Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The vet did say they still stand by the OSA diagnosis, just that it only showed up in the biopsy, and just barely there. I'll know more, and be able to be more articulate once I see the official paperwork.
Thank you again for your kindness. It means so much to us.
I will post again once I know more!!
Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall – Confucius
http://credocan.....pawds.com/
credocanis said:
One part of me wants to share what I think is fantastic news, but the other part feels awful…
Please never feel bad about sharing good news, it is exactly the hope many need when facing down times with their own dogs. Just look at what readers had to say about Jerry's blog post questioning exactly how you're feeling …
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I can totally relate to sharing good news making you feel guilty. Sometimes I have to just force myself to post updates on Trouble. But what I try to keep in mind, is every good report for us, 17 months post amp is hope for someone coming up behind us. We all need that hope that tomorrow will bring better days. That doesn't stop me from feeling bad for those who weren't as fortunate and didn't get the precious time we have, and I guess I will never past that. Being a cancer survivor is a very humbling experience.
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.
Hey Everyone – No additional word back or paper follow-up on the "good news" from the other day. Of course now I am wondering if everyone is in total CYA mode and just telling me that Lincoln has osteosarcoma despite the absence of proof after the de-calcification process. Now I'm back to, "Oh my god did I just cut my dog's leg off for nothing". I keep reminding myself that he was limping, and that I did have no less than five vets review the x-rays.
I'm a lawyer, for crying out loud, and they all know that. Are they just telling me this so I don't get litigious? Are any of you aware of a similar finding? Again, I know this will all make more sense once I've seen it and am not relaying it from memory, but I am curious is this is an occurrence that is common amongst the forum people.
Also, Lincoln is one week post chemo (first session), and honestly seems to be perfectly fine. I want to start exercising him again, as I am very fearful of the remaining rear leg staying strong enough to support my giant of a dog. We have been taking him on short walks (as in three or four blocks), but would really like to increase that for his sake.
Should I let him be the judge of what he can do? He seems ready and willing to go, I just don't want to over do it and have him suffer a set back because of my ignorance.
Suggestions or thoughts anyone?
Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall – Confucius
http://credocan.....pawds.com/
Glad to hear Lincoln is coping with the chemo so well, but you do need to be the one regulating his behavior, especially during recovery. Leave it up to him and he'll be hopping laps around the house until he's too tuckered out!
As far as the CYA thing goes, we believe all vets do that but sincerely doubt they would suggest cancer if it wasn't a strong possibility. Our expereince has been that they just tend to always present the worst case scenario to prepare for, well ... the worst.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Lincoln's mom,
You know what, I would be rich if I had a $1 for every time I questioned my vet's diagnoses and then Googled it to see if they were correct! I think it's a Type A personality coming out, coupled with our love for our pet!
When my dog died suddenly the past summer, I was so relieved when my vet told me he found (during the autopsy) a hemangiosarcoma tumor on his heart that burst. Well that diagnosis lasted in my mind for about 2 days. I questioned it. Why? Because just 2 days earlier I had accidentally hit him on the side of the gut while on an exercising gazelle type machine. He walked by and he got hit. He didn't seem to be hurt but I knew it was a hard hit. So, instead of taking the truth about his death, I blamed myself for something unrelated. I also moped around for months wondering how I could not have noticed he was dying that's why I couldn't accept the cancerous tumor on his heart. But then I realized my vet surely wouldn't lie to the pet insurance company.
The reality is you just can't look back OR you will drive yourself mad. And trust me, I've been on the edge of madness several times!
Do you have a physical therapy place around where you live? Hydro therapy is great. If you don't, Intex pools are perfect for dogs and are really cheap! We set one up for Comet when it gets warm and leave it up all summer. It's easy to use because you don't have to make a big production about swimming yourself (swim suit and getting all wet). Just put them in and make them swim laps to you. My therapists said it doesn't take much water and being in any water helps take of the stress, even a small amount.
Comet's mom
Here's a pic of the pool – in which you can find for around $100
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.
cometdog said:
… Intex pools are perfect for dogs … which you can find for around $100
Sure enough. We found the 12' Intex Easy Set pool at Buy.com for $99.00!
| [Image Can Not Be Found] |
Intex 12' x 36 Easy Set Pool
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I don't have any idea about the CYA diagnosis. I have every faith in my vet but it is easy to imagine some vets being afraid to admit they were wrong. For your sake and for Lincolns it would be great if there is no cancer. However, I think a vet could probably get his/her liscence revoked for falsifing medical records but I don't know that to be true. Is it Pam?
What a disjointed post!
Please don't hesitate to post good news. Yes, we lost Emily, but I celebrate each and every post that has good news to share.
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.
That's a really good deal on the pool especially since it includes the pump! I think mine is only 8 feet in diameter. I didn't buy the pump the first year and had to the second year. The pump isn't the greatest and you'll still need a net but it did help.
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.
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