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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Hard decision for front leg 90 lb Pitt
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San Diego, CA
Member Since:
29 October 2010
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16
13 August 2012 - 12:58 pm
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Wow - what a rescue story! If you hadn't come along when you did... Lucky pup that you found him!

There are other options if you choose not to do the amp. Of course most here (since it's a 3 legged dog site...) chose to do it, but you can do palliative radiation, and... I think there is another option too. (Didn't KBear do something else beside radiation?? I forget... maybe another member will chime in.) There's also artemisinin , which you might want to look into. (you can read some basics about it here.)

With his other past problems, i can totally understand your reluctance to go through with the amp.

Keep us posted on what you decide. We're here for support - even if Buster doesn't officially become a Tripawd!

Jackie, Angel Abby's mom

Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!

Member Since:
11 August 2012
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13 August 2012 - 4:46 pm
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AngelAbbysMom said
Wow - what a rescue story! If you hadn't come along when you did... Lucky pup that you found him!

There are other options if you choose not to do the amp. Of course most here (since it's a 3 legged dog site...) chose to do it, but you can do palliative radiation, and... I think there is another option too. (Didn't KBear do something else beside radiation?? I forget... maybe another member will chime in.) There's also artemisinin , which you might want to look into. (you can read some basics about it here.)

With his other past problems, i can totally understand your reluctance to go through with the amp.

Keep us posted on what you decide. We're here for support - even if Buster doesn't officially become a Tripawd!

Jackie, Angel Abby's mom

Thank you all for such concern. I dont know any of you, but know that I would love you if I did! I will ask the vet about each of everyone's suggestions. I have never heard of any of them. I have never had a pet with such problems as Buster, and I want him to have the best life possible. I know that he would have died that very night if I had not found him, and so I know that I have given him 7 1/2 very happy and full years.

We have a friend whose son has Aspherger's disease, and they stay with us for a week every year. Buster and his son are as tight as two peas in a pod. His dad says he is always so excited to see Buster, and anticipates their annual visits. Seems that Buster has been giving back in his own way.

I am trying to manage his pain the best I can, and I sleep with Buster every night on the living room floor. We have taken the mattress from the hide-a-bed couch and thrown it on the floor so Buster doesnt have to go any higher than 3 inches from the floor. He usually sleeps on a love seat that he took over and calls his own, but that is to high for him now. The mattress is not too comfortable for me, but he isnt happy unless I am right up against him, so that is where I am, naturally.

I will keep posting, and hope to hear from you all  some more. It is these postings that help me through each day.

I love you all. Thanks again,

Luanne

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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13 August 2012 - 5:30 pm
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bustersmom said

I am trying to manage his pain the best I can, and I sleep with Buster every night on the living room floor...

Is this something you normally do? Everyone here totally understands how difficult it is to see our pups in pain. But certified rehab vets have told us this type of behavior can actually hinder recovery. Dr Kramer from CARE told us specifically, "If you want life to be normal again you must act as though life is normal."

We've been criticized for voicing this opinion before, but honestly the worst recovery periods we hear about are from those who coddle their dogs, carry them everywhere and run to their side at every whimper. this doesn't mean we shouldn't help them when needed, but dogs will become dependent upon assistance if their not given the opportunity to adjust on their own.

Just something to consider... it's OK to cry, just never in front of Buster. That's why we have these forums and blogs! What Buster needs most right now is a strong, balanced pack leader ensuring him that everything is OK.

Still love us? winker

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Sydney, Australia
Member Since:
13 September 2011
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14 August 2012 - 8:47 pm
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Hi Luanne, I have been thinking about your beautiful boy.  I hope Buster (and you) are holding up OK as you wait for the next vet visit. 

 

Karen and Spirit Magnum

Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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15 August 2012 - 9:13 am
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Ditto Luanne, what's going on? Drop us a line when you have a sec, we're thinking of you both.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
11 August 2012
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15 August 2012 - 9:37 am
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Good morning all. Buster and I are hanging in there. He hasn't been crying as much, but doesnt move around too much either. Pretty sure it's the pain meds. He does get up to pee a couple times a day, but I am concerned because he won't eat much to speak of. He even turns his nose up at boiled chicken most of the time. He takes his pills, but only with a slice of processed cheese. I hope that isnt bad for him. I am waiting to talk to the vet this morning about his progress. Each day I just hope to see the old Buster back again, but it isnt happening. I am very sad.

One thing that is funny about Buster is that he has never learned to lift his back leg when he pees (just 1 more endeering trait about him). He has always peed like a female. LOL! So loosing a front leg shouldnt hinder him that way. We'll see what the ultimate decision is. I will keep you posted, and thanks again for such incredible support you have given us.

 

Luanne and Buster

Sydney, Australia
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13 September 2011
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15 August 2012 - 5:22 pm
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The pain meds can mess with their appetite but it's good you can still get him to take his pills. Others might have some ideas on what other foods might tempt Buster so that you can get him to eat more.  Magnum loved raw chicken and beef and eggs.  I don't see anything wrong with using cheese to get the pills into Buster (it was one of the foods that worked with Magnum).

 

If it is osteosarcoma the pain only gets worse. I can still picture Magnum's face during that week before amputation, her eyes were dull with pain.  It breaks my heart.  It sounds like you will need to be ready to make immediate decisions once you have more information from the vet.  Be strong, do your research and whatever decision you make we are here to support you.  Meanwhile, if you have any other questions/concerns etc please let us know and we will try to help.

 

Take care

Karen and Spirit Magnum

Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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23
15 August 2012 - 7:01 pm
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I agree, it's a great sign if he's still taking pills. Dont' worry about the cheese, at this point people will do anything to make sure their dogs will eat and take meds. 

It's not surprising that he doesn't have an appetite. Dogs bodies instinctively know how to save energy for more important things than eating, like fighting off pain. And of course, the pain meds also dull the senses. 

Stay strong and let us know how your vet conversation went.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
15 March 2011
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15 August 2012 - 9:35 pm
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Agreed - great job on getting the meds in! Hang in there! Xo Sue

Sydney, Australia
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13 September 2011
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19 August 2012 - 10:34 pm
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Hi there.  Been thinking about you. Hope you and Buster are doing OK.

 

Lots of hugs

Karen and Spirit Magnum

Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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20 August 2012 - 8:35 am
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ditto. What's going on Buster?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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