Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi there,
Another update for posterity on Charlie and Palladia. He has developed some weakness in his hindlimbs, particularly on his right side. CSU is saying disk herniation vs. OSA mets vs. Palladia side effect. So, we're resting up, taking Rimadyl, cutting out Palladia for a week, and hoping for the best! Charlie had x-rays on his back, which came back fine. But that doesn't really rule anything out--we would need MRI/CT for that. The sedation required for MRI and CT doesn't feel worthwhile when actual treatment options for an amp with lung mets are slim.
So on to my question... We have stairs. We can avoid them for the most part, except for bedtime. I slept in the living room when Charlie had his amp, but if this ends up being longer term, we'll need a plan B. I can't imagine leaving Charlie downstairs every night--it would be so sad for all of us. So perhaps some full-body carrying device? It's hard with his amp in front and hindlimbs not cooperating. Anyone have thoughts? I tried the search function, but haven't found any good advice yet.
Thanks!
Heather and Charlie
Charlie, our English yellow lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2014. He became a tripawd on February 24th, with clear lymph nodes and lungs, but that didn't last long. After three doses of Carbo, in May 2014, x-rays showed lung mets. We briefly tried Palladia, which went well. Unfortunately, Charlie developed unexplained complications in his hind limbs. We said a reluctant farewell on June 11, 2014. Still miss our boy each and every day.
Hi Heather and Charlie,
Hmmm. I hope that stopping the Palladia (even though it's a bummer to have to) is the cause. We've seen a couple of other members have that side effect from it. Hopefully he'll get his strength back in no time. You've got a great team at CSU, care doesn't get any better than that.
Meanwhile, have you seen the Pet Support Suit or Get-a-Grip Harness? These are fantastic for situations like this, they both come with an optional shoulder strap that let's you lift and carry up stairs and such:
Custom Pet Support Suit by Animal Suspension Technologies
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Certainly appears to be an option. Charlie is about 85 lbs. Wonder how that would work for full lifting. Yikes, they're pricey, but I'm sure they're costly to make. Thanks for the idea!
Charlie, our English yellow lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2014. He became a tripawd on February 24th, with clear lymph nodes and lungs, but that didn't last long. After three doses of Carbo, in May 2014, x-rays showed lung mets. We briefly tried Palladia, which went well. Unfortunately, Charlie developed unexplained complications in his hind limbs. We said a reluctant farewell on June 11, 2014. Still miss our boy each and every day.
Well Wyatt is 80 and I'm only 5'3, I'm able to hoist him. Yes, not cheap but excellent quality and won't come apart even after washing. The custom option is super nice. We really love them.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I did a lot of reading on palladia when I was considering using it for my quad pug who has mast cell cancer. There were many reports of hind end weakness or back problems in pups using it, in fact one of the reasons I decided against it for Tani. She does have all four legs, but due to long standing neurological issues and arthritis her mobility is already compromised.
While I hope stopping the meds solves Charlies's mobility issues, it is too bad if he can't continue treatment. Have you tried the other metronomic meds?
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be resolving. Seems to be getting worse. I'm thinking it's more likely that it's a disc issue that came up--perhaps exacerbated by the amp and/or palladia. Regardless, Charlie has lost some of the light in his eyes and the wag in his tail. His hind right is pretty well out of commission and he's not peeing anymore. Seems like it's time. Very sad day for us tomorrow.
Charlie, our English yellow lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2014. He became a tripawd on February 24th, with clear lymph nodes and lungs, but that didn't last long. After three doses of Carbo, in May 2014, x-rays showed lung mets. We briefly tried Palladia, which went well. Unfortunately, Charlie developed unexplained complications in his hind limbs. We said a reluctant farewell on June 11, 2014. Still miss our boy each and every day.
Oh Heather and John.....I'm absoutely heartbroken for you, jist heart broken.. Charlie knows you did EVERYTHING possible .....amd je KNOWS he can count on yo to give hime the ultimate gift of release when the time comes.
The only "advice" I can offer is, no matter how hard itis, remnd yourselves that you are together NOW!! You are present with Charlie...you are with each other ad that is ALL he cares about! Yu have more tummy rubs to give ad spoiling and kisses to give.
Do ot let that piece of crap disease rob you of this sacred time. I wish I could hugyo both and find some way to give you strentgh. Again, stayinnthe moment with Charlie with no thoughts of anything else..We'll all be thinkingof yu and surroundingnyou with love and support. We can also hope that Charlie will be etter tomorrow, or the vet will jave something elseupnis sleeve. Either way, Charlie will be with you.
I wish I could help, all I can do is let you know how mich we all care and how much we all fell in love with Charlie...sweet, sweet Charlie.
Holding you in my heart,
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!
Heather, I am so very sorry and heartbroken to be reading this........I agree with everything Sally said.....hopefully, maybe tomorrow things will be looking a bit better...sweet, handsome Charlie seems like a brave fighter......keeping as much positive thoughts for you as possible.
Hug him, love on him, and saying a few prayers for you.....
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Aww, Heather -- so sorry about Charlie feeling worse. Ditto what Sally and Bonnie said... And fingers crossed that he surprises you this morning.
Sorry if I missed this, but have you taken him to a physical therapist vet and asked about acupuncture? Has your regular vet or onco mentioned anything about switching to prednisone? (Wash-out period needed, but maybe stronger than the Rimadyl?)
Anyway, I sure hope he's feeling better this morning. We're thinking of you guys and your precious Charlie...sending lots of hugs and good thoughts.
Deb and Lexie
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Ohhh I hope he's feeling better today. Pain can really be exhausting, I hope this is something that clears up with some R&R and rehab. Lots of love coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I also am sorry to read this. I hope this morning brought some improvement. Sometimes they surprise us. Ty got like that one Sunday we had to carry him out to pee. the next morning, he was standing up wagging his tail. I hope that is the case with Charlie. Also know that when the time comes, whenever that is, the gift of release is given out of love. Sure does not make it any easier, but we all seem to 2nd guess ourselves. Thoughts and prayers for you, Love Lori and TY
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
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