Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Just wanted to add glad your Maggie was with you some "extra" time---I know she enjoyed being with you. .............Sally
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!
Hi Sally
Jill had fluid build up more in her belly and a little near her scar so not sure if it would be categorized as a seroma
but I can tell you the vet did want to drain it if it did not eventually go away on its own. She was not on antibiotics but the vet had me alternate. Heat and ice pack in it every 20 minutes. I would ask your vet about that. I'm glad to hear she is doing better! Keep us posted!
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Sally,
Thanks for the kind words about Maggie- at 6 seconds a key stroke that was a lot of your time 
.
Mag did not have a seroma from her amp surgery, but 6 months previous she had her first tumor removed and it left a big 6 or 7 inch scar on her side (her girth was only about 21 inches). She developed a decent sized seroma at the bottom of the scar on her chest- we did not need to drain it and it reabsorbed- I don't remember how long it took.
Quad pug boy Obie had knee surgery 2 weeks ago, he developed a seroma on the high part of his leg that is still there. I am currently putting hot packs on his knee 3 times a day per surgeons orders, we did ice for 3 days after surgery.
As far as drinking- I like to say that Obie dislikes water to the point that he will not even drink it! He almost never drinks water out of his bowl. I have compensated by adding lots of water to his food. Another thing you can try is adding some tuna water to her water bowl.
Sounds like Hannah is on the road to recovery now! Keep up the good work, you will get there.
Karen
I'm so happy you've found us helpful and comforting! We know Hannah appreciates it, too. I've nothing more to add than what the ladies above have written. Rest up, Hannah! You'll get there. 
Although, to help with your computer: an easy thing to do is to restart your computer. If you have a Windows computer, there have been quite a few updates recently and your computer may be downloading them and installing them. Typically, after a lot of these updates, the computer must restart to install them 100%. Try restarting. If that doesn't help, places like Staples and BestBuy can clean up your computer for you (I'd do it, too, but I'm afraid I won't have the time for a week or so...). Having computer problems now is very frustrating, especially since you're so hungry to reach out and get help. Let me know how it goes. I'm pretty geeky.
~ Katy
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!
Sally and hannah,
glad to hear that today was better. Unfortunately yesterday marked two months since Bruno crossed rainbow bridge. I miss him terribly. But this community and all of you have been a great outlet and support system. It very therapeutic to be able to lend help and words of encouragement in any way I can in return for all the live everyone sent our way throughout our journey. We hope Hannah continues to improve. You both are in my thoughts and prayers
Maricela and Spirit Bruno
http://bruiserb.....pawds.com/
Maricela and Spirit Bruno
Hi my beloved team members....need help again. Hannah's amputated limb showed cancer in that lymph node. Created another "topic" saying something similar (Can't remember verbiage right now to busy sobbing). Didn't know if should just keep adding info. Under this or add new one. Darn computer starting to freeze up again so can read replies just might not be able to respond. Otherwise she is having a better day today in recovery process --went to regular vet and he reassured me surgery site was doing okay and she really perked up being "out and about". And based on your suggestions, I had person who helped me get in vehicle show up early for happy visit and brought her special treat a! The value of this site is beyond words. Any info on what to do next if anything. Love to all Sally and my precious Happy Hannah
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!
Sally, you will both be OK, I promise. Breathe, and know that Hannah doesn't care what that report showed. She doesn't look any different, does she? OK, now smile
The good news is they got the leg and the lymph node. And just because it's in the lymph node doesn't necessarily mean things will be worse for her. What was your vet's advice/suggestion for next steps?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sally,
My pug Maggie had mast cell cancer, not OSA, but we were faced with this same scenario. In your other post you mentioned that you should have pushed for a pre-surgery lymph node test...well, your surgeon is right, they are not that accurate in our experience. We did a pre-surgery test which showed that the lymph node in Mag's leg was free of cancerous mast cells. I went into the surgery thinking it was curative. After surgery when the lymph node was dissected there was lots of cancer. My understanding is that the pre-surgery test is just a needle aspirate so not a big sample size. When the whole node is available for dissection they can get a better, more representative sample. So- don't spend a lot worry on not doing the test pre-op, it may not have shown anything anyway.
For us cancer in the lymph node was a very bad sign, no sugar coating here, the lymph system is one of the places that mast cell cancer tends to met. Maggie's prognosis was downgraded to 6 to 9 months with chemo. I don't know how OSA in the lymph node relates to mast cell, BUT there is no way to know, without removing all the lymph nodes, how far the cancer has moved- or if it has moved out of the leg. My choice was to do chemo with Mag and hope for the best. Maggie lived almost 4 years after her amp and did not pass from mast cell cancer.
Talk to your vet, and an oncologist if you are thinking about chemo. You have done a great thing for Hannah by removing the pain of bone cancer- don't lose sight of that. Whatever you chose to do, and whatever time you have together (hopefully lots and lots of time!) is will be quality, pain free time. As Jerry said- Hannah doesn't care about any of this stuff- she is feeling better, and she is with you... that's what matters.
Karen
Hi Sally & Hannah, Sorry I'm late welcoming you and sorry you had to find us here in the first place.
It looks like you've gotten lots of great advice already. We didn't have to deal w/ a seroma , so I can't help out there.
But just wanted to say that I'm sending good pawsitive thoughts to you and Hannah.
Try not to think too much about the diagnosis and wonder 'how much time will we get?' None of us know how much time we'll have with our wonderful pups (or for ourselves for that matter) so the important thing is to make the most of right now. Hannah is getting back to her happy self and she is loved and that is the most important thing.
I know it's all overwhelming right now - but there can still be wonderful times ahead for you and Hannah.
Hang in there,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
P.S. as for the surgeon saying she is getting water out of the chicken - of course! Chicken juice! Heehee.
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!
Jackie. Karen. Jerry. YOUR WORDS SUSTAIN ME. It seems like everyday turns out to be another kick in the gut and the only relief comes from receiving a post from you guys. I hope to be able to model your courage and grace under fire and pass that onto others as you have to me. I read these posts over and over and I'm always able to get my emotions in check (sort of) and be present with Hannah and relish in each breath she takes and each thump of that happy wagging tail..I'll try wagging my tail more and see if that works!!!!!
Be kind to yourselves while you are being so kind to others. Love to you all, Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Hi Sally,
I want to add that I, too, have no idea about the role of lymph nodes with osteosarcoma. I was too in shock to ask them to investigate the lymph node in Jackson's amputated leg. I don't think it was done. But, I think it wasn't done b/c there's little point. I think the vets and oncos wouldn't have been surprised to see the lymph node in his amputated leg involved. So....all the better the leg and node are gone! I don't know about his other lymph nodes, but as someone above mentioned, doing a biopsy now is very inconclusive. We chose to ignore the whole lymph node situation and focus on how darn well he's doing and feeling! I remember being just days before and after amp, reading here to "be more present with Jackson" and "Be More Dog
" and sort of laughing at that. I mean, really?! I could barely keep up with wiping the tears away! For me, doing SOMETHING made me feel better. Going through with amputation was helpful - we were getting rid of that nasty cancer and pain. Then during recovery all I focus on was how well Jackson was resting and sleeping and eating. Every day was a little victory when each of those needs were met. Then, meeting with an onco about his health needs and our concerns was the final piece to my comfort. I highly recommend finding an onco to meet with yourself, if you're at all thinking about chemo. There are so many options and to get their expert advice, it really eases you! Jackson is on a plan and we couldn't be more comfortable with it - and that's mainly b/c he's doing so well on it! I guess what I'm trying to say is: we all understand your pain and worry and that can get in the way of enjoying your time with Hannah, especially if she doesn't seem to enjoying much right now. Try to just let her rest, let her be, and readjust your goals to the bare minimum: did she eat? did she wag her tail? did she pee/poo? did she drink a little? Just by checking those off and getting through each day, you 2 will be fine! In about 2-3 weeks, when the magic starts to come back, you'll be beside yourself with glee!!! You'll get there. You will. In the meantime, hug your girl and then let her rest.
~ Katy
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!
Sally, has your vet told you what stage the cancer is? Cancer in the lymph node isn't what anyone wants, but knowing the stage will ultimately decide on the prognosis & recommended treatments. I'm curious if the vet has told you this information yet.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jerry---I did ask over phone what "stage" it was and she said it was staged before surgery with the preliminary tests (blood work was good, xrays were good palpitating nodes was good. -- well obviously THAT changed!). and that was the extent of answer. So that's what I'm dealing with. She's sending paperwork to regular vet. and perhaps he'll be able to tell me more. Happy Hannah is scheduled for stitch removal next Tues, and I'm to meet with onco. at this place then. If I don't initiate the questions it'll probably suggested to go forward with carboplatin----which may be great but I want to come armed with enough info. To explore ALL potential options!She did say she would do ultra sound of tummy. One thing I'll do if possible is see if I can get a phone consult. maybe with Dr. Ettinger or anyone else someone on this site recommends,
Jerry, thanks for your quick response yesterday-------------I did immediately at Hannah - she wagged and wiggled. --and I smiled, breathed and gave her a treat
You are living a life of purpose that has made a difference in so many lives and that's a legacy we all aspire to have. Don't know when your birthday. is bit thanks for being born!,
Computer crashing again but a quick hug to Katy. And. Jackson. Your comments were EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED and. As soon as computer picks back up I'll write more when I get home from work.
You all are heros! Love and sincere appreciation, Sally and H happy Hannah
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!
You are too kind Sally & Hannah, thanks for the sweet compliments.
I think you'll find the answers you need from your oncologist. Here is a link to questions to ask your oncologist, I hope it helps you feel less overwhelmed. If you feel like your onco isn't answering your questions or providing good options, then you might want a second opinion. But for now, take things one step at a time, you're doing great!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for the link. Not sure she,s even going to recover well enough from surgery to consider any treatment anyway. ten days out now and I can say she's had two good half days and the rest of the time very hard. Prior to surgery her quality was far better than it is now. Now all I've done is cause her more suffering and pain. I just wanted to give her more quality and I've done the opposite
I keep trying to tell myself it's just a difficult recovery as some on your site relate. All this stress and discomfort is surely compromising her immune system and weakening her body (She does still eat though!). What have I done---good intentions, yes, but, dear god what have I done?
Maybe I'll increase her pain meds and try and focus on those few hours on two different days she felt good and believe she'll get better but this far out of surgery it should be better everyday not worse. G guess the cancer is already spread . Just didn't think she wouldn't,t recover from surgery as possibilty
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!
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