Starting the process
Hi my name is Ananda and My dog, Lyndon, has synovial sarcoma. I’m sure that this is not the most fancy or formal blog that can be found in the tripawds site, but this is my first attempt at a blog and I’m still trying to figure out the system.
I joined tripawds this week because I’ve been told that it is a very helpful and supportive community of doggie parents that have had to go through the amputation process. My little miniature pinscher, Lyndon, is going to have his hind leg amputated this coming wednesday and I am having a very difficult time dealing with the guilt of putting him through a surgery, a long recovery and years of only having three legs. After reading some of the other blogs in this site I realize that I am very lucky, as Lyndon will not require any chemotherapy. He has a synovial sarcoma (which is cancer of the joint fluid) around his left hock joint. When I first had the growth looked at, my vet thought that it was a cyst because she was able to extract fluid from the lump. So, relieved that it wasn’t cancer, we had the “cyst” surgically removed. The tissue was interwoven though his muscles, bone and achilles tendon. When they did the biopsy of what they removed they found out that the growth was actually cancer. Two months later the tumor was completely back and bigger than it had been when we removed it. I tried to avoid amputation, but it is the only thing I can do now.
Lyndon is 12 years old and I am terrified that he will not be able to adjust to life with only three legs, not to mention the idea of surgery is a terrible one. If anyone could offer me a little encouragment on this absolutly aweful process I would sure appreciate it. Thanks, Lyndy B’s mama.
November 8th, 2010 at 3:32 am
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November 8th, 2010 at 4:45 am
Welcome! We’re sorry to hear about Lyndy’s diagnosis, but glad you found us. Who was it that told you about Tripawds?
FYI: By blocking search engines from the Settings -> Privacy tab as you have, Lyndon’s updates will not appear in the Recent Blog Posts widget throughout the main Tripawds News blog. To get more comments from members, either change your site visibility option back to include search engines, or consider starting a topic in the discussion forums and reply with a link to your blog every time you post an update.
You’ll find lots of recovery tips in Jerry’s Required Reading List, and even more tips and fast answers to the most common amputation questions in the new Tripawds e-book, Three Legs and a Spare.
November 8th, 2010 at 5:08 am
Welcome to you and Lyndon,
First I would like to welcome you to a very supportive and informative place. Be sure to check out Jerry’s Required Reading List and ask us pawrents any questions you might have.
It can be a scary time, but hang in and keep telling yourself that you are helping Lyndon to move into a new life, not a worse one. You have no doubt seen and read the wonderful stories of the fantastic Tripawd pups here.
Get as much rest as you can and wait to be amazed at his adaptability!!!
Spirit JD’s mom
November 8th, 2010 at 5:29 am
Hi Lyndon! My 9 yr old Chloe had a similar type of cancerous tumor in that it affected her left hind hock connective tissue! She had spindle cell sarcoma.
Anyway, with his small size he will be better suited for life on 3 legs!! Plus like with Chloe, he will be cancer free post amp! It really makes recovery that much easier since they don’t have to undergo chemo.
Chloe is 3 months post amp and can run, play, go up/down stairs and 3 legs sure doesn’t keep her down!! If you are interested in checking out her blog or have more questions feel free to do so!
-Chloe’s mom
November 8th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
welcome! it’s obvious from your first post that your love for lyndon is unending – so stop doubting your decision. when you act out of love, it’s right – period. the cancer must go, and the amputation is the only way to get rid of it. gayle was 10 when she had her amp this past february, and she is still going strong and enjoying life. lyndon will amaze you – get ready to learn so much from your little man, he will be the best teacher you’ve ever had.
the first two weeks can be ‘horrid’, but you’ll get through it. there are always folks here at the site to bounce things off of, or to listen, or to brag too, so realize that you just inherited the largest family of like-souls you could ever imagine. love that picture from halloween, can’t wait to see more pics and hear how lyndon is doing.
charon & gayle
November 8th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Hi Lyndon’s Mom,
It is a very scary situation you’re facing, there’s nothing easy about it. Have you visited the forums? I didn’t find the forums until about three months after Roxy’s amputation, but there is an incredible wealth of information there. You can search with key words, look in specific forums (closer to the bottom of the page) or just brows through the recent ones that are there. Also, you should visit this blog: http://jamespoodle.tripawds.com/
James is 17!!!! He just went through amputation this summer. Don’t be afraid of the age. There are plenty of others out there that are 10+ years old.
Stay strong for your pup. Remember, he feeds off your emotions. He needs a strong pack leader.
Keep us updated on his progress!
Leslie
November 8th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
You will be very surprised how quick they bounce back. The first few days totally suck (much guilt) scared etc…(and Min Pins sure do like to show you how they are feeling, Mousie is STILL playing me like an old fiddle) but in the long run, you are making the best decision. I know you feel guilty, but its cancer and not your fault. You are making the most humane and sensible decision. Humans dont like the word ‘amputation’ but to doggies its not so severe. My vet told me little dogs are really born with 3 legs and a ‘spare’.
She walks with a funny pogo-stick action (bouncy hind quarters) its super cute. When she is running at full speed, you cant even tell she is missing one. My husband says she is faster without the 4th leg, maybe because she’s lighter? we don’t know, but she sure can boogie.
To Mousie, amputation was the golden ticket to more hugs and kisses! She would probably give the other leg if she could get more attention to tell you the truth.
email me if you have any concerns – ritables@yahoo.com
and dont worry! the worst part (to me) is the stitches and the freshness of the wound, but that is it.
November 8th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Hi Lyndon,
Living on 3 legs is not a big deal at all. And the surgery is not an awful process. The first 2 weeks after surgery can be tough, but for me they weren’t. I am James the poodle and I was 16 years old when I had my amputation. I am 17 now and doing just fine getting around. I have a hard time with the chemo, but you are so lucky that you will not need chemo!!!!!
I’m small (8.6 pounds) and so are you! that makes hopping around on 3 legs a lot easier. And your mama will be able to pick you up easily. Can you imagine how hard it must be to pick up some of the 100+ pound tripawds and get them in and out of the car? Yikes!
JAMES the poodle
November 9th, 2010 at 1:41 am
Hello, I am new here too. My dog, Salina, had her leg amputated last Thursday..it’s only been 4 days. Our situation is a little different, she was self mutilating her leg due to nerve damage (which is still a mystery). But I have not regrets about the surgery, she seems to be more comfortable than when she was having those “feelings” that her foot shouldn’t be there.
After doing a lot of research, I have learned that dogs cope very well under these circumstances and can adjust to the change.
Your Lyndy B. will do very well, especially being a small dog. It will be more difficult for you than him. Lots of TLC is the best medicine, use all the resources available from this site, I am just starting to navigate myself, but I am so glad I joined this site.
My best to you and Lyndy B…..one day at a time:-)