Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I was/am lucky that my husband pretty much defers to me in the health decisions of our dogs; he did have a huge input when the diagnosis was first made. We both decided he was too full of life to have him put down, rather than go the amputation route. John's most shining moment was, when asked if we wanted to have "extraordinary measures" taken if something went wrong under anesthesia, I hesitated....my mind swirling, thinking if the decision was made for us, out of our hands, it'd be easier. We wouldn't then have to deal with a 3 legged dog, and the strength/courage that would entail. He without hesitation exclaimed OF COURSE we want you to do what it takes. I snapped out of it at that point (I'm still ashamed of my hesitating to this day), and we never looked back.
Perhaps he defers to me because of my medical background, perhaps he knows all too well that he would lose this battle. We still discuss options, and he will usually play devil's advocate, but I think he's learned to have faith in my gut. When we started this journey, my one condition was that if we were doing this, we were DOING this; I never, at the end of it, wanted to look back and say "if only we had done this, or if only we had tried that. I wanted no regrets. Of course we second guess ourselves every step of the way in this journey, no way around that.
This journey is so individual, so personal...what's right for some isn't right for others. Only you know in your heart what is right for you. I pray you and Paul can reach decisions that you both can live with - no regrets at the end of the day.
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
P.S. One thing John tried to poo-poo was chiropractic adjustments. He thought I was out of my mind, serious eye-rolling going on. But he went with me to the appointment anyway, and when Nitro pulled him across the parking lot chasing a squirrel afterwards, he was a believer. From then on, he never poo-poo'd any of my decisions. 
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
benny55 said
Just gonna copy what I emailed Petra last night because it's similar to what Karen is seeing. Then gonna add a couple of ore thoughts.
Thank you so much Sally! Thank you for getting back to me so late! You and Holly were totally on this for Stewie and I! The encouragement to come on to the forums is appreciated. It’s not easy to come and put yourself out there, for better or for worse...
Couple of things. I couldn't really make a distinction about him favoring a rear leg, but it certainly seems like there may be a strained muscle, maybe back...neck...or leg...or front leg shoukder....something that's making him prefer to lay down rather than hop around. Licking his leg could even be from a pinched nerve in his back, as opposed to the leg itself being the cause of stress.
You guys are seemingly on the same mode of thinking... that this isn’t in his legs and more than likely his muscular....???? I will grasp onto this and see what i can do...
Have you tried any gentle "range of motion"'with his rear legs to see if he tightens up at any point or shows signs of pain? Massaging up and down his back to see if he shows any tension at any spot?
I have just moved his legs in all directions and if you could have seen the look he gave me, you all would have laughed, but i am quite serious with him and he finally settled down and figured it wan’t actually a game! He and Miss Lily have spotted a squirrel out on the deck and it is hard to see that he has an issue at all!!! He doesn’t appear to be flinching or freaking at my movements. He seems to be moving his head better today too.
Definitely add Metacam to the mix. The Metacam woild probably have more of an impact on any "over doing it" issues working with the Gaba,assuming there is inflammation somewhere. And yes, just potty breaks and complete rest!!! . Hedgie time and tugging time can take a time out for a few days!
Metacam was started last night. I have quite a bit left over from his November dosing when he had his last major pain thing going on! I will find that post and put the link in here. He is dosed with “8ml as the first dose last night and 5ml once daily for pain control” by watching Im right now, i am comfortable with saying that he is doing okay right at this moment.
He needs to be told no playing with Squirrels right this second, Hedgie and Tug of War time are not in his agenda at this present moment!
Of course, the panting could be from some pain, as well as the Gaba. The eyes looking "off" could also indicate some bit of pain.
I am watching for both and right now there is no excessive panting and his eyes are relatively clear. I am going to be posting a picture and a short video that i just took of the big baloo!
I know your having the Vet check him out, but I wouldn't eliminate a respiratory infection separate from the "possible leg/back/shoulder issue". A Vet should be able to figure that out just by listening to his chest......no need for xrays as far as I'm concerned!! Remember, you da' boss!
Unfortunately for my obsessive, sensitive self, there is another big boss in the house and he is not comfortable with taking Stewie to the vets right now. He see’s Stewie at the door wanting to chase the squirrel and he was going to let him out to play!!!!
He asks me what else is the new doctor going to do for Stewie other than to bring him in and do all the tests that may or may not show us that his cancer has spread and what then??? He says that we have had his neck situation go on for years and Dr. Laurie has never pinpointed a cause and she has never pushed for an X-ray, more than likely ‘cause we have never asked for one. The last time she looked at him, of course he was doing better by the time she saw him, but she figured it to be muscular in his neck? But not certain. The Metacam has worked for him in the past, so lets see if it works again for him... he figures he is doing fine today... I am going to let the Metacam do its job for the next couple of days and hope that things will settle down again, back to some normal hopping for Stu-Butt!
Im sorry if i appear to be taking all of your advice and tossing it out the window in regards to getting Stewie into the vets etc, but i cant argue with my Man of the house!!!! I could, but life doesn’t get any easier that way does it! Please be assured you guys that i will NOT LET STEWIE SUFFER WITH ANY KIND OF PAIN... I WILL STEP UP LIKE A MAMA BEAR AT THAT POINT. But i can not make Paul react the same way that i do to these things that i see going on with Stewie!
I really think the Metacam can help. OBVIOUSLY, not a Vet and not giving Vet advice and don't do anything without Vet approavl...and blah, blah, blah
I do love you blah, blah and blah... sometimes there is even a ‘vlah’ in there too!
I've looked at the cideos a few more fimes now, and it does seem a "pai " from "I don't wa t to move because it hurts my ...(pick one)..neck, back, shoulder, etc....or all!
Thanks Sally, i appreciate this point of view from you for sure! It seems to be a common theme.
Not gonna say "never", but rarely does osteo cross over to another limb.
As you can see, there are very personal and individual decisions about pursue additional tests, etc. THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG-! It's a decision where you and Paul already drew your line in the sand when you first started this journey. I fhink it's important to remew that because that discussion took place when there was less stress or fear. Now, does that mean tbe "line" can't be moved some? Heck know!!
That line is not getting moved today I’m afraid...
I was fortunate in that my Vet of a hundred years didn't retire until after Happy Hannah's journey. We discussed early on to what lengths I would go, or not, afer her original chemo and where my line was. He was very supportive of that. As it was becoming more clear that Happy Hannah probably had a met, the ONLY reason we proceeded with an xray was because, if she did have a met, there were things that could be done ro continue her quality and her comfort.
I will not let him suffer. If he starts his constant panting again or if his eyes show more discomfort, I will insist on taking him in! I promise!
You and Paul know Stewie best and what he would want for himself.
It may be a constant conversation Sally! Paul is so in love with his boy and the last thing he wants of for Stewie to be in any kind of pain, but i think that my Man is putting-his-head-deep-into-the-sand!!!
Continue to give the Metacam and complete rest time to work! And YAY that he already feels a little better after just one or two doses! HUGE!! The fact that he jas jad similar "issues" before, really does indicate the same is true now. It's just that being on three legs can take a toll, especially after hopping arou d in all that snow you have!! So it may require more rest and Metacam for longer periods now.
Thanks Sally for taking the time to respond to me today and thanks and apologies for the midnight email call!!!
Hugs and love
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Many hugs and love right back atcha Sally! 
Remember...“live in the moment!“
dobemom said
I was/am lucky that my husband pretty much defers to me in the health decisions of our dogs; he did have a huge input when the diagnosis was first made. We both decided he was too full of life to have him put down, rather than go the amputation route. John's most shining moment was, when asked if we wanted to have "extraordinary measures" taken if something went wrong under anesthesia, I hesitated....my mind swirling, thinking if the decision was made for us, out of our hands, it'd be easier. We wouldn't then have to deal with a 3 legged dog, and the strength/courage that would entail. He without hesitation exclaimed OF COURSE we want you to do what it takes. I snapped out of it at that point (I'm still ashamed of my hesitating to this day), and we never looked back.Perhaps he defers to me because of my medical background, perhaps he knows all too well that he would lose this battle. We still discuss options, and he will usually play devil's advocate, but I think he's learned to have faith in my gut. When we started this journey, my one condition was that if we were doing this, we were DOING this; I never, at the end of it, wanted to look back and say "if only we had done this, or if only we had tried that. I wanted no regrets. Of course we second guess ourselves every step of the way in this journey, no way around that.
This journey is so individual, so personal...what's right for some isn't right for others. Only you know in your heart what is right for you. I pray you and Paul can reach decisions that you both can live with - no regrets at the end of the day.
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
P.S. One thing John tried to poo-poo was chiropractic adjustments. He thought I was out of my mind, serious eye-rolling going on. But he went with me to the appointment anyway, and when Nitro pulled him across the parking lot chasing a squirrel afterwards, he was a believer. From then on, he never poo-poo'd any of my decisions.
Thanks Paula! You put tears into my eyes, thank you for sharing this private part of your lives together. This is very difficult for me to sit and try to explain what is going on inside Paul’s head. I can’t seem to be able to rationalize his way of thinking and that isn’t always an uncommon thing in this house! I just know that to push this point with him right now will not accomplish anything. I do all the physical care for everypawdy in the household and he feels that he can take care of the rest!
i also got my way on the Ortho end of things... Paul was so not sure that it would have any benefit, but Stewie shows him otherwise!
Hugs and best wishes to you and John!
jerry said
Wow I'm sorry I missed all this yesterday! You have gotten incredibly helpful feedback that echoes what many of my thoughts were when reading through the posts. To that I'll add:One pain medication is often not enough for treating any kind of chronic pain If you are unable to add a non-RX like acupuncture into the mix, then adding an additional pharmaceutical may help tremendously. I wouldn't expect to see the Metacam working during the first day or two but during the first week I'm guessing it will. If not you may want to ask about a muscle relaxer like Methocarbomol, which has helped our Wyatt since last summer.
At Stewies Ortho-Bionomy treatment next week, i am going to ask for the laser acupuncture to start up again. As you can see with Pauls hesitation to go to the vets, i will have to hold off on the request for the extra’s unless Stewie looks to be in pain. Thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely keep it in my mind to ask for it. I will definitely maintain the Metacam and will put the call into the vets to at least let them know that he is taking this right now. Paul can’t have any objection to that. Then if i need to ask for anything more, i won’t have a story book to tell!
Im glad to hear that the Methocarbomol works for Wyatt.
What I've learned is that Tripawds can have very tight muscles because they are not getting the full extension when they walk. Their bodies are essentially crunched up all the time in order to balance. So a muscle relaxer can help, as well as more couch cuddling massage sessions. And remember, when our bodies compensate for pain that's happening in one area, the outward symptoms appear in another. Hopefully this is the case with Stewie's situation.
I hope so too! I so very much appreciate everybodies help and suggestions! I feel a little hand tied right now. But Stewie is not suffering because of it. Holly had suggested trying something different than the Gabapentin last night and I’m glad i took her up on her suggestion to try the Metacam, it appears to be a good drug of choice to be with right now. The couch massages are going to be held on the floor, but they are definitely a given!!!
It makes sense what you are saying about their bodies being all tensed up, i guess we can all relate to that can’t we! But in Stewies case he maybe has just gotten bent out of shape a bit more than usual...
Most times, this disease plays out text book style, with the lungs being impacted and not a second osa tumor in another bone. But if you know you can't sleep at night without knowing for sure, then get the scans done. As others have said, sometimes it's the not knowing that is worse than knowing, whatever the diagnosis is.
The text book has never sounded good to me, but right now i will listen to these words of wisdom and hope that Stewie has just over done a few things. Bed rest and a lot of lovin...
I hope this helps. Keep us posted and give that handsome fella extra lovin' from all of us.
Thank you for taking the time to add this additional information! Everything helps. Especially when it can give me a new drug of choice that i can show Mr Paul!
Hugs to you all and a special cuddle for Wyatt please!
Reading some of the replies jogged my memory a little...
I think when Tani was on gaba for her arthritis I was told that it worked better in concert with an anti inflammatory like metacam. Tani was on Rimadyl which is similar.
Hope Stewie is feeling at least a little better.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
krun15 said
Reading some of the replies jogged my memory a little...I think when Tani was on gaba for her arthritis I was told that it worked better in concert with an anti inflammatory like metacam. Tani was on Rimadyl which is similar.
Hope Stewie is feeling at least a little better.
Karen
Hi Karen,
do you think (and this is ultimately my choice right!!!) i could try the Gaba at night and the Metacam in the morning and see if it helps?
Stewie is deciding whether he should be laying down snoozing after his lunch or whether he should be kicking some squirrels butt!!!
he appears to be a little better than yesterday. When i get the video uploaded i think you will all agree...
thanks for your time Karen!
hugs and more from Petra and Stewie
Bless your jeart Petra. I thinks I can spea for everyone when we all say you don't need to feel like you need to reply each of us 🙂 🙂 You jzve yours ha ds full right now and responding takes up a lot of your time! Of course, I'm basi g that in the amou t of time it takes me to typo my replies......an eternity!!
Oh,and just to clarify. my mention of a Vet visit was merely if you thought Stewie was panting and had gunky eyes due to a respiratory issue like pneumonia, as opposed to a pain signal from a sprain, etc.
GET THOTH SQUIRRTH THEWIE! 🙂 🙂
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
Bless your jeart Petra. I thinks I can spea for everyone when we all say you don't need to feel like you need to reply each of us 🙂 🙂 You jzve yours ha ds full right now and responding takes up a lot of your time! Of course, I'm basi g that in the amou t of time it takes me to typo my replies......an eternity!!
I can’t help but try to acknowledge each of you.... you all have such valid points and your time is invaluable to me, so i will make time for all of Stewies needs. After all I’m not going to the vets this afternoon am i?!! Hehe, this is really meant as a joke, although a little sick, but that’s just me! My fingers can do it as long as my brain stays engaged.... Cats and husbands and dogs that we love soooooo much!!!
Oh,and just to clarify. my mention of a Vet visit was merely if you thought Stewie was panting and had gunky eyes due to a respiratory issue like pneumonia, as opposed to a pain signal from a sprain, etc.
I know my lovey and thank you!!! Believe me there are so many reasons that i would want to take him in for, but none that i can truly justify to Paul!!! If he does start panting again to the point of seeming abnormal, i am taking him in...
GET THOTH SQUIRRTH THEWIE! 🙂 🙂
Don’t encourage Thally! :-0 !! Ive just sent him off to the other side of the living room!!!! 🙂
Ruv to you!
If I remember correctly I split Tani's rimadyl into morning and evening doses. I don't remember the gaba dosing. Tani was so little I had to get the gaba compounded into a liquid! The most important thing in my mind for the anti-inflams is consistency when you are dealing with a chronic pain issue.
Tani had so many meds that I had to resort to a pill box that I filled weekly for her so I wouldn't forget anything 
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Thank you Karen! I very much appreciate your information. I am going to move ahead with a decision and because i gave Stewie his Gaba yesterday morning, with the Metacam last night, I will feel okay with giving him the Gaba tonight and then i will move the Metacam to tomorrow morning. This might help with any of the drowsy effects of the gaba? I will let you guys know how it all works tomorrow. The video i am going to upload is just of him laying down. I will get some more of his actual moving about this afternoon and let you guys see if there is any improvement...
until then... thank you and thank you all once again for all of your support! I am so very grateful!
Just getting caught up. I think there is pain involved somewhere is my guess. Neck, back or something. Everyone has given great advice. Not sure I can add much to the mixtures. Sending my support and love
xoxxoo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
What I found with Tani and gaba was that after a week or two (I think) of a consistent dosing schedule she got used to it and wasn't drowsy anymore. She was on it for more than a year, I'm not sure, I didn't take great notes with Tani! Once we put her on it she was on it for the rest of her life- could have been two years...
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi Michelle and thank you for your support! Every ounce helps!
I am just getting caught up with a few things and am going to be downloading a couple of videos. I changed up the dosing today Karen, so i will be able to let you know how is is going. Because I’m changing up Stewies Metacam to mornings, i didn’t give him any today. I will give him his second dose tomorrow morning. He got his Gabapentin tonight. He is good and zonked out right now and i really do see what you guys are pointing out as far as pain related... fingers crossed that i can get him back to a bit more normalcy.
Thank you so very much Karen for your kind words of wisdom! I am thanking Tani for her experience as we speak!
More to come you guys, thank you!!!
This video is of Stewie at 6pm. He had finished his supper and had just been given his Gabapentin. 300mg dose. So this is his first medication today since his Metacam at 6pm last night.
This video was taken 40 minutes after his dose of Gabapentin
Tomorrow morning he will get his Metacam dose. Karen, i will maintain this dosage of both meds. Thank you for your insight. i will inform the vets of the stuff that i am giving him and how it is all doing. I will maintain video diaries and maybe everybody can be satisfied.
Good night you guys. Thank you all for your prayers and support. See you again tomorrow.
Petra and her more content Stewie boy
Hey Petra and Stewie 🌺🐾
Just caught up with this thread, I have to say you've had great advise already so nothing to add there.
Now, Stewie's videos are always a pleasure to watch, every single one of them.
I know others said they thought he was in pain in the first video and that might well be the case but maybe partly he just wanted to feel some fresh air in his lovely cheeks, Eurydice did that sometimes, she just wanted to see the views and feel the breeze 🐮💗
It seems gabapentin and metacam are helping and so are the chicken bits 😉🍗 I'm sure your kitty agrees 😺
So glad Stewie and your lovely self are enjoying life and hey Spring is here, there will be tons of squirrels to chase for months to come 🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿
Sending you a big, big hug and tons of ear scratches to "you know who" 😘😘😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
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