Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all! Sorry I've been MIA for a while. I got to a point where I realized I was spending too much time online (in general, not just here) and not enough time playing with my kids and dogs. Plus with the holidays, trips, and other stuff...
It's hard to believe, but it was 6 months ago that McGwire was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Now he is still his same old, rock-star self.
The only bad thing-He has developed what is likely a sub-q met or some other nasty lump on his left back hip, but we have decided not to put him through surgery since it's on his amp side and he already has some limited mobility (back leg slips a lot). Plus like the doc has said, "If we remove it and it's cancer, it'll grow back and it's probably other places as well." If it's not cancer, then we've put him through a lot for nothing. We noticed it back in Nobember, and it's definitely gotten bigger, (from ping-pong to large orange) but I've become OK with it. He doesn't show signs of mets anywhere else yet.
The good news is that he's getting along great. He eats like a horse (something to do with the beef liver, and veggies probably), and is actually gaining weight (something he's never done.) He gets around well, still comes upstairs with us unassisted every night. He LOVED the snow we had before Christmas (nearly 2 feet in VA, and some of it's still here!)
We have started taking him once a month (it's all she's here) to a vet who specializes in accupuncture and eastern medicine. He really seems to respond to the accupuncture and the chinese herbs he's on really help his skin and allergies. He has also started getting canine massage. The dog has it made!
In other news, we have decided to bring another golden into our lives and are getting a puppy sometime this spring/early summer. (One litter would come home first of April, the other mid June, though neither are born yet-one actually just got bred today). It was a hard decision to make, but I know that we are happiest with 2 or 3 dogs and McGwire wants us to be happy. If we were to wait until he is gone, we will have a sense of urgency that might lead to a decision we regret later. (Obviously, health and longevity are major factors in our search.) McGwire will also LOVE having a puppy around! And the puppy will get a chance to learn from him.
Hope everyone is doing well. I promise to check in more often! ((HUGS)) to all!
Amy
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Thanks for checking in! Glad to hear that mac is doing so well.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so glad to hear McGwire is doing well despite the possible sub-q met. He does sound like a lucky dog with a doggie message and acupuncture! Thanks for the update. I wondered what was happening.
Debra & Angel 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.
Happy to hear McGwire is doing well with the alternative medicine. And massage, what a spoiled pupper Hope you guys have many good days together.
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.
I'm so glad to hear that McGwire is doing well, in spite of his growing lump... and good luck with the new puppy!!!
Angel 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!
Thanks for the great update Amy. Glad that McGwire is doing well. HUGS!!!
It was good to read that McGwire is feeling so good and happy. What a lucky boy to be getting massages and soon a puppy. Keep enjoying life McGwire.
Jo Ann & Tasha
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….
Man I say that doggie has it better then most humans... 
Not that any of us would do a darn thing differently... Glad you checked in. Seems you are doing what you need to do for McGuire, living each day as its own and living it to the fullest!! Good for you!! Hope we continue to hear from you and McGuires spoiling sessions.. 
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.
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