Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm so very sorry for the heartache you all are experiencing. Everything about this is unbearable, but I think the worst of it is the uncertainty, the not knowing for sure what you're up against. You know in your heart you may have to put him through the GA once again to know if this is something you can fight, or if it isn't. I think only knowing for sure would enable you to make the best decision, for Pofi, for all of you. We are all praying our hardest that, with time, he can overcome this latest obstacle.
As always, sending love and prayers, strength and courgage.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
One other wuick thought. Pofi has been under GA 9 times in 14 months. The last several times he's had more and more issues with his trachea. Not other issues, right? "Just" the trachea soreness and irritation.
If he has to go under for the MRI, can the Vet do ANYTHING to hall prevent these problems?? Anything...a smaller tube...coat it with something, etc.
Also, how long woukd he have to be under for an MRI? Would coming out of the anesthesia cause any additional damage as dogs kind of thrash around, doing a lot of rolling arpund, trying to sit up, etc.?
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!
I am so sorry to hear the news 😟
Not knowing what the situation is certainly is agony for you and all of us who are right by your side and Pofi's ...
It seems the MRI might be the only way to be sure so you might have to go for it ...
So wish there was any other way you could know ... and so wish there was any way I could help ...
Sending you all the pawsitive energy me and Eurydice can master and hoping hard for a good outcome for your wonderful boy 😘😘😘🐾
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 :-)
Thank you all for the kindness and care and support. Sally, you have helped boil down what I am thinking and saved me from having to express it - I think you have it all covered, so it was indeed very helpful.
What I have to face, and add to this all, is that he did decline after we started meds. After we last went in - at that point he was still walking, though badly, with those bad legs. He needed support - but boy he walked a great distance in that hospital. I was still able to get him through the house on my own because he was helping. But he doesn't now. The legs may still have feeling and he can still stretch and contract then (confirmed in acupuncture session on Thursday and also by me again this morning). But he does not "walk" with them at all. Meaning it really takes two of us to get him moved and outside. So, whether disease or injury, there was progression.
When it was more difficult at first after that appointment, I thought maybe it was adding in the powerful muscle relaxant. And there was last terrible Tuesday when I sort of HAD to go into the office and was going to try to make it be only 4 hours and then back to remote from home and I got stuck and it was almost 9 hours. When Ken got home he had actually moved himself around on the porch - moved a distance in distress because he really needed to pee. I got home a few minutes later and we took care of that, he felt better for sure, but maybe he aggravated injuries then and that is why he has stopped using the legs. Maybe we will start to climb back in a few more days.
His attitude is not as chipper as it was. I've not seen him wag his tail for days.
Yes, we need the MRI. And, Sally, yes, it was only the trachea/esophagus issue - he seems to do fine with all other aspects of GA and we have an established protocol. I have asked whether we can just get it scheduled or they are going to want me to do a neuro consult first - since we are looking to rule out a cancer return, I would think we can dispense with the consult.
So that is where we are.
Edited to add: Appetite still good, at least.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Okay, what stood out to me this time, and I did read it several times to be clear on my first "sense" was this:
"When Ken got home he had actually moved himself around on the porch - moved a distance in distress because he really needed to pee. I got home a few minutes later and we took care of that, he felt better for sure, but maybe he aggravated injuries then and that is why he has stopped using the legs. Maybe we will start to climb back in a few more days."
Somit could be "regression"'OR it coukd very likely be the movement stopped the improvement for a bit longer.
That, indeed, is a possibility to consider. The Vet emphasized STRICT CONFINEMENT, but, of course, Pofi heard none of that!!
And not wagging the tail may be something related to the disc where it hurts to do so. That would make sense.
And Ppfi's still eating! 🙂 That Pofi is ...well...he is Pofi!!
The thing that I keep sort of holding onto is how this happened so quickly and instantaneous and with NO hint of anything being amiss. Of course, a tumor can be a sneaky piece of crap, but this just doesn't seem to be that.
It seems like you could definitely skip the consult! Ppfi doesn't need that extra aggravation. It sounds like the MRI has the answers.
We are all here with you, and all wishing we could help somehow. Just keep leaning on us. We love you and Pofi so much. That boy is crazy though! In a good way!! He is a very, very strong willed and determined dog and doesn't ever take the easy route!! POFI IS POFI and we adore him!
Continuing to send love, strength and clarity, along with tons of healing energy
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!
This is so, so hard Hester. Just to reiterate how much we are thinking of you all and keep checking this thread hoping for positive news. I also wanted to mention that Meg also had a very large number of GAs in a short time period. I've actually lost count of how many exactly. She was having them every 2-3 days at one point as they kept having to file down the end of her elbow. I did really worry about the load on her system, but clearly in the circumstances, we just did what we had to do. She also had the coughing/gagging/wretching throat reaction after a number of them, but my impression was that this wasn't cumulative. Sometimes she did and sometimes she didn't. Her last GA (when they removed her leg), she didn't have this reaction. I don't know what the difference was between the times when she did and the times when she didn't – a different type of tube? a different thickness of tube? tube made from a different material? longer or shorter time under GA? a more skilful technician? Presumably for an MRI, Pofi would only need a light anaesthetic and for a short duration. I don't know if this would make a difference. Anyway, just wanted to pass this on.
Sending love and hugs,
Meg and Clare (and Elsie Pie) xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Hi Hester and Pofi 💗🐶
I am so sorry there is still no major improvement 😞 but Sally is right Pofi is Pofi as strong as a wild bore 🐗
I am hoping in my heart the MRI will confirm he will need rest and he will recover once he takes it easy and stays put as required.
We absolutely adore Pofi and wish so, so hard this is just a temporary situation.
Sending you a huge bear hug and cuddles to your sweetie 💗🐾🐾🐶
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 :-)
I'm so sorry you guys are going through this. It just isn't fair. I don't have anything to add as far as suggestions go, it sounds to me like you have considered all options and covered all of you bases. I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you. Like is so often said here, you are doing the best that you can for Pofi, and all decisions are being made from a place of love. Whatever happens, he knows that you love him.
If virtual hugs could heal, Pofi would be all better! So I'm sending some more, for all of you.
I am pretty much awash in anguish much of the time. This is, simply put, excruciating. I have to know what the root cause is here and so will be trying to schedule MRI asap tomorrow.
He still has feeling in his toes - still knows he has to void his bladder - still stretches and contracts his rear legs when he wants to. And still eating. He had some waffles with Daddy this morning and had bits of my burger and tots and fries with me just a while ago. But the spark seems like it is fading.
Thinking this does not fit FcE. So more likely spinal injury or spinal tumor. The uncertainty is more than I can handle.
Have been sleeping, if you can call it that, with him every night - on dog beds right next to him whether that is in the living room or the 3 season porch (space heater). One night sort of half sitting / half laying on a rattan and cushioned love seat on that porch - last night on the kitchen floor on a big dog bed until Mia grabbed my dog bed after we took him out at 3 am to potty. Once or twice it has worked out for me to sleep on the comfy big couch.
Exhausted physically and emotionally...I need a time machine to go back and prevent him from removing his stitches...
Thank you all for your unflagging support and love for my sweet boy.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
YES! You have made a decision! For whatever it's worth, I think the need to know at this point outweighs any of the reasons "not" to do the MRI.
If it turns out that full recovery is highly likely, then you can perhaps feel a bit more at ease plowing through this slooow recovery period. If it turns out otherwise, then you would know recovery is not an option.
In the midst of all thus agony, I hope you can find a small chuckle in Pofi's new NUTRITIONAL diet...waffles, cheeseburgers snd fries! What? No ice cream? Ice cream is a very valuable nutritional supplement,according to my Happy Hannah anyway!
And almost NOTHING has as much a negative affect on one's psyche than lack of sleep! Add the overall stress of this journey over these several months and you jave ro be "off the charts" exhausted and stressed!!
And I know you will, but I woukd play every card I have to get them to bring Pofi in asap! Bypass everyone until you get a "Yes, we can do it right away!"
I know you didn't want to do the MRI, but a week as passed now and, what seemed "reasonable" then, doese seem as reasonable now. Get 'er done!!! If it is a disc issue, it may even give insight in a better way to treat it!!! Yeah, let's get 'er done!
Lots and lots of love!!!
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!
I'm glad you were able to come to a decision to do the MRI. You have to get a true diagnosis before you can put any plan in place. It is the uncertainty tearing you up. As always you are doing what you feel is right for Pofi. You have always done that for that sweet boy. I know how hard this is for you and Ken Lisa, and I'm adding in an easy transport and good MRI results to my prayers for you guys and sweet Pofi! Please keep us posted, we care so very very much!
Lisa, I'm really sorry that he's still feeling crappy. I've been following along and want you to know how much you and Pofi are in our thoughts right now. I agree, having a MRI done is wise, I myself can't imagine not knowing. If I could afford it i would too. With information is the power to move forward with something, anything, to help him feel better. Once you have the results, there is relief in knowing.
Let us know how the week goes and if we can do anything from afar, please don't hesitate to ask. We send lots of love and wishes for some promising news.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Lisa, I'm so sorry! I do hope you were able to get him in for the MRI today - waiting, with everyone, for an update. So wishing I could help, in some way, somehow.
giant bear hugs for you
Teri and Isa
Right rear leg amp 7/12/16 due to OSA. Metastatic lesion on her right front leg, January 2017. Joined the Winter Warriors January 19, 2017. Run free my sweet girl.
Lisa, Ken and Pofi,
Just wanted to let you know that Kylie & I are thinking of you and hoping you get answers very soon! I am staying positive like the others have said. I refuse to believe the nasty cancer has started another tumour. No way. Hoping this is just Pofi in pain from his injuries and needing a little longer to heal. Much longer than we'd all like. 
I can only imagine how truly exhausted you are. But picturing you moving from dog bed to dog bed just to be right there with Pofi through the night just melts my heart and I just know all of us on this site were smiling reading that because we know we'd all be doing the same thing! No matter what the future holds, you know, and more importantly POFI knows, how truly he is loved, and that is all that matters in the end.
If you can get in to get the MRI done, how soon do you get results back? Or can they tell you right then? MANY prayers & positive thoughts being sent your way as we wait for your update!
Chris & Kylie xox 
Thank you again, all of you, in this amazing community. You are making me cry, but it is sort of a good cry.
The plan now is for us to bring him in midday tomorrow for a surgical re-check. As our more recent surgeon is not "on clinics" tomorrow, he can't be the one to be primary, but he got us in with another surgeon and will be stopping in to consult. They will also ask for an informal neurology consult and see if they all are recommending we proceed with MRI. Or not. They could be completely discouraging after they see him tomorrow and I would understand. I feel discouraged, why wouldn't they. He is the same today. More somber, I think. Right now I am not seeing physical change, but I am seeing depression.
I think we are in the swing of meds all happening at right times so discomfort is minimal. He is eating (hand fed, but not forced). Taking treats. But won't give me a kiss, which makes me as sad as anything else. He is always the kissiest boy.
If they say we should do the MRI, they said he could spend the night there. Worried about that as it is so hard to get him out to urinate and he really does not want to urinate where he is laying. Not sure if they understand what they would be dealing with, but it is the U of MN, so maybe they get it.
XOXO
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
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