*** Scroll below for some very important links on people whom have dealt with cancer in their dogs, and have gone through treatments, including amputations, chemo & Alternative technics.***

Things to consider before an amputation
 

It is difficult to describe how I felt when I saw Sheena's fractured leg on the radiograph. It can be compared to a very hard kick to the stomach. The next thing you do is look down at your dog, and see the loving look their eyes. Your dog knows that you care for them, and will always take their pain away and make them better. How are you going to fix this one?

Your first instinct may be to euthanize, or it may be to amputate. Those are pretty much the only options out there. Do not make any on the spot decisions about this. Insist that your pet gets pain control, and spend the next day or two with your dog. You should not panic and make this decision on the spot, if you have the choice.

I can say now that it is done, I have NO regrets. I do admit that there is a certain sadness, knowing she will never be the same. Her personality is the same, and she is recovering beautifully. It is ME that has the problem. I will not lie and say that this is easy for me. For seven years, Sheena was a gorgeous dog, and was admired by countless people. Now I don't want the neighbours to see her.

I feel ashamed that I feel this way, but I am afraid someone will freak out, or look at her with disgust.. I am proud of her, no matter how she looks, but Sheena is good with judging people, and what if she picks up on it?

I also look at people walking their four legged dogs, like I used to. They are so carefree, and clue less of what could happen to them someday. Until a week ago, I was one of those people. We all take our health and bodies for granted, and never even take a second to think we could lose it so easily.

I was one of those people whom never thought my dog could ever get cancer. I felt ripped off that Rotties live on the average of ten years. That was not long enough. Now Sheena is sitting a few months short of her seventh birthday, and I have no idea if she will see it. I certainly hope she will. I will keep a positive attitude about this, and I am glad that Sheena does not know that she is on borrowed time. I think that is why I love dogs so much, they do not burden themselves with thoughts of death and dying.

• If you do anything, have your dog's internal organs, x-rayed, and blood work checked. If they come clear, your chances are good to have him/her around for awhile. I would love to say that the cancer will not show up somewhere else, but I would be lying if I said that. Generally, an amputation will give from a couple of months to several years. There are many factors involved in the length of survival. I will cover those down the page.

• After the amputation, please make sure that you are home for at least a couple of days. Dogs are resilient, but will still need your support and assistance. You also must get them on their feet once in awhile, and encourage them to move around. Your dog will get bed sore if you do not encourage movement.

•  Be prepared to care for your dog and have lots of towels and blankets on hand. They will have drains at the site of the amputation, and will be leaking fluids. This may sound gross, but trust me, it is YOUR dog, and it won't bother you one bit.  Change your dogs bedding frequently, to ensure they are dry and comfortable.

•  You will be AMAZED at how quickly they adapt to the loss of one limb. Your dog will be on medication (usually a pain patch), that stays on for four days. This patch helps with the pain, but once it is removed, you will be even more surprised at how quickly they come around. The vet told me this patch may cause an animal to be depressed for the period it is being worn.

•  The day after I brought Sheena home from the vet, she was out for a truck ride (I assisted her with getting in and out at that time). She really enjoyed it, but it was not a long adventure. The fresh air however, did her a whole lot of good.

•  I noticed that Sheena HATES it when I try to help her around with her daily tasks. Once I was not watching her, she would do whatever it was I wanted to help her with. I give her praise and encouragement, but she does not seem to need it. I just do it any ways. Dogs are amazing when they cope with things a human would not be able to handle. They do not pre occupy themselves with how they look.

• One of my favourite sites for cancer information is SABLE'S CANCER STORY & CANCER INFORMATION This site has a wealth of info on all kinds of cancer. The lady that built this site really did a beautiful job, and gives as much info as possible. Although Sable's ending is a grim reminder of what is to come in the future, her story shows how worth while those last days and treatments can really be.
 
 
• I am a member of the CANINE CANCER E-GROUP  This is a very wonderful group of people that provide experience, information, and a tremendous amount of emotional support. I really wish I knew they were there, when I was fighting for Sheena's life. I needed all the support I could have been offered.
 
 
• THENSOME'S CANCER LINKS has just too many links and URLs for cancer info to even know where to start. There is info on feline cancers as well. A worth while stop to make.
 
 
• Make sure to bring tissue to this site. THE TRIBUTE TO DOGS WITH CANCER site honours all kinds of dogs that are fighting cancer, or have since succumbed to the dreaded disease. You can email these people and share stories and condolences. You can ever add your beloved dog on the page, if he, or she, has cancer.
 
• A new site called Canines In Crisis, Inc. is primarily set up to deal only with cancer, they also have included information on a few other canine ailments such as Kidney, Heart, Arthritis and Spinal Degeneration. Also if you are a new pet owner you might want to visit our NEW PET OWNER page to get some tips on how to keep your pet healthy and lessen the risks developing serious diseases later in life.
 

 

 

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This page was updated on July 29, 2000