Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm hoping someone out there has some advice. My Chance is nearly 1 year post ampawtation, 6 months post chemo and was doing great. But a little over a week ago he stopped eating. He can be a picky eater so I figured he's just going through one of his phases so I prepared his normal go-to picky eater meals...boiled chicken, rice and veggies; or scrambled eggs and turkey bacon. Off an on he'd eat a little but nothing like a "meal". I took him to his normal vet last week and they ran a blood panel, but nothing abnormal. They gave me some appetite stimulants (Entyce and Cerenia) but they didn't really seem to help. He was due to a check-up with his oncologist so I moved it up so his oncologist could take a look. His appointment was this past Tuesday and thankfully his Xrays are clear, she found no indications of the cancer coming back. He does seem to be showing some stiffness in his hind legs (front left was amputated) so we put him on gabapentin to see if that would help. The oncologist offered to do a sonogram of his stomach to see if there was something going on but we opted to see how he did on the Gabapentin first. I don't know if it's too soon to tell, but he just wants to sleep. If I leave the room, sometimes he'll come look for me but not usually. Plus I'm trying to limit his movement in case he is in pain.
I made some flank steak for him last night and he ate some of that, but this morning he just doesn't want to eat. I tried taking him for a walk (I walk, he strolls in his buggy) to see if that would cheer him up. Still not eating. I'm going to call the vet/oncologist as I'm concerned that something else is going on, but I'm just at a loss.
I appreciate any thoughts, similar experiences, recommendations.
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
First, I want to say YAY that Chance is almost to his one year ampuversary! That is PAWESOME! 
You're doing everything right to find out why he's not hungry. Gabapentin makes many dogs sleepy, that's not unusual at all. It can take a few days for them to get used to it and get their sparkle back. That could be the reason why the Entyce and Cerenia didn't help. Maybe by today it will, now that he's had the Gaba in his system for a while.
Now when you tried to feed him, were you feeding on paper plates? If you are hiding any meds in his food that can turn him off of eating from the same bowl again and again. So use paper plates, don't stick meds in his main meals, serve his food slightly warmed, and see if that helps.
Lack of appetite for him isn't unusual like you said, so although this is worrisome, if it's not that out of the ordinary then this could be something pretty minor and easily treated. Your gut instinct was spot on to look into this quickly. I think your vet is on target by offering to do an ultrasound, that's pretty standard so I would take them up on it. Hopefully you can get some answers quickly. Keep us posted OK? We are sending tons of Tripawd Power your way!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Want to join in on the o e hear celebration for chance! That is such a HUGE victory!!
Can only ditto everything Jerry said. I wish I had some more insight to offer, ut it i's good news that everything is checking out okay. I know it's frustrating though.
Howis he attitude wise?? Alert, wagging tails, emgaged, etc? Does he seem like he wa ts to eat, but turns away as though he's nauseous, or just no interest at all? You can also try stinky liverwurst. or anything stinky you can think of. I know I don't have the name eight, but tripe....or something like that .
When you massage up and down his spine, his neck, his shoulder, does he show any tenseness at all in any area?
Also, one other thing, have someone come over he likes which cheeseburger in hand.. Oddly enough, sometimes a dog will eat for someone else just because of the change of energy.
((((((((((((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!
Thank you to you both for the feedback. I'm ecstatic about Chance's recent oncology visit and confirming this doesn't seem to have to do with the cancer.
I think I've tried everything...reread posts on the website, thought about what does and doesn't work for him normally, so maybe I just need to take it a day at a time right now. I'm still waiting for a call back from his normal vet, but I did manage to get him to eat a little. Of all things...he at a little spam and a couple Vienna sausages! Part of me worries about what he's eating but I'm also just happy that he's eating a little!
He definitely doesn't want to eat out of his normal bowl. Sometimes he'll eat out of my hand, sometimes paper or plastic plate, and sometimes only if I put the food on his bed or the floor. I do think he's got an upset stomach (once in a while I'll hear his tummy grumble...not like he's hungry). He'll occasionally take a sniff but turn his head away. He's also taking metrozonidol for his diarrhea so I'm trying to be very mindful of when he gets his various meds. Definitely not putting it in his food though...don't want him making any type of connection between the meds and food.
On the massages...he's so laid back, nothing seems to phase him. I have considered taking him to a holistic vet or chiropractor. Given he's been hopping around on 3 legs, maybe something is ajar. His attitude is ok...alert but sleepy; gets excited and gets up when he thinks we're going out, but then just wants to lay in the grass or ride in his stroller. I'm just anxious to see him get back to normal.
Thanks again! I'll keep you posted.
Sandra
Ok so you are doing everything right to get to the bottom of this. It could very well be that it's pain that is causing lack of appetite, it's one type of pain signal for sure.
I hope tomorrow is better for you guys. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ultrasound today...not good. While the oncologist doesn't think it's necessarily related to his osteosarcoma, he has a large mass in his stomach. She said "basketball size" so they can't see with the ultrasound where it's originating. Since his lab work was fine a couple weeks ago, and the xrays weren't showing anything related to the osteosarcoma, she feels like this is likely a very aggressive tumor. They are doing an aspirate right now, mainly for my peace of mind, make sure there's really nothing else that can be done.
I've been going through pics and remembering the day I found him in the dog park. I already had 2 dogs so "no way am I keeping him"! My friends knew me well enough and knew he wasn't going anywhere! He's been such a blessing and wonderful companion...it's just never easy to let them go! We'll be celebrating his life and the joy he brought to our lives.
Thank you all for the support over this last year. I wish he could be with me longer but so lucky for the Chance to have him in my life!
Sandra, Chance & Kenya
Tears flowing over here. So sorry for the rotten news.
But mixed in with those sad tears are a few Happy tears because of the brilliantly joyful life Chance has with you.
For now, I'm just going to join in that celebration with you, putting grief on hold. That's what Chance would want. Because your love is sooooo strong for that sweet boy, you will find the strength th to see him through this part of his journey.
Surrounding you with our love and with a knowing that no sog could have been loved better 💖
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
Oh Sandra! I'm sorry. This is not the news anyone wants, I so wished it had been something treatable and simple.
Setting your heartache aside is not easy, but it's such a selfless thing to do at a time like this. We carry the burden of knowing, and it's up to us to remember that there will be plenty of time for grieving later on, some day. For now, Chance doesn't know what the report says, he just wants to be with his favorite people, cuddling and savoring every moment. I can tell you are doing exactly that.
What a cute story about how you two met. Keep on celebrating those days, and all that you've meant to each other. Love that boy up and know we are keeping you close in our hearts, now and always. Lean on us if you want to talk or share in coping with loss, we are here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, I haven't logged on in a while but so your post on Chance. It's not fair that any of our dogs get diagnosed with this disease but I believe it is all part of a master plan. Just like Chances' plan was to find you at the dog park.
As Sally said, for now celebrate the wonderful life the two of you shared.❤
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Good to see you Nancy! Thanks for sharing the love!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
When I saw that beautiful avatar of Chance just had to join the conversation.
And wouldnt you know as soon as I did Brownie's banner popped up. Heart still skips a beat.....
Hope Chance is feeling better...
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
I am so sorry to hear this. You gave Chane such a selfless gift to let him go. I understand your pain. I know it is hard right now but soon you will have laughter with the tears as memories come pouring in. As long as you have the memories Chane will never die. He will live forever in your heart.
When Brownie passed so many people told me Brownie wants you to be happy. I did not believe it. But one day it all clicked and I finally got it. Brownie does want me to be happy as Chance wants you to be happy.
I know Chance believes the best day of his life is when he found you at the dog park. Definitely a master plan. Such a life he had. Now he is at a beautiful place surrounded by such love that the rest of us can only imagine .
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and you will always be a member of this community.
There is a tripawd zoom meeting in June. A group hug. We celebrate the tripawd heros who have passed and cheer the ones currently on this journey. Would love to see you there.
Sending hugs 
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Thank you! I will watch for the zoom meeting.
I know how blessed I am to have had him these 8 years...it's just never enough time. But I smile when I think of him most of the time, he was such a great cuddler and all around goofy lab! 
I know what you mean about labs. Brownie was such a goof ball but at the same time very protective. I just love labs! Brownie was my one in a million. I was crushed when he passed. It's been one year and two months and I still miss him. But I do know I was so blessed for him to be in my life and if I knew back then the pain I would feel I would still do it over again. Just like you would. Both of you were blessed when Chance found you❤
Try to think of the good days and the wonderful life you had together. You will always have the memories and know one can ever take that away. Not even cancer.
Would love to learn more about Chance and the goofy things he did.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
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