Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi,
Our 9 y.o. Alaskan Malamute, Murray, was diagnosed with Anaplastic Sarcoma with Giant Cells / Undifferentiated Sarcoma. I tried searching this in the forums here and nothing returned (although I could may have overlooked it!) so thought it might be helpful to post our journey here.
This is apparently a rare cancer and not common in Malamutes. Murray had a mass biopsied on his front right leg above his elbow on June 8. Biopsy report returned the following week, our vet ordered the IHC or ICC stain to determine cell origin and the report returned Anaplastic Sarcoma with Giant Cells / Undifferentiated Sarcoma. We were advised we needed to act quickly due to the nature of sarcomas.
We probably would have had a little more time to act, but Murray got to his biopsy incision wound and it opened up. After consulting with the vet, we were advised to just keep it clean and treat it with manuka honey. The problem is that it was on the tumor so it wasn't healing and it kept getting worse even with his cone on. I asked if we could just remove the tumor but due to the nature of sarcomas it would just be like cutting off a weed and it would easily grow back within weeks.
Our best chance was amputation but we were not sure right away if that was the best for Murray being a senior, large breed, with developing arthritis. After a friend recommended Tripawds and talking to all our vets, vet nurses, and friends in the Malamute community, we agreed if all the scans are clear of metastasis, we'll give Murray his best shot and do the surgery. We ordered a chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound and our Oncologist also sampled the lymph node area near his leg to confirm the cancer had not spread. His bloodwork and vitals were all normal too, so it was just the nasty tumor on his leg that was the issue.
He is a very active dog, up until a week and a half ago we were out on his regular jogs along the trail.
Because the tumor was getting more infected we needed to act quickly on surgery but we were waiting on the cytology report on the lymph nodes. If that was not clear, there would be no point in amputation and we would have to prepare to say our good-byes.
It has been a very emotional couple of days while waiting for these tests and watching the tumor get worse, Murray was not eating and he developed a fever. We got the test results last night (6/28). Our surgeon called us and said she could get him in first thing this morning for the amputation.
We just got the call he did great on the surgery and they will be keeping him overnight.
I would love to hear your experiences especially with a large, senior dog.
How they do with recovery, any tips, harness recommendations?
I keep hearing "you'd be surprised how they adapt!" and that was one of the determining factors of going through with this surgery. We are also hearing he may be depressed. I understand each case is different but any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!
Leyla and Murray, welcome to the club nopawdy wants to join. I'm so sorry! But we are super glad you found us. Please thank your friend for sending you here.
So when I search the Forums for "anaplastic" this is what comes up:
https://tripawd.....;include=1
I'm so glad you decided to start sharing his situation so that others can learn from the experience. Every story adds to this community's knowledge now and later, so thank you.
Have you seen our What to Expect articles ? Or Jerry's Required Reading List ? Our Tripawds e-books are also helpful.
When it comes to giant breed dogs, you can expect a slightly slower recovery, so don't panic if he's taking longer than you think he should. All dogs are on their own timeline. Don't compare his recovery to others and you won't drive yourself crazy with worry.
How is your house set up? Do you have stairs? Slippery floors? See our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List for some ideas to make his environment better.
I have to run now but stay tuned for feedback from others. Keep us posted on when he comes home and how he's doing, you are not alone in this!
Oh gosh, I was riveted to every word and full of suspe wondering if you proceed with amputation. You did and it DEFINITELY was the right decision to get rid of the pain on thay bum leg and restore Murray's quaility.
Ypu were on rollerr coaster for sure and everything was happening rapid fire, but you were getting goo professional input and so g all the proper tests that all pointed to this path forward.
YAAAAAAY FOR SURGERY BEING DONE!! Murray is feeling no pain with some good meds tonight so now is the time for you to catch up on sleep. Uou jave to be exhausted emotionally..
When you do go pick Mirray up. sont even bother to look at jis incision or draw attenion to it. Just come in with a strong and confide energy, tell him he's a good voy and he's going home!!!
It is impor to remember every recovery os different and every dog recovers at the own pace. And yes, dogs do really well k three and get on with gettin' on as though nothing ever happened!
However, recovery is no picnic for the first two weeks or so. Short leashed potty breaks and back in for more rest. Drinking and peeing are important but he may not have a good appetite at first and he may not poop for several days.
pain management is crucial and sometimes takes some trial and error tweaking (with Vet guidance).
Aome dogs sleep a lot at first. Some are more restless and whiny and can't seem to get comfortable. Usually it just takes pain med adjustment.
It takes about thirty days for a dog to settles into a fluid gait and gain solid balance.
We've had many dogs far older than Murray and so e who have weight 170 - 2oo lbs. Some large Great Danes, Masiffs, etc..
Just wanted to throw a couple of thoughts out there to help.
Let us k ow jow the homecoming goes and any questions yoj may have.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Hello. Your Murray and my Ophelia are in very similar situations. Ophelia is a 9 year old Saint Bernard. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma two weeks ago. She had her right front leg amputated just two days ago. My thread is under the large dogs forum.
it’s been the most emotionally exhausting experience that i think that I’ve ever gone through, so i totally understand. The people here in these forums are amazing so i think that we have found a good place to get support from others who have gone through this.
Ophelia is doing really well in her recovery. I haven’t posted a detailed update since the surgery because I’ve just been too busy taking care of her and, frankly, too exhausted. I will soon though.
Hang in there.
jerry said
Leyla and Murray, welcome to the club nopawdy wants to join. I'm so sorry! But we are super glad you found us. Please thank your friend for sending you here.So when I search the Forums for "anaplastic" this is what comes up:
https://tripawd.....;include=1
I'm so glad you decided to start sharing his situation so that others can learn from the experience. Every story adds to this community's knowledge now and later, so thank you.
Have you seen our What to Expect articles ? Or Jerry's Required Reading List ? Our Tripawds e-books are also helpful.
When it comes to giant breed dogs, you can expect a slightly slower recovery, so don't panic if he's taking longer than you think he should. All dogs are on their own timeline. Don't compare his recovery to others and you won't drive yourself crazy with worry.
How is your house set up? Do you have stairs? Slippery floors? See our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List for some ideas to make his environment better.
I have to run now but stay tuned for feedback from others. Keep us posted on when he comes home and how he's doing, you are not alone in this!
Thank you so much for the warm welcome, Jerry! I'm so glad I found you guys too. This site has been incredibly helpful and everyone is so supportive!
We have a ranch style house with a few steps getting up and down to the front and back entrances. We bought a ramp which has been helpful getting him out back for bathroom breaks. We went to Home Depot yesterday to purchase some floor cuttings and laid out yoga mats. We set up his recovery room in the dining room since it is closest to the backyard door entrance. The Tripawds Recovery Shopping List was very helpful! I'll post more updates soon. We just brought him home yesterday so just trying to tend to our boy and get our bearings. Thank you again!!
benny55 said
Oh gosh, I was riveted to every word and full of suspe wondering if you proceed with amputation. You did and it DEFINITELY was the right decision to get rid of the pain on thay bum leg and restore Murray's quaility.Ypu were on rollerr coaster for sure and everything was happening rapid fire, but you were getting goo professional input and so g all the proper tests that all pointed to this path forward.
YAAAAAAY FOR SURGERY BEING DONE!! Murray is feeling no pain with some good meds tonight so now is the time for you to catch up on sleep. Uou jave to be exhausted emotionally..
When you do go pick Mirray up. sont even bother to look at jis incision or draw attenion to it. Just come in with a strong and confide energy, tell him he's a good voy and he's going home!!!
It is impor to remember every recovery os different and every dog recovers at the own pace. And yes, dogs do really well k three and get on with gettin' on as though nothing ever happened!
However, recovery is no picnic for the first two weeks or so. Short leashed potty breaks and back in for more rest. Drinking and peeing are important but he may not have a good appetite at first and he may not poop for several days.
pain management is crucial and sometimes takes some trial and error tweaking (with Vet guidance).
Aome dogs sleep a lot at first. Some are more restless and whiny and can't seem to get comfortable. Usually it just takes pain med adjustment.
It takes about thirty days for a dog to settles into a fluid gait and gain solid balance.
We've had many dogs far older than Murray and so e who have weight 170 - 2oo lbs. Some large Great Danes, Masiffs, etc..
Just wanted to throw a couple of thoughts out there to help.
Let us k ow jow the homecoming goes and any questions yoj may have.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Thank you so much for your support and insight!! Also for your candor on the challenges we may face since he is a big guy but I totally agree we did that right thing and have no regrets!!
I kept your advice in mind when we went to pick him up yesterday and didn't draw any attention to his incision. They did an amazing job though and he is doing so much better now that we've gotten rid of that nasty tumor. He is eating and drinking, sleeping a lot. We have taken him out for 2 potty breaks but no luck. The vet said not to worry as long as he is eating and drinking, showing no signs of discomfort, we are okay. If after 72 hours he has still not gone to the bathroom, then we will need to bring him in. I'm confident he will be okay though.
Thanks again for your post and advice! I'll keep you all posted!
Hug,
Leyla & Murray
Michael said
Hello. Your Murray and my Ophelia are in very similar situations. Ophelia is a 9 year old Saint Bernard. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma two weeks ago. She had her right front leg amputated just two days ago. My thread is under the large dogs forum.it’s been the most emotionally exhausting experience that i think that I’ve ever gone through, so i totally understand. The people here in these forums are amazing so i think that we have found a good place to get support from others who have gone through this.
Ophelia is doing really well in her recovery. I haven’t posted a detailed update since the surgery because I’ve just been too busy taking care of her and, frankly, too exhausted. I will soon though.
Hang in there.
Hi Michael,
I am so sorry about Ophelia but glad we are here together! I think our pups had surgery the same day! Just brought Murray home yesterday.
It truly has been the most emotionally exhausting experience for us too. But totally agree that we have the best support here in these forums.
I'm so happy to hear Ophelia is doing really well with her recovery. Murray is doing really well too. We've gotten a lot of tail wags, he's eating and drinking again, sleeping a lot. We are just so relieved he is here with us and he has a 2nd chance. I also haven't posted a detailed update since surgery either for the same reasons as you. I will post soon too.
Please take care and hang in there too! I'll check out your thread in the large dogs forum.
Sending get well hugs to Ophelia!
Welcome home handsome!!
Aounds like you jave every handled for his homecoming and well set up for a smooth recovery.
Good to know Mirray has already given you some tail wags and is eating and drinking. Great news! Rest is good so Murray is soing exactly what he needs to do.
Yeah, the meds, etc can mess him up a bit when it comes to peeing. Conti ue to keep him hydrated and, even of he pers in bed, that's a win!
Try and get some rest and update some more when you can.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Hi everyone,
Murray had his stitches removed last Thursday and my goodness he is doing amazingly well just being a little over 2 weeks post-surgery. He's able to get around the house and backyard unassisted, lets himself out back when it's time to do his business, appetite is back and his goofy, sweet personality is back too. The last 3 visitors that came by, he got up from his bed and walked up to greet them which was the norm for him before he got sick! He moves around but not a whole lot. He likes to go out back in the morning and evening to do his business then lay on his pet cot while it's still cool then once it starts heating up (we are in the middle of a heatwave) he comes back indoors and gets comfy on his brand new orthopedic bed
from Big Barker.
We were able to secure an appointment consultation at the Canine Rehabilitation Center https://www.the.....enter.com/ but they are booked out until September (our appointment is Sept 5) and we are wondering if you have any recommendations on stretches or exercises we can or should do with him while we are waiting for this appointment?
Thanks!
Hi Leyla! How is Murray doing? Do you feel like your boy has his sparkle back?
Oh gosh I'm sorry I missed your previous question:
we are wondering if you have any recommendations on stretches or exercises we can or should do with him while we are waiting for this appointment?
Great question! We all want to help our pups get strong and build stamina. Right now just take things VERY slow. Short walks, like 1/4 of what they were before if you think he can do it. He can practice core strengthening exercises too, like walking on uneven surfaces (even couch cushions).
We wrote an article about it:
https://tripawd.....exercises/
also
https://tripawd.....-tripawds/
Hope to hear about Murray real soon!
Oh! Admin just shared this Murray video with me. Hope it's OK I uploaded it to YouTube but it was too cute not to share!
jerry said
Hi Leyla! How is Murray doing? Do you feel like your boy has his sparkle back?Oh gosh I'm sorry I missed your previous question:
we are wondering if you have any recommendations on stretches or exercises we can or should do with him while we are waiting for this appointment?
Great question! We all want to help our pups get strong and build stamina. Right now just take things VERY slow. Short walks, like 1/4 of what they were before if you think he can do it. He can practice core strengthening exercises too, like walking on uneven surfaces (even couch cushions).
We wrote an article about it:
https://tripawd.....exercises/
also
https://tripawd.....-tripawds/
Hope to hear about Murray real soon!
Thank you so much for checking in and for the useful links!! We will be sure to do these exercises with him.
Murray totally has his sparkle back - we are so blown away! We have been doing short walks from the back yard to the front of the house and yesterday we made it to the street. We were doing daily walk/jogs for 1.5-2 miles before he got sick and taking him to the beach in San Francisco every Saturday. Our house is near our city's regional trail which is where we have been running the past 9 years, so when we were out front, he started hopping really fast towards the trail entrance like we were going for a run lol. I hope we will be able to do our trail and beach outings again soon.
I finally created his blog page here but haven't added any content yet lol. I'm working on it though and will post his story with pupdates and videos soon! It's been so amazing and only 3 weeks post-surgery! Today we just received a bulk shipment of yoga mats and have laid them all over the house. Murray is loving them and a lot more active around the house now that he has more traction ! He's back to following us everywhere we go. There's been so much progress in just 3 weeks!
More updates soon! Thanks again for the exercises and links!
jerry said
Oh! Admin just shared this Murray video with me. Hope it's OK I uploaded it to YouTube but it was too cute not to share!
Totally OK and thank you for sharing this! I'll upload more videos soon! 
This update makes us soooo happy!!! Murphy is on the fast track for this early in the recovery.
I hope we will be able to do our trail and beach outings again soon.
Absolutely!!! He's already showing you he's ready to so his trail and he will definitely be doing that soon. He'll just need rest stops along the way.
The short clip of hos handsome face melted my heart. IpHe's absolutely stunning! And we can't wait to see video of the trail and the swim!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
WOW! Go Murray!!! You're going to be hitting the Bay trail in no time at all, and inspiring everyone along the way. I'm so happy you are doing so well.
Leyla thanks for the pupdate! He's such a strong and remarkable guy!
Speaking of getting around, how about a dog stroller for him? They make the Booyah or Burley strollers for big dogs and they are sooo helpful in the city. As long as you have downstairs parking and can leave it in a garage (they're too wide to fit through typical apartment doorways), it could be really helpful to assist him in getting around the city. Watch Wednesday's news blog post for a round-up on strollers.
I'm jealous you live in SF! Admin and I started out in a cute apartment at 24th & Cabrillo. I used to live on Haight & Belvedere! Miss that place.
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