Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well, Dexter just passed her 7 month amupversary (last Thurs.) and needless to say, I was very happy and proud of her accomplishments. Two days later I noticed that she started breathing a little louder, was much more tired (laying around a lot) and by this morining (Monday) when I let her outside to go potty, she went, then layed on the ground and it took a little clapping to get her attn. to come back in. Once inside, she ate a few treats...thats it. I can tell in her eyes that it is the beginning of the end. She doesn't appear to be in pain (yet), but I was wondering what, if anything, the vet could do for her to perhaps make her transition smooth and prepare for the inevidible pain/discomfort which I fear is right around the corner. We don't want to have her go thru all the xrays, tests, etc.... just make her more comfortable.
Boy, I am NOT ready for this. 
Prednisone helped Jerry with his breathing, appetite and endurance during his final weeks. Albuterol did not work well for us. But I'm no vet. I'm sure Pam will have some professional advice.
We are never "ready" but as Jerry slowed down I started this thread about preparing for the loss of a loved pet that helped. Best wishes to you and Dexter. Thank you for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I would at least consider a single chest xray to get an idea of what you are dealing with. Some dogs have just 1 met (like Jerry) and others have lots of small ones. Prednisone is the drug that is most likely to help your dog if you are indeed treating lung mets. Sometimes dogs just have down days then rebound so maybe Dexter is still met-free!
Pam and Tazzie
Thank you for your replies. The vet put her on Prednisone. She's only been on it for 1.5 days and I already see a slight improvement in her activity level and her eyes. She has been eating, although still not much. We have to hand-feed her a little, then her taste buds get fired up and she'll eat some. It's better than nothing. At this point, we're giving her any food that she wants and believe it or not, spaghetti is her fav right now. 🙂 Her little heart still pounds and her breathing is labored; the days of walks are pretty much over, but she's not in pain and still wants to go outside and enjoy the sun and breeze.
My heart is slowly breaking.
Sherri
It's good to hear she's improving. Yeah, anything you can get her to eat is better than nothing. Spoil her rotten, she deserves it.
I agree with TazzieDog though; a chest x-ray will help put your mind at ease. There have been lots of Tripawds here who have rebounded after showing signs like this, and many who lived for several months after mets were found. All dogs are different, we all just stay hopeful.
As hard as it is to walk toward this part of your journey together, there are still so many lessons that Dexter will teach you. Keep your heart open to what she is trying to share, and know that she appreciates all that you do for her. Enjoy the moments in the sun together, and all the little things that make each of you so happy.
{{{hugs}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for referring me to your blog. Oftentimes I forget that the answer to my questions are found in your blog. Dexter's symptoms are almost identical to what Jerry went through.
Yesterday, Dex was almost "back to normal"...eating, playing, etc. although she still tires easily. Her breathing isn't as labored anymore. That prednisone really works, but it's hard not to be lulled into thinking that maybe she isn't as bad as I had originally thought. She goes back to the vet next week and I'll have her xrayed to see exactly what is going on with her lungs.
I know that excessive thirst is a side-effect of the drug and we let her out to go potty frequently, especially before bedtime, but the past 2 nights she wet the bed. I'm going to get some doggie pads, but do you know if there's anything (hate to put her on another pill, but I will if I have to) that would help eleviate this?
Thanks.
**also, many thanks for your kind words and continued support 
I'm glad you decided to do the x-ray next week. I'm a big believer in knowing what you are dealing with, so you know what your real options are. I'll be thinking of you and Dex and wishing you both the very best.
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.
Good and bad days just seem to be a tragic hallmark of this disease. I know we have been on this rollercoaster for quite a while ourselves especially in the days leading up to the diagnosis and amputation then again in the two weeks after the amputation. And I know what Dexter is going through is in our future also. My thoughts are with you as you enjoy each day with him, and I hope there are many more.
Jane and Ember
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