Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Yes! Frosty Paw Saturday! What a great treat tradition!
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
Hi,
I'm so very sorry that Mosby (and you are going through this) and I am catching up on all of the posts. I've got a dumb question....If you are treating Mosby with chemotherapy for the osteosarcoma then why would that not have an effect on the soft tissue sarcoma also? Are they not the same cancer? Sorry to be a dolt... My Sweet Ted had osteosarcoma and then soft tissue sarcoma in the same leg before we amputated and I was under the impression that they were the same.
Wanda
Hi Wanda - that's not a dumb question. I do think that it helps, if it's soft tissue sarcoma, but part of the problem is that we want the tumor off so that the tumor doesn't have a chance to metastasize, especially if it's not soft tissue sarcoma but in fact osteosarcoma (not a big chance, but can't rule it out, especially since he had another osteosarcoma tumor). I don't actually know if the chemo protocol is the same for both. I do not think that the carbo is going to hurt, and if anything it should help. But we still want it off, especially since there's a chance that it is something aggressive.
Hi - chiming in on the STS. I'm sure oncologists will have varying opinions, but our onco presented us with the three major approaches of IV chemo, radiation, and metronomics . He said we could do all three or any combination, but he went through the studies he had cited for us and it was pretty clear there is not a lot of convincing evidence that IV chemo is very effective with STS. If we had pursued it, it would have been the doxorubicin, or as a vet friend called it, the big bad. Pofi's was also a high grade tumor, of course, with local metastases.
As such we embarked on metronomics with Cytoxan immediately and then started rotating with Palladia at about 6 weeks post amp. I was initially prepared to do the radiation, but became uncomfortable with the potential side effects and the number of times we would subject him again to GA.
I ruled out the IV chemo entirely after reading the studies our onco had shared and seeing the least prospect of any measurable success in it.
With STS, the best and most effective treatment is to remove especially before it becomes a higher grade. If we had seen the start of recurrence in a CT scan on Pofi, the treatment would have been to remove first surgically and then consider radiation. Somehow, it was not seen on his last CT on 8/1, but it is clear, in retrospect, given his sudden attention to a very old benign growth that had never been of interest to him before, that it was growing by later September.
Thinking good thoughts for Mosby; was there a pathology done on remove leg - absolute confirmation it was osteo?
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Ditto exactly what Lisa noted. The UGA Oncology department pretty much said the exact same thing for STS (for both Heffalump before we knew it was an extraskeletal OSA and for CharlieBear's infiltrative lipoma). Surgery was best, radiation followup a recommended follow up option (stereotactic radiation is even more targeted but also much more expensive) and then, because it does not hurt to try, metronomic chemo. Last on the list for STS was traditional chemo and then it was the most toxic: doxy.
The above two comments are consistent with the feedback that I got from my oncologist. While I was somewhat overwhelmed with the new development, I did ask whether the fact that he was on the chemo would at least help, and she was pretty noncommittal on it. So, like I said, I don't think it hurts, but I don't think that it helps IF it's STS. And sounds like you guys have confirmed that. Were he not undergoing chemo for the osteosarcoma, the first step would absolutely be to remove it before it becomes a higher grade, and then discuss a treatment protocol. That's what puts us in a catch-22 with the ongoing chemo treatment, since it's imperative that he get this treatment for the osteo, so we can't remove it to stop it or even determine type or grade. That's what has me so depressed and anxious - I want it off, but I also want this chemo, so the earliest we can remove it, if everything goes well and his wbc and platelets are ok after he finishes his 3rd treatment, is like 3/2/17. That is a heartbreaking time to wait, to not know what it is, to not know whether it is getting worse, etc.
Lisa - the biopsy on his amputated leg confirmed osteosarcoma.
One additional note, I'm catching up with my oncologist tomorrow to actually discuss this by phone (rather than email), and I have a lot of questions for her and will probably ask her the impact on his long term prognosis, etc. I had also mentioned to her that we actually have radiographs of this leg that show this spot - they were taken as comparison to the bad leg and also just to check those joints. So I'm going to talk to her about whether she and the surgeon can make any determinations using those radiographs, at least in terms of the scope of what we're dealing with. Maybe not, but she said they'd give it a try. I'm trying to decide between taking him in this week to have the surgeon and oncologist evaluate the site this week, or wait until his next chemo, which would be 2 weeks from this Thursday. Technically it wouldn't change anything, since the earliest date we could operate is so far off. Just trying to decide if I want to know sooner how invasive the surgery would be, or if I'm fine waiting until 2 weeks from Thursday to know how invasive the surgery would be. Again, it wouldn't change anything, and heck the level of invasiveness could change in the two months between now and the earliest we could do the surgery. But my attorney brain wants answers and action and having my hands tied and not having answers is excruciating.
Online
WOW! That big boy Mosby is DEFINITELY here as your Professor to teach some huge life lessons!! He ks one smart fella'!
When we're in the "hurry up and wait" mode and when we have no answers and can control very little in this blankey-blank journey...yeah....the lessons to be learned are tough!
You've gotten invaluable insight on tne specifics Lisa and Charlie's Mom shared.
Mosy is in a very "unique" situation and probably in a little uncharted waters. And we have no crystal ball in any of our scenarios. All we can do is the best that we can with the information we have, even if it is minimal and iffy. And yes, that stinks sometimes.
What we CAN, of course control, is how we react. That is the only thing within our control. Continue to do the research, continue to get as many answers as the professionals can give you.
And while you are doing this, TRY and stay in the the present with Mosby. TRY and only deal with what you KNOW for now. To let your mind wander beyond that takes away from each of the bonus days we are all given on this journey.
This whole journey is often about patience and "letting go" of what is out of our control and just "be". Dogs live their lives in a state of trust every moment of everyday. That's what frees them up to Be More Dog !! Osvy ks "wasting time" worrying and waiting, and he sure doesn't wa t you to either! It's absolutely THE biggest waste of the gift of life we are all given!!
I can't express enough what a stellar job you are doing as far as research, developing a plan to move forward and staying proactive in the areas thst ARE in your control. I enjoy reading your thoughts as you "process out loud"! You generally seem to find yiur own a swers that way!! GREAT job!! Tackle one hurdle at a time, put everything else on the back burner. You can address them as needed. To flood your mind with everything right now is just too much.
Okay, have to take. Mosby through the drive thru a d asked for a Puppy Latte?? Kf he likes Frosty Laws, he'll love this!! A d we must see pictures!
Lots of love
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!
Mosy is in a very "unique" situation and probably in a little uncharted waters. And we have no crystal ball in any of our scenarios. All we can do is the best that we can with the information we have, even if it is minimal and iffy. And yes, that stinks sometimes.
What we CAN, of course control, is how we react. That is the only thing within our control. Continue to do the research, continue to get as many answers as the professionals can give you.
And while you are doing this, TRY and stay in the the present with Mosby. TRY and only deal with what you KNOW for now. To let your mind wander beyond that takes away from each of the bonus days we are all given on this journey.
You are very right, and I will try to focus on the present. We'll definitely take Mosby for either a puppy latte (which he has never had) or a doggie sundae at Bruster's (vanilla ice cream with a dog bone on top ... he loves these) tonight. This is his first day "guarding the fort" on his own, with a visit from the sitters mid-day, so he definitely deserves a reward ... on top of all of the other rewards that he gets on a daily basis. 🙂 Thanks for being a voice of sanity.
So many frozen treats!!! Mosby is one lucky pup, and quite the looker. Sally is right, the only thing we can control is how we react and I can promise you that she has talked me off the ledge more than once!!
I certainly second the motion for photos! Izzy wants to see as well since we no longer live near a Bruster's. In fine Izzy style, I took her once and she inhaled her doggie sundae and then immediately returned it to be pavement, albeit in a slightly modified form. lol She loves the idea of ice cream but it sure doesn't agree with her!
For what it's worth, I did a little searching and found this article on Soft Tissue Sarcomas and specifically mentions carboplatin as a chemo option for that type of tumor. 🙂
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
We have a new blog post up for more details, but here's Mosby enjoying his puppaccino tonight. 🙂 I think the doggy sundae will have to wait until next weekend. Hopefully this works: 
LOOOOOVE IT!!!! A d clearly MOSBY LOVES IT!!! LOOOOOVE THESE PHOTOS!!!! 
Huge grin seeing him so content and focused! And he's not slobbery or drolly at all!
Made my day!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
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!
Great photos with a puppacino! I'm not used to seeing a dog eating it so neatly... Merry Myrtle, take note - less on your adorable face and car means there's more to go into the mouth. 
This is a great treat for guarding the fort.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Oh Mosby you are one lucky dawg! YUM!!!!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
kazann said
Great photos with a puppacino! I'm not used to seeing a dog eating it so neatly... Merry Myrtle, take note - less on your adorable face and car means there's more to go into the mouth.
So Kerren, I showed Merry Myrtle the pocture of Mosby enjoying his Starbucks. I also showed her your comments where you "suggested" she take note.
She grabbed my tavlet and typed her response before I could stop her.
"Dear Mosby! Take notes from a Pro!! THIS is how you suck down a Puppy Latte ( I can't spell puppachinno)! The more you slobber, the more you drool, the more you smear on your muzzle...the more you can save for a snack later! Good to the last drop!"
Merry Myrtle, slobber, spit and Puppy Latte: https://youtu.b.....S6CP5Zc_I0
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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