Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hey there. I'm sorry for the diagnosis news, it's hard to digest even when we pretty much know it's coming. Just try your best to remember that you are doing everything possible for Franklin, and right now all he wants is to feel good again and for you to focus on the here and now. The future is out of our control really, and today is the best gift ever. Don't let it slip through your fingers.
As for the pain...yes, it is rare for osteosarcoma to metastasize to other bones. It happens, but we don't see it here all that often among members. Don't jump so far ahead. Chances are very good that Franklin has a LOT of good times ahead. Right now my best guess is that he is dealing with some pain as a result of his new body stance. This is not at all UNcommon and many new Tripawds go through some adjustments that can cause some pain signals .
My best recommendation is to get him into therapy asap. Yep, the Tripawds Foundation will pay for your first rehab visit , just click on the link and it will take you to a page with information and two directories to find a practitioner near you. If you cannot find one, let me know and I can look. But do it today, so you can help your boy and know for sure that all he needs is a little "tune up" for better mobility and pain-free living.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I went ahead and scheduled an appointment with a rehab specialist for next Friday - we’re looking forward to getting him in there! Thank you for the advice!
The pain started the night before he had his tumble, so I don’t know if it’s related to that or not, but I’m thinking it’s not.
We were feeling around, and we’ve found that he’ll pull away/cry when we touch or extend his distal femur/proximal tibia in his rear leg.
Glad you got the Rehab appointment! And good access,wnt of ossue he's having may, indeed, be related to tweaking that back leg. It's so easy for tjat to happen as they're first adapting. Yeah, sounds like the tumble was unrelated.
Nd yeah, bummer about the diagnosis. But know that he didn't hear a word a out it and could cate less! Nothing has changed in his world!!
Can't wait to hear what the Rehab says! Maybe they'll get a cancellation and he can get in sooner!
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!
Hi Michaela - That's awesome that you secured a rehab appointment for Franklin! Next Friday seems like a long time to wait, so besides asking the vet about tweaking meds, perhaps you could ask if it is safe to do any passive range of motion exercises along with massage and heat/cold compresses for Franklin to help ease his discomfort. I used to do the PROM exercises and massage earlier in the evening, but they relax Griffin so much that he didn't want to get up for the last pee of the night, so now I wait until we are in for the night so that he can fall asleep and stay sleeping afterwards. Griffin and I are sending you and Franklin lots of hugs and healing vibes! ~ 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
Hi all,
We’re still having pain and mobility issues with franklin. He had some more scans Monday and we’re supposed to hear back today if they found anything. He can’t sleep on his left side (so he lays on the incision side). His front right leg was amputated and he’s having the pain in his rear left leg. He can’t lay on that leg. If he does, even for a second, the pressure causes him severe pain and it takes a while to calm him down (yelping/shrieking) and he’ll have trouble putting weight on that leg as well afterward. Still on Caprofen and Gabapentin.
Night time is worse as he can’t seem to get comfortable, we have to get up multiple times throughout the night to attempt to make him comfortable. Husband slept with him on the floor last night to help him relax. We are using a heating pad a few times a day on the bad side.
Does this sound like anything anyone has heard of before? He has his therapy consult on Friday and we’re hoping that causes him some relief. Maybe we can look into acupuncture. We’re getting to the point where it doesn’t seem quite fair to have to put him through this every day.
Thanks for listening - hopefully this made sense. A little sleep deprived here!
Yrs, it made sense and, you have every right to feel frustrated and a bit down right now.
I'm glad you were able to get the scans done. So update on those when you can. Not sure what they would show as far as any disc issues, spine issues, etc. But pinched nerves can def cause sharp pain shooting down the legs.
HOWEVER, Friday cannot come soon enough!! I really, really think that, with a really good CERTIFIED REHABILITATION SPECIALIST you'll find the answers you need AND the therapies to help Franklin!
To say "hang in there" is easier said than done. We know that. You are on the right path to get some answers and solutions. One more quick thought. Video this when it happens and take it withmuojntonthe Specialist.....Vet too for that matter.
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!
Darn I'm sorry to hear things are not improving as well as we all hoped. I will keep my fingers crossed that the rehab appointment on Friday goes well and gets you the answers you need (as well as the scans, keep us posted on the results OK?).
Does this sound like anything anyone has heard of before?
Unfortunately yes. Not often but sometimes. Akeela is the most recent new Tripawd who experienced mobility and pain control challenges. See her blog, you will find it interesting and probably a bit like what you are experiencing.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I hope Michaela and Will don't mind, but I wanted to make sure everyone saw this sweet tribute to adorable Franklin as he ran free to the Rainbow Bridge..💖
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!
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