I agree that Bozize could very well have arthritis.  My first dog, not a tripawd, certainly slowed down as he got older.  Even though dogs can do exceedingly well on three legs there is still additional weight and strain on the remaining leg(s).  Some of the people on this site have tried pet massage with good results.  Some have tried acupuncture, also with good results, I believe.  Have you talked to your vet about this?  We can drive ourselves nuts watching for signs of cancer re-striking and especially in your case where lightening struck twice.  I am sorry you and Bozzie are going through this.  Is Bozzie still doing chemo?  

Debra & Emily

I'm so sorry to hear about Bozzie's met to another bone. From everything I have read, this is supposed to be rare.

Of course, I worry constantly that Jake's cancer will spread to his other front leg… So far we've noticed that his remaining front leg has gained alot of new muscle mass… most likely due to all the extra weight it has to carry… I've ordered several supplements with glucosamin, etc… to make sure his remaining legs/joints are able to withstand the straing from the extra weight. Only time will tell if he does OK (he's only 10 days post-op)… We're so broke right now, I'm not sure how we'll be able to afford the extra X-rays of his other feet and chest… but we are taking one day at a time… and hoping the bill collectors leave us alone… at least for a little while…

Jake's Mom

We are very sorry to hear of Bozzie's diagnosis and the need for a second surgery.  You have found a great community that will provide an enormous wealth of information and incredible support.  One of the best features of this community is the diversity of experiences and how quickly they will respond.  If one set of eyes is a little late, another has more than run with the ball.

The first two weeks are nearly always the hardest but in Bozzie's case, just as learned to adjust with the first surgery then was hit with a second adaption.  This cannot be easy, but once again the ability to adapt wins.  Their desire to return to "normal" is truely amazing.  Remember to treat the spirit as well as the body.  Find something that they love and can still do during recovery.  Then exploit that love to give them purpose.  For Cherry, it was/is her trips in the truck/car.  It was the first and for a long time, the only place that she would willingly take food when offered.  To this day, as the time when she thinks that she is going for a ride approaches, you can see the excitement grow.  Doug and Heidi will tell you that for Molly it continues to be canoe trips.  Watch her celebrate her one year anpuversary!  Help Bozzie find a purpose to fight.

Paws Crossed and Sending Pawsitive Thoughts,

Bob & Cherry

Great News!!! Bozzie is doing much better. After the surgery he was on a lot of herbal medicines. I do believe that they helped fight the cancer, but right before thanksgiving, I had some blood work done on Bozzie. The blood test came back with high calcium in the blood. That usually happens due to different types of cancer, or from high doses of vitamin D. Being a positive thinking Chiropractor, I chose the issue to be the Vit D and A that we had him on. I took him off all of the herbs and vitamins, and within 2 days Bozzie did a turn around and started eating much better, and even seemed to be more comfortable. We still do accupuncture every 3 weeks, and physical rehab 1 time per week, and of course he gets adjusted and massaged. It is now 5 months post surgery, and 7 months since he was diagnosed, and he is doing great!!! Incredible appetite, and playing and getting around beautifully. Bozzie turned 12 on November 4,2009, and you wouldn't know it. It has been a long haul, but I finally feel like it was all worth it. Bozzie's quality of life is as good as most 12 year old labs.

It's good to know Bozzie is doing much better!  That's excellent news!

I am also curious about the Vit A&D issue!