Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello all....first post here after recently joining. Our soon-to-be 5 year old chocolate Labrador Retriever was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma recently, and two weeks ago today had his right front leg amputated at the shoulder due to a large tumor on his shoulder. A biopsy and tests were done prior to the surgery, with the biopsy being inconclusive as to what type of cancer it was. Ultra sounds, X-rays and exams at that time showed nothing unusual in his stomach or chest, lymph nodes were clear, and mitotic index was a very good and low "2".
Post surgery the entire tumor/leg was sent for an additional biopsy to try to determine exactly what type of cancer it is. Again, even after stains, the pathology was inconclusive but did rule out both histiocytic and rhabdomyocytic sarcoma. As well, the report states lymph nodes are clear, confirmed the entire tumor was excised, MI was "2", and that the optimal margin of 5 cm was achieved and was clear.
In speaking with the Oncologist, she explained that due to the inconclusive results of the two biopsies, we have two options:
1. Assume the worse that the cancer cells are of an aggressive form and proceed with a course of chemotherapy (5 treatments of Doxorubicin).
2. Forego chemo at this time since there were several positive signs (low MI, lymph nodes clear, margins achieved and clear, scans clear) and check him every few months (blood work and exams) to see if any cancer has spread or returned.
We are very torn at this time to say the least. My thought is that if all of the important indicators are good (MI, lymph nodes, etc.) and the only reason to proceed with chemo is due to the inconclusive biopsy(s)...why go forward with chemo at this time? Based on what has been presented to me, it would only be because "we just don't know", so to be safe let's move forward with an aggressive chemo treatment.
Has anyone out there been through a situation similar to this? Any constructive feedback would be sincerely appreciated as we try to make this difficult decision for our Reilly.
Hi rockitman and Reilly, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away. I'm in the Tripawds Chat right now if you want to talk.
So the chemotherapy question is always a difficult one to tackle, and it's even tougher with an inconclusive diagnosis. We often see inconclusive diagnoses and I would say the majority of the time people take the preventive route and do the chemo as per their oncologist. But that doesn't mean that you have to do it too. The same questions apply, such as:
- Do you think Reilly has the stamina and energy to bounce back from treatment? Most times, dogs have little to no side effects but sometimes nausea and weakened appetites are tough for them to deal with.
- Would you be OK with the decision if the cancer returned and you didn't do the treatment?
- Will paying for chemotherapy cause you stress? That's not good medicine for Reilly.
- Would getting a second opinion from another oncologist help you feel better?
These are just some of the questions but you can also check out our Questions to Ask Your Oncologist article for things you can bring up with Reilly's medical team. Whatever you decide know that there are no right or wrong choices. Every decision is personal, no two situations are alike and we will not judge you for the path you take, we are only here to support you in a pawsitive way!
Please stay tuned for feedback from others and keep us posted OK?
rhabdomyocytic sarcoma
Wow, that's a new one around here!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
HI, Brownie was a choc lab with front leg amputation. I think the chemo decision is different in every dog. We said no to chemo. Brownie would stress so badly at the vet, and sometimes I thought he was going to have a heart attack. You know when the vet is ready to take your dog to the back room? Well Brownie wasn't having it on three or four legs. I would have to get up and walk toward the back room so he would follow, and then duck behind the corner. I hated tricking him. When the vet would bring him back he would just be breathing so hard and sometimes get diarea. So I did not want to put him through all the vet visits doing chemo.
When we started this journey all I wanted was Brownie to be pain free and happy. And I know we accomplished that.
There are some pets that have no issues with the vet at all. I would do what you feel is best for your dog and family. I am so sorry your boy is going through this at such a young age. But with him being so young I am sure he is a fighter, and if course the fact he is a Lab!
I know some will do one chemo treatment to see how their pet responds and then make a decision.
You know your dog better then anyone, so you will make the right decision.
Nancy and Angel Brownie
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
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