Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Oh Tripawds! I'm so impressed. The emotional commitment to celebrate what we all dread is powerful.
June 2013, sweet Martha, our 12 1/2 year old Rottweiler/Labrador, was diagnosed, by her life-long vet, after xrays, with arthritis in the right rear knee. Vet put her on Metacam. Last October vet found her spleen enlarged. After an ultrasound, both vet and radiologist, diagnosed--most likely--hemangiosarcoma. During pre-op tests to remove the spleen, her blood came back good but x-rays showed (what vet diagnosed as) osteosarcoma; her chest was clean. I asked vet how she'd proceed, if she was hers. She would euthanize!!!!!! Devastated, we pulled back on removing the spleen and returned home agonized. A few days later bone aspirate lab results came back "inclonclusive" but with SPINDLE CELLS.
Day after Thanksgiving, after a 2 1/2 hour surgery, Martha's spleen was removed, along with a 5lb. tumor inside it. Her energy came back; for a while her leg limp appeared to lessen. Lab results on the spleen came back as a a hematoma (!).
The vet offered if Martha did indeed have osteosarcoma its "progress isn't taking the usual path." She recommended "to wait and see." But, but, but--isn't time essential with cancer??? Furthermore, vet thinks she's a bad candidate for amputation due to a lose of muscle mass on all four legs--especially the rear. By the way, lessening of muscle mass appears more acute on the right rear leg (side of the cancer diagnosis). She's much taller than most rotties and labs, which always made her awkward, lop-sided, and at times painful.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I fear that doing nothing will kill her--if it is osteosarcoma--but also fear that an amputation will be too hard on her at this point in her life.
so many thank yous!
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this, my heart goes out to you. I'm on my phone now so this will be too quick but forgive me, 'll return later.
First, breathe. You two have been through a lot, you can get through this.
Next go find a second opinion from a cancer specialist aka oncologist. Waiting and seeing when cancer is suspected IS a bad idea, your instinct is right, you need to know what you are dealing with asap. Where in NY are you?
More later (((((hugs)))))
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Martha,
I'm sorry you are dealing with this! It's sounds like a crazy crazy story for you and your family! I am in NYC as well. Have you consulted an oncologist? That would be my suggestion if you haven't already. If you need a good recommendation for one, I can definitely give you the info for Jill's oncologst who is amazing.
I just took a look back at Jill's pathology (she had giant cell osteosarcoma) and there are reported spindle cells in her report as well. I am NOT NOT NOT a pathologist, but I do see this in the report:
"Two submitted smears are examined and are of moderate nucleatedcellularity. They consist of a
population of spindle cells"
"There are numerous large spindle-shaped cells"
"This sample is predominated by pleomorphic spindle cells, sometimesfound in thick clumps."
"Subcutaneous hock mass contains interwoven bundles of moderatelypleomorphic spindled osteoblasts"
So....I don't know what that means 
but just wanted to share that info haha
Anyway, let us know what support you need, I'm happy to help, especially a fellow New Yorker!!!
xoxo,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill
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
Ohhh, we all certainly understand the incredible predicament you are in. I'm sure this uncertainty is just tearing you apart right now.
As Jerry said, B R E A T H E........B R E A T H E........
Your Martha sounds like an incredibly resilient girl! Her picture shows a lovely girl with a very smoochable mug!
Yeah, we're all pretty big on second opinions around here. I do know that, as dogs age, muscle loss-wasting, does become a huge issue in some dogs.
This is such a rough position to be in. and my heart goes out to you. I'm REALLY glad removing the spleen has given her the opportunity to be herself again. I know that is a wonderful sight to behold!
As you know, whatever path you decide on, it's all about QUALITY! Which "treatment option" can give Martha the best quality. There are many options available, some less invasive than others, depending on te diagnosis.
For now remember, Martha doesn't know she's sick! She feels great and isn't worried about any ole' diagnosis! She is livi g in the present and that's the lesson! Here we call it livng more like your dog...Be More Dog ! Right NOW, Martha feels great! Right NOW Martha is enjoying all the wo derful loving and spoiling that I know you are giving her! And let NOTHING rob you of these wonderful treasured moments! I never can remember the exact quote a member posted, but ...if you start missing what is not yet gone...then you lose what's left.
I'm sorry I don't have any specific advice on how to move forward medically, other than to get another pair of eyes to check things over.
Regardless, we are here for you! Go give that sweet Martha a great big hug from all of us and watch her tail wag!! That's called "living in the now" with no worries at all!!
(((((((((((((Hugs to you)))))))))))))))))
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!
I can say Sassy's pathology report came back inconclusive 2 times when we did the biopsy. When we amputated the diagnosis was spindle cell Osteoscaroma. I would do like Jerry suggested and get a 2nd opinion I did that when we did the 1st x-rays and found the best vet now I go to them all the time. I don't believe in wait & see now. I kind of did that with the 2 biopsies and feel like I should have just did the amputation right away & proceeded with the chemo. You have gotten some great advice from everyone.
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
thank you, all. will get second opinion.
erica, who's your oncologist? jerry, i'm in manhattan.
it sounds like spindle cells can define osteosarcoma, as well as soft tissue sarcomas? and what is this i read about bone biopsies possibly breaking weaken bone?
by the way, i'm a strong believer in nutrition. we've been made m's food since 2005. can anyone recommend a holistic vet in nyc?
thanks.
Jills oncologist is Dr. Ann Hohenhaus at the Animal Medical Center. I'm on the west side so it was a pain for me to bring her back and forth for chemo but WELL worth it. Dr Hohenhaus, and everyone at AMC is truly amazing. Here's the link:
http://www.amcn.....rg/node/20
I don't know of a holistic vet in NY, but I do know AMC does things such as acupuncture and alternative medicine. Might be worth a try to call and see if they can recommend someone.
Hope this helps!
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
Martha.....If you search the site for Holistic Vets, you'll see Dr. Charles Loops come up, as well as others. He is based outof North Carolina, btmhas done numerouse hone consultations/treatment "long distance". Search member Mytahoe and you'll see that he has used him and feels he has gotten good results.
Salky and Hapoy 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!
martha said
it sounds like spindle cells can define osteosarcoma, as well as soft tissue sarcomas? and what is this i read about bone biopsies possibly breaking weaken bone?by the way, i'm a strong believer in nutrition. we've been made m's food since 2005. can anyone recommend a holistic vet in nyc?
thanks.
Yes, there is definitely the risk of a bone biopsy causing a pathological fracture to the affected limb. A bone biopsy is typically done when the diagnosis is very uncertain, which is why they are often a last resort diagnostic procedure.
As for holistic vets in NYC, you are in a great area for that. Find a holistic veterinary medical provider at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website directory at http://www.ahvma.org/
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome, and sorry you had to be here.
Erica's vet and oncologist are amazing. If you can seek them out, please do. Erica's cat Jill had an atypical cancer journey as well, and Erica felt overwhelmed at times because of that. These folks not only took excellent care of Jill, they took care of Erica. They also figured out Jill and fixed her up.
I also am not a vet. I do have strong opinions, so sorry about that. My personal strong opinion is to avoid bone biopsies at all costs. The pain is generally extreme and the risk of breakage is great.
Now, go do what you think is best, even if it includes a bone biopsy! Then remember to come back and update us. And post pictures, or Sally will be all over you.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Hi there
First, Martha is adorable....and I know you will make the right choice for her (and you) when you have all the information that you need.
Above all else....get a second opinion from a specialist! My nine year old lab, Tucker, had his right front leg amputated three months ago due to a localized but invasive sarcoma. My regular vet - who is a fabulous generalist - was not sure that Tuck would make a good candidate for amputation because his one hip was slightly dysplastic. The surgeon, however, disagree and stated that while Tuck functionally had a mild hip problem that clinically he had no signs of dysplasia and so he felt he would be a fine candidate for the procedure.
And now three months later....I am sure glad I got a second opinion as Tuck has adjusted exceptionally well to his new reality!
I wish you all the best on this journey - and have faith that you will make the best choice for your beautiful Martha.
Linda and Tucker
great advice. i've been reading through the financial help resources posted here. unfortunately we've gone through approx. 8,000. since september 2013. presently in the process of deciding who the second opinion will be with. our vet/Symphony on the upper westside (we're up in Inwood) has an Animal Medical Hospital oncologist come in for consultations, or disconnect all together, and go to AMC oncologist. of course they would want all new tests, xrays...!??? ouch. the AMC/symphony vet consult would have all the recent work to work with. is that bad???
I wouldn't think anyone would need all new films or labs. If they are recent, why can't they just use them? Maybe films, but those are generally the cheapest thing to do. You could also just call whoever you're considering and ask them what they would need. Let them know what you've got and when they were done and they should be able to give you a pretty precise estimate.
Good luck!
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
I know when I went for my 2nd opinion our vet at the time burned a disk of the x-rays that she had taken a slight charge of $ 5.00 or something. Most vets these days do digital and disks are cheap so they can do that. The 2nd opinion vet wanted to do other x-rays for comparison to see if there were any changes but like Shari said x-rays were not that expensive. Call and ask for a copy of the x-rays
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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