Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello everyone.
My beloved fur baby Toby got diagnosed with lymphoma last week.
I know tripawds are not about lymphoma, but this site keeps popping up at me with lots of great resources ever since I've began my frantic internet search about canine cancer and how to help my sweet baby.
Three weeks ago he was a happy-go-lucky, high energy ball of fur - things went horrifyingly fast - today he's skin and bones and refusing to eat.
I'm terrified.
He is my heart and soul.
I joined this community after seeing all the great stories of wonderful dogs and their pawrents. Your love and support brought me here, and God knows I need it.
Not sure where to start. Just wanted to start getting it of my chest.
Hi agasaurus,
Thanks for joining us. I'm so sorry I missed you in the chat tonight. Feel free to stop by and if nopawdy is there just hang out, keep the window open because you never know when someone will show up. Many people miss others in the chat by just a few seconds!
You are more than welcome to share your pup's story. While most of our members here lose a leg to bone cancer, I know that unfortunately, lots of families here have also dealt with other cancers like lymphoma. I'm hoping that someone will chime in soon and share their experience, because I don't have any with lymphoma. But what I can tell you is this: no matter what kind of cancer you're dealing with, always remember that Toby doesn't know what cancer is, or care what statistics say. All he wants is to feel good, and for you to be happy. If you can be strong and show him that you really believe things will be alright, he will follow your lead. Remember, your emotions will reflect onto Toby, so hang in there and do your best to stay strong and positive.
What did the vet say about what you can expect at this point? Have you consulted with an oncologist to find out what your options are? Even if you're not going to pursue something like chemo, a visit with a specialist like an oncologist is so valuable, because at least you'll have information to make the best decision for Toby.
I'm so sorry you're facing cancer, but remember you're not alone.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank so much Jerry. I do feel quite alone.
It's a great advice about staying strong and positive, unfortunately I can't seem to do either... I know he needs my strength now more than ever, and I'm starting to be real upset with myself for not being able to stop crying. Tears just free flow - after few days of it I look like a female Gollum. Just looking at his emancipated little body is enough to start the waterworks. Few weeks ago he was a 55 pound happy dog, now he's at mere 42.
I'm in a really bad situation, living in rural northern Michigan I only have access to very few vets, and my financial situation won't allow me to travel to MSU with my baby... and even if it did I just don't think I can put him through all the suffering of chemo just to squeeze few more months out of him. I'm torn and unsure of what to do, time seems to run super fast and I know I need to figure it out soon (by Tue. - another vet visit).
He's been on prednisone since Dec.15th vet's visit. The lymph nodes returned to almost normal size within two days, but I can't seem to get him interested in food at all and he's loosing weight very fast. I'm looking at him curled up next to me now and can literally count his vertebrae (and here goes a thought of not being able to feel his warmth by me too soon and of course another round of waterworks. Grrrrr.).
On prednisone first two days were great - he ate like a wolf and kept it all down, but since Friday evening he's not interested in food at all. Today I started giving him anti-nausea meds, and since I ran out of ideas how to coax him to eat (and what to feed him) we took him to McD's for a double patty which he scarfed down in few bites. I know McD's is awful, but better that than nothing at this point, and two burgers later I've put 660 calories in his little belly, which luckily he kept down.
Toby's diagnosis is devastating, but I can already feel writing about it will be therapeutic.
Thanks again.
Hi and Welcome.
Sorry to hear about your puppy. It's terrible. I know there are some foundations out there that help people pay for their dogs cancer treatments. I don't know about your particular area and any foundations but I bet there are at least one that can give you a hand financially.
I hope you can find a way to help your friend.
Melanie and Hank
Dogs: Friends for life, faithful and true.
Courage is being scared to death... but saddling up anyways.- John Wayne
bikeintime.wordpress.com (will soon have Hank story)
so so sorry to hear about your baby.....................we have all been at that point, after the diagnosis, you are shell shocked,,,and the crying, YES, i walked around for weeks with a red nose and puffy eyes,,,but all the advice youre getting is the same advice i got and you will get to the point, of doing what is right for your baby, i learned getting the "C" word doesnt mean its all over,,, just the opposite...after all of my searching i found this wonderful sight, took the suggestions and than i got mad NO CANCER was going to take my baby without a fight, my rottie, chance was diagnosed with bone cancer June 1st,,, she could not have an amputation and i was lucky enough to find and get her into a clinical trial at the U of I in Champaine/Urbana...Jan. 1st will be 8months my baby has been living with cancer,,,they can and will live with this,,,this does not mean a death sentence!!!! i have found people with their dogs surviving/living with cancer for years...SO GET MAD!!!! WHEN I DID THATS WHEN THE ANSWERS CAME...DO NOT GIVE UP,,,,FIGHT,, CHNACE IS,,, I DID NOT THINK SHE WOULD BE HERE AFTER THE SUMMER AND HER SHE IS CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH HER FAMILY, WE STILL HAVE THE UPS AND DOWNS, BUT I WILL NOT GIVE UP, AS LONG AS HER LIFE IS THAT OF PAIN FREE AND QUALITY.....HOPE THIS HELPS...I WILL PRAYER FOR YOU AND YOUR SPECIAL BABY TOBY...GOD BLESS
Thank you Guys.
I'm looking at all possible options.
Couldn't stand to let him go because of lack of resources, but I'm also still not fully decided on whether to pursue chemo... I love him very much and want the best for him. This is VERY hard to deal with.
God knows I don't want to give up without a fight! I wish it wasn't systematic cancer - I can't remove it, I can't take that beast out of his precious body. It makes me very angry and helpless. I wish it was as simple as taking away his limb (which must be a terrifying experience to go through) but it's not. It's in his lymph. It's friggin everywhere.
agasaurus said
Thank you Guys.I'm looking at all possible options.
Couldn't stand to let him go because of lack of resources, but I'm also still not fully decided on whether to pursue chemo... I love him very much and want the best for him. This is VERY hard to deal with.
is there any teaching hospitals near you,,,thats the best place, and alot of them offer clinical trials, so you pay nothing,ask your vet, chances oncologist said there are alot of the trials going on all over the country, my vet found the clinical trial at the U of I,,,it is only 2 hrs. away from me, i take her every month for her infusions of a drug called Zometa,,,and right now chance is not eating,,,,the mcdonalds is fine anything is fine, my husband just gave chance a bowl of vanilla icecream which she scarfed down,,,i buy her hamburgers, chicken, make her liver, steak, also mashed potatoes with beef or chicken broth....
My vet said there wasn't any trials in our area, but I'm looking into it, guy can't know everything right? The closest he told me is Lansing (5 hrs one way).
If anyone here happens to know anything about North Michigan area please do let me know!
So good to hear Chance is doing good for so long! Please hug him tight from me and wish him the happiest Christmas from us both!
Clinical trial might be just a way to go, I just hate myself for putting us in such a crappy area... thank you for giving me much needed hope 
And...lol. You're lucky your dog eats all that. I've tried everything on that list but ice cream (will try that tomorrow, lol, first laugh in a long time - thank you!). He turns his nose away from everything!!! I have some beef/veggie baby food and tuna cans stashed up in case he'll refuse to eat in the morning, but I hope anti-nausea drug will help him with that.
Thank you so much for your comments! I have a lot to learn.
Oh that's got to be so hard. The weight loss is a big issue and your instinct about feeding him the hamburgers is fine. At this point, whatever works. Dogs just don't want to eat when they feel bad, but one way you can stimulate his appetite is through some human foods like boiled chicken (no bones), cooked hamburger meat, and even something like liverwurst, organ meats, scrambled eggs. The stinkier the better is what usually works.
I know it feels impossible not to cry. But look at it like this; the only way cancer can "win" is if you let it rob you of your precious time together. Don't allow it to steal your time, be strong, and remember that there will be time for tears some day in the future, just not now. When you feel like crying, go outside, go for a walk, write, punch your pillow, but don't do it in front of Toby. That will help so much.
And please don't feel badly about your financial constraints. All of us have them, and even with all the money in the world, no amount of what we could spend to fight this disease is ever enough. All that is 'enough' to Toby is for you two to spend time together, enjoying each other's company.
Are you in the U.P.?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm right by Petoskey, very north of the mitten.
Jerry, you're absolutely right. I'm normally not overly emotional, so this waterwork thing is a surprise to me. Toby's daddy does much better with keeping his chin up for our Baby. It's only been few days since I know about it, shock and denial is basically what I'm going through right now - but today I do feel stronger than I did yesterday, and I am so very happy and grateful I've found this site. Thank you so much.
Haven't had much luck with feeding him meat since he's on meds. Interestingly enough he now vomits only if the meal/snack consists of meat only. Roasted chicken breast came back to haunt me on the rug tonight, hamburger did so yesterday. Very strange considering Toby always looooved meats of all sorts, flavors and (sometimes awful) aromas...
I know how your are feeling. When we got the diagnosis of Osteo I started crying immediately in the vets office and continued until we got home, and for days to come. I tried not to cry in front of Cadence because she gets very upset when she see's me crying. I was just in shock and in so much pain. Then after a few days, and much needed advice from this site, I realized I was missing out on laughs and smiles with my baby. I wanted her to see me happy and goofy like I usually am everyday. I know she has cancer. I know that is what is probably going to take her from me in the end. But I will not let it define her or me. We are both fighting this thing together. You love your baby very much. I can feel the love with the words you write. You are doing everything you can to help him. He knows that and you know that.
Is your baby drinking water? At this point I think you did the right thing by going to McDonald's. At least you got him to eat something. Have you thought of dehydrated food? You just add water and you are good to go. The brand we use is Grandma Lucy's. If you have a pet store near you, you may want to see what they suggest. Sometimes they may have samples to give you so you don't have to waste money getting a big bag. I will have to think of some more things to try to get him to eat.
Please know that you are not alone on this journey. The love and support from everyone here is overwhelming. We are all on our individual journeys but we travel them all together. I am here for you if you need to talk.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
I know when Sassy had the possible diagnosis of Osteo, on the 1st visit I broke down & cried & screamed I wasn't going to lose my baby. Yes, her diagnosis did come back with Osteo. And on that 1st visit I said I wasn't going to put her through chemo knowing how it affected humans. After reading on here and doing a lot of research I decided I would pursue the chemo option after amputation.
Sassy has had 1 treament on December 12. She did really well. 2nd one is scheduled for Jan 2. They say the affects from the chemo do add up so by the 4 & 5th treatment she may have more side affects than she had this time.
Try to get him to eat anything. Like Jerry said boiled hamburger & brown rice, even dehyradted food.
We are all here to help & support. Keep us informed.
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."
Thank you so much Michele.
Yes, he drinks water. That's actually how I've noticed something was wrong, he just wouldn't stop drinking and drinking. The drug he's on, prednisone, can also make dogs very thirsty, but surprisingly his water intake lessened since he's on meds. He also pees lots and started to have problems holding it, which upsets him a lot (its the drug's side effect too).
The problem with food seems to be a bit more complex... it's not only that he doesn't have appetite. He avoids his bowl. And another bowl I've tried. He won't eat absolutely anything in his usual feeding spot. The only way to get him to eat it is to hand scoop it and give it to him, and I don't mind that at all, his muzzle so soft, but it has to be few feet away from where he normally ate. Weird, huh?
I've made a mistake of trying to hide a pill in his snack, now he triple checks everything I give him... won;t be doing that again, lol. He's too smart.
I just managed to feed him frozen tilapia filet. Who knew?
I'm worried, because I know nutrition is especially important while fighting cancer, and there is no way he's getting everything he needs from those few bites here and there.
I feel so much better after sharing my thoughts with you guys here... I'm not happy about why we all got here, but I'm glad we did. Tripawds is truly a blessing.
I don't want to take away from tripawds, but I have a forum - k9cancer.org (linked in my signature) and there are folks there who have written about lymphoma. I know there is Linny and Sophie if you just want to do a search. I'm sure Linny was treated only with homeopathic medicine. Sophie may have had chemo also. I'd have to go back and refresh my memory. Those two may give you some ideas on options.
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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