Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Yesterday was Charlie's 4-month ampuversary! Last Friday was his 6th and last round of Carboplatin. On Sunday we celebrated with 'ice cream' (it was really custard from Culver's, but Charlie didn't seem to mind).
As I had alluded to when asking about Adequan, his mobility had declined quite a bit on Friday (probably over a few days, but Friday was my first full day with him). Although he could walk, seemingly just fine, getting up from laying down, going up and down stairs, and getting in and out of the car were challenges, to say the least. I have adjusted his oral glucosamine because of this (I had just switched from the chewy kind to the big honking pill kind that is supposedly chewable). I thought perhaps the change coupled with lack of activity were potential culprits.
The advice was to look at physical therapy, however I would probably need to go to the U of M for it. At the local vet, one of the doctors does acupuncture and chiropractic stuff. If any of you could share your experiences with that, I'd be greatly appreciative. Charlie is going in on Saturday to try it out.
Okay, this is a weird question, but here goes nothing: The chewable Glyco-flex seems to dry out quickly, becoming hard as a rock. This is even after making sure the bag is closed tightly. I have also noticed his kibble gets dried out, too. Is there any tricks of the trade regarding keeping kibble or medicine soft?
Spirits-wise, Charlie is doing great!
Thank you all for being here and supporting us through this journey. We couldn't have done it without you!
VQ (come on, really? The Jets? Pathetic!) and Charlie
"I don't know where I am."
We do acupuncture with Zip who is celebrating her 6 week ampuversary. It seems to help with the muscle spasm she has as she is learning to center her back leg plus hopefully helping with the inner scar tissue that has gotten pretty hard. We are also doing PT and giving her Adequan and glucosamine though she is getting reluctant to take it in any form. Try putting a slice of apple in the kibbles and glucos. It works for brown sugar so what do you have to lose?! Zip has days where she is not wanting to do anything but rest and from people I know who have had it, they all say that the fatigue hits you at random times even when you are finished with it and in some cases up to a year afterwards.
Hi,
Happy ampuversary Charlie! I'm so glad those chemo treatments are behind you.
I feel that the acupuncture and chiropractic treatments have been a big help in dealing with Fortis' mobility issues. Swimming has been the main source of exercise. I'm glad Charlie's spirits are high. That's a big plus.
FortisDad
I appreciate the advice!
Since I live in MN, and we'll probably have ice on the water tomorrow 
, coupled with his extreme fear of water (PTSD), we probably can't do the river. (when the kids were little, we set up one of those small pools. There was Charlie, walking round and round the pool, growling with his fur up. So freakin' funny! 
) However we did get into a wrestling match (I totally won! 
) on Sunday, which I think helps. Now that grandma's back, she takes him out a few times a day and he gets two car rides a day (at least) from me.
For the car rides, we are back to the hill (I back up to the hill to let him in and out) instead of letting him jump in (not that he is willing to do that now, anyway). I don't mind doing the adjustments, but going from all out, to hesitating and refusing, scares me. However, the Ruff-wear harness has paid for itself this weekend, being that this is the first time we have 'needed' it.
How often does one do acupuncture?
Oh, and Charlie started K-9 Immunity Plus. I bought 12-months worth, so if he doesn't like it, I'll let you all know.
"I don't know where I am."
Viking Queen...........MN..................Ice Duh! Sorry, I just rambled on without thinking.
We try to do the treatments once a month.
Fortis'Dad
First of all - Happy 4 month Ampuversary and congratulations on your last round of chemo! Way to go Charlie! That's awesome! Following Mackenzie's carboplatin treatments (she did a total of 5) her oncologist put her on Metacam (non-steroid anti-inflammatory), which might be something you want to talk to your vet about (it also has anticancer fighting agents in it too.) I noticed when I ran out one time (couldn't give to her for a couple of days) she became more stiff and slower moving. It definitely has helped her with her mobility. I'm not familiar with Adequan - but I've heard it mentioned before.
In addition to that, I also give Mackenzie Glucosamine in liquid form with her food plus power mushrooms to boost her immunity (but you're already doing the K9 which is great too.) For storing her kibble I put it in plastic containers to seal it off - I've never had any issues with it. Maybe you put the Glucosamine pills in a ziplock in its bag? I find when I do that, it seems to keep the freshness in. Sounds like Charlie is doing great though so that's always a welcome relief when you have these other issues going on.
I look at Fortis and Gayle as the authority on acupuncture but I did take Mackenzie one time to an acupuncturist and he said that at the beginning it should be done about once a week? Well I haven't been able to go back since due to schedules, etc., but I think I'm going to give it a try again. I've heard nothing but great things about it.
Good luck with everything! And sorry to hear about those Vikings and ice on the water 
. It's 90 degrees here where I live - of course, not to rub it in or anything 
.
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
Hey Charlie - you sound like you are doing great and I just want to send out a shout for your 4 month ampuversary!
VQ mom - try not to worry. (try not to worry about Charlie, save the worry for your Vikings!) You may want to ask your vet about a muscle relaxer in addition to the other good info here. I found it really helps a lot. Oh heck, they help me too! Yep, I tried one!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Go Charlie! Keep that spunk in your step and that sparkle in your eye my friend, we know you'll keep on being a rock star around here.
It does sound like some PT will be a good thing for you. We hope this weekend's visit goes well. Did you know about this directory of licensed PT practitioners? Are there any in your 'hood?
Here are some posts that shed a light on acupuncture and chiropractic care:
Canine Chiropractic Options for Newbies
My Visit to the Animal Acupuncture Doctor in Colorado
Fortis Visits The Chiropractor
Fortis Visits The Acupuncturist
As for the food getting dry, are you storing it in an airtight container? Air destroys the nutrients in kibble, just as in any food. Always keep kibble in an airtight container or a sealed bag that doesn't let light in.
Sounds like you're doing all the right things by keeping his rowdiness under control and not letting him jump out of cars at all. Don't let it scare you, it's just preventative and will go very far in helping be around for a long, long time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
happy ampuversary charlie, and a big congrats for finishing your chemo. that was a major milestone for us, as the final treatments were very wearing on gayle. we just came back from our acupuncurist last night. both gayle and jane (her older sister) go about once every three weeks. we are positive this is helping both girls live a better, more painfree life. gayle LOVES going to see dr. bass, and always insists on being first for the needles. she 'zones out' during the treatment and really stays flexible and happy between visits. jane is going on 15, so she is treated for her hips and spine stiffness - we see great progress with the acupuncture treatments she gets as well. she is more mobile than this time last year, seems 'more chipper', and just has more lust for life. if you have the availability, and can afford to do it (it's about $60 each per visit here in ET), we say try it. now, it did take about a month to see continuing results, so it's not a one shot deal, but we'll keep doing it as long as the girls like it and it helps them. hugs to charlie!!
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
I would definitely recommend acupuncture! Most dogs initially go every 2-4 weeks and then you can spread out the treatments as needed. Tazzie went every 5-8 weeks for maintenance but my dog Kona needs it every 5 weeks for her severe arthritis. Even if you don't do the complete metronomic chemo I do think that meloxicam alone is still a good idea since it helps pain and inflammation and may have anti-tumor properties (decreases new blood vessels formation).
Also as a former Wisconsinite/Cheesehead I feel I have to say the Vikings STILL SUCK!!! Good luck with Brett and all of his problems....
Pam
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Just because I have to put both Charlie and Brett on an acupuncture / Metacam / Meloxicam regiment doesn't mean you have to get all judgemental!
Okay, I'm down with the acupuncture. We see her on Saturday and see what she says about timing. Now all I need is a big Viking win on Sunday. Romo's going down! 
Thanks to you all for sharing your experience with it! Helps a ton and I totally appreciate it (minus wayward cheesehead comments 
)!
"I don't know where I am."
OMG -
I'm so chuckling out loud!
Before you click into a post, you can hold your mouse over the little green arrow and read the last person's post without having to click in - not all of it just the first paragraph or so. I read your post VQ and I thought that a tripawd war had broken out!
All I saw was this:
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Just because I have to put both Charlie and Brett on an acupuncture / Metacam / Meloxicam regiment doesn't mean you have to get all judgemental!
And when you said "Brett" I thought you meant Fortis' dad!
Well, of course I had to click into the post to see who was having a war and why Brett was involved !
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Darnit - it was only an NFL war of words!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
cometdog said:
Well, of course I had to click into the post to see who was having a war and why Brett was involved !
I just skimmed through it the first time I read it, and thought the same thing - should I be frightened we have the same thoughts?
And for the quote - Surely we all know why Brett would be involved....because he's BRETT! (that's why we love ya dude)
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Okay, I'm really struggling here. I ended up bringing Charlie in this morning due to his mobility issues. He had the acupunture done, but again, wouldn't go up the stairs. I gave him a couple Tramadol on the landing. Finally got him up the stairs. He's been hanging with me, but then struggled to get up, so I helped him up. He could barely walk.
I am beside myself, not knowing what to do next. I just don't understand how his mobility could decline so fast!
Any thoughts, ideas or experiences with this? It's been a week. All other areas seem to be fine (eating, drinking, potty ((although runny)) sleeping). I cried this morning seeing how difficult it was for him to move. I am looking at renting a place (trying to find one, anyway!) that doesn't have steps, but if he's having this much difficulty now, I don't know if it's worth it.
Waiting for a call from the vet, but if I don't get anywhere, I might have to haul him to the U, if I can get him down the stairs and into the car. 
"I don't know where I am."
Hi VQ,
Congratulations on Charlie's 4-month ampuversary and last round of chemo! Those are great milestones to reach!
Sorry to hear that Charlie is struggling with mobility issues. What did the vet check Charlie for?
Keep us posted. We are all hoping for good news.
Charlie is adorable!
Spirit Honey's pack
Dx Osteosarcoma 3/31/10. Amputation 7/21/10. Honey put up a valiant fight and lost her battle 9/22/10. Missing her and treasuring 9 years with our Honeygurl.
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