for awhule too!
I am soooooo glad you saw this vet! And good for you for beng strong enough to do what you feel is best for Eva!
Have you had a chance to download all of Jerry's Requireding List....his e-books...Three Legs and a Spare.? I'm sure I'm saying all the names wrong...but you'll find 'em on here.
If you have hardwoods you'll want to put plenty of non-slip scatter rugs around for traction . Luanne always likes to remind people to get raised food bowls and water bowls.
And remember, in a dog's life, six hapy quality months of spoiling and loving equals one year! And one year equals seven, etc.!! Eva doesn't know she's "sick"...doesn't care about any ole' stupid diagnosis...she's living in the NOW...just like you are about to learn how to do big ti e!! Stay in the present with her...she'll be your role model!!
I CANNOT wait to see more photos! This one you posted just oozes with gentleness and sweetness! Such a sweetheart! Have you had her since she was a puppy? Do you have other members of your pack?
Stay connected to us, o,ay? We're all cheering for you and Eva! Sleep well toight. She'll be high as a kite and counting pink sheep and not feeling a thing!
YAAAAAAA for second opinio s
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Wow. I'm just now able to catch up on what's been going on with you guys and I'm really thrilled at your amazingly quick, upbeat and optimistic reaction to it all. YAY FOR YOU AND EVA!!!! YOU ROCK!!
I still find it completely bizarre, outdated and just plain dumb that a few vets are still out there giving such thoughtless advice in this type of situation. Even if a dog isn't a good candidate, the least any vet can do is offer to provide a referral for another opinion to help put the pawrent's mind at ease about the amputation (or not) decision. Grrrr. You are PAWESOME for being such a great advocate!!!
A new chapter indeed. We are here to help you through this so do keep us posted. Be sure to take Sally's fabulous pointers and also check out Jerry's Required Reading List and our e-book library for more help while you wait for her to come home.
Many hugs coming your way!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi and welcome to our little family 
Congratulations on your a) finding a new vet so quickly and b) making a fabulous decision for Eva!
As you have been reading....there will be some difficult times ahead for Eva during the recovery process but certainly none that are insurmountable. Eva, I'm sure, will adapt to her new life as a tripawd quickly and free from pain
Try to relax tonight...Eva is well taken care of...and keep us updated.
Linda and Tucker
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