Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I got home from work later than usual today. When I came home, Jake came running (hopping) to me. I told him to slow down (I'm sure he was sleeping all day). Anyways, I had also just gotten my script filled for his metacam... and was going to start it tonite. I took Jake, and Wolfie out to do their stuff... Jake's back legs seemed to be shaking/trembling when he was peeing and pooping. When we came back in, he lied down, as usual... cause just going out is a big thing for him these days.
Anyways, I had to start doing some work on the computer (I do web sites on the side and there was a technical issue with one of my clients). So I asked Jake to get up and come over to the office area (he hates to be alone), and I helped him up using the harness... All of a sudden he cried out! I freaked... I checked all his legs to see if anything broke (I'm so paranoid because that's how we found out he had OS... his leg just broke!)... everthing seemed to be OK... but his back legs were trembling. I let him lie there. When my husband finally came home, Jake got up to great him, but his back legs were really trembling. We took him into the TV room and had him lie down... But he definitely didn't seem himself. Pain? I gave him some tramadol... and now I'm going to make his dinner (kind of late tonite) but will be adding his metacam to it.
I'm just so worried right now... that I'm starting him on it too late. He already started to show some signs that his back legs were stiffening up this past week... I don't know... If he's not better tomorrow, then we're off to the vet for some x-rays... Yesterday everything seemed so perfect! I'll keep you all posted...
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!
Marguerite,
When I saw your post on Jake's legs my heart just stopped. I am really praying that it was just a one day thing and when you get up Jake will be okay. Maybe Jake just slept in a weird way or pulled a muscle. I'm glad you are going to the vet tomorrow if his legs are still trembly. With it being both legs it does sound to me anyway like a pain issue not a cancer issue, doesn't it? Please keep us posted.
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.
Yah I know... I'm pretty worried right now. It's been a few hours now since Jake got his Tramadol, then his metacam with his dinner... he didn't even want to eat all his meal... and he is usually a real piggy when it comes to his food!
He's pretty doped up now and sleeping... at least he's not feeling any pain... but he is definitely not himself. I really hope it's like you said Debra... just a pulled muscle or something...
I've just read so many sad posts this past week... and I'm still crying from that... 
I'm just so afraid for Jake. But it's only been one month since his surgery... and a little over a month and a half since he broke his leg and our nitemare began! But unfortunately, I know that with this type of cancer, none of us know how long our babies really have... That freaken damn cancer has a mind of it's own!!! 
I really hope that by tomorrow morning, I'll have something good to say.
I just want Jake to have another couple of good months... where he can enjoy his life... and we can enjoy having him here with us... I just don't want him to be in pain...
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!
Not knowing is the worst part!! I think we have the tendency to make up elaborate dramas in our heads, which always seems worse than reality. Like, everytime Jack hacks (he enjoys licking things and often gets fur or carpet thread stuck in his throat) I am conviced it's lung mets, but I have to remind myself that even if it is, he's still a happy dog! I'm glad you're going to the vet to get things straightened out, but I'm sure you'll feel better once you know what you're dealing with. I'm siding with Debra that since it's in both legs it seems more like a pain thing...pinched nerve perhaps? Let us know!
<3 Laura and Jackers
Oh gosh, hang in there and try not to think the worst, for Jake's sake OK? I know it's so easy to imagine all the awful scenarios.
We are all sending our love and hope that it's nothing too serious. Keep us posted K?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh no! I hope Jake feels better soon! I know that we get really paranoid when we are dealing with all of this scary stuff, but try not to worry too much yet. It could just be that he is sore or stiff or strained something. Hopefully it is not a big deal and he will be feeling great in no time. Let us know how he is in the morning!
We are sending hugs!!
Kristin and Toto
And Toto, Too – fighting the good fight against hemangiosarcoma http://tootswee.....pawds.com/ Amputation - 9/21/09 Earned his wings - 7/09/10
Dear Marguerite: We're praying for you here. I know this sounds scary, but I
would tend to agree with Debra--the fact that it's both legs seems like more of a pain or
stress issue. Of course I'm not an expert and I totally understand how freaked out you must be. The other night Romeo was resting. I was petting his belly and all of sudden he jumped and gave me weird look. I was a wreck for a good 24 hrs.
I think it's a good idea to Jake to the vet, to make sure he's not in pain, and so you
can get a sense of what's going on. Romeo does occasionally tremble when he's going to the bathroom. Maybe the tramadol affected his Jake's appetite?
Hopefully you will all get a good night's rest. Kisses to Jake and Wolfie.
Take good care, we'll be thinking of you, Eve and Romeo
Hey Jake - Since I'm in heaven now (and I've been such a good boy up here), I have some pretty good connections to prayer power and we're lighting the candles, doing the circle thing and holding paws and all that spiritual stuff that my mommy likes sooooo much for ya. You are in great hands with your mommy - rest easy tonight pal.
While you're resting, I'll be sure to let your mommy know that WE furkids know how much our pawrents worry over us and we don't mean to make them sick with worry, but we do know they only worry because they love us so much (I mean, what's not to love right?)
I just chatted with my mommy and she's going to go extra on the prayers tonight too, so we got the heaven and earth thing covered.
Please let us know how you feel tomorrow OK?
We love ya - from one super golden to another ~
Your pal,
Spirit Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
I'm sure that this has to be scary for you!!! I hope it's just something small and silly, and I'll be thinking of you guys tomorrow! Post as soon as you can after your visit.
Psssssst, Jake: stop overdoing it there fella. You're freakin' your people out!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So after a pretty sleepless nite (for me), Jake got up by himself and hopped from the bedroom into the kitchen. I put on his harness and took him out to pee. His legs weren't shaking anymore... just a little stiff, like they have been the past few days. Did the meloxicam already kick in? Maybe that plus the tramadol?
So, we're just going to play it by ear for now, and not rush to the vet for x-rays. I'm hoping it's just because he jumped up and ran like crazy to me when I got home last nite, and that he just pulled a muscle in his leg... I'll keep you all updated.
I hate this stupid cancer rollercoaster!!
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 hate the rollercoaster, too, but glad to hear that Jake is doing better! 🙂
Kristin
And Toto, Too – fighting the good fight against hemangiosarcoma http://tootswee.....pawds.com/ Amputation - 9/21/09 Earned his wings - 7/09/10
Hey Jakes Mom
I just read your posts. When my boy Titan was here I would give him some massages. We did have a couple of instances where his legs seemed shaky. So I would just keep him lowkey. Believe me I know "the freaking out" but you don't want Jake to feed off your NRG and think there is something wrong. The massages seemed to help Titan
Heidi and her Angel Titan
Shwoo. I know that isn't a real word but it works. So glad to hear it!
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.
Sorry that I did not respond last night, but I would only have echoed the sentiment. It is great that you watch your Jake so very carefully and notice even the smallest of changes. This is one reason why our local vets love us so very much. By the time we get in there for a needed visit, we have accumulated a small tablet of information to diagnosis the problem. This was especially important when Cherry was only six months old. However, such attention can drive you crazy especially with the roller coaster that we are all on. Based upon fact that Jake is just slightly more than a month post amputation and was so active when greeting you, all our logic tells us that it was probably just over doing. I know that my muscles will quiver if I over exert them. Logic is one thing but we all are hovering under that dreaded shadow and fear that even the smallest things will point to its return. Be sure to keep as positive an attitude in front of Jake that you can, try to behave as normal as possible no matter what your inner fear, and keep that watchful eye on the situation. We all know that they pickup on our feelings, and I can tell you that our optimism in this house is infectious. I feel that Cherry has never been better during this journey and she acts the same way which only make me feel that she has never been better. Great circle isn't it.
Let your fears manifest themselves here where you can get the great support that has defined this community. Let Jack only see the up you by focusing on the fact that the great pain is over, he is mending from the amputation, and you still have him there to hug. Give him one from us.
Paws Crossed and Sending Nothing But Pawsitive Thoughts Your Way,
Bob & Cherry
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