Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My beautiful dog had her leg amputated about 2 months ago she has Osteosarcoma, we thought she she was OK but suffering from depression as she wouldn't get out of her bed, didn't want to eat much and generally not interested in anything. I took her to the vets, she had blood tests and everything seemed fine. We went on holiday 4/08/12 and returned today 17/08/12 and the the tumor has come back, in 2 weeks it has grown the the size of a small football she seems OK, wagging her tail, quite happy to go for a walk, but sleeping a lot . We will manage her pain but in the end it will grow too big and she will have to be put to sleep. I love her so much but I know the "end" is coming soon. We love our dogs don't we?????
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I am very sorry to hear this news. Unfortunately, we are going through the exact same thing with Zeus right now, so I truly do understand how you feel. Love her lots and make as many special memories as you can during the time you have left with her. Just recently when I posted about our situation, a member on here reminded me that there will be time for grieving later and how much I will miss out on if I spend the time being sad now. Try to enjoy the time you have left and please know that you are in my thoughts.
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
I too am sorry for everything you both are going through, but we too are in the same boat:( It is a crazy roller coaster - I have to admit and being an Oncology nurse I couldn't figure out, why it has caused me this much stress. I have had sick relatives and they passed away, but all I could think was - what the heck is my problem and then one night while I laid there watching Sweetpea sleep- thinking this was her last night, it came to me. My patients or family members have for the most part, been able to say- hey I cant do this anymore and then we stop treatment and make what ever precious time they have left- as comfortable as possible. That is my issue- making a decision without her input- what if we decide too soon and we missed time with her or what if we wait a little too long and if she even suffers a minute - I will feel so guilty.
She was diagnosed over 10 weeks ago, amputation soon after and found mets to random areas x2 -5 weeks later. Chest x ray still clear, no chemo and you wouldn't actually know she was as sick as she is. Her lumps are just under her skin, but she doesn't seem to be even aware of them. She just in the last few days- seem to be able to sleep a little better. We are just awesome tripawd parents and love our precious furbabies and I for one - am so grateful for the support this site offers.
I am so sorry to hear your bad news. Cancer really sucks! Lisa gives really good advice. Try to put your grief in the background and focus on enjoying every precious second with your beautiful dog. Take lots of photos and video. Truely live in the moment with them and enjoy your special bond. Don't let the cancer rob you of the time you have left together. You have plenty of time to grieve later.
Thinking of you and sending you lots of hugs
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Andrea, I'm so sorry. I can't imagine the shock of coming home to a tumor that size. I know this is just heartbreaking.
What did the vet say about the tumor? Is it another osteosarcoma tumor? It's unusual for that to happen (but of course cancer will do what it wants oftentimes, it's so unpredictable).
My heart goes out to you and your family. I agree with Zeus, take this time to cherish every moment you have together, there will be plenty of time for tears later on. We will be here to support you throughout this part of your journey, so feel free to come back and post when you feel like it.
Many, many hugs coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry you are at this stage of the journey. It's so hard. As others said, take lots of pictures and be sure you are in them too!
Hang in there.
Jackie, angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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