Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Kevin,
I am so sorry.
Even though you are not doing the surgery please come here if you need support. Tripawd or not most of us have dealt with part of the cancer journey and can help.
Take lots of pictures and fill up your memory books. Remember that Sadie does not know she is sick and is still enjoying her dogs life.
Karen
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Oh Kevin, I'm so sorry. This is one of those situations that we all hope will not happen, I wish the news was different.
One day at a time for sure. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders to help make this a less-stressful time. You're right, steak dinners galore and lots and lots of love.
And just because Sadie isn't losing her leg that doesn't mean you guys aren't welcome here. We are here no matter what OK?
Be sure to check out this post, Lung Metastasis Treatment Options to see if any of them are right for your pup's situation.
Many many hugs coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
kilosam said:
X-rays have revealed that the cancer has spread to Sadie"s lungs.
So sorry to hear this, but how invasive are the nodules? Jerry lived happily for almost another nine months after we discovered his lung metastsis. He was comfortable until they had consumed nearly 80% of his lung capacity. You can read more about his treatment plan for canine cancer lung metastasis.
Please give Sadie a big hug for us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
They showed us the x-rays and pointed out five or six vague shady areas and told us they are not supposed to be there. They did look like masses but they were so faint i kept thinking they could be anything. I don't read x-rays so i have to relay on what they are saying and i do trust my vet. I guess that area is supposed to be all black on an x-ray and it was definitly clouded.
Kevin
I'm sorry I'm catching up late. I am so very sorry to hear about Sadie. This must be so devastating to you and your wife.
As Karen said, make memories and live life to the fullest! One thing I did was video tape EVERYTHING realizing after losing one dog suddenly that you just never know what can happen! I have hours of video now of the most mudane. Little did I realize that a year later, I would also lose my Comet but I have hours of video and tons of pictures.
My warmest wishes to you all,
Angel Comet's mom
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
kilosam said:
I don't read x-rays...
We are by no means vets either, just trying to share our experiences, treatment plans and results. In that Link from when we discovered Jerry's mets you can see his x-rays. Best wishes to you and Sadie.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Kevin,
Do you feel comfortable getting a second opinion on the x-rays? I don't remember if your vet is an oncologist or not- maybe have them sent out to be read by one.
The reason I ask is because I was thinking about your situation last night and I had a thought about mast cell and lung mets. I am dealing with MCT now in a second pug and have been doing some additional research. My experience, and what I read about mast cell cancer is that it usually mets to the spleen, liver, lymph system and or bone marrow, I don't remember reading about, or having my oncologist ever discus lung mets from MCT. Probably could happen- but it doesn't seem like the first place it would go.
I just wanted to share that with you for what it is worth. I know both you and your vet want what is best for Sadie, but I wouldn't feel right if I didn't share my thoughts with you.
Karen and the pugapalooza
I had exactly the same thought Karen. It struck me as unusual as soon as I read it, although lymphatic mets could certainly be the source & would think a pleural effusion would be obvious.
I would not have the films reviewed by an oncologist though, but ask that they be sent to a radiologist, that's their forte. It's very easy to transmit a digital image to a specialist for review. Older dogs have all sorts of abnormalities that can be misinterpreted. Sometimes an additional view helps. Just be sure an attending radiologist looks at them (that's what their fee is for), sometimes Fellows have a tendency to over read images based on history. I have had to have that conversation… Did they US her abdomen? That might make your plan more definitive.
The peace of mind might be worth it.
Cynthia
This community is so fantastic. Having members with knowledge like this is priceless, thank you Karen and Cynthia for sharing your experience and knowledge!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wow it would be so great if it were read wrong! I mean if the x-rays were not as bad as they've told us. A radiologist of an oncologist I just don't know... this sounds like big $$$ we just don't have it. the chemo is going to be putting us under as it is and i know we need to do it to at least reduce the huge knot in her leg if possible. But I think you guys are right about a second opinion. There is a larger vet hospital in our area I think I will give them a call and ask about looking at the x-rays if they have someone on staff that specializes in this stuff, that shouldn't be too expensive. She's acting like she's not the least bit ill, with the exception of the bad leg and the difficulty it gives her getting around. I know i shouldn't get my hopes up too much but i think your right i've got to look around some more she's worth it.
kevin
US means ultra sound right?
also I wasn't aware there were such people as vet radiologists. are we talking vet or a regular human radiologist? can you give me an idea of what kind of cost i'm looking at? I have to admit asking my vet to have someone else look at the x-rays seems like i'm telling them i don't trust their opinion, and i don't want to offend them they've already given us some nice breaks with test fees and such.
Thank you soo much for your imput Karen and Cynthia and everyone else too. It's good to see opinions from people who obviously care for animals.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Yes, US means ultra sound. I forgot to talk about it, but Cynthia mentioned it. That was one of the tests that we did for Maggie before the amp to check her liver and spleen. We also did it a couple of times during her checkups. The last one I did on Mag last year cost me between $350 and $400 (I'm in the San Francisco bay area).
I'm glad to hear Sadie is feeling good- that was another thing that made me think a second opinion was worth it too.
I know you don't want to get your hopes up- or have unreasonable expectations. But one of the things I learned from dealing with Maggie's two cancers and various other health issues was you have to stay optimistic and positive until there is a definitive reason not to be. I know it is hard to stay positive when you get the diagnosis, and there seems to not be many options, but you never know what will happen.
Karen and the pugapalooza
The usual fee for an abdominal US in the Chicago area is $350, follow ups within 90 days are $250. That is a procedure performed & interpreted by a radiologist. I would be careful about investing in one read by someone else, unless you are confident of their skill level. I have all of my dog's X-rays transmitted to the radiologist for a second look. The usual fee is about $80, but they don't always charge my vet. Veterinary radiologists in this area are pretty easy to access, but with digital transmission, a consult anywhere should be uncomplicated. A good portion of human radiology is outsourced to Australia & New Zealand and elsewhere.
Personally, I would first, go through my vet, asking them to request a read from a radiologist. They will likely to be able to digitally transmit the images, provide you with a disc, or if they are using film, copy & send them. They may already have a relationship with a particular radiologist, which may positively impact the fee. I wouldn't approach them with the suggestion that there was am error made in their interpretation or that you don't trust them, but, rather citing your desire for peace of mind. I follow the "most experienced" rule & prefer the individual with the most experience, who is accessible, address the problem at hand. Practitioners should never be offended by a request for a second opinion by a specialist. No human practitioner would even accept the liability associated with a final radiographic interpretation.
You are the only one who can advocate for your dog...you're paying for a service, if you were having your car repaired, would you hesitate to take it to a second mechanic? Whether it's an xray, surgery or chemo, you are only obligated to do what is right for your situation. Finances always play a role in your treatment decisions and you can only do your best.
Cynthia
As usual, I'm late to the pawty! I'm still figuring out how all these forums and such work, but I thought I'd weigh in since some of you had referred to Rio's case earlier on in this chain. What Karen said about mets to the lungs is exactly what our oncologist told us. I had even asked if they would x-ray Rio's lungs because post-surgery she was doing some coughing. The Dr. told me that she'd never heard of a case where Mast Cell had metastasized to the lungs, and that she really didn't think it was necessary. (And since the coughing has cleared up, I'm glad we didn't spend the $$ on that.)
I know you are concerned about budget, but I would definitely recommend seeing a specialist. The majority of general veterinary doctors have limited knowledge in the area of canine cancer, since what they see is then usually referred on to a specialist. You will get a much better level of care with a specialist, although the $$ do add up. Our ultrasounds usually run us about $300, sometimes less, but occasionally more depending on how many needle biopsies they do. (Rio has always presented with shadowy areas in her spleen, so they usually do a ultrasound-guided needle biopsy to double check that these are "normal." And before her surgery, they did biopsies on both spleen and liver to make certain they were free from mets.)
Not sure if you vet has presented it as an option, but there are credit card programs specifically for veterinary care. One such program is http://www.care.....om/vetmed/, but there may be others. (A friend of mine found one that is interest free if you pay it off in 6 months or less.)
Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. And let me know if you have any further questions.
Rio's Mom (Micki)
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~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Has anyone had experience with Palladia? this is the drug that our vet wants to try. The tumor on Sadies leg has grown so large that she cannot use her leg but she still hobbles around and acts like nothing is wrong. This Palladia stuff is new and from comments i've read people are giving it praise. It's scarry stuff, must wear rubber gloves when handling and we'll have to pick up after her ane dispose of her waste in sealed plastic bags. We just recieved the first pills tonight and we are very nervouse as to how she will react with it. I'll keep posting with progress.
kevin
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