Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 12 yo female pittie has had a recurring lipoma on her lower leg. The vet says the lipoma has become part of the blood supply so de-bulking is the only option other than amputation. Currently, the lipoma is in three sections covering the outer portion of her leg from just below the knee area to about the dewclaw area. It is also very enflamed. Her last de bulking surgery was in Oct 2020 so there has been significant growth in the last 8 months. She is scheduled for another de-bulk surgery on July 2, and I’m going over all the possible outcomes, one of which being the possibility that I will be in this same position in 6 months, as the lipoma seems to be not only recurring, but getting more aggressive. So, now I’m contemplating alternatives and looking for guidance to help me make a decision I can be at peace with for Taffy and us. Her family. There’s her littermate, Ginger, and Mark and me. Taffy and Ginger have been with me since they were 6 weeks old. Mark has been with us for the last 6 years. Mostly I’m struggling with making sure Taffy is not suffering. Thanks for listening...
Ouch poor pup! I'm sorry you are dealing with this. Unfortunately these icky masses often do grow back and resections in the leg typically only work so much for so long. Twelve isn't a strike against her unless she is otherwise healthy.
But is your vet an oncologist? Has the mass been biopsied? I'm assuming so, but it's important to get an oncologist opinion too. That would be my next move before going down the amputation route. It seems likely that it's in your future but it's important to get an opinion from a surgical oncologist before making the move.
If you do need to amputate, we are here for you.
Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Taffy and Ginger clearly are loved and adored♥️
While I know the thought of amputation sounds scary, under the circumstances, it certainly may be a good solution for your Taffy at this point. It's one surgery, one recovery (approximately two weeks), pain is gone and Taffy can get on with being Taffy. Once done with recovery, dogs adapt to three legs with incredible speed and get on with lofe as thpugh nothing ever happened.
Obviously Taffy needs ro be evaluated by an Orthopedic Surgeon to make sure she's a good candidate and that this is the best coirse of action.
Just one more thing to consider. If you go with the debunking, and it comes back in a year, Taffy will be more "mature" at thirteen. If ultimately you jave toroceed with amputation, older dogs do take a little more time to recover from surgery sometimes.
We are definitely here to support you any I path forward you take, okay? Update when you can and let us know if yoj have any questions or concerns at all.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Thank you so much for the welcome and for your support. Mark spoke to the vet yesterday and we are going to proceed with the de-bulking next Friday. They are going to try to remove every as much of the tumor and the blood supply around it as possible to hopefully slow the re growth. Our vet has sent samples to an oncologist after each procedure, but I think it’s time for a referral. Thank you for the suggestion on that. I think the shock of it all is starting to recede a bit, and the reality of Taffy’s condition is hitting me. She has arthritis in her other leg now, and so that will be a consideration.
Im so grateful I found this site! Mark is having carpal tunnel surgery on 6/29, and Taffy has hers on 7/2. It’s going to be a busy week, but I will post again.
Gratefully,
Lisa, Taffy, Ginger, Mark
You have a plan forward and that can relieve some of your stress.
So you are going to be a very good Nurse for your Taffy and your hubby. Sounds like you'll have your hands full!
We are here for you and to support you in any way we can. Sending lots of pawsitive energy to Taffy and her hoomans!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Oh wow you have your hands full! Well glad to help. Yep, other opinions are definitely a good thing to have, you'll feel more confident. It's great your vet has been working with the oncologist to that extent, a good sign! But yeah, the more vets who can assess her, the better. Let us know how we can help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Update 7/2/21: For the past few days, Taffy has been increasingly less mobile due to her arthritis in her “good” leg and so we spoke to vet last night, and he is concerned that further trauma of the de-bulking will cause undue strain on her arthritic leg. We are dropping her off at 930 and he will assess her condition to see if she is even fit for the de bulking today. Amputation is not an option until her other leg will bear weight, and right now it can’t. She’s on Gallaprant and Gabapentin. I feel like I’ve failed her. Thanks for listening.
Sending over cyber ((((((((hugs)))))). We know it's frustrating being in limbo right please know this though, in no way shape or form have you "failed" Taffy!!! You have already exceeded the lengths some sort owners would do to help their pup. You are going above and veyond pursuing every avenue possible to help the have a pain free quaility life.
FWIW, many dogs have had advanced arthritis and still do well on three. If possible. try and have her arthritis evaluated by an Orthopedic Surgeon or Rahabilitation Vet who can give you another opinion about the arthritis, etc. Definitely pursue another opinion if this Vet doesn't recommend debunking due to arthritis.
Did the non bearing on her "good leg" seem to escalate quickly? Many have really good results with Adequan injections. Have you tried switching from Galiprant to Rimadyl? Some dogs see, to do better on Rimadyl. Anyway, talk with your Vet about that.
You can maybe check out doggy strollers in our Gear section. They have been tremendous help with dogs whose mobility now compromised. And sogs seem to adapt very quickly and thoroughly enjoy being Chauffeured around. They get out to so their business, sniff around a little, then willingly get back in for more strolling along.
And how is Mark soing after his aurgery??
Update on both your "patients" when you can. And take care of you!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Oh my gosh I know you feel terrible but from our point of view you have most definitely not failed her, not at all. You are doing everything right to help her feel better, she is lucky to have you. Were you able to get a specialist referral? Try not to panic. As Sally mentioned, there are options, even for arthritic dogs. Let us know how today goes.
I hope Mark is doing well after his surgery!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh man, thanks for your support! Just spoke to our vet, and we are not doing surgery today. He wants to focus on her arthritis, so he is taking xrays of both hind legs and she is getting a shot for pain. I am looking for a second opinion right now. Thank you for the suggestion of Rimadyl. I will get more information on what else he is prescribing when we go pick her up this afternoon.
Thankfully, Mark’s surgery went very well, and he is recovering quickly! Very little post op pain, and the swelling is almost gone. In truth, he has been so stressed about Taffy that he hasn’t been obsessing over his recovery, which is one less worry. Lol. I had an old small loveseat in the garage so I took the legs off it and moved it onto the floor in the living room so Taffy can easily get on and off and not risk strain, while she chills with us.
I’m feeling much less anxious and overwhelmed after reading your posts! I will post again when I have done more research and get a second opinion lined up.
Lisa, Taffy, Ginger and Mark
You are so welcome. It sounds like a good plan to help her through this ruff time. Hope she gets some excellent pain control.
I'm so sorry you guys are going through this up and down roller coaster. But YAY for Mark though, that's awesome. Hope you are all getting lots of snuggle time this weekend. Just let us know whatever we can do to keep the anxiety away, that's why we are here!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
July 6:
vet called this afternoon. News not good. The X-ray results of her right leg showed signs of osteo- sarcoma. He said the prognosis could be as little as two months! This is a huge blow because she has been dealing with hemangio-sarcoma for the past 8 years or so. As well as a couple of mast cell tumors just to make it extra fun. Additionally, we discovered she has another tumor on lower neck, which the vet aspirated and it came back cancerous - possibly osteo sarcoma as well. He says he wants to wait three weeks to do another X-ray to confirm the osteo sarcoma? I am reeling. Mark is distraught. Over the weekend, I booked a second opinion appt with an oncologist, but the soonest they could see me is July 19th. I am in shock right now. Just wanted to keep you updated. Thank you for listening.
Lisa, Taffy, Ginger, Mark
I see uou're on. now......so the "arthritic" leg (her "good leg) is the one he suspects osteo.....or is it the leg that needs debulking?. Dorry I'm no clear on that.
Also, if your Vet is not a Radiologist or an Orthopedic Surgeon, highly suggest the xrays get reviewed by either, or both. In one of my own sog's case, his regular Vet thought it was osteo...actually quite certain...but sent xray over for another opinion and it was NOT osteo!!
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!
Her left leg is the one with the lipoma that is enmeshed, her right is the one that x rays indicate osteo sarcoma. I live in the SF Bay Area and was wondering about how to ask for a second opinion referral. I’m scared that July 19th might be too late? The second opinion I made was at Bay Area Vet Specialists.
Okay, thanks for clarifying. Jerry (Rene) will come on and maybe give more insight into second opinion choices. But I "think" I've heard of that Vet Clinic used before.
As far as having a Radiologist look at her xrays, I would simply call your Vet tomorrow and ask that she forward the xrays to a Radiologist. I know when I asked my Vet, she did not hesi and said absolutely. I am SURE your Vet will have the same approach.
I know your sweet pip jas some hirdles, that's for sure. I also think you DO have options once you know for sure what you're dealing with.
And good for you for getting a second opinion with an Onco. I would call and ask for the Onco, or the Onco's Assistant and explain you need an appt asap!! Maybe your regular Vet can help facilitate that. . It may ..may be....that debulking can be done first and, depending on amount of time it takes to heal, you could proceed with the amputation.
And just so you know, statistics don mean mich arounnd here. We are celebrating a post from Ronnie's two year AMPUVERSARY from osteo. Yes, he did have the amputation. HOWEVER, there ARE alternatives and some successes for dogs who are not able to jave an amputation!!! SO HANG IN THERE!!! THERE IS HOPE!!!
Again, Jerry will be by to share links on what I'm talking about, but in the mean I'll try and search "alternatives" if amputation is not an option.
I know you are in shock and in a place of devastation right now. Completely understandable
So take some deep breaths, give yourself a chance to move forward to so.utions, okay??? And there are some, but let's start with confirmation first
And rem,ember, nothing has changed in Taffy's world. The bliss of being dog!
((((((((Hugs)))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!.
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!
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