Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I need some input. Wendel started deteriorating rapidly this pat week. He was started on Gabapentin yesterday, and things are continuing on the downward spiral. Wendel seems to be in less pain, but is sleeping non-stop. Do you think he just needs a couple of days to adjust to these new meds, or is this just the end? We also have tramadol, but the vet suggested that we start with the gabapentin and introduce the tramadol if needed.
I really hate this. I don't want to prolong his life unnecessarily, but I do not want to make the decision to say goodbye too soon. He has yet to miss a meal, and until we started the gabapentin he was still greeting us at the door and cuddling up with us on the couch.
My kids are 11 and 8...and they are really struggling with this. My son had his birthday a couple of weeks ago, and he keeps mentioning that the next family birthday will be Wendel's. We had a discussion with the kids that Wendel will likely not be here physically by the time his birthday rolls around. Wendel's 3rd birthday is February 1st, and they want to celebrate early...so I think we are going to do that tonight.
I forgot to mention Wendel is also on a small dose of meloxicam, which was started when he was diagnosed with lung mets in February. We called the yesterday and requested an additional analgesic as Wendel has been coughing and his remaining front limb has been giving him trouble (he has been gnawing on his leg, especially in the evenings).
Please ask to switch him to prednisone and torbutrol (can be expensive).
Prednisone will help reduce inflammation in the lungs/leg and torbutrol will control the coughing.
Hopefully the combination of meds will buy your sweet boy extra time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
I am so sorry, what a tough time for all of you. But I do think an early birthday party for Wendel is a great idea for the kids especially. Do share some photos, we would love to see them.
Meanwhile, I agree with Bender's mom. Pred and the Torbutrol (which I believe is in the same family as Albuterol, which our Jerry was prescribed), may help open his airways and help him breathe. The only thing is that 'washout' period between the nsaid and the prednisone, there needs to be a few days between switching. Ask your vet.
As for the gabapentin, yes it can make a dog sleepy for the first couple of weeks. What is the dosage you have him on? There was just a big gabapentin dosage discussion here.
If he is gnawing on his leg, that's usually a sign of pain. Will he let you apply ice to the area? Or do any gentle massage? That may help him feel more comfortable.
This is a hard time, knowing that his days are winding down, and it's difficult to gauge when it's "time." We have that discussion here quite often, and I usually point people to these two posts to get an idea of how to know for your particular dog.
Penny Jars Measure a Dog’s Quality of Life (this may be good for your kids to participate in)
How to Prepare for Pet Loss Before It Happens
Keep us posted and remember if you want to talk, the Tripawds Helpline is here for you too OK?
And give that handsome sweetie a big hoppy birthday smooch from all of us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so sorry to hear that Wendel is not doing well. You have already been given the best advise around, so I have nothing to add but I wanted you to know that we are thinking of you. You may see a huge turn around with the Pred and Torb. There are a few here that had good quality after the fluid was managed and it lasted for a while.
I think having an early pawty for Wendel is an excellent idea! It will give you a chance to celebrate his life with your kids and that will be a huge win for all of you. I am so very sorry, he is so young and so are your children. I guess this is where you really need to Be More Dog
(easier said than done) and celebrate each day as it comes. You have been an awesome advocate for your boy, and have shown your children what compassion and caring is. That will make them better adults. 
Good luck with medications and hopefully you will be able to keep him comfortable for a while. Please come back and lean on us for support, let us know how you are doing.
Hugs,
Jackie and Huck
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Thanks everyone.
We had his party last night...I will have to post pics later. Wendel was not himself...but did enjoy some treats.
I have a follow-up with the vet tomorrow, and we will discuss a med change. Wendel has a sensitivity to prednisone, so that will not be an option. He is currently taking gabapentin 300mg three times a day. He weighs approximately 65 pounds.
We are just taking it day by day. Last night was awful. His front leg is still paining him, and we found a lump near his spine. In February the vet suspected another osteo lesion in his remaining front limb, but we did not have it biopsied. I think we will add the tramadol tonight.
Wendel is so lucky to have such a wonderful family. You guys are the best any dog could ask for.
Sorry the pred isn't an option. I hope your vet can help with an alternative. I have no idea what but let us know what s/he suggests.
In the meantime, love that boy up. We are keeping all of you in our hearts.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Awww, just catching up on our beloved Wendell ❤
And yeah, the Gaba can make him drowsy. Wonder if maybe a dose of 300 just twice a day, especially introducing the Tramadol, would be worth checking out to see if he's less sleepy?
And maybe, with the Vet's approval, you can up the Meloxicam to two doses a day. That could help with the inflammation.
Glad you had a birthday pawty fot thst special boy❤ And ya' know what? The kids can make everyday from this point forward be a birthday for Wendall! That would mean every day he gets a special treat...a treat that's generally forbidden, like a scoop of ice cream, or a couple of M&M's! Bacon and cheese eggs, followed by some cupcakes with sprinkles and chocolate chip cookies🍳🥓🍨🍧🍪
This may be a bit tough for you, but as you think Wendell maybe getting closer to heading to the Rainbow Bridge (or Doggy Heaven) in the future (a long time from now), you can have the kids pack a little suitcase for him. They can put a couple of things they think he would want on his trip. And make sure they include some family pictures.
Sending you love and hugs
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!
benny55 said
Awww, just catching up on our beloved Wendell ❤And yeah, the Gaba can make him drowsy. Wonder if maybe a dose of 300 just twice a day, especially introducing the Tramadol, would be worth checking out to see if he's less sleepy?
And maybe, with the Vet's approval, you can up the Meloxicam to two doses a day. That could help with the inflammation.
Glad you had a birthday pawty fot thst special boy❤ And ya' know what? The kids can make everyday from this point forward be a birthday for Wendall! That would mean every day he gets a special treat...a treat that's generally forbidden, like a scoop of ice cream, or a couple of M&M's! Bacon and cheese eggs, followed by some cupcakes with sprinkles and chocolate chip cookies🍳🥓🍨🍧🍪
This may be a bit tough for you, but as you think Wendell maybe getting closer to heading to the Rainbow Bridge (or Doggy Heaven) in the future (a long time from now), you can have the kids pack a little suitcase for him. They can put a couple of things they think he would want on his trip. And make sure they include some family pictures.
Sending you love and hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
The idea of packing a suitcase made me tear up. It is a wonderful idea 🙂
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