osteosarcoma.
The vet called with the pathology report today and it turns out to be osteosarcoma as was suspected. The one piece of optimistic news is that the lymph node they biopsied came back benign. We have scheduled chemotherapy to start on Thursday, Jan 27.
This week has been kind of frustrating; she just has not been acting like herself. She has been confined to a small room with limited activity (like we were instructed), but now she is acting depressed or more like she has cabin fever. She has begun to pace the floor and just does not seem like she is comfortable anymore. She is also panting a lot. We are trying to figure out if she is in pain, stressed out or just wanting to get to her favor spot at the top of the stairs. We can see she is gaining strength and stability as she adjusts to being on three legs. She has always been a very independent but affectionate dog and it seems like she is confused as to why she is perhaps being punished and confined. We, too, are eager to allow her more mobility but that requires climbing stairs and the risk of her tiring and falling which we want to prevent early on in her recovery.
I’ve just read your previous post about Kiara and how you came to be here. Although it’s tough to hear the diagnosis, at least now you know what you’re dealing with. Our Catie also was diagnosed with osteosarcoma; like you, we wanted a definitive diagnosis of cancer and she underwent two biopsies. I swear the biopsies caused her more discomfort than the amputation surgery did.
I’m sure Kiara is frustrated with her confinement. And I’m sure you’re upset by her restless distress. The panting could be from the medications she’s on (if she’s on any). Catie was on Medicam and Tramadol for post-surgery pain; the Tramadol did quite the number on her.
Hang in there. The recovery period is upsy downsy. Kiara doesn’t know enough to pace herself in order to heal properly. You’re doing a great job!
Confinement is key to safe recovery! If Kiara is going stir crazy, be sure to provide lots of mental stimulation, and consider moving an exercise pen around the house with you. She’ll probably be handling the stairs fine soon. A harness can be very helpful, though you can also make a handy temporary sling from a canvas shopping bag slit down the sides.
Hey Kiara, hang in there, the confinement isn’t forever. I know it can feel like a jail cell but you’ll be back on your own soon. Meanwhile, tell your pawrents to try using a baby gate at the stairs, then gradually giving you more non-slippery places to roam in the house.
I’m sorry it was osteosarcoma. But remember, that doesn’t mean the worst. Lots of us beat the odds, from anywhere from one year to three and more! Think pawsitive, and remind your pawrents that living in the now, today, is all we have.
Feel better soon sweetie.