Lola went in for amputation of her rear right leg yesterday. I am currently sleep-deprived, anxious, worried, and awaiting further news- which has pretty much been my state of existence since Friday Dec 21 when we were horrified to learn that Lola’s tumor had regrown with a vengeance in a record 3 months.
We had a mast-cell tumor removed from the same site on her leg in late September 2012. The same day, her left eye was removed due to to painful glaucoma which had already taken her sight in that eye. Our surgeon got decent margins and the tumor was only Grade 2, so we opted not to put Lola through chemo or radiation therapy. The cancer, aggressive as it was, grew back quickly and by Christmas Day, Lola was hardly using the leg at all. This was a surprise to us and her doctors. We had x-rays and an ultrasound done on the 27th and found out Lola was cancer-free elsewhere, except for the leg and lymph node behind her knee. We have been told that amputation is 90% sure to take care of the problem, but if we wanted to be 95% sure we should consider chemo. My partner and I are undecided on chemo at this time.
Lola is a very strong & determined dog. She has overcome so much in her life. In the first 3 years that we had Lola, her separation anxiety was so severe that she would frequently injure herself trying to escape when we had to leave her alone. It was very stressful and we tried everything to keep her safe and calm. At 26lbs, this dog can move cinder blocks, chew through chicken wire and metal security gates, tear holes through doors, yank down nailed 2×4″s, squeeze through tiny holes and bruise & scrape her body, break her own teeth and nails, etc. Somehow, when we moved from LA to Portland, OR in 2011 her anxiety has diminished significantly and we can now safely leave her alone! INSIDE the house! We are so proud of her.
I am ready for Lola to come home today. We’ve placed new rugs all over the hardwood floors, gotten some ‘PAWS’ traction booties for her, and washed all of her beds and blankets. I have no doubt that she will be great on 3 legs.
Welcome to Tripawds. Sorry mast cell brought you here- my little pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a MCT in her knee- it was her second tumor, but not in the same place. Mag had lots of cancerous mast cells in the lymph node removed with her leg- so we did chemo. With chemo her prognosis was 6 to 9 months- she lived almost 4 years and did not pass from mast cell cancer. You can read her story here: http://maggiesjourney.tripawds.com/maggies-story/ and read about her amp and chemo here: http://maggiesjourney.tripawds.com/maggies-amp-and-chemo-treatment-for-mast-cell-cancer/.
You might also come over to the forums here- lots more people there- especially if you have questions or concerns.
I hope the surgery went well. You need to take care of yourself so you can take care of Lola (oh yea- WAAAY easier said than done!)
Karen and the pugapalooza
We were right there about a week ago! I was equally nervous to pick up Jackson, but he was upright, hopping around, wagging, and all licks! Amazing. I think rear amputees are able to get around a bit better initially than fronts, especially if your pup is strong (sounds like she’s quite the powerhouse little lady!). Jackson essentially peed, drank water, and sleep the first 24 hrs. Lots of in/out time. He was too zonked to care about his incision for at least the first 3 days. Then it got itchy. There was times (and still are) of depression. It gets better day by day! The first few, I was right there with him. I camped out on the floor to be with him and I think it helped. I think there was a lot of confusion and drugs on board to make his first night the hardest. Good luck to your little lady. She sounds like quite the warrior and fighter. She’ll do great!!!!
Welcome and best wishes for Lola’s speedy recovery!
Thanks everyone! Lola is home now and beginning her recovery. Seeing her today was quite a shock. She’s usually so strong and bossy, but today she was confused and weak, and just buried her head in my lap whining when she saw me. 🙁
The Tripawds community has answered so many questions for me so far and really helped me prepare for Lola’s amputation. I’m very thankful to have found you guys to help us through this journey.
I look forward to reading Maggie’s story. Thank you for sharing.
Hugs to Jackson! I hope 1 week post-op life is treating him well and that he’s starting to feel better.
Hey Lola, my anxiety was always really bad when I was in L.A. too! Good thing you got outta there. Portland is so much nicer!
I’m glad you’re doing better. How are you today? My Mom’s a slacker for just now catching up on your blog. We hope that you’re getting a little spunk back. You sure sound like a bunch of dynomite!
Keep us posted OK? We’re here for you.
Lola is recovering well. I was amazed at how easily she adjusted to going potty on 3 legs! She is having some difficulty getting comfortable in her bed, but I imagine that will get easier for her once her incision heals and she is less sore. She has been getting lots of Get Well packages in the mail filled with treats and toys – she has a lot of admirers! We have a follow-up appt with the oncologist on Monday to discuss further treatment and check her incision. Her vet team (general, surgeon and oncologists) all recommend chemo; they say because of her age, her spirit and her health she would make a good candidate and it would likely extend her life, but we are still VERY torn on what to do for our girl. I’m sure after Monday we will have a better idea after hearing all of the options and consequences.