Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello my name is Rich and my beautiful baby boy is named Jack. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma with lung metastasis on Saturday April 2nd and my world crumbled at my feet. We were able to see an oncologist by that Tuesday and he was in so much pain from his left front leg. I had to make the choice of letting him go or try and fight. I have never been so distraught in my life. Jack has such an amazing spirit that I didn't feel like it was time to let him go. He became a Tripawd on April 6 and started Palladia the next day. I was allowed to visit him in the hospital the next day. I couldn't have been more proud as he got up for me to take him with me when my visiting time was ended. I am extremely grateful for everyone who has shared and supported on this site. Thank you, Rich and Jack
Welcome Rich and Jack! Your future posts won't need approval so post away. I'm sorry about the diagnosis but so glad you found us and hope you both have a long healthy future ahead together. Thanks for sharing. Every story is hope and inspiration. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Rich, so sorry you and Jack are going through this. You are DEFINITELY in the right place for support and knowledge and understanding. Boy do we understand! I know this has taken you to your knees, but I also know you have made the best decision for Jack and have given him a chance at quality! Sounds like Jack has a lot of spunk and has no intention of going anywhere anytime soon!
You and Jack clearly have a great fighter attitude and that is so important!!
You have gotten rid of that painful leg and, after recovery (which is no picnic for about two weeks), your Jack will be getting his sparkle back and soaking up all that loving and spoiling of yours!
No dog has a timeframe stamped on his butt! Jack doesn't give a rip about any ole' diagnosis and sure doesn't count days on a calender! All he cares about is the NOW! He lives in the present worry free! We call that "being more dog" arpund here. Be More Jack and just get on with living life to the fullest!!
It is major surgery and it may be hard on you both for several days. Getting the pain managed properly, adjusting to mobility on three legs, sore muscles, maybe not sleeping well, etc. Oh, and he may not poop for a few days so no worries in that department.
Glad Jack is on Palladia as that seems to do a good job for a lot of dogs faced with mets. Paws croseed!
Let us know how recovery is going and how we can best support you and Jack. I know right now it's so hard, so devastating, so emotionally and physically draining. But once Jack's sparkle starts coming back and yiu see Jack enjoying returning to his normal routine, you will be ecstatic!
Okay, from this day forward, everyday is JACK DAY!!! Sure, you want him to have proper nutrition and supplements, but a scoop of ice cream once a day on top of a steak....yeah.....that's how to make JACK DAY extra special!!
And wed lovepve to see more pictures of yiur boy! Take lots and lots of pictures! We love those around here!
Hugs and 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!
Welcome Rich and Jack, although I'm sorry you had to find us.
How is Jack doing? I assume he is home by now and on day 3 past his amp.
These early days after surgery can be tough so don't get discouraged if Jack seems off for a few days. I think most of us went through the 'what have I done?' phase after surgery so don't feel alone if that feeling sneaks up on you!
I hope Jack's recovery is smooth!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
jerry said
Welcome Rich and Jack! Your future posts won't need approval so post away. I'm sorry about the diagnosis but so glad you found us and hope you both have a long healthy future ahead together. Thanks for sharing. Every story is hope and inspiration. Keep us posted.
Thank you so much Jerry! You've been an inspiration to this pawrent and I forever grateful.
Welcome Rich and Jack! I'm sorry you're going through this. We can all relate to the feelings of distress when you get this diagnosis. And you're right, a lot of time they've still got so much living still to do, the best thing is to get rid of that painful leg and let them get on w/ it.
The first few days and weeks can be pretty much a roller coaster so don't get discouraged. Jack might have some days when he over-does it and then he'll pay the price the next day. He'll be using muscles in new ways and it can take a bit of time for him to build up some strength. Right now, just rest and potty breaks is all he needs to be doing.
Be sure to let us know if you have any questions! We're not vets, but we'll help however we can.
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Hi and welcome! As the others have said the first few days/weeks are and can be rather tough so hang in there!! Jack needs you to be a strong pack leader and he will follow your lead. Definitely low to limited movement for sure. The drugs can have some whacky side effects so be warned. I thought Shelby was doing great till she went full on bat crazy each night, pacing, whining... not in pain but so confused by the drugs.
Keep us posted and we're all cheering for you!!!
BTW - I noticed you are in Seattle; that is my hometown and I just got back from a week there. I live in Los Angeles now but Seattle is definitely my heart and soul. I hear you're having beautiful weather! Enjoy... I fully believe vitamin D is the best therapy!
alison with spirit shelby in her heart (and little jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Helloo everyone!! Thank you for the warm welcome!
Honestly I've been reading y'alls posts since I got the news. I finally have the composure to write and express. Everyone of you are amazing for your strengths and support. It really did help me sort through my feelings better. Thank you
Update:
Day 1: first my baby boy woke up in his own bed. It felt incredible to have him home again, the noises, the smells and just those eyes checking me out as I move about the house. Just seeing if I was opening the treat cupboard or the leash drawer. "Damnit he's just getting water again"
Jack is my Hero! He gets up on his own without my help and ambulates quite well. He almost seems to no care about missing the leg, or maybe he was just done with it being a burden. I swear I have to hold him back from wanting to go farther, he's tried to rush the fence twice when something got his attention. I seriously don't think I'd have half as much heart as this kid if I were in his shoes.
We are setting in nicely at home with few side effects of the treatment, which I'm grateful for. Started second dose of Palladia. Learned an important lesson about chemo farts and ventilation. Thank dog I wear glasses!
Thank you so much Benny55, Krun15, Annpyr, Mom2Shelby for reach out. It truly helped.
Rich & Jack
Ps-Mom2Shelby. It's that right?! Seattle proper? How great that you were just here our weather has been nice. We broke above 77 one day which is awesome this time of year.
Sounds like Jack is doing great!!!! Aren't dogs amazing? I was so amazed at how Shelby adapted to 3 legs (however, she had been hopping for a bit so I suspect she was already there). Keep on what you are doing and the recovery will come!
We didn't do padilla so I don't know about all that but thanks for the update!
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart
PS - yup - Seattle proper; I grew up on Magnolia and now my family lives over by Greenlake/Phinney Ridge. Definitely pretty!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Such a GREAT update!!! I knkw it's still early and he may have some ups and downs, but darn if Jack doesn't seem to be recovering very, very. nicely! 🙂
Glad to know the only "side effects" he seems to be having are stinky poots!!
Yes, too early to be bum rushing fences....isn't it great to see him doing routines that he loves?
The treats drawer will constantly jave to be stocked!!! Spoiling a tripawd is so much fun!!!!
Keep these great updates coming! 🙂
Hugs ro all!
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!
Sounds like Jack is doing great!
And it sounds like you are doing OK too? This is definitely not a journey for the faint of heart! Be sure you stock up on treats for Jack and chocolate and your fav adult beverages for you.
Palladia was originally released to treat mast cell cancer in dogs- the cancer my pug Maggie battled. Palladia came out after Mag's treatment so I didn't try it with her. Mag's little sis Tani also had mast cell cancer and by then Palladia was the treatment of choice for MCTs. I ultimately decided not to have Tani use it, she had multiple health issues. But when I did some research I ran across a blog called Rosie's Road that documented Rosie's use of palladia for mast cell cancer. The blog hasn't been updated in a couple years- Rosie would be 16 now! Anyway- I found lots of useful information on palladia there- just thought I throw it out there if you are interested.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hello Jack! Aren't you beautiful! But I'm partial to Dobies. My Nitro is 22 months post amp from osteo and is doing great! Every day he amazes me with his strength and courage. Good luck on your journey, and look forward to following your story.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Howdy and welcome!!
Looking forward to some pictures and updates.
How's Jack doing? How are you doing?
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Hi guys, Jack is continuing to recover at home with me. I've been fortunate that my boss gave me quick approval on getting the week off so I can stay home and take care of him. His oncologist is pleased with his recovery and has continued the Palladia. He has some nausea here and there, but the worrisome thing is how restless he gets after his treatment. I remember Alison mentioned that they can get a bit off during this, so I kind of expected this. Thanks for the heads up. We're hanging in there and keeping our hope strong. R &J
Sally, Karen and Pam thank you for your kind words. Nitro, aren't you a handsome Dobie! So glad to hear that he's doing so well!
Ps-Alison, Magnolia and Phinney Ridge are both very beautiful areas.
Ohhh send your boss some donuts, that's very cool.
The restlessness could be related to the Palladia. What anti-nausea medication is he on? Cerenia will help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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