Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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First off, I wanted to let everyone know Polly has made it 1.5 year since her amp and diagnosis! We are just so blessed to have had this extra time with her, and it wouldn't have happened without Tripawds and the support of all of you. For that I am eternally grateful!
However, now I am truly fearful. Polly has been acting fine, running around, pushing her brother and sister out of her way and has become a true snuggle bug. (She never snuggled before, and was a total loner, so this is a fantastic by product of the surgery!) Recently, she has been having weird nose bleeds, its not just a little drip- when she sneezes, a big huge mucus like boogie comes out, and oftentimes it is blood colored. There is nothing else going on though. She is still as active as before, she still eats with a passion and still barks at the yard squirrels.
I have an appointment with the vet- but I am convinced the tumor has spread to her nose/brain area. I want to be in denial about it, but I can't just let her go on sneezing gross blood.
Has anyone else had this happen? It first started around 3 weeks ago- and I thought nothing of it since it was humid and there was tons of pollen in our area. But over the weekend it happened twice and now I know I need to hear the truth.
I hate this. Cancer is just so sucky. I thought we were going beat the odds since we made it this far.
A. YEAR AND A HALF AND STILL GOING STRONG!!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAY. POLLY GIRL...AND MOM TOO!!!!!
Sucha an inspiration!!!
You have every reason to believe that allergies have caused.this aggravation...even some type of infection since she has mucous coming out. Some debris could be lodged.in her squirrel chasing snout that needs to be dislodged.
A Bull Mastiff who owned me for twelve years...named "Twinkie"....did develop a nasal tumor but her symptons were different.....she had pure red blood nose bleeds, not mixed with mucous at all. I can also tell you that she maintained quality for many, many months...and even sailed through surgery for BLOAT during that time! It was also during a time back then when things like that didn't have any treatment options. They certainly do now. I share this aspect to reassure you.
Update when you can. We are here cheering Polly Girl on! She's clearly feeling great regardless of whatever is going on with that nose of hers!!!!!! And that's her truth and that's all that matters!
Hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
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!
Oh it's wonderful to hear from you! YAY POLLY! You little rock star! Congrats sweetie. How about some pix?
As far as the nose bleeds...boy that could be anything at all and hopefully nothing serious. For example, the ranch dog here showed up for work one day with half his head swelled up like a balloon. It was so scary! And being so well-acquainted with cancer, we were thinking the worst but "all" it was, was a foxtail that got stuck in there and caused a rapid swelling and discharge. Sooo...you just never know. Definitely let us know what the vet says and we will send you all the pawsitivity in the world for a good report card OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you both for your kind words of hope!
We have good news and bad news. The good news is, they did an x-ray and there are no lung mets to be found or cancer to be found anywhere below the noggin... The bad news is, Polly wouldn't sit still to get an x-ray of her noggin. However, the vet doesn't think its cancer and believes it is an infection either in the nasal cavity or in the actual bone of her nose. She gave us a new antibiotic to try and we ran a bunch of blood tests to see if her levels are high in any other area.
If the blood results don't come back with anything worth noting, we are taking her to a surgical vet here in MD that can do a scope of her nose and x-ray while she is sedated/unconscious. The vet also brought up the possibility of nose mites since Polly was used for breeding before being rescued. She said she saw a case where the dog lived with them for 10 years before it became an issue... EWWWW!
So we are pretty darn excited at least there are not any lung mets at this time, since we all know that stupid osteosarcoma just loves to go there next. But until I know what it is for sure, i'll be expecting the worst.
I have attached a few photos of Polly and my older rat terrier Penny. Its my first time posting pics so hopefully it works!
First, yay for a year and a half! That is amazing and Polly looks wonderful!
Our Zeus had a lung met and a "suspicious spot" on his liver at the time of diagnosis. We amputated anyway and he lived ten great months. During that time, the lung met grew only slightly, but unfortunately a tumor grew in his abdomen (probably that suspicious spot). We knew the cancer was back because he became tired much easier and eventually began to stumble some. His stomach became extended from the tumor and swelling. Toward the end, Zeus had a thick yellow discharge in his eyes and he would often have nasal discharge that was very clear and thin and would become crusty on the tip of his nose. Only once (maybe twice) did he sneeze and one drop of bright red blood would be in it. By the time that these head-related symptoms showed up, we knew from the ultrasound about the abdominal tumor so we didn't do any testing to see if it had spread to his head, but I am certain that it had.
The symptoms that Zeus had were not anything like what you describe. Also, with Polly still having so much energy, etc, I would think that is a good sign. Please let us know how things go and try to stay positive!!
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
ADORABLE!!!!! ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE PUPS!!! Y ou forgot the cuteness alert
And think you're worrying for nothing! I know it's hard not to on this stupid journey, but you've got some really good news going on over there! A whole lot to celebrate!!
Keep us ppsted and give those two cutie pies big smooches for us!!!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
I love photos!!! those are great!!! You all look happy and healthy!
Which beach are you near? We love the beach too!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
@mom2shelby- We are at our local park called Downs Park in Pasadena MD. All of my dogs love it there and love to sniff the beach finds from the bay!
That is really, really great news overall! I'm glad you went to see the vet, it's amazing what a difference a professional opinion can make in your outlook. Yay! She's a lucky dawg to have you for a momma.
The pics are pawesome, thanks for sharing, it's nice to see the pack having fun.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well, we are sorry to report that we saw a specialist for Polly as her eye began to swell last week. Without going through an MRI and rhinocscopy - the specialist believes she has a tumor or some type of growth behind her eye. In either case, the only treatment would be surgery to remove the eye and anything behind it, or radiation if it is tested and comes back as cancer. Either treatment option is not guaranteed to give us anymore time or for her even to survive it. We are facing a very difficult decision to either try the surgeries or just let it go and spoil her to death for the time we have left. At this point we are leaning towards just letting her live until she is in pain or tells us its time. I don't want to do radiation or surgery for a few different reasons but mostly because neither have a particularly good outlook for her.
Has anyone else had to deal with the cancer coming back in the facial cavity? Any good/bad stories or advice to give us?
Okay, not good news. HOWEVER, it in no way shape or form means this great little courageous feisty girl is throwing in the towel!!!
In my previous post I mentioned my twelve year old Bull Mastiff Twinkie, had a nasal tumor, or cavity.tumor...never did get precise diagnosis because I also did not put her through any invasive testing. This was at least fifteen years ago and I'm not sure what options were even offered at the time, if any. She also ened.up having swelliing around her head -eye area some. If I recall, the vet "drained" it with a needle a couple of.times (it wasn't painful...just draining fluid).
I did g o.with a.holostic approach...again, fifteen years ago...and I cannot recall if I.used.Dr. Loops on a co.sultation basis or.someone else. I can tell you she had additional.months of QUALITY time with spoiling and spoiling and more spoiling....you alreadynhave that down pat I'm.sure!!!
I can also tell you there was.some "distortion" (swelling) but it didn't seem.to interfere with her quality....always eating, drinking, happy. What did happen...and every case is different and Twinkie may.not have even had the same kind.of tumor.whatsoever.....was.it.got.so.she couldn't "rest".....she would try.and drift.off and.it was as though l aying down cut off her airway.or something. Those last few nights she would try.and sleep in a sitting position with me propping her head up in a certain way with pillows and trying to make sure she held the "perfect" position so she could "sleep" sort of sitting up. I
I share this part of her journey with you you this because IF you have a similar situation start to arise...IF.......well, tail wags,.a.sparkle.in the eye, eating, are not the only guages of quality. I feel like in my case....in her particular circumstances which may be very different from yours....I waited "a day too'm late" as opposed to "a day too early". The latter would have been better........
Your Polly is feeling good right now and certainly isn't.worried about.any ole' diagnosis!!! Do your research and DEFINITELY consult with a Holistic Vet! So.many wonderful strides have been made since my experience!
Sending you all the.love.in the world and know that we are all.here with you!!! That Polly clearly makes.her own rules and isn't about to go anywhere anytime soon!!! She has a TWO YEAR AMPUVERSARY coming up!! She's not about to miss that pawty!!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Oh darnnit I'm so sorry! Cancer YOU SUCK. 
OK, got that out of my system.
Now, I have seen friends' dogs go through radiation for a cancer in the nasal cavity and it wasn't pretty. For some it worked, for other it didn't give the quality of life that we had hoped for. It's a tough, tough road from what I can tell, but every dog is different, you just don't know.
If you know in your heart you don't want to do any type of invasive surgeries, it couldn't do any harm to take a holistic approach. Two East Coast vets that I know of who are renowned for very amazing cancer survival statistics (when nobody thought there was hope) are Dr. Marty Goldstein of Smith Ridge Vet Clinic in Upstate NY, and Dr. Charles Loops in South Carolina. Why not consult with a holistic vet just to see what your options are? Just a thought. Whatever path you take, we will support you no matter what. Give Polly and Penny a big smooch from us and keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This is a bad night on these forums.....I am so sorry for this crappy news about your sweet Polly......my precious Tripawd was a Polly as well, and did I read you are also in Maryland?
I completely agree with the advice from both Sally and Jerry, the holistic approach can have very positive results......it is always worth the try. And Jerry is also right, cancer SUCKS........
Please keep us updated on your Polly, and my continuing thoughts and prayers are with you.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Thank you everyone!
Yes- we are in MD- the Annapolis area to be more specific and we have a huge host of fantastic vets around here. Specialists of all types which is both a blessing and curse. I would do anything to save her, but sitting in the oncology department watching dogs come and go from radiation yesterday morning made me realize that I just can't do it to her. Both the internist and eye vet said that the chances of her living a long time if we do it are slim from their viewpoint and both essentially said to me although it is an option, neither would recommend it for her unless I felt very strongly about it. In my mind, surgery isn't an option either. Its brain surgery and there is no guarantee they could get it fully , that she would recover or that she would even wake up from it. When I weigh my options, I just have to choose spoil her to death. Neither specialist could give me a life time frame. I'm going to just assume only a few weeks and hope for longer.
However, she did get to go for a long ride in the Jeep with the windows off and she just loved it. So I got the OK to bring her to work a few days a week and last night we went to Whole Foods and got her a ton of tasty meats to eat. I've been feeding her Merrick Canned dog foods, but I said to HE double hockey sticks with it. She's getting baked chicken, sirloin steaks, cooked egg yolks, bacon, and some ground buffalo mixed in to her food. We were supposed to go on vacation next week, but I cancelled it and booked us a dog friendly room closer to home, so we are going to take her to the beach for 3 days. She doesn't particularly like the beach- but I think she will enjoy being outside and just hanging out... If not, then at least she is only a 5 minute walk away instead of an 8 hour drive like it would have been if we went on vacation in the outer banks.
My heart is just so broken over it all. Doing some research, I found that this is not uncommon with that stupid osteosarcoma. I was so excited not to see any lung mets- I had no idea it decided to be even more cruel and go right to her face. Cancer is a real jerk!
Thank you to everyone for your kind words and advice. We have been working with a holistic vet since her amputation, and she is still taking the herbs. I think now that we might have to change them a bit to focus more on her eye and organs, but hopefully I will get a few more weeks of spoil time!
YOU ARE ONE.INCREDIBLE.SOUL. AND YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY AN ASTOUNDINGLY SELFLESS ADVOCATE FOR.POLLY!!!
I know this sucks...but Polly doesn't! Your courageous positive attitude is THE best therapy possible! I bow down to you for making whatever time you have...and no one knows what that is...THE BEST EVER!!! She is sooooo loved...and she knows it!!!
I have just one suggestion....throw in a little scoop of ice cream for dessert.....and five M&Msa day! My Happy Hannah had me convinced that this was a great immune booster for her!!!
Take lots and lots of.pictures..and with yo u in them too! Looking forward to seeing pics of your vacation! Geez....I took pictures.and videos of.EVERYTHING! Make sure you include some of her barking and slurping down her chicken and ice cream!!!!
When is Polly's birthday? Never too early to start celebrating birthdays.....get her a cake and lots of presents!!!!!
Remember, we are ALL here for you...you are not alone, okay! We understand.
Sending love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
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