Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Linda
Glad you took Rocky to the vet to get checked out. Maybe the C has spread but maybe it is something else. Hopefully he is feeling better already, but I'll mention a few things (things you hopefully will not encounter) just in case.
First, why didn't the vet take x-rays right then? If the C has spread into the spine or bones, it would be great to know immediately. If it does spread to the spine, the dogs seem to change from happy and mobile to sulky and immobile and painful very very quickly. I do not mean to be negative, but just thought you should know this. From what I have seen on this website, it seems that C does not always show up on x-rays when it has spread to the spine. You might need an MRI for that, but those are ridiculously costly. The symptoms will probably be sufficient and a good neurologist can probably diagnosis it by palpitating Rocky's spine. (Caveat: I am NOT a vet so this is simply what seemed to happen with several dogs who developed mets in the spine or had a primary in the spine.)
I wonder why Rocky is vomiting? I don't remember spinal met dogs vomiting, so maybe his problems are due to a different problem.
Most of the dogs who ended up in *a lot* of pain as the cancer spread used tramadol and especially Gabapentin in their last few days. But those tend to only work for a short time. If the drugs continue to control the pain, that is probably a really good sign.
Best of luck to you and Rocky,
Susan
Hi Linda,
I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet Rocky...
My Jake was a front leg amputee due to osteosarcoma. He did pretty well after his surgery... was able to go swimming, play with his brother Wolfie, eat like a pig, cuddle with us, etc. After a few weeks his cancer ended up spreading to his spine. The last few hours of his life, he was no longer able to move and was in extreme pain. No matter how much tramadol I gave him... it didn't help... and he refused his food for the first time. He started to poop and pee right where he was lying... My hubby and I knew it was over and after calling our vet friends, they all told us the same thing. Once it's in the spine, its very painful and there is nothing left to do. So we brought Jake to his vet first thing that morning... and helped him to cross over to the Rainbow Bridge. I remember it like it was yesterday... the pain never goes away... it just becomes more bearable with time. We will never forget our golden angel...
I hope that Rocky starts feeling better with the anti nausea and pain meds, and that it's not his time yet. But if it is... then take comfort in knowing that you gave him all those extra months of love and happiness...
Sending you and Rocky a big fat hug!!!
Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
We hope Rocky is feeling better! Regarding the vomiting - any chance of an ulcer? Skyler had an ulcer, partly from the meds (prednizone). She vomited a few times, and then stopped eating/drinking. Please keep us posted. We are all cheering Rocky on!
Hugs,
Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe
I, too, hope that Rocky is feeling better. Emily had spinal mets and her story is close to what Jake's mom shared. Emily lost the use of her only remaining back leg. She would still eat if fed by hand but stopped barking. It turned out that she also had a large tumor pushing on her esophogus. (sp?) I can't say I knew it was time We thought we were battling hip dysplasia but when the xrays showed cancer we knew nothing nore could be done and we let her go. I hope it will be many, many more months, even years before you have to face this decision. You will be in my prayers.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
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