Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our pup has been full of so many surprises the past few weeks. Last night we received another one. We could tell something was different, Charlie was a little more lethargic and breathing kind of heavy. After taking him to the vet this morning we learned that the cancer has spread to his lungs, and there's not much time left.
We are staying strong, though we know the worse is to come. Not sure what to expect, but writing about it helps. Thanks for reading!
Hey guys I'm really sorry to hear this {{{{Hugs}}}}. I'm in the chat room right now if you want to talk.
What kind of mets are there? What size? Many or just one or two? And did your vet recommend anything to help slow down the growth? When we found out Jerry had mets we put him on metronomics and got seven more quality months together. I'm guessing your vet directed you down a similar path to take but if not let us know and we'll give you some ideas for ways to cope and hopefully slow down those nasty buggers.
Hugs to all of you. Stay strong and remember, Charlie doesn't know what the x-rays said and he doesn't care about the prognosis. Mets or not, he still doesn't have a time stamp on his butt!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh I am so sorry to hear about the mets. But like Jerry said ... Charlie doesn't know ... he just knows love. We had mets and there are others here that had them that lived for a while after. I am not a vet so I don't know but I wanted to offer my support!
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
I am so sorry to hear this! This whole tripawd nation has you in a huge group hug! Do you feel the love and support? Now you take one day at a time, no no don't think about tomorrow take today and love Charlie to the moon and back and spoil him silly. Make precious memories with Charlie that will make you smile some tomorrow in the future. Take each today you have and live it and love it. Tomorrow will come but not today! Not today!
Love and hugs
Linda & Max
I am so sorry to read that Charlie has been dx'x with lung mets...now your time with him becomes even more precious...a time to cherish every single minute and pile up memories to hold onto forever. As others have already said, Charlie has no idea of this new development and as long as he has you to love him his days will be full and happy. Know that we all hold you and Charlie in our hearts.
Trini and Sketch
Not sure how many, the vet pointed out a bunch of white spots on the x-ray, it was all kind of a blur. I think their bigger concern is the foggy white they see in his lungs. Apparently fluid. We were supposed to receive a call from the oncologist once she looked at it, but we are still waiting on that call.
Gosh...just in shock. Charlie jas been doing soooooooo well!
Guess I have more questions than answers a d feel like steps can be taken to continue some quality time. Did the vet mention draining the fluid?
I'm certainly no vet, vut it appears the fluid is what's causing the immediate concern and discomfort, right? If he didn't have that fluid, you wouldn't even know about the mets. The video you just posted recently shows that he was feeling great! Some get good extended quality time by draining the fluid. Jackson was one of those dogs.
I'm sending you love...we are all sending you love...and hoping for the best for Charlie, whatever that may be.
We are all here for you and with you. Charlie his so special to us all.
(((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
This is the information we got from the vet:
Charlie was presented for an increase respiratory effort and rate noted last night. He did not want to eat this morning or last night, but took a treat this morning. He has been more lethargic. Today his temperature is 103.2 (normal 99-102.5). On exam today we found that Charlie has neck pain. We also take chest xrays given his history and clinical signs. Unfortunately the xrays show spread of the cancer to Charlie's chest. A brief ultrasound did not show any significant amount of fluid that can be removed at this time. These findings were discussed with Charlie's oncologist. We have decided to try to make him as comfortable as possible until he is really not feeling well.
So it sounds like the fluid in the lungs is not a major factor. They have put us on Tramadol every 8 hours, and pdesterone every 12 hours. Charlie is breathing heavy and pretty lethargic but otherwise himself. Still able to go for short walks, though he has been tripping quite a bit more.
I know it is so difficult seeing that bend in the road getting closer and closer. I don't have any sage advice other than to listen to your heart and listen to Charlie. He'll let you know when enough is enough. In the meantime, just love him and let him love you.
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Well dang, I'm sorry. From what I understand the "snowflake" kind of lung mets are more difficult to obliterate with any type of intervention. But, the good news is that the fluid isn't presenting a problem. Do you mean he's on prednisone? If you are interested in looking into any type of holistic remedies to keep him comfortable, we have some good info about coping with lung mets here and here that might help.
Charlie is still loving each moment to the max. This is the time when you really learn how much every good day is icing on the cake. Let's see some photos of your adorable guy!
Give him a smooch from us and don't hesitate to ask if you need anything OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I think you'll find the meds will help Charlie. The fact that the fluid is not an immediate concern is e encouraging.
When my Happy Hannah got mets, she definitely tired easily and did have a cha ge in ner breathing lattern...BUT...she wasn't in any realmpaina dn, although a little "u comfortable" so etimes, she thoroughly enjoyed lounging around being a couch potato soaking up non-stop @oving and spoiling...and ice cream and steak..and any dang thing she wanted!!
STAY IN THE MOMENT!!! Let. nothing rob you of your time together or interfere with staying in the NOW with Charlie!! Charlie is with you today, and will be with you tomorrow. And all you need to do is keep taking it one day at a time...just like Charlie! Your love for Charlie is so great, so strong, you WILL stay fully present with him savoring the bliss!
We all fell in @ove with Charlie from his first post. He's such a special boy...so very special! We are here with you every step of the way.
Surrounding you with all our love...
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Thank you all so much! It's been so helpful knowing we have such an amazing support group here. He's doing pretty good today.. He was at the end of our bed standing and wagging his tail ready to go outside. From what Max said he was galloping down the hallway, and he had to chase after him. I know it's the medicine doing it's job of having him feel better, and I know that we have to take it one day at a time. Charlie will let us know when it's time. For now here are a few pics form this weekend:
Love you all, and thank you again!
Beautiful! Thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
WAY TO ROCK THOSE MEDS CHARLIE!!! .Making my day over here sweet boy!!
I knew you would feel better...and you knew you would feel better...and now your Mommand Dad know it!!! We humans just worry a lot sometimes.
GRRRRRRREAT picture of a GRRRRREAT dog!!!!!!!!
I love how Charlie told you he was ready to start his today....tail jist a wggin' and an energy that said let's fo enjoy life!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to update. And sure, he may have a day or so here and there where he's not quite as perky. Those are the days he just laus around so he can get tummy rubs and a dish of ice cream...with sleinkles!!
Love and hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
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