Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Just catching up and WOW!!! What an informative catch up it is!
You are a WONDERFUL advocate for Fionn and know him better than anyone!
My Happy Hannah also did four Carboplatin. Although I did metronomics for a couple of weeks, she developed a urinary thing. Whether it was already in the works before the metronomics or as a result, I don't know. I do know it meant more bloodwork, poking and prodding, etc and, I drew my line in the sand an basicae said no more.
"No treatment" is still a form of treatment! Yes, continuing with good supplements, good nutrition and Happy Hannah's favorite vitamin ICE CREAM, is a treatment that worked for her!!
Keep on living life to the fullest Fionn! That's what it's all about...always has been...always will be!!
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Hopping over to Fionn's great blog to see more FIONN!!
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!
Sally, I am sure that Happy Hannah and Fionn would have been best friends! They share similar tastes😊. Although fionn prefers bunny poop but that may be due to "ease of access" since it is EVERYWHERE around us. I had another chat with the oncologist and she did say they would consider using Palladia for lung mets. They have had some modest success with Palladia. Since they don't recommend metronomics I assumed there wasn't anything else that could be done. I have decided to go ahead and schedule him for a chest X-ray. Part of me doesn't want to know- actually ALL of me doesn't want to know but knowledge is power right?
Fwiw the multi institutional study mentioned before IS the one she told me about. It is the only one involving metronomics done specifically for OSA and did not show any increase in survival time. The other studies with positive results were done for different cancers. They do have high hopes for the ongoing clinical trial involving caroboplatin and rapamycin, but it is not complete yet.
Next step for Fionn is getting him a swim vest. Since snow didn't turn him on, I'll go back to what I KNOW makes him happy-getting wet. There are a couple of dog parks on SF Bay so he won't have to contend with waves and there is a lake in our community he can go in as long as I can keep him from harassing the geese and swans!
Nancy- mom to the FABULOUS Fionn. He rescued me in 2015 when he was 6.
Right front leg amputation at age 7 for osteosarcoma 10/6/16. Taken too soon 6/12/17. Read about our journey here:
http://fionnsjo.....pawds.com/
Oh yeah, Happy Hannah enjoyed bunny poop too! That was the appetizer, deer poop the main course!! 🙂 Thanks for mentioning her...very kind.
YES!! We MUST have video of Fionn swimming! 🙂 🙂 And no chasing the Geese or Swans! I know, I know, you're supposed to be allowed to do anything you want because you are an ADORABLE tripawd! Hurting birds is off limits! Okay, okaaay, you can chase them, just don't catch them!! 🙂
And thanks again for the informative feedback on metronomics , etc. Your post regarding that will be a good "go to resource" for anyone looking for insight on treatments.
Lots of 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!
Our onco was basically in line with yours - we did 4 rounds and started palladia when mets developed. They also did not recommend metronomics . As I mentioned before, once the chemo cleared Otis' system, we had the BEST times together!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Fionn has updated his blog again! http://fionnsjo.....t-me-down/
Sadly, a single lung met was found yesterday in his check up. Despite knowing it would happen eventually, it was still a bunch in the gut and I started crying. Then, the onco told me how much the Palladia and assorted labs, med and xray would cost (approx $1000/month) and that was punch number two! I just can't afford any more treatments. I HATE having to make a decision like this based on money, but it's a reality. I told her how guilty it made me feel and she reminded me where we were and what we had done so far. Most people don't even consider doing the amputation let alone the 4 rounds of chemo. She also reminded me that Fionn has had almost 5 months pain free that he would not have had and, hopefully, he has some more time to enjoy life. He doesn't know he has cancer and he certainly doesn't act like he does, so another reminder to "Be More Dog "!
He is still taking the turmeric golden paste, K9 Immunity plus and I ordered some CBD capsules for him. Yes, my dog is going to be on cannabis. The legal stuff without THC, but I was prepared to get a cannabis card for myself so I could score weed for my dog! That's how much I love him. Who knows if any of this helps, but it certainly can't hurt and I can afford it. In the words of my daughter "blaze on Fionn"!
[Image Can Not Be Found]
Nancy- mom to the FABULOUS Fionn. He rescued me in 2015 when he was 6.
Right front leg amputation at age 7 for osteosarcoma 10/6/16. Taken too soon 6/12/17. Read about our journey here:
http://fionnsjo.....pawds.com/
How did I miss this thread? I do think the day job is definitely getting in my way! but that's not news.
The no metronomics for OSA - that's what our vet told us too but I had not realized the distinction between not for OSA but good for other things. I was very confused at the time. I had thought that there was something for lung mets but Isa never got there. As usual she took her own road.
Yes, the golden time after chemo's done and before "other" things crop up - it is the best. I am truly sorry I didn't understand what a small window it could be. Fionn, you handsome devil, you wear your superhero cape (just not when swimming) and keep your mom smiling. And have all the adventures you can! And all the ice cream and bunny poop you can find and/or talk your mom into!
Giant hugs for all
Teri and Angel Isa
Right rear leg amp 7/12/16 due to OSA. Metastatic lesion on her right front leg, January 2017. Joined the Winter Warriors January 19, 2017. Run free my sweet girl.
Gosh! I missed it too!!! And I NEVER want ro miss anything about our boy Fionn!!! Gon a go check his blog....And it better jave PICTURES!!!!
Nope, not the news you want to hear, but not the end of the road by a loooooong shot!! We already know Fionn doesn't jave a timeframe stamped anywhere on his cute butt!. I think you looked before. But just in case, check sgain and see if a timeframe has appeared! Nope! Not there is it? Didn't think so!!
I really like your Vet's response about the cost of Palladia being out of the question! She was spot on with her inight! And besides, it does jave side effects and it's effectiveness is still up in the air. I'm pretty sure Fionn is thrilled to not be making all these Vet visits and not constantly being poked a d prodded!! Fionn is just thoroughly enjoying being Fionn and being so deliciously spoiled a d loved! 🙂
I think you have a great non-invasive treatment plan moving forward! We'll @ook foreard to celebrating.p more victories and successes...WITH PICTURES!!
Lots of love!
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!
I have not had time to spend here lately either! Just too busy livin' life with the Fionnster :). I had the MOST AMAZING this happen today. Here's what I wrote on FB
'I just have to share something wonderful that happened to me today. I got a call from UC Davis veterinary oncology. I posted earlier that his cancer has spread and I couldn't afford more treatments. I figured they were just checking in on Fionn. Instead, I was told that an anonymous donor wanted to help pay for Fionn's treatments! I started crying I was just so touched and amazed! Since I found out about the lung met, I have done more research and lots of thinking and had already decided not to pursue more treatments. I am comfortable with my decision not to subject Fionn to more pokes, prods and potential side effects and to allow him to live out his life as happy and comfortable as I can make him. I am so truly grateful to whomever this generous person is though and their kindness shall not be forgotten! I wish I knew who they are so Fionn and I could wrap them in hugs and doggy kisses
. It's got to be one of my FB family or someone from Tripawds. Whoever you are you are an ANGEL."
I am still blown away by the generosity of this person. I hope they understand my decision. Fionn is doing so well right now. I truly believe the turmeric paste helps with pain and inflammation and I am seeing even more benefit from adding Canna Pet (cbd). I do give him some meloxicam if he has an extra active day. I know he has to be sore in lots of places being a big dog on 3 legs, but he sure doesn't act like it's slowing him down. Here's a pic for you Sally from the barn today. It was a warm day (finally) and he found a handy mud puddle to cool off in. The puddle's proximity to the manure pile was not concerning to him in the least. I can't get a picture to load directly so click the link
https://goo.gl/.....24F49ueX96
And the aftermath of Fionn's big day at the barn
https://goo.gl/.....jwkw6Zq2HA
Nancy and Fionn
fionnsjourney.tripawds.com
Nancy- mom to the FABULOUS Fionn. He rescued me in 2015 when he was 6.
Right front leg amputation at age 7 for osteosarcoma 10/6/16. Taken too soon 6/12/17. Read about our journey here:
http://fionnsjo.....pawds.com/
How wonderful, Nancy! What a lovely thing to do. I'm certain they will understand your decision. It's their offer, after all, that has enabled you to make it, to make a decision about what's best for Fionn without having to worry about the financial side of things. That's a very precious gift. I'm so delighted for you both.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
YES!!! Sometimes good things DO happen to good people AND good dogs!!! What a lovely gesture!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Restores my faith in humanity! 🙂 🙂
You know Fionn better than anyone. Without question. the path you are taking is what Fionn would want! And I'm sure his "donor" understands that and appreciates how deeply tuned into him you are.
Look at that handsome boy in those pictures!!! He's content, he's smiling, he's happy! He would much rather be enjoying sunbathing at his barn rather than being poked and prodded at a Vet! Ugh! He has a beautiful fur coat! His fur is so pretty and thick and lush!
BLAZE ON FIONN!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 We're cheering for you! AND we'll be waiting for more great pictures!!! How 'bout some swimming videos? Still too cold though?
Love and bugs!!
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!
Sally there's a swim video on the last installment of his blog. Look for the word SWIM. It's linked to the video 🙂
Nancy- mom to the FABULOUS Fionn. He rescued me in 2015 when he was 6.
Right front leg amputation at age 7 for osteosarcoma 10/6/16. Taken too soon 6/12/17. Read about our journey here:
http://fionnsjo.....pawds.com/
Well CRAP (I'd say something else but it's not nice). Fionn has been reluctant to get up and move for a few days. His remaining front paw seemed to be the issue, but his back legs seem wobbly too. I took him in to our regular vet who xrayed his chest and front leg and, while his single lung met is still the only one, he now has what appears to be hypertrophic osteopathy. Bony over growth up and down the leg. Not mets by the look of it, but related to the lung met and quite rare. His whole leg is swollen and painful. Review of previous posts about it here confirms, at least to me, that that is what we are dealing with. I emailed our oncologist for her insight, but we may be looking at numbered days now if I can't control his pain. I put him on tramadol, gabapentin and meloxicam as soon as he showed signs of pain and it hasn't really helped much. He is 9 months post op tomorrow and I was planning on taking him camping at the beach in a few weeks:(. I was SO hoping to have one more bucket list trip with him.
I'll update after I hear from the oncologist. If nothing else, maybe it will be helpful to someone else on this god awful journey.
Oh, and as Sally says, forum posts are useless without pictures so here's one from 2 weeks ago when he and I went to a wine club pick up party. I sipped wine while he bummed expensive cheese from people. The 3 legged thing really works when begging 🙂
https://goo.gl/.....DU5GxBVPd6
And here are 2 videos of the treats he got on our way home from the vet today. Fionn has NOT lost his appetite!
https://goo.gl/.....HdAoy2s9s8
https://goo.gl/.....ZNApgDUb57
Nancy and the always fabulous Fionn
Nancy- mom to the FABULOUS Fionn. He rescued me in 2015 when he was 6.
Right front leg amputation at age 7 for osteosarcoma 10/6/16. Taken too soon 6/12/17. Read about our journey here:
http://fionnsjo.....pawds.com/
NANCY! ''You and Fionnnhave REALLY, been on my mind the past several days and now I know whh! Thank you sooooo much for taking the time to update! I know you have a lot on your plate, but bymposting, not only will you feelmour support, but maybe someone will have some insight into our handsome boy's challenge.
And remebrr, I thinkmit tskes a few days for the Gabapentin to take hold. May be wrong though. And it could be that he needs a different combomof drugs. Hopefully the Onco will have some suggestions on how to best move forward.
It's rotten thst this "rarity" is popping up. Especially with the met staying "stable" and everything else doing well. It's good that his appetite is still steady too!
Fionn is an I incredibly resilient boy and he nhsr may surprise you! Don t dismiss that camping trip yet, okay? The Onco maynhave some treatment suggestions to help him feel better. But in the meantime, keep in drinking wine to help YIU stay resilient! 🙂
It goes without saying that we are ALL cheering for this sweet boy! He has quite a Fionn. Fan Club here with us! 🙂
CHEESE, CHEESE AND MORE CHEESE for Fionn!!! With a scoop of ice cream of course!! Ice creammis in everybody's bucket list and easy to fulfill...EVERYDAY!! 🙂
Lots and lots of love and 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!
THE CHEESEBURGER MONSTER STRIKES WTH SWIFTNESS AND FOCUS!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Look at that Fionn INHALE that burger in seconds!! Can't stop smiling!
And I do believe Fionn wa ts a sip of your wine something fierce! 🙂 He looks like he's staring a hole in yiur glass!
He really, really, reallynp is a handsome Soul who mist exudes gentleness and sweetness.
Couldn't see the third photo...my connection is actling up so I'll try it again later. I don't wa t to miss any of Fionn! 🙂 🙂
Oh, do you think acupuncture would help at all? Is a stroller something that would help too?
Lots and lots of love and 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!
Aw Sally I knew you'd be keeping an eye out for my Fionn! By the way I LOVED the video of your surprise at the Virginia gathering. What a WONDERFUL party it was! And, I just finished looking at Euridyce's posts and I have to say they helped me realize we need to make EVERY moment count and not stop just because of a diagnosis. What an amazing story Teresa has shared!
I just recently got a big yard cart for Fionn to use on walks. He's really too big for a stroller. He was just getting used to it when this episode started. Right now, at least, he doesn't want to even move that much. He'll get up to eat or pee, but that's about all he can muster. I'm hoping the onco has some ideas for improving the pain control. No will I allow him to suffer needlessly.
Nancy- mom to the FABULOUS Fionn. He rescued me in 2015 when he was 6.
Right front leg amputation at age 7 for osteosarcoma 10/6/16. Taken too soon 6/12/17. Read about our journey here:
http://fionnsjo.....pawds.com/
2 Guest(s)
