Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Does anyone have experience with large lumps appearing suddenly on a tripawd that was diagnosed with osteosarcoma? In a matter of days Ziggy has one very large lump and several other mid sized lumps all over. I had thought this was the end for him, and his energy level decreased dramatically, but the vet isn't so sure. He is whining a lot and I can't tell if he is in pain. Scheduled to go to the vet on Monday to do an xray of the lungs and, if clear, proceed to biopsy one or more of the lumps.
I am debating whether to biopsy or not since no matter what the outcome is we would probably not do anything. He has struggled recovering from surgery and just recently got his incision site to stop bleeding after nearly two months. I really don't want him cut open again but would love some definitive answers that a biopsy could provide.
Open to suggestions and and opinions, let me know your thoughts.
The biggest one has all the descriptors of a lipoma, except that it appeared suddenly. The rest are smaller and very dense or hard around his ribcage, hind, and up under his front leg. All of these have appeared in about a weeks time.
Hmmm. Ok, breathe. This could be anything from an allergic reaction to something, to lipomas. There's no way to know until the biopsy happens so try to hold tight. If there's any way you can get him in sooner, it will really help with your own mental health to know what might be going on.
For now, focus on the wins. That incision healed! YEAH! And Zig is doing pretty good right? Can you share a photo? We would love to see him!
Meanwhile, IF this is something that needs treatment, it's good to know what your options are. Surgery isn't always the go-to answer for some conditions so hopefully it won't even appear on your radar.
Let us know how things are going OK? We are here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Is it possible they could do an aspirate?? Not always conclusive, but neither are biopsies.
And ditto Jerry, these could be sooooo many minor things! Even infected or ingrown hair follicles wouldn't surprise me from all the from all the messing with leakage stuff.
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!
They can aspirate, but the vet indicated it isn't very cost effective compared to biopsies. I have found two more today, one of which is already very large. Lipomas just don't pop up this quick. Unfortunately it is in his front 'armpit' (his other front leg was amputated) and he is trying to lick at it as it is obviously bothering him. Of the 5-6 he has now they are all on his right side.
A few other things that have changed is that he is laying at very strange angles and has trouble getting comfortable, and he has the worst gas you could imagine. Diet has been the same, though I am sure he had snuck some turkey from the family last week, haha. Oh, and he has been shaking his head constantly when he stands, though the vet confirmed no ear infection.
Dogs get lumps and bumps all the time, it could be so many things, but the timing of the appearance of all these lumps seems very dubious to me. Back on gaba and carprofen for the time being. We have mentally prepared for the worst news, and are okay with it. As we see him struggle to get up or rest comfortable we all just want him to not be in pain.
I'll try to get some pics up soon, need to re-learn how to do that.
Thanks everyone!
Geez, lots of things going on that could be related or have nothing to do with each other.
The gas, the shaking his head, not getting comfortable all things that could be explained that may not be anything too horrible.
I know this soounds strange, but the head shaking when he stands could actually be related to some sort of pinched nerve in the shoulder, back, kind of a crick in the neck type thing, etc.
Is it possible he's uncomfortable because he has, indeed, pulled a muscle. Massage up and down his spine, his shoulder, neck etc. Does he show any tenseness? Try a good massage before he gets up to help .loosen him up.
Can you have him evaluated by a Rehab Specialist? The Tripawds Foundation will pay for the first visit. They are crazy good at figuring things out that regular Vets overlook.
Aybe rhe pain meds will help take the edge off so he can be more comfortable until you can figure things out
Here's a link for adding images . Hope this helps. Of not, Jerry will come along and give you better directions.
(((((((((((((((((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!
We are keeping our paws crossed that he starts feeling better soon. I'm totally guessing here but what if this is just an allergy to something he ate that he shouldn't have? Is he scratching at all?
Here are instructions for adding images to the Forums.
- Upload pics to a photo sharing site like imgur.com or your own Tripawds blog
- Right click and copy the Image URL
- Return to your Tripawds Forum post and paste the image URL (or the image itself if possible) in your post. It should automatically appear.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OMD!!!!! LOOOOCE THESE PICS!!! The perfect mix of adorable and cute, plus massive amounts of handsomeness!!!! Thanks for sharng...can't stop smiling 😊
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!
Oh my ziggy red is definitely your color! So handsome and festive, im in love ❤❤❤❤
Hugs,
Bev, Moe cat, autumn angel roane & angel dog gypsy
Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾
My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.
Ziggy's biopsies went okay, waiting for results. X-ray of the lungs came back clear though!
Such a relief about clear lungs!!! Glad he's handling the biopsy well. They can be a vig owweee sometimes. Ziggy is a tough boy.
Keep us updated. We"'re all cheeri9ng for Ziggy.
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!
I don't know if this is helpful, but my Ranger had a lump (very loose & jiggly) near his incision site about a week after surgery. It eventually went away, but took some time. We didn't really want him to lick anything, and didn't want to put a collar on him. We live in Houston, so not the snowy weather you are having. I think the sweater will help him, but if he's too warm in it, you can get a toddler's t-shirt (very cheap at Hobby Lobby or Walmart, so you can have several). I cut the length a bit so it wouldn't interfere with his boy parts (you made not need to do that) and I also cut a slit down the front of the neck to allow more room around his neck. Leave the sleeves as it because that adds to the protection. Puppy spit is great, but in this case might just be aggravating that particular lump.
Good luck Mr. Ziggy!
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