Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We've been away so I haven't told you the latest twists in Shyla's story of a lump on her left ulna and a limp. Ironically, it's exactly the same bone and same spot as where K's OSA was.
At CSU, we found out that it's probably not a fungal infection, based on a urinary antigen test. So, on Tuesday (Shyla's first birthday), we will do repeat x-rays of the ulna. The remaining possible diagnoses are 1) a hairline fracture not visible on the x-rays (it is possible that just the scar tissue, but not the bone crack, shows on x-rays, looking like a tumor), 2) a bacterial bone infection, 3) OSA. If the repeat x-rays show the lesion growing, then we'll do a biopsy. If it's getting smaller, then we'll assume it was an invisible fracture and just keep resting Shyla to let it heal.
Based on Shyla's young age, we are not allowing ourselves to take OSA seriously right now - we simply can't deal with it. We'll only deal with that if we are forced to. We tend to think that she somehow got a minor fracture without us knowing it. The limping has subsided but the lump on her bone is still as big as before.
Thanks so much to all of you who cared enough to private message me to find out the news! I'm sorry that we were gone from cell and internet reception for so long. That's how we give thanks on Thanksgiving!
K, an 8 year old chocolate lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the radius and ulna on 12/23/11. She had stereotactic radiation to kill the bone tumors, and 3 rounds of carboplatin. On 3/16/12, lung mets were found. We tried several different kinds of chemotherapy to slow the lung mets but none worked. Finally, mets appeared at other sites, including her spine. She earned her angel wings on July 15, 2012. K changed my life, and I'll never forget her. Our/my journey is chronicled at romp-roll-rockies.blogspot.com.
Thank you so much for the update, we've been wondering how things were going.
First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHYLA! 
You have so much living and loving and teaching to do, there is no way on earth that this is cancer, I just know it.
Good luck this Tuesday, please let us know what the rads say OK? Sounds like you had a super cool Turkey Day.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tons of good wishes for you and Shayla as the diagnosis process continues.
You are wise to not worry yet until you know what you are facing.
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.
Thanks for giving us an update on Shyla. I'd be the same as you, not considering OSA as a possibility unless you really have to.
Sending lots of pawsitive thoughts
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
hey Shyla and family
I just wanted to send you some best wishes, and I to wouldn't worry or contemplate, something unless you get the definite answer,
Shyla is such a young lady and with youth comes the ability to cause us worry, and bring us a whole lot of Joy 
Shyla also will have the benefit of Bouncing back quickly and living their life to the fullest, so I'm sure she will be recovering soon and continuing to blossom as she grows
Sending you lots of Pawsitive thoughts and lots of love,
zena and Fizzly in Spirit xoxox
Thank you for the update. I've been wondering how your girl was and what you'd heard (but have also been away for the holidays). We will continue to send pawsitive thoughts your way. I wouldn't be able to deal with thinking of it being OSA either. Besides, why worry that it could be the worst when it possibly won't.
Here's hoping for good news!
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!
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