Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone. I adopted a 10-12 year old Schnauzer from a shelter in Nov 09. His left rear paw had a nasty tumor (nerve sheath type) and my vet amputated his limb in Jan 2010. He was so happy to be rid of that nasty paw and adjusted great. It appears that a new tumor has formed and my vet took a sample for testing, but told me to prepare for bad news. He is not showing any signs of pain, he has a healthy appetite, and loves his daily walks. We will most likely not try chemo or radiation, and vet doesn't see a surgical option. He is a sweet boy, who has been through a lot - he seems so greatfull to have our love, and we want to do right by him. I guess my question is, how do you decide when it's time to let them go? Right now, he doesn't seem to be suffering. Do I put him down when he is happy and not in pain, or do I keep hold on to him until he can't stand the cancer any more? I am sure there are people who have lost their pets to cancer - so, I'm wondering having been through the experience, can you offer me any advice? Thanks, Chance's Mom
Where is the location of the new tumor? I would wait and see what the biopsy/FNA test results say before I would decide not to do chemo or other treatments.
Pam
chancesmom said:
… how do you decide when it's time to let them go?
This is one of the hardest decisions everyone with a cancer dog faces, and one we have tried to address with these existing forum topics and blog posts …
Question yourself to prepare for loss
Jerry's Blog:
Saying Goodbye: How We Knew (part 1)
Fear, Guilt and Anticipatory Grief
Free Counseling from the Argus Institute
Above all, remember, it's all about quality of life — not quantity! When the time comes, Chance will let you know.
We hope this helps. You might also ask your vet about Metronomics – a low dose oral chemotherapy – and consider an immune system supplment sucj as K9 Immunity. Both of these treatments help our Jerry live a happy healthy life for nearly eight months after we discovered his osteosarcoma lung metastsis.
We are sorry to hear about Chance, but glad you found us. Please consider starting a new topic or a blog to share his story and photos. Thanks for joining the Tripawds community!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh I am so very sorry...and hooray for you for adopting a senior dog...I wonder if I would do that at this point, knowing how hard this has been...you are to be hugged for first of all taking in the senior but one with a problem bless you.
Keep us posted on the results and enjoy every single happy day....
Bless you for adopting a senior pup, you are a real saint. What a beautiful pack I know you are.
As my Dad (AdminGuy) said, it's about quality of life. That's what you have to look for. If Chance no longer enjoys the things he loves best, then you know it may be time. Stay alert for those signs. While dogs will let their humans know, often times they wait until the pain or whatever is unbearable. But we always give clues. Open your heart and really listen to what Chance is saying to you. Your subconscious may know it before your conscious mind, but it's there.
For now he sure sounds like one hoppy dog. Enjoy the moment and love one another. We can't wait to see more pics of him!
xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I have to chime in also! Bless you, bless you, bless you for everything you've done for Chance.
Don't worry about the 'letting go'. Because you'll know when. Asking yourself that question should tell you, it's not time. You're just upset right now and rightfully so. And keep in mind, most of our fur babies that have lost their battle with cancer are large breeds and quite a few are seniors. Twelve years old isn't too old for Chance.
Plus, listen to what Pam said - she is a vet.
You will be blessed no matter what happens because you did such a good deed by Chance. Please feel free to come and talk, laugh or cry. We'll try our best to help you through this difficult time.
Comet's mom
Now, you make me not want to make fun of my schnauzer mix annoying 13-mth old puppy (a.k.a. monkeybutt)!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
My Vet called yesterday with the results which confirm the new tumor is a metastasis of the cancer that had invaded his paw which lead to his amputation. The location is on the left side, near his penis (his rear left paw had the tumor, which resulted in the removal of his limb). It appeared quite suddenly, and he is very 'aware' of it - wants to lick at it. The vet doesn't think she can remove it, and told me that in her opinion the cancer has likely spread to other areas as well. I asked her to look into any medication that might help slow down the cancer, and she is going to get back to me next week.
Chance is such a sweet guy - it broke my heart that he ended up in a shelter in such poor condition. I took him home knowing I would mostly likely be providing 'hospice' care. My vet at the time didn't think he would survive the amputation, but he did was doing great - his skin looks better, his coat is better, and he has so much spunk & 'attitude'!
He loves walking the trails in a nearby park, so I will continue taking him. I probably won't let him do the 2.5 miles now that it is getting hotter & I know he is sick. I gave him a Popsicle after our walk yesterday - and he was in doggy ecstasy!
As for adopting senior dogs - well, I guess I'm a sucker! Chance is my 3rd senior adoption, and he won't be my last. I think I get more from him than he gets from me, if that makes any sense. I'm sad that he is sick, but I'm glad that he knows he's got a family who loves him and we are going to make sure he won't suffer.
I'll post some pictures of him and his 'sister' Maggie this weekend.
I'm very greatful to have found this community, thanks for letting me share. Chance's Mom, Joan
Joan, we're so sorry, this isn't what we wanted to hear. But as long as he is doing great now and feeling relatively good, that's all that counts. How about Popsicles today, ICE CREAM tonight?!
It's so good to know there are "suckers" like you out there, thank you for doing what you do and giving these sweet pups the life they've always deserved. What a blessing you are to these dogs.
Give him a smooch from us and you get a big hug too. Thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry to hear about Chance... 
But as long as he is happy and enjoying his life, I wouldn't think about the 'end' yet... When the day comes, that Chance is no longer enjoying his life, and is in pain, then you will make that final and humane decision... Just love him for as long as he has left! He is so very lucky that you adopted him...
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
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