9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputation

Link to previous condo: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=103367

Hey everyone thanks for celebrating Jupiters Otj party with us today! I loved the video! Its wonderful!


Jupiter had his weekly wound checkup today with his regular vet.

Our news for the vet: Jupiter did not mess with his bandage at all this week, no licks or bites. His appetite has been on and off and we stopped feeding the sheba because it seems to be whats causing the diarrhea.

We also heard from the oncologist late Friday night. She sent me an email and said that if his wound is not healing it needs to be amputated before cancer spreads.

So at the vet today the wound measured 2x1&1/2..... bigger then last week. The vet said because the wound just suddenly stopped in progress, and starting getting worse... He agrees that Jupiters leg needs amputated. The wound looked bad today... yellow and red in color instead of pink. Since its just not healing- both his vet and the oncologist agree it could be due to cancer cells still remaining there.

At this point both the oncologist and his regular vet both strongly recommend amputation followed by chemo.


Its been a rough few weeks and I just want Jupiters leg to have healed by now. I dont want him to suffer or be miserable in any way. I am so incredibly worried about him.

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Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

Dear Jamie,
Try to think positively. I know how difficult this must be after all you have gone through, but there is really no other way. If the cancer can be nipped before it spreads to the organs, then Jupiter will have a good chance for a good life with the family he loves. Linda's (Bear Man) cat Pinkerton has lived for many years after having a rear leg amputated. He gets around well enough. I will P.M. her and ask her to visit your condo.
Things always seem worse at night, so try not to worry right now. You need time to get your head around this situation.

Thinking of you and sending many hugs to you and Dane and scritches to Jupiter. LL is very proud of him.

Ella & Rusty

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

Now it's time to make a plan to get Jupiter better! Sending many healing vines.

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

Jamie,

I've met a couple of kitties with only three legs. Each had one of its rear legs amputated, but I'm not sure exactly the reasons for each. But my point is that they survived, and adapted very well. Jupe can too. It doesn't seem fair that one kitty, and his beans, just keep running into one challenge after another. But you've all met each challenge and beat it. This is just one more. We're here for you all.

Someday, this is going to be an awesome story to tell your grandkids. :smile:

Hugs to all of you,
Carl

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

(((Jamie)))
I am sorry his wound hasn't improved.

I have met some cats who had lost his/her paw or leg or tail or eye, and it always amazed me how well they adopt to their new bodies.
They make the most of what they've got and don't really focus on what's lost.
Cats are so much more graceful than us human. :smile:

Sending lots of vines.

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

Jamie - I'm so sorry to hear where things have come for your beloved Jupiter. I can imagine the state of overwhelm you must be in. Just hearing the word amputation can sink your heart into depression. You've worked so hard and have done truly all you could possibly could have done to help Jupiter's wound heal.

When I was younger we had a kitty who developed cancer near her left eye. We did everything the vet told us to do but we couldn't save Pokie's eye. I remember my mom and dad discussing this in whispers but my sister and I heard enough to know the stakes. After many tears the decision was made to remove her eye. There were no guarantees that the cancer would be removed entirely but we did it. I spent the night with Pokie curled by my side and cried. I kept looking at her sweet face and tried to imagine her with one eye. It was awful.

But when the surgery was done Pokie continued on like the whole thing was just an inconvience and not the disaster I had imagined that night. It took awhile but we got her cancer into remission. It never came back. Pokie had her eye removed when she was 10 and lived to be 17 and a half.

I agree that night time is hardest when turning over what to do. How will this impact your kitty. There's much to consider but our kitties are amazingly resilient. All my thoughts and prayers that clarity will come and you'll know the right way forward for you and Jupiter.

Shai and the Pirate Fitz (GA)

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

Hi Jamie. I'm sorry that Jupiter's leg wound hasn't healed and that it may be amputated. Jupiter is a fighter and will not let the loss of one leg get him down. Try and get some sleep and when it's time you and Dane will make the right decision.

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

Jamie, I'm sorry that this is the direction that Jupiter's care must next take. You have done everything in your power to help his leg heal. But if amputation will prevent the spread of the cancer, then that is a good thing. We will be here to continue to support you. :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

When I worked at our local shelter, we saw a few three legged cats. They all seemed to get around just fine.

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

I've nothing to add that everyone else with far better knowledge and experience haven't already said. Instead I will send you strength and support as I can't imagine how hard this must be for you.

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

I've nothing to add that everyone else with far better knowledge and experience haven't already said. Instead I will send you strength and support as I can't imagine how hard this must be for you.

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

I've nothing to add that everyone else with far better knowledge and experience haven't already said. Instead I will send you strength and support as I can't imagine how hard this must be for you.

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

Jamie, I am so sorry to hear this. I am sure you will make the right decision. This whole thing hasn't been fair to you or Jupiter. You have done so much to care for him. Such a good mommabean.
It was a really nice OTJ party. Congratulations!

Have a good sleep tonight if you can.

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

Jamie, sending hugs and prayers to you and Jupiter and Dane. :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

Sending healing vines for Jupiter's leg and big hugs to you Jamie. ((((HUGS))))

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

((Jamie))

There have been a few kitties here who became tripods due to cancer or injury. It's amazing how well they manage. I don't know if you've seen the website for Pretzel - The Little Kitty that Could. Aside from being born blind, both legs were malformed and one had to be amputated. You would never know that this kitty can't see or has less than 4 legs. Cats are amazingly resilient.

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

Jamie,

I am so sorry. It sounds like your vets are in agreement and know what they are doing and what is best for Jupe. This isn't easy and it sounds like you really don't have a choice but to follow their advice. Jupe is young and he will adapt. I have seen how quickly animals adapt when they lose a leg, it's us who have a harder time with dealing with this.

Sending healing vines and calming thoughts to you.

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

I'm glad Sienne posted a link to Pretzel's site ~ I've also been following this little kitty's recovery, and if you haven't already, ((Jamie)), check it out. Amazing, and hopefully inspiring for you as you deal with Jupe's situation.

:YMHUG:

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

(((Jamie & Dane)))

This was so not the outcome we were all praying for. Not to sound like a broken record, but there was a three legged cat at our vets office in NJ, and that cat owned that office!! He/she (can't remember) was into and on everything, greeted everyone who would allow it. So, this whole process will probably be much harder on you and Dane than on Jupiter. I am keeping you all in my prayers.

Jane

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

(((Jamie and Dane))) I know how devastating this news was, but try to look at the bright side. The amputation may very well save Jupe's life AND he will adapt and still be the loving, sweet kitty he is today. I hope you are looking at things better now and have your plan in place. My offer for you guys to use the kennels are still there, along with the offer to lay your heads at my house when he goes for his treatments. Just let me know when you want the kennel and we can make arrangements to get it to you.

Love and purrs to the family!

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

hang in there my friend. leg amputation is no big deal to jupe but it is to us. IF this is the only way to save his life, then I would do it ASAP so the cancer does not spread.

take deb up on her offer and if we are off when surgery is to be done, we will be there with you guys

Re: 9/3 Jupiter - Vet update

Dear Jaime & Jupe,

First, my heart goes out to both of you with the current prognosis. :YMHUG: You've done all you could, no one could have done more or worked harder.

Just look at our Tigger, & you'll see a one-eyed cat that's Alpha of 7 cats (when he chooses - usu. he lets Spankey be Alpha). I was devastated when Tigger's eye ruptured, but his specialist was adamant Tigger'd be relieved & finally pain free once his eye was removed (it was damaged fr. foxtails as a feral kitten). She believed it had always been painful & our efforts to save his eye were prolonging his pain.

Maybe Jupiter's been telling us something all along: he's chewed & chewed at that bandage & paw - perhaps he innately knows there's something bad there & he wants - is trying to get rid of it.

Jupiter's not only a fighter, he's a survivor. I agree that it'll be easier for Jupiter to adjust - & he may actually be more comfortable & at peace. The hardest part is for us to accept it's the best (& perhaps only) possible mechanism for healing.

We also had a 2 y/o rescue dog that had his upper leg bone removed - he was crippled before the surgery - could barely walk, but several months afterwards, he was running! He couldn't run before. You could see his joy when he ran & played - & we knew we'd done the right thing.

I'm so sorry you're having to make this decision - lots of hugs & support go out to you in this difficult time. :YMHUG:

Re: 9/3 Jupiter -more details about vet appt

I felt really bad that the wound is looking worse ... the vet said he doesn't think anything Jupiter or I did affected its healing. The wound just would not heal correctly. The only other option is to do another surgery to remove the bad tissue but he thinks the same thing might happen all over again. He said a teeny tiny chance it could heal, but it would take atleast another month to even know if it could heal and there are no guarantees. Then there is the issue of another month means a much much greater risk of it spreading to other areas.

He said he doesnt think its going to heal even with another surgery. He sounded pretty convinced that there are still cancerous cells remaining cause he said wound doesnt look good.

We were worried about the one time Jupiter licked the wound… (all other times he never actually got to the wound when he messed with bandage) so we asked his vet about it. The vet said he cant imagine that just that 1 time would do this. He said it just wouldn’t do this with a cat with “healthy wound tissue” and that’s why hes so convinced its due to remaining cancer cells. That is the reason both him and the oncologist are strongly recommending the amputation be done.



So regarding the amputation procedure:

The vet said there will be a "stump" as the whole leg will not be removed. He said when its done with, we will see the incision on the 'stump' and it will be stitched shut.

Jupiter will wear his cone for 10 days. His cone will be worn all the time except we will take it off for a few minutes a day while he is sitting right infront of us, and he will be allowed to clean the rest of his fur and then his cone will be immediately put back on.

Jupiters activity will need to be restricted for 10 - 12 days. He can walk around during the day but no jumping. I have already decided that this is only going to be manageable if we can put him in a crate, because eventually at some point I will need a few hours of sleep and wont be able to sleep if I am worried about him getting stuck somewhere with the cone on, or worried about him jumping. So here is the plan : at night, we are going to put him in a large crate with his litter box. (Deb&Spot is going to lend us a large crate- Thanks Deb) During the day he will be allowed to walk around, but the cone will be kept on at all times.

The only followup care the vet said he will need is for the stitches to be removed in 10-12 days. He said it should heal up very well and quickly with no problems.


Thank you all for the visits, support, vines, thoughts, & prayers

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

I'm so sorry that the wound did not heal .. I know amputation sounds scary, but it sounds like at this point, it will be the best thing for jupiter .. I will keep you guys in my prayers ..

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

Jamie, Jupiter might actually be a lot happier after his surgery. It might be a real relief for him.
This is nothing comparable, but a few months ago my cat Grayson had to have his tail removed.
It actually gave him a new lease on life. He's way happier now.
I am wishing the same for you and Jupiter!

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

Jaime, you did everything you could x100 to make the surgery work & Jupiter heal. It can't heal properly because there are still bad cells & tissue there - not because of anything else.

Your vets' recommendations all sound logical, reasonable & do-able. If it were me, as much as I'd hate it, I wouldn't wait the extra month with the chance of it getting worse or spreading further. I think you're definitely making the right choice. It's hardest on you, please remember that.

When our dog had his removal surgery, he had to be immobile for awhile, too - we did the same thing & it worked after a little settling in. The pain medication made him sleepy & helped alot with the crate adjustment. We just kept it with us all the time, like he was sleeping at our feet.

Sending lots of support vines to you all :YMHUG:

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

Jamie, I know it's hard to think about, but it does sound like amputation is the best thing for Jupiter. You have a good plan in place for dealing with things after the surgery. Sending hugs and prayers to you, Dane and Jupiter. :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

Jaime, you did everything you could x100 to make the surgery work & Jupiter heal. It can't heal properly because there are still bad cells & tissue there - not because of anything else.

Click to expand...

I agree with this statement.
The cells are still tainted.
His best chance is to do the surgery asap.
I know it's a hard thing to do.
Sending prayers and hugs.....

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

Sending you a ton of prayers...I know it will be scary at first, but I also just know Jupiter will do beautifully with his surgery and recovery.

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

Sending you lots of hugs and vines and prayers. It's so hard to face something like this and wonder if you did anything wrong or if there is even a little chance it could heal, but I think everyone else has done a great job sharing stories and experiences that amputation isn't really a Big Deal in the grand scheme of things. We just don't want to think about our kitties being sick or in pain and it can be hard to see beyond what's happening Right Now. It is my prayer that everything goes well and that Jupiter can live out his time at the Falls with no pain.

Lisa & Leo

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

Jamie ((((big hugs & well being for jupe)))) I don't know anything about amputation but sounds like you & the doctors are on the same page..healing vines are being sent your way...hugs & scritches Cindy & Sabrina

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

Jamie

So sorry for you and sweet Jupe! It sounds to me like you have a great team giving you sound advice....I think you already know what you have to do. Perhaps it is a good thing that Jupe's wound didn't heal......that is a sign....the body just "knows" sometimes when it isn't right....

Animals are amazingly resilient! He will be his old self in no time! And we are all going to be so happy for you....

Hugs and Peace....I know you are sick over this...

~kelly

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

I am sorry to hear the wound didnt heal but maybe there is more peace of mind if his leg is removed as they may get all the cancer then.

Plus caregivers always find it harder than the pets. I cried for days when I discovered Pikachu was going blind. She didnt. It didnt even seem to bother her and if you didnt know she was blind you certainly wouldn't be able to tell the way she runs around! Pets don't feel sorry for themselves.. It's more of an inconvenience that they have to overcome. It's harder on us because we look at it from a human perspective..

Sending hugs, prayers and healing vines..

Wendy

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

Many hugs for you tonight, Jamie. I know that you are making the right decision to go ahead right away with the amputation. I like the idea of keeping the crate always right next to you for the 10 days.
Jupe will be fine.

:YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

Ella & Rusty

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

As hard as it must have been to hear what the doctors were saying, it sounds like they see a positive prognosis for him after surgery. They wouldn't suggest this plan of action if they didn't expect him to do well and live a better life. It will be hard on you and Dane at first as Jupe recovers, but you will be giving Jupiter the best chance for his future.

Living with a cone for a few weeks is better than being told he had no chance. Tell Jupiter that if he whines about his cone after the amputation surgery, that the cone is there to give him a new lease on life. Say it with authority.

All my best!

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

((((((Jamie))))))
I am so sorry to hear this news, but I think you are making the best decision. Before you know it Jupiter will be back to his old self acting like nothing ever happened, living a wonderful life at the Falls. It is true that it's so much harder on us then them. I wish we could be so resilient.
I am sending hugs, prayers and vines to you, Dane and Jupiter that all goes smoothly and you find peace in your decision ♥

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

Wendy&Tiggy said:

I am sorry to hear the wound didnt heal but maybe there is more peace of mind if his leg is removed as they may get all the cancer then.

Plus caregivers always find it harder than the pets. I cried for days when I discovered Pikachu was going blind. She didnt. It didnt even seem to bother her and if you didnt know she was blind you certainly wouldn't be able to tell the way she runs around! Pets don't feel sorry for themselves.. It's more of an inconvenience that they have to overcome. It's harder on us because we look at it from a human perspective..

Click to expand...

I totally agree with Wendy!

Still thinking about you Jaime & sending lots of support your way......

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

My heart goes out to you, Jamie. But as everyone else has already said--you have done everything you could up until now--and you're making the right decision for the health of his future. In a few weeks, he'll be like a new kitty.

Onyx and I are sending you both lots of hugs and healing vines for a speedy recovery, so he can enjoy the great achievment of being OTJ!!!

:YMHUG:

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

I don't know what I can add that hasn't already been said. However, I wanted to add another message of support, prayers, hugs, and well wishes for Jupiter and beans during this most stressful time. Reading your plans for after the surgery reminded me how lucky Jupiter is to have such wonderful parents caring so much about him and for him. Then I realized that we're the lucky ones to have such wonderful cats in our lives.

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

You probably feel stunned and heartsick that Jupiter will need another operation. But I know you want to do whatever you can to help Jupiter. We are behind you, supporting you in whatever decision you make.

Re: 9/3 & 9/4 Jupiter -Vet update & details regarding amputa

I am scared and worried but it does help knowing you are all here supporting Jupiter.

LLEF is doing a fundraiser for Jupiters amputation surgery. Thank you LLEF for organizing this. Thank you Lantus Land for everything you have done, and are doing to support Jupiter and I during this rough time. I can never say thank you enough.


Thank you all for the visits. I appreciate your kind words, encouragement, positive thoughts, & prayers. You all have helped us through so much. Thank you for being so wonderful to us.

Jamie, Dane, & Jupiter