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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
We got bad news at the oncologist today. Vet thinks there is cancer growing over the incision site now (she had her leg amputated on 1/26/22). Just to figure out if it was cancer would have cost 1200. They recommend chemo. They gave 3 options: An IV drug, two other orals. Either option would cost thousands a month. If we're VERY optimistic, that would give her a year left. Without chemo? A few months. Not only that, but at "the end", we'd be the ones likely euthanizing her due to quality of life issues. She wouldn't just "pass away". Vet thinks abdominal spread is also likely, as a clear chest xray doesn't mean much, as this usually doesn't go there. There is also another swollen/hard lymph node so.. yeah.
I feel like.. how can I do this? I put her through this amputation for nothing. Sure, I could max out every card I have, but it doesn't seem like it would buy much time. Right now, she's on prilosec/benadryl and prednisone. I just feel sick. I have never had to lose a dog as an adult, much less put one down. I know thats not a decision for today, a few months (or hopefully more) down the line.
Awww Bella, look at that face!
Heather, how is she doing today? Right now? My guess is that Bella is worried about you and of course I can't blame her. I'd be feeling upset as well. But here's the thing: Bella is still Bella no matter what the oncologist said. She just wants you to have fun with her every day that she is here with you! It's just the way dogs are. They don't worry about prognoses or what ifs. And the best medicine for her right now is to put aside your heartache for some other time, much, much later in the future. Enjoy life with her now, because that's what matters to her most. It's all about quality of life, not quantity, and you went ahead with amputation so you could give her that quality.
Now, does the oncologist think the mast cell is growing because she is developing other mast cell tumors in that area? Or is it the general evaluation after her surgery?
If she is otherwise doing well, there's no reason to think that she couldn't keep doing well even with cancer. A prognosis isn't a prediction, it's an average and it's based on other dogs, not Bella. She is her own girl, on her own timeline. And again, timelines mean nothing. Cancer is so unpredictable and sometimes it surprises us with good things, not always bad events.
Don't jump so far ahead right now OK? You'll make yourself sick with worry. And just because you can't afford to pay for chemo, please don't beat yourself up. You took care of the immediate problem so that Bella could have some good quality time with you. Now go and play so you both can do that! 🙂
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hey thanks for sharing it. Do you mind if I share those images in a post about mast cell cancer treatment costs? It was quite enlightening (
) for me, I can only imagine how that hit you today.
So, what you were given was standard of care for mast cell cancer. Remember, this is what's given to all pet parents who get this diagnosis for their dog. It's great you were presented with multiple options. Of the treatment choices, Palladia is the newest therapy, and the most expensive.
Remember, these blanket treatment options are not saying that Bella is going to die tomorrow, or anything like that. What it's saying is that there are ways to manage the disease, and you can still manage to give her quality of life even if you choose palliative (no chemotherapy) treatment. And again, it's not a prediction as to how things will play out.
Many Tripawds here have dealt with mast cell cancer, and gone on to live happy lives, even into their senior years. Some had chemo, some didn't. You just never know how it will play out. Here are some examples:
https://tripawd.....ll-cancer/
Also, this is a few years old now but this interview with Dr. Hohenhaus is still relevant:
https://downloa.....er-basics/
I hope this helps you feel a little better. Remember, stay present. Your girl is here and she's waiting to enjoy life with you today.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Bella is still limping along on her three legs. Yes, you can share those images.
Bella can run now. She's getting extra love, extra treats and she went to the dog park for the first time with just her dad. She had a good time exploring and smelling all the smells. We are going to take her to her doggy daycare place for a party soon.
All that being said, the only issue we have with Bella right now is that we cannot keep water in her bowl. She drinks constantly. Because of that, she is peeing in the house. I've been told that's because she is on Prednisone. Unsure if that's true. She used to tell us when she had to go out, but she doesn't anymore. Usually the issue is overnight and when hubby and I are at work. We considered getting pee pads for some of her common spots, but unclear if she will use them. She's not incontinent and doesn't seem to have frequency of a uti/bladder infection. Seems to us that it's just a matter of drinking lots of water and it makes more pee.
I LOVE seeing Bella's ears dancing around! What a fun video!
Thanks for allowing us to use the images.
She is doing really well it appears from the video. Bella's doing what she does best, and loving it!
Yes, it is true about the Pred causing more thirst and urination. Happens to pets and people. To manage it, consider taking her water dish up earlier in the evening so she doesn't drink too close to bed. I know that might sound mean but it's what our vet suggested when Jerry was on pred and it worked well for him. It's always worth a try so you guys can sleep at night and don't have a mess to clean up in the morning.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That picture of Bella all comfy on the couch makes me want to snuggle with her and smooch her aweet face!♥️
And then to see her enjoying being Queen of the hill on her ramp and deck....had me grinning all over!!! Did you make thar just for her??
Curious what the dose of Prednisone is and frequency. Yes, it can definitely make dogs thirsty and usually increases their appetite too.. You can certainly give doggy pee pads a try. She "may" like the idea.
So, and I cant recall exactly, but with long term use or big doses it seems it actually "may" cause what would "appear" to be a UTI issue. Can't remember exactly what the specifics of that as a "possible" side effect, so double check with your Vet on that. She probably has t been on it long enough or min big doses to have that type of side effect. I think if a dog is on it for a couple of months at larger doses is when they want ro check urine, blood work, etc, Again, check with Vet as I may be waaaay off base!!
Now back to what's really important and significant! Bella is loving life and lpving being spoiled and having wonderful adventures with her favorite hoomans.
Thanks for the update and sharing video of a very happy girl whom we all adore!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
How is Bella doing? Just checking in, hope things are good!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
