Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, It's been a while since I have written about Roxie. She had osteosarcoma in her left front limb. After much consideration we gave her some chemo and amputated that limb. She adjusted well to the surgery,and it was nice seeing her in no pain. It's been 4 months since surgery and we have found out that she now has cancer in her right rear leg. This cancer leg seems to be growing quickly,and we were advised to prepare for end of life. We are distraught,and are reaching out here to see if anyone sees any ideas or hope to offer. We have begun meds and will have to do something very soon
Awww sweet, sweet Roxie. Her avatar picture always melts my heart.
Not the news anyone expects. From what I understand, and I certainly could be mistaken, it's rare that this piece of crap disease goes from one limb to the other. Just wondering of a second opinion is warranted?
You DO have options s for Roxie!!!
Regardless, obviously there are cases when amputation is not doable and there are things that can be done!!! Stereotactic Radition has shown very good results in reducing pain, as well as keeping the piece of crap disease in check. Others will chime in, but wanted to get you started on researching that. Here's a link that gives a lot of information.
https://petcure.....ilies/faq/
How is Roxie doing overall? Sounds like you are addressing the pain now, bit os she eating, engaged, etc? Still getting around okay?
You are doing everything possible for your Roxie, and she knows it! We are all sending out pawsitive energy to keep your girl's quality and comfort and joy continuing🙏
((((((((Hugs))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Hi
Thank you for responding. At this time we are bringing her water and food. Her bloodwork looked good and her chest xray was clear. She is only getting up to go potty twice a day. Her leg is very swollen and fracture and breaking is a big concern. We are going to read the link you forwarded and speak to oncology again. I so appreciate your input. Thank you
I'm really sorry, getting this news is tough and breaks your heart. How are her spirits? It sounds like eating and drinking is good. Is she engaging with the family? You can always try some interactive brain games to keep her engaged and upbeat, without having to risk injury to that leg.
So I guess my question is, do they know for sure it's the same cancer? What kind of diagnostics did they do and what were the findings? If her x-rays are clear that's great. You are dealing with one health situation, not two, so kind of a relief.
Yes, Stereotactic Radiation Therapy can be an option. Check out Hazel's story!
And here are some other ways radiation therapy might help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for responding. At this point she is doing her best to walk on 2 legs. She is 84 pounds and this is difficult. She is not eating consistently and we do a lot of coaxing to get her to eat. We did all the right things with the last leg and only bought 4 months. Forgive me,but we keep going back and forth about what to do. She has overcome a great deal and we hesitate asking more of her for 4 more months or so. Sadly cost is also a consideration though I hate to say that. In 2020 we lost our 13 year old,and Roxie's diagnosis and leg. We are trying not to convey our sadness to her as we just want to love and care for her the best we can. We are having some family come by to see if this perks her up.
We are here for you in any way possible that can help support you. Vent, scream, cry, process options, think out loud amd throw in a few curse words too! This is a real kick in the gut to get this unnexpedted news.
And absolutely finances have too be considered! Many, many, many could not (or would not) go as far as you already have in the care for your sweet Roxie. The cost of amputation is out of range for soooo many people whom love their pets. Roxie would not want to put her hoomans under any additional financial stress.
What you are able to give her right now and what she appreciates more than anything, is continued loving and spoiling and time with her favorite hoomans. As you know, days on a calendar mean nothing to Roxie. You have given Roxie pain free time to create new memories ypwity you and to spoil her during that time in a way most dogs never get to experience in a lifetime!
You are doing everything possible to keep her comfortable. Your focus is on quality and helping Roxie to be Roxie as long as she can be. That's all she wants from you and you are doing that exquisitely.
Sadly there does dome a point when a line has to be drawn in the sand as to how much we will "put our pets through" with the "possibility " of "maybe" getting some more time., There is some relief in making a decision where your line is drawn. It frees you up to totally and completely focus on the present and not let that piece of crap disease interfere with this sacred and special time.
May there's an adjustment that can be made with her current pain meds to help reduce the swelling and keep the more comfortable. Giessing she's on Gabapentin now. Maybe adding Amantadine to the mix would help. Possibly a steroid like Prednisone can help reduce the inflammation, as well as stimulate her appetite.
Obvioisly, give her any previously "forbidden" food she'll eat. Bacon and eggs, pancakes with syrup and butter, some ice cream and a maybe even a few M&M's.
Let is know how the visit with her friends goes. Maybe they could bring her a cheeseburger.
Sending nyou extra hugs and a "knowing" that you will always make decisions out of love for Roxie. She knows that💖
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Thank you your words mean a lot. We think we have made our decision and hopefully we won't spend the rest of her time second guessing ourselves.
She was very happy to see our family visitors yesterday. It warmed our heart. Right now she is on Gabapentin and Carofen. We have Amanatine also. Our daughter is coming today and that will make her happy. Our family is coming more often as she really perks up at those times.
How grateful we are to have the opportunity to experience a life with these amazing animals. Each one so unique and wonderful. She is amazing.
😢
Awwww....so glad to hear the visit perked her up. Love the idea that she will be getting more "perk up visits". I'm sure Roxie would agree that those visits are the best therapy evvvvver💖 Sounds like good pain management plan to add the the "perk up therapy.
You and your family could not be more loving or more caring to yoir sweet Roxie. It is clear she's absolutely adored and I have no doubt she knows it!
Continue with the spoiling and you know we need some pictures for our Roxie fix, right?👍 We'll be waiting..........
(((((((Hugs))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
roxie1 said
How grateful we are to have the opportunity to experience a life with these amazing animals. Each one so unique and wonderful. She is amazing.
I couldn't agree more.
I'm so glad that Roxie's spirits were lifted with the visitors. See if you can try doing other things with her that won't tax her physically, little bucket list items that will make her so happy!
We did all the right things with the last leg and only bought 4 months. Forgive me, but we keep going back and forth about what to do.
Ah, there's nothing to forgive my furiend. I agree with Sally, at some point we have to say enough of the intervention. When we got there with Jerry and later, Wyatt, it felt freeing. Like we were all free to focus on the day, not the medical routines that defined the day and were not fun. As for the four months, always remember that Roxie is not keeping a calendar. Dates mean nothing to her. It's how you've lived those last four months with her that count, and how you will spend the rest of her time with you. Quality over quantity is the name of the cancer game, and knowing how much you love that girl and are wrestling with what to do, well, it's clear that you've given her lots and lots of quality. Keep it up, focus on the here and now. It's all she wants and it will make the entire pack happy.
Let us know how we can help OK?
P.S. You may want to check out this article:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You are right. Having made the decision has allowed us to focus solely on loving and nurturing her as long as we can.
I've said this before and will say it again. This group is a godsend. From the onset of Roxies cancer journey you have been here to listen and advise. I am very grateful for this support. Thank you
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