Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone,
I need some advice. My dog Lillly presented with a limp about a month ago. Pretty classic for bone cancer, it got better, then worse, then better etc. We had an x-ray and the front shoulder shows the "moth eaten" pattern. We had a biopsy done but it has come back today as inconclusive--but likely an "aggressive bone lesion" of some kind. We know her prognosis for the long term is not great if it is bone cancer, but also know that every day the leg stays on her prognosis declines. We were so sure that the biopsy would come back positive that she is scheduled for amputation surgery tomorrow. The vet thinks we should go ahead, and avoid the cost and loss of time for another biopsy. I tend to agree, but I'm worried about my guilt if its not cancer. Any advice or experience. Thanks. She's an amazing dog with an incredible story, so I just want to make the right choice--even though I know that no choice is likely going to cure her.
JoAnne
We were given the choice to biopsy prior to amputation and chose not to. We knew that regardless of the biopsy, the amputation would take away the pain. They could tell from the first x-ray that it was likely osteosarcoma. I saw no need to put her through the biopsy and still have to amputate. And I saw no need prolong the amputation when time only gives offers more chance for the cancer to spread.
Don't know if it will help you with your decision, but that was our thought process, and it worked well for us.
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.
Shanna is right, you have a dog in pain and a mass in her leg by x-ray. The amputation will take care of that, you will be amazed at her ability after surgery. You have come to the right place for support and education. Whether the mass is cancer or not it is hurting your Lilly. Take care and let us all know how she is doing.
Loving my girl one day at a time,
Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Thanks for your advice, I didn't think I'd get a response with such short notice. The support people offer on this site is amazing, it is so positive. I knew the amputation was the right decision, but its scary. We debated on whether or not to do the first biopsy, I regret it a little. Lilly was hit by a car as a puppy before I adopted her and has pins in one hind hip and the other was dislocated, so we were a little shocked when the cancer came in a front leg. My vet has been very good about checking everything out, hips, lungs, blood--but it doesn't make it easy. Lilly is truly a member of the family and any day we have with her is worth it. She goes in for surgery in the morning...let the adventure begin!
You have a great attitude, Lilly should do just fine! She is quite a survivor. Good luck, and keep us posted OK? Remember, the first couple of weeks can be rough but it will get easier.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The best time to amputate if your dog has bone cancer is ASAP. If the rads look like bone cancer and you have a large breed dog then there is no need for a biopsy. The sooner you can get the leg off, the better!
Pam and Tazzie
Cherry's dad here,
As you can tell, the contributors all feel that one should do the amputation as soon as you can. This type of bone cancer is extremely painful. In Cherry's case, initial diagnosis on Friday, specialist appointment on Monday, and amputation of Wednesday. She even started her chemotherapy treatments hours after the amputation. The chemotherapy was far worse than the amputation.
We are friends with our local vet who told us that there has been a rash of such cancers. There was one before Cherry and two since. The owners of the two since could not aggressively treat the cancer and are no longer alive. However, both Cherry and the one diagnosed before Cherry opted for amputation and aggressive chemotherapy. Both are alive today and enjoying their lives. This is not to say that the journey has been easy, but rather there was a return to the quality of life for both these dogs. Cherry is in her sixth month post-amputation and doing quite well here beside me as I write. She is waiting for her daily truck ride which is part of treating the spirit as well as the body.
Keep us posted and feel all the positive thoughts that we send.
I am 6 days post amputation with my six year old weimarner Brody. It was a tough decision but we decided to go on ahead without the biopsy also. I am glad we didn't wait. We amputated exactly two weeks after the diagnosis and the surgeon said the bone was just about to break. I can tell you that after surgery you will have a few days of ups and downs. I felt a little guilty after surgery as he had trouble moving and seemed really uncomfortable and restless, but yesterday was his best day yet. He is already moving really well...so well in fact that now it is hard to keep him reseted and not moving so much. It is hard at first but I already know I made the right decision. No matter how long we have extended our time with him, everyday will be filled with love. Good luck. No matter what, every decision you make will be the best one for you and your puppy.
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