Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We just learned our granddog, Parker, has a negative histopathology lytic lesion post amputation.
10 yo neutered male Labrador Retriever. 75 lbs good health.
Dec 4th: went down 5 stairs and broke the “wrist joint” front left leg. X-ray shows break, “lytic lesion” in joint. Leg casted and referred to orthopedic specialist
Dec 5: specialist agrees with vet osteosarcoma suspected. Amputation set.
Dec10th: leg amputated, sent for pathology. No Mets in lungs or liver per X-ray.
Dec11th return home late pm with usual meds and recuperating well.
Dec 24th: prelim lab finding: probably not osteosarcoma may be another form cancer
Dec 30th: lab cannot find any cancerous cells of any type. vet says this has only happened once before. Calling oncologist.
What should we do now? When it was probably osteosarcoma we learned a lot very quickly. Our boy is continuing to heal. Is finished gaba, antibiotic and caprofen. He just seems really tired and not his usual carefree self. Where should we go from here?
I'm so glad you decided to post here. As I mentioned in your other post, this is still very early and his body is still recuperating. It's not unusual at all.
So tell us, what is his daily activity like? When you say he's really tired, and he's not on any pain meds, how much activity is he getting right now? Are there other dogs in the house that could be tiring him out? Could he be getting too much all at once that tires him out later in the day? If it's extremely cold where you live, that could also be affecting his energy level. I'm just throwing some things out there.
What we recommend is to make an appointment with a canine rehabilitation therapist. These experts can help you figure out how to get Parker's oomph back, and educate you on how to keep him injury free. The best part is the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit ! This kind of therapy makes such a difference for Tripawds, we can't say enough good things about it. Please take advantage of the program OK?
In the meantime, I know it's hard but try to be patient. He will get his sparkle back, it just takes time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We live in the south so it’s really not cold. There are three shih tzu but he’s not really interacting. We have a large yard. 3-4 times a day I take home out and walk the perimeter. He really wants to go in the woods but I’m REALLY worried about poisonous snakes, so we stay out. I give him a canine puzzle twice a day which he loves, but he mostly lounges and snoozes on his bed. He isn’t interested in his toys. But he adores his massage and rub down. Today for the first time since surgery, he greeted visitors with a stuffed animal(an endearing old habit). It was a relief to see. I guess we are wary that the lab has missed something. Having a lytic lesion and no cancer is pretty rare evidently. We were waiting on path reports to setup chemo and immunotherapy and rehab. Once we get and all clear on mri or ct we will do rehab. On the positive side, he has figured out how to lift a leg to mark territory, no small feat for a Tripawd!
Ok what I am reading into your post is that he has made some GREAT recovery steps in the last 24 hours! Seriously, this is all pointing to a slow but steady and improving recovery.
You are doing great with his care. I LOVE that you are being smart with the activity, giving him puzzles and massaging. He's a lucky dawg! It does sound like taking him out to walk the perimeter three or four times a day right now might be a bit much. Maybe cut that back a bit and see if he perks up a bit?
Dr. Pam answered your post in Ask a Vet so be sure to hop over there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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