Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So. Good news and bad news. The cancer hasnt spread. But he is fractured. So we are back at a Crossroads. Doc didn't think he needs to be put down now because he's still happy and eating. For now the only option is amp or wait until he's in obvious pain and pts. Blah.
What to do? For sure he will be evaluated by a surgeon. And I guess we go from there. I just wish there sometime would tell us what to do
I am sorry to hear about the fracture Lori. Prayers to know what to do and to keep him from any pain. I know Chuck will let you know what to do. Ask him. That is what I was told to do with Sassy.
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Lori and chuck! Okay, nlw, what happened? Did he start limping real badly? Was there an instant where "somehing" happened? Or was this just discovered during a check-up?
I guess my point is, for now he's acting happy and not obvious pain right? And his tumor hasn't grown. And that is really great ews y the way! So, if that's tje case, ou have time to do research, talk to all the surgeons, othopedic guys, onco, etc.
Is it possible...and I'm jist throwing things up aainst tje wall and see what sticks...that a brace of some sort could help? Is is possible to d some sort of treament where it can "mend" in some fashion?
No fractures are good. But did they tell you how bad it was? How bad the ocatin? I'm not even sure of the questio s I'm asking. Guess I'm just wonderfing if some fractures are less "dangerous" than otners. I do kow it doesn'et mean tne end fr Chuck right now! He's sowing you he feels okay...and okay is good!
Lori, you and Chuck have come such a long way! Incrediblely strong team! Yeah, this is a hudle to overcome and work throighmin a way that that gives Chuck a continuing quality life for as long as possible.
Stay centered and grounded. Gather all the i formation possible. You have a special relationshi with Chuck. For now, heis clearly showing you he is happy with his life! There was a tme when you thought he had given up.....you had a "Dr. Kervorkian" talk with him. He made it clear he wanted to continue on! He has done so brilliantly He has had extended quality time that many don't get even when they had the amputation.
Give that great big snuggle bear a HUGE hug for us!! He is a mighty special boh and we all love him dearly!!
And I'll keep quoting from Shelby's mom from an old post. "When you start missing what isn't gone, you lose what is left."
Love and hugs to you!
Sally and Happy Hannah
My heart goes out to you for having t figure out a plan.....doing nothing is a plan.....managing with meds s a plan....amputatin is a plan. It's always about quaility. Always nas been...always will be.
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!
Honestly no there wasn't a point he started worsening. He was slower after chemo this last time but rebound his spunk. He has limped but doc assured me if he were fractured he wouldn't put pressure on it. There was no major event that preceded it. So I guess to chucks testament it shows how strong he is. Sigh. We are going to have him evaluated by a surgeon but I'm not getting my hopes up. I guess we are at that do or literally die stage of the game :/
Lori wow, I tink that it's GREAT the cancer hasn't spread but my heart sank when I read the rest. A fracture? Any idea how bad it is? Agggh! I know you must be reeling right now just wondering. But yes, get him evaluated and take it from there. Try not to panic (uh huh sure) and hold off on the what-ifs for now until you know what you're dealing with.
As for Sally's idea for a brace....heck why not look into it? In our recent OrthoPets interviews Martin Kaufmann discusses a carpal brace for front-leggers, why couldn't this work in Chuck's situation? something to consider anyways.
{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}
Stupid cancer. I'm so sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I asked the vet if it could get any worse and he said no. He said the leg was essentially useless. Then I very seriously discussed amp. He said we didn't need to make an immediate decision because of how well he's getting around. .!? I don't want to push it to an immediate decision. If the leg is useless why is he using it? In theory if he'd be ok as a tri, wouldn't he just not use a broken leg.!? I am def going to look into orthopets and ask the surgeon. I'm glad he's not. Metted. He's otherwise in great health. But I'm more confused than ever. Maybe these last few months helped build up the strength in his good arm? I just want what's best for him but I don't know what that even is anymore. I guess I just didn't really expect the fracture as I always thought that was more of a "I'd know" scenario. A saint owner in the BCD group suggested orthopets. A few there have had luck with front braces. Sighhhhh. I know it could be worse.
I'm sorry Lori.
I don't have any insights, just wanted to offer my support. Look at Chuck and follow your heart. You guys have got him this far, you will figure out the right path.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Hi Lori
I'm terribly sorry that you got this news but, like everyone else, I say follow your heart and Chuck's lead.
Chuck is obviously an incredibly resilient boy who has beaten a lot of "odds".....listen to the vets....investigate all of your options and I truly believe you will know what to do.
Hugs and prayers
Linda and Tucker
Hey Lori and Chuck,
Sigh. Well, GREAT news it hasn't spread! That's superb!
But the fracture. Ugh. You know, as that fracture gives him more pain, he may stop using it. He may become a tripawd on his own soon. That may give you a better sense of how he'd do if you amp'd. He may be unsure about, but maybe, just maybe he'll give you the look that says, Mom, I'm OK to be a Tripawd! Let's do this! Or, it's also possible there will be enough discomfort by it that he'll be too sullen to even know what options there are. Darn - why can't they talk with us?! It'd be so nice to tell Chuck his options and let him decide.
Until Friday, breathe. Enjoy Chuck's every day and boundless energy! We're thinking of you.
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
I am so sorry to read about this - but I am ecstatic that the cancer has not spread! Hang on to that thread of good news as hard as you can! He is still fighting, he is still happy, what would he want you to do? Like Michelle said, ask him. Look into his eyes and really listen and your heart will help you find the right course for Chuck.
Good luck Friday, Thinking of you and Chuck all the time,
Heather
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
I'm so glad it hasn't spread. It sounds like you have time to figure out what will work for Chuck and you. That's one of the things I've learned with my crazy, special mutts. You don't have to have all the answers. I know it feels like a huge decision and of course it is, but chuck will find a way to adapt and if something doesn't work, you then find ways to make it better. I know that sounds overly simplistic, but it's amazing how things that seem impossible can work out over time.
I wish I had time to write more but I am going to be late for work. I just had to reply to this.
Ty guys all so much. .. of it weren't for this site is honestly think our journey would be over at this point. With that said To be honest I'm leaning toward amping. At the very least it gets rid of his pain from the fracture. If he's strong enough to walk (run and Jump without so much of awhimper) around with a broken leg then I guess it's worth a try. And if it doesn't work out well and he never walksagain then we tried and gave him every opportunity. I just think it's more humane at this point. But it all depends on the surgeon I guess. Blah.
Ty again
Lori and chuck
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