Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all....as a few of you know, I had another freak-out about Nitro going on last night. When I got home from work at 10pm, I could tell he was a little "off". He didn't seem to be in pain, but rather seemed weak; he would hop a few feet, and then lay down. He didn't follow me all over the house like he usually does, but just laid in the kitchen. First thing this morning I called the vet and was able to grab the only opening she had. It was a little struggle getting him in the back of my truck, thank God for the Ruffwear Harness! He had a full blood panel done as well as a urinalysis. All came back good, his neuro exam was good (I'd been worried about Wobbler's Syndome); the only thing left was the DREADED CHEST X-RAY! I've stated here many times my reluctance to have one done, but felt I could bury my head in the sand no more. Although not read by a radiologist, my vet didn't see anything concerning. YAY! If I want, she'll send it off to UW Madison next week and have them review it - the jury's still out on if I'll do that.
Soooo, she's put him back on his post-surgery meds of gabapentin, tramadol, and now added to the mix is a low dose of carprofen. We need to be very careful of his kidneys - don't need another set-back there - but he also needs to be comfortable. He has an acupuncture appointment on Tuesday, and I think we'll add in a chiropractic adjustment as well. I'm hoping he just tweaked something, and with some meds and rest, he'll be back to his old self. Thanks for caring and sending us positive thoughts.
Paula and Nitro
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
All this is good news Paula. I'm guessing as a bit of an older gentleman Nitro is just feeling all the muscle tweaks and aches and pains of getting older. I have the same problem as I get older. If I overdue one day I pay for it the next. 😀 I'm betting you see a real improvement here shortly with the addition of the pain control meds. Congrats on your courage to do the lung X-rays. That piece of mind is priceless! Hugs my friend!
He is beautiful! Glad he is doing better.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Thank goodness! I just tried messaging you!
Super relieved. Hey, we all need a little pain help now and again!!
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Oh sweet Nitro!!!! I hope and am sure it's just normal age and muscle strain... you are quite the guard dog so maybe you overdid it? I know how I hated those xrays but did them and even when we saw stuff, it never really mattered... Shelby never knew the difference so why should I care?! But glad yours looked clean!
Such a great photo too!!!
Hugs!
alison with Spirit shelby in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Thank goodness. I am so glad nothing major serious and I know those x-rays how they scare you but awesome news there too. Way to kick butt Nitro. I think he might have just tweaked something and the acupuncture & adjustment will do him good.
Great picture of you two
xoxoxox
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."
NItro! You are a sily boy! We've had this conversation before...the one where you need to stop scaring your Mom just because you want some extra attention! It is IMPOSSIBLE to get any more attention than you are already getting nonstop 24/7! 🙂
Sounds like a good ole "tweak" to me too!
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR GOOD XRAYS!!! YAAAAAAAAAY FOR GOOD CHECK UP!! Your Vet says the xrays look good and he's got a good trained eye! So again..YAAAAAAAAAY FOR NITRO!!
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Aww I'm so glad he checked out ok! And thank dog for our angels in the chat room too! There are many members they've talked down from the ledge.
It's easy to come up with so many scenarios in our heads when our dogs seem off. The other day I was convinced Wyatt Ray has Pannus because he kept missing treats I was tossing at him. But no, no indicators there. I think he was just tired. Which leads me to the point of what I was trying to say, and it's that we tend to forget that just like us, our dogs have tired days too. Days when their body feels like a wreck and they just wanna veg out on the couch. I'm glad to hear Nitro was having one of those days and nothing more. Hope the upcoming acupuncture visit helps him feel great.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Update on the update.....Friday night when I got home from work (I was a wreck driving home, my stomach in knots, not sure what I'd find when I got there), it was night and day difference from the night before. He'd had his first dose of the meds before I went to work, and when I let him outside, after peeing, he grabbed his ball and wagged his stub. He had some wicked diarrhea - total liquid - which made me wonder if all along he had some intestinal issues that was causing his reluctance to move. Luckily I had told the vet that his stools were soft (not the liquid I just saw), and she also gave me an antibiotic and probiotic.
He followed me all over the house once again, begging for treats - OF COURSE he got whatever he wanted! Man, if only our best friends could just say "I've got a stomach ache mom". We'll continue the meds at least through the weekend, and take it from there. Thanks again for caring.
Paula and Nitro
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
All great news, so glad to see Nitro is doing well...... I haven't been here in awhile, so I was really glad to see this good news checking in today 💜🐾👍
Sending Love and hugs,
Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu ❤️
Okay Nitro! Good job! You figured out a way to get extra treats yet again! You are a very clever pup!
Sooooo glad he's bcack to being his normal self.
Wyatt Ray is "maturing", perhaps he nust needs glasses, or at least larger treats!
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!
Awww rub his sweet belly for us, poor pup. Glad you have all the tools for it. Is he still runny?
Hmm, interesting thought Sally. I wonder if dogs ever need glasses and we just don't know it? It's a cute thought!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Maybe he just st wants you to hand him the treats like a civilized person. Really, would you want your food thrown at you?
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Hang in there Nitro. Sounds like you've had a rough time. Rest and oak up your Mommas lovings! Deb and Baby Bandit
YAY Nitro!!!! HE knows how to work you for sure!
OXOX
alison with spirit shelby in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
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