Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I heard from the vet and we are scheduled for pre-op tests on the 19th of December, and the amputation and tumor removal on the 20th. They have already said it's unlikely they will be able to get all of the tumor due to the proximity to the spine, and I will need to talk about radiation with the oncologist while I am there.
Today and yesterday, maybe I am imagining this, but it seems like Happy is in more pain. I am going to call the vet in the morning..I am just concerned that it is getting worse, and about waiting two more weeks. Maybe I am just more aware now, but really, he has been lower, and making grunting noises, and not perky like he has been. I am terrified the tumor is moving closer and closer to the spine(as these do). It is pretty close now. The best case for recovery is when it is closest to the paw, so I am already pretty somber about the situation..Do any of you have experience with this situation and should i insist they try to do it sooner? (I will talk to them tomorrow..)
I'm no expert by any means, but it seems like if the decision to amputate is made and it's the best option you should do it right away?! Just my thoughts
Levi was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-7-11
Ampuversary 10-14-11
Lung Mets Discovered 1-4-12. Chemo seemed to not be working so we switched to Artemisinin and other supplements. In May, Levi developed a sinus infection and started having seizures. The cancer had moved to his brain. We let him go 6-26-12.
My belief is that you should call your vet as early as possible in the am. I would insist you take Happy in for an x/ray or CT immediately.
These symptoms are troubling and now you have to keep in mind/heart that your job is to make Happy as comfortable as possible.
I know so very well that we as guardians of these sweet souls, sometimes have a difficult time deciding what is best.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all, that God guide you and your vet in Happy's best interest.
Carla & Ingrid
Sorry, I forget what type of cancer Happy has, and we only have experience with osteosarcoma. I know there are some cancers that aren't as fast growing and don't have to have the amp done as soon, but with OSA, you definitely want to do it sooner rather than later. I agree though, that since you already know you want to proceed with the amp, you might as well have it done sooner if possible.
Keep us posted! Hang in there,
Jackie, 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!
He has a peripheral nerve sheath tumor, which tend to move up the nerve sheath and get in the spinal column if untreated. It has take a year of him limping, and ALL of the tests and trial and errors, to catch it. They are slow growing, but I don't see that this is an early find by any means. The vet did not act like it was eminent. There are three surgeons who coordinated their schedule to come up with that day. Maybe they can figure a sooner time. I will try to talk to the oncologist and neurologist, anyone who can come to the phone, first thing in the morning.
Is your dog on gabapentin? That may help quite a bit and won't interfere with surgery like some NSAIDS can. Tramadol is also an option.
Pam
Happy's Mom: I'm not trying to be gruff here, but you are not imaging things, Happy is in more pain, he is trying to tell you. If I were you, I would go straight to the vet and have them perform the surgery as soon as possible, do not pass go, do not collect $200! If your vet does not have the urgency, find someone else. You are obviously concerned and rightfully so. You are Happy's guardian and know him best. Please trust your instincts and keep us posted.
Cadence's Mom
Cadence Faye: Born 10/30/04, stepped into our hearts 12/23/2004. Rear leg tumor found 7/24/11 by mom and dad, Xray on 7/25/11, Osteosarcoma suspected 7/26/11, amputation 7/29/11, Carboplatin started 8/23. Met free so far!
Ok, I just called, but the vet is not available. He has to call me back, which usually is not until the end of the day. I told the receptionist I REALLY need tot talk to him about this, described it to her, but all she could say was he will need to call you back. He is on Gabapentin and Tramadol, but I am only giving him one Tramadol per 6 hours because it trips him out so badly. If the pain is that bad now, I agree that he needs to go in sooner. I am really worried. He's doing ok this morning..we went outside and he wanted to stay out there and sniff for cats, but it's COLD. I made him come in, and he ate, reluctantly. He did jump up on the bed last night die to the thunder, and was slow to get up this morning..I just don't know. This has been such a slow progression and mystery that I am wondering now what all I have been missing.
Ohh poor pup, we are so sorry! Two weeks is a long time to wait if you think he's in pain. Remember that only you can be a health advocate for Happy, so if your gut feeling tells you he is in pain, go with it and insist on an appointment imediately. Knowing what you're dealing with sooner rather than later is important for your sanity and his comfort.
I see you're in Austin. We have another Tripawds member who has a ton of experience with finding great vets in Austin, his name is Fortis. PM him and ask if he has any referrals if your vet does not accommodate you. And if you just want some support, feel free to PM me, I'm happy to chat on the phone too.
P.S. Hope you don't mind we moved your post here, but I wanted to put it in this Forum to make sure everyone now and in the future will be able to read about your experience.
Please keep us posted OK? Lotsa love going out to Happy and your pack. Hang in there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ok, so I just talked at length with the vet and feel a lot better. He said the behavior is more like side effects to the meds, and the type of tumor it is would not be causing the signs I'm seeing. Since then, Happy is seemingly feeling much better, we went to a walk, he's all perky, and got a bath. He has had a skin infection and been itchy, and he said the noises he is making could be discomfort from that, and that it would be better if that was more healed and more antibiotics before the surgery. He is going to wear a big tshirt tonight. He jumped up on the bed and chased t he sounds of the mice (or something) under the house, so I am feeling better. Also, I took him for the longest walk in a while on Saturday, and he was pretty sore after that..Thank y'all for letting me babble through these things. I feel like I missed the issue for so long, that now I want to do everything perfectly for my boy. Two weeks is going to come quickly..I still need to find money, equip the house for his recovery..(looking at the Three Legs...book for resources)
Good to hear you found some answers. This is all so much easier with at least a little peace of mind. And when you feel better and stronger Happy will be more comfortable.
Two weeks will go by fast.
Feel free to babble here when ever needed, we all get it.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Glad the vet could give you some good answers and put your fears to rest. Now you'll have time to get the house ready.
and, yes, we're here whenever you need to vent/babble/freakout or just say hey.
Keep us posted and let us know how his surgery goes.
Jackie, 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!
fingers crossed for you guys. It took just shy of two years to get Kess's cancer diagnosed properly. We actually had the leg amputated without a difinitive diagnoses. It was only a post amputation autopsy and sample that proved cancer. Good for you for keeping after things.
You've already gotten great advice, so I will tell you my experience. I had to wait 2 weeks to schedule my dog's surgery since there was no way I could do it sooner. Chloe wasn't in pain, but let me tell you two weeks seems like FOREVER. If my dog were in pain, I would be looking for alternatives. Best of luck to you and your pup.
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
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