Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello everyone,
I have read through SO many of the topics and figured that I would finally post. So many stories and so many lives touched, this is a great site....
Let me start by introducing my k-12 (not just your typical k-9!) companion. His name is Griffyn and he is a 12.5 yr old male Chocolate Lab. I answered probably a dozen adds before I finally found the perfect match and he became a part of my life at just 7 weeks old. He will be turning 13 this coming April. We have been through sooooo much together and he is the best friend that I have ever had. It amazes me how no matter what the situation may be he always stands tall by my side, faithful and full of so much love and affection.
We just got the diagnosis this past week that he has osteosarcoma in his hip and pelvis. On Halloween night I noticed his left hip area to be deformed and that the leg itself seemed elongated and that his paw rotated outwards. I would have thought that it was dislocated only there was no pain on palpation and he seemed to be getting around without difficulty. I know that he has arthritis so the occ. lameness that he shows has never caused concern for me. The diagnosis came as a big surprise for i was in my mind thinking orthopedic injury. I work in the medical field and know probably a little too much and have seen just as much to know that I am scared with what is to come in the near future. We unfortunately do not have the option of amputation. The cancer is in the pelvic girdle itself so even if the leg is removed the cancer will still be there. We do however have the option of chemo. My vet was amazed at how strong he appears because of the degree of destruction the xray shows. We decided to start him on pain meds now and will adjust as necessary.
I am at a complete loss. My heart is broken..... And I have had nothing but tears in my eyes. I initially chose not to have any further images taken because I told the vet that it would not change my decisions. Now that I am a couple days out I am thinking that I do want to get a chest xray done to see if he has any obvious mets. Lab work shows that his platelet count is low which could be one of two things. Either the cancer is effecting the marrow so in a way that he is not able to produce the red blood cells that he needs or that he has mets somewhere else in his system and that he has a slow bleed.
He is just as spry today as he was when he was a puppy. If I had not brought him to the vets I nor anybody else would not know that there is something so drastically wrong. I don't know if I am in the anger or denial stage but I will say that I hate knowing what I know because now I feel as if it is a waiting game...... It could be months or it could be tomorrow that his pelvis shatters and he is no longer able to support him self.
I have 2 other Labradors as well. Another Chocolate the same age that has diabetes (diagnosed 1 year ago) and SMA and a young Black. I am so afraid that with all the excitement of having 3 dogs and a 6 year old son that the most innocent a bump is going to cause a fracture.
It amazes me how much this is effecting me and how I just can not shut my brain off. I myself do not feel very strong right now and navigating through this site and reading Jerry's blog at least makes me feel not alone in what I am feeling.
Thank you to all that put your trusty K-9 companion's lives and needs before your own....... You truly are some special people!
Becka and Griffyn
Griffyn said:
Hello everyone,
...I will say that I hate knowing what I know because now I feel as if it
is a waiting game……
Thank you for joining the discussion Becka, you have every reason to feel anxious and are by no means alone.
Griffyn is setting a pretty good example of strength. But you need to be the leader now and help your pack, however you best see fit. Surgery heals and can be scheduled. A fracture is a traumatic emergency, and may be imminent.
Best wishes, and thanks again.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Becka and Griffyn,
How incredibly sad that yet another great dog has been hit by Osteosarcoma... a dirty word I have grown to hate. I know that you said that perhaps you know too much being in the medical field but I am finding that knowledge is only a part of fighting this battle. It is a true test of faith and strength... a daily (sometimes hourly) battle of not letting your fears take over. What an inspiration your boy is! I only wish I had a fraction of the strength my Jakie has shown!
I am sorry that there aren't more options for Griffyn but as you said, there is chemo. Try to not let statistics and facts rule your thinking. Listen to your heart as well as to your sweet boy Griffyn of course. Our furry best friends know us so well and pick up on our stress and worrying. You and Griffyn will be in our thoughts and prayers. I hope you all have many many more precious days together.
Luv Spirit Jake, Smooch, Baby Gus & Mom (Sherri)
So sorry to hear about Griffyn, He sounds like such a special dog. Our hearts are with you.
Connie & Radar
Hi, Becka & Griffyn,
This is, indeed, some very serious news. I feel terrible about Griffyn's diagnosis and wish there could be a better outcome. Finding out why his platelets are so low is one of your challenges for sure, to find out what is causing that. It's so amazing to hear that Griffyn is still standing tall and by your side with such serious health news. Dogs are so amazing and I know what you mean about raising him from a baby and seeing him grow into such a beautiful dog throughout the years. I hope whatever news you get when they do the lung x-rays, that there are no mets, but as we all know, this horrible disease is so darned aggressive, it can be extremely difficult to control. We just want you to know that our paws and fingers will be crossed in prayer with the hope that Griffyn still has some really good, quality time left.
We are here for you if you need to talk and I can always be reached at my personal email address: vriss@comcast.net Feel free to write me anytime.
We are sending our most pawsitive thoughts your way.
Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Mom (Vicki Tankersley)
Dear Becka & Griffyn,
I am sorry to hear about his diagnosis. It seems he is managing well for now. I hope the pain medicine will give him some relief even though he is not exhibiting any to you. He surely sounds like a proud and strong fellow. All you can do is take it one day at a time. Perhaps the chemo may help.. Please don't let him know how much this news has broken your heart... he will sense your sadness. Just cherish his presence for as long as possible and do the things he enjoys. The will be time for sorrow later, for now love him with every ounce of your soul. We send lots of hugs your way and prayers .
Love,
Kim&Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
Dear Becka, We welcome you. This site has encouraged and strengthened and comforted me more than any other place because we have all experienced similar heart break of living with osteosarcoma in our best friends. I'm so sorry you and Griffyn are facing such a tough diagnosis. I remember I was in shock too and I cried for a month when my Abbey was diagnosed. She seemed fine except for a limp... It's so normal to be shocked and grieving already, but try your hardest to not do it with Griffyn around because he really will absorb the emotions. Go for a car ride or cry in the shower, but try to enjoy every minute you can with him in as normal a way as you can. Keep us posted~di
So, here I sit teary eyed reading all the responses to my post. Each and every one of you are so kind hearted and I thank you for this.....
Thinking of you all.
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Becka, I think your plans are wonderful~ You are a very thoughtful parent and pawrent! Enjoy those favorite activities and take lots of pictures. Make some memories and hold each one close to your heart. You're in my thoughts and prayers, di and spirit Abbey
We are thinking of you, and Griffyn, and your son.
It is an awful diagnosis, and all the harder for not having the option of surgery. You and he are very lucky though, to have found each other and shared all of these years. Griffyn has obviously already had 13 years full of wonderful love and appreciation, and I know whatever time you all have left will be full of love and memories.
Hugs, licks, and good wishes- please do keep us posted.
Christine and Sophie
Hi, Becka. I am so sorry. I lost my old man Gadget to liver cancer just 3 months ago. I know what you are feeling and I, too, made the time for those special trips and moments and I treasure them, now, and enjoy looking back at them when I am feeling sad. I wish I could reach out to you and hold your heart up when you think it has broken beyond repair. I do not understand why it is that these wonderful, simple creatures called dogs are scheduled to live such a painfully short time with us and leave us behind when they get to go and run free. It is much the sadder when one's days are shortened by cancer and we are forced to be strong for them when we are hardly able to be strong for ourselves. Remember all the times your boy was strong, funny, helpful, rambunctious for you... all the good and the bad that we love and accept from those in our families
Your son... he will learn from this. You are doing the right thing by helping him to have his own special memories.
We, too, had other dogs in our home when Gadget's time was winding down. They all seemed to sense he needed a gentler nudge, a slower run but they still played and did not let him get depressed or feel left out. They walked with him and at the end, were there with him as he passed. And, as his breath faded as I held him in my arms, he sent me a vision of a funny 3-legged dog. Through my tears I joked that he was going to send us a present of a 3-legged dog that needed a home. That's how we found this group and our Pogi.
Your family will heal but will not forget. Who knows what Gryffin will send your way to make you smile.
Brightest Blessings
mary and Pogi
Hi, Becka & Griffyn,
Please don't worry that you have shown Griffyn your sadness over his health problems. These are just guidelines and no one expects you to be a rock while you know your beloved dog doesn't have much time to be with you. No one on these forums would ever pass judgment on any decisions you feel you need to make as you, and you alone, are the only one who really knows Griffyn and what you feel is best for him.
We are here to give you all the support you feel you need, and I think what you are doing to help your son understand what's happening with Griffyn is most commendable. You ARE a great parent & pawrent (as Diane Riley stated). We're here for you whenever you need us.
Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Vicki Tankersley
Hello Becka & Griffyn,
Bonnie and I both send loads of love and will pray for you. We are a chocolate lab family and Bonnie has lost her front leg to osteo. Now she is going through chemo (fifth round today) along with diabetes. It has been a horrific and terrific ride! Life is different now. Her mother (12.5 years) and her brother (10 years next month like Bonnie) both are helping take care of her. It was amazing watching the whole family adapt. When Bonnie came home from surgery I did not change anything as far as the other two. They had complete access to her and reacted wonderfully. Her brother, Clyde, who normally harasses her constantly, was very cautious and careful. He slept touching her which he never does. Her mother, Saydie, was very concerned. As Bonnie got better, her family kept up with her and only played with her when she felt well. It is amazing still, she gets chemo and is good for a few days till she hits bottom. The other guys know when to lay off and just keep her company while she rests.
I know it is hard and words cannot express how it hurts, but every minute we have them is priceless. Cherish every moment and know that he knows how much you love him.
chris-bonnie
What you said about Griffyn being as spry as a puppy really got to me, as I've come to realize that being an "old puppy" probably makes it all the more difficult for our humans to accept this diagnosis. One day they see us filled to the brim with energy and vitality, they believe in their hearts that we have what it takes to outlive the majority of our peers, and the next day they find out that we have this aggressively destructive disease...and they feel cheated out of watching us enjoy life to the max for a few more years. Our humans think about all the new adventures we could have had, the people and dogs we might have met, but, thankfully, we don't think about these things, they don't matter to us. We live only for the moment, we only know that we're happy, sad, cranky, euphoric, contented, tired, bored, anxious or excited. It's nice to live fully in the moment; there is never any fear of what tomorrow might bring, no dread, no despair, when you have a dog's mind. You humans could take a page out of our book, you know? 
I think you're handling things very well, helping your son appreciate his canine companion, making new memories, giving Griffyn some opportunities to let loose and have a good time. And if you're sad, that's Ok. We don't know why you're sad, we just want you to smile again. If we can help make that happen, we're more than happy to do so!
Mom says there's a drug class called biophosphates (sp?) that helps build bone strength when removal of an osteoscarcoma isn't possible. You may want to ask Griffyn's vet about them.
Best wishes to you and remember that anything's possible... Apparently I have a mixed-breed cousin that lived with an untreated osteosarcoma for years. This was years ago when cancer treatment for canines wasn't commonplace. That dog actually died of old age, and with a giant tumor in its leg! You just never know what tomorrow is going to bring.
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