Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Today it's exactly 7 weeks and 3 days since Jake's surgery. He is still having weakness in his back legs. I'm going to give him his 3rd Adequan shot tonite. Otherwise, he's still the same loving sweetheart he was before the surgery... he just can't get around by himself, unless me or hubby lift him and support him with the harness (thank God for that ruffware harness!!!).
So yesterday, I was going to take him into the pool, but the sun was so warm and Jake seemed so content just lying on the patio and getting the heat from the sun, that I didn't want to take that away from him. But I do plan on getting him into the pool today, at least for a short while. Then he can lie some more in the sun afterwards. 
Even though we haven't seen any improvement in his legs yet, we decided to give it another week, in case the Adequan kicks in and actually helps. Of course, if he has mets to his spine, then I guess we won't see any improvement, and then we'll make our decision then. 
Please keep our sweet Jake in your prayers...
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'll be thinking of Jake!!! It's been pouring here the last couple days, so imagining your sweet pup relaxing in the sun is making me super jealous!!! Let us know how the 3rd shot goes...I really hope it works 🙂
<3 Laura and Jack
Sending our prayers your way.. Hope Jake gets better soon!!
(Hugs)
Shilo's Mom
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.
While I have been monitoring Jake's situation extremely close, I have not always commented since I could not really add much to the discussion. However, I had to comment this time just to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope that he will be up to a swim in the pool because I am sure it would lift his spirits as well as provide low impact exercise. Please keep us posted and know that we are following even if we do not all post a reply.
Bob & Cherry
Hi everyone!
Thank you Laura & Jack, Bob & Cherry and Shilo's Mom... I appreciate all your comments and well wishes for Jake.
I also try to read every single post on the forums, and many times, I don't write a comment... but then I feel guilty, like maybe they'll think I don't care. But I do care, about each and every single one of the Tripawd members and their babies... those doing well, and those not so well.
I'm getting ready to go to the pool with Jake and Wolf... It's pretty warm today and very breezy... but the pool is pretty cold. That's OK, I know it never bothered them before... plus they can heat up in the sun afterwards.
Here's a video of Jake chewing on his bear while he was sunning on the patio yesterday... He was really enjoying himself. At one point, Wolfie tries to get the bear away from Jake, but he's not having any of that! 
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!
What a sweetheart.
PS: We know you care, and that you have a lot on your mind right now.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So I took Jake to the pool this afternoon... He couldn't wait till I attached his float coat . He went in the pool after his ball... but his back and legs were just all over the place... totally not like last week's swim. He tried to sit at the pool steps, but was having too much difficulty to even sit. I decided that he must have had enought and tried to lift him out of the pool. It was incredibly hard. His back legs weren't cooperating at all! I finally got him out, and let him lie down in the sun. I removed the float coat , and he hung out there for about half an hour more, chewing at his ball, and watching as Wolfie jumped in and out of the pool. Finally, I dried him off and brought him inside to hand out with dad in the TV room.
Half an hour later, my husband starts calling out for me... he says that Jake tried to get up, probably to go and pee, and when he started helping him up, Jake started to cry in pain. My husband then tells me that I should have never taken Jake to swim! OMG! What have I done??!!! The last thing I wanted to do was to make Jake feel worse!! He wasn't in pain before I took him for his swim. I should have never taken him... I feel horrible!!! I gave Jake some more tramadol and told my husband to let him be, until it kicked in... but I fee horrible!!! Why did I take him to the pool? He was doing alright just lying there comfortabely. He has never screamed out in pain since he first broke his leg. I just can't stop crying... 
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!
Please try not to be so hard on yourself. You were only doing what you thought was best, to help Jake enjoy another great day. Sorry to hear about the outcome, but it is behind you. And Jake doesn't blame you, so stop blaming yourself. Regret is such a silly human emotion. Try to make the most of the moment and put the rest behind you. Then go rub Jake's ears for me.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I don't think that swimming is a bad idea because the water helps support his weight. He might have hurt himself getting up or down on his own. Have you considered a spinal xray? I know that it probably won't change things but it could give you some insight into what is going on. I did not take an xray of Tazzie because it would have been too hard to move her into the van and it was pretty clear what was going on with her.
Hopefully a little rest is all that Jake needs!
Pam
Marguerite, you did that because you are a wonderful mom who wanted Jake to enjoy swimming. You did what you thought would be the best for him. Do not blame yourself please. If it was my dog, I would have done exactly the same.
hugs
Suzanne and Oslo
We all know how much you love Jake, and we love him too.. You only wanted to give him something you know that he loves, there is no blame in that. Our love and hearts go out to you, and give Jake some love and rubs for us..
Shilo's Mom
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.
Jake's Mom,
You did what any of us would have done. You fed Jake's soul. I am sure that Jake does not blame you and in his heart I think your husband doesn't either. It is worry about Jake that made him say that. He probably feels horrible for hurting you. Taking Jake swimming is something that Jake really loved and hopefull willl still love. None of us know how long we will have our babies. It is never wrong to do something to add joy to their lives.
Any physical therapy is going to add temporary discomfort (really pain but no one calls it that) so when Jake was trying to use his legs it probably did cause some discomfort but that doesn't mean that you can't make him try.
Watching Jake play makes me think he does still enjoy life. If Emily lifts her head to look around we are in heaven.
Please don't do this to yourself. You are a great mom and Jake knows it and so does your husband.
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.
Emilysmom said:
Jake's Mom,
You did what any of us would have done. You fed Jake's soul. I am sure that Jake does not blame you and in his heart I think your husband doesn't either. It is worry about Jake that made him say that. He probably feels horrible for hurting you. Taking Jake swimming is something that Jake really loved and hopefull willl still love. None of us know how long we will have our babies. It is never wrong to do something to add joy to their lives.
Any physical therapy is going to add temporary discomfort (really pain but no one calls it that) so when Jake was trying to use his legs it probably did cause some discomfort but that doesn't mean that you can't make him try.
Watching Jake play makes me think he does still enjoy life. If Emily lifts her head to look around we are in heaven.
Please don't do this to yourself. You are a great mom and Jake knows it and so does your husband.
Debra & Emily
I cound not agree more. Debra did a great job on this one. At any point in time any one of us could have a great intention turn bad. That doesn't mean you are a bad person or a bad doggie mom. Please take a deep breath, call this a learning experience and keep helping Jake on that journey.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Ohh gosh! Poor Jake. But please, please don't blame yourself! You have done nothing but good and nice things to him, and swimming normally does a lot of good.
Jake does seem happy even if his back legs aren't working so well at the moment. Maybe he likes and loves his life even if he can't move around a lot...
Marguerite, really, don't blame yourserf ever. Your doggie loves you and knows you do your best at all times.
Hugs
Cecilia & Spirit Hori
Spirit Horacia, Castaño, Olympia + human family Cecilia, Georg and Julia - - - Hori first diagnosed 8/6/09, ampu 8/12/09, run over the bridge 9/10/09 – We miss you every day dear girl!
It's been a horrible afternoon/evening... Jake is still in alot of pain and not able to get up without crying. I've given him his tramadol dose twice already. I haven't been able to reach either of my vet friends... Jake did not want to eat any dinner when I brought it to him. My husband is furious with me and is blaming this all on me. I have never seen him so mad. He said it I hadn't taken him to the pool, Jake would still be OK now... My heart is breaking now... for so many reasons... Is this how it's all going to end? I will have to always know that it was me, that made everything worse.
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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