Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well here we are! One month today and in some ways I can't figure out where a month went and in others...my gosh it seems like an eternity with new information falling out of my brain and so many decisions.
Magic's doc did blood tests yesterday with disappointing results or rather mixed. he had his first chemo on 3/28 so this is the first blood tests and I know white count does drop, but his white count was 900 and his neutrophils were 200. He has one elevated liver thingee but the doc says it is not a cancer one. (doesn't sound very medical does it...the way I put it anyway) She says it is possible it is related to the rimadyl and we are watching it. She really did feel that next week things would be fine. She put Magic on an AB just to be "safe." She is not at all concerned she says. She told me his demeanor and his stamina yesterday during the visit was just fine. He had no temp. He has developed a seroma darn it and she wanted to leave it open to the air, however he is licking and I hate to put that damn collar on him and need to order one that he can see around...so if he won't leave it be, I will rewrap it. The incision looks good with the exception of one small spot...it is healed just fine, but there is a two inch area that has like a heat rash so in order for nothing to rub on it like the harness, she put a light wrap back on it. He is to come back for another blood test next Saturday and depending on how those values are, he will or won't have chemo the following day on Sunday the 18th.
We are still dealing with the steps to the truck issue...sometimes it seems like maybe we have it licked and others....of course it has only been a week! Yesterday the nurse came out with me (the guy who helps me was going to meet me at the park after the vet) to help me help him up the steps and while I was getting the hook I had devised to hook him to the door of the truck, he hopped in the truck...NOT the back of the truck, but the little tiny space behind the front seats that they consider a "BACK SEAT" It is a small ford ranger and only an infant could use those back seats, and he barely fit there the way the seats were. I was flabbergasted.....it may have been the "let's get the hell out of the vet's parking lot" syndrome or maybe he will use that area...since it is pouring today, I can't test the theory, but when the rain stops in a few days, I shall see if he will get in there (I moved the seats way up and think I can level it off somehow).
I was really hoping everything would be just dandy....I guess I was lulled into a sense of security after doing the three years of chemo with OJ....we only had one iffy blood test in all that time and I was hoping to have the same luck....
Well, onward to next week...now, to get FOUR MORE capsules down him each day....I sure wish everything came in chewable liver or something flavored tablets.....
First off CONGRATULATIONS MAGIC!!! One month is awesome.
Second, stay positive. This is only the first of many chemo's & bloodwork that you will go through. Next time, Magic will be better.
As for getting in the backseat, try putting pillows down on the floor to fill the foot space, then cover them with a blanket. Magic will be comfy and cozy. He probably didn't want to get wet, but like you said, it could have been the "let's get the heck outta the vet's parking lot" syndrome.
Keep us posted!
Chuy & Eleanor
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Thanks guys! I would use that didn't want to get wet except yesterday it was just threatening...it waited til today to let loose (well that isn't exactly right, it did actually rain on us at the park...the only 10 mins it rained THAT day..sigh)
Can someone answer if the low white count has any relation to energy level?? I did give him a pain pill today, have cut back to practically nothing but he seemed like he was hurting this morning (or was that me...) but this seems like more than just the pain meds....he really seems to have no energy...of course we could do nothing really cuz of the weather, but just in general he doesn't seem as peppy...well peppy for him!! maybe a day's rest and being a little stoned while it rains will be okay.....he just seemed to be more painful in movements and less energy. I think I just said that three times.....
Diane and Magic, congratulations on getting past the one month phase. Yeay!!!!
Just like Chuy said, there will be little challenges but it's nothing that you and the Big Dog can't get over. We think that this news is pretty darn dandy! Keep things in perspective; try to remember where you were when you first got the diagnosis, and always consider how far Magic has come. Celebrate each day together, they are all such a gift.
We're all cheering you on, keep it up!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Way to go Magic (and Diane). That first month is a huge milestone.
Diane, don't worry abou t the blood test until the vet tells you it's time to worry. That was always my plan. When Dr F tells me it's time to worry, IT IS TIME TO WORRY, until then it's just one more day.
Trouble still has days where she seems to tire easily, it isn't real often, but for example Tuesday I dropped her off at the vet on my way to work. She had a bath and nail trim, bloodwork and checkup, then the ride home. The next day she was pretty pooped, and seemed a little sore. I keep a bottle of tramadol on hand, if she acts achy, I give her 1/2 tablet twice a day to take the edge off.
You'll get to be old hand at monitoring and adjusting. It becomes second nature.
Keep up the good work!
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.
Hoppy ampuversary!
Magic is a front-leg amputee? In my experience with my first tripawd, Yoda (front leg amputee - Gerry is a back-leg), it did seem like his stamina did go backwards now and then. Though Yoda was back at the park playing chase after a month, he did still need me to bring water along even for walks around the neighborhood and to take breaks to just lie in the shade for a bit. Sometimes he needed me to enforce breaks too. You'll figure out what he needs and what the new normal is (though that'll change on you too). It's good that you're vigilant for pain, but you did remind me of Yoda's days of less stamina as he was getting used to his three legs, even though overall he was getting stronger and stronger, and that may be all it was today with Magic.
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
chuy said:
First off CONGRATULATIONS MAGIC!!! One month is awesome.
Second, stay positive.
Chuy is right on target on both accounts. The one month ampuuversary IS a big milestone and one worthy of a PAWRTY! Do not underestimate just how far you have come and your accomplishments. This is one of the reasons I usually suggest keeping a journal of this journey - it will help give perspective of just how far you have come. Back to the main note, I hope that Magic has gotten extra hugs, more playtime, special treats and ..... ICE CREAM, which always was Miss Cherry's measure of a great celebration. We will be celebrating vicariously and lifting a toast for this honor.
Now to the second part of Chuy's comment - another of my suggestions is to stay as positive as possible during this journey. I know that it is difficult when you hear that the blood count is down. There have been many who had to delay treatments due to low blood count and they have done well. We are not trying to lecture you, but rather help you keep it in perspective. This journey is hard eneough on you, and you will need to take care of yourself during this process. Keeping positive and heading forward on all these set-backs is all you can do, and you are doing a FINE JOB.
Please keep us all posted. Sending Pawsitive Thoughts and enjoying your progress.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
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Thanks everybody....I think it is probably more me than him (like I have told Rene)....this is going to be a lesson in patience for an impatient person!! And I'd almost think I was bipolar lately...high highs and low lows!!!! I think he has had a busy week...up the steps and to the park and at least two walks each day....I need to be more in tune with HIS energy and not what I am trying to get him to accomplish..after all he is 11 and wasn't active like say a lab or golden...more of a couch potato these days (now let's see who does he resemble in this house....)
I am a little worried about the blood count but...Shanna's advice not to worry til the vet does is pretty good advice!!! And the vet is definitely not a bit worried.
We did no exercise really today at all, I did print out somethng from here today ...I believe it is Mali...with different exercises for at home...I may look to those to help. And the doc last night....So if Magic will just be patient with me, I may make it through this!!
You guys are the best - I don't know what people do who haven't found this site...and to think I was just looking for some kind of harness and found a community
Thank you Spirit Cherry's Dad (forgive me for not knowing your name yet...but I know you'll answer).....you definitely always have some darn good advice...I've spent a lot of time here today reading. Yeah yeah I got my chores done too...but still...
and funny, Magic LOVES ice cream...however, treat tonight will have to be some more liverwurst to get those last two damn antibiotics down for the night...maybe I'll try a little ice cream after that...his appetite is certainly not the best but then I'm cramming a lot of liver down him with various things stuck in them (oh why oh why isn't everything chewable yummy)
Off to try that!
I'm so happy that Magic has made it a month and doing really well! I can't believe it's been a month already! I hope his blood count gets better but everyone here knows what it means and they seem to not be worried. Try not to worry.
As far as energy...I've learned since Comet is over 11 years old that they can have good days and bad days. Her body has really been beaten up by hopping for so many years and her neck is really bad from the infection in the disc. So, I'm learning that she isn't ever going to be as energic as she was even a year ago. But........ get a peanut butter cookie out and she can spring up like a puppy!
don't know what people do who haven't found this site…and to think I was just looking for some kind of harness and found a community
They develop anxiety issues, that's what! I swear my sanity would be intact if I had known about the site! I couldn't find anyone, including vets who understood life with a 3-legged dog.
When I found the site, I googled for the first time after 10 1/2 years, "3-legged dog"! Assuming I had the only 3 legged dog in the world! The site popped up. I, too bought a ruffwear harness the first time I visited the site and immediately went out and bought a raised food and water bowl.
It took me a while to post. Finally, I threw caution to the wind and jumped in not knowing if a birth defect would be accepted in the Tripawd world. It was!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
okay, antibiotics down the hatch with some liverwurst balls...and oh oh he was slow gulping them (I frankly don't think he was the least bit hungry....) and then I brought out the ice cream and you should have seen the look on his face..."what the HELL is THIS NOW...and WHAT IS HIDDEN IN THIS...." It took him a while before he would even stick his tongue in it...um, he's kinda suspicious of mommies bearing food right now.......
I wish there were other things he like well enough to gulp down and not chomp through...so many things are promising then don't work and one bite through and that method is done for.
Question: does anyone know if a compounding pharmacy can do any of the supplements or do they do pharmaceuticals only...I should call them and find out ... I know I had them make up various flavor antibiotics for a kitty I had several years back...It would be nice to get them made in a chewable and Maybe some things can...I just remembered a friend had a Mal with addison's and some place around here in my area makes up the drug and did it cheaper and in a wafer that was easy to give....maybe I answered my own questions...well that is handy isn't it!!! (this wasn't a pharmacy, but they dispensed these things....)
I don't remember if I posted this here or maybe just told Rene or dreamed it or whatever. Yesterday after the vet I took Magic to the park (see I overdid him) and ran into a gal and we had quite a conversation but part of it was her astonishment about the whole community with three legged dogs and MY ASTONISHMENT (I told her) at the number of you who have had more than one...First I was thinking oh my gosh such bad luck how can that be that cancer struck more than once and then I realized that this was not always the case! A lot were adoptions and maybe that is the whole point.....an entire community of loving forever homes who know what to expect and welcome a tripawd with the same loving arms that dogs coming with extra legs get.
I'm not sure how I would have made this very difficult first month where everthing comes fast and furious without this place. I don't know how you did it for all those years alone with the only three legged dog in the world.......knowing how I felt when a google for a harness brought you all to me, I can't imagine how YOU must have felt ....
And I have to learn that Magic wasn't a ball chasing perpetual teenager BEFORE this happened so what makes me think he is going to have a personality change!!!!! He still perks up at the "wanna go for a walk??" And he strains to pull me down to the school where he loved to go on the weekends...fields to play around, dogs to meet, stuff to sniff....but that is a ways in the future. (that is also where I brushed him...I figure the wind blew all the hair to the sky or trees and the birdies looking for nest stuff love it...very soft...people must have thought rabbits were slaughtered on the fields in the dark of night lol)
Prior to this happening when I was thinking to add to our little pack, I was going to tell the people at the animal shelter and Humane Society (they like me for donations!!) that I was thinking of special needs animals....little did I know I was about to get even MORE practice...
good night all, have a great week ahead no matter what is on the agenda and if you don't mind, I'd like to send you all our RAIN cuz we are starting to grow moss .... on more than the north side...
Happy 1 month Ampuversary Magic!! 
Wishing you many, many, many more ampuversaries and celebrations!
Hope you had a wonderful time... even though you have to eat liver balls filled with hidden yucky meds... at least you finally figured out that the ice cream was a real treat, with no surprises.
Tell that mom of yours to post some more pictures of you!!!
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!
Happy 1 month ampuversary, Magic! Tell your mom to keep those treats coming! Even if they do have yucky meds hidden inside... you're getting liver! And so awesome to get ice cream, too! Holly will get some ice cream to help you celebrate tonight!
My rule of thumb is... if all else fails and I am still worried about Holly I call the vet and ask. I know he probably thinks I'm an over protective mom, and a pain in the you know what... but she's my baby and I can't stand worrying about her! Holly's energy seems to be leveling off a bit more now... but she still gets pretty pooped by a long walk or an exciting day. And a trip to the vet is definitely exhausting - so many smells, new people, old friends, etc!
I tell people this site has been a saving grace for me - I don't know what people do who don't find it. I'm so thankful to be part of such a great community!
Hugs,
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Happy 1 month ampuversay Magic ! Hope that soon when you get your treats they won't have to filled with yucky hidden things inside, that you will just be able to totally enjoy getting a treat.
Tasha went through a period about a month or two after her surgery that she wouldn't jump into the car. She would just stand there and wait for me to lift her in, after several times with me trying to lift her back end up and push at the same time to get her into the car she started jumping in again. I am not sure if she was afraid or just lazy to jump into the car or embarrassed by how awkward we were but now she always jumps in and gets lifted out.
Hope your test results all come back good.
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….
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