Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone! I'm new to this page and this journey. My 5 year old Australian Cattle Dog, Sadie, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right hind leg in February. We amputated in March and started chemo April 1st when the stitches came out. She just had her 4th chemo treatment last week and they did chest x-rays. The vet told us that she as lung metastasis which I feared as she had coughed/hacked a few times over the weekend before the treatment and when she walks, she breathes a little heavier than before. Although it is quite warm here in PA at the moment.
We decided that we aren't going to put her through any more chemo as she is not herself after treatments and doesn't eat much. He told us to make her comfortable as he didn't think she had much time. I was wondering how long we might have? She seems to be her old self now, no coughing, she's barking, acting crazy. I've accepted the fact that I'm going to lose her, but I am sure that when the time comes, I won't be ready. I just want to make sure I do right by her and that I do not let her suffer just because I don't want to lose her.
What are signs that I should look for to know when it is time? Thank you in advance and bless you all on your journeys that led you here, whatever they might be.
Hi there, I'm so sorry to hear about Sadie but very glad you posted, we'll do what we can to make it easier for you and her. It sounds like she's being the tough little cattle dog that she was born to be, and doing quite well otherwise. That is awesome. Focus on her resilient nature, but be prepared for later, hopefully much later, and you'll feel better because of it.
Cancer is so mean. 
She is so young! And to have mets so soon, I can't imagine your heartbreak, I'm so sorry you are already asking the question, but that's so smart of you.
What are signs that I should look for to know when it is time?
Generally with lung metastasis, it's the coughing, lack of energy and decreased appetite. That's not hard to miss. We have also seen some serious eye goop issues in some members' dogs too, but I don't want you to start looking for that because that can also be a sign of seasonal allergies. So if you see it, don't panic OK?
Meanwhile here are some topics about osteosarcoma lung mets:
How do I know if my dog is breathing normally?
How to Help Coughing from Lung Metastasis
https://tripawd.....etastasis/
Lung Metastasis in Tripawds with Limb Cancer: Now What?
https://tripawd.....s/#p161811
And also, a blog post we wrote about How to Prepare for Pet Loss Before It Happens is also worth checking out.
I hope this helps. Stay tuned for feedback from others and meanwhile be sure to keep celebrating every moment together as you are doing right now. Sadie is her own girl on her own timeline, nobody can ever predict the future even with mets. She may go on quite longer than the prognosis (our Jerry went almost 8 months!). We will keep are paws & fingers crossed for many, many more hoppy times together! Keep us posted OK? 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Let us know how your sweet Sadie is doing. It spun ds like she's still being Sadie and is relatively sympton free. As Jerry notes, there are still lots of therapies you can do to keep her comfort level stable and to keep her quality good.
A met diagnosis is not the end of the road by any means. We've seem dogs get good extended time beyond what a Vet has "projected".
It may already be in Jerry's links, but Prednisone and a low dose pain. med worked well keeping my Happy Hannah co fortavle and Happy when she did start sh met symptoms. Every dog is differe t, but at least mets aren't generally painful per se.
Make every moment count, take lots of pictures and give her ice cream and steak and cheeseburges!
Extra 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 for the information and advice. Sadie was laid to rest yesterday. She had done downhill so quickly this past week and I couldn't stand to see her like that. She gave me the look and I knew it was her time. My heart is broken.
Sweet, sweeet Sadie. We are so cery sorry, so very, very sorry to hear this. We know your heart is broken and we cry with you.
You released Sadie while she could still be Sadie and have her dignity. She told you she didn't want to fight anymore and she wanted to ve free of her failing earth clothes. She KNEW you loved her enough to celebrate her baxk home where she could eun free💖
When you can, please share some pictures of your sweet girl and some more snippets of her earth life with you. She clearly is loved and adored and, no doubt knew it!!
We are here for you. We understand this tripawd joirneyand the depth of love and devotion that evolves. We know Sadie has the most spoiling any sog could hope for, especially these past several months. She'll send you a aign, a way of connection very specific to her. Pay attention.
Surrounding you with Sadie's eternal light
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!
My heart goes out to you, I'm so sorry. Thank you for taking time in the middle of your grief to come here and let us know.
She was such a young pup, far too young to get her wings! Cancer...ugh! 
The heartache you must be feeling has got to be so difficult right now, nobody ever expects to say goodbye so fast. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
When you feel strong enough, we would be honored if you wanted to share her life story in Coping with Loss. She was young but I'm sure created many great memories with you. And now I know she is the most beautiful angel, watching over you and keeping her spirit alive in your heart. Lean on us and tell us more about her so that we can help you during this ruff time OK?
(((hugs))) & condolences.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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