Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Ya'll are absolutely fantastic - I just have to throw in my $.02. I found this website about 3 weeks ago after my 6 year old lab was diagnosed with what was believed to be osteosarcoma. After a lot of soul searching and a lot of research from this great website, I decided to go ahead and amputate Austin's front left leg. The surgery was a week ago tomorrow, and she is doing great. I agree, these first couple of weeks are nothing short of hell - especially the first 48 hours. And while it is hell for our dogs, it is arguably worse for us - wondering whether or not we did the right thing. I still have days where I think I made the wrong choice, but just yesterday we got our biopsy report back. Looks like the tumor is likely not osteosacroma, but likely a synovial cell sarcoma or localized histiocytic sarcoma - a much better diagnosis.
On a side note, at this point, I am leaning towards no chemo - from the resarch I've seen, synovial cell & local histiocytic sarcomas are often cured by amputation alone. Can anyone speak to this?
In any case, Austin is doing better and better each day, and while I know the next week will prove to be challenging at times, thanks to all you great people, I know what to expect, and can come here and read your stories for comfort.
My mother recently told me something that I think sums the role of dogs and people in life. Dogs are put on earth to make life better for humans. Whether as guide dogs, bomb sniffing dogs, security dogs, support dogs, or just simple company in life, they are proof that God is just and kind, and does exist. We ask so much of them - all they ask of us is for food, play time, and to care for them in a way that ensures they will never suffer like humans do.
Please keep on sharing your stories, whether good or bad. Each of you is truly doing a service for so many people struggling with an awful decision.
All the best, Josh
Offline
Hi Josh, Welcome to tripawds.com ! Please consider becoming a member as we would like for you to join us and hear more of your experiences! I'm sorry to confuse you, but I moved your post so that your questions wouldn't get lost in another topic.
I'm sorry to hear of Austin. But you sound like such a good pawrent!! Bless you for making him pain free! I can't help you on the chemo questions because I'm on the entertainment committee and don't know about it! But many here do and will offer up some great advice!
Wishing you the best!
Comet's mom
----
EDITED - sorry I missed the "she" part, too!
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.
Hi Josh! Welcome to Tripawds! Sorry to hear about Austin, but glad that his results turned out better than expected. My dog, Captain Jack, had osteosarcoma so I can't give advice on the sarcomas that your kid has, but I'm sure Austin will amaze you...we are almost 10 months post-amputation and Jack's tumor came back high-grade, highly productive. We did do 4 rounds of adriamycin, but hopefully Pam will answer regarding the prognosis you got for Austin. Thanks for your comments!
<3 Laura and JackAttack
Austin said:
My mother recently told me something that I think sums the role of dogs and people in life. Dogs are put on earth to make life better for humans. Whether as guide dogs, bomb sniffing dogs, security dogs, support dogs, or just simple company in life, they are proof that God is just and kind, and does exist. We ask so much of them - all they ask of us is for food, play time, and to care for them in a way that ensures they will never suffer like humans do.
Josh, please tell your Mom we think this is absolutely beauuuuuutiful! Thanks for sharing that. And WELCOME! We're sorry about Austin but it sounds like things are going well and a great prognosis is in store. Yeay!
As for histiocytic and synovial cell sarcoma, here are some places for you to read some stories:
How to pick a doctor for amputation
Molly: new tripawdChesapeake Bay Retriever w/ synovial sarcoma
Marley Pathology Results: Histiocytic Sarcoma or Malignant Hystiocytosis
We're so glad you're fining Tripawds useful. And we sure have a great community here! (THank you for your help, Comet!). Meanwhile, are you in Texas by any chance? We plan on doing a Tripawds pawty in April, somewhere between the Hill Country and Houston and would love to meet you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I agree, your Mothers quote is beautiful. Welcome to tripawds. Im sorry to hear of Austin's cancer. Emily had an osteosarcoma so I am not familiar with Austin's kind of cancer but if the prognosis is better - great news! I am sure someone who is familiar with it will reply but I wanted to welcome you and let you know you did make the right choice. Just think you are half way though the two weeks of hell!
I'll be looking forward to hearing how Austin is doing.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Welcome, Austin & Josh! It is always nice to hear our new members are recovering nicely. Can't wait to hear more about Austin and his adventures.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Hi Josh,
Welcome to the Tripawds family! I'm so sorry that Austin had to have his leg amputated due to his cancer, but I'm glad that it wasn't osteosarcoma. I hope that the cancer was localized and they got it all at surgery. How is Austin doing at 3 weeks post-op? Is he adjusting well to being a Tripawd? Did he have any problems with his pain meds, appetite, healing, etc?
Looking forward to hearing all about his progress (and maybe his very own blog??) and definitely post some pictures of your baby, before and after his surgery!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Welcome Josh & Austin(who is a she ;-),
Isn't this just the bestest place for information and comfort with our dogs with cancer and amputation?! My dog had soft tissue sarcoma as well on her left knee but the pathologist's couldn't nail down exactly which type BUT those two that your dog could have were ruled out...so I'm no help either...although from what I've read about STS's, they do have a better outcome with surgery alone. I am not doing chemo..doing homeopathics with Dr. Charles Loops in NC (I'm in Maine - do phone consults).
Glad your pup is doing well after amputation and the 2 weeks of hell for you isn't too bad! 🙂
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Sorry, Josh. I missed the 'she'!
Debra
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Josh, Austin, and Mom,
We are so very sorry to hear of Austin's initial diagnosis and the need for the amputation, but you have found an excellent site filled with wonderful people who will share their collective experience base, provide great advice, and give support. Like so many here, Miss Cherry had the dreaded osteosarcoma so we are not the best to discuss the effectiveness of chemotherapy for Austin. You have already elevated the quality of life for Austin by eliminating the source of the pain, and I know that you now want to extend that quality just as long as possible. You have already heard of Pam who should be able to provide some excellent information on the need/effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
I have a usual set of suggestions, but since you are so very far along and doing so well, I will hold them. Please keep us all posted on Austin's progress. We send pawsitive thoughts to all your family.
Spirit Cherry & Dad
Josh,
What a wonderful note from you...I am so glad that you found us. I am also happy for Austin that it is not Osteosarcoma. It sounds like you are doing a good job and have things under control. Remember that there are no wrong decisions. We all have taken different paths with one thing in mind.....to do the best we can for our beloved pups to rid them of pain, prolong life and most important love them every moment.
Welcome to our family, Ginny & Angel Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Synovial Cell Sarcoma is what was first suggested to us by Harley's Orthopedic Surgeon, but when we went back to speak with him about Harley's biopsy results (which came back inconclusive), the Pathologist had suggested Histiocytic Sarcoma. She (the Pathologist) mentioned something to our Surgeon about recent changes concerning Synovial Cell Sarcomas ... for the life of me, I can't recall what was said (I was in shock) ... but maybe something about how they were diagnosed or classified? Honestly, it was a blur. Sorry, I know that didn't help and probably confused you more ... but all I remember is we were no longer dealing with Synovial Cell Sarcoma and now dealing with Histocytic Sarcoma, and it was due to a recent change (this was in November 2009). (Sorry for this added confusion ... I should email our Surgeon now that I can comprehend things again and ask about this.)
What we were told about Histiocytic Sarcoma ... it is a highly aggressive form of cancer, which is rarely caught before it has spread.
After amputation, it was confirmed Harley had Histiocytic Sarcoma (it was his left elbow), and that it was unfortunately microscopically in the lymph node that was taken as well. We decided to go ahead with chemo, with hopes that if it were microscopically elsewhere in the body the chemo would kill it. We have had 5 rounds of CCNU/Lomustine so far.
Harley is 4.5 months post-amputation. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Harley, thank you for answering Austin's post!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi our dog Tehya was also diagnosed with Histiocytic sarcoma cancer and we were told that it was far more aggressive than Osteosarcoma and to hit it with everything we could. Hers was diagnosed in her front leg higher up near her shoulder. We started her out on Lomustine orally and found that wasn't strong enough so hit her with a blast of Doxo to try and slow it down. We are sorry to say that we couldn't slow it down and the cancer came back with a vengance.
I hate to post this as our prognosis was not good but wanted you to know so that you could check again with your vet just to make sure you are covering all options.
Harley is doing amazing and is certainly an inspiration for the dogs out there that have the same dreaded cancer.
We wish you the best of luck and as Harley's Mom says if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!
Darlene Angel Tehya's Mom
tehya1 said:
we were told that it was far more aggressive than Osteosarcoma
We were told this as well. I agree with Darlene, I would double check with your Vet, just to make sure. I hope and pray Austin's prognosis is a good as it seems, Josh!
I forgot to post above about a couple of Clinical Trials for Histiocytic Sarcoma involving the drug Liposomal Clodronate. I don't know where you live, but there are two I am aware of:
The Ohio State University http://www.vet......u/5067.htm
Colorado State University http://www.csua.....p-clod-his
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
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