Dixie is now around 8 years old, at least we think that is about her age since we really weren’t sure how old she was when we adopted her. Anyway this year she started to develop a lump on her left leg just above her wrist or whatever it is called on dogs. It wasn’t bothering her so we ignored it for a few months. As the lump grew very fast and in only a few months it was egg sized, we decided it was time to get it checked out. We were hoping for a quick diagnosis and have it removed. The first vet said no problem but would require a skin flap procedure and before even thinking about that we need to see if it was cancerous and if so had it spread. So we went to vet two to get a biopsy done. It came back positive for cancer so we went to a cancer specialist to see what our options were. They thought that maybe they could remove it but first we need to see if it spread, so ultrasounds were done and blood-work was taken. Fortunately it seemed to localized to the leg but again surgery to remove it would be very intensive and the risk that it would return would be pretty high, and chemo would be required after. On to vet three who was closer to us and also was a cancer specialist. He was very blunt and said amputation would be his recommendation. We felt most comfortable with this vet and being that he was only a few miles from our house made him much easier to work with. So we now are scheduled for the operation on Dec 22nd 2014. Here is Dixie with lump on left leg.
.
Dixie is soooo beautiful! And she’ll be just as beautiful with 3 legs. Good luck with the surgery. Hope you have some time off to dote on her. Although my cat’s recovery was somewhat challenging (mainly because she was a little nutty from the meds), I loved every minute of nursing her.
I love that she has a stuffy that looks just like her! Brilliant.
Kerren
Thanks for the support, she is a diva and knows it. Unfortunately Raja chewed up the stuffed twin. 🙂
I love the expression on Dixie’s face. Even though she has that lump on her leg she still looks happy. I just want to give her a big hug!! She will still be the same beautiful girl after the procedure and that happy spirit that’s so evident on her face will remain.
I’ll be keeping Dixie in my thoughts for a safe procedure on 12/22.
Hugs
Sahana and her Angel Leland
Thanks for your best wishes and support we will need it!
So you have a couple of weeks to prepare for this. Amputations on an athlete can be a bit harder on everyone involved because we know what our bodies can due and don’t like to hear no. Ever.
While the amputation site is healing, you are going to have to keep Dixie entertained. Environmental enrichment is the key! I would suggest not feeding her in a bowl once you start weaning her off the pain meds. Do puzzles. Get a muffin tin and put some of her food in it, cover each hole with a tennis ball, and give it to her to eat. You can do this many times a day. There are lots of toys like this for sale on amazon. And then slow feeders can help too. Anything that gives out treats can be use to feed instead of a bowl. You may want to start doing this now to get her used to it.
Nosework is also a good activity that doesn’t require a lot of movement but is very enriching for the mind.
http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/training/interactive-dog-toys
http://texasvetbehavior.com/Canine_Enrichment.pdf
Car rides may not be your best option but shorter, more frequent walks is going to be better than a big long walk. I hate going for walks that require me to turn around. What is the point of that? All of my walks have to be a circle or else I just won’t go home. Dixie may think the same thing.
If you don’t already own one, you might want to get a Ruffwear Web Master harness. They’re great for so many things and fit well. Just in case you have to assist up and down stairs, in and out of the car, etc.
There is an online class coming up on physical therapy for tripawds in February.
http://gear.tripawds.com/2014/09/15/the-tripawd-conditioning-school-supply-list/
Thanks for the great ideas to keep her busy. I have ordered a harness and booties that should arrive before the operation. Am trying to figure out how to deal with the doggy door since it is in a sliding patio door it takes up half the full door opening and not sure I can walk her through the smaller opening since I need to be on the side of her. It is only about 24 inches wide when fully opened. I may have to remove the doggy door until she can navigate through it on her own.