Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Good Morning all,
Morgana (5 y.o.) was diagnosed osteosarcoma almost one year ago. She was amputated in March 2020, and did two cycle of Chemo (10 rounds in total) with a break in between.
In September during a control scan we found she had metastasis in her lungs. Oncologists suggested a new Chemo treatment, more aggressive, but this had all possible side effects in one go. She's now taking Palladia and continuing with talidomide. From last week's XRays, one of the masses has increased in size, and is now significant, one seem to have disappeared, but there are a couple more visible.
Morgana currently starts displaying pain in her limbs, particularly the rear left one. Needs some support to stand up... then, depending on the day, gets mobile again after some time.
The oncologist has now suggested a new CT scan, and proposed a surgery to remove the largest metastasis. She has been clear that this will not be a solution, but suggests that the limb's pain may be induced by the pressure of mass in the lungs. Morgana currently doesn't cough, but we can feel that her breathing capacity is decreasing, and when barking the sound is far less than in the past.
We're now a bit puzzled, about both the CT scan and the Surgery. Both would require anesthesia, and a Lung Surgery is very invasive. Anyone who had experience with this? We're really have in mind the well being of Morgana and her quality of life, we really have a big doubt about this. Other Vets we have consulted are tepid on the solution, and pointed out to long recovery time after a lung surgery...
Thanks a lot
Sergio
Morgana is a very loved dog and obviously getting the best care possible.
I did an "advanced earch" and found some links you can check out. Some are older and some may not apply at all.
https://tripawd.....om/forums/
Good job of getting g other opinions. For me. And this is just me, I would want 100% clarity on how and why the Onco thinks the mets are tied into weakness and pain in the limbs..
What else has been ruled out? Arthritis? Back issues? Disc issues? Possible spine mets?
Certainly not a Vet, but "generally" lung mets aren't a paingul thing per se. They can cause coughing and lethargy, but that isn't causing g awful pain. Maybe discomfort when coughing or maybe some restlessness if the breathing patter changes, but not real pain. Cough meds and often Prednisone are prescribed for those.
Have a y pain meds or anti inflammatory meds been suggested to help with her current leg issues while you sort things out?
Conti ue to focus on her well being and quality, co ti ue your research and get all questions answered to a popi t you can feel comfortable however you proceed, with or without this surgery. I do k ow Palladia is often used here.
Give her a smooch for us and spoil, spoil, spoil....as I'm sure you already are!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too 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!
Well craaap.......see if this link works.
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!
Hi Sergio,
First, give Morgana extra smooches from us.
I think you'll get a lot of answers with the CT scan, which will help you decide if a lung lobectomy is the best course of action. I agree with Sally, we have learned from vets that lung mets generally do not cause muscle weakness, although they can make a dog tired and lethargic at times. Has Morgan been evaluated by a physio therapist for some type of injury?
In addition to Sally's links, here are more links about the lung lobectomy procedure:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks a lot for the feedback and references.
We’ve today first an Xray to her rear limb to check what the source of pain could be, and in case of physiotherapy could help.
things are seemingly getting worst these days as she can’t stand up alone. And today we have started to see something new: heavy shivering while she lies.
let’s see what comes up.
BR.
Sorry things seem to be worsening.
Has the Vet put her on any type of pain med now? The shivering sounds like it could definitely be a pain signal. Certainly speak to the Vet about it.
Is she eating, drinking, etc? When she settles down, does she seem to sleep comfortably?
Sending positive energy to your sweet Morgana♥️
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!
Dang I'm sorry. The shivering sounds like a pain signal as Sally mentioned, so I hope you guys can figure out what's happening to your sweet girl.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Unfortunately symptoms worsened. Her difficulty in breathing increased. On Wednesday her thorax had swollen, through a new x-ray vet found out the lung where punctured.
At this stage we could only surrender ourselves to reality.
Yesterday Morgana took her last trip. It has been very hard, but we can only be thankful for the almost one year we have been able to spend with her after the diagnosis.
I’d like to thank you all for your good care. This community has been fundamental in what we have faced, a reliable place where to find information, support and understanding.
Seeing her go it’s been heartbreaking. But in this one year I have learnt how important it is to enjoy every single moment. We’re probably among the few who have been positively affected by Covid. Thanks to lockdown and travel cuts I have been able to spend at home an unusual amount of time. And I want to believe this has also helped her to stay with us so long still.
thank you all again.
Ohhhh my heart hurts and I'm just so very, very sorry our sweet Morgana had to head to the Rainbow Bridge. We understand all to well the depth of grief you are feeling. The void, the break of routine. the lonliness.
A d yes, there was a silver lining to be abe to be with her for more QUALITY time shared between the two of you. When you think about it, that added consistent time was prob the equivalent of another year of time spent together if you had to leave home for work, social events, etc. So in addition to the extra year bonus time she got after the amputation, it's sort of like she got a "second year's worth" for all the extra hours day in and day out you spent. I'm probably not making ANY sense. Like everyone e, just wish I could fi d so e words to help. The reality is, we can't.
We are so privileged to have traveled this journey as Morgana 's extended family. She offered us inspiration and hope on so many levels. Of course, she was a stellar teacher of how to live in the moment and make each moment count.
I want to come back when my thoughts are not mired in sadness for your loss. I just checked in and saw this and had to reach out💖
(((((((Hugs))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
Gosh I'm so sad to read this, my heart breaks for you! These things happen so fast, it's mind boggling. I'm really sorry.
Morgana was such a fighter, a beautiful warrior until the very end. You were so good to your girl, and gave her the life all dogs dream about.
Plus, you made her very proud, I'm sure of it. You saw the hidden blessing in living with cancer, which can be difficult to dig out from beneath the heavy emotions, but you did it. You made the most of your year together and put your own sadness aside for her benefit. What an amazing parent you are! From somewhere in the heavens, she is beaming with pride.
If you feel up to it, share some photos and a tribute in Coping with Loss, we would love to honor Morgana's life and the good times you shared together.
Much love and many condolences coming your way. It has been our honor to be part of your journey.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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