Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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eblanton83 said
Hello to all,Thank you for the story on Stewie. I understand about the harness part. I think Monte's was possibly too much at first but can't go backwards only move forward and pray Monte can stay on the healthy track now!
Hi Elizabeth and Monte
i do hope your boy is improving and getting stronger every day now! I just want to say very quickly that there is no need to look backwards, at all! You have done an incredible job with your Monte, incredible!! The harness wouldn’t have caused this, I think that Monte has just come across some different challenges than most dogs have! Most of us find that the harness is a little too much at first for front leg amputees, but I honestly don’t think the harness caused Monte’s issues. I just think it can hinder them at the beginning sometimes.
We are all faced with challenges along this journey and the ‘what ifs’ do us no good either mentally or physically. Please know that Monte loves you through and through and just needs to know that you are there with him! Which you are most definitely doing a champion job at!
Many hugs and tons of support coming your way!
Petra, Stewie, Spikey, Chester, Miss Lily and Ted
Remember...“live in the moment!“ 
Good morning to all,
Monte is back home after 12 days in the hospital. What a journey of ups and downs. Thank you for the support and many prayers.
He has three Jackson pratt drains, more pills than he cares to even take at this point (20 something), and an antibiotic injection which is because the bacteria report came back showing he was sensitive to one antibiotic he was on but not the other. He's not a big fan of the shots either. So with that being said, he doesn't like the majority of food he did like before and giving meds has been a challenge. Liver doesn't even disguise the bad taste of tramadol.
He is getting up and moving around more this time which is very good. He's had issues with the legs because of the IVs and blown IVs. Still working on the balancing part of going potty but a definite improvement.
So may I ask this to the forum? With all that Monte has been through, I'm not sure his system can handle chemo. (the albumin transfusion can have reactions later on) His CT and lymph nodes were clear before the amputation. I have read where people have done just amputation and then those that chose both. I was just so ready to have Monte home and have whatever time there is. The poor boy has been through way more than we thought possible
Thank you again for the support and responses. We greatly appreciate your being here!
Elizabeth and Monte
Hi Elisabeth and Monte 🌸🐾
So sorry to hear all you are going through, sweetie ...
How long do they think he will still need to be on medication for ?
Is he likely to be still needing a lot of IV drugs ?
I am just asking because perhaps if that is the case you could still consider inserting the VAP ...
It is surgery, but not major, and once it is done all drugs and blood samples can be performed painlessly and without using any of his other veins ...
I apologise if I sound pushy here, that is not my intention at all...
I would not know if he can or cannot have chemo right now.
Not being a vet, it just seems to me he has a lot of drugs on his system ...
What is his oncologist's opinion ?
As for chemo, some of us went that route, some didn't.
There are no guarantees either way and the results vary on the dog itself, there is just no way to tell ...
If you chose not to go for chemo you are joining lots of people here who took the same decision.
If you chose to have it at a later date, that should be ok too.
There is also the option of metronomics instead of IV chemo, where a much smaller dose of chemo (combined with other drugs) is taken daily or every other day.
For now, I think the best would be for you to get your oncologist's opinion and maybe even get a second opinion from another onco, to be more comfortable.
I wish I could help more but please know I am here for you and your boy and am totally rooting for you both.
Sending hugs and cuddles 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
ps just a thought. Clare (Meg's Mom) shared a liver cake recipe which seems to be irresistible, Jackie has also tried it. I'll try to find the thread for you but failing that I am sure either Clare or Jackie will see this and report back to you ...
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Found it.
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
WELCOME HOME MONTE😀😀 BEST NEWS EVVVVER!!!😁😁
ABSOLUTELY THRILLED TO HEAR MONTE IS HOME!!! I KNOW THIS WILL HELP MONTE HEAL! AND I KNOW IT WILL DO WONDERS FOR YOU ON EVERY LEVEL TO HAVE YOUR BOY HOME!❤
WOW, Monte is turning his nose up at liver? Now that's really being picky Mr. Monte!
Yeah, try Meg's liver cake that Eurydice shared. Also, even though it's not home cooking, try Fresh Pet Grain Free (in refrigeration section, Whole Foods, Target, etc). Another thing, as strange as it sounds, have someone come over Monte really likes and bring him a warm cheeseburger or warm cheese pizza.
Yeah, chemo is such an in individual personal choice. No right or wrong. No guarantees either way. While side effects are usually fairly mild and temporary in a "normal- no-issue-recovery" (if there is such a thing), proceeding with a dog with as much going on as Monte has had to deal with would certainly be a cause for concern. That's just my UNPROFESSIONAL opinion. Obviously Oncos are pretty much pro chemo. Ditto Eurydice, you can always consider that later as well as other options later.
You are doing an excellent job of staying focused on Monte's QUALITY!! Yes, we all want more time, but what good is that if there is very little quality during that time? Monte could care less about days on a calendar, but he sure does care about feeling good in the NOW and enjoying being spoiled and loved by you!!!
In your update, you basically said you were ready to just have Monte home and enjoy your time together. ❤
Listen to your heart. That's where your answer is. You know Monte best.
SO DELIGHTED MONTE IS HOME!!!1😁 PERHAPS A SCOOPMOFMOCE CREAM IS IN ORDER!!😀
EXTRA 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!
Oh wow, welcome home Monte!!! You poor things have been through it all haven't you??
Teresa sent you the liver cake recipe, great! I am just seeing this now, sorry. I put Mitchell's cbd oil with the liver cake and he enjoys it.
I recently put together some food for Mitch that was a hit. A pound of ground turkey (you could use ground chicken) a couple of hard boiled eggs, and a mashed up baked sweet potato, skin and all. I just chopped it all together after cooking, and then split it into half cup portions and put it in the freezer so it would not go bad. I put that in Mitchell's dry kibble when he's being finicky and he enjoys it.
I'm so sorry you are all going through this, but i am really glad he's finally turning the corner. Keeping you in my prayers.
❤️❤️
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Wow Elizabeth, that is a long time for him to be in the hospital, how worrisome for all of you! I'm so glad he's home now, and healing. I had no idea that a dog could have three JP drains placed at one time. That is so much to manage! You mush be exhausted.
As for chemotherapy, we opted out and our Jerry lived for two amazing years. Chemo is not a requirement, and it's by no means a guarantee that any dog will beat the odds. If in your heart you feel that it's not right for Monte, then follow that feeling and you can't go wrong. We will support you no matter what you decide.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Elisabeth and Monte 🌺🐾
How is your gorgeous boy doing?
And you?
Sending you much love and cuddles, thinking about you both 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Hello everyone,
Thank you for checking in on us! Here is an update on Monte
Monte is doing much better! This past Tuesday, one full week at home, was his follow up appointment in which he had his three drains removed...YAY YAY! Then next Tuesday, he will finally have his staples removed!
Once staples are removed is when he will start chemo... if that's the road we travel.
Jerry, his drains were placed about 3 to 4 inches apart lengthwise on his chest (= like this). Yes, exhausted but doing what needs to be done.
His meds have been the worst ever. Tramadol pills were the worst. He's on 4 antibiotics, pain meds, and one inflammatory. The antibiotic shot has been the easiest...believe it or not. Friday is the last day for meds.
Its like he has no taste buds. I'm hoping once he's off the medication, his sense of taste will come back.
Monte is my new car
Love and hugs,
Elizabeth and Monte
SUCH GOOD NEWS!!!!! SOOOOOO HAPPY TO HEAR THIS😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
WE always say every recovery is different and quite the roller coaster ride, but WOW!!! MONTE SURE SHOWED US HOW TRUE THAT IS!! And YOU showed us what strength and determination look like!
I kmow you'll be glad when he is off all those meds so he'll get his appetite back. In the meantime, I'm sure you're trying everything possible. Jave yoi seen Meg's liver cake?
YAY FOR MONTE!!! MADE MY DAY!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂
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!
Elizabeth!! Monte!!!
I can honest to God tell you i have never seen what's happened to the both of you. I have been fearfully cheering you on, I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!
If good juju can be sent through the airwaves across the miles then you have had TONS of it from all of us here 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Would love to see pictures, i think it would do a lot of us good. If you can't post em pm me and I'll send you my address and post them for you ❤️❤️
Clare's liver cake is awesome, you have the recipe, yes? If not, let me know. Mitchell is like Mikey... He hates everything, lol but he loves that. Even WITH the cbd oil.
You made our night, so good to hear the news. You got a bunch of cheerleaders here!!
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
HAHAHA!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂 PERFECT JACKIE!! 🤣🤣🤣😂😃🤣🤣😂🤣
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!
We are all doing the hoppy dance here just like Snoopy! What a great update, thank you so much for letting us know he's on the mend.
Antibiotics definitely take away appetite. I'll bet he will be ravenous once he's done with them.
You have done such a great job taking care of him. The hospital needs to name a wing after you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello everyone!
Here is my handsome Monte with no drains or staples!
He is off all meds from the surgery (s)...I should say 🙂 Thank goodness!!!
He is back to eating his normal food, regular potty business ( in which his balance is great) and as you can see in the picture, sitting in his favorite place.
The first 10 days at home were some restless nights but he is now sleeping through the night. This has been like having a new born at home 🙂 He is still trying to figure balancing when it comes to certain things. Oh, his bedsore on the elbow is work in progress and the ones on the sides of his feet. Improving each day!
Today I took him to my regular vet for a general overview since all this has happened. While there we noticed Monte was getting blotchy red places on his legs and feet. With that being said, he's back on antibiotics, had a benadryl shot, and he lasered the sore on Monte's elbow. Just a little bump in the road. He's home sleeping now!
Thank you everyone!
Love and hugs,
Elizabeth and Monte
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