Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We noticed Boz was a lot stiffer than normal having trouble getting up to the couch some stairs and our bed (which is a mattress on the floor so not very high) this started about 5 days ago so I upped the anti inflams to 1/2 everyday instead of every second day.
This morning he couldn’t get comfortable and was excessively panting, whining and crying when he lays down flat on his side.
So we took him to the vet today and he said to up the anti inflams to half twice a day for a week and gave him a morphine injection, he believes it is just muscular as no temperature or other signs (still eating very well).
The morphine has had a bit of an affect but he still couldn’t lay flat out on this side for the last three hours since the injection and continued whining whenever he tried. He just seems to be groggy and in pain rather than just in pain now.
I am concerned it is more than just muscles as I thought the morphine would have stopped the muscle soreness a lot more than it has. He is clearly still in pain three hours later.
I stupidly took him for a swim yesterday knowing he was stiff and thought a gentle swim may help stretch out his muscles. I think that this has contributed to the pain and I feel so stupid for doing it now. It was his second swim since the amputation as I have seen another vet who is more of a holistic vet who recommended swimming. This new vet is unfortutely away for another 2 days which is why I when to our other vet today (the one that did the amputation).
The new vet does accuputure but Boz couldn’t settle when she tried it about 2 weeks ago (before the new stiffness) and she didn’t want to make him more stressed by pushing him.
I think Chiro would help as I think it maybe more than just muscle soreness...
I have heard different reviews of Vet Chiros in Melbourne do any other tripawds from Melbourne recommend a chiro? Or I guess I could wait for our new vet to return since it is Saturday afternoon and Boz won’t be able to see anyone until Monday anyway. I just hate to see him in so much pain.
FYI Boz is a front amputee since May this year.
Boz, - Wolfhound x Greyhound - 8.5 yr old male - Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 2nd of May 2012 after a limp for 4 weeks - Amputated front left leg the next day – No Chemo at this stage – Early days but going well so far
It's much worse now. It's cant walk or stand well. We are on way to 24hr emergency vet.
Boz, - Wolfhound x Greyhound - 8.5 yr old male - Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 2nd of May 2012 after a limp for 4 weeks - Amputated front left leg the next day – No Chemo at this stage – Early days but going well so far
Poor Boz! Sending good thoughts your way!
Spirit Chili Dawgs pack
Diagnosed with OSA: 5/2/2011 Ampuversary: 5/11/2011 OSA returned in hip: 8/26/2011
Chili Dawg crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 8/30/2011 & is now pain free. He was my heart dog, and I miss him every day.
Pawsitive thoughts are being sent your way! Keep us updated!!
Meghan & Angel Bo
Please don't beat yourself up, you were doing your best. Boz isn't mad at you, he just wants to feel better. I hope the vet visit helps, please keep us posted OK? I'll share some tips about massage and who our other Aussie members are when you return. Try not to worry. We all have our paws crossed for good news.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It's not good news the emergency vet thinks its spinal cord compression. Which I believe can only be corrected with surgery.
He had another injection last night and had slept through but not moved a muscle. We will call our vet this morning to organise X-rays.
He seems really restricted now, I dont even know if he can walk as we carried him from the car.
Looks like it might be time.
Boz, - Wolfhound x Greyhound - 8.5 yr old male - Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 2nd of May 2012 after a limp for 4 weeks - Amputated front left leg the next day – No Chemo at this stage – Early days but going well so far
I am praying for you and Boz from Lanesville, Indiana!!! Bless your heart... I have been through this before and it is the hardest thing in the world for those of us that love our dogs so much..
We just got Diego's ( 10 yr old long-haired German Sherherd) osteosarcoma diagnosis a week ago and have not made a decision yet on amputation.
Sorry to hear that Boz is not doing well. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I am so sorry to hear this. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how you go with the xrays.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
We have returned from the 24hr vet again, with very bad news.
They believe it is neurological disorder in this spine as he cant use his rear legs and they are crossing over each other. He is clearing in a lot of pain. I have never seen him like this.
I guess he had been showing signs of slowing down over the last 2 weeks. We decided not to make him go through the stress of x-rays as he is in so much pain the only solution anyway would be surgery and we decide we didn't want him to go through another op.
So he has been given these fentanyl patch things that last him 3 days palliative care and another injection of Methone. She also put in a catheter in these leg ready for the final injection.
It is so hard to type but we will be making the appointment for his final injection most likely tomorrow at home I promised him we would be going home.
I cant believe how quickly this has all happened. he was swimming on Friday, could walk Saturday night and now we will be saying goodbye on Monday.
He has stopped waging his tail since Saturday morning which is the worst part. We just fed him some BBQ chicken and he loved it though so at least he has a little joy in our time together.
I don't know how I will cope.
Boz, - Wolfhound x Greyhound - 8.5 yr old male - Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 2nd of May 2012 after a limp for 4 weeks - Amputated front left leg the next day – No Chemo at this stage – Early days but going well so far
I am so so sorry to hear this. I know your heart must be breaking. Just know that you have done everything you could. Sometimes there is just nothing more we can do. Releasing Boz from his pain is the final, most selfless thing you can do for him. He knows you love him.
Thinking of you and sending you lots of hugs.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Thank you so much Karen and Magnum, I have been following your posts as your story ended when our three legged journey just begun. Your thoughts have helped us though this difficult time.
Now to enjoy the cheese, chicken and steak treats with Boz until tomorrow.
Boz, - Wolfhound x Greyhound - 8.5 yr old male - Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 2nd of May 2012 after a limp for 4 weeks - Amputated front left leg the next day – No Chemo at this stage – Early days but going well so far
I am so sorry to hear this. Please know that you are in our thoughts. Many wishes for strength and peace in this most difficult time.
Lisa
PS - Please give Boz a kiss on the head from us and tell him that he truly is a hero.
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Oh no, I'm so sorry, I can't imagine how hard this must be for your pack. It's so soon after amputation, I'm so sorry. It sounds like you've looked at all of the options and this is the most respectful (and hardest) decision for Boz.
I hope you can find at least some comfort in knowing that you have given him the best life a dog could ask for, and helped him live his last months without pain, loving life. As you approach your last days together, remember that there will be time for tears later on. Be strong, and for now, spoil your boy rotten and tell him that all of our angel tripawds are waiting to play with him. And we will be waiting here to help you however we can.
{{{{hugs}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I would not feel bad that you took your dog swimming. This is most likely spinal mets and the pain comes on quickly. The same thing happened to my Mastiff Tazzie. She was doing well one day and then the next could not get up and was in obvious distress. In retrospect she had been slowing down a little but the pain and paralysis came on so suddenly! Unfortunately OSA often mets to other bones including the spine.
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