Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone...
Good news! Stephen's pathology report came back and it ends up that he had an incredibly invasive, yet benign, tumor. They vet said she's really never seen one like it. My fiance, who is a scientist, had a colleague do an analysis as well and it was really wierd to look at microscopically. The fatty cells were pushing the muscle cells out of the way...clearly the tumor had been growing long before we rescued Stephen this summer.
Anyway, I think we sigh a huge relief?
The vet said that they'll let us know about whether or not they'd recommend radiation to prevent recurrance....thoughts on that?
I think I am finally going to sleep tonight 🙂
Anything that is not cancer is good news! Congratulations.
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.
Great news! Thanks for the update. Be sure to search the forums for "Stereotactic Radiosurgery" and review Jerry's CSU post discussing radiation therapy.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Excellent news! This is as good as it gets I think if you have to lose a leg because of some weird growth.
Yes, breathe!!!! Then do a hoppy dance! WOoo hooo!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
WOW!
That's fantastic! I never thought I would be cheering for FAT but... YAY! for FAT!
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.
Oh Magic is doing a hoppy dance for you and as soon as I get my creaky body up I shall too...what GREAT NEWS!!! congratulations to you!!!!!
Diane, Magic and OJ
Yay! What a relief for you guys!
Our old guy had little fat deposits everywhere and in the last year or so they grew rapidly - and I remember it being a very intense wait when we aspirated them and waited for the results. I also remember the great sense of relief when they came back fine - and you must be even more relieved than we were!
Dante is doin' a hoppy dance for you!
You all are absolutely amazing! This community has been such a needed boost and it's hard to believe that it's only been one week since his amputation. He is really sleepy right now (probably from the meds) and he hates that darn cone. I keep giving him the count down of the days he has left until the stitches come out and we can all start to return to "normal" life...
I'll have to check out the various forums on advice for all of the next steps - like when we can do exercise and when he can play at the dog park. For now, I'm just so grateful that it looks like we have many years ahead of us together - albeit with three paws instead of four.
Thank you all SO much for your support...I look forward to being able to offer that kindness to others in return in the near future.
If you love Stephen, WeLoveStephen too! 
I wouldn't worry about the sleepiness. He's still in full recovery mode from a major surgery. Lots of healing stuff going on in his body. That just takes time and sleep heals the body.
Personally I wouldn't let him do anything major for at least a month (bounce off the walls and stuff). Even in people surgery, you have to take it easy for several weeks. I'm sure you vet will give you the thumbs up when it's okay.
Wishing Stephen a speedy recovery!
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.
Sorry we're late in joining the good wishes - YAY that the tumor was benign!!! We're so happy, and Holly is cheerfully eating a special treat in Stephen's honor! She hopes he got extra treats to celebrate the good news! We're keeping him in our hearts as he continues through recovery.
Lots of hugs,
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Benign tumors are indeed a good thing! Once Stephen is past recovery, I'm sure there will be no stopping him. Hope you're prepared for the ride 🙂
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.
I'm just getting up to speed on Stephen and wanted to say that it's such great news to hear that his tumor was benign! I admire your courage for deciding on the spot to do the amputation. Many of us agonized over the decision but only to discover that it was the best decision we could have made. Stephen is young and full of life - he will do just great and won't even know that he has 3 legs once he recovers from the surgery. Here's to a speedy recovery and many many birthdays and ampuversaries to come!
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
You all were not joking about the ups and downs of these first two weeks. We were just saying how amazing Stephen is doing – we even let him tackle the stairs down to our bedroom for the first time. And then, this morning, he started oozing fluids and it just wouldn't stop so we called the vet and raced him over there. Deep breath, it was likely the last hoorah from his drainage site, but wow…that was intense. And messy. Our house looked like a crime scene this morning. I do NOT have a iron stomach and this process has been a real stretch for me. Good practice for human parenthood, no doubt 🙂
I'm so glad all of you gave me the heads up about these first two weeks. Stephen is now snoozing and we are all happy that drama is over – at least for now…stitches come out Wednesday and then, hopefully, the hardest part is over…
I think the recovery period is the hardest part. Even when you think you are prepared, something will take you by surprise. The other tough part is that they all recover at their own rate. What one does with ease may take another weeks to acomplish. I'm sorry you guys had a bad day, and I hope it is the only one for now.
Troiuble didn't have a drain tube, but she required lots of rest. I sometimes thought she had turned into a rock :). In just a few short weeks, she was recovered and ready to go.
Lots of healing thoughts headed your way.
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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