Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone....Max is still very lethargic and is not eating again. Im going to try some boiled chicken tonight and see how that goes. He only goes outside when we make him, but once he gets out there he just lays down in the yard and doesnt want to get up and come in. I wouldnt be concerned if he only did it when it was nice out, but it was pouring rain and cold the other day and I had to have my husband come and get him...and last night again...freezing out and he just wanted to lay there. Maybe its just a dog thing? I did call the vet that did the surgery and she was concerned. He goes for his first chemo treatment tomorrow and to get his staples out so they are going to do some additional blood tests. I have to say, this is the most concerning thing about his recovery and I am freaking out about it. Its like he has just given up. We did see a little of the old Max the other day when he went out with my husband, but havent seen anything like it again. He hasnt had any Rimadyl since 6am yesterday morning and only 2 tramadol last night. I dont know what to think....anybody??
Paula
Paula and Spirit Max
Hi Paula - I'm not sure what could be going on - hopefully someone who has had this experience will see this and be able to respond to you tonight. If he doesn't eat the chicken this evening and is still lethargic...if it were me...I would take him this evening and not wait until tomorrow, but I am a self professed neurotic mom over my guys and sometimes I rush to the Vet and there is nothing wrong, but sometimes I have and it's been heaven sent that I did...I like to err on the side of neurotic just in case.
Lots of prayers and thoughts - please keep us posted. If you want to email me, my address is hkourcklas@comcast.net
Hugs,
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
All we can think of is that it is still early. All dogs are different ... many bounce right back, others take a while. But we're not vets.
Hopefully you'll find out more tomorrow. Best of luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We just returned from U of Wi. Max saw the oncologist today and they did a battery of tests to determine why he is so lethargic and not eating or drinking. All radiographs came back good. No lung mets or other issues. Blood test however was not so good. Max has Thrombocytopenia, which in english means that Max's body has decided to destroy his own platelets. This condition is commonly caused by lymphoma, but the doctor aspirated his lymph nodes and they are cytologically normal. Thank God. One other cause can be tick borne diseases, which we do vaccinate Max yearly for Lyme disease and have never found a tick on him, but is still a possibility. All of this is in addition to the Osteosarcoma. He is now on prednisone and doxycycline and hopefully he will respond well to the treatment. chemo was postponed until he is feeling better (next Tue is the target date). We now have to make sure that he stays quiet and does not hurt himself in any way because the platelets are what clots the blood. Not really too worried about that...we watch over him like hawks! Good news......the staples came out and the incision looks perfect. Dr. Julia was thrilled with that and I said I was sure it was because he barely moved the entire time! Maxi is resting comfortably now and has had his first dose of meds and actually ate some food and kept it down. I am having a well deserved glass of wine. I was beginning to think I was an alarmist....but am comforted by the fact that I knew things werent right....a second time! Ill keep everyone posted on his progress.
Paula
Paula and Spirit Max
Max and Paula,
We are thinking of you and praying that the thrombocytopenia responds to the treatment and that Max pulls out of this.
Hugs,
Barney B , and Linda (Houston, TX)
Wow Paula- what a scare for you too. Oh the roller coaster we ride.
I am glad you have an answer for Max's lethargy. It is always reassuring when you have a clinical reason for your "feeling things aren't right".Always trust your gut.
We go back to the surgeon with Wrigley tomorrow.He wants to check her again. She had a pretty quiet day today- really not much energy at all. But she did eat and drink. Pottied only when I made her go out.
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
Paula, your instincts are great, you sure know your boy.
We're sorry to hear that Max is dealing with the additional diagnosis, but at least you have some answers now, which hopefully helps you both feel better (along with that glass of wine, for you anyways!). Try not to worry, we dogs are so resilient. Max is a strong boy, and with the kind of love and care he's getting, he can bounce back from anything!
Keep an eye on him while he's on the Prednisone though, it'll make him go wee a lot.
Let us know how things are going. You are in our thoughts and we send you lots of healing thoughts your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
A little update (and a chuckle, which we all need!! ) This morning I was at the refrigerator giving the cat a piece of Turkey (the animals are SO spoiled at my house) and I looked up to see a little black face staring back at me!!! It was Max.....this is the first time he has done that in 10 days! That small thing had me crying and my husband pumping the air with his fist yelling "YES!!!"! I know its only been less than 24 hrs and we have only given him 1 dose of the meds...but I have to say..it gives you hope. And that my friends is what keeps us going!
Have a great day!
Paula and Spirit Max
The little things that bring us so much joy! Thanks for sharing
that. Each milestone for you is one for all of us. I'm so happy for the
progress- and each step is huge.
Keep it up-
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
Hi Paula,
So glad you and your husband have answers as to why Max hasn't been feeling well (beyond the two week slump). Jake had major issues with his platelets right after amp surgery and even some issues during his chemo... his blood levels always seem to come back off on the 2nd week after his chemo due to the white blood cell count and/or the platelets being low. Then they happen to go back up the 3rd week after chemo and then he gets his treatment (he just had his 3rd treatment this past Monday). Now your explanation of Max having Thrombocytopenia makes me wonder of course about Jake but regardless, Jake's doing okay and he keeps on truckin' so no need to really make an issue right now I suppose. What does the prednisone and the doxycycline do for Max's condition?
I can just picture his black fuzzy face staring back at you waiting for his piece of turkey too! Them getting their appetites back certainly makes things seem so much better, doesn't it? I am struggling with Jake's appetite right now... doesn't want to touch much of anything right now unfortunately but the chemo usually does that to him for a couple of days. I am waiting for my other half to come over today and visit because sometimes Jake will eat from him and not from me. I'm okay with it of course- I just want my baby to eat and get his strength back so he feels better!
Hope Max continues to feel better so that he can receive his treatment next Tuesday! 
ps. Try to post a picture of Max when you get a chance so we can see his handsome black fuzzy face!
Luv Spirit Jake, Smooch, Baby Gus & Mom (Sherri)
Hi Sherri...the prednisone is supposed to stop the body from destroying the platelets. The Doxycycline is an antibiotic that will clear up any infection he may have. I was so surprised to see him standing there this morning. It was GREAT! Max's appetite was 0 up to last night. He would only eat if the cat was there (of course he didnt want the CAT to eat any of his food) and then immediately after would throw it up. Last night he did eat and kept it down. I dont know why and Im not going to question it..thats for sure! I hope Jake gets the urge to eat soon. Is he drinking water? Best of luck to both of you. Here is a picture of Maxi......
Paula and Spirit Max
What a beautiful little black face
I'm so glad Max is feeling so much better.
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.
A beautiful face indeed ... who could resist those eyes? Glad Max is feeling better. Thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Max is soooooooo handsome!!! Big warm hugs to ya Max!!! Thanks Paula for answering my questions regarding the meds. Jake's appetite increased through the course of the day and he has been drinking water. I brought home some steak from our dinner we had at a restaurant this evening so that made him happy! Have a happy and hoppy new year!!!
Luv Spirit Jake, Smooch, Baby Gus & Mom (Sherri)
It is SOOOO easy to fall in love with all our amazing fur friends on this site...Max is absolutely beautiful!!! I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis, but thrilled that he is responding well - I hear ya about those little (but huge) milestones that bring the tears. This is just one of the many, many ways (I think) that these special souls teach us to cherish each moment, each day and live for the simple things.
Hope you enjoyed your steak Jake - glad to hear you're eating too 😉
Happy Hoppy New Year !!
Much love to all,
Heather
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
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