Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I am crying my eyes out as I type this. My baby Bandit is close to the end. He was only diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 4 months ago and we did everything we could do for him. They could barely tell her had cancer at first and it took 3 weeks doing a more invasive procedure to conclude it was cancer. We did amputation (and he did great) and he has had 4 rounds of chemo (and seemed to be doing good.) Unfortunately he started kind of coughing a few days ago and had some blood come up today. We took him to the vet and they did updated chest X-rays and his cancer has metastasized. I am not sure how much longer I have with him. Our vet said we will know when it’s time for him to go. How have people dealt with this? I was hoping we would at least get a good year with him living a happy life, but his cancer just spread so fast. I can’t stomach the thought of being without him, but I also don’t want him to be in pain. Hug your dogs closer tonight.
Absolutely stunned to read this. We understand the shock of getting this news, especially when bandit has been doing so well.
Even though this is a kick in the gut, this does not mean it's the end yet, okay? There are many dogs who have gotten good extended quality time even with mets. Jerry was one of them.
First of all, other than the cough, how is Bandit doing overall? Is he eating, drinking, overall happy?
When you can catch your breath, speak to your vet about various treatments available. First of all, you want to get the cough under control as best you can. He can prescribe cough medicines for that. Prednisone can be described to help keep the inflammation in his lungs down. That is another protocol to continue to help keep him comfortable and keep his quality of life good. Did the vet mention palladia? That's an at home treatment that some dogs seem to respond to.
My apologies for a quick response, but at least wanted to get this off to you quickly. I'll come back later and do some search or others can chime in and help out, but are options you can try.
Meaning extra hugs and extra smooches for sweet bandit.
Sally and alumni happy hannah, Mary 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!
Julia I'm so sorry! This news knocks us to our knees, and it's especially hard when it happens so soon after amputation. My heart hurts for you and Bandit. This is hard, but right now, remember that he is still the same dog, with the same love for you he always had. He is still looking to you for leadership and direction, so try your hardest to be present and save the tears for some other day, hopefully one that is very far away.
As far as knowing when it's time...there are definitely signs to watch out for. He will get more tired, and probably not want to eat anything. The coughing is another sign. Your job is to not let things get to the point where he is so uncomfortable he has no quality of life. There is a saying that goes "Better a day too soon than a day too late" to say goodbye, and it is so true. Folks who seem to have the hardest time coping with loss are the ones who feel guilt over waiting too long to make that final appointment.
Did your vet recommend a hospice vet? If not, this is a good time to connect with one. They are amazing, and so compassionate. A hospice vet can guide you on ways to keep him comfortable, how to know exactly when to call them for that last visit, etc. Here are some of our posts about hospice care. If you would like help finding one to call, message me your location and I will do the research.
I hope this helps. Please check in with us OK? You and Bandit are not alone.
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