Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Rosco has been having some very scary breathing issues for the past 1 1/2 weeks. A trip to his vet resulted in prednisone and an antibiotic but nothing of significance (we thought he had some bronchial irritation due to some natural flea stuff we put on him). When we started weaning him off the prednisone, it started again so we went to an emergency specialty center this morning. Upon reviewing x-rays they found a tumor (most likely a soft tissue sarcoma) behind the scapular at his amputation site. The doc said that the tumor is pushing on his trachea and appears to have made it's way into his chest cavity.
We've had Rosco since March. His amputation was due to an injury he suffered at the hands of a person. This isn't fair, I can't stop crying. We are going to see if we can get an appointment for first thing tomorrow to see the same oncologist Jake saw; but, I don't know what they can do. I don't know what to do. I can't believe this is happening again. We are continuing with the prednisone and antibiotic and they also gave him hydrocodone to help dilate his airway to make him more comfortable. After the horrible first years of his life all I wanted was for him to have a happy long rest of his life. I'm just scared to death and I can't believe it's happening again. I'm trying to "Be More Dog " but it's not working. Jake had a nerve sheath tumor and it was able to be fully excised, I'm not sure what type of STS this is yet but can anyone give me any advice on these things? If we are given the normal options of chemo vs radiation vs holistic I don't know what to do. I know its a crap shoot and I don't know what I'm dealing with quite yet but I just need some advice, any advice (I'm trying to BREATHE Sally).
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
I saw this on FB and my heart sunk... I couldn't believe it. It's so not fair. I am crying right along with you, Elizabeth. I don't know anything about this kind of cancer so hopefully someone else will weigh in. But I want you to know that we are ALL here for you and are all surrounding you with so much love and prayers .... if there was ever a time I believed in the power of positive thinking and prayer ... it is right now.
I will take on being angry and p!ssed off and hateful so you can focus all your love and energy on that sweet little guy who has known SO much love since you brought him home. That is what he will always remember ...
I don't even know what to say or if I am helping or not but I am here for you.
Sending you love ...
alison with spirit shelby in her heart and little jasper too
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
No!!!! Not Roscoe!!! I LOVE him. I don't know about internal soft tissue sarcomas, but I have a cat who has one growing on her shoulder. The biopsy came back kind of inconclusive on what type, but she is scheduled to have it removed the 21st of this month. The vet feels that if he can get it all, it may not come back. He said they are less likely to mestasize than some other cancers. Have they said anything about removal? I am so sorry! This isn't fair! My heart hurts with you, hugs from, Lori, Ty & Gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Omg Elizabeth, I just saw this on facebook and it didn't click immediately until I saw both Rosco and Tanner on the page.....I don't even know what to say, or think, or do.....Oh, how I wish there was something I could do for him, you, and Eric. I just started to sob after reading the fb post.
You know in your heart the right road to take with him, but I know how much of kick-in-the-gut this is for you...... No matter what happens, you brought him into your heart, home, and life, and it is not the quantity that matters so much as the quality. He came to you for a reason, and even though some things are beyond our control, his life is joyful and happy, and he knows he is so very loved. Follow his lead, follow your heart, and just go from there.
I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and heart.....please let us know what is going on with him, we are all here for you, and we love you.
Sending so much love and strength to you,
Bonnie, Angel Polly, and girls
I am just totally shocked. Roscoe sure doesn't deserve this and it's so unfair. But he is so blessed to be with you because we all know you will move mountains to help this sweet boy!
We're here for you and we're wrapping a big hug around you and Roscoe.
Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Oh, Elizabeth, I am so very sorry to hear this about Roscoe. We will keep our fingers crossed that it is the kind of tumor that can be treated.
Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel...and the Labradork
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
I can't even begin to express how sorry I am about sweet, sweet Rosco and that you are having to go through this, Elizabeth. I'm glad that the pred and pain meds are helping him be more comfortable. From what I've heard STS tumors are usually slower-growing than some other kinds and since Rosco is younger maybe that will give you a broader range of treatment options. I'm praying that's the case.
I hope you can get in to see the oncologist tomorrow...and I wonder if it would it be worth getting another opinion from a surgeon as well given the location of the tumor? Maybe post in the Ask a Vet forum and see if Dr. Pam has any initial thoughts?
I wish I had more knowledge about STS but since Lexie's pathology and diagnosis was inconclusive and presented differently, and she was so far along with mets, our onco didn't treat like a typical STS. In the for what it's worth category I think I did see some favorable effects with Lexie when she was on the Yunnan Baiyo and K9 Immunity Plus, so if your vet agrees maybe that's a place to start as you get more info and weigh your options.
I know that waiting and not knowing are so hard...hang in there and remember to breathe. Sending prayers, good thoughts, and lots of hugs to you and Rosco and your family.
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
I can't say enough thank you's to all of you. I never expected to be on this side of the fence again. Especially having a non-cancer tripawd develop cancer. As stupid as this sounds, I think part of me thought if they were already a tripawd we'd somehow be immune to it. I am just so sad. Rosco doesn't let me go two feet away from him. I can't even go to the bathroom without him following me. He freaked out at the vet when they were in the back doing an exam and when they brought him to me and put him in my arms he calmed right down. He's attached to my legs right now sleeping off his hydrocodone (which thankGOD seems to be helping his breathing at moment). When I brought him home I made a promise to him and I just want to be able to keep it. I know that a couple months being loved is worth something, but its not enough. He deserves more! I want him to know what being a dog is supposed to be like. I haven't even taken him camping and hiking yet 
He WILL be seeing the oncologist tomorrow if I have to show up and throw a tantrum in their waiting room. It's actually the same place we took him today. They have a 24 hr ER as well as an oncology department, surgery dept and a bunch more. They staff cases together so we will hopefully know more in the next couple of days, and after more tests as far as whether there is any chance of surgery.
We thought he was two but the vet at the ER said she thought he was more like 6. It's really hard to tell b/c his teeth are so messed up (we switched him to only wet food b/c he can't seem to chew well). I would like to know more about K9 Immunity . When I brought it up to the onco before she was not enthusiastic but she did prescribe Jake Yunnan Baiyo. I saw too there is a holistic vet that's joined the group, I think I'm going to ask for a consult with her as well.
Bonnie you are right, he did come to me for a reason and somehow someway no matter what I'm going to keep my promise.
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
"As stupid as this sounds, I think part of me thought if they were already a tripawd we'd somehow be immune to it"
Oh, how I wish I didn't know exactly what you are feeling!
We all know that Roscoe will have the best chance he can possibly get we you and Eric in his corner. Please keep us up to date whenever you can. And give that sweet boy lots of special hugs from all of us....and save a few of those for yourself, too.
Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel...and the Labradork
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Screw the trying to BREATHE part for now. Allof us just got the breath knocked out of us and plummeted to the floor with this news!
Im co.ing back because I'm so speechless right now, so useless.
I can get this out to you though...we are ALL eight here with you! You think Rosco is attached ro you..."you ain't seen nuttin' yet"! We are stuck like glue!
I want to throw out one other place ro go...it's in Short Pump. Ive got to look up the name, but it's a "specialty" clinic and you have ro get a referral....and an ER. They had Oncos and Surgeons long before the p@ace in Broad Street opened their doors. There is a Dr. Boyd there. Not sure of his speccialty, but he was absolutely amazing with Merry Myrtle.
Anyway, I'll be back in a bit.
This does NOT...DOES NOT....DOES NOT. mean the end!!! Think of Pug Maggie and Charlie and so many others!!!
We all love you so much!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
OH MY Gosh. I can't believe this. I was thinking not our Roscoe... I thought maybe someone new? then I read this. it knocked my breathe from me. I am so shocked.
I will be praying for good news tomorrow.
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Stunned, shocked and horribly sad for you guys, I'm really just at a loss for the right words right now, except AGGGGGGH 
Stupid cancer!
I'm so sorry. I wish I could take it all away and help in some small manner. I can't imagine what you are feeling right now. It's easy for me to say "breathe," "stay calm" and so on but I know I'd be a mess too. We all hope and pray that our post-cancer dogs will never have to endure the disease. It's shocking as all heck to get hit with it again.
All I can say is, remember that you are SO much smarter than last time around. You are far wiser and stronger and you know all the right things to ask. You have great care in place. And you have us. So please remember you are not alone OK?
Geez I'm so sorry. Keep us posted. We'll be thinking of you and Rosco.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ditto and more ditto to what everyone has said!!
Jist to follow up our conversation....Dr. Fallon and Dr. Trevor are the ones I was trying to think of at VCC. I can't wuite remember all their credentials, but I do know this is who my vet has recommended for difficult surgeries and treatment and diagnosis of that crap disease. Anyway....just another option!
The Virginia contingent will stage a sit-in wherever you go until they see Rosco!! Oh yes we will!!
Because Rosco's surgery was so botched by the rescue's vet, it really could be something that has grown as a result of that. It really could be something that is benign. It could even be that, as yucky as another sirgery would be, they can go back in and remove the scapula and take that knot out and eliminate the pressure pushing on his trachea.
Okay...I guess it is time for some deep BREATHS right now because there is NO proof that this is something that can't be treated. Roght now, there is no reason to think that this can't be made better!
Is Dr. Blanchong the Holistic Vet at Dogwood? And yeah, I would definitely start Rosco on K9 Immunity and the mushroom therapy while you're getting things figured out.
Elozabeth and Eric, it is NO accident that Jake sent you Rosco. There is no better forever home! Jake knows that Rosco will feel love, feel safe, feel cared for. Being loved by you erases everything bad that ever happened to him! All he knows is the NOW and how very wonderful the NOW is!
Just like Jake and Tanner, Rosco has your names engraved on his heart from the day he was born. Whatever the future holds...whatever that might be...Rosco was destined to be with you. Sometimes things just don't make sense to our human brains...but there are no mistakes in the Universe. In our soul state, everything makes sense. We just forget that once we take on our human clothes.
As you already know, Roscoe is not worrying about a thing. The "future" means nothing to him. The amount of time he spends in his adorable little doggy earth clothes means nothing to him. Being loved by you means everything to him. You ARE his everything and he is having a ball being your everything!
The entire Tripawd Universe is sending healing energy AND lots of cheesburgers and soft cones to Rosco! You'll have to cut it up for him this time! And video this time!!
We love you guys so much!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Seriously .. I've never met you but I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me. They say we love together and we hurt together and I think we are ALL hurting right now. But like the others said, we know you will move mountains to get Roscoe the best possible care! And I hear ya.... I always figured the tripawds due to injury were somehow immune to cancer... they had already been through so much.
Please stay close and keep us posted on your vet trip tomorrow. I have NO doubt you will exhibit that same Elizabeth that charged the shelter to get Tanner and wouldn't leave without him and the same for Roscoe.... and now your strength will shine through!!!!
Let us know what we can do ---- even out in LA let me know ... if there is anything I can do, you know I will do it in a heartbeat!
much love,
alison with spirit shelby and little jasper lily
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Oh, Elizabeth...there's nothing I can say that everyone else hasn't already said. I know that you will move mountains for sweet Roscoe! He definitely was sent to you for a reason! Just know that we are all here pulling for you!
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
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