Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I figured I'd start a new thread here since we are past the diagnosis stage and into the treatment stage.
I dropped of my beloved Rottwieler Ziva this morning to have her right front leg removed due to Osteosarcoma. She had her phentanol patch put on last night so she's pretty out of it.
They said it's about a 4 hour surgery and they will call me when she's in recovery. I will be taking her home tonight so we will see how that goes. I've got the rest of this week off and fortunately I own my own business so she will come to work with me during recovery.
Anyway you can read my blog for more info but I will update here as well. And thank you all for the kind words of encouragement this is a very difficult thing to go throug.
Great job starting a new topic! Yay!
Ok, when she comes home tonight, stay strong. Get nested into a little part of your home with her, and try to relax. I know you'll be focused on her every breath but do your best to be calm and know that this is a temporary thing. It sounds like the vet is providing some excellent pain control and so hopefully that will allow you both to get some rest.
It's great that you are with her this week, there's that upside to the pandemic.
Remember to get the vet's nearest 24hr contact so you can call if something comes up at 3am. It probably won't, but it's good info to have.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks and the good news is her primary care Vet is also her surgeon. And she gave me her cell phone number when this all started so if I have concerns or questions I can call. She (Dr. Allen ) is awesome.
She is also calling in a favor or two. She has a good friend who is an oncologist specialist but does not do surgery. And she is going to do the biopsy on Zivas bone and recommend treatment. All this at no cost until we start her recommended treatment plan.
I am very blessed to have such a good support group, from my wife, the vets and techs, and this site is HUGE!!! I told Dr Allen about it and she is going to look into us and hopefully send people this way for the same support.
Stay tuned it's getting close to update time!!😯
Hi Steve! Griffin is 19 days post-op for right forelimb amputation, so we are a few weeks ahead of you, but I well remember my anxiety the day of surgery. It sounds like you have a great support system and caring vet looking out for Ziva. I am holding Ziva in my thoughts today and sending healing vibes her way! ~ Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Hi Steven,
We all know how many thoughts are spinning through your head right now. When you pick up Ziva just look into het beautiful eyes and let her know how happy too are to see her!
To tell you the truth I was more shocked about how much fur they shaved then anything else.
Can't wait to see the update and pictures please!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Online
Sending paws vibes all the way over to Ziva!! Sounds like you are surr0 by a good team. And YAY for the connection your Vet has with the Onco!
Now, we say this to reassuredyou, not scare you. Bringing her home the same day as surgery can be harder on the hooman as they watch her try and shake off the anesthesia, be disoriented, maybe be vocal because of the patch. And sometimes they just sleep like zombies. But we are here by your side the whole way!! She'll be nicely doped though.
Update when you can and STAY CONNECTED!
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!
Where do I begin?!?
after dropping Ziva off this am I ask the Dr to look at her left front leg before surgery because I have noticed her licking it a lot in the same area as her right leg where the cancer is.
X-ray was showing some questionable areas that looked like lesions. Surgery put on hold awaiting radiologist report. Initial thought was cancer in that leg as well. So no we were down to quality of life again. SHIT SHIT SHIT.
So I went to pick up Ziva and got the radiologist report back while I was there. So the suspected part of her left leg looked wrong to my primary care vet but the rdiaologist said the part she was thinking a possible lesion was because she had been using the left leg more than the right and thus the discrepancy. Sooooooo!
We are rescheduled for the right leg amputation tomorrow morning. No I get to go through all this again. But the other good news is her lungs are still clear and everything else is good to go now.
Another sleepless night but hopefully tomorrow is the day Zivas pain stops and we can get on with slowing down the cancer.
Oh my gosh, you have been on a roller coaster today, Steve. I'm sorry for all the anxiety that the delay in her surgery caused, but I'm sure it is a huge relief to know that her left leg and lungs are clear. Please do keep us posted - we are all rooting for you and Ziva! ~ Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
That is so craaaaaazy, I'm sorry for the roller coaster ride before surgery even happens! Well yes, great news with the clear scans and it's terrific the vets are being super careful. She is in great hands!
Breathe, and know that this will be behind you soon. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks Stacy, it's definitely been a roller coaster of emotions today. But in the end we are back to plan A.
I'll update tomorrow. 😳
Ohhhhh myyyyyyy. goD!!! You must have been out of your mind with worry!!! Insane day!
This is after the fact, but nownuoj know: Rarely does osteo go to another limb. It does happen, but, thankfully, it is rare.
And, as you can see, Radiologist have a whole different set of skills than regular Vets. Several years ago I took my tripawd Frankie in to the Vet for a "limp" on his remaining front leg. He was adooted, so have no idea why he had the amptation. It was a late Friday appt. The Vet believed the xray showed osteo. She explained why and, sorrowfully was all but certain. She would, of course, send it over to a Radiologist but they would not be available over the week end and I would have to wait until Monday. Uou can imagine all too well what that I felt like!!! Thankfully, the Radiologist was CERTAIN it was NOT osteo!!
Now, upward and onward!! I hope Ziva got to have a nice meal today since she could eat much last night!!
YAAAAAAY FOR CLEAR XRAYS!!!! YOU NEEDED THAT GOOD NEWS TODAY!!
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!
Ok back on track. All tests,X-rays, and blood work have been checked and rechecked. I dropped Ziva off at my Vet this am so we are doing the waiting game. Hopefully I'll get the first phone call around noon that all went well with the surgery. Then I'll wait for the second call probably 4-5pm that it's ok to pick her up.
After yesterday roller coaster ride of emotions, questionable shadows in the X-ray of her left leg (right leg has the cancer) and then being told Ziva might have a rare cancer called HO. I don't remember the long version of that cancer but that is why surgery was cancelled till everything could be confirmed. Fortunately she didn't have the cancer in her left leg or that HO stuff.
I'm gonna take a nap if I can and get ready for some long days and nights ahead. Update soon!!
Whew! Really glad that all the diagnostics are behind you and everything is good to go. You two are on your way! Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
UPDATE: Ziva is out of surgery and they said she did great!!! She is slowly waking up and my Vet said she will call in a couple hours with another update and time we can come and get her.
Hard part over, can't wait to bring my baby home!!!
YEA surgery is over! I hope her recovery goes as smooth as the surgery. You may have some ups and downs for the next two weeks but you and Ziva can do It! Send pics when Ziva gets home.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
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