Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello all! I posted on here over eleven months ago about my english mastiff, Bailey. She had her front right leg amputated due to osteosarcoma. She had surgery on Tax Day, April 15th. 11 plus months later she is still here! It is truly unbelievable how they adapt and move on with life. We opted not to do chemotherapy. We gave her a lot of artimisenin. We cycled her on it, so her body wouldn't become immune to it. Did it work? I would like to think so. We researched a lot of things online and read many stories on this site. This site is a tremendous help. Thank you! To anyone getting ready to go thru surgery or questioning whether to do it, do it. I would do it over and over again without hesitation. No one wants to be put in that situation, but if you are in that situation to me there isn't a choice. Do what you have to do, surgery.
She is definitely coming to the end now. She is slowing down every week lately. Her spirits are great, appetite is strong, drinks plenty of water, constantly wagging her tail and is happy to see us. She is still herself. But recently her back left leg (opposite of the front amputated leg) has become extremely swollen. It is limiting her mobility. It is not osteosarcoma. It is a soft swelling. When you touch it feels like stirofoam. She has been laying around a lot lately. Has anyone experienced this type of swelling? Does anyone know what it is? Is there any recommendations on treating this? She is on pain med/anti-inflammatory. We are at the point where we don't want to take her back to the vet. She has fought and won her battle in my mind. She has exceeded all expectations. But if I can help her I want to in any way I can before I have to make the difficult decision. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Congratulations on having a wonderful 11 months with Bailey. I'm sorry to hear she is slowing down now.
At first I thought what you described might be hypertropich osteopathy (you can search that term in the forums and see the post i wrote about it for details), but your description of it as being "soft" and like styrofoam makes me think it is probably not that. Although maybe early stages of it?? Have you noticed any difference in her back legs? When our Abby got HO we noticed some swelling in her remaining front leg. At the same time, her back feet started to look odd to me. I kept saying to my huibby "Did her back feet look like that before?" But both feet looked exactly the same, so we thought they must have always been that way. But it turns out HO is a symmetrical disease. Have a look at her back legs and see if they maybe look different than they used to - yet still identical to one another. If so, maybe it is HO. And there's not really a whole lot that can be done for that beyond pain meds, which you are already doing.
I can understand not wanting to put her through any more vet visits, but it might be worth it if he/she had some advice that could buy you some additional quality time with her??
All the best with whatever you decide. You know her best. You will know when it's time for "the difficult decision." Everyone says you'll know - they get a look in their eyes. I didn't know if I would know, I wasn't sure that was true - but with Abby, she definitely gave me a look one day that said she was done.
Hang in there! We're here for you. Enjoy every second!
Jackie, Angel 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!
Congratulations on 11 Months Bailey!
Sorry to hear that she is slowing down. Have you tried prednisone (steroid) if it's soft tissue swelling? Could it be arthritis or hip dysplasia that's bothering her (completely unrelated to cancer)?
Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to Bailey!
Hugs and chocolate labby kisses,
Ellen & Charley
Charley's Blog: CHOCOLATE KISSES
DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10
Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10
Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin
Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing
♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥
I certainly understand your fear. Every time we go to the vet I have to fight the negative thoughts. If you can play mind games with yourself and work through it, the vet may have some good suggestions. I thought Baby was in trouble with her good leg and it turned out to be a sprain.
I'm glad you've had a wonderful 11 months - I hope you get some more.
Hugs and Slobbers from another English Mastiff
Judy and Baby
Well, first off 11 months - that's cause for celebration!!! 
I'm glad Angel Abby's mom got here first, because that thought of her problems crossed my mind. The HO. Or it could be just something simple. I know going to the vet isn't fun for anyone. But it might actually put your mind at ease.
Since I don't have any medical experience, I'll just wish you lots of good thoughts for Bailey. Let us know what you find out!
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.
Thanks everyone! I appreciate the help. I was at the vet to pick up more pain meds last week and they mentioned that it could be HO. I didn't have her with me though. Maybe I will just schedule an appointment to get her in and see what they say. I just don't want to run anymore tests.
Thanks again!
Eleven months is really good!!! Especially without chemo. Still, we're sorry to hear that Bailey is having difficulties... Even though the vet visits are no fun, I would definitely have them take a look at Bailey. It could be something as simple as a sprain, and some NSAIDs could clear it right up. On the other hand, if it is HO, they will be able to give her something to make her more comfortable.
Sending you good wishes and a hug for Bailey. Hope you are able to find out what's up.
Rio's momma, Micki
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~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
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