Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Update. Luna is doing so well with her 3 legs. She had her stitches taken out on Tuesday and the surgeon was very happy. Said she is walking so well. And she's such a happy pup. Sadly we did get the Osteosarcoma diagnosis. I wasn't surprised though. I have at this point decided to not do chemo. The doctor said at this time everything lungs heart etc look clear. But I've done my research on Osteosarcoma - I know the furture. But time wise we don't know. We are living in the moment and going to make every day special. Luna loves walking but she will get tired so I bring the stroller with me. She really really loves the stroller. I will be meeting with my regular vet in a couple of weeks.for guidance going forward. I told the surgeon I would be working on diet and a mushroom supplement. Not necessarily that it would help but would make me feel like I'm helping in my own mind. He liked that idea.
Here's my question. Anything I should ask my vet about? What about meds. Any suggestions?
YAY Luna! I'm so happy you are doing great and feeling better 
Way to go Cindy!
I'm sorry about the diagnosis confirmation. It's still a gut punch even when you suspect it's coming. But you are so right: it's an unpredictable timeline and making the most of every day is what counts. You know what kind of medicine she needs and your plan sounds totally right for you both.
Yes those strollers are a lifesaver!
Just curious did the surgeon have any specific suggestions for nutritional support?
The surgeon did not offer any specific health suggestions. Just seemed to approve my research and when I told him I was doing.low carb. I think he was hesitant to offer.anything specific as that was not his area of knowledge.
Another question. As I've stated before Luna is a Velcro.dog. But lately its constant. I can't get anything done. I have to sit by her for her to nap. As soon as I move she's up following me. Then she just stands and stairs at me panting. Do you think it might be anxiety? I'll ask my vet when I see him. She is most relaxed and happy when we're out walking. Just curious if anyone has experienced this.
I like that the surgeon wasn't critical, that's nice! Makes sense.
About being more Velcro dog that usual...oftentimes clingy behavior is a pretty important pain signal. I would look further into that. Remember animals show pain very differently than we do. Does the behavior happen after a certain event or activity? Is it constant? What makes it better?
Had my first appointment with my regular vet today. He too thought she may still be having pain. He prescribe Gabapentin and Lexicon to help. I don't think he was thrilled about me not doing chemo. But I think he's worried I will change my mind later and it will be too late. But I feel comfortable with my decision. It may not be they best but it is the best for me and I feel for Luna. Honestly if I thought there was a possibly to cure Luna I would proceed with the chemo. We are just living in the moment. Luna is doing very well today and very happy.
It's not unusual for a dog to still need pain meds for awhile after amputation. Glad the Vet addressed this and gave the go ahead on pain meds.
But I feel comfortable with my decision. It may not be they best but it is the best for me and I feel for Luna. Honestly if I thought there was a possibly to cure Luna I would proceed with the chemo. We are just living in the moment. Luna is doing very well today and very happy.
Well said and well thought out. YOU know Luna best and YOU know what IS best for the two of you.♥️. There are NO guarantees with chemo one way or another.
You made the most important step and that was to get rid of that bum leg and give her a good quality pain-free life. She doesn't count the number of days on the calendar and she certainly doesn't have a time frame stamped anywhere on her butt. All she cares about is being with you and having the best time ever being by your side, getting treats, getting spoiled and enjoying tummy rubs.
Your devotion and love for Luna comes across very clearly!
Thanks for sharing her journey with us and keep us updated on how she's doing. Look forward to hearing how she likes having her stroller and being chauffeured around like a Princess😎
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!
Thank you so much. Lucky I'm retired and can spend so much quality time. Your comment and support really meant a lot. Luna now loves stroller rides, sitting in the sun with me on a short leash - we have coyotes, belly rubs and hiding in my covers on my bed. I have pushed my bed up to the wall so she can't jump down. She loves the bed so much she can't wait for bed time. I will keep.in touch. ❤
You guys sound like you are on a great path!
I hope the 'Velcro' has loosened a bit as Luna recovers. My current Tri Elly can be quite a velcro dog- I call it being clingy. She came to me with severe sep anxiety and fear issues, we have made great progress boosting her confidence over the 9.5 years she has been part of my pack. However, it doesn't take much to trigger her anxiety and cause her to be my little shadow again. We are in the middle of doing a six week stretch of rehab visits to hopefully boost her strength and endurance a bit. The sessions are weekly for 40 minutes and I can't go in with her, one of her big triggers. We are also driving to a relatively strange location- another huge trigger. Overall she is handling it well and at this point I think the positives outweigh the negatives so we will continue. Luna has had some big changes so it seems normal (to me) for her to want to stay close to you.
On the lighter side- Elly has for some reason become afraid of the timer alarm on my phone. I use it often in the kitchen when I'm cooking and now if Elly is in the kitchen when it rings she quickly leaves the room 
. I changed the ring today- I'll have to see if that works for her.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
It's really nice to know that you and Luna are enjoying some excellent snuggle time together!
I agree, sometimes medicine is not about what we can do but what we should do for the sake of our pet's happiness and joy. They live such short lives, why not make the most of it as best as you know how, within the emotional needs of you both? Hope that makes sense. Each situation is so different, and each journey is one that everyone learns from so that ultimately we can be better pet parents to our own fur kids.
Give Luna extra belly scratches from us 
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