Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So we were all set to have Mika's surgery next week when our vet called to let us know that she had just returned (yesterday) from a round-table where there was a noted vet oncologist present. He provided some information that makes Dr. K want to do a biopsy to see exactly what type of cancer we are dealing with. The type of cancer will help us better determine the best approach. Dr. K notes that because Mika's leg has been hurting for so long, that it may not be one of the aggressive cancers - which would be good.
Soooo, long story short, we ARE going to see an oncologist afterall and try to get more info and do an very detailed (more expensive) biopsy Tuesday nextbefore we move ahead. Luckily, her lungs look great, so at least it hasn't spread, but if it's a really agressive we have to think about the next steps. I really don't believe it's the agressive since she's been having issues with this leg off and on for years.
P.S. Anyone heard of Dr. Michael Kiselow, DVM in Campbell, CA?
Mari (Mika's Mom)
Best wishes with that biopsy, we look forward to finding out the results.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good luck Mari and Mika. Let us know how things go...
Sending good thoughts your way!!! 
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!
Mari and Mika,
While I am always reluctant to hear of any postponement that would delay the start of treatment, your oncologist wants to make sure that they are doing the very best and that cannot be bad. We are one of three members of this community that live in Livermore. There also is a large group from the Oakland area as well as others further east. I mention this because we are getting together Saturday 11:00 AM at the dog park in Mill Valley. You may want to show up and get some first hand answers to any questions. This is a great group. Good luck with the biopsy and keep us posted.
Spirit Cherry's Dad - Bob
Dear Mari,
I just wanted to say good luck to you and Mika. I will add you to my prayers. It is interesting that after the round table your vet wants to see what kind of cancer it is before amputating. Is he thinking that maybe amputation won't be needed? Anyway, keep us posted.
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.
This will be our first consult with the oncologist. I think our vet want to confirm that she doesn't have the super agressive type of cancer before she recommends that we do everything we can to prolong Mika's life. As the vet said, this is all a part of pain management at this point (as crazy as that sounds), so that for whatever time we have left, she will be comfortable.
Our vet also says to keep in mind that, "dogs don't read the statistics". 
Thanks again, all, for your input and support,
Mari (Mika's Mom)
This is just our experience, I am no Vet, let alone a noted Oncology-Vet, but if I could do it over again, I would forego the biopsy and just amputate. We opted to go with the more expensive biopsy, and it still came back inconclusive (as I understood it, they took a fluid sample from the elbow, samples from the joint capsule and substance seen growing on (in?) it, and samples from the bones above and below his elbow).
Honestly, I feel Harley’s recovery from the biopsy was worse than his recovery from the amputation. Again, this is only our experience. Harley limped on and off for 6 months before the biopsy, but he never showed signs of being in pain (although, after his amputation when they described how destroyed his knee was, he must have been in pain). But after the biopsy, he really limped, and it was a constant limp, and he was definitely in pain.
They tried for two weeks to come up with a diagnosis from the biopsies taken. To me, it was just two weeks of Harley being in extra pain for no reason. Plus, it was expensive. I would give anything to have those two weeks back, to amputate earlier. I often worry that those two extra weeks of the cancer growing in his elbow might be the difference between it being contained or spreading (it should be noted, I worry … a lot … about everything
).
I wish I would have spoken up and at least questioned the need for a biopsy when we knew the knee was starting to show signs of deterioration. And perhaps it is much better to know exactly what you are dealing with before amputation. I don’t know. I didn’t ask.
Harley is 9, which is getting older for a Rottweiler. He has an aggressive form of cancer, Histiocytic Sarcoma (which is what was suspected before his biopsy and confirmed after his amputation). He had it for at least 6 months before amputation; we are now 3 months post-amputation with no signs of him slowing down, thank God. I don’t regret our decision to amputate at all; I only wish we did it sooner.
And I would encourage you to ask for more than lung xrays to determine if the cancer has spread. We had xrays, ultrasounds, and bloodwork done; I know other dogs on here have had even more extensive tests done, as well.
Whatever decision you make, it is the right one. Every situation is different, this was just our experience. I don’t mean to be a downer … sorry.
Best of luck to you at the Oncologist. We’ll have our paws crossed for you!!
-Gwen & Harley
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Hi Mari,
I know it must be a confusing time for you at the moment just wanting the best for Mika and knowing that everyday you wait the tumor is still in her leg. Just some food for thought and in no way am I an expert just an owner of a beautiful tripawd dog...
I like to go with caution so if you feel the biopsy is what you want as your next step I would still have my dog booked in the very next day or 2 for amputation just incase. At then end of the day her leg has been playing up on and off for a while. I know that there has been success in limb sparing procedures but dogs don't have the emotional attachment to their leg and really are not so self-conscious about their image (like humans) just like they don't look at the statistics... So I figure the quicker the healing and recovery process starts the more quality of life your doggy might have post amputation if you choose to amputate.
After Koda's amputation it his leg was then tested and he does have oesteosarcoma. And he hasn't looked back since becoming a tripawd. He loves getting all of the attention!!!!!!
You know your dog the best and only you can make the decisions, and your decision will always have Mika's best interest at heart. We will be thinking of you. Push hard to get your dog in to whatever appts you make as quick and early as possible so that weeks do not pass.
Thinking of you and Mika!!!
Storm and Koda
OK, so I *just* joined the forums, but I have to say, I truly appreaciate the non-flaming, non-judgemental SUPPORT from everyone and the whole vibe of "only you know what's best for your dog". It's so reassuring that I can post here and while everyone has different experiences and suggestions, I feel encouraged and supported, no matter what we decide. (insert "big hug" emoticon here)
We actually won't be delaying her surgery but a day with the new oncology consult. They just happen to be down the way from our regular vet, who already set up her appointment sent her file to them, including blood work results and x-rays (even though today way her day off). The biopsy is scheduled for Tuesday next week, results on Wednesday and surgery is still scheduled (at the vets) for Thursday. I've seen the x-rays myself, and even if this isn't cancer (which the vet is sure it is, but just not sure of what type), her cankle is a mess and it hurts and I'm confident (with my zero experience in medical school - haha!), that she's better off without it anyway.
Keep ya'll posted!
Mari
genkimari said:
(insert "big hug" emoticon here) ... I feel encouraged and supported, no matter what we decide.
That's just the type of Tripawds testimonials we'd love to here.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Paws crossed for you and Mika. We are sending TONS of love and prayers your way this week...
Please keep us posted ~
Love
Heather and Spirit Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Mari......you go girl!!
You don't need a degree from medical school to make the right decision for you and you Mika!! You will learn here at Tripawds that there are no wrong choices and you will know in your heart and in your gut what to do for your girl. And giving her relief from the pain is foremost on your mind.
Hang in there, sending you support across the miles!
Ginny & Angel Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
We're sending lots of positive thoughts and hugs your way this week. We'll be keeping you in our hearts, and holding you in our paws. And it sounds like you have an awesome vet - I love that he told you that dogs don't know about stats! That is the truth, as Holly is showing us every single day!
Hugs,
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
FYI, most of us here have our Vet degrees from Google University!
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.
Sounds like you have a good plan Mari, it is all about doing your research so that you are comfortable in your decision. We are thinking of you guys!!!!
I am still giggling at Cometdogs comment, I too got my Vet degree from Google University. I already had Koda diagnosed by the next day before i even spoke to the vet. The only info I had was there was a lump he was limping and the vet wanted to do Xrays (we were overseas when Koda was diagnosed and our housemate only had that information at hand).
Each one of us knows our dog better than anyone so trust yourself.
Storm and Koda
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