Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Rusty is looking handsome and so happy to be with his family.
We unfortunately joined this group that nobody wants to join a few weeks earlier than you- Lloyd was diagnosed on his 13th birthday @ March 1st, had his amputation on 3rd March and he was home the day after and with support wobbled down some stairs to go potty on "his" post - think our neighbours would have thought we were mad as we were crying and laughing with him.
He's busy trying to roach in the sun at the moment and that makes the last few weeks so worthwhile.
Amputation is not a curse.. it allows your hound to live a full life. My TJ was a very happy and active dog for 9 months post amp. Some people said I was cruel for amputating TJ... then I would call TJ over and he would act like a normal dog... took all of 3 seconds to convince most people that TJ didn't mind.
Well today is one of the days I have dreaded these past 4 months....Rusty has done really well with amputation and chemo...but yesterday things changed...he lauid around all day and won't eat or drink and is weak. His breathing has become very labored. We are taking him to the vet this morning but I am afraid with what I will hear. We went to the lake this last weekend and rusty swam and walked and played with kids as if nothing is wrong and then yesterday he did a complete 180...
I don't know what to expect...is this normal as the end draws near? I swore to myself and to him that once quality if life changes, I would do the unthinkable but I don't want to do it too soon...I guess I am writing because I am scared about losing my boy...any advice or experience is appreciated even if the news is not good
Thanks
Please try not to assume the worst until you have him evaluated........I know it is REALLY hard to NOT think the worst when a setback happens. Taking him into his vet is the best thing you can do right now, and whether it is good news, or not so good news, at least you will know what you are dealing with. This journey we all travel, and have traveled, is always difficult for us, but our pups don't know the difference. The really great thing is, you had him out to the lake, and he was happy, playful, and just being dog, I'm so glad you were able to give that to him.
Do keep us updated on sweet Rusty, and try to stay as positive as possible for him....
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
I hope you've been able to see the vet by now so you can get a better idea of what's going on. I know it's so hard not to think the worst when cancer is always looming in the background, but this could be any number of a million things, hopefully nothing serious. "The end" is different for everyone, so what happens with one dog can be very different for another. If it's any comfort at all, usually it's a gradual decline instead of all at once. Keep pawsitive and remember Rusty just wants to feel better. Let us know what's going on OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh gosh, just saw this...DITTO. DITTO. DITTO Jerry and Polly....can't say DITTO enough!
Love
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Well we met with the vet and found out that rusty had developed a high fever (104)..they ran blood work and did not see any abnormalities (last chemo was two weeks ago). The vet felt that he had either developed an infection or virus. He said that he has seen it in cancer but he did not think that was it. They are keeping him at the hospital tonight as they administer antibiotics and fluids. They did say that he ate a little this afternoon so that is some improvement. If he does not respond to antibiotics, they may try steroids but of course that can make infections worse if that is the cause. He would not commit if he thought it was the cancer but he may take a chest film tomorrow if improvement does not occur. Of course I did the worst thing one could do (and something I tell my patients not to do)... I looked up symptom on the internet and thought it could be due to the excessive exercise he got this weekend swimming at the lake leading to possible heat stroke. Who knows...we are in a holding pattern for now, but your words certainly provided comfort. I will keep you all updated as the news was better than I was anticipating. Hopefully we will have him back home soon...I just want him to feel better!
Oh my gosh yes, Dr. Google can create so much worry! What kind of practitioner are you?
I'm glad that he's in the vet's care right now, hopefully it's something that can be brought under control without much more lengthy treatment. Hang in there and let us know how it goes tomorrow.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes, relatively speaking, this IS good news!!!! AND he felt well enough to eat a few bites even though he was at the Vets!
It could be.so very many things...not the least of which could be some insect bite, some infectio he picked u p while swimming...soooooo many things!
As much as you hate to leave himat the. Vets, he really is in the best place right now...fluids, antibiotic, rest
Now, you stay off Doc Gogglit tonight...instead, eat so much chocolate it makes you almost...but not quit..want to puke! It'll be worth it!
Rusty will be feeling better and home so very soon!!!!!!!!!
Hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Glad to hear that Rusty is in getting the medical treatment he needs right now 
Looking forward to more updates but for now we are sending you hugs and lots of pawsitive thoughts.
Linda and Tucker
I am SO late here! I so enjoyed reading through it, though, and undergoing your emotions and struggle at the start and the realization that Rusty's life is better without that bum leg. But, drat, this new complication?! He's getting GREAT care there and seems to have loads of folks watching over him. You may want to press for chest xrays, though, since it's most common with OSA. I've read stories of sudden changes, too, so this may be Rusty's? Or, it's "just" an undiagnosed, mystery infection that'll clear up with IV fluids and antibiotics! That's why, if it were me, at this point I'd finally bite the bullet and get chest xrays. You want to make sure you're fighting the same and right battle...
Sending LOADS of pawsitive energy to you, your family, and handsome, HANDSOME Rusty! OMG! I love LOVE his face! What a sweetie.
Keep us posted - like always.
~ 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!
Well to update on our situation...Rusty's fever has come down some but it is nowhere near the normal range. We spoke to the vet last night and he is starting to be concerned as the fever does not seem to be responding to antibiotics as well as he would have liked. He did take a chest film yesterday and saw mets in the lungs but he commented that they were quite small at this time. He feels like they would have not have just shown up when his symptoms began. He did comment that some tumors would put our pyrogenic mediators that can raise the temperature of the animal though he said that is more rare in osteosarcoma. He wants to continue the antibiotics the rest of today and see how he is does at that point. He can try steroids to lower the temperature but said that this is more or less just going to be masking the symptoms (but will make Rusty feel better). He said that Rusty had more energy yesterday and ate a little though not anywhere close to a normal amount. He is drinking more and more and urinating without problem. We are going to see how Rusty does today but I am not sure we will do if the antibiotics do not work...we just want him to be free of pain and discomfort.
I continue to hope for the best but am prepared for the worst...we miss him terribly at home
Sorry for another update...Rusty's temperature is down to 102 now so he is getting some better...still not eating. Not really sure but to me that is the most ominous sign now. Hopefully he will improve but the vet said that they will give him calories IV but if he won't eat, he won't eat and that could be Rusty's signal that he is letting us know that he is ready himself (as much as it hurts to say that). He has been such a fighter and I hate to imagine him giving up...I pray for more time with him but only if it is on his terms and not mine...
Hey now, that's sounding WAY better! I'm encouraged. Not eating is a sign things aren't right, but there are so many reasons for "not right". How about this:
Can you swing by and maybe bring a special person with you (special to Rusty, that is) and get him outside or in your car? Now that he's a little more stable, get him out of the clinic for 20min or maybe an hour and divert him? Bring him lots of fun things to nosh on! Or if he's a fan of drives, take him somewhere for some food? Try: McDonalds, sardines, cottage cheese, hotdogs, hamburger, chicken (chicken nuggets), bananas, peanut butter, rice, ice cream! Heck, blend some of those together. I'm wondering if he's a sensitive guy and the stress of being in the hospital may not appeal to his appetite. If all other systems are GO with him and it's "just" his appetite, I'd be inclined to try all sorts of things to get him eating again. Diversion can go a long way! Might your vet be open to a little visit and hiatus from the hospital? Of course after your visit, Rusty can stay there longer and get his temp measured. I understand he may be hooked up to IVs, but there are ways to make that work. Have them set up a blanket outside or in the back of your car (helpful if the seats go down) and bring out an IV stand. It'll take a few people to get him set up and moved, but the break could do wonders! Bring a book. Hang with your pup. Enjoy some foods together. Yes?
Sending pawsitive energy!
~ 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!
Oh my gosh never feel bad about posting multiple updates in a day, we're all waiting to hear what's going on. I'm encouraged by your last one, it does sound like he might be responding to the care. And I REALLY like Katy's suggestion to give him a break and take him outside for a bit just to hang out. Clinics and hospitals are depressing when you're sick, for dogs and humans alike. I'm thinking that could really help perk his spirits up.
Does your vet have others there who s/he can consult with? Getting multiple opinions is so helpful at a time like this.
Lots of hugs coming your way, please keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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