Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 7.5 year old black Labrador, Chico, started limping several months ago. Our regular vet thought it was an injury due to the tremendous swelling and the fact that they pulled a lot of joint fluid from his right front elbow. I took him back for several rechecks and the swelling wasn't going down. I asked them to tap it again to get as much out as possible of the outside of the elbow and to also try to tap the larger, harder area on the inside of his elbow. When they couldn't tap the inside mass, I should have asked for a referral to a specialist right then.
Instead, I waited hoped the swelling would diminish as they indicated.
A couple more months went by and one morning Chico could barely walk from the bedroom to the bathroom one morning. I took him back and they referred us to an ortho specialist. We went to see him a week or so later and he scheduled a biopsy for the following week. The biopsy came back as sarcoma, either histiocitic cell or synovial cell. The following week a chest xray was done--this was encouraging because there is no indication that the sarcoma had spread to any of his internal organs or chest.
The amputation was done May 2nd and he came through that just fine and was back home the following afternoon. I stayed home with him Friday and we had a quiet weekend. The following week we went back for dressing changes and then the final biopsy came back: histiocitic cell sarcoma that had spread to his lymph node.
We saw the oncologist on Thursday of last week (the 10th) and he had his first round of chemo (he got IV Vincristine and on the 21st he gets Lomustine orally).
I haven't seen any other dogs here with this kind of cancer. Are there any? It seems that osteosarcoma seems to be the most common cancer. Of course, my vet did say this is quite rare and that it's REALLY REALLY NASTY. I don't like that! But the oncologist said he had a dog with it and he lived for a year on chemo. I'm sure hoping that this is the case for Chico. He's what is referred to as a "heart dog"--I've had many dogs and this one is my dog. He follows me everywhere and responds to me before anyone else (although of course he loves everyone's attention).
Welcome, we look forward to following Chico's progress. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Did you try searching for histiocytic?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to Tripawds. I'm sorry you are having to deal with amputation and cancer in Chico.
I didn't deal with osteosarcoma either- Maggie lost her left rear leg to mast cell cancer, and later developed an oral melanoma tumor.
After her amp it was discovered that the mast cell cancer was in her lymph system. At that point, with chemo, her prognosis was 6 to 9 months. She lived almost 4 years after her amp did not die from the mast cell cancer. Not everyone is so lucky, but it can happen. Many pups here outlive their original prognosis- there is always hope.
When we deal with cancer we learn that our time with our pups is all about quality- not quantity. Don't spend to much time on the prognosis- don't count days. I made that mistake with Maggie's first cancer. But I learned not to worry about what I couldn't change, I took my cue from Mag and just appreciated each day. A lesson I put to good use when we got the second cancer diagnosis.
Maggie did two different chemos for her mast cell diagnosis, you can read Maggie's Story here if you are interested.
Also- you should read about Barney B- a long term histiocytic cancer survivor.
I don't think you have to explain to anyone here what a heart dog is!! We all get it- Mag was mine.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Our dog Scout's final diagnosis (based on the biopsy of the amputated limb) was "poorly differentiated sarcoma", but it may well have been histiocitic cell sarcoma. Over the coarse of time, it changed from synovial cell (based on the initial CT scan), to histiocytic cell (based on the bone biopsy) to the frustratingly vague "poorly differentiated sarcoma". Like you, there was an initial misdiagnosis and by the time we finally got it right, the cancer had invaded the bone. We amputated in January 2011-- clear xrays, although the cancer was found in the local lymph nodes (they were removed during the amputation surgery).
Whatever type of sarcoma it was, our surgeon said it was nasty and gave him 6 to 9 months. We opted not to do chemo, and Scout had 9 blissfully happy and healthy months-- cancer metastasized to his spine in the end, but it was quick.
Scout will forever be my heart dog...
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
Rusty was diagnosed with a very aggressive Fibrosarcoma; fortunately it had not metastasized to his lungs or vital organs when it was diagnosed. After amputation, our Oncologist put Rusty on Vanblistine IV's monthly for six months and Lomustine orally every two weeks for twelve months.
It was a very aggressive Chemo program, which was needed, and Rusty is now twenty seven months post amputation!
The only possible downside to the Lomustine is a recent study that may link the "Fanconi Syndrome" with dogs that have been treated with Lomustine. Rusty was diagnosed with Fanconi Syndrome about six months ago; it is easily controlled with medication (inexpensive) and diet. But it is another complication in his battle with cancer.
Good luck in Chico's chemo treatment program; it sounds like they are treating it very aggressively also.
Chuck & Rusty
Rusty is a Labradoodle who was diagnosed with level 3 Fibrosarcoma on January 16th, 2010 and had his left hind leg amputated on January 25th, 2010 five days before his 18 month birthday. Please see Rusty's blog @rusty.tripawds.com. He is putting up one heck of a fight against this terrible disease.
Welcome Chico and family!
I can't help you with any information but I wanted to welcome you. I know it's not exactly the place you wanted to be but we try to make the best of it.
Sending goods thoughts your way.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Thank you Chuck. That gives me hope.
Did Rusty have any side effects from either of the chemo drugs? My one vet said the Lomustine is a little more likely to cause stomach troubles (vomiting/diarrhea).
Allison
Maggie's chemo involved alternating treatments of vinblastine (IV) and lomustine (oral) for mast cell cancer with lymph node involvement. She had 7 treatments of each on about a two week interval. It took us 6 months to get done.
She tolerated both pretty well, we did have to postpone treatment once when her WBC was low. She had a little nausea at the beginning of treatment but we fixed that with meds, I think cereina with chemo and metoclopramide at home. She never had vomiting or diarrhea. Sometimes she was a little fatigued about a week after treatment. And if I remember correctly it was the vinblastine that caused her to have nausea, not the lomustine, but it has been awhile. I can check my notes when I get home.
I gave you a link to Maggie's Story earlier, here is her Amputation and Chemo information if you are interested.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Thank you Karen.
So far I have yet to administer the Lomustine, but when he got the vincristine, he was tired all that afternoon. He never threw up and has yet to have any diarrhea. But there are days, like today, when he just isn't "himself."
What I want more than anything is for him to pick up one of his toys. Even if it is to just carry it around. He's always been a dog who loves his toys and enjoys carrying them all over the house. I haven't had to pick up his toys for two weeks. Not that I miss the mess, but I miss him being happy.
It took Maggie forever (seemed like) before she would play with me again. Most pups you read about here are back to themselves in a couple of weeks, maybe three. With Mag it was closer to two months. And she did have some down days during the 6 months of chemo- but not bad enough to make me stop.
I kept coaxing her and eventually she would take a toy from me again. Another thing you could try is have someone he likes come and visit, or let him have a change of scenery. Maggie seemed to perk up when she spent time with my Dad and Mom during those first couple of months after her amp.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Zeus took almost two months before he started playing with toys again. He was older, 11 yrs, at the time of amp and he loved to run through the house throwing his babies in the air and catching them. He was on pain meds for a month after amp due to a back strain shortly after surgery. After we stopped the meds, it took him another month before his personality returned. Don't get me wrong - he seemed happy, he just didn't seem to want to play and be 'silly' for awhile. Try not to worry too much. All dogs are different and many factors are at play (age, other physical issues, the 'vibes' they pick up from us, etc). He'll get there and, honestly, it will seem so special they first time he grabs one of his toys!
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Allison:
Rusty had a lot of stomach issues with the Lomustine (vomiting/diarrhea). It was several months after he was off chemo before his stomach could handle regular medications without vomiting/diarrhea; we had to experiment with his diet to find foods that he could eat without any digestive problems. Dr. Macy says that Rusty probably had a sensitive stomach before the chemo and now it is very sensitive. This week we are again having problems with his keeping food down due to the increase in his meds for the Fanconi Syndrome.
Where are you in Southern Cal? We are in Palm Desert.
Chuck & Rusty
Rusty is a Labradoodle who was diagnosed with level 3 Fibrosarcoma on January 16th, 2010 and had his left hind leg amputated on January 25th, 2010 five days before his 18 month birthday. Please see Rusty's blog @rusty.tripawds.com. He is putting up one heck of a fight against this terrible disease.
Chico, I'm glad to see you started a topic just about you. I hope Barney B 's story gave you hope and inspawration. While it's important to remain realistic when dealing with cancer, it always helps to keep hope in your heart and think pawsitive. We're cheering you on, and hope that Chico starts to perk up. Remember, the side effects are only temporary so hang in there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well, we're what, five weeks since Chico's amputation.
He's gained weight--at least 4 pounds or more, and the vet is happy. He said that if he wasn't gaining weight, it might mean the cancer is winning.
I left him at the vet for his second IV chemo. The plan is to continue for at least 6 months and assess where we are.
Chico is back to normal--fetching like he still had four legs. He's a bit klutzy--fell into a bush last night while running after the ball, but it didn't phase him at all.
The only thing we need to change is to keep giving him Metacam. I had stopped because he didn't seem to be in pain, but the doctor said it has some properties that help prohibit cell growth--meaning it has anti-cancer properties. So we'll start that back up tonight. He can gain at least one more pound, but any more than that might be too taxing on his remaining legs and joints, but the extra weight will come in handy if he has a reaction from the chemo.
Hi Allison and Chico,
Lupe's initial diagnosis is suspected synovial cell sarcoma. We are waiting to see how her blood work comes back to decide if she is still candidate for surgery. Her elbow is very swollen and sore. Chest x-rays and abdominal ultrasound have been clear. We are dealing with loss if appetite but her surgeon thinks its all from the pain. We wish you luck and send good healing vibes.
Take care,
Kori & Lupe
Diagnosed with possible synovial cell sarcoma of right front elbow 5/31/12. Amputation surgery performed 6/7/12. Final diagnosis of histiocytic cell sarcoma 6/11/12. Her soul and spirit were strong, her body was not...my little girl earned her wings 6/14/12. "If there are labradoodles and goldendoodles, why can't I be a cockadoodle?"-Angel Lupe (June 28, 1997-June14, 2012) http://lupepod......pawds.com/
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