Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello Everyone! First I would like to thank you for all the kind words and message I got the first time I posted. It has been 2 and half months since Salty Dog had his hind left leg removed. It was a rough first two week but once the cone was off his neck he was good as new. Three legs has not slowed him down one bit. He hiked 10 miles with my son and husband last weekend.
However I am very sad to say that his lungs are filled with cancer. I took him to the vet today and when she came into the room crying I knew that its not good. We are going to keep him comfy and wait for him to give any signs of suffering. Salty is a 6 year young West Highland WhiteTerrier and a joy to our family. Everyone just loves our Salty Dog. I am very sad for my children who are 9 and 13. they are going to be heart broken, as are my husband and I.
Thanks for this forum, I really needed to talk to someone who understands what we are going through. Debi
Debi, we are so sorry, he is so young. This is the news we all hope to avoid as long as pawsible. It's so heartbreaking when it happens.
But it's good to hear that the recovery went well and you've had some wonderful adventures afterward. Ten miles! Wow! Smaller dogs are so much more able to do stuff like that after an amp.
We hope there are more beautiful times to come despite those mets. From what we've seen here, not all dogs go into a decline right away. I lasted 7 months once we discovered mets. We'll keep good thoughts close and hope that he will stay healthy for a long time.
He looks like a scrappy little pup who can scare that cancer away for a while. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Debi, Its always hard to hear the diagnosis- but good to hear he still is feeling good.
Enjoy every feel good day with Salty Dog- he doesn't know anything is wrong. As someone else posted here somewhere- stay positive until HE gives you a reason not to be.
Our dogs can teach us so much about living in the moment and enjoying what is right in front of us, not worrying about what might be someday.
Good luck and keep posting, everyone here understands.
Karen and the pug girls.
Debi,
I went from a smile about the ten mile hike to a gasp to hear his lungs are filled with mets. Obviously, Salty Dog does not know that! Enjoy your days with him. Like Jerry, Salty Dog could still have a full life for months to come. I know it is not long enough. We never have enough time, so embrace the time you have a build a heart full of memories.
Debra & Angel Emily
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.
Debi and Salty Dog,
We are so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. They say that this is the language of Shakespeare, but some how that language always seems to fail me at times like this. Six years seems like such a very short time for a "Westie" who of course are known for their feisty spirit. It sounds like he is not slowing down and continues to enjoy a very good quality to his life. For us, that really is the only measure. I know that I speak for everyone here in the great community when I say that we do understand and will feel privileged to provide any support possible during your journey.
Paws crossed that there will be many more wonderful times with Salty Dog. Create and preserve those memories.
Bob & Cherry
Debi and Salty Dog (where did he get that name from?
)
I'm happy that Salty Dog is feeling so good, but sad to hear about the lung mets. But as you've seen on here, many dogs can live many more months after their mets are discovered… Hopefully Salty Dog will be like one of those dogs!
Cherish every minute, every day you spend with him… as long as he is happy… let him enjoy his life for as long as he can…
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!
Oh, Debi, Salty Dog looks like he's such a wonderful dog. I'm glad he recovered well from his amp, but am sad to hear of his lung mets. You sure have a great attitude in that you are going to keep him comfy and let his spirit run while he's still happy and energetic. I will pray that his lung mets will not affect him for a long time. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Mom (Vicki)
I am sorry to hear Salty Dog that the cancer has spread to your lungs but happy that you are still feeling so good. Enjoy everyday and I pray that there will be many of them.
Jo Ann and Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
OH Debi, I am sorry to hear about the mets... It is sooo devestating, but enjoy each and every precious moment.. I also just received the same news you did last week for my girl... My children are 17,15, and 13. They too are all devestated. If you need support PM me I would be glad to give support where ever I can.
Shilo and Mom
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.
Like others, I'm sorry to hear the cancer has spread. But...Salty Dog doesn't care!!! He's like, "where's my walk, mom?!?!?" I hope he keeps up his super spirit for much MUCH longer!!!
<3 Laura and Jackers
Thank you all for your kind words they really mean so much! Salty Dog is having some trouble breathing, I can hear hear a whistle. He is also shivering for about 20 minutes after coming in from outside. He is still eating but I can tell he is weaker. This is so hard, is it time now, does he want to stick around a while longer? Times like this I really need a crystal ball. Thanks for everything, Debi
You will find that crystal ball by looking in Salty Dog's eyes. He will provide the answer you seek, when the time has come. Bless you for taking such good care of him. Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Debi....I remember the look on our vets face when she walked in with the chest x-rays of Paris! We were told April 22 that Paris had lung mets, they started her on Prednisone immediately....any talk of that for Salty Dog? They told us she would have about 3 months.....it has been almost 7 months.
We decided that day when we got home from the vet that nothing would change, as hard as it is, I did not want to be looking for trouble every day. We know that at any time things can change and possibly very rapidly. We also made the decision not to re-xray, I really don't need to know. Paris will tell us when it is time.
The fact that Salty Dog went on a long hike is wonderful, he is letting you know he is not done yet!! I am sorry if I've rambled on some, but I wanted to share our experience with you. I will keep good thoughts for you and yes it is heartbreaking for the kids.....but what a lesson in love you can teach them through this all.
Hugs and licks as our pups fight on...Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
I don't know if either of you saw the posting but I have prednisone on the Angel Exchange if you need. it. From your post it sounds like Paris is on it. I would love if someone could benefit from it.
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.
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