Meet Sadie!
Sadie is a 12 year old Australian Shepherd … who still looks and acts like a puppy. She’s silly, she’s energetic, she’s an all around goof ball. And she’s been a part of my family .. and my best friend .. since she was 8 weeks old.
This past September Sadie had a small mass removed from her front left leg. Pathology reports came back a week later with a diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma …. a typically local, but aggressive, form of cancer. Our plan of action was to wait and see … and just treat any associated pain. But just 2 months later the tumor was back, and about three times the size it was when we removed it. Our vet was sticking by the “just treat the pain” treatment plan, so we set out for a second opinion. Our new vet (I LOVE LOVE LOVE her!) suggested amputation on the first visit. After x-rays, blood work and a lymph node exam to ensure the cancer had not spread past the leg … we scheduled our surgery.
This past Thursday we headed for the vet for the big day!
Our vet called that afternoon with the update that surgery went great, and sent me a pic of our girl after she woke up.
On Friday afternoon, Sadie got to come home!
Now we’re on Day 2 post-op and doing well. She’s resting a bit, but is managing to move around the carpeted living room fairly well (she’s blocked off front the kitchen). She’s clumsy, but she’ll get there. She needs quite a bit of support on our potty trips for now, but I know that’ll improve with time too. Our biggest issue at the moment is that we live in a tri-level town house … and she is used to going downstairs or on neighborhood walks for potty trips … and she is thrown off quite a bit by the trips to the front yard. She’s used to doing her business in back or on walks … and would really rather not mess up her own front yard! But she’s coming around there too. And in between those must needed naps, her typically silly personality still shines!!
I have to be the first here to say what a precious face. It’s filled with character!
Heal well sweet Sadie,
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
And I seco d “Such a cute face”! CUTE! CUTE!!
You really can see she has tons of personality!
For now, Sadie just needs rest and short potty breaks. Shellq be able to get tompee in her regular yard before long. Front leg amps usually have more trouble going down the stairs than up. Rear leggers….lre trouble going up than down.
She’ll get her sea legs soon. For now she’s still woozy from hospital meds, as well as whatever pain meds she’s on at home.
Recovery is no picnic for about two weeks, but it doesn’t last forever! Sadie’s sparkle will come back bigger and brighter than ever!
Really glad you found this new vet. He’s clearly all about quality, as is Sadie!! You have given Sadie more pain free time full of loving and spoiling and that’s all Sadie cares about!!
Stay connected and keep us updated. We would love to see more pictures. We love CUTENESS!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
WOWWWEEE I’m in love with Sadie! And your new vet too, please give her a big 3-paws up from the Tripawds Nation.
When vets dismiss a dog as an amputation candidate because of age or the prognosis, we are always stunned. Obviously they’ve never seen the amazing pups in the Tripawds Nation!
Here’s one you may enjoy. Barney B. He also had hystio, and he’s STILL going strong, YEARS later!!!
http://tripawds.com/2014/08/12/tripawd-tuesday-tilts-a-hat-to-barney-b-a-six-year-histiocytic-cancer-suvivor/
We’re so glad recovery is going well. Please let us know if you have any questions or need anything at all OK? Join the Forums and don’t be a stranger.