Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Gosh, I am in shock and numb, don't know where to start. This morning, as for the last few weeks, I woke up thinking that Raven was probably cancer free and really seems to feel the best he's felt in a long time. Today, I was going to update his blog with a couple cute new videos from the other day. But now it is all different.
I will update his blog right now (raven.tripawds.com) with more info and those videos. But, I just returned from the ER and had to leave him there tonight (for the first time in his life, he was born at my house, he has NEVER stayed overnight away from me in 9 years). He has a gigantic spleen tumor that we suspect bled out. He was in shock and I almost lost him, but he's stabilizing now and getting some color back. The ER vet suspects hemangiosarcoma, unrelated to the chondrosarcoma/leg amputation. He also has at least 5 or 6 lung mets that could be from either cancer. I called my vet at home and he's in disbelief. He just saw him the other day, happy bouncy self. He's had clear xrays all along (last one 3-4 weeks ago). The ER vet thinks this has been there longer.
I am faced now with his quality of life. Either I euthanize while he okay still (assuming he'll recover and be his old self tomorrow, blissfully unaware of this knowledge) and acting normal, or I wait until he could rupture this spleen tumor and die suddenly/tragically at home? (I really don't know what to expect with that sort of event) I don't know what I can live with *after*. Thankfully, the vet said he isnt feeling pain per se, just lethargy and not feeling well, but could be fine tomorrow. I don't know what to do. Should I let him live out his life and die alone accidentally while I'm at work when he jumps off the couch and bleeds out? Or with me home, sobbing because there's nothing I can do and I can't move him or reach a vet at home? Or nip those scenarios in the bud and euthanize when I'm prepared and he's feeling well? 🙁
Crud.
Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from. raven.tripawds.com
Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com. miles.tripawds.com
OMG!!! I'm so sorry to hear what's happening with Raven!!! 
Are they planning to do a splenectomy, or what?
I lost my previous german shepherd to a hemangiosarcoma in his heart. We never knew about it until one day it suddenly bled out... but in the heart... it caused cardiac tamponade... and was squeezing his heart. They tried to aspirate... but that didn't help much. He lost his battle within 24 hours... I don't have alot of experience with hemangiosarcoma in the spleen, except that most of the time it would be removed... but that all depends on the dog and his other health problems... Did the vet say anything about the lung mets? Are they small, large??? Several dogs here have lung mets already, and seem to do fine for a while, except for the occasions when they rupture and then cough up blood...
I don't know what else to say... You are in my thoughts and prayers... I really hope that the spleen bleeding gets under control, and Raven starts feeling better... Whatever you decide to do... will be the right decision... as there is no right or wrong here. None of us can see the future...
My heart is breaking for you right now... and all that you're having to go through. Please keep us posted sweetie!!!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Oh this is so unfair! We are so truly sorry, nobody should have to go through this. I can't believe how quickly things changed. Wow. We are thankful that he is stable now, you must have acted quickly.
I don't know what we would do in that situation, I really don't have anything I can offer, I'm so sorry. All I can think of is, ask your vet, what are the chances that something awful related to the tumors could happen so quickly again that you couldn't be there to hellp? Is there a way you could check on him throughout the day? How soon could something happen again?
Oh sorry I don't mean to overwhelm you with more questions, but I thnk it's important to cover your bases so you can make an informed decision about what to do next. But of course, wait and see how it goes tomorrow, see what he is like and if he can come home (we really hope so). Whatever you decide to do, stick with your initial gut feeling. Working on instinct when it comes to cancer seems like the best way to go.
What a heartbreaking situation to be in, we can't even imagine. We are so very sorry. Our prayers and hugs are going out to you both.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I just updated his blog with more info. I could do a spleenectomy Monday when he's stable. But, like OSA, it's very aggressive and odds are has metastasized and we would only get 2-3 months if lucky. And half of it could be him trying to recover from major abdominal surgery. I want to consider his quality. *sigh* Without surgery, the average prognosis is 2-3 weeks.
Gosh, you all here were there for me the horrible night that I brought him home from surgery 5 weeks ago and got me through it. THere's such a comfort in knowing I'm never alone in this. Thank you all for that.
Dawn
Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from. raven.tripawds.com
Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com. miles.tripawds.com
Oh dear, that wasn't what I expected to see when logging in tonight!! I am so sorry to hear the news about Raven. No one can give you the right answer because really there is no right or wrong when you love your babies. I was told many times that I would know when the time was right. I didn't think I would, but then I did. You will make the best decision for Raven, not that it makes it any easier. It is the hardest choices in the world and that is any of the choices.
I don't know much about the cancers that Raven has, so I can't offer much in the way of information. Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. If you need anything you are welcome to PM me anytime.
Alisa & Spirit Shilo
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.
Oh there are so many "what-ifs," those kinds of decisions can make a person crazy. All you can do is get all the information you can gather, and make a decision based on your gut feeling for how Raven will handle things. Remember, like Alisa said, there is no "right" or "wrong," and you are never, ever alone in this OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dawn, I have no words of wisdom, but I know you will make your decision with what is best for Raven in mind, and will do what you know is best for him. We all know a decision made in that manner will only give you the best choice for you and Raven. And you know from being here, whatever that decision is, we will all be here for you. I am truly sorry you are facing this, sending lots of good thoughts your way.
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.
Oh Dawn
I am SOOO sorry to read this. BLAST! I can't imagine the shock given your previous news.
Is splenectomy an option in Raven's case?
Tazzie and I are hitting the road, right now. We will think of you and Raven today. I am so sorry and I hope he gets through this.
Susan & T2
I am so so sorry to see this posting! I can only imagine, this is heart breaking to you and Raven's family. I am praying for Raven and you, try to be strong and remember Raven knows you love him.
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you face the day.
Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Dawn,
I am heartbroken. This news was totally unexpected and I am so so sorry you are going through this. If you choose to have a speenectomy what is the recovery time for that? I think that until you can get some answers on Monday you really can't make a decision. How is Raven feeling today? I would think that the expected recovery time would help you to decide. When I was reading end of life articles after we had to let Emily go I read this one vet who said that it is better too let them go one week to early than one week too late. I truely believe that Raven will tell you. If the spleen is removed then what kind of quality of life would be expected? I'm sorry if I am asking to many questions. I am praying so hard for you and Raven.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Oh my gosh, Dawn, I am shocked! Cancer is so unfair...and so unpredictible. This really, truly sucks, and I am so sorry. I don't think you need to worry about "when". Raven will let you know when he is ready. It's easy to spend so much time worrying, when we should be spending time enjoying (easy to say, harder to do, right?). Take some time, listen to your doctors, listen to Raven, and you will know what to do. As far as life expectancy, we can read statistics all day long, but each dog reacts differently and they don't pay attention to silly numbers! Jack's cancer was "high grade, highly productive", and he's still here 6 months later (14 months after he started limping) and we only did 4 rounds of chemo as we couldn't afford to finish off with the last 2 sessions. Raven doesn't know he has this stupid C thing. I'll be thinking of you guys and I hope and pray that Raven makes it home and can recover from his ER visit. Please keep us updated!!!
<3 Laura and Sleepy Jack
This is unfair! so UNFAIR!! I am shocked again at how things can change so quickly! My heart is with you as you are facing such a stressful and difficult situation. As many others said, there is no wrong decision and we will all be there to give you support.
I am sending a bunch of hugs to Raven.
Suzanne
I am so shocked and saddened after reading this post. How can things happen so fast?
In your past videos, Raven always impressed me by how strong and healthy he looks when he's hopping around in your yard. I just can't believe it that his health has taken this awful turn.
I am sorry for the stress you are under right now, and the decisions you are facing. I agree with others, to get your vet's opinion on Monday, and then listen to Raven for the answer.
My thoughts are with you,
Michelle
Dawn,
The shock and pain is felt thoughout this entire community. Cherry and I really do not have any great knowlege that can help you determine your treatment options, but rather feel the shock that has disended upon this community once more. You have been blessed with having Raven within your house from his very first breath and that gives you a special insite. So very often when they start to slip away, it goes so quickly that events overtake us. We all know that the decision you make at this time will be based upon you special relationship with Raven, and be the very best for Raven. This community will be here to support you what ever that choice.
Once more through tears we send pawsitive thoughts and prayers,
Bob & Cherry
You've got more thoughts and prayers coming your way.
I can certainly relate to your situation. Yoda's was very similar after his second lung met rupture. With him, his oncologist laid out the same dilemma, help him go then, or take him home to try to recover, knowing that he could have a sudden, stressful end at any time. I'll never know that Yoda couldn't have bounced back and had more worthwhile quality time, but all one can do in this situation is go with one's gut. When I sat with Yoda at the hospital and looked in his eyes, I couldn't imagine he was going to bounce back and that's what I went with, because I had to base my decision on something. You'll find something to base your decision on too and you just got to have faith that with the strength of your love and best intentions that you've tapped into Raven's wishes for himself.
Hang in there!
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
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