Hello!
My name is Megan. I have a golden retriever, named Liberty. She is about 1.5 years old. Unfortunately, back in May they diagnosed her with an aggressive form of osteosarcoma. We were told she would likely live a month without treatment and about 4-6 months if we were to amputate. Shocked by the diagnosis, I opted for pain management to keep her comfortable during her short time left. Well…. 6 months later, still a large regimen of medication, Libby has been doing fairly well.. only limping occasionally. We had been doing X-rays every month and it appeared the cancer wasn’t growing (we’d finally gotten the miracle we wanted!) Until about two weeks ago, Libby slipped on the hard wood floor and we ended up back at the vet. So, now we at looking at osteosarcoma, torn acl, and mild hip dysplasia. I am very very torn on what to do! I want the absolute best life for my pup and I would appreciate any advice. I am nervous for how she will respond to amputation, what her life will be like following the amputation, and so on. Before the fall, she did not appear to be in much pain. I could touch/rub her leg, she would run and play like nothing was holding her back. However, now her limp is more consistent, her gait is very awkward, and we have the occasional bad night where she just cannot get comfortable so she moans the majority of the night. I know in my heart she isn’t ready to be put down because she still eats, plays, and loves company, but I feel like continuing the medication will only lead to other problems such as liver failure. Plus, her quality of life is not where I want it to be. Sorry for the overload of information!! I need help!! What should I do!? I hate to see my baby suffer, but I worry putting her through the amputation surgery/recovery will cause more pain/sadness for her. Any input is appreciated!
Thank you,
Megan and Liberty!
Wow, so very tough when you have a pet struck by this disease so young.
To be honest, most of us will tell you (perhaps not all, but most) is that amputation with cancer relieved our dogs or cats of pain rather than caused it. Yes, there can be some rough days and people sometimes question, but those are usually very early in the recovery. Dogs and cats just get on with it. And that source of pain that is making her moan and uncomfortable will be gone.
Youth is on her side for a recovery. But I am not clear – is the torn ACL in the same leg? And hip dysplasia also same limb or perhaps both back hips? That could make a difference.
My own dog was 11.5 years old and 75 pounds. He made a truly remarkable recovery and only the first 24 hours post surgery were truly tough. From there he clearly felt infinitely better and got stronger every day. We had nearly 6 months and a remarkable summer to enjoy before cancer came back and we had to let him go.
May I suggest you actually copy your blog post and put it into a new Forum topic as you will likely get more input there – you will get some here, but the forums present in a way that more people seem to see them and there is just more activity. Either the Treatment, Recovery and Oncology section or the Ask a Vet! section – the former might get you the most interaction.
Does your vet practice have an orthopedic surgeon in it? Or is your vet more of a general practitioner. An orthopedic specialist may be able to give you a more clear expectation of how Liberty will do as a Tripawd!
Lisa and Angel Pofi
Thank you for the response!
Sorry for the confusion, the torn acl is on the same side as the osteosarcoma. As for the hip dysplasia,I believe it is on the same side as well but that is something I will need to clarify before proceeding with the amputation. We would be amputating the back right leg, do animals respond differently to front legs vs back?
I see a general vet on a regular basis but I met with an orthopedic vet at the beginning of the diagnosis. My vet recommends we return to him for the surgery which we plan to do if the surgery will still be an option.
Thanks again for the help! I’ll be sure to post this in forum!
My inclination is really that the torn ACL and the dysplasia, if all in the same limb /on same side, add up to more reason to consider amputation and certainly not less.
X-rays to confirm lungs seem clear or near clear – you want to know what is happening there if anything. And returning to the specialist. The tough thing is not knowing how much time you and Liberty may gain – but our experience says it is usually better quality time. A reprieve from the pain of the cancer. Others will surely chime in if you post in forum.
Lisa
I have an 11 year old golden. We amputated her right front limb a week and a half ago. I wanted her time to be pain free, verses limping and me worried about a fracture. She has osteosarcoma.
Amputation is a difficult decision….the first few days were very emotionally draining….we are finding our rhythm now, she’s managing better, her muscles were sore from walking differently….dogs carry 2/3rd of their weight in the front….dogs adapt very readily to 3 legs. good luck and i am so sorry to hear about your dog. Kim
I would agree that starting a forum topic in addition to the blog would be useful in getting your story out to more of our members.
You will find that dogs carry more of their weight in their front end, so a rear amp means somewhat less stress on the remaining leg. There have been several dogs here who have had additional surgeries to the remaining leg with good success. Our Murphy was one. He had a total hip replacement just a couple of months after his amp. You can check his YouTube channel, Murphy the Three Legged Dog, for the videos that we posted of his progress.
Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel…and the Labradork
Hi there…Hugs for Liberty and YOU! Amputation is not traumatic for the pup. I was terrified to “do that” to Bandit, but after much prayer and discussion with his Dad we decided to go ahead with the surgery. I could not have been more surprised with how Bandit responded to the surgery. Within 10 days he had sparkle in his eyes that I had not noticed was weakening. I didn’t do anything “to” him I did it FOR him. When I first came to the group, I was often reminded to be More Dog. The Dog lives in the moment. Not in the what if world. They give each moment the attention it deserves and live life to the fullest at each stage. Even on the day that Bandit left us, he would still give me a smile and lovins. You know your baby. If it isn’t “time”, seriously consider giving Liberty a chance to adapt to three legs. Regardless what you decide, this group will be here for you. they have been a firm foundation for me as I faced each day, each new stage. Lots of wisdom and a whole lot of love. Take care. Deb and Angel Bandit.
I agree with Hester please consider posting in the forums as you will get more input.
The thing about Osteoscaroma is it is a very painful disease. Please let us know if it is the same hip/etc. If it is consider the amputation it won’t cure the cancer but it will take away the pain. Eventually you will max out on the pain meds or she will fracture that leg then you will have to consider the amputation or Euthanasia.
Sassy was fortunate her Osteoscarma was in the same leg that she had hip displaysia. So when we took her leg we also did not have to worry about anymore. Sassy was 6 when diagnosed
Good luck 🙂 I am sorry your baby has this diagnosis so young
Michelle & Angel Sassy