Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello All. My dog's situation is now so different from my first thread that it makes sense to begin a new one. Our dedicated vet initiially assumed OSC in my beloved dog's tibia, but the radiologist said the x-rays were different from anything he had ever seen, and that there were spots of unknown origin in his femur. IT also does not resemble synovial cell sarcoma. I really want to avoid a bone biopsy if the leg must go anyway , and asked my vet for any other tests that could stage the cancer (if it is cancer), or determine if it is elsewhere, or is something systemic like multiple myeloma or lymphoma. This is so hard because our 8 year old lab does not seem in pain (other than the lame leg). He is on low dose pain meds, and is eating, happy, sleeping well, interested in what is going on.......it seems terrible to do a painful test or amputation. Our vet said the fine needle aspiration will not go into the bone enough for results. We live in the northeast so a fungal infection is unlikely. Any comments or suggestions would be so appreciated.
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Hi Tricia, I know you're registered as a member so be sure to log-in so your posts won't require approval and will appear immediately.
I'm so sorry you've got a complicated situation going on. Here's the thing: if your dog's leg is lame, that means your dog is in pain. Yes, your dog is eating and alert, but that is instinct kicking in. Dogs will do whatever they can to hide how much pain they're really in. If you are confident you are going to amputate no matter what, then the biopsy can be done afterward. If there is any indication that the leg can be saved, then that's when it's time to consider a bone biopsy. Ask your vet if there's a chance the leg can be saved and take it from there.
I know this is hard. Good luck and keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The reason I would do an abdominal ultrasound first is on the off chance that this could be hemangiosarcoma or another systemic cancer (such as lymphoma). Both of these cancers can also affect the spleen or liver or in the case of lymphoma the intestines or abdominal lymph nodes. If your dog has HSA in the spleen or liver then it may not make sense to pursue amputation. If it is lymphoma then your dog needs systemic chemo which may need to be done first. Both of these scenarios are pretty rare but it sounds like your dog has an atypical presentation.
An ultrasound is easy and not that pricey and may give you peace of mind. If the leg looks bad on the xray and the radiologist or oncologist is recommending amputation no matter what then you could go that route, too. I think an FNA is pretty easy to do and often shows cancer cells. It may not be able to differentiate the type of cancer but that may help make your decision easier without a painful biopsy.
Have you considered a second opinion at at vet school or specialty center?
Pam
Pam and Jerry, thank you so much for your replies. They mean so much to me and it is hard to describe how much less alone I feel. Bo had a fine needle aspiration of his tibia on Thursday and it came back with a "few atypical cells" but was not enough to diagnose as a cancer. It also ruled out infection. Our vet feels as frustrated as we do and said we can either wait and see what happens, do a bone biopsy, amputate and then bone biopsy, or see an oncologist for some more input. I guess it is to the oncologist we go, because I don't feel comfortable with any of the other steps yet. Process of elimination! My worry is that each car trip to the vet sets him back pain wise - he just does too much with the lame leg when he is all excited to see our vets office. But I think it is important to keep looking for a diagnosis.
Meanwhile, my little buddy Bo has the greatest attitude and has been eating and drinking well. He loves to roll around on the lawn and is interested in but not yet loving his ginger lead. We have added finely chopped kale and ground flax seed to his diet, plus fish oil, glucosamine, tumeric, and artemisinin . Since he cannot do stairs we are taking turns having a sleepover with him downstairs.
Is there anything that can be done to protect the lame leg while we consider our options; ie a hard cast? If the big worry is fracture of the disintegrating bone, why not shore it up?
(Special note to tripawds admin - sorry I did not log in, in my craziness I have lost my username. will try to find it. I have noticed that I am extremely, noticeably forgetful since this all began.)
Love and light to all, Tricia
Tricia I'm sorry you haven't gotten a clearer diagnosis. Where in the northeast are you located? We have a lot of members in that area who can give you referrals if you haven't picked an oncologist yet.
It sounds like you're taking the path that feels right to you, which is great. Be assertive when you make an appointment, many oncologists have long waiting lists.
What kind of pain meds is Bo on? When it comes to a cast or something for the leg, no we haven't heard of anyone being successful doing something like that. Not saying it's not out there, but we just haven't seen anything like that work. All you can do really is keep him calm, sedate and mellow. We've recently had a member join us whose dog endured a pathologic fracture due to bone cancer and it was an awful experience. I have my fingers and paws crossed that Bo stays strong and can get through this without any incidents like that.
Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
HI Jerry, You are so kind to respond so quickly! We live in Northern Westchester, about an hour and change north of New York City. I found an oncologist in a specialty care animal hospital and they do have appointments next week, but would appreciate any referral in the area from any members who have had great experiences with their oncologist. Bo is 80 pounds and is taking two 50mg tablets of tramadol twice a day, and the prescription says we can up it to three. I have been watching for the signs of pain - whining, changing position, standing rigidly and have not seen anything. His transitions from down to up are tough but he has mastered tucking the lame leg under on the way to sitting or lying down. Usually, his lame leg barely grazes the ground but when he gets excited, thats when the risk of fracture comes in. I am on high alert for pain management and in a hurry to get this show on the road towards amputation, or if that is not appropriate, bisphosphenates or chemo.
Would you mind giving me the links for adding a picture, and for setting up a new username? I cannot find it for the life of me. Thank you so so much!
Tricia
Tricia said
Would you mind giving me the links for adding a picture, and for setting up a new username?
Here are detailed instructions for adding images to forum posts.
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If you have never registered for this site, simply click the large orange "Sign Up Now!" button at the top of this page, or the "Join" link in the black navigation bar under the header, or the Log In / Register link directly above the forums at top right.
Hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Trica
If you wind up wanting to go to another oncologist and don't mind going to the city I highly recommend Jill's oncologist dr Ann hohenhaus at the animal medical center. She is WINDERFUL.
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
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Tricia, you are hanging in there just fine! And Bo's not worried about a thing so that's important to remember!
You are very diligent in caring for him and gathering information.
This is a scarey time but you need to g through whatever processes you need to so you can make the best decision for Bo.
Just want you to now we are all this king of you. You are defi Italy not all e!! We understand!! We care about you and Bo!
Keep us posted. And if you can get to Jill's doctor that would be great! You have to dress Bo up like a cat first though! Shr does an exceptional job with cats!!
Surrou ding you with strength and calm,
Salt 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!
rica55 said
Hi TricaIf you wind up wanting to go to another oncologist and don't mind going to the city I highly recommend Jill's oncologist dr Ann hohenhaus at the animal medical center. She is WINDERFUL.
Here is a radio show that we did with Dr. Hohenhaus recently, she is most definitely winderful!
Ask a Vet Tripawd Talk Radio with Dr. Hohenhaus
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hey Tricia, I'm a little late here, but we're in New Haven. Jackson gets his cancer in Norwalk - so super close to you! It's the Veterinary Cancer Center. Jackson's primary onco there is Dr Olmsted, but you need to know this hospital gets a lot of residents! There are like 4 or 5 of them, so when Dr Olmstead is studying for her boards or at a conference, we've seen (another resident) Dr Smith and Dr McDaniel. I've liked them all. Turns out, the practice there is pretty progressive, too. I like that, also. It's not cheap, but you're in West Chester, so you're also familiar with prices, etc. I've been VERY happy bringing Jackson there. Go. Get expert advice. I'm also going to PM this to you, so I know you see it ASAP.
~ Katy
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
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