Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

HI All,

I'm back... with a new concern now. And as always thank you for the wonderful support this board provides. A group of amazing people that I wouldn't have been able to survive without during our amputation recovery process.

Brody had his front left leg amputated in October 2013. We thought it was osteosarcoma but it ended up being a synovial cell sacroma. Still have no regrets as Brody as been living it up ever sense. Yes, the first couple weeks were tough but once he was off the meds he was back to his happy and playful self.

Now another obstacle is in our way. Didn't see this one coming... About 2 weeks ago we heard a noise downstairs and when we to see what it was Brody had foam at the mouth and was clearly shaken up. We didn't witness the seizure but I was 99% sure that's what had happened. It was random and we hadn't observed anymore. Then on Thursday, I was in the kitchen and he came stumbling in the house. Something was NOT right. He made his way to the carpet and I laid there with his as he tensed up, paws running, neck strained, mouth foaming. I was so scared. He had blood in the foam so even though I knew it was a seizure I thought maybe he was choking on something (bit his tongue) but saw that he was still breathing heavily. I pet and talked him thru it. It lasted between 1-2 minutes. I immediately called the vet and got an appointment 20 minutes later. At the vet he was good. Everything checked out normal. They did a blood test just to make sure all his levels were ok. Then my vet told me how boxers are known for brain tumors, which I was aware of and gave me the number to neurologist. The appointment was at 1120 and we go home about 1230. At about 115 he had another seizure, this more of a chomping one lasting about 30 seconds. I called the vet who contacted neurologist to see if we could be seen that day and then I called. They could fit us in Friday at 9am but he said that if he continues to have more we should admit to emergency center so they can monitor and help maintain with meds. At about 230 he had another one at which point I took to the ER. On the way to the ER he had one in the truck at 255pm. They ended up kept overnight and the neurologist saw that evening. He said he looked really good but recommended an MRI to determine what the cause really was. It could be brain, spinal, lungs? They stabilized him with valum. He did have another seizure at 9pm lasting about 1 minute and we picked up the following evening around 9pm. He is now on Phenobarbital twice a day. They said it would make him lazy, thirsty, hungry, pee alot. Yes that night home he did pee in the house once and was very hungry and thirsty but yesterday and today not so much. It's been so beautiful outside that he's been out there all day so if he needs to pee he can. From what I can tell, he didn't have any seizures yesterday or last night however I did bathe him yesterday and today noticed saliva on his front leg and chest with a little blood. Then there was quite a bit of saliva on the blanket which I would have to guess that he DID in fact have one today between 9-1030am. He is scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday. Overall he's seems good. He is having more difficulty walking though and that concerns me. He is MUCH MUCH slower and sometimes that front leg gives. I am not sure if that is cause from the seizures, the fact that he had an IV in that leg or the meds just making him off a bit. I really don't like seeing his struggle to walk. He's def. more tired as on a normal day he'd be running around the yard chasing after his ball and he hasn't done that at all. Although yesterday the back gate was open and he heard his "girlfriend" Shannon and had no problem running down the backyard and up the hill to find her. I wish I could say the same about me carrying his 65lbs back up the hill. I was winded!! Another thing I noticed is that his gums are VERY light pink which are normally red. Is that a side effect of meds?

I will find out more on Tuesday after MRI. I have mixed emotions about the MRI. Not sure I want to know what the cause is! I want to do everything for Brody but he's a 10.5 yr old boxer, a senior in dog years and I just don't think I could have brain surgery on him if it was an option. He's already lost a leg!! Secondly, if it is inoperable I don't want to think about what the future holds. It makes me very sad. I thought after this cancer scare Brody would be dying of old age.. That's what I had envisioned anyway.

I'd love feedback on seizures and what your causes were? What meds did you use to control?

Thank you, Julie