Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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February has been a big month. Wendel turned 2 years old on the 1st...and we celebrated! February 3rd was his 6 month ampuversary...but was not the happy day we hoped for. Wendel had not been himself for a few days, but suddenly he was falling and using his chin to get up. We were hoping he had just injured his remaining front limb, and thought rest and meloxicam would do the trick. Today we had x-rays and Wendel was diagnosed with lung mets and possibly the return of osteosarcoma in his remaining front limb.
The good news is with the meloxicam he is back to being a happy pup! We want to enjoy our remaining time with him. The vet did not really give us a prognosis.
My son is 10 and my daughter is 8. We thought Wendel would be their buddy to grow up with. Does anyone have suggestions to help children through all of this?
Ohhhhh I'm so sorry to hear this, what a heartbreaker. You do sound like you have a good attitude as far as making the most of every day, and that will carry you far with helping your kids cope.
I don't have two-legged kids but I know others here who do can help you in that department. We have reviewed several books about kids and coping with loss, click on the link for some ideas.
P.S. Did the vet do x-rays on his front limb?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you...I will check out that link.
We had x-rays of the chest and front limb yesterday. The x-rays of the front limb appeared similar to the ones we saw last year of his amputated limb...so the vet is suspicious, but without a biopsy we would not know for sure. We have decided that since Wendel is only 2 and has spent half of his life undergoing procedures/recovering, it is time for him to just have love and cuddles.
ALRIGHT MR ADORABLE WENDEL, WE HAVE SOME HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR YOU!!! ICE CREAM AND CAKE AND THEN SOME STEAK!! 🙂 🙂 Yes, in that order too!!!
I just HAVE to say this, and I say it with a genuine and sincere belief: Based on all the misdiagnosis in the past for Wendel, he .ay NOT have osteo in that leg. The fact that the Meloxicam cleared things up for him so quickly just may be a good sign! The fact that psteo rarely goes to another limb may be a statistic in his favor!! The fact that his lung xrays are clear is definitely a good sign!!
Based on that, and this is just my penny's worth, I wouldn't say anything to the kids at this point!! If...not when...but IF signs of deteriorating health do ever show up, then you can maybe have that talk about the Bridge.
Your commitment to letting Wendel continue to be Wendel and ro continue to enjoy is puppyhood is spot on!! It jist lights up my world to hear how well he's doing and how much he is enjoying being Wendel!!
Now you know we MUST have pictures of the birthday boy!!
Werew all cheering for you Wendel! And we're a noisy group so you can probably hear us cheer all the way to your house!! 🙂
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!
Thanks Sally. But just to clarify...yes Wendel has lung mets. He has one large tumour and a few smaller ones in his lungs. 6 months ago he did not have any evidence of lung mets, but on the X-ray yesterday mets was detected. The vet said we would have to come back in a month for a follow-up x-ray to help determine prognosis...but I think we are done with the all that now.
Oh, okay. missed that about the mets.
HOWEVER, I do want to add that Wendel apparently is sympton free at this point. What that means is, should symptoms start to show up, there ARE non-invasive meds that can help to continue a good quality for your Wendel. Prednisone is one used if he shows any change in breathing pattern and needs to be more comfortable.
My Happy Hannah got some great extended quality time after a baseball size met was discovered. Sassy Sugar Bear got almost eight months extended quality time after mets were discovered.
I didn't really pursue anything either after Hannah's met. As symptoms appeared, I merely did things like the Pred and some Tramadol to continue her comfort and quality. She never coughed, but some added a cough med to their arsenal as needed. So yeah, none of this requires Vet visits, poking, prodding, xrays, etc. It only requires the freedom for Wendel to continue to be spoiled and loved at home with his family!! 🙂 That's the best treatment of all.
Lots of love to all
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!
Glad to hear they did the x-rays on the front leg. I'm so sorry! Stupid cancer. Grrr.
Wow, more than half his life...poor kid. I agree that at this point, it's all about quality of life. Wendell was unlucky when it came to cancer but he was very lucky to have such good humans to help him through it. Keep on doing what you're doing and being a good example to your kids, you're on the right track.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry for Wendel and your family. Sometimes the only choice we have left is to quit the good fight and just take each day as it comes. Cancer may steal your tomorrows but it can't take your today's. Make each day full to the brim with love as you are already doing. Wendel may have drawn the short straw on life but he drew the long straw when he got you as his family. He will have known love every day of his life. Children are more knowing than we give them credit for. They're strong and resilient. When the time comes closer for Wendel I would share "The Rainbow Bridge" poem with them. It'll let them know that they'll see Wendel again someday and know he's going to an awesome place and he'll never forget them. Sending you light and hugs...know our hearts hurt for you all. ❤️
Linda & Spirit Mighty Max
linda8115 said
Wendel may have drawn the short straw on life but he drew the long straw when he got you as his family. He will have known love every day of his life.
EXACTLY Linda! Wendell wouldn't change a thing
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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