Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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17 months is terrific! At the top of the class! But it doesn't make bad news any easier to swallow. Just let Titus cheer you up. Every time I felt low from the vet news, I simply had to take Tazzie to the park or to visit some friends and he would cheer me up. Our dogs don't read those silly lab reports. They just do their best to enjoy life, today.
It's so hard getting a grip on such bad news, I feel like im being brought back to the day when he was diagnosed with OSA.
No more surgeries and just living each day to the fullest is what i plan to provide for titus since his amputation.
Hi Carol,
I am sorry to hear your news. I don't have any input on the metronomics but I want to offer moral support.
I am a month past where your are as far as the bad news. My tri-pug Maggie is a long term mast cell cancer survivor, and I, like you, was just starting to think we got it- but Mag was just diagnosed with a second malignant cancer. It does just bounce you back to the beginning of all of this.
Unfair does not begin to describe it.
I had decided last year that there would be no more surgeries or invasive treatments for Mag- that her quality was the the most important thing to consider in all decisions. I think making that decision last year helped me deal with, and decide what to do about the new cancer now.
So here is the moral support part- you have given Titus a lifetime of love and devotion. You have made all your decisions with his best interest at heart. You can't control the path the cancer takes, you just deal with it the best you can. Keep giving Titus the best day, every day, and you won't be wrong with what ever path you choose.
And after we make the tough choices- no second guessing and no regrets.
I hope you and Titus have many more quality months.
Karen and the pug girls
Thank you all so much for the kind thoughts and encouragement. Titus woke up me up at 6 this morning coughing for about 15 seconds while laying on his side, probably like what Jerry went through. This still feels very sudden since he only started showing symptoms three days ago.
I will call up the vet on Monday to speak about Metronomics and prednisone. Titus was on Prednisone for almost 6 months in 2007 prior to his neck surgery to fuse two vertebrae together (he as diagnosed with Wobbler's syndrome and severe neck pain) and had two long episodes of stomach disorder (vomitting and diarrhea). He came through it all with flying colors then and I thought that was the first and last major hurdle...until the C-monster came into the picture later in 2008 
I hope this time round Prednisone will help ease his coughing without much side effects.
Maggie, I'm sorry to hear about the second cancer, I totally know where you are coming from when you've decided enough is enough when it comes to invasive treatment. My prayers are with you and I look forward to reading your updates on how she's doing. Many hugs and prayers to you all.
To date, I can proudly say that Titus has been a trooper, as all the other Tripawds out there. I am still amazed at how they get by each day with so much love to give, and Tazzie you are so right, they don't read the silly reports, nor do they keep track of time and worry like we do. I need to remind myself everyday that there's so much more to be thankful for no matter what happens.
Shanna and Trouble, congratulations on the 17-month mark too! I hope that you will have more "17-month marks" to come.
Titus will be joining his friends at the doggy pool later today, it's about time I tell him to take it easy cos silly boy always gets over-hyped when he's there, he overheard the word "swim" and is now waiting anxiously by the door though it's still hours away!
By the way, has anyone participated in the Canine Genome project by Broad Insitute (http://www.broa.....ammals/dog)? Titus would be a great example but being in Singapore it makes it a lot more difficult! I feel strongly about being involved in this when possible, to help find better ways of understanding the nature of nasty diseases like cancer so someday the odds will be beaten.
Lots of love,
Carol & Titus
"A dog is the only thing in the world that loves you more than he loves himself."
OSA in left hind leg–30 August 2008. Ampuversary–4 October 2008.
Titus earned his wings on 15th July 2010.
He is dearly missed and our love lives on.
Tazzie said:
I had not noticed anyone using Prednisone with OSA until this thread. Then Paris mentioned it. Anyone want to offer more information on this? Paris, Jerry or anyone else: Is Prednisone a suitable drug in management of OSA mets? Is it specific to lung mets? This should be useful to Titus and perhaps to others.
I can tell you our experience based on what we went through with Paris. The day the x-rays were taken and multiple mets were found our vet, Dr. Terry started Paris on Prednisone 10 mg daily. She also put her on Prilosec one daily because the Prednisone can be hard on the stomach. She told us that it would reduce inflammation in her respiratory tract, helping with cough and breathing and that there was some thought that it actually retards the growth of the tumors. I am convinced that Paris did so well for 8 1/2 months because of the Prednisone.
Carol…..I am sending you caring and loving thoughts as you fight the cancer for and with Titus. Most important lavish him with love and remember that every moment with him matters.
Ginny & Angel Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Just a couple of comments. I was not aware of the Canine Gnome project, but Trouble is participating in the Van Andel Research Institute, DNA research project - details here http://www.vai......elpingdogs
This project requires only a blood sample for DNA analysis. Wouldn't it be awesome if they could identify something in the DNA that hellps beat or prevents osteosarcoma!
I've known two lymphoma dogs who were given prednisone as treatment with their cancer, so it appears to be developing a presence in cancer treatment for canines.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
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