Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi friends,
We had a visit to the emergency room with Theo today. 
He woke up this morning whimpering, barking, and hiding in the closet. Suddenly he started breathing heavily and then started coughing. Within a few hours he coughed up blood. Thinking it was a reaction to the chemo we rushed to the emergency vet which is also where our Onco is.
The vet found a mass on his genitals and thought it might be bone cancer on his penile bone. This would've been the answer to our urination problem. She also thought the coughing up blood was lung mets. I thought we had reached the end and we were going to enjoy a last day with our baby as we agreed we weren't going to remove anymore body parts to fight this thing.
After all of the tests and scans. The xray showed nothing in the penile bone. Still don't know what the mass is though, but apparently it's not obstructing anything. So we are trying out some medicine that relaxes the urethra to continue to help him urinate.
The lung scan shows fluid but the radiologist could not confirm any lung mets. We are proceeding for now as though it's a respiratory infection and going to try antibiotics. But coughing up blood? I'm so scared for our baby!
We have no idea what the next steps are, we definitely thought we were at the end today, but our boy is strong and apparently nothing is as it seems with him.
So we trucking along, and going to enjoy every moment!!!! Anyone else dealt with coughing up blood? What was the diagnosis? I'm worried if it is a respiratory infection, that he won't be able to fight in while on the chemo.
We are on a very rocky path right now for sure...But thankful for every second with our angel!!
Thanks all,
Snaggle Family
I don't have any advice or guidance BUT I do know how scary this journey is and I wanted to tell you that I am with you! Those ER visits are petrifying ... Shelby and I had more than our fair share and it scared me every time....
Sending you lots of love and hugs and hope and light and healing energy...
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Thanks Alison! We are struggling to stay positive and feel like we are losing this battle, and we aren't even a month post-amp...
I don't have any advice, I've never had to deal with either but wanted to send lots of positive energy and thoughts your way too.
HUGS
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
I also do not have any real advice, but wanted you to know I am thinking of you. Chemo maks it more likely to get an infection, but the antibiotics should help. Here's hoping for a relaxing Sunday for you! Hugs from Lori, Ty and the pack
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
I'm sorry Theo is having such trouble.
I think a discussion with your oncologist is in order. Maybe you should stop chemo until you get everything under control and Theo healthy. Chemo can be tough on the body and your boy needs to be as healthy as possible to deal with it.
Most dogs deal just fine with chemo, but a few just don't. My guess is that if Theo does have a respiratory infection the onc would stop chemo anyway. Remember, the most important thing is that you took the pain away FOR Theo. Try and keep a positive outlook until you have a definite reason not too...sounds like after today things are up in the air. You need to work with the vets to figure out what is going on so you can make the best decisions for him.
Look at all the meds Theo is on- he just started gabapentin didn't he? Not usually any side effects from that stuff, and if there are they tend to be of the sedative type. Make sure all the vets know all the meds and supplements he is taking. It doesn't happen very often, but I had a vet prescribe something for Tani once that was contra-indicated with her phenobarb.
I know this is hard, hang in there. Sending strong, positive thoughts your way for Theo and the whole pack.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Very scary, indeed; I can also relate to the E.R. visits with my Polly, hers for definite chemo reactions....Theo's x-rays were fairly inconclusive, so try not to worry too much, I know, easier said than done. It is a reminder, though, to enjoy everyday with him....This difficult journey we all have traveled and many like you still traveling, is rocky for sure, but the immense love we have for our preciousTripawds has gotten us all through. Follow Theo's lead, the "Be More Dog " thing really does help your heart, and your mind .....
Keeping you and Theo in my thoughts,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Oh gosh, roller coaster ride indeed...
Yeah, agree totally with Karen...off chemo for now....sort out the neds...give the antibiotics a chance to work....and the blood ABSOLUTELY could be a respitory infection, as well as allergies!!!
To say try not to worry is ridiculous...but we're all gonna say it anyway...TRY NOT TO WORRY!!! And the main reason I say that is there is NOthing to point you ina direction of anything too serious! Some dogs can have very bizarre reactions to chemo, so I wouldn't rule that out as a culprit on anything! This is just too much of a coincidence so shortly after chemo. And just the fact that he can't pee when he wants could indeed cause some painful and scary yelping.
HANG IN THERE!!! Stay connected to us, okay? As long as you can keep him comfortable, even if he's not too perky right now, this will give you time to figure out what's going on. I know the chemo will be in his system a few days...and...it will take the antibiotics and other meds a chance to work. A dog on here recently, a Rottie, had a very unusual reaction to his first chemo treatment and, if I recall, actually had to be hospitalized a few days before he bounced back.
I KNOW it's easy to feel defeated right now...but your are not!!!! And Theo is not!! This is a scary bump in the road and it will get sorted out!
THEO IS WITH YOU RIGHT NOW AND THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS! Let NOTHING rob you of this time together...Theo sure isn't!!!
Sending you all the hugs in the world and keeping all paws crossed!!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
PS...Happy Hannah had huge met...and never coughed or threw up blood once!
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!
Yikes how scary! I'm so sorry but glad to know he's better and back at home. Yes, enjoy every minute together!
Karen's insight is spot on--chemo would likely be stopped if it is an infection. Yes, do talk to your onco. If at all possible I would get a second opinion on the x-rays. Hopefully it's not lung mets but just to be sure you're on the right treatment path, I would ask another doc for insight. And if they are mets, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of your journey, mets can be managed with holistic care as this post from Path With Paws discusses.
Keep up your pawsitive attitude, you and Theo are strong and courageous, I can tell you aren't going to let this cancer rob you of any quality time together!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry that Theo is still having trouble. I was so hoping after the urination issues that things would calm down a bit for you guys. My Leland didn't have issues with coughing up blood and jeeezzz that can be very frightening. I just wanted to let you know that my prayers and thoughts are with Theo and your family while going through this tough time.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Poor little guy! I know how terrifying this whole experience must be. I can relate to some but not all of the things that you mentioned. Reactions to chemo are very possible but my Chance's was a horrible skin reaction. We stopped chemo for good and several months later there was coughing, but no blood. Let me ask? Is the fluid in or outside of the lungs? If it is inside it is more likely an infection like pneumonia and can hopefully be cleared with antibiotics. If it is outside, that is usually a sign of mets. I hope you are able to get your buddy back taken care of and we will all hope for the best!!
Chance is a 10ish Shetland Sheepdog Mix who was rescued from the shelter in January of 2013 and diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in September of 2013. He had a front left amputation and 6 rounds of carboplatin. He had a great 11 months and was diagnosed with lung mets on 8/23/14. He was released to the bridge on 8/28/14.
Looking for an update on Theo- how's he doing today?
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Snagglemom- So sorry that Theo is having a rough time. We have not experienced those symptoms but to repeat from above. We have all spent too much time in the ER or vet office. It is VERY scary. If Theo is happy that is all that matters. Try to Be More Dog . I agree with Karen maybe suspending chemo might help. Keep us posted. Your in my thoughts.
Laurie
Hi Snagglemom and Snaggledad,
Just chiming in with my hugs and support - hoping that Theo is doing much better today.
Linda and Tucker
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