Our journey has been short, painful and sad.
Trotter our 7 year old male Field Spaniel was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on August 13th. After getting a pathological fracture days after diagnosis we amputated the affected forelimb. The initial biopsy came back that he did not have Osteosarcoma but instead possible Myeloma. Good news we thought since his prognosis became dramatically better. After a week or so of recooping from his surgery, changing his diet and getting used to his new normal; Trotter progressed well as a new Tripaw. Nineteen days after his surgery, several tests including a bone marrow aspirate was performed to rule out any possible Multiple Myeloma. All tests, and xrays came back negative for any sign of Multiple Myeloma; imagine our joy!!!
Our happiness was short lived as Trotter became increasingly more lethargic and sore. Five days later he was completely immobilized, unable to even stand on his own. We had to endure his painful wails as we picked him up so he could eliminate. Trying our hardest to understand what could have possibly gone wrong since our good news only days before we tried acupuncture and pain meds thinking that his pain was back spasms from his arching his back, trying to figure out how to manage on three legs. It was becoming increasingly evident that our dear and loveable, loyal boy was enduring so much more than back spasms.
Nine days after all the testing was complete, 29 days from his initial diagnosis, we decided it was time to say goodbye to wonderful Trotter. The pain we were feeling was nothing compared to what he was feeling. His last set of xrays the days before we made our decision, under magnification, showed multiple lesions in his left hindquarter and his spine. The films looked dramatically different that xrays taken just a week earlier.
He spent his last hours at home with many friends and family hugging and kissing him! We did not leave his side. He is resting now, peaceful and pain free.
Although we feel cheated somehow, we know our pain will heal. We brought him back to the pretigious teaching hospital where he was diagnosed so that they can learn from this tragic situation, so that others can be saved. We hope that somehow a cure can be found, so no person or animal has to endure such suffering.
We love and miss you Trotter!!!!!