Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I want to say that I have been sad most of the day but reading this forum has made me actually feel better about what will probably transpire in the coming week or so. So many comforting stories and so much love on this web site. Thank you so much!
Our sweet Lego (short for Legolas - we had a Strider too at one point) has had lung mets for three months. He was on Leukeran for a while, which may have slowed the growth but wasn't stopping it. Given that it still doubled in size despite the pricey Leukeran, we elected for palliative care at this point (he's 18 months post-amp and turns 13 on Thursday).
He has always been the most spirited Tripawd - seems like nothing could stop him. But now he seems to have gone and deaf within the last three weeks and lumps are popping up all over his body. I am not sure we expected blind, deaf and confused from his disease. Some days are great - last Saturday on the farm he followed us everywhere and walked all over the place. Tonight not so much; he refused to walk anywhere in my son's apartment building, which on the tile i understood but not the carpeted hallways...Needless to say, my son was heartbroken - he's had this dog more than half his life.
It's hard to tell if he's in any pain; he has always been such a stoic dog.
He's still eating all his food and drinking water without any prompting, and has not had any seizures, which is why he is still with us. He's getting a Frosty Paw now nearly daily and some really good scraps. Lifting him into the tailgate tonight, I thought he's actually gaining weight!
He's been such a good dog. He was a rescue who had been left at a veterinarian's office at 8 months. I didn't exactly think we needed a second dog, but he turned out to be the most loyal, loving and devoted guy.
I am thankful that we have had 19 great months -- and they have been great; he is the poster child for successful amputation, chemo and metronomic protocol -- we have been so lucky. This is just, really, the hardest part. 
I'm so sorry. This is, as you say, the hardest, hardest part. Lego sounds like a fabulous dog (that avatar pic is ADORABLE!) and he's certainly fought a great fight. It's great that he is still eating and drinking because that allows you to spoil him rotten and enjoy these precious days together. I love the fact he is gaining weight with all the treats he's getting! When the time comes, we will be here for you, so please stay connected. There is, as you say, so much love and support here, and from people who really do understand. I lost my beloved Billie ten years ago this month. It's a loss I still feel very much, but as time has gone by it's the joy of the time we spent together that I think of far more than the pain of the ending.
Sending you love and a massive hug,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
It is hard to remember when you are facing the ending, but a 19 month bonus round, and more than 3 months after lung mets, well, that is pretty wonderful and amazing. Legolas, though, is clearly one amazing dog. It is wonderful that he is eating and drinking well, still and those are positives to keep in mind as you navigate these tough days.
Sending you love and light and strength. Hoping Lego, the true warrior, has a little more time with you all so you can better prepare your hearts.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
We've only recently our sweet Murphy, so this decision is fresh in my mind. You're right, it's never an easy one to make. Murphy didn't have any mets, even 4 years after amputation! But another cancer did get him, hemangiosarcoma. He also was still eating ... his final weekend, he ate every day. My husband was opening a package to make a sandwich & Murphy's head popped up ..he wanted some! But he was off ..he had to be coaxed outside and then he would just plop down on the deck ..he didn't potty at all that day..his belly seemed a bit swollen ..he was panting a little bit ... labs & x-rays at the vet's showed the tumor and low blood count. My husband was feeling guilty for a little while about our decision, but it truly was out of our hands. We know that we gave Murphy a good life, we loved him, we spoiled him, we held him and took our other dogs to be with him at the end. And we made our decision out of love, not convenience, not what would be easiest for us, but love and what would be best for him.
13 year old dogs sometimes start to lose their hearing (our Cassie will be 13 next month & is also having a harder time hearing sometimes). They also have a harder time walking. Some days Lego might need a pain pill, that's ok .. he's using different muscles & he's old - we all have aches & pains as we get older! You have given Lego a great life and you love him, as does your son. And Lego loves you, too, which is why he keeps going on. So when the time is right, you will make your decision out of love, and Lego will know that, too.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Such a difficult time. I wish the best for you & the coming days. Lego is one handsome dude & it's easy to tell how loved he's been. Just keep in loving & spoiling him ❤️
Joining in with your tripawd family to surround you with our love, our support, out hugs and our true understanding...an understanding that no one else can really have unless you've been in this journey.
As Pofi and others have said, it's hard to focus on the amazing and wonderful victories Legolas and you jave shared!! LEGO IS A TRUE INSPIRATION!!
As Donna said, certainly part of what you are seeing is the aging process of a thirteen yr old dog in his twilight. A senior who has been on three legs getting close to two uears...a senior whonjasnhsd seizures and a senior who has mets! LEGO IS TRULY AN AMAZING INSPIRATION FOR ANYONE ON THIS JOURNEY!!
You know your Legolas better than anyone. Every dog has different ways of letting you know they are no longer finding any joy in earth clothes that no longer serve them. Just like Donna's beloved Murphy, Happy Hannah was not about to miss a meal regardless of how she felt! So for her, using the fact that she would NEVER turn down food was not a gauge I used to determine her quality.
As Clare said, it is good though that Lego still ENJOYS his meals and his treats! Thst means you can keep on using food as a way to spoil him! He will find it absolutely delightful to get any kind of food anytime he wants! It spunds like a bit of pain medicine and staying on nonslip rugs can continue to help. Just one or twonslips in vinyl can cause soreness and stiffness for days. You might ask the Vet about Rimadyl too, in attention to the Trmadol.
Stay connected. We are all withnyou sending strength and peace and clarity...and all our love.
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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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