Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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All I can tell you based on my lab cancer experience (not doggie cancer) just my real job at a cancer institute... is that an oozing sub Q tumor is usually due to necrosis... The skin over the tumor becomes very thin and the necrosis (dead cancer tissue) can burst through as the tumor grows...
As long as you email or phone CSU to let them know the situation before you go... SRS, or any radiation will not fix the necrosis (it will eventually cause more... as it kills the tumor cells)... so, they (CSU) may even want to surgically remove some of that tissue... I don't know... So, before you drive down there... I would definitely contact CSU first, to let them know...
In the meantime... keep the oozing areas clean, the last thing you need is an infection on top of everything else! Is Tazzie on antibiotics in the meantime?
You and Tazzie are in my thoughts and prayers... When are you planning on leaving for your road trip?
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!
Just want to say that my deepest thoughts are sent to both of you. Good luck for your vet appointment.
Suzanne , Marc-André and Oslo
Hi All
Glad I took Tazzie back to my vet today. She was far more thorough than the emergency vet last night. She is great with hands on things. First she clipped the hair off of Tazzie's tumor - not nice for him since things were sticking out. There does appear to be an infection and he is now on a broad spectrum antibiotics while she waits for the culture results, which won't come until mid-week. The skin is turning purple over the tumor so she said that might be necrosis. She did indicate that she thought radiation was less effective when infection was present. She gave me hibitane to clean it and a creme to put on it. I felt she handled that really well.
If the skin is necrotic, is this all pointless? If the tumor gets smaller, can they stretch healthy skin over it? OR is that expecting too much?
I will send an email to CSU with the most recent developments, but it is Saturday, so I doubt I'll hear back before I go.
Marguerite - I have files to take to CSU. They did not get anything in advance, but we do not have a lot of recent files to provide. We don't have much diagnostic equipment here.
Another hitch - the person who was going to drive down with me can't find his passport (we call him Spinny Finny, for good reason apparently). Real bummer because we could turn it into a fun event with him present and someone needs to be with Tazzie in the backseat. It is also too far for me to drive alone in 2 days (20 hr, I am not good at such things especially in winter conditions). But I have a friend in Boise who I just phoned. It will take a bit of re-arranging for him to come on such short notice, but I'll know in a few hours. In the meantime, I better start packing! At least this new recruit is good at long-distance driving!
Susan, thank's again and again for the update. We are all cheering up for your new recruit to be able to re-arrange his schedule.
Tazzie, see how much your human friends love you!! Hang on sweetie!! CSU will help you!!
Suzanne
My Boise friend will fly to Fargo, so Tazzie and I will pick him up en route (that is only 3-4 hrs from Winnipeg I think - haven't been there myself). Gosh - what an operation this has become! We are fortunate. Tazzie and I could not do the trip alone.
Susan,
Good luck with your trip. It sounds like you have some wonderful friends. They must love you and Tazzie very much to rearrange their lives so you they can go with you on such a long trip. When are you going to be leaving? You and Tazzie are in my prayers.
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.
Susan -
I am so glad that you will have support on your trip.. It is so wonderful to have such a great support group. I am glad both you and Tazzie have that. I will be thinking about you on your trip. I will keep you and Tazzie in my prayers....
(HUGS)
Alisa & Spirit Sis 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.
It's beautiful that you have such good friends. I'm so thankful for that.
In people they take off to above or beyond the necrotic area and stretch the skin over and suture it. I think it just depends on the anatomy.
Sending super duper good thoughts and a happy birthday wish to you!
mary and caira sue
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
Be safe on your journey. Good thoughts from Texas.
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.
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