TRIPAWDS: Home to 25302 Members and 2182 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Tripawd Heroes

Forums Locked: Search archives for answers & join Tripawds Support Circle to keep discussion going!

Lost password?
Advanced Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
The forums are currently locked and only available for read only access
sp_Feed sp_TopicIcon-c
The beginning of the end
This forum is locked
27 April 2009
7:29 am
MI
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 32
Member Since:
6 October 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

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.  Crying

27 April 2009
9:44 am
On The Road

Team Tripawds

Administrators
Forum Posts: 35
Member Since:
25 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

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

27 April 2009
10:13 am

Vet Expert

Vets

Members
Forum Posts: 2203
Member Since:
23 August 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

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

29 April 2009
9:26 am
MI
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 32
Member Since:
6 October 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

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.

Crying  My heart is slowly breaking.

Sherri

29 April 2009
11:07 am
On The Road

Team Tripawds

Administrators
Forum Posts: 35
Member Since:
25 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

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

30 April 2009
7:37 am
MI
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 32
Member Since:
6 October 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

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 Smile

30 April 2009
3:21 pm
My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 3754
Member Since:
28 November 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

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.

1 May 2009
9:18 am
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 42
Member Since:
14 January 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

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

4 May 2009
8:20 am
MI
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 32
Member Since:
6 October 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Thank you all for your kind thoughts.

Sherri & Dex.

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 119
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
eurydice: 6646
cometdog: 4344
paws120: 3465
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1292
Members: 18754
Moderators: 4
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18945
Posts: 259686
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG