Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It has been a while since I last posted anything so I decided to add Zeus’s journey to this forum as a summary of how we got to where we are right now and our progress going forward. To say that we have been on an emotional roller coaster ride is an understatement. Emotions associated with the decision to amputate, along with guilt, sadness, fear, anger and frustration are familiar to all who have gone through this. It all comes in stages and waves and we go from happy to devastated and vice versa in a matter of, what seems like, minutes, bouncing between good and bad news.
For us, it all started in late August last year when Zeus was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Amputation surgery was performed on September 1st and he started chemo on the 15th. His recovery from the amputation was amazingly fast, he bounced right back up, and all was really great until January 4th when he was scheduled to receive his fifth round of chemo. Radiographs showed metastasis in his lungs, four relatively small nodules. His oncologist recommended that we stop carboplatin, as it is obviously not working, and start palladia and chlorambucil as an alternative to help slow down the growth or potentially shrink the tumours. So we did, but Palladia made Zeus very, very sick and we had to stop the treatment and take a break to let him recover before deciding how to proceed. Once he recovered and all of the meds were out of his system we reintroduced chlorambucil only and he has been on it since February 1st without any issues in terms of side effects. However on February 17th radiographs showed disease progression and there were now 6 nodules or varying sizes (some old ones reduced in size but some grew). Now, I am not sure if the progression happened because he had a pause in the treatment. The oncologist cannot say for sure either but since he has no side effects from chlorambucil (that we know of) we are keeping him on it in hopes that it will slow down the disease further and make him as comfortable as possible. I've heard him cough in the last two days - once at home in the middle of the night while lying down and once on a walk when he was sniffing something. For now, I am choosing to believe that the cough is not related to cancer. He is still full of energy, alert, eating well and loves running free on the trails and getting into trouble. He managed to roll in a dead animal and oh my did he stink. A good bath followed and he smells like coconut now!
We recently started working with a holistic vet, approved by Zeus of course, who makes house calls even though we are still in a lock-down. She provides a calm environment and a support system that we are very grateful for. I needed a real, face to face conversation and a positive relationship at this point. I do not know what Zeus’s oncologist looks like, or his surgeon, or his vet tech for that matter - we never met any of them in person. Drop offs happen at the hospital parking lot where one of the support staff comes out to pick him up and once done with the treatments he is brought back to the parking lot. Brutal. In the beginning Zeus was okay with everything, and so was I to a certain extent, but now he really shows his complete disapproval and will not get out of the car - and that's enough for me. We are removing any and all unnecessary stresses from him going forward hence the holistic vet and home visits if and when needed.
Today, March 1st, marks six months since Zeus’s amputation. There is just soooo much to celebrate regardless of how things are progressing. He is here, he is happy and he is pain free - that is all that matters right now.
~~~
A few pictures included. When we got the bandana a couple of weeks ago I woke him up for immediate picture lol he was all confused but he wears it proudly and the colour is perfect for him!!
With his 20 year old buddy by his side.
I get the tail end, always, but I don't mind it 🙂
Snezana - Thank you for sharing Zeus's journey so beautifully! So much of his story mirrors Griffin's, so it was a bit of a trip down memory lane for me to read your post. I love that you are focused on the positive of celebrating Zeus's 6-month milestone, happy and pain-free. And the photos of your boy are simply stunning! You have been such a tremendous support to me over the last few months, so please don't hesitate to let me return the favor whenever you are in need! Sending you and Zeus much love and lots of hugs! 
Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
HOPPY AMPUVERSARY ZEUS!
Beautiful, sweet Zeus! May you have many more stinky dead things to enjoy!
Thanks for sharing everything in one place Snezana. I'm glad he's stabilized and getting out into the world. It's so helpful for others to be able to see that a Tripawd can still continue to make the most of each day, even after devastating news like lung mets. No, it's not easy for the people to cope with what they read in the lab reports, but for the dog, they intrinsically know how to enjoy the moment at hand no matter what. They are such great role models!
If you're up to it, do tell more about what the holistic vet is prescribing. I'm so glad you found someone you and Zeus enjoy working with.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hoppy ampuversary
It's so nice to hear Zeus is happy & pain-free. I hope you can celebrate many more ampuversaries to come.
Razbeg the rescue borzoi (born in 11.06.2009) became a tripawd in 20.09.2018.
He and his adopted "brother" Myrsky have their own facebook page:Razbeg & Myrsky
If feels like months since my last post but in reality it has only been two weeks or so. One the one hand it's good that it feels longer because it means we are making the best of our time but on the other hand the changes over the past two weeks have been quite fast and quite significant.
Last week Zeus lost his buddy Max. As heartbreaking as it is I am so grateful that the two of them got close to each other towards the end. Enemies for the first seven years finally decided that they can benefit from (and actually enjoy) each others company - and so they did for the last six months or so and it was so beautiful to witness. Max was one truly amazing cat and he lived a full life on his terms for 20 years. I am confident that he allowed Zeus into his space to make him feel better. We were two absolutely broken people having to let him go but it was his time, he was very clear about that, and in a way he made the entire process peaceful - so very hard to explain... We miss him terribly.
Last week has been a huge challenge on so many levels. Just before Max passed, Zeus developed a lump where his shoulder used to be - along the top of the incision/scar line. It seems to have appeared overnight and grown to a size of a golf ball however it has not grown further and it does not seems to bother him. But it is quite hard and very close to his neck and spine so out of precaution, and for the sake of "we've done everything”, we took him to his oncologist this week just to have this lump looked at. We decided that we no longer want to know about his lung lesions and specifically requested that no radiographs are taken under any circumstances. But mistakes always seem to happen and what was supposed to be a “take a look at the lump only” appointment, turned into “the works” and unnecessary stress for Zeus. We were livid when we found out they put him through all that and exposed us further to information we were trying to avoid all along. I will forgive myself at some point but for now it’s my fault for even considering going back there knowing deep down that the lump is osteosarcoma. In addition, he had a few days where he could not keep any food down. This thankfully resolved with some pepcid ac and we are now on zero medication - CBD oil only. He is not showing any signs of pain and he is still very active, alert and playful but we know things can change overnight. Especially with this lump close to his spine which could potentially trigger all kinds of bad.
In the meantime we are going to make the best of what time we have left. We are going away next week for some change of scenery, nights by the fire, good food and plenty of roaming free through the woods.
Aorry you sweet Max needed to shed his earth clothes. Twenty years, now that's a well lived and well loved life! ❤ Never, ever enough time though. I hope the wonderful memories help sustain you.
And I ,love that Max and Zeus became buddies after all this time❤ That is such a special gift they gave to you, and to each other..
Now. as far as the Oncologist ignoring your instructions on what you wa pnted done, and what you did NOT want, you have every eight to be piffed off! I know I would be!! I know you d want to expand any energy o on this, What's done is done. But you could at least se d off a short ema saying your wishes were not fo,lowe, you would like an explanation why your I structure s were dismissed. It could be short and. hopefully not put you in a negative state or upset your e ergy, but rather an empowered state where you can let it go and where you have let them know your dissatisfaction and you expect a responsese. No, this is NOT on you and you have NOTHING to feel guilty about!! It's all on them!
And you know what REALLY matters? Zeus didn't hear a word about their "tests" and work ups. Nothing has changed in Zeus's world and his lead is the lead you need to follow! He is the epitome role model of how to Be More Dog ! Zeus is feeling fine!!
I am so excited you are going on a little retreat for your Soul next week. It sounds like the perfect get away for Zeus and you! We can't wait for the pictures! I have no doubt will be the brightest star in the sky watching over all of you🌟🌟
((((((Hugs)))))
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!
Awwww, we have a 13 year old kitty who was NOT a fan of our pup Fox when he showed up, and usually keeps her distance. She seems to know when he is not feeling well though, and will come "check up" on him and try to figure out why he isn't being his usual obnoxious puppy self 🙂 She hasn't gotten cuddly or anything yet though.
Sorry to hear about your terrible week, I hope you all enjoy your getaway, and make some wonderful memories. And take some great pictures!
-Korinne and Fox
Snezana - A week away sounds like just what you and Zeus need. I'm so glad that you will be spending time feeding your soul and making memories with your boy that you will treasure. I'm sorry that the clinic did not follow your wishes - that is very frustrating! I'm glad to hear that the Pepcid is helping Zeus with his GI issues. I'm sure you will take lots of photos on your vacation, just also make sure that you are in some together with Zeus. Sending lots of love your way! Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
I'm really sorry about Max, and the developments with Zeus. No wonder the last two weeks have felt like an eternity. It's been a rough road with a ton of stress for you guys and I hope that your trip brings you much needed R&R and healing.
How beautiful that Max and Zeus got along in the last few months. They made peace with each other, and perhaps even knew that Max's time was drawing near. I believe animals can sense that. So they gave you, and them, the gift of a truce, filled with touching memories you will keep in your heart forever.
As for the oncology visit....oh my gosh I'd be pretty livid too. As Sally said, however, Zeus didn't know what the tests said, he's still the same dog. And while you know the current status of his health, I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that you have absolutely done everything possible for him. Maybe if those tests hadn't happened, someday you would have beat yourself up for not doing them, which is pretty common (I sure felt that way). So take heart in knowing that you've left no stone unturned, and now it's time to keep forging ahead, making the most of every moment, and loving that boy up.
We can't wait to see your getaway photos, have a beautiful trip!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I will start with saying that Zeus is still here. No matter how much planning goes into things, a lot or none at all, things never go as you wish.
We had to cancel our little trip for a number of reasons major one being that Zeus’s condition has been deteriorating quite rapidly. He is now back on Gabapentin, Meloxicam (Metacam) and we may add Trazodone next to help him sleep. His breathing has become laboured when resting and is increasingly getting worse. The lump has grown a bit on the outside but chances are that it has grown more on the inside plus his lung mets have probably grown as well. He is coughing during the night and the noise that comes out of him is terrifying. It is just the way his voice is - very deep, even his bark is deep and powerful sounding and when combined with a cough and happening in the middle of the night in the dark... yesterday morning my husband said “that felt like I was in bed with Regan" (from The Exorcist). You have to laugh no matter what, right? And that made me laugh really hard which made him laugh which made Zeus happy.
In addition, Zeus is also stopping often on our walks and he is starting to refuse food. We are trying different things that he never ate before and it works for a day but then he refuses that as well. It is becoming very difficult to give him medication. We are definitely nearing the inevitable but we just don’t know when that "right time" will be. His tail is still going, he is playing with his toys, he perks up and is as active as his body allows him to be when he is outside. The worst part of this entire situation is that he is mentally just so full of life but his body is failing him and failing him fast. We have been making the best of the time we have. My husband was off work and while we didn’t go away officially we made day trips and just enjoyed being together. Being together is pretty much normal for Zeus, deep down it is a different kind of together for us now because we know what is coming. But we enjoy every moment - good and bad.
We now stay away from our neighbourhood because we don’t want to answer any more questions or pick up on the sad energy. Every day we go someplace different and we make fun of the situation, we make fun of Zeus’s horrible farts and his continuous confusion when they happen, we make fun of each other and just about everything else and that is what keeps us going right now. We love meeting kids over adults as they are so honest and positive and we always stop and offer that they meet Zeus and ask any questions they have. I was actually stopped one time by a lady who is a kindergarten teacher and she asked if she can take pictures and a video with Zeus for her class because she wanted to show them that three legged dogs do exist and they are just as normal as four legged ones. I thought that was just awesome - we need more of that, exposure and education!!
Anyway, I can go on and on 
....All is as good as it can be for however long it lasts. Anything negative and sad has been gently suspended in our household. We will deal with that on our own one day.
You are in such a positive frame of mind right now and I'm sending you so much love and strength as you enjoy every moment with Zeus. Those photos of him on the rocks are amazing and I have enjoyed your Instagram posts, too! I laughed at your observation about kids > adults. I wholeheartedly agree. Here's what a neighbor shared about her 5 year old and Griffin:
Something else for which I will forever be grateful was after Griffin’s surgery, you and he provided Yonah a very organic lesson in what it means to be different as well as what it means to recover from surgery. You answered every question she had in a way that was honest and that she could understand. Griffin always stood patiently as Yo examined his scar and tied to understand what it all meant. Since then, I have noticed that she will ask questions when she sees somebody who looks different, but it is only to better understand the difference. She never makes fun of it or is disgusted by it.
I loved the kindergarten's teacher's approach - and her kids will certainly benefit from getting to know Zeus's story. Thanks for sharing him with all of us, too!
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Thank you Stacy - great story and Yonah will be an even better individual having met Griffin. Maybe this was their purpose in this lifetime, to educate and leave this world better than they found it. I am certainly learning a lot.
Awww that handsome Zeus, it's good to see him getting out and about, what a beautiful outing! And your pawsitivity is incredible and so uplifting. Like Zeus, you're telling cancer to stick it, you're not letting it take away the good times that are right in front of you in the Now. That's not an easy thing to manage when you reach this point in the journey. But your ability to see all the little blessings that happen during the time you do have right now, well, it's just pawesome. I really admire your outlook and your sense of humor!
See if your vet is OK giving Zeus a cough suppressant like Robitussin DM, that might help all of you get some sleep. As for knowing when it's time, that old saying "better a day too soon than a day too late" is something to consider. Ask yourself, how do you want to remember him? And how to you think he wants to be remembered? As you believe you are closer to the inevitable, it's good to have a plan in place. You may want to check out our post "How to Prepare for Pet Loss Before It Happens."
May there be many more good times with you and Zeus. We are keeping you close to our hearts and sending Tripawd Power your way! Keep us posted and let us know if we can help in any way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
As a cough suppressant our vet recommended Cerenia but she said it is a temporary fix. I will ask about Robitussin DM.
And, yes, we totally agree with "better a day too soon than a day too late". Our holistic vet is with us on that as well.
...and, i can't thank you enough for your support and kind words
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