Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Looking back, there were some signs that something was amiss with my boy, Eddy. Eddy started limping sporadically at the end of June. June was a whirlwind month as my daughter graduated from high school and we had her graduation party. I remember though, pulling into the drive, and seeing Eddy laying in his outdoor kennel, not actively jumping up and greeting me, as he normally did. I also recall my younger son commenting that Eddy wasn't "lifting his leg" any longer to pee. In my son's words, he was "peeing like a girl". As soon as I noticed definitively the limp, I brought him to the vet. The vet examined him and said it was probably arthritic changes and sent him home with Rimadyl. We were told to recheck in a month.
One month and a bottle of Rimadyl later, we were back at the vet. After a thorough exam, they thought his left knee might have torn. The X-rays confirmed that was not the case. He actually had osteosarcoma on his back left ankle. My only regret is that I did not demand X-rays at the initial visit in June. Not that it would have changed the diagnosis, but it would have given us a month head start on battling this cancer. Although Eddy did not have any visible lung mets in the beginning of August when he had his amputation, his cancer has spread to his lungs. I guess if I were you, I would try to get it checked out and x-rayed sooner, rather than later. I wish in our case that I could turn back time. I am praying for you and your boy! I hope you get GOOD news!!!!! Take care!
Betsy Golden and Angel, Eddy. Eddy was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-23-14, had a left rear amputation 8-07-14, had 3 rounds of carboplatin chemotherapy, a small lung met was discovered in October, had 2 rounds of doxorubicin, and unfortunately more lung mets were discovered. Eddy fought cancer valiantly and went to the Rainbow Bridge 1-6-15, at the age of 7 years and 359 days, just six days short of his 8th birthday. Best Dog, Ever....you will never be forgotten.
Johnnie started limping in September 2013, was on and off NSAIDs being treated for osteoarthritis for a couple of months, doing rehab and acupuncture with no progress. The initial x-rays didn't show any lesions compatible with cancer, but also the orthopaedic vet wasn't looking for cancer. His lesion was only lytic, so there was no growth that stood out on the x-rays. We only got the definitive diagnosis for Osteosarcoma in April and had surgery in May.
The osteoarthritis in the elbow continues, so he is taking chondroitin/glucosamin for that.
Good luck with the consult, and in the meantime put him on a diet so he can be on the lighter side. Johnnie shed 15 lbs between September 2013 and May 2014. He is a large Golden male, so he actually is quite thin at 90 lbs, which is his current weight.
Daniela
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Daniela's advice is spot on! Eddy is a medium size Golden and his weight had slowly crept up the last year or so. He was always around 65 pounds, but at the time of his diagnosis, was up to 75. The best thing you can do right now while you are waiting for an appointment, is to cut back his food intake. We switched to canned EVO, and Eddy has lost 5 pds. It is so much easier on his already compromised remaining back leg! The other thing I have learned, it to cut out the carbs, especially if you have any inkling that it may be bone cancer. Bone cancer thrives on carbohydrates. Hope this helps! And a big hug to your boy!!!:)
Betsy Golden and Angel, Eddy. Eddy was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-23-14, had a left rear amputation 8-07-14, had 3 rounds of carboplatin chemotherapy, a small lung met was discovered in October, had 2 rounds of doxorubicin, and unfortunately more lung mets were discovered. Eddy fought cancer valiantly and went to the Rainbow Bridge 1-6-15, at the age of 7 years and 359 days, just six days short of his 8th birthday. Best Dog, Ever....you will never be forgotten.
bjilkgolden said
Daniela's advice is spot on! Eddy is a medium size Golden and his weight had slowly crept up the last year or so. He was always around 65 pounds, but at the time of his diagnosis, was up to 75. The best thing you can do right now while you are waiting for an appointment, is to cut back his food intake. We switched to canned EVO, and Eddy has lost 5 pds. It is so much easier on his already compromised remaining back leg! The other thing I have learned, it to cut out the carbs, especially if you have any inkling that it may be bone cancer. Bone cancer thrives on carbohydrates. Hope this helps! And a big hug to your boy!!!:)
Thanks! Luckily Finn has always been on the thin side. At 130lbs he is very very trim. If anything I've always wanted him to gain weight lol. I guess with him being unaltered he never put on any unwanted pounds. So weight wise he's right where he needs to be. Right now we're feeding Natures Recipe Large Breed Chicken and Oatmeal. He's been on that for several months and seems to be doing really well on it. As of today his limp is gone, but he still seems to be favoring that leg when standing or sitting, he'll shift his weight of it slightly. I really wanted to get him to the vet this coming Wednesday, but since I'm off for thanksgiving I have to work :/. So I may try for this coming Saturday and see if I can get him an appointment. Thanks for all of the advice guys!
Cassie and The Pack
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
I will be praying for you and Finn, Cassie! Keep us updated! Prayers going up for Finn!
Betsy Golden and Angel, Eddy. Eddy was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-23-14, had a left rear amputation 8-07-14, had 3 rounds of carboplatin chemotherapy, a small lung met was discovered in October, had 2 rounds of doxorubicin, and unfortunately more lung mets were discovered. Eddy fought cancer valiantly and went to the Rainbow Bridge 1-6-15, at the age of 7 years and 359 days, just six days short of his 8th birthday. Best Dog, Ever....you will never be forgotten.
Yep...paws crossed!!!!!!!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Thanks guys! Finn is officially scheduled for the 6th for exam and xrays. Until then he's on rest and pain meds, and is getting super spoiled!
Hope every is having a wonderful holiday weekend!
Cassie and The Pack
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Sending lotsa love and pawsitivity to the big boy and the pack. Keep us posted and keep him spoiled 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hope that spoiling includes just a little itty bitty scopp of ice cream!
OOPS!! Sorry Cassie! Anytime Happy Hannah can channel her energy down here through the computer to get on her "ice cream sopa box", ...well....you see the result!
Hugs and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
benny55 said
Hope that spoiling includes just a little itty bitty scopp of ice cream!OOPS!! Sorry Cassie! Anytime Happy Hannah can channel her energy down here through the computer to get on her "ice cream sopa box", ...well....you see the result!
Hugs and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Haha, Finn is happy to take her advice! His favorite past time is a trip to Brusters for a "doggie treat", a heaping scoop of sugar free vanilla with a dog biscuit!
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Will be thinking of you and Finn on Saturday! Praying for a good outcome!!! Let us know!!! Take care!! <3
Betsy Golden and Angel, Eddy. Eddy was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-23-14, had a left rear amputation 8-07-14, had 3 rounds of carboplatin chemotherapy, a small lung met was discovered in October, had 2 rounds of doxorubicin, and unfortunately more lung mets were discovered. Eddy fought cancer valiantly and went to the Rainbow Bridge 1-6-15, at the age of 7 years and 359 days, just six days short of his 8th birthday. Best Dog, Ever....you will never be forgotten.
Hi all! I have semi good news!!
Finn went to the vet this morning and got some radiographs of his front legs and chest. The good news is it doesnt look like osteosarcoma. BUT, it looks like he may have a possible healing hair line fracture of his radius. It was difficult to see, but there is definitely something there. The vet recommended rest and pain meds, and then returning next month for repeat radiographs and a possible referral to an orthopedic specialist.
I'll try to get a copy of his rads and post pics on here next week for you guys to see. We've got our fingers crossed that its something that will heal on its own and not require surgery. Thanks so much to everyone on here. Y'all are amazing and supportive!!
Cassie and The Pack
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Ohhh gooooood!!! Well, I mean ...not good....but considering the alternatives....really GOOD!!!
That swwet vig boy carries a big huge heart on those legs of his, so a little fracture certainly could happen!!
Sounds like it will be a pretty darn goodChristmas at Finn's house! What a gift!!!
This calls for a trip tp Brusters!!!
Lots of Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
benny55 said
Ohhh gooooood!!! Well, I mean ...not good....but considering the alternatives....really GOOD!!!That swwet vig boy carries a big huge heart on those legs of his, so a little fracture certainly could happen!!
Sounds like it will be a pretty darn goodChristmas at Finn's house! What a gift!!!This calls for a trip tp Brusters!!!
Lots of Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Haha, thanks! There wasn't a Brusters on the way home, but we stopped and he got an egg biscuit for breakfast! He also got his Christmas picture taken with Domino today in celebration!
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Awww that really is good news considering what it could have been. Any idea how it might have happened?
Heal up Finn, you've got lots of pawtying to do this season!!!
Great photo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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