We are very grateful to have a site like this to help us better understand amputation and canine cancer. Our 7 1/2 year old lab, Hershey, was diagnosed with cancer and lost his hind leg July 8, 2010.
We were told in April that Hershey had arthritis and a cyst and his hind leg. Injections of adequan were given, along with Rimadyl for pain. At first, he got better and began using the leg again, but after six weeks he worsened. We decided to take him for a second opinion. We went to the vet my pet adoption agency uses, and he repeated the x rays and aspiration of the ‘cyst’. The results were inconclusive for cancer and by now, the bone joint was pretty shot, so the vet was hesitant to perform a biopsy. Instead, he put Hershey on major antibiotics to rule out other types of infection, but again, there was no improvement. Hershey had the biopsy June 28th and was diagnosed with cancer July 6th. We feel a lot of guilt about the time wasted, and wish we had known more about canine cancer.
The first few days after amputation were tough. Hershey didn’t eat, drink, or move much. After that, he looked better and even started to play with the tennis ball. He moved around like a pro on 3 legs! Unfortunately, this was short lived. On Monday, he wasn’t himself again. The vet says he has a fever and infection from the surgery. Now Hershey is back on antibiotics. He seems sad, and doesn’t want to walk or eat. We gave him some human food and that is working so far. I even bought some of those treat toys to keep him busy. We hope he will be able to start chemo next week and we’ll have more uplifting news for everyone!
Thank you once again for your Tripawds Supporter blog subscription. We hope Hershey beats the infection quickly. We’re looking forward to following his three legged adventures.
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Hershey looks like such a sweetheart!
Sorry to hear he’s got an infection. The first weeks after surgery are full of highs and lows. Really hope he’s on the mend now.
Will be checking for an update. Hang in there, Hershey!
I am sorry to hear about Hershey’s journey. I myself am going through the same journey with amputation as I my girl was diagnosed with osteosarcoma just last week. She broke her leg the same day and we were forced to do the amputation.
We’ll walk this journey together and I will keep your Hershey in my prayers.
Hi Hershey… 🙂
Welcome to Tripawds! Hope you recover from your infection soon! Keep us posted…
Angel Jake and Wolfie’s Mom
The fever and infection are gone, so Hershey is having his first dose of chemo today. We really hope it doesn’t make him sick. Our vet gives a pretty low dose the first time, so he should be fine. Feels good to be killing some cancer cells!
Good luck Hershey! We’ll be thinking of you on your first chemo treatment.
Leslie
Kick that cancer’s butt, Hershey!
Good luck on your first chemo treatment!
Thanks! Hershey is doing great two days after the chemo. Last night he pretty much led me on the leash and couldn’t get enough of the pool! Keeping our fingers crossed!
Hershey, how are you doing? We are thinking of you and hoping that you’re doing better. Please let us know OK?