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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Wilson..cancer has come back
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Member Since:
21 November 2010
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1
21 November 2010 - 7:41 am
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I was on here before and my computer crashed so I had to register again.

In Feb 09 we found out that Wilson (golden) had bone cancer. Took him to Auburn Unv. They removed his back right leg and told me he had Fibrosarcoma and sent me home without any protcol. I went nuts for two months searching on the web to find out what to do for my Wilson. One of my golden friends told me about Dr Steve Withrow at Colorado State Unv.

I contacted Dr Withrow and the next day I got a phone call. I sent all records from Auburn to them. My Wilson did not have Fibro, he had Oste. We started chemo and he last chemo was the end of August 09. Wilson did wonderful through his chemo and I have kept up with his CBC and lung xrays.

Last week Wilson started having problems with he left back leg (weight bearing). Took him to my vet. He told me that he had a mild case of hip dysplasia. My vet put him on 1/2 pill of Deramix for 7 days. Wilson was still able to get up on that leg then I could tell he was in pain from panting. The vet put him on Tramadol 50mg twice a day. Then last Sunday I noticed that his left eye was blood red and his eye was moving.

Monday we took Wilson back to the vet. They gave me eye drops and took him off Tramadol. Put him back on Deramix and Phycox. Things were not any better on Tuesday. We went back to the vet. They ran bloodwork and his CBC was tops. Then told me Wilson had a very low nystagmus in the left eye. I asked for xrays. They found a spot on his left lung. They could not tell me if the cancer had spread to his brain. That since I went over Auburn's head and contacted Dr Withrow I would need to contact them. I did contact CSU and they told me that I would need a MRI and Bone scan. I tried to get assistants to have the MRI  & Bone scan. I don't have the $$ to do this. My heart is breaking.

There are two vets at my local vet office. When one is not there I see the other. One tells me that she would do chemo because the spot in his lung is from Oste. The other one tells me this is the end and to make him comfortable. So, you all know how I'm feeling right now.

Since Wilson has been off the Tramadol for a week. The left eye is not longer red and you have to look really hard to see the eye moving. With my vet telling me about the mild hip problem. Wilson has been up walking, eating & drinking water, going outside to do his business until last night. He would not put pressure on that leg. We even got a beach towel under him to help get  him up this morning and he will not go outside.

I don't know if Wilson is playing head games with us. Anyone have suggestions of getting him up and outside? The other is going to be heavy on my heart. Wilson is happy, wagging his tail and alert.

Edmonton, Alberta
Member Since:
11 January 2010
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21 November 2010 - 12:15 pm
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Reading your post makes me want to cry and I just want to say I'm so sorry to read about your and Wilson's troubles. I can only imagine your worry and perhaps some frustration right now.

I really don't know what to say. You've tried the makeshift sling which is what I would have suggested. I hope someone has some advice for you.

Sending good wishes.

Catie -

Birthday – November 4 2003

Amputation – January 13 2010

Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011

 Catie Caitlin 

krun15
3
21 November 2010 - 12:47 pm
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I'm sorry Wilson is having such a hard time.

First off- don't beat yourself up about costs.  It would be wonderful if we were all  independently wealthy and could afford anything and everything.  But the fact is that money sometimes does play a part.  All you can do is the best you can do for Wilson.

I wouldn't worry right this min about lung mets until you get his mobility issue solved.  I have head several stories here of pups who develop spinal mets from OSA.  I'm not sure they always show up on xrays- were xrays done to diagnosis the dysplasia?  HERE is a link to search results in the forums for spine. I never had to deal with this, and my tripawd was small.  Hopefully some of the others with experience can post.

You should post any specific vet questions in the 'Ask a Vet' forum.  Dr. Pam is usually pretty quick to respond there.

When you do get the mobility issue solved there are other options for lung mets than chemo.  When you are ready check out the Tripawds Nutrition blog for discussions on other protocols.  You can decide on what action is best for you and Wilson.

I know how hard this part of the journey can be.  Maggie survived a long time after her amp due to mast cell cancer, but developed a second cancer.

Keep Wilson's quality first in your mind and heart and you will make the right decisions and find the best path forward.

Karen


Member Since:
22 August 2008
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21 November 2010 - 2:19 pm
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I would xray his rear leg to look for bony mets or consider spinal films since dogs who have had chemo seem to get these mets more often and he is lame.  Also make sure your vet check out his ACL (cruciate ligament). 

Dogs with lung mets have responded to Palladia (pricey) or prednisone but dogs with bony mets have less options.

I hope that you can get some help with Wilson.

Pam

Pahrump, NV
Member Since:
17 February 2010
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21 November 2010 - 3:36 pm
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I'm with Pam on this, if you haven't already, get his rear leg x-rayed.  We were looking for lung mets with Sadie, and were so happy there were none. Then, she would not put weight on her back right leg (she had a front right right amp due to osteosarcoma).  I took her to the vet and after an exam, he did x-rays of her back leg and found what seemed an obvious tumor inside the knee.  X-rays are certainly less expensive than an MRI.  It helps to know what you're dealing with for sure.  Whatever the diagnosis, it's all about Wilson, so as long as he seems content and can eat, drink, and relieve himself, enjoy every tail wag! I hope he can go outside soon.  We'll be thinking about you and hoping for the best.

Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end.  On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/

10711
6
21 November 2010 - 4:42 pm
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I'm so sorry to hear about Wilson's struggles. Fortis is a R rear leg amputee as well. He has had to deal with ACL issues since his surgery and lung mets were discovered about 3 months ago. He is currently on Prednisolone. The harness that I have used most is the Help em harness. Not perfect by any means but much better than anything else I have tried. I pray this is just a bump in the road for Wilson. Sending lots positive thoughts your way.

Fortis'Dad

Member Since:
14 April 2010
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22 November 2010 - 6:54 am
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Sorry to hear about Wilson. I have seen a couple stories lately that makes me wonder about some of the vets out there. I am sure they are telling you what they feel is the best way to address the situation, to bad your getting different recommendations.  I didn't do chemo with Gus because I didn't wat him to have to deal with any side effects and I don't regret it, quality of life for him was my objective. I can't believe Wilson is playing head games with you, sounds lilke getting that back leg working again is priority no. 1 which would mean trying to find out why he won't us it, that might help you in making decisions. Best to you, Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan 

My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010

Golden Girls
8
22 November 2010 - 8:52 am
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We're so sorry to hear about Wilson. Hopefull after the xray, you'll have some answers and will know how to proceed. Sendig lots of pawsitive thoughts & prayers your way!

 

Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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22 November 2010 - 10:22 am
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So sorry you (and Wilson) are having to go through this.  Sending lots of positive thoughts and  best wishes for a quick recovery.

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.

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