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.
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Tasha and I are sorry to hear of Jakes problems, hope he enjoys going swimming and is up feeling better very soon. I guess we all worry about everything. I find myself just watching and even listening to Tasha to see if I think everything sounds ok. Sometimes she lays and crys a little ( I feel the panic inside starting ) I look over at her and she is lying there wiggling at me. She seems to need a little more love than before and of course she gets it. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you Jake and your family.
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Let us know how Jake does with his swimming.
Emily does not like the water so swimming would not be a treat for her. My husband used to take the dogs out to this wooded area that had a big stream running through it. He would throw a stick and Emily and her brother Bentley (a choc. Lab) would run to the edge of the water where Emily would stop. Bentley would swim out and get the stick and when he came out of the water Emily would steal the stick and take it back to my husband.
I'm so praying that Jake and now poor Tazzie 2 gain their strength back I think it is our turns to be on the top of the rollar coaster.
Oh, I don't play guitar or sing but since Emily got sick I have watched more television than I have ever watched in my life. Very mind numbing which I really seem to like these days.
Debra
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Zoe is about the same age as Jake, she too stumbles occasionally and her back legs tremble. I would just let him lay down periodically, regroup, go a little further. A five minute walk with Zoe has turned into a 20 minute walk now to get a few houses down the street. I just think, I know she is getting older and even without the cancer I'm sure this amputation would have taken alot out of her. Pressure changes cause arthritis flare ups, I can attest to that, so you know they probably feel it too. Don't panic and try to stay positive.
Swimming this afternoon was great with Jake… He swam and swam and swam… But when he'd get out of the pool (with my help)… he'd just plop down! I made him get up a couple of times… and then let go… he'd plop down again. I can't tell if it's one of both of his back legs… or maybe even the front leg… But at least he was having alot of fun in the pool.
I dried him up and brought him inside. He hasn't moved from his comfortor in the kitchen. I'm making his (and Wolfie's) favorite treat right now… some liver chunks… It's in the oven… Everyone is sleeping now… We're supposed to go to a Halloween party tonite… but I really don't feel like going out and leaving Jake… Maybe we won't go. I'll see how we're feeling tonite.
For right now, I am very sad.
I did the amputation to give Jake some more quality of life… and he's had that for several weeks now… you can see by all the pictures and videos on his blog! But I can't believe that it could be over so soon! It's not even 2 months!!! I really hope it's nothing serious… and tomorrow, or the day after, I can post some good news for you all… But for right now… If he's not feeling better by tonite… maybe I'll give him some tramadol. He doesn't seem to be in any pain, that I can tell… but animals are so tough compared to us humans… so it's hard to tell.
Well, that's all for now… I'm going to check my emails… finish baking the treats and go and take a nap. Maybe life will be better when I wake up. Maybe it's all just a bad dream…
Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
I've asked my baby above to say some extra extra prayers for Jake...I look at Jake and even though they were different colored goldens, I see Zeus and I know the fears you are feeling and all those other emotions that sometimes are so difficult to put into words. I love that you were able to escape in your music...what a gift. Do that more often for yourself...writing is my escape and I feel so much better when I write.
Swimming may just be taking it out of him...think about all the muscles that he is using, while still adjusting to being a tripawd. He may simply be POOPED! I hope that's all it is.
Zeus' front leg would collapse at times (and I could NOT get him to SWIM - yes he was a golden retriever who didn't like to swim) - he didn't have issues with the back legs, but I was concerned about the pressure on the remaining front...I had a brace (like an ace bandage for people only a bit more sturdy) made for him to help support the leg...but I never got to use it since it had to be special ordered and they messed it up once and then....I would offer to send it to you, but it's very specific with measurements and has to be made for the dog in order to benefit them. If you want the information on it, PM me or email me at hkourcklas@comcast.net
Anyway - my point on that is - have you thought about an ortho doc to look at Jake? You may have...I haven't been on in a few weeks and I'm a little behind in everyone's story...so my apologies if you have already gone this route.
I'm hoping for some good news soon...hang in there ok? Try and get some rest and know that you have a lot of prayers coming your way.
Tons of love and many (((hugs)))
Heather and Spirit Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Thank you Heather and Spirit Zeus,
This morning Jake still had problems walking... My hubby used the harness to help him all the way outside. Right after he peed, his legs gave way and he fell down. My husband freaked.
So we called one of our vet friends and talked to her about what was going on. She said it sounded like weakness in his legs. Two scenarios... either the mets have spread, or it's arthritis, hip dysplasia... Either way, we are doing all the supportive things... anti-inflammatories, glucosamine... but she added tramadol back to the mix. She said it was still OK to take him swimming, since he is in total heaven when he's in the pool and that will also keep his muscles from atrophying. The thing now is to keep him comfortable and pain-free... and support him with the harness whenever he has to walk or stand... Try to maintain his quality of life... until there is no longer any quality.
We are very sad but try to remain upbeat whenever we're with Jake. I ordered the super mushrooms on Saturday... and maybe if he just hangs in there... they might make a difference... I don't know. Jake has been doing so well with his recovery, up until just the past few days. I just hate to think that he might not make it to his 2 month ampuversary... It's just not fair!
Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
I was so diappointed when I checked your post today. Last night I wrote you a long post but something was wrong and I could not post it. Take heart, there are still more things that you can try. Even though they are not working for Emily most dogs respond very well to prednisone. Tomorrow I am calling the vet to check into Adequan shots. I don't know how much they cost but I will share the infor with you when I get it.
It is a blessing to have the pool for physical therapy. I know Jerry did acupuncture and that is a good recommendation. The problems are finding one and paying for one. Other than that, no problem.
You and Jake are both in my prayers. My heart just aches to hear he is having these probems. I thought back leg amputees had back leg problems nd front leg amputees have front leg probems. Don't you hate to have to keep learning new things!?
Were you able to go to the party last night and get a respite from all of this?
Debra & Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
I am not sure that I can really add much to the quality of the discussion but we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. No it is not fair, but fair would mean that our companions would be able to live just as long as we do and we would never have to face these illnesses. They are such brave, innocent souls and have been placed here only to enrich our lives. My Cassandra (Sandy) also loved to swim and really got a lot of enjoyment chaising the pool sweep. Hang in there! Cherry really did not make her turn until the two month mark and then did not make much progress until after the four month mark.
Paws Crossed and Sending Pawsitive Thoughts From The West Coast,
Bob & Cherry
Not fair at all. You and Jake have our best wishes.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dear Marguerite, Jake, and family: Just want to let you know you are all in our prayers. It breaks my heart to read your post---you're such a devoted mom. Despite his troubles, Jake is a lucky boy to have found such love. We love the pictures of Wolfie and Jake sleeping together. Jake does seem happy in the pool. And I think the fact that he is chewing his rawhide and interested in his blue ball is a good sign. Hope the new meds help.
This roller coaster does suck. So many ups and downs. We know how you feel.
Love, Eve, Romeo, and family
I love Jake. I hope this is just part of his recovery process 🙂
<3 Laura
Well, I stopped by Jake's vet on the way home to let him know what's been going on and to discuss our remaining options. As I had mentioned before... it may already be mets, or maybe just advanced arthritis or hip dysplasia. Anyways, we don't want to give up on Jake yet! So I asked about trying some Adequan injections. Even though they don't show a result for a week or so, it's better than nothing. He said lets go for it and he gave me a vial with 3 injections worth...! I'm giving him a shot as soon as hubby comes home, so he can help hold Jake (and keep curious Wolfie away)... then a 2nd on Thursday.
We'll see how that goes. Later on this week I should receive the super mushrooms and I'll start those right away. I feel a little better now, at least we have one more chance at trying something...
When I got home, Jake hopped over from across the room to greet me... even though his back legs started giving way. I took him outside and things got a bit worse, but I didn't let go of his harness... he did a nice long pee, while his back legs were wobbling all over the place. At least he's not worse than he was last nite... or this morning.
Please everyone... send some good thoughts and prayers our way!!! We need all the help we can get! Jake is not ready to give up yet, and neither are we!!!
Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
...send some good thoughts and prayers our way!!!
You got 'em!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jake, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, hope that soon we will see a post saying that things are turning around for you. Tasha and I agree this cancer thing sucks!!!
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Thanks guys!!
Hubby is late coming home, and I just didn't want to wait any longer... so I went ahead and locked Wolfie out of the room and gave Jake his Adequan shot. He is such a good boy... barely felt it. Guess that after everything else he's been through the past 2 months... that must have felt like a little mosquitoe bite!!
Of course as soon as I opened the door to the study, Wolfie had to run in and go straight for the injection site... Gotta smell everything, ya know!!
Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
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