[PART 3] Kes Versus The Monster: A Story of Feline Vaccine Associated Sarcoma

Please watch Part 1 & 2 to have a better understanding of what preceded the amputation:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gNNPAXOn0g
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_uz3bXlZRo

**Please be aware this video contains images and clips of Kes' amputation site.**

In March 2009 a lump about 2 cm in diameter was discovered on Kes' left hind leg. In late March she was taken to the vet for routine shots and the vet suggested she get a biopsy.

In April 2009 she went in for her biopsy which included a 2 inch long incision. By this time Kes' lump had grown from 2 cm in diameter to 5 cm. On April 24th the results of the biopsy came in: stage two fibro sarcoma most likely caused by a vaccination. The solution: amputation of the leg. The vet feels that enough of the healthy tissue can be amputated to prevent the possibility of any remaining cancer developing into a new tumor.

VAS stands for Feline Vaccine Associated Sarcoma. Some also call this disease Injection Site Sarcoma or "Vaccine Site Sarcoma". VAS is any of a number of cancers, most commonly Fibrosarcoma, which are believed to be triggered by vaccinations and occasionally other kinds of injections. VAS is primarily an issue for domestic cats, though it has been identified in ferrets and tigers, and recent research indicates that it may also occur in dogs.

VAS Awareness non-profit site: http://www.vas-awareness.org/
VAS support amputee care site: http://home.comcast.net/~shortionline/tripod/tripod.html
VAS support group @ Yahoo: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline_VAS_Support/
VAS shop ($ goes to charity): http://www.cafepress.com/threepaws

November 2011 - Kes is still alive and well. She gets long great on her three legs and is very aware of what she can do. We still accommodate her whenever we need to and she is a smart enough to figure most things out on her own.

Soundtrack is "The Fire" by Imogen Heap from the album Eclipse.

Honor: #37 most watched 5 days after posting

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• cat
• tripod
• vas
• amputation
• amputee
• cancer
• fibrosarcoma

[kookalamaka]

Thank you so much for posting these videos. We found out yesterday that our sweet 11 year old kitty has Fibrosarcoma. We are going to the oncologist Tuesday, but I know that amputation is a very real and likely possibility. The idea of it has been devastating to me. But this video gives me hope that maybe she'll be okay. I wonder though...being 11...do you think she'll adjust??

[kimmitz]

@kookalamaka It's amazing how fast they can adjust to something that is as a dramatic a change as amputation. Within days Kes was determined to figure it all out. I think she should adjust just fine, maybe a bit slower than Kes or other younger cats but she'll do it! Join the Yahoo Support Group mentioned in the description, you'll be every so happy you did! There you'll find out more about senior kitties and amputation. Good luck!

[ammoniacal69]

The vet told me I had 2 amputate my kitten... he hurt his right rear leg and i dont know how im going to afford it. Can anyone help me?

[kimmitz]

@ammoniacal69 Sorry to hear that your cat requires amputation. Is it VAS related or an injury? See if you qualify for FVEAP or CareCredit. Search for them in a search engine, I seem to be unable to post the links.

[bubbleboots69]

This video made me so sad..but I am so happy that she is living and well. I just got a call today from the vet, that my kitty has VAS. It is a little bit lower than her shoulder blades, more on her back area. I am so devastated, and all I can do is cry, trying to find solutions to the problem....but unfortunately have found none..

[kimmitz]

@bubbleboots69 Any news on your cat?

[kookalamaka]

Thanks, @kimmitz...I joined the group just after watching your vids. I am looking forward to meeting and talking with other parents of senior kitties with VAS.

[THEBRUNERS1]

i wish my cats VAS was on his leg his is in his shoulder blades we had it removed the first time 2 years ago but it came back about a month ago, we thought we had beaten it because it was gone for 2 years but now it came back attached to the muscle and bone and it is inoperable for him we were just told the other day that if we decided to operaate again that it would be a grueling surgery and they would probable not get it all and it would return in weeks hes 18 and had a good long life

[MrThx84]

what kind of vaccines gave kes the sarcoma?

[evonline]

Thank you very much for posting this video. We learned yesterday that our cat may have fibrosarcoma and that amputation may be a good choice for her. Your video helped me to see how the amputation may work out. It is very encouraging.

[italksalot2u]

Hi This is D from Vas support group. I am super surprised that Kes is using stairs in your video. We had our kitty Salem's back leg amputated and he is doing well now. I am sorry i didn't video tape his experience to share but, thank you for sharing your story with us!