Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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My big boy Rocky had a rear amputation on November 15 due to a bone break by a tumor. We finally got the final biopsy results last week and it was Fibrosarcoma. The vet gave us three options for post amputation treatment. First is radiation, 10 to 20 treatments. He would have to be put under each time. I am really do not want to put him through that. The second option is low level long term chemo. I have an appointment to discuss this with the vet after the holidays. The third option is wait and see and closely monitor him with my home vet. I wonder what others have experienced with this. The vet says that Fibrosarcomas are hard to completely eradicate but tend not to metastasize. Any help would be helpful.
It sounds like a fibrosarcoma of the bone whereas my cat's fibrosarcoma was in the tissue. Do you have a copy of the amputated leg pathology report? The one for my cat indicated how clean the margins were from the amputation. The pathologist may also recommend further treatments if needed.
It's also helpful getting second opinions from other oncologists who might suggest a different approach.
All the best for you and Rocky.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Gosh, that many radiation treatments does seem like a lot to put your baby through. Anesthesia carries its own risks too. I was curious so I searched fibrosarcoma in the bone and it's rare. Rocky's case might be of interest to a vet school and they potentially would have more experience with it. I would call around to some vet schools and see if they would be willing to do a second opinion for you. CSU did that for me a few years ago with another dog. I checked, but their service is shut down until after the holidays. At least you have some good news. It isn't as aggressive as osteosarcoma!
How is Rocky recovering? He's a lovely black lab! My golden retriever is also big (to be honest he's fat) at 85lb and manages just fine. His surgery was Oct 6.
Good luck getting the info you need to make the decision!
Nancy- mom to the FABULOUS Fionn. He rescued me in 2015 when he was 6.
Right front leg amputation at age 7 for osteosarcoma 10/6/16. Taken too soon 6/12/17. Read about our journey here:
http://fionnsjo.....pawds.com/
rsdtlc said
I wonder what others have experienced with this...
Many members have shared their fibrosarcoma treatment options and experiences here over the years. While you wait for more replies, consider using the Advanced Search above to refine your search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here .
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Our Sketch (7 year old Sheltie) had rear leg amputation last year due to Fibrosarcoma of his femur bone. The surgeon did full body X-rays to see if there was evidence of any mets and because none showed up he recommended no further treatment...no raidation/no chemo. Sketch is 15 months past his surgery, cancer free (fingers crossed) and the surgeon fully expects him to live out a full lifespan.
Warmest wishes for Rocky to make a good recovery and have many happy years with you!
Sketch and Mom
The biopsy (only one of four) for my Dobe, Nitro, came back "sarcoma, fibrous variety". That was 2 1/2 years ago, and he is still doing well today. At the time of this diagnosis, my vet said that amputation would be a quote/unquote cure for this type of cancer. We did 6 rounds of carboplatin, and about 10 months of metronomic therapy (low dose, daily oral chemo). Several months ago he needed xrays for random hind-end weakness. While not extensive, his lungs showed no mets. I'm not sure if the chemo had any bearing on this, but that's our story.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
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