Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I just found this forum yesterday and wish I saw it sooner. We have an 8 yr old golden named Henry. He had his front left leg amputated in early June due to osteosarcoma. He was diagnosed and had surgery in less than a week. We started chemo on his 3 wk checkup. He was to have 6 treatments but had to stop at 5. The doctor thought he might have pneumonia but the x-ray showed the cancer in his lungs already. We thought he would be around for another year but now they give him 6 to 8 weeks. It's without a doubt the most difficult and emotional time we have ever gone through. I wish everyone out there who is dealing with this terrible disease the best of luck.
Wendy
Hello Wendy,
You've come to the right place for support in your difficult time, and I am sure everyone here will reach out a paw and hand.
We are thinking of you
Hello Wendy & Henry,
Just wanted to offer some support. I would like to say being prepared is half the battle. In regard to treatment was it an option to stop? Sometimes doctor's can be wrong... only you know your dog best and the state he is in. Quality of life is always an issue. I've heard of many dog's with metastasis outliving many a Dr 's diagnosis. Your beloved Henry will certainly sense your vibe. Making sure he is pain free is always number one. Knowing what stage the cancer is in what also shed some light on the situation. I would also ask if he is on anything to help his immune system? such as transfer factor (humane grade)...
Kim&Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
I'm sorry to read about your sad situation. I'm hoping for the best for all of you. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Dexter's Mom
Hi Wendy
I'm very sorry to hear that Henty's chemo has had to stop. I agree with Kim (and Buster) about maybe getting the opinion of another vet or specialist. It may be there there are specific drugs which could keep Henry's tumours at bay and keep him comfortable for a good while yet.
Whatever happens, you'll get support here.
Bev & Darcy
x
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Wendy said:
It’s without a doubt the most difficult and emotional time we have ever gone through.
It certainly is, as we know all too well right now.
While you can never totally prepare for the loss, know that what you've done and are doing for Henry will make it easier. Daisy's mom just told us that the final days are time to get some of the grieving out of the way.
The best questions that helped us prepare was to ask: Are his good times still outnumbering the bad? If not, the time has come and you need to be strong to help him move on out of his broken body. He will certainly letyou know. Until then, every day is a great day.
Best wishes of peace for you and Henry. Thanks for joining the discussion.
PS: Once my people discovered my lung mets, I was given 6 to 8 weeks and I lasted another 6 months! So never give up, just know when to let go.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Wendy and Henry -
We are so sorry to hear about what is going on with Henry. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and send good enery your way. Please keep us posted on how he's doing - keep the faith and stay as positive as you can around him...he will pick up on stress and fear and will mirror your emotions - especially a Golden (as I am and wow - do I mirror Mom's emotions!)
Lots of love your way ~
Mom and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Hi Wendy,
You've come to the right place to connect with people who know just what you are going through. I'm so sorry about the news you received, but really they do not KNOW how long, it's just an average. That means there are many who live alot longer than that, so don't receive it as fact. Just enjoy every single day with Henry. You've gotten him out pain which is such a wonderful gift to have given him.
Love, Joy, Peace,
diane riley
Hi Wendy,
We're with all the others, thinking of you at this difficult time. Make the most of every day!
Alfie (&Linda) x
Dear Wendy,
It is awfully hard. My puppy Sophie and I are at the beginning of this, diagnosed last Wednesday night, just got home tonight post front leg amputation. I know I'm hoping and praying that she will be one of the lucky ones who has more time, or even in that elusive ten percent where it has not yet metastisized. It seems natural that taking such a big step as an amputation would have an aspect of bargaining, "okay, we did this: now can my dog please live?!" I hope you can take some solace in knowing that Henry has had at least four additional relatively pain free months, months that otherwise would probably have been unbearably painful, as well as however much time you have still together. I agree with others, love him everyday, and, whenever his time comes sooner or later, he will have been a very lucky dog, with people who stood by him and loved him through it all. I am so sorry, and we will keep you and Henry in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Christine (and Sophie)
Thank you everyone for your kind words. Being able to talk with people who know exactly what you are going through really helps.
Tomorrow we are taking Henry to Ohio State University. They are running a fully funded study on dogs with osteosarcoma whose chemo treatments have failed. We have spoken with both doctors there and the doctor who has been treating him. They are hoping the medicine he will be on will either shrink or stop the tumors from growing. Another hard decision, but after many questions and lots of information we thought we would give it a try. Of course Henry's quality of life is our number one concern and all the doctors feel the same way. We're not looking for a miracle, just maybe someday this might help another dog.
Wendy
Wendy said:
...just maybe someday this might help another dog.
That's what this site is all about. Thanks for your help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
hi wendy!
welcome to the group. i am new myself and i know what your going through. my zeus had his leg amputated in the beginning of september 2008. we havent done chemo but we hope he can out live the "estimated" survival time. i agree with everyone else, just because youve been told that henry may only have 6 more weeks does mean that he wont prove them wrong. and i hope he does. just keep posotive thoughts and cherish your times together as im sure you already are.
best of luck!
tara & zeus
Here is a picture of Henry 2 or 3 days before his amputation.
He is an amazing dog. He touches everybody that meets him.
He is truly one of a kind.
What a beautiful picture of an obviously dignified dog. You are amazing for helping him. Thanks for sharing.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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