Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Shane
In the weeks following the surgery I did the same as you. Just trying different type of wet food (and pretty much anything else) unfortunately, he would like something one day but not the next. I still manage to make him eat a fair amount everyday but I had to try different things almost everyday (I was getting close to desperate as I was running out of options hahaha). But it got a bit better when we stop pain meds (12 days post op), but then he got chemo which I believe did not help 10 days ago.
Now he is still not back to his regular food but he has been showing more apetite and interest in food. Also a couple of days ago he asked for treats for the first time and chewed on a bone outside. So I think we are getting there. I believe all the pain med/anti-inflammatory plus chemo really did a number on his stomach.
Also, to be fair, he has always been very fussy with food. And his apetite has always been related to the amount of energy spent. He used to barely eat (or even skip a day) if he did not get much exercise that day. And then eat very well on days that he has been very active. I was thinking it might also be why he is reluctant to eating as he has not been that active the past few weeks.
I hope you don't have the same issue with Aspen, and that it won't become too difficult to feed her pills. How has she been the past couple of days? She is doing well?
I'm looking forward to hear what your oncologist will say. Fingers crossed for good news.
Hi Patricia,
I just typed up a long message and update and my phone died in the middle of it and I lost it all 😫
Long story short; I think you're totally right about the pain meds/chemo combination messing with Arktik's appetite. We see it in humans all the time.
Aspen is doing alright. Today is her first day off of pain meds and so far, she seems to be doing okay. Her harness came in over the weekend and I think it'll work out great! Just waiting for the stitches to come out.
No word yet from the oncologist, but the link Jerry posted here has been really helpful in giving me a game plan on what to ask about when the time comes.
I hope you and Arktik are doing well and seeing daily improvements and we thank you for checking on us 🙂
This is great news. Yes the link Jerry posted is really useful; I used it to prepare my list of questions for my appointment with the oncologist. I was happy to be well prepared, so that I could ask everything when I talk to him.
I don't know if you saw our last video? But Arktik is really getting good on his three legs! He is running, playing ball, going up and down the stairs..I have no doubt Aspen will be there in short time!
Just out of curiosity which color of harness did you get?
Aww I'm glad you both found the link useful!
Here is that fun video of Arktik from the latest update:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Aw, look at him go! That's so great to see. It looks beautiful up there and a perfect place for him to explore and play. He really has been adapting well. Thank you Patricia and Jerry for the video!
We opted to go with the teal Flagline harness . Usually I default to black, but my girlfriend suggested the teal would look nice on her and I agreed. I was able to get it on her for a bit to adjust the straps and get a good fit for when she's ready to start wearing it.
Since coming off of the meds, Aspen has had a bit more life in her. Her mobility and balance has definitely improved and she's been eating more and on a more steady schedule. She's even regained interest in playing with her squeeky toys, so I've been really happy to see that.
The oncologist's office called on Monday and said they could get her in for an in person evaluation. So we will be heading out there Wednesday morning and we will have the consultation via phone afterwards.
So we will see how tomorrow goes and what answers/information we receive. And then stitches come out Thursday!
So glad to jere Aspen is continuing onward and upward. It's soooo ,rich fun seeing their sparkle come back. Interest in her squeaky tous again is wonderful!!
And I agree, I think teal will look brilliant in her!
Stitch removal day calls for a cheeseburger on the way home. And we need pictures!😎
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!
I definitely saw a big change after we took the Arktik off the meds. But it some of his 'old' personality came back a bit later (like showing interest in playing ball, etc.
I opted for the gray harness but I must admit that I liked the teal and the red one as well (almost got the red for Arktik). I think teal will fit Aspen really well.
This is great news that the oncologist would see her in person next week. I look forward to hear about your appointment. And yay for the stitches coming out.
Hi Shane! Yay for coming off pain meds and rediscovering squeaky toys! Good luck with the oncologist! ~ 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
So Aspen had her first meeting with the oncologist today. He suggested scheduling an abdominal ultrasound and ultrasound guided FNA to make sure her organs aren't compromised. He seems to think if everything looks good there, he doesn't think further treatment will be necessary, based off of her lab results and what he saw today.
So I guess that is our best case scenario. If they do find something, we will begin discussing our options in terms of chemo.
He suggested making the appointment after she has her stitches removed, so after that is done tomorrow morning, I will be calling to set up the ultrasound appointment for early next week. Fingers crossed on this one.
Fingers crossed! But this is wonderful new so far!! I'm so thrilled for you guys.
That is terrific news so far! Good labs are a such a gift!
I think the plan sounds reasonable. We'll be keeping fingers and paws crossed for her and you both!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Great!
Here's to an 'unremarkable' ultrasound!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
That's awesome news, Shane! I'm so happy for you and Aspen. 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
So we just got back from the vet. They want to keep Aspen's stitches in for another week. She's healing well, but I guess due to her age, her cellular regeneration is just a little slower and there's one part of the incision they're worried about opening back up if they were to remove them too soon.
So we have another appointment scheduled for the 14th. I'm waiting to hear back from the oncologist to see if he'd want to move forward with the ultrasound next week, regardless of still having the stitches in.
So now we wait...
I like that your vet so very proactive and taking cautionary measures to make sure Aspen continues to heal properly. Its good to know Aspen is in good hands.
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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