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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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How soon should we try to start chemo after amputation?
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Member Since:
13 March 2021
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21 March 2021 - 6:03 pm
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Hi. I am new to this group, as my 2.5 year old corgi Shadow was recently diagnosed with a cancerous lesion in his bone. His bone biopsy results showed hemangiosarcoma but happily, X-rays and ultrasound suggest his chest and abdomen are clear of any masses at this point. His right front leg was amputated Friday and he came home Saturday. They are waiting for the pathology on his amputated leg to confirm the type of cancer though (because they say hemangiosarcoma is more often found in the liver or spleen). We are heartbroken either way, because he is so young and full of joy. We plan to do everything for him to keep him feeling good, including the recommended chemotherapy. 

His oncology consult is not until April 13 though (earliest available) and I’m worried about waiting that long, given I know this is an aggressive cancer. Any thoughts or experience about how long is ok to wait after surgery before starting chemo? thank you!

PS. On the recovery front, he is doing amazingly well...he is eating and going potty, and figuring out how to hop and balance. He seems pretty happy, just tired and medicated!  We are so proud of him.  Thanks to all the information on this site...the download books were so helpful and the recommendations on harness, stroller, traction socks, etc are all so helpful!

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21 March 2021 - 10:01 pm
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Hi and welcome! Need to make this quick so others can see your post but I’ll be back in the AM with more thoughts. Meanwhile, until you know quite what you are dealing with, chemo treatment is a big shot in the dark. It stinks to have to wait, I’m so sorry. 

Thats great Shadow is doing well during recovery! Glad you found us! More thoughts tomorrow!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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22 March 2021 - 7:43 pm
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Thank you!  I appreciate the group and all the posts that I have read to prepare for Shadow's journey. Yes, we are anxiously waiting to get more details on his diagnosis for sure. I’m just curious if I should be worried that it will be a month after surgery before his oncology consult. I hate to waste precious time!  Ive tried to get sooner, but so far no luck.  Shadow is still doing well three days after his surgery.  He’s learning to get around, but bruising is ugly for sure. Looking forward to a few weeks down the line!

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23 March 2021 - 6:18 am
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My dog's leg had to be amputated due to osteosarcoma and the plan is to start chemo in two weeks when she goes back for suture removal. Not sure if it will be the same for you but just wanted to offer some feedback. Hope everything goes well with your pup!

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23 March 2021 - 5:25 pm
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In our dog's case, osteosarcoma, oncology consult was done prior to surgery so his chemo appointment was practically booked before he went in for amputation. Amputation was done on September 1st and chemo started on the 15th, the day stitches were removed.

Wishing Shadow all the best - and yes, it is amazing how quickly they bounce back and adapt!! sp_hearticon2

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23 March 2021 - 9:29 pm
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Thank you all for your insights!  Shadows pathology report on the amputated leg confirmed hemangiosarcoma, but his lymph was clear.  We were able to get his oncology consult moved up the April 7, so that is good. Thank you!

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Virginia



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24 March 2021 - 9:21 am
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Catching up on your amazing Shadow....and his devoted hoomans who clearly  adore him♥️  Although it's very early in recovery,  Shadow sounds like he's handling  it like a champ!!

Glad you were able to get the chemo moved up.  My Happy Hannah had a "slower" recovery and didn't do chemo until after the third week when she was stronger..

THE  most important  thing to remember on this journey is to Be  ore Dog.....Be More Shadow.  That means to love in the now, the present. Just follow Shadow's lead of no worries, just blissfully flowing g from one g,orious mome t to the next, full of spoiling  and loving and lots of pictures!  We love pictures around here!!  Here's a link for adding images .

Oh, and just to be OVERLY  cautious,  send photos of the.bruising  to the Vet.for the next couple of days. 

And one more thought, ask your Onco about starting  Shadow on "mushroom" supplements.   One that's  shown to be helpful  with hermangiosarcoma.  Yunnan Baiyao (sp) is one that has some good results.  K9 Immunity   is also another  suggestion.  Great news lump nodes are clear!!👏👏👏

Stay connected and let us know how recovery is going.   It's no picnic for a week or two,   but it doesn't  last furever!

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!

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24 March 2021 - 12:23 pm
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Sooooo glad you got the earlier appointment!

I agree that it couldn't hurt to ask about mushroom supplements. Here's a story we did a while back, about a study on hemangiosarcoma and Turkey Tail mushrooms:

https://nutriti.....iosarcoma/

And one about Yunnan Baiyao

https://nutriti.....ts-people/

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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30 March 2021 - 4:44 pm
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Hi there.  I'm so sorry to hear that your boy Shadow has HSA.  I lost my 10 year old Boxer to HSA (or complications from HSA) in January.  I see that both Sally and Renee have suggested Turkey Tail mushroom and Yunnan Baiyao, so hopefully you've started him on both of those already.  Let me know if you need any links, etc. on where to get some.  

Have you had Shadow's heart checked out?  If not then I highly recommend you have this done prior to his first chemo treatment, especially if the oncologist plans on using doxorubicin.  If the heart exam shows any heart arrhythmia issues, even if it's minor, then you might want to consider treating Shadow hollistically rather than with chemo.  It's a long story, but chemo didn't go well for my boy.  Of course he was much older than Shadow, and I'm sure the younger the heart the better it'll be able to withstand the treatment.  Also, to be fair I can't say for sure that the chemo was a major factor in my boy's passing, but after doing some research I have a hard time believing it wasn't at least related.

Again, so sorry that you and your boy are having to deal with this.  Hope all goes well, and feel free to ask any and all questions.

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1 April 2021 - 9:16 pm
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Thank you all so much!  Shadow is doing so well right now....two weeks in and starting to wrestle with his brother again!  He gets his stitches out tomorrow. And he is loving his stroller rides!  Thanks for the support and advice. I will look more into the mushrooms!  More soon...I’d attach a photo but I think I need remedial help!icon_rolleyes

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Virginia



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1 April 2021 - 9:31 pm
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So glad to hear Shadow is getting his sparkle back....and it gets better and better!!  I know you are thrilled to see that happen.

Jerry will come along and give you details on adding images .

Can wait to see pictures!  AMD YAY for stitch  removal tomorrow!!  That requires a drive thru cheeseburger on the way home to cele-

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!

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On The Road


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2 April 2021 - 10:32 am
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I'm sooo happy things are good! Shadow is showing you that even with one less leg he still knows how to make the most of every day. smiley4

We would love to see him in the stroller! Aren't they terrific? Do you walk his brother at the same time that Shadow goes out?

OK this is how adding images to the Forums works.

  • Upload pics to a photo sharing site like imgur.com or your own Tripawds blog. Pictures and video have to be hosted (live) somewhere other than in the forums.
  • Once the photo is uploaded somewhere, right click and copy the Image URL or just copy the image if you’re on a phone
  • Return to your Tripawds Forum post and paste the image URL (or the image itself) in your post. It should automatically appear. 

If you’d like help figuring out the process let me know.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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3 April 2021 - 5:47 pm
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Thank you Jerry for the photo help!  I “think” I did it...we shall see!  First photo is Shadow the day after his surgery. The next photo is earlier today on his buggy ride. And yes, his brother Comet comes along!  Getting out his sutures went smoothly and he’s getting around better each day. Oncology consult is Wednesday, so awaiting that input. Thanks all!

https://imgur.com/Jf7IGcv

https://imgur.com/Na2sOVl

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Virginia



Member Since:
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3 April 2021 - 8:41 pm
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Grinning ear to ear!!! Shadow is soooo cute!  And that's  a beautiful backdrop for that handsome  boy.  And Comet is a stunner too!

And YAY for stitch removal! 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!

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On The Road


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4 April 2021 - 10:25 am
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Yay you did it! And what a face! Shadow is just gorgeous, and he looks so happy to be in the world with his buddy again. Two very happy doggies, this just made my day, thanks for sharing smiley4

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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