Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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First, thanks to all of you for your kind words and well wishes! I have been trolling the board last night and today as often as possible, reading stories, comparing. Have an update on Tilghman and would appreciate any thoughts.
Spoke with the oncologist and the prognosis is:
* Do nothing: lives 0 -3 months
* Amputation (partial removal not an option): 3 - 6 months
* Amputation AND Radiation: 80% chance recovery
The tumor has spread far and fast. It went from non existent 3-4 weeks ago (when we had surgery to remove a sock Tilghman ate that got stuck in is his intestines...) to a long golf-ball sized lump with 'tentacles' reaching out into his armpit, front of chest, etc.
The 80% recovery gets me excited. But then I think of all the radiation (15 sessions, daily 5 days/week for 3 weeks) just after losing a limb.... And are we doing it so we don't have to be sad for another couple of years? And I worry about Tillie (his nickname) as he's a bigger boy- 90 pounds-- and all that weight on his one remaining front paw. But I come home from work today and he's all danc-y and jumpy and I think- how can we not give him a chance? I seriously change my mind every hour. And cry. And my husband cries.
We rescued him when he was 2... he was our 5th foster (after my husband said, we're not fostering any more boy Goldens). And we couldn't let him go. I just don't know if it's time now or not.
Thanks,
E
It's good to hear he has some bouncy energy for your arrival home. I worry about my new tripawd and his one good elbow but you have to give them a chance; the best chance possible given your finacial means. After 30 years with pets, I am confident that they tell you when it's time.
Good luck with your decision. For the record, I cried A LOT when Teo got hit but seeing his energy today 2 days post surgery gives me hope for all the hoppers!
I can't help you with the radiation part. In terms of the options 80% recovery sounds pretty good odds to me. But of course you need to weigh that up with the cost and time spent getting radiation and whether Tilghman loves going to the vet or not.
With respect to is it worth putting him through it? We can never really know until later because some dogs beat the odds by heaps and others don't and doing chemo or radiation is no guarantee. Magnum had osteosarcoma and we were given a 12 month prognosis with amputation and chemo. Magnum was so full of life and not ready to die so I knew that it was worth giving her a chance (but we were lucky enough to have insurance, we were only 20 minutes from the oncologist and Magnum loved going to the vet).
Magnum wasn't really herself for the first few weeks after amputation but thereafter it was all quality time until her last few weeks when it began to diminish. We had 8 beautiful months with her and we lived and loved a lifetime in that 8 months. It was worth every precious day. Cancer changed our outlook. When I think about how much more we "lived in the moment" I think that 8 months was more quality time than the previous 9 years put together.
Only you can know what is best for you and your dog. Go with what is in your heart and you will make the right decision.
Good luck
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
For our pups it comes down to quality- not quantity- of life.
I think you need to consider how Tillie would handle the radiation therapy. When Maggie's mast cell tumor was found in her knee there was a small chance that most of the tumor could be removed, followed by radiation- twice a week for five or six weeks. I don't think I would have chosen that for Maggie because she had always had issues with anesthetic- we almost lost her twice during other surgeries, I didn't think she would survive that kind of treatment. Also she would be in cone for most or all of that time because she would have to leave the site alone. She really didn't handle the cone well- she had to wear one after a serious eye injury and was miserable for two weeks- she never adapted to it. It turned out not to be an option for us anyway- but for her I don't think I would have done it.
How does Tillie deal with anesthetic and cones? How does he do at the vet? Would he be completely miserable for the three weeks? Is Tillie in pain from the tumor? If there is pain will amputation relieve it? Is his other front leg healthy? There are lots of pups here Tillie's size and larger who have done fine as front amps.
You and your husband have to put all other considerations aside- and choose what will give Tillie the best quality of life. A couple weeks recovering from the amp, and three weeks for rad treatments might be manageable if you think Tillie could deal with it. You have to realize that there are no guarantees, no matter which way you go. If you got several more months with your boy- well that would be a victory- if the quality was there.
I know how hard these decisions are. Maggie developed a second cancer that I chose for several reasons not to treat. But the biggest reason was that at that point in her life putting her through another surgery and more chemo was not in her best interest.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
So sorry to hear about Tillie. I was in the same boat about a month ago with my 5 yr old Weim. I was all set to do chemo because the vet and the vet websites said it would give her a year or 2 and without it 3-4 months but then I got onto this website and talked with Jerry and realized there was no guarantees no matter what you do. The big decision came when I thought about the last time I took Maggie to the vet (to have her leg off) and she was crying and whining and I knew I couldn't drag her there for 3 or 4 chemo sessions. She is doing wonderful on 3 legs. I will enjoy her as long as I can and the big thing I came away with from our fellow bloggers is that do not feel guilty no matter what your decision. Good Luck!
Nobody can make the decision but you guys. And Karen is right about quality versus quantity. Humans like to quantify things. They put things on scales and weigh them. But dogs don't do that and trying to treat cancer defies that attempt anyway.
We have members here who were told to expect 3 months and are enjoying years. We have others who were told all looked good and only got weeks. And there are others who lost their dogs to something else after having the amputation. I hate to say it's like gambling, but it almost is. It is literally like the dog turns the roulette wheel and whatever comes up is what they get. Unfair? You bet.
Keep in mind, though, that no human has any guarantees, either. Good diet, exercise, fabulous genetics--none of it matters when the out-of-control dump truck runs into your living room.
The radiation sessions seem like a lot and a long time, but in the great scheme of things it really isn't that long. And you can always change your mind if Tilghman doesn't tolerate either the treatments or the frequent visits to the vet. There is no contract that says you must do 15 sessions if you're done for after 10, or 5, or even 1.
If finances allow you to give your dog this chance, I guess I would ask you why you wouldn't want to do it. For some of us, finances becomes a huge issue and absolutely must be considered. For others, it's not the most overwhelming concern. So if you can afford it, what would keep you from doing it? If you can talk about that with your husband, you might find your way through the murk.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
UPDATE
We took Tilghman to Auburn for another opinion. Really liked the doctor there. He did a ct scan which suggested that he cancer was just where we saw it. He is all set for the amputation surgery tomorrow. He'll do a biopsy as well so we can get the more specific type is STS and grade.
We feel so much better about this and actually have a sense of hope that the surgery will help. So much more optimistic sounding- I feel like we have a fight. Could NOT have done this without you guys so I really appreciate it.
Having a vet who is confident in the surgery and its outcome is a HUGE plus. It is how we ended up getting a second opinion and how we chose to stay with the 2nd opinion vet through surgery, chemo, and the next wonderful 27 1/2 months the combination treatment gave us.
Without a vet who was committed to the surgery and providing a pain free life after recovery, we would have been treated by the diagnosing vet who thought Trouble was not a good candidate for surgery and would likely would have had a short period of time before the pain took her.
Good thoughts for you as you face the surgery and recovery. I hope you have as much time as we were given - or even more.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
I'm so happy that you found someone who met your needs and provides hope and confidence! It sounds like there's a good plan and that your pup is in good hands. BEST WISHES for the surgery tomorrow. Post an update when everyone is well and safe. In the meantime, get as much sleep as you can now.... the first few days can be rough.
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
I'm glad you got a second opinion.
Today is surgery day- I hope all goes well. Let us know how Tillie is doing.
Karen and the pugapalooza
We are thinking of you today Tilghman and sending all our Tripawd love and magic your way. Good luck! Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Indeed, many of us are quietly waiting to hear how it goes. We remember these upcoming dates and sometimes even watch the clock! Some of us need a hobby...
Let us know how it goes.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
A belated hello. I hope surgery day is going well. Keep us posted!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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