Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

So I never actually got a direct answer as to the type of cancer.  The first vet said bone cancer repeatedly, but she also told me it was arthritis before.  Afterward,  I was instructed by my vet to meet with an oncologist and he would go over everything.  I did specifically ask if it was osteo-sarcoma and my vet did say no.  But now I wonder if he knew what I was trying to ask.  Guess I will ask the oncologist when we see them this week.  Ellie has done amazing over the last week or so.  Back to mostly her old self.  I have taken to grabbing the old stethoscope and having a listen to her breathing and listening for fluid in her lungs.  Also my foot feels a lot better.  Maybe not my ego 🙂   I do enjoy reading through some of the stories of how powerful the will of "life" is.  Seeing dogs live years after what I just went through is heartwarming to say the least.  I do get teary eyed at times looking at her, but she is here and happy.  As always thank you for all the things you folks do here.  Tony   

Hello folks!  So Ellie is still a little slow on the leg today, but it seems to be nothing out of the normal for her at this point.  My vet is a duo actually and the primary is Dr. Michael Tarrant, and his partner in the clinic, Dr. Pamela Smith.  Dr. Tarrant is wonderful.  He is who operated on several of my animals over the years.  Most recently of course was Ellie's leg.  I had another dog that honestly if it wasn't for Dr. Tarrant wouldn't have had another several years of happiness.  CHF is what Louie had.    He lived almost 3 years after his initial diagnosis at Blue Pearl.  They advised to make him comfortable and let nature happen.  I took him to Dr. Tarrant the next morning, he came up with the right mix of medicine, supplements/herbs, and adjustments to them.  Like I said, wonderful.  I did truly lose a best friend with the Louis.  But I gained an ally that has helped me immensely.  Also FYI Vetmedin is expensive... especially after two or three years...  

I will of course take some brochures.  I'm sure my vet will put a few out.  I can also leave them at my work more than likely.  I manage the maintenance on several large apartment complexes.  All accept dogs.  So win/win. 

My wife is almost addicted to the herbs/supplements stuff.  I never get sick, because I religiously used my immune system when I was younger.  But I know from all the cancer research I have done, there seems to be a very strong link between ramping up your immune system once remission or removal is done and increased survival rates.  I think it has more to do with your body realizing something is missing that was making it sick, and now it can better identify.  Like I said, I have a tremendous history of cancer battles with those close to me.  The ones that have immediately flipped on the switch have done a lot better.  In humans and it seems in animals also.  Anyway, I ramble.  I will post again soon.  You guys rock! Tony    

Sorry for the delayed update.  A lot has happened over the last few weeks.  So, here goes...  

I had Ellie at the vet several times over the last few weeks.  She wouldn't use her front right leg or would limp if she tried.  I took her to my usual vet and he said soft tissue issue in the shoulder.  Pains meds (puppy-profen) and wait for improvement.  It didn't improved after a few days.  So I took her back.  More x-rays, and they diagnosed arthritis, yes, the same line that I got before, that was followed by a correct diagnosis of cancer and led to her original amputation.  I was told that absolutely nothing other than a spot of arthritis was found.  So I brought her home and treated what we believed to be arthritis, for a week/10 days, with no improvement.  I finally broke down and took her to Blue Pearl in Overland Park, KS.  I already had a feeling it wasn't good.  The whining and whimpering, refusal to use.  Then not eating and such.  My gut feeling was correct.  Cancer was back.  It was on her humerus, and several other spots.  It breaks my heart to say that my beloved Ellie, is now with her brother Louie waiting on the other side of the bridge, under the shade of the trees for me to get there.  I have had several dogs, but Ellie was special.  I want to thank all of you for your support, ideas, and everything you do.  It truly was a blessing finding this site and all of you.  I don't comment much, but I read it all, and pray for every dog mentioned here.  I will continue to come here,  read, and will chime in when I feel okay to.  Thank you all so much.   Tony....

Wanted to let you folks know that my wife says that she truly appreciates all your kind and heartfelt words.  She knows all of you have been there and that you all have felt this pain.  I will upload our last pic and some others later.  Thanks for just being who you all are.  Tony...