Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone. I don't even know where to start. I've been creeping around on this site for a few weeks and started posting questions here and there, but it was recommended that I start my own post to introduce our story. I hope I'm doing this in the right place.
My best friend/son/soulmate Roman is an 8 year old Boxer mix. A few months ago he started limping intermittently and refusing walks, which was very unlike him. I thought the warm weather was slowing him down, and the limping was probably a strain from rough play or at worst arthritis. Unfortunately, x-rays revealed bone cancer on his right front leg. An additional x-ray and ultrasound did not show any spread in his lungs or abdominal organs at that time. After speaking with his primary vet, an oncologist, and a surgeon, I made the incredibly difficult decision to amputate his leg. We are now 2 weeks post surgery and I feel like I've lived 3 lives in that time. The worry, the stress, the unknowns, it's all been so overwhelming. I've read the book, Three Legs and a Spare , and looked through this site which has helped a lot. But nothing can really prepare you for the sleepless nights, tears, and fears.
Two weeks in, Roman is doing great. He's hopping around more and more each day. He's eating and going potty like normal now. He's still on pain meds, so he sleeps a lot, but he's gaining confidence and even hopped up onto the couch yesterday which stopped my heart for a second. We have an appointment with the oncologist and the follow up with the surgeon scheduled for Monday. That is when we will find out what type of bone cancer he has. I know osteosarcoma is the most likely outcome, but I'm still holding out hope for that rare chance it's something less aggressive. I'll likely have to consider chemo at that point, but I can't focus on that now. These past couple weeks have been 100% dedicated to caring for Roman after surgery. I've also been finding great resources for how to adjust to life with my new Tripawd. I found some carpet runners to cover my LVT floors, and also the Web Master Plus harness for when he's all healed up. Once we get the all clear from the surgeon, we will start practicing on stairs, since I live in a 2nd story condo. We've been living in a friend's basement for the entirety of his recovery, but will have to move home soon, which means navigating the concrete stairs several times a day. I'm hoping the harness will help us both with that. I bought some bolsters for the backseat so he doesn't lose his balance and tumble to the floor. I haven't yet bought stairs or a ramp for the car, but I'm looking into it, as well as stairs for inside the home (couch and bed) and might have to get a new, firmer dog bed for him as well. I'd also like to get him into a rehab therapist but he doesn't do great at the vet so I'm not sure if he'll let them work with him. How lucky and convenient to have recommendations for all these things at the ready on this site.
Unfortunately, something new has cropped up. After his surgery, I noticed a lump on his gums behind his bottom canine tooth. He's going in for a dental radiograph on Wednesday to get it checked out, which I absolutely hate because he's been through so much already, I just want him to catch a break. But I know we have to find out what it is and take care of it, if possible. I'm terrified that the cancer has spread and is now showing up on his gums. I'll just have to wait and see.
I'm sorry to hear Roman has cancer. It sounds like he's doing well post-amp. I hope you get good news about the new lump.
If you are concerned Roman might not be up for going to a rehab vet, there is an at home program you could follow https://tripawd.....-exercise/
Hey just saw your post here, I'm so glad you decided to start a new topic for Roman.
You are taking things one step at a time and that's so important. As overwhelmed as you probably feel, I can tell that you are making very thoughtful and loving decisions for him, one day at a time.
How was the oncology visit? I hope tomorrow goes well. Try not to panic about that dental thing. Our Wyatt Ray had a crazy lump on his gums show up out of the blue and it wasn't cancer, just a benign cyst. We have our paws crossed it's the same for you sweet boy.
Thanks so much, Jerry. We had really promising news from the dental visit today. The vet said nothing was showing up in the bone and it wasn't a tooth abscess. She didn't see anything super concerning about it, and thinks it's probably just overgrown gums, which I didn't know was a thing. She removed the mass and sent it off for testing just to be extra sure. So waiting for those results to come back. But feeling much better about the gums thing. Next up is the oncology visit where we find out what type of bone cancer was in his leg, and what treatment plan the doctor recommends.
Here's something I'm kind of struggling with - and maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. I've only met with the oncologist once so far, for the initial consultation. I liked her a lot. She was compassionate and seemed very competent, I trusted her guidance. But I haven't had the best experiences with her support staff. They've all been very nice for the most part. But the tech who did his intake during the consultation visit called him by the wrong name, got the injured leg wrong (she said back left, it was front right), didn't have a pen on her to fill in the forms, and then didn't have a watch on her when she was taking his heartbeat - just generally seemed "not ready" to see patients. Then when I reached out to the oncologist's staff when the lump appeared on his gums, I had a kind of an unpleasant interaction with the person who called to read off the doctor's recommendations for how to address the lump. She was clearly just reading off the notes from the doctor (which was fine) but when I had follow up questions she wasn't able to answer them and instead of saying "I don't know" or "I can find out and get back to you" she just clearly made up an indefinite answer (it's probably...). So when I asked to speak to the doctor directly at her convenience, she got really flustered (even annoyed?) and told me how busy they were and she wasn't sure when the doctor would get back to me. If it comes that Roman will need chemotherapy, I would like it to be with this oncologist. As I said, I've already formed a connection with her and I like that she's in the same practice as his surgeon for continuity of care purposes (just makes me feel better.) But I'm concerned about the level of support I will get from her staff as we go through that process. I know I was on the phone with the surgeon's staff at least every day during his amputation recovery, and they were so patient and compassionate with my questions and worries. I expect the same will happen if he goes through chemo. I do have 2 "second opinion" appointments with other oncologists scheduled after we meet with oncologist #1 next week, so maybe I'll find a clinic that I like better. But wondering which I should put more stock in when choosing an oncologist for possible chemo: the doctor or the support staff? I feel like I'll have more direct interaction with the support staff...? But the doctor will be the one overseeing/administering his care. I don't know.... I appreciate any thoughts on this. Maybe someone else has had to navigate a similar experience?
WHEW! YAY on the dental visit! I've never heard of overgrown gums either, that's unusual. But hey we'll take it right?! Paws crossed the path report comes back unremarkable.
But wondering which I should put more stock in when choosing an oncologist for possible chemo: the doctor or the support staff? I feel like I'll have more direct interaction with the support staff...? But the doctor will be the one overseeing/administering his care. I don't know.... I appreciate any thoughts on this. Maybe someone else has had to navigate a similar experience?
Thanks for describing the situation so well. I totally get where you are coming from. It's hard enough to be in your situation, but to not feel supported makes it ever harder. That's not good. I read your description and my initial gut reaction was I feel a lot of empathy for the staff. Being in vet med is HARD these days, techs are underpaid and not respected as much as they should be by many clients, and often, employers. So I understand their side of things. But on the other hand, there are awesome clinics out there that have amazing support staff that are equally challenged, but deal with it in much better ways both for them and the clients.
Honestly, it's the front line team members you'll be dealing with the most. If they are not supported by management, clients feel it. So if you're not comfortable with them, then that won't make things pleasant for you. And if you're not happy, Roman's not happy. I would say to get those second opinions and see what happens. Then you can decide.
In the meantime it's a great question to post in Treatment and Recovery, I'd love for more folks to see it and to know what they think.
Hi Jerry, thanks so much for your thoughtful response. Almost a month out, I have some more perspective and can see how I was just spinning with all the new info that was coming at me at the time. Roman's gums pathology was confirmed to be benign, just a gum overgrowth so that was a huge relief. I also met with his oncologist to talk through a treatment plan as his leg pathology confirmed osteosarcoma - chemo, 6 sessions of carboplatin 3 weeks apart, regular chest x-rays to check for lung mets. This seems to be a pretty standard treatment plan for osteosarcoma, as confirmed by a 2nd opinion. We moved forward with his original oncologist and he had his first chemo appointment on Oct 4. So far, he has handled the treatment really well, no upset tummy symptoms. We had his CBC panel done today to see how his white blood cells are doing; waiting for results to come back. Otherwise, just moving forward with life, spending a lot of time sitting outside in the grass and visiting with neighborhood friends.
I had originally planned on meeting with a rehab therapist, but he's moving around really well on his own. Plus he doesn't love doc appointments, he gets pretty stressed out, and with having to go to so many between chemo and blood draws, etc, I felt bad dragging him to yet another regular appointment. I'm still struggling with the idea though.
I do plan to consult with a holistic vet for any additional treatments or nutrition/supplement information they might recommend.
Aww life is good for you guys I'm so happy for you! And how pawesome he is handling chemo so well too. Bonus!
If he doesn't like the vet situation what about having an at home rehab therapist come to you? I'm your other posts you mentioned his need for some weight loss and also that his toe beans (such a cute phrase, never heard it!) are getting raw. This tells me that although he appears to be getting around fine, he could use some strengthening in places that will not only help him lose weight but also move better so his toes don't get irritated. I can try to help you find someone who can come to your house if you'd like.
I have thoughts on your other questions like about the bed step and diet tips, will get some in there tomorrow when I'm at my desk.
Hi Jerry! Thanks so much for the encouragement and guidance on this post and in the other forums. It helps so much to hear outside perspective. I really am still on the fence about rehab but hearing that his raw toe beans (haha) could be an indicator of weak/incorrect gait, maybe an at-home therapist would work for him. I'll see what I can find and will reach out if I need help, thanks so much for the offer!
Sylvia, check out the three videos I posted about Farley's first rehab appointment. They demonstrate the three exercises I will do with farley twice a day. I can further describe them if you like (look in forums under First rehab appointment)
Roman and Farley are on similar chemo plans (although ours is only four treatments) and started the same day
Keep in touch
Christine and Farley
Christine_6 said
Sylvia, check out the three videos I posted about Farley's first rehab appointment.
Here's a link to that post:
Just catching up with everything going on with Roman. It sounds do iehe is doing really, really well and that’s the kind of news we all.I’ve to here!
Sorry you had some bumps in the road with some hookahs and the the gum scare, but all is good now!
Hugs
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Murtle and Frankie too!
ps. Great ideoo ofFarley❤️
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!
Hi everyone! Just wanted to share the good news that today was Roman's last day of chemo and I'm so happy to report that all his scans are clear. He's been such a rockstar through this whole process. We are so happy to be done with chemo and to also have the good news of no mets detected too. Thinking back to the beginning, it felt like we were never going to get here, but 5 months later here we are. This forum has been such a great resource and support. I'll continue to update Roman's progress here but for today, we have great news. 🙂
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