Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

I do have another question -- and I want to thank everyone for the input and help thus far. Keira is doing well so far, given her age and pre-existing arthritis. We finally heard from the surgeon today, three weeks to the day after her surgery, who confirmed that it was osteosarcoma. We were supposed to hear seven to ten business days after surgery, but there was a screw-up in sending it out.

The appointment with the oncologist isn't until next Monday, which will mean it's been four weeks since her surgery. I know I'm a chronic worrier, but it seems to me that every day is precious, and I was wondering if four weeks after surgery is risking metastasis...not that I can do anything about it. Her lung X-ray was clear, although they did explain to me about microscopic tumors. The oncologist said they would call if there are any cancellations, but, long story short, I was wondering if four weeks after surgery is worrisome and risky. 

Thank you, Jerry! You always make me feel better. I am so proud of Keira bounding up the outside steps into our house. We should all be as resilient and courageous as our dogs! Patricia

Hello again! Sorry to bother you, but this journey is still quite new...five weeks today that we wound up in the ER. Given Keira's age and pre-existing arthritis, I am so thrilled with her progress. But there are two things that I wonder about: 1) She circles around for quite a while before managing to lie down and sometimes lies down then jumps right back up and starts circling around again. 2) Every once in a while -- maybe two or three times a day -- she jumps up and yelps. 

Thank you, Karen. Yes, she's on a cocktail of Rimadyl, Gabapentin and Amantadine. I'm going to check with the oncologist about what he thinks is the appropriate dosage for the Gabapentin. 

Thank you, Jerry. I certainly will let you know what he says. I emailed him. He's the director of clinical studies for the VCA system as well as a professor at Sloane-Kettering's cancer center in NYC and he's also super accessible and super nice. I emailed him with a series of questions about pain, rehab, dosage, etc. I will probably hear tomorrow and will let you know. Once again, thank you for your valuable and helpful input. 

Oh, wow, yes, it is Dr. Bergman. I will be so happy to tell him you sent your regards. He did get back to me yesterday -- a Sunday, no less. He feels that the discomfort I'm describing is her pre-existing arthritis being exacerbated because of the changes in her gait. He wants me to add in the Amantadine and he wants me to discuss the dosage of the gabapentin with her primary care doctor, although he thinks it's ok. He also thinks she needs Trazadone because I said she is wandering around at night panting and not sleeping well. He also recommended a rehab place, although he doesn't think she needs it. 

I do want to do the rehab. Dr. Bergman did give me a referral, even though he didn't think it was necessary, but I do. I'm not at all happy with how she's walking. This angel is almost 14 and seems to be struggling to walk -- although the other day, she did run off! Do you give Wyatt amantadine at night? I've been giving it to her with her first pills in the morning. Thanks for everything!