Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I am so sorry. I had a similar situation with my 4-legged dog Kona. She had an intestinal tumor that I resected but it did regrow. I monitored it with ultrasound but it did rupture and it was nice to know what to look for. When that day came she was just a little more tired than usual and it was hard for her to get up and walk. Her gums were very pale so I knew what to do. We were able to get over 1 year with her and I hope you can get a lot more quality time with Rumbles. He looks like a fun dog!
Pam
Although I posted seperately about saying good bye to Rumbles, I wanted to complete this thread for anyone who might be experiencing splenic tumors.
By the time that Rumbles' splenic tumor was found, he had been experiencing bouts of anemia for about 6 months. His bloodwork showed typical anemic counts and also 'immature cells' indicating that something was interfering with cell production. He had no palpable tumors and his chest x-rays were clear.
On 'down days' when the anemia was affecting him, his gums would become light pink and he would barely have energy to walk. We'd call the vet, he'd tell us to give him 1 tramadol, let him rest and bring him in if it got worse. Rums would sleep the day away and the next morning, he'd be back to normal, gums flushed with color and with much more energy. These down days didn't happen often. Really no more than 4 days in those first 6 months and never more than one day at a time.
In December, the splenic tumor was found. When we decided against surgery, our vet advised of possible scenarios. First, that the tumor could rupture quickly. He said that if the tumor ruptured in a sudden, extreme manner, that there would be massive internal bleeding and death would be quick, probably with no time to even get him to the animal hospital. Second, the tumor could rupture slowly, with small tears that could cause slow internal bleeding. He said this could look like the anemia episodes, so that we should not leave him alone if he had these symptoms and that we should bring him in to the vet office or animal hospital if his condition worsened. Third, he said that the type of tumor that he suspected (hemangio) could eventually spread to the heart. At this point, I didn't want to hear anymore. We went home with our boy, crying.
From December to April, we took care of the old dog. He got whatever he wanted...steak, french fries, pickles, bagels. We took short walks that made him really tired, but he was still SO happy to go for 'walkies' that I couldn't say no. We went to his favorite park where he loved to watch the kids at the playground. He rolled in the dry winter grass, happy as could be. He had a few bouts anemic 'down days'. Every time it happened, we went into 'this is it' mode, keeping a very close eye on him, looking for any signs of distress. He bounced back again and again, just as he had before the tumor was discovered.
But on April 2nd, he woke up around 1am and threw up as soon as he stood up. Immediately after, he lost control of his bladder. We rushed him outside and he immediately walked behind the garage (where he NEVER went before) and wouldn't come back to the house. I went out and coaxed him back into the house. He was wobbly and weak, but his eyes were clear and alert and his gums were pink. I carried him back up to his bed. He got up and laid down on the rug instead (again, something he never did). He fell deeply asleep, snoring loudly. I rested lightly and when the sun came up, checked on him again. He was still sleeping soundly. I had an important meeting at work, so I went in and my husband stayed home. Around noon, we spoke on the phone and acknowledged that this was the day we had been dreading and we must do what we promised we would do. I called the vet; he was getting ready to close early, but said that he'd wait for us. As soon as the vet saw Rumbles, he said, 'You're right, it's time'...with tears in his eyes.
Rebecca, thanks for the final chapter. I don't know if it was hard for you to write it or cathartic, but thank you.
I think we had the 1.5 experience out of the ones you named as possibilities. Dakota's did not rupture enough to cause death within minutes, but it was much more severe than just a down day. I will reiterate something I've said many times: I am so glad (relieved) that you had warning, that you had knowledge for what to look for.
Hemangiosarcoma or any splenic mass is a sneak thief that comes in the night and whisks away life. I so wanted someone to be able to say "Ha! I didn't let you do that so I beat you." Rumbles got to do it. He had time and fun and pleasure, and you got to have him several more months. I think you will not take it wrong when I say I am so grateful that Rumbles won that hand. The thief did not steal this time. Not this dog.
If you were here, or I were there, I would give you a great big hug. This can be exhausting businesses. I hope you and your family are taking care of yourselves now. And what about Sugar Cookie? How is she on her own?
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Rebecca, it's good to hear from you, I hope that all those good memories with Rumbles are bringing you and your family comfort.
Thank you so much for taking time to come back here and share the rest of his journey with us. I know this couldn't be easy, and the fact that you found the courage to do so really says a lot about your character. Your strength in sharing the stories of how this condition progressed will go on to help others someday.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all you've done to show the world that dogs have so much more courage and strength in the face of adversity than most humans think possible. Rumbles was one in a million, we will miss him dearly.
Hugs to you and your pack...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
If you were here, or I were there, I would give you a great big hug. This can be exhausting businesses. I hope you and your family are taking care of yourselves now. And what about Sugar Cookie? How is she on her own? Shari
Thanks, Shari. It is exhausting. I still find myself on 'high alert'; waking up in the night to listen for his breathing (loud snore), calling my husband to ask how Rumbies is doing, walking in the front door and immediately turning toward his cushion, letting Sugar out of the back door and skipping a beat while I wait for Rumbles to follow behind her, and the worst...feeling his abdomen and ribs change shape as the tumor grew. I know these auto-thoughts will taper off over time. But right now, they still create a jolt of pain that runs right through me.
Speaking of Sugar, she hasn't shown any signs of noticing that he's gone. It upsets me a bit, but they weren't really a 'bonded pair'. His bond was with Punchie and when she died, he looked for her for about two weeks...making rounds in the house looking into one room after the other. There was no doubt what he was doing. With Sugar, no such behavior. But memories of Rumbies and Punchie do help me so much in this painful time. I imagine the two of them together again, snuggling in their favorite 'pile of Boxers' position.
"I know this couldn't be easy, and the fact that you found the courage to do so really says a lot about your character. Your strength in sharing the stories of how this condition progressed will go on to help others someday."
Dog strength. You know.
After Rumbles was gone, our vet said, "He fought so hard to stay with you. I've never seen a dog fight harder than he did."
I tink Rumbles of his strength from his mom and he knew when it was time, He knew, no matter how are the decision to let go, you would give him the ultimate gift of love.
It's a though he said"Let me do a few things I NEVER o, just to make sure they get the message!". His sense of humor till shining through!
He and Sugar had a bond maybe more on an "energy level". Dogs have a will to live and no fear when they no it's time to transcend this life, this energy field. Sugar knew he needed to go and she knows his energy is still hanging around to help you. You still feel his presence because he is still with you. Your connection will NEVER be broken.
We know there re no words of comfort now. Just know his light will always shine brightly, his love for you and your love for Rumbles will sustain you .
Wanting to push away the tears and knowing we cannot......but sending you all our love, Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Hi Rebecca,
Shari sent me the link to this thread so that I could read and learn from it. I am dealing with much the same thing all a sudden with my dog Nesta. Sounds like you were a little better informed than I have been, as I learned a lot from reading the longer post you wrote. We are in the middle of this horrible bizzare fight that just came to our knowledge on Monday. He was already overcoming Osteosarcoma, so the Vet can't tell me if it's that or a new cancer. Eithe way, he has two large, grapefruit sized tumors on his spleen and smaller ones on his liver, and he is definitely in anemia mode....so weak, so so weak. I've been home by his side for three days, and each day is worse. I think the end is near, and I need to make the decision quick to have someone come here and do the deed. I don't want him to be like this anymore. But, I can't get over the HOPE that it will get better and he will cheer up - like Rumbles did so many times. But this has lasted for almost a week now...getting worse daily.
Would you mind if we talked?
Thanks,
Kassi
Kassi,
I hope you don't mind me sticking my nose in....I saw your post and want to reach out to you.
Follow your Instincts, and make sure Nesta isn't in distress. It's so hard to say good-bye to them, so hard to have to make the decision, but I don't want to see you in a position where Nesta is in such bad shape that its a emergency.
Obviously you're with him and know how he's doing, so only you can judge whether its time. Please don't think I'm telling you it's time. I'm not because I don't know. I do know that I waited too long with Willow, that the vets who examined her, even the one who saw her the day before, didn't think she was that bad. But then she went into distress, and it was an emergency, and it wasn't how I wanted her life to end. I just want to share that with you so you don't end up in the situation that I was. In my heart I knew something was really wrong with Willow, but was waiting for confirmation from a vet.
I post this hoping you understand it's to support you and send you love and strength. Whatever you decide to do, and whenever you decide to do it, I and this community will be here to support you.
Carol
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