Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have a 2 year old doberman mix named Baron. The last few weeks he started limping, and I would get ready to take him to the vet and he'd stop. Well he started limping Monday and by Wed. was barely putting weight on his front right leg. So Thursday morning I took him in and they did x-rays and she said there's a place on his leg that is fuzzy, and something is just not right. That's when she dropped the C word, and now we're waiting till he feels a bit better (they had to sedate him because of pain to take x-rays) and we're going back in for more x-rays to confirm or not. He is still a baby to me, and is my son's best buddy in the whole wide world. He wakes up every morning asking for his "dog-dog". I just can't imagine our lives without him :(.
We are very sorry to hear of Baron's diagnosis. You have come to the right place for support. The contributors here are excellent. I can relate to everything that you have said. It was like a wall falling upon me when I hear the initial diagnosis. It was on a Friday, and I was totally in shock as I left our local vet's office. I could not even get the area code correct to call Cherry's breeder and discuss our options. However, for us, there really never was any choice regarding the treatment. Only an amputation to remove the souce of the pain (she had only started limping for days) followed by an aggressive chemotherapy held out the hope of a return to the quality of life that had defined Cherry's eleven years. I was not about to surrender her without a fight and I too could not imagine life without her.
The chemotherapy was far worse than the amputation. I had to stuff nearly every morsal of food for the duration. Many have an easier recovery and many have a much harder recovery. The journey has been draining both emotionally and financially, but I do not regret the path we chose. Cherry will mark the end of her ninth month of recovery next week. The sparkle in the eye has returned, there again is a bounce in her step (not the same bounce but just as good), and her ability to get into mischief is definately back to normal. Life with Cherry really is good. At this time, there is no reason to expect that you will not have the same type of results.
I have known that I am on "borrowed" time with Cherry just because of her age, but this diagnosis just makes this additional time more special. We send you all the positive thoughts possible and will be looking to see your journey.
Bob & Cherry
I am so sorry to hear about Baron's possible diagnosis. It is scary to hear your dog might have cancer. My heart aches for you. We have all been where you are. It is not a fun place to be. If it is cancer and his leg can be amputated Baron can still live a full and pain free life Not for the number of years you'd like but still a happy life. Please keep us infomed.
Debra
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Hi Baronsmommy,
We are so sorry to hear what's going on, and we really hope that it's something other than cancer. It's a ruff road to travel, that's for sure, but do know that there are so many incredible people here who can help you through it. Be as strong as you can be, Baron really needs your leadership right now.
Try not to assume the worst until the diagnosis is confirmed. Yes, I'll be honest, many of us presented our symptoms in the same way. But on the other hand, lots of us have many different diagnoses. Some of us have/had more aggressive cancers than others. All dogs are different, and we all handle illness differently. So try not to think the worst OK?
It sounds like your vet is on top of things, that's really good. Take things one step at a time for now OK? It's the best way to keep your sanity while you wait and go through any resulting procedures.
Thank you so much for registering here. We hope we can help out in any way you need us to.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It is so scary to think that your little baby dog might have cancer! When we found out I was so upset that I left my boyfriend with the vet in the x-ray viewing room so I could run outside and dry-heave for about 5 minutes. But here we are 3 months later and Jack is better than ever! He loves all the attention he gets as a tripawd, and I am learning so much about cancer and also the kindness of others. It's weird to say, but cancer has truely been a blessing...it has brought us all so much closer together. Please remember that Baron doesn't know what's wrong with him, so he doesn't fear anything! We humans are the ones that stress out and worry; our dogs just want to play and get loves. Best of luck as you get more x-rays, and you have found a great place for support! Keep us updated!
<3 Laura and Jackers
Hi Baronsmom, we're glad you joined us. You will likely be back many times for the support and sanity this site gives. Trouble presented with identical symptoms to Baron. She limped about for a few weeks prior to her kept appointment. She had an appointment a couple of weeks earlier, but stopped limping before I could get her in.
The cancer journey is not a fun one, but I'm with Jerry on this one, don't panic until it you know for sure what you are dealing with. When they looked at Trouble's x-rays the first time, there was no doubt. The fact that there is doubt at this point, is encouraging to me.
Treat Baron as you always have, he knows there is pain in his leg, but he has no idea what cancer is, so he isn't worried. Give him and scratch for Trouble and keep us posted on his next visit.
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.
It is such a scarey time and the not knowing really is worse than facing and dealing with it. I hope you get a clear diagnosis soon and you can make a decsion that will free Baron from pain. Be sure to explore the forums, there is a wealth of information here. I remember the early days and the heartbreak of hearing the word cancer, I understand how you are feeling.
Our 4 year old Lab, Paris had her amputation in January, followed by 4 chemo treatments. She has lung “mets” (metatsasis) diagnosed in April. Recently I realized that I really do look at her as living with cancer….not dying from cancer!! Hugapitbull is right, Baron doesn't know what cancer is, he will continue to look to you and follow your lead.
Don't get ahead of yourself, but do educate yourself so you an make the best decision and you will. Take care and keep us informed.
Gineej & Paris, loving my girl one day at a time
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Thank you for joining the discussion! We're sorry to hear about baron, but there is no need to imagine life without him. If he is otherwise healthy, and it is within your means, amputation is the only way to elimiinate the tumor pain, and the best way to extend his quality of life.
Best wishes with the difficult decisions you face, and thanks again for turning to the Tripawds community for help and advice. We look forward to following your story.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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