Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I don't know how to begin. I found this community when I was looking for help in making the decision on whether or not to amputate my Wooly's leg, 6 months ago. It's been a roller coaster. I still don't know whether or not I made the right decision. IS there a right or wrong decision? We analyze things and make decisions that we hope are the best choices for our loved ones but I don't think we can really say whether they are right or wrong. My senior boy can and does get around, but it hasn't been easy for him. He kind of scoots around, goes outside, sniffs everything, takes his time and then heads back in. He is still my lovable, special boy who likes to rest his head on my lap. He hasn't been in pain, which is so important, but he really hasn't been the same. The past few weeks, he has been squatting when standing, like his hind end is painful. I thought maybe some hip arthritis. We switched from Piroxicam to Previcox and he also got an injection of Adaquan for his joints. He seemed to feel somewhat better but still not well. At his check last month, chest xrays were still clear and labs were normal. Last week, he vomited twice and didn't want any chicken, so I gave him Cerenia and he ate the next morning, no further vomiting. I already had an appt scheduled for another child that day, so decided to take Wooly also, just for peace of mind. Labs showed anemia, 6% drop from previous, and high lipase (pancreatic enzyme). My vet didn't think much of it "anemia from chronic disease" and "not pancreatitis" but let's recheck in a week or two. I just knew something wasn't right, a 6% drop is significant. I asked another vet to do an ultrasound, which was performed today. Lungs were clear, no enlarged lymph nodes, good news. She said she found something, which I expected, thought it would be the small gray area that the cancer center had seen months ago, in the spleen. Nope, she said it was in the liver...and it was large. She showed me the mass, filled with fluid, which she believes is blood, accounting for the anemia. It was a punch to the gut. How could this have been missed on all of the xrays?? Is there any hope? I am so upset, in tears. My poor boy.
Oh, I am so so sorry. I am crying with you. My Jake developed a second cancer out of no where too, I know that punch in the gut too well. Did they tell you what they think it is? Are they treating him for the anemia? One thing I would highly recommend is to ask your vet about Yunnan Baiyo. Its a chinese herb. Lexie's mom Deb wrote about it here:
http://tripawds.....-bleeding/
The anemia can make them feel miserable, I would definitely ask them the best way to help with that and the Yunnan Baiyo. As far as hope, there is ALWAYS hope. Try your best to remind yourself that Wooly is here now. I think its human nature to grieve for what we might lose before we even lose it (even just at the thought of losing it), so try to keep yourself in the now..Wooly doesn't care about any stinking tumor. All he cares about is being with the one's who love him, sniffing around and laying his head in your lap.
HUGS and prayers coming your way
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Thanks. The vet who found it today said it could be Osteosarcoma mets or a completely different cancer. She was going to call Wooly's oncologist to discuss things before I take him there. She said aspirates will be needed to try to get a diagnosis and then find out if there are any treatment options. I think it's too large to remove, though we can live without 70% of our liver, but it seems too drastic, too dangerous. I'm hoping radiation to shrink it is a possibility. Wooly had a severe reaction to his one and only treatment with Carboplatin, so that's not an option. His regular vet didn't think much of the anemia, but I chose to try preds for a little while, which I think have helped because his counts were back up today. His regular vet doesn't support any "alternative" treatments, so I am now taking him elsewhere and will ask about the Yunnan Baiyo. I didn't know there were veterinary chiropractors until the other day when someone suggested it for Wooly, so he had a treatment today. The vet said he was out of alignment in his middle back and his neck...both of these I had mentioned to his regular vet but was told there was nothing wrong. Wooly had been holding his head off to the side lately but after his treatment, it's straight again! I'm willing to try just about anything to help improve his quality of life. He deserves the best.
My heart hurts for you ... my girl Shelby didn't have OS ... she had hemangiosarcoma in her spleen. She battled anemia her whole chemo treatments and it was managed w/iron pills and diet. She also had fatty masses on her liver.
Shelby did great her entire journey until she didn't. I am not saying that your baby has hemangiosarcoma but I do know that w/blood cancers, we were able to manage the symptoms with iron supplements and Shelby even had a blood transfusion which really, really helped.
I will hold you in my heart and my thoughts... stay close to us! And like Elizabeth said, Wooly doesn't know he's sick! He just knows he is loved... so loved by you!
XO
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart
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
Okay....first step....B R E A T H E.....B R E A T H E.....INHALE DEEPLY...EXHALE SLOWLY.........
Okay, next remind y o urself that Wooly is still blissfully unaware of any "new diagnosis" andnis not letting that bother him one bit!
And YES! You did the right thing by proceeding with the amputation! You took his pain away. Sure, he's moving slower and not up for running a marathon p, but he's at least fourteen years "mature", and a tripawd on top of that!
I agree with Elizabeth 100%....there is ALWAYS HOPE!!! Sometimes we need to redifine what hope looks like, but, no matter what, we hope for quality regardless of longecity. And right now, Wooly has quality and isn't lanning on going anywhere anytime soon!
And it's worth repeating...stay in the now...in the resent...let nothing rob you of your time together!!!
I reviewed some of your previous posts. Clearly you and Wooly are fighters!! OMD! Wooly is a little miracle dog!! Are you kidding me? Everything those crazy incompetent so called vets put him through (sorry, may have been a little too outspoken) and he still overcame every adversity!!!! WOOLY THE MIRACLE DOG indeed!!
Did this vet lay out a treatment plan? If not, get another vet! You definitely want to check out the link Elozabeth gave you. Also, there are a variety of proven herbs that help when the liver is compromised...Milk Thistle is one of them.
I havent dealt with this particular issue, and the fact that all other tests were good is a plus.
You've come to the right place. Others will chime in with more suggestions.
I want to add that you are a POWERFUL ADVOCATE for Wooly!! Absolutely unstoppable and you are not about to stop now!! And those six months pain free...and we're hoping for many more...Wooly got more loving and spoiling and tail wags that he ever thought possible!! He got to be by your side and I'm sure he got loads of extra treats...and plenty of chicken!! For Wooly...in doggy hears....these six months are the equivalent of over three years of sniffing and putting his nead in your lap for more loving!!! Yeah...to Wooly....this was a GREAT DECISION!!!
Weare all right here with you. Do some more research...especially holistically. I know there is a pill that one of my dogs took that was helpful with anemia and liver disease...I just need to remember the darn nam...Derm....deem.....started something like that! I'll figure it out and get back.
B R E A T H E.......snuggle that sweet Wooly for us....watch his tail wag and no that all is well in Woolt's world!
Sending yiu hugs!!!
Sally and Alumni 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!
Just saw your newest response. GOOD FOR YOU!! So glad Wooly had the chiropractic session! Again....you are an amazing advocate!!! And the Pred. Helped...good for you! Yiu have a great "gut intuition"!
Wooly isn't giving up, neither are you! What a tram!!!
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!
TEAM...WHAT A TEAM...sorry...typos love me..
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!
My black lab, Chester, had hemangiosarcoma in his mouth and possibly in his bladder. Unfortunately, while they were busy poking and prodding, trying to figure out exactly what he had and where it was, he passed away. He and Wooly just showed up about the same time and Chester did not like Wooly, always wanted to start a fight with him. They were both good-natured dogs but became butt heads with eachother. As for Wooly's liver tumor, right now, I'm not too worried about the function of it. Are you thinking of denamarin ? One of my other kids is on it for liver issues. What worries me is that the vet said the liver could burst, which would be a medical emergency because he could bleed to death. I don't know what the possibility of that is, but ANY chance is too much. It's very scary.
Wooly's mom,
Dorothy
Yes! denamarin !!
Yeah, I hear ya' that any chance is too much. I think you have to factor in the fact that Wooly has beaten the odds like crazy sofar...I mean, walking around on a broken leg...recovering from an infection because his bandages weren't watched over properly at the vets....yeah...he's one strong dog!! And he's basically feeling good and not really showing any outwardly sysmltons.
I'm sorry about the passing of Chester. I bet he's a good Guardian Angel for you and Wooly though.
Keeping all paws crossed for you.
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!
Dorothy, I'm really sorry to hear about Wolly. Your vets sound like a great, cohesive team that will do their best to ensure his quality of life. Still, I understand your worry and emotions, I would be a wreck myself.
When it comes to this disease, we learn all too well that there are no "right" or "wrong" decisions, all we can do is our best and make those decisions with love. You did that. Our pets know this, they sense how much we fret over them and want the best for their lives, they know when we try to make them feel better. Wolly understands that, and his love is still strong, his spirit is bright as the sun as always and although his physical changes are significant, he is still the same dog. Try not to fear for the future, because he's not. Love him for today, for this moment that you two share, because with or without cancer or heartbreaking news like this, nothing is guaranteed, all we have is Now. Meanwhile we send all our love & pawsitivity that he feels better and continues to have a good quality of life. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well, the regular vet spoke with the oncologist yesterday, about Wooly's liver tumor. She said that it is probably a low grade hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the most common liver cancer. She said if it was osteo mets it wouldn't be one large tumor, but rather several small ones and should show up elsewhere. So, another cancer. She said that type of cancer does not respond to chemo, the treatment is removing the liver lobe. Life expectancy afterwards is about 3 years, which is great. However, it's a major surgery, low death rates, but still risky, especially for a senior. Also, the surgery would cost about $3500-4000! I don't think there's anything else I can do for Wooly. I'm so sad.
Well the good news is that it is low grade. Have you thought about holistic treatments? I remember seeing a few people on here who used a homeopathic vet who I think is out of North Carolina but does phone consults etc. I hope someone on here chimes in about that b/c I don't have much info. Our oncologist didn't support "alternative" treatments either, and rolled her eyes at me when I mentioned it, but when there was nothing else left to do she did introduce us to Yunnan Baiyo....which I am sure gave us extra weeks with my boy (which was a miracle based on the type of tumor and its location).
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
I am in chat if you want to hop over
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
I'm really sorry to hear the latest update. Try to look at it like this: there is a lot you can do, meaning that you can continue to love him as you've always done, and not treat him any differently than before because he doesn't know what the vet said, he just wants you to be happy. You can vent here, but for Wooly, all that matter is that you are together and enjoying every day.
Elizabeth I'm surprised your onco even mentioned YB being such a skeptic and all. That's great. Meanwhile, here is the information about Dr. Loops that you discussed, thanks. The post links to other discussions here about him, he's pretty awesome:
Dr. Loops Homeopathic Osteosarcoma and Mast Cell Cancer Protocols for Dogs and Cats
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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