Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We knew Butch could do it. That is so great. Titan has his second chemo next week. Did you get a dog ramp for Butch or does he not need one?
Heidi and Titan
Great to hear that Butch is doing so well. That magic moment when we see that the dog we know and love is still there is so wonderful it makes you want to cry.
Hugs Butchy
Connie & Radar
We haven't needed a dog ramp for Butch because we can avoid steep steps by taking longer ways around the house, hills are tough on him because the back leg has to push his big front body up the hill so we avoid them where possible or just take it slow. We've lowered his couch by taking the cushions off and putting lambswool dog mats down so it's about 6" off the floor now, easy to get in and out of and seems to be his favourite spot. He can see the kitchen and lounge from his 'throne' as we call it so no wonder he loves it.
Annie and Butch x
It is Sooooooooo good to hear from you again.
Annie, I'm sorry about your grandmother passing away. She sounds like she was a beautiful person. I hope her passing was peaceful.
I am so happy to hear that Butch is showing his "love ears" (that's so cute) again. He must be feeling better. Gosh, it just seems like you were hit with so much in such a short time period. 
But, maybe things can level out now, and life can be good to you and Butch, again.
Love, slurps, slobbers & meow, Blazer, Kimber & Vicki T
Second chemo yesterday and Butch has crashed back to the ground. He's mopey, his eyes seem puffy and he keeps licking his nose. His body stiffens slightly when I touch him which is what he did when he was hiding under the hedges. My notes say the chemo shouldn't hit him before day 3 or 5 but it's hit him the next day instead. Damn! I was so happy to see him happy, we are constantly looking for reassurance that we've done the right thing by opting to put him through this hell, a tail wag, love ears anything and we just got a glimmer of it before this chemo. Two steps forward, one step back..
Annie and mopey Butch
Oh wow, we are so sorry. Did you call the clinic? Any advice?
Try not to be discouraged, usually a reduction in the chemo dose is all it takes to get him back to normal.
Genie just posted a link about Dog Massage and Acupressure, which may help him feel better. You may want to try it, my Mom's going to try it on me tonight.
The reaction is sure to wear off soon. Try to stay positive, you are doing the right thing for Butch. We know it's hard to see him this way, but know that it's only temporary and it's for the greater good. I'm sure he'll be wagging his tail very soon.
Sending lots of pawsitive energy your way,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Annie
What chemo drugs are they using on Butch and how far apart are his chemo sessions? I know they told me the 2nd chemo drug said could make Titan a little sick. I was planning to ask about what they could give him. Did they do a CBC blood test to make sure Butch's white cell counts are good? I know from your past experiences Butch seems sensitive to medicines etc.. Is he eating? He could be nauseous. I know when Titan's tummy isn't feeling good he wants to be left alone. And sometimes he drools a little or can't stay comfortable in one position. Did they give you anything for him? I would definately call the clinic.
Annie you DID the right thing. Please stay as upbeat and positive as you can around Butch. I know Titan and I have a strong bond and he definately feeds off my feelings. Butch not feeling good is temporary when this is all over you will be so relieved.....Don't you dare feel guilty or you didn't do the right thing. You helped Butch not be in pain with his bone cancer anymore. Hang in there please for Butch!!! I know it is easier said then done but you got to be strong.
I am sending you strong positive thoughts thru my esp to you (I don't really have esp
) Did you ever buy that book Without Regret? I think it would help you. I also listen to that book on DVD The Secret about positive thinking. When I have a bad day I watch it.
Hang in there
Heidi and Titan oxoxox
Thank you for your kind words. No Butch wouldn't eat tonight either but I'm not so sure that's the worst thing. When I weighed him he had put on 3 kgs since the op 35 days ago, not good when you're carrying all that weight with only one back leg!
His chemo drug is carboplatin not sure of yesterdays dosage but the last dose 3 weeks ago was 522mg. Blood count 10 days post first chemo was good and yesterdays bloodtest apparently was 'excellent' according to the oncologist. If he's as bad tomorrow I'll call and let them know his reaction. I'm as flat as a tack, when I walked in tonight after being away for an hour he didn't even lift his head, I actually checked to see if he was breathing he was so still. Dear beautiful boy can't bear what he's having to go through.
Mopey Annie
We sure hope Butch is back to his old self soon. Cody's first Chemo is tommorrow with carboplatin also. I'm very nervous since Cody has just now started to act like his old self again. It's day 12 for him since surgery. We are sending Butch Big Hugs and prayers to feel better soon!
Cody and Cathy
Hi Butch, Annie & family,
I feel so sad to hear that Butch's 2nd dose of carboplatin has caused him to crash like this. At 81 kgs (178.6 lbs) he is a huge dog. I know this has to be so discouraging and even frightening for you to see this happen. Everyone else on this website can offer their excellent advice (such as Heidi, Genie, Max, Connie, Nina & Marcella, Cathy and, of course, our beloved and brave spokes-dog, Jerry). I have never been through this (amputation) with any of my pets, but I have gone through various types of cancer. I'm kind of the outsider on the site, but I am here to offer as much support as possible.
I'm so sorry that all of you are going through this in different stages of recovery and can only imagine how hard this must be to see your beloved animal without a limb, let alone the fear of metastases can bring. The fear of what the next dose of chemo may do and the worry of whether, or not there was something you could have done to have prevented this. It appears that you have done everything in your power to raise a healthy, happy dog. The love I see that you have for Butch is so touching. I hope he starts feeling better soon, and as one of the other fine readers mentioned, maybe they can adjust the 3rd dose of carboplatin so Butch doesn't get so sick.
Butch has had some pretty big "speedbumps" as some writer's call it, but I bet he'll be feeling much better soon. That jacket you bought for him is a great idea (you mentioned it's winter in Australia now) and I'm glad it protects his incision where the limb was removed. You mentioned that he had gained a little weight, but it may be edema (water weight) from all the meds. Often times, NSAID's (Metacam) and pain killers can cause this to happen. I wouldn't be too alarmed at this point. Once his body adjusts, he'll lose that weight. My dog will not eat the B.A.R.F. diet, either (he's a little 12 lb. miniature poodle named, Blazer) who is 9 years old.
I hope Butch pulls out of this momentary slump soon. You are doing everything possible for him and I know he appreciates it, even though he can't show it right now. Please keep us updated. You are a wonderful mom, Annie. Hang in there, you dear sweet woman.
Blazer, Kimber & Vicki
Annie,
In addition to Tazzie we have a 3 1/2 year old Dogue de Bordeaux named Loki. This breed is definitely sensitive to meds, even more so than other mastiffs. I often have to cut his dose of meds to 75% or he gets sick or lethargic, even for "benign" drugs like thyroid pills or antibiotics. I'll bet that Butch is like Loki and probably just needs less chemo next time. The oncologists see this reaction often and as long as his white cell count doesn't bottom out at day 7-10 post chemo they will probably feel okay giving the drug again. Is he nauseous? There are meds that can help his belly feel better if that is the case.
I hope that he feels better soon! There is nothing sadder looking than a sick DDB!
Pam and Tazzie
tazziedog said:
This breed is definitely sensitive to meds, even more so than other mastiffs. I often have to cut his dose of meds to 75% or he gets sick or lethargic, even for "benign" drugs like thyroid pills or antibiotics.
That is really good info to know, thank you for sharing that.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes I agree Jerry that was great info from Pam and Tazzie, I suspect Butch is another sensitive DDB. I noticed they increased the carboplatin to 540mg for the second chemo, his blood was Neutrphils 9.93, platelets 285 (an increase since first chemo which were 7 and 200) it's all Greek to me but their comments were positive. I will let them know about his reaction so that they can consider his next chemo dosage. He still won't eat (only a bickie and a small brisket bone today) but we had a nice walk in the park with my granddaughter for about 45 mins. He did well and is becoming quite a little celebrity in my neck of the woods. (when you're that gorgeous I guess it's inevitable even if you only have 3 legs..)
Annie and Butch
A 45 minute walk? WOW, that is great!
"Only" 3 legs? Remember, he's got one more than you! 😉
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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