Our Intro from the Tripawd Forums
I thought I would just repost the intro I posted on the forums to introduce Kobe’s story:
A week ago our world took a drastic turn when our vet walked back into the room without Kobe (our 10 year-old lab/shepard mix) and told me that they believed he had an osteosarcoma in his rear right leg. I had no idea what that was but as she patiently explained what this all meant I struggled to focus. They had previously thought he had a soft tissue injury but when he didn’t get better, our vet decided to take more films. She referred us to a specialist who she felt could provide Kobe with the best possible care. We saw the specialist on Monday (August 2nd) and ended up scheduling the amputation for the next day. They applied a Fentanyl patch and we took Kobe home. Kobe hadn’t been sleeping because he was in a lot of pain and Monday night was no different – so as I sat with him at 2 am I started searching online and I found this website. I am so glad that I did!! Reading everyone’s personal stories has really helped my husband and I through this stressful time and helped to prepare us for possible outcomes.
Kobe’s surgery on Tuesday went very well and the doctors were pleased with the results. They told us he was getting around really well – which wasn’t a surprise because he had been basically only using 3 legs for about a week or so. This morning when they called they told us that he had found a way to reach his tongue around his e-collar and had managed to lick out one of his sutchers. They added a few staples and gave him a longer e-collar and told us we could pick him up this evening. I read on this site about staying positive when you first see your pet after the surgery and I was really nervous that I would cry (I have been so emotional since last Thursday that I thought for sure I would lose it) I tried to prepare myself by looking at the photographs that the site recommends and I do believe that really helped me. My husband and I both stayed very positive and were so happy to see Kobe and his wagging tail!! The wound has a lot of bruising and is a little swollen (the vet said it was some fluid – he had a name for it but I can’t remember what it is) and said that it should absorb back into his body. He has slept a lot since we got home – he is on quite a few medications – so it sounds like that is normal. We have a crate for him when I have to go back to work on Monday, but the e-collar makes it a bit difficult for him to turn around in it so we aren’t sure what we’ll do….
We don’t know yet if we are going to do chemo – the vet is going to take more chest films when they take his sutchers out and depending on the outcome discuss options. Again I just want to thank everyone for the sharing you’ve done on this site – it has really provided so much information and comfort to me in the past couple of days!
5 Comments
Aw, Kobe and Kobe’s mom. I so can empathize with your initial feelings of shock when you were delivered the news of Kobe’s illness. I remember the horror and confusion and disbelief well.
I also remember the incredulous joy I felt when I came home. My husband actually picked her up and phoned me at work and said, and I’ll always remember this, “She’ll amaze you.” And she did. And she still does, almost seven months later.
Catie was quite content in her crate when we couldn’t watch her. Sometimes even when we were home and in another part of the house. She slept quite a bit from the pain meds anyways and really, it was the safest place for her (her brother Riley tends to be good-naturedly rambunctious).
Hoping for a good outcome from the chest xrays (meaning there’s nothing going on there). And hoping Kobe’s recovery continues without event.
Hang in there, Kobe and family.
Sending lots and lots of healing wishes.
My dog Chloe had her amputation 11 days ago (soft tissue sarcoma on left rear leg) and while at the vet (2 night stay) she apparently could lick her staples with the short cone they gave her. I knew that when she had the biopsy of the tumor done and needed to refrain from licking her stitches (pre amp), she could get out of or just get to her stitches (cone on) if she wasn’t supervised. The first thing I noticed when we picked her up was that she had a long cone (instead of a short one) and the vet told me that she could still lick with the short cone she started with. Guess I should have remembered to say something when I dropped her off…. Now that she is home with me all the time (supervised) she isn’t interested in her staples so the cone only goes on at night.
I too was browsing the internet late one evening (waiting to pick her up) and found this amazing website. Sounds like you are already getting the hang of it: reading blogs, using the forums… what ever you need I am sure someone can help you!
Best of luck to you both!
Chloe’s mom
Kobe, we’re so glad you’re here and that you’re recovering. Thank you for sharing your brave story, there are so many more pups who will be helped by your journey.
Keep on keepin on!
we agree, the shock of the initial diagnosis, followed by the whirlwind of decisions…it’s almost more than a person can take. so glad to hear kobe bounced back and is on the mend. paws crossed for continued improvement!!
Hi Kobe and Kobe’s Mom.
I have been going through exactly what you are dealing with. I took James to the vet on SAT July 31 and got the news of the osteosarcoma. I went to a specialist on Tues Aug. 3 and James’ left front leg was amputated on Wed. Aug. 4. Was Kobe’s surgery the day before on Aug. 3???
We are getting our stitches out on Wed. Aug. 18.
Please let us know how your x-rays look. James got chest x-rays when he got the fentanyl patch. They were clear!!
I decided on chemo for James. He had his first chemo treatment on Wed. Aug. 11.
You and I are going through a lot of the same emotions. You are not alone.
Isn’t this web site great!
Nancy and James the poodle