Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Ok... i'm probably totally over analyzing here....Â
Jersey was really restless last night. Â So, i also didn't sleep really well either.. while sleep-lessly watching over him... it became apparent that his breathing pattern has changed?
Fast forward to this morning... the restlessness continued and he got up and relocated himself to the living room  and I followed him. He finally fell into a restful, relaxed, normal-breathing sleep (and I slept too).  We woke up at 11am and I offered him some food... he was disinterested in breakfast but asked to go outside.  I took him out.. and while helping him I noticed that his gums were really pale and his  breathing appeared really labored..... I immediately moved him to the shady part of the lawn.
... and I immediately started spazzing... went inside, for my laptop and my phone.
When I looked at his gums again (maybe 10 mins later) they were back to the normal 'pink' and his breathing had calmed a bit although it's extremely hot outside ... he then asked to go inside. Â I brought him in turned on the A/C (for him, it's NOT hot for me) and he drank a little bit of water. He's currently relaxing at the front door... waiting for a reason to bark...
I am obviously... very much concerned about lung mets. Â He had none at his last chest x-ray 10.5 weeks ago (gosh, 11 weeks on tuesday???) Although he seems to be back to 'normal' now... I searched the forums for signs and symptoms and came across some of them ... but what i'm struggling with is ... what would constitute an acute crisis where I SHOULD rush him to the vet? Do dogs who have lung mets often have acute crises ... or is it more like a gradual 'deterioration'?
Thanks soo much for any words to help me out here...
p.s. I supposed since he doesn't want dog food... I should go get him (and myself) some junk food... ugh!
Oh this disease... it makes us super anxious all the time! I am not a vet so I really don't know about that but I would say, if you are super concerned ,it can't hurt to call your vet if they have Sunday / holiday hours. Or maybe a phone call to the local ER vet? My vet was a 24/7 vet so I would and did call them a lot. But I would say ... if something feels off in your gut, it cannot hurt to call.Â
But from what I know about mets (we had them too)... I don't know that it comes on that suddenly. Also, I think that he is peeing and drinking water is a good sign. If it is hot out, then that would explain the breathing. I have a new dog and she's all black and it's only 75 outside and you would think it was 100! And she's got 4 legs so I can only imagine it is harder for those on 3 with the heat.Â
I wish I could be more help but I want you to know you're not alone ... someone else will hopefully chime in with maybe better advice. Keep us posted!Â
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little Jasper too)Â
ps - I always vote for junk food for people and pets! Shelby got lots of burgers from "In N Out" ...Â
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
Hmmm.... I would continue trying the capillary refill test a few times today to see if his gums maintain color.
It's hard to say what is 'normal' lung mets progression, usually it's gradually labored breathing and loss of appetite, not something acute like this. If he's eating, drinking and eliminating that's a great sign.
Try to stay calm. It could be the weather if it is warm. But if you suspect that things aren't right, trust your instinct and call the clinic just for peace of mind.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Soooooo hard not to worry on this craaaazy journey...especially if it's a "holiday week end". We understand completely because we all do it.
Doesn't sound like Jersey Boy is doing too poorly if he's eating, drinking and gums jave returned to normal...alert and waiting to bark at something!
I can inly tell you my experience with Happy Hannah, who did develop a big met. Over a long period of time...a little less noticeable energy, breathing pattern did change but, again, for the most part, over a period of time.
Michelle made a great observation ine time...."it's" never like they tell you it will be." Guess I'm just trying to "ditto" Alison and Jerry...if something doesn't fell right or you need reassurance, go ahead and give a vet a call.
I do agree that the heat does bother tripawds more than before surgery.
Just throwing out one more thought...actually two. Wonder if he could be having a little heart murmur or something along those lines si ce "it" comes and goes? Obviously, ot a vet and just throwing it out there. Also, is it possible his restlessness could be pain related! Could he have overdone it, slrained something, etc.
DEFINITELY, JUNK FOOD FOR EVERYPAWDY
Keep us posted. And go find something for that sweet boy to bark about!
(((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Hi Kim, had to jump over here from chat to read your post. It's SO hard to not jump to conclusions, I ALWAYS see zebras when it's just a horse! But if I was concerned enough, I would surely call an after hours vet (and they would say bring him in, we can't diagnose over the phone, but maybe not). Go with your gut, you are very smart and know what's best for your boy. A short time ago Nitro showed very little interest in eating and I freaked, he loves to eat usually. I chalked it up to heat and being very spoiled. In no time he was back to "himself". Â
Hopefully the same goes for Jersey....paws crossed!
paula and nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 Â yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Â Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
How's Jersey Boy today?
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!
Oh... I forgot to mention that my mom is away for a long weekend in florida. Â I live with my mom... and my mom is Jersey's most offavorite person on the face of the planet. Â At this point, I think a lot of his peculiar behavior has a lot to do with missing his Grandma.
Anyways... his breathing settled down after I cranked up the A/C. Â My house didn't feel "hot"... but maybe the humidity was bothering him or making him feel really hot (We have a humid, hot wave in the north east, at the moment). Â He didn't eat much yesterday... literally 3 chicken nuggets, some of my pork kabob, a piece of sausage, a couple of spoons of wet dog food and a bite of my cheeseburger. Â
hahahaha!!! Â is there an award for the worst diet ever? Â *sigh*
He was very restless in bed last night... so I gave up and brought him downstairs to his grandmas room and we slept in bed .... and he slept soundly. He was doing the weird breathing/panting thing, first thing this morning... but by the time we got outside he was back to normal. He has NOT left her room all day today... only asked to go outside twice and ventured to the doorway of her bedroom, and then back to the bedside to sleep. Â I brought some food down to him and he ate a few bites... and I was able give him all of his medication today (That did not happen yesterday). Â
Thankfully mom is back tomorrow... This behavior makes me super nervous, because I will be away for 2 weeks in a few weeks... I hope he doesn't stress my mom out like this.
In other news ... he's moving around fabulously.... Not sure if it's the adequate injections or rimadyl.... or the combination. Â But I can tell he feels better. Â He gets up much more easily, is able to squat/pee/poop without collapsing on the back leg... he greets everyone that visits... and if we're outside he greets everyone who visits our neighbors on both sides (thankfully most of the vistors now him and are receptive to his greeting)
Still a little worried about breathing changes... I will consider asking for another chest x-ray. Â He also goes to the vet tomorrow at 8am.
Thanks again everyone... for all of your comments and kind words... this journey is not easy.... but it would be significantly harder without you. Â I am soo grateful. Â <3
Well Jerr Boy, you are quite a unique fella'! Certainly sounds like part of this is all about missing your "most favorite person in the face of the planet"!!! This little tidbit your human shared adds another piece ro the puzzle! P@us, your human is probably feeling a little anxious while your " most favorite person in the face of the planet" is away!! She's really doing a stellar job...STELLAR JOB...of taking care of you though!!
The lack of appetite really does sound like it's related to your Mom not being home. The fact that he is feeling soooooo good in every other aspect is such a good sign! Great news that his leg is holding up so much better too! Good nob!
"Anxiety" can cause dogs to heave weird behavior. It'll be interesting to see if all this clears up once your mom is home.
Tha ks for the update and update tomorrow when you have time.
Love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Wow! Sounds like Jersey Boy may be missing grandma. And the heat and humidity aren't helping. BUT I am not a vet either and since you are going in tomorrow anyway I would probably ask for a lung xray just to find out what is up on that score so you can set your mind at ease. Â Or you might wait until your mom comes home and see how JB's behavior changes first. OK, I am no help whatsoever! Just know that the Oaktown Pack is sending you and JB all the best and lots of Lucky 13 tripawd strength!
xoxo,
Martha, Codie Rae and the OP
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
anxiety through the roof.
Grandma is home and he was pretty happy to see her (nudging, leaning, following her).
He spent the night in her bed (went downstairs and asked to get into bed) and she said that she noticed the abnormal breathing this morning as well. Fortunately, it was a passing thing.... Â *sigh* Â We're still stuck in a crazy heat wave here... but our house is no warmer than 72F... so I don't think the outside will affect us much... so i'm not convinced that it's simple panting.
He also won't really eat for either of us... unless it's something super tasty. Â He had some of my shredded/pulled pork for lunch and half a can of wet food today. Â I did notice that he was chewing 'funny' yesterday and took a look in his mouth...there is a small, raised red bump on his gum.... i'm not sure if that's what's making him miserable? Â Anyways, i ran to the store and bought more of the wet food that he WAS eating... hopefully that continues. Â But, nevertheless he's drinking water well... and is not dehydrated.
When I went home for lunch, he followed me upstairs... and his gums looked really pale. Â He hopped onto his bed... and within 5 mins, they were back to a nice pink-color. Â I will mention this to his Dr.... perhaps this is something that has ALWAYS happened? and i'm just now noticing.. because i'm scrutinizing everything?
I made a REAL vet appointment to see his normal Dr. W on friday @4pm ... I don't think we have an immediate crisis... but I just want him to be looked over before the weekend.
On a more positive note ... my mom said she was shocked when she saw him walk up the front steps, by himself this morning....
Well I'd call this a lretty darn good update Mr. JERSEY!!! So without question, you were throwing a little bit of a tantrum because you were m missing your Grandma!! Prancing all around ..going up steps...sleeping with your Grandma...YAAAAAAAAAY FOR JERSEY BOY!!!
The breathing thing is really weird, and the pale gums that go along with it. It seems to happen more in the morning?
The bump in his mourth could be some sort of sore that is causing him not to want to eat. We'll see how that wet food works.
And yes, we scrutinize EVERYTHING on this journey..every hiccup, every pootie, analyze the heck out of it!! Being human is not always easy!! I'm glad you're getting the vet ro check him over. The fact that it comes and goes...weird. Just a quick crazy thought, when he does it again, see if you can count his heart beats and then count the number of beats when he's resting. Just wondering if there is a correlation there. Regardless, you're getting him a good check up so no need to worry!
Really glad you saw his attitude pick up once Grandma came home!!
Update us when you can. And a scoop of ice cream...try that...I bet he'll eat that!!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Hopefully the last update for a while....
As the week has progressed, Jersey has eaten more and more food... and is acting more 'normal'. Â The two most obvious correlations are #1 Grandma is back #2 the mouth sore is much smaller.
I made an appointment for jersey to see the vet today (I intentionally made it a few days ahead of time... to see if things would turn around on their own). Â We went in, I told Dr. W. my concerns... he examined him, squeezed, pinched, poked, listened and looked. Â Dr. W's consensus? Â There is no obvious reason for Jersey to NOT be feeling well. Â He said perhaps the mouth-thing was bothering him? Â He told me that he's fine with me being lenient with food and just giving him whatever he wants. Â (He said his coat looks good and his mouth was a good color)...Â
Yesterday he happy-howled at my mom when she come home from errands... and DEMANDED the nightly ritual pre-bedtime body rub/massage yesterday. (helllllooooooooooo.... after giving all of these massages... I think I deserve one too!!!)
Sooo... let's ponder. Â Who is the one who ACTUALLY has a problem? Â (yes, i'll let you answer that question)
On a happier note!!!! Â We will be camping on the beach, this time next week! Â yayyyyy!!!!
Smiling over here! Smiling big time!!!
Looks like your "correlations" are pretty spot on!
And ues, you need to be treated to a spa day too! Jersey Boy can't have all the massages all to himself! Maybe if you start pa ting a lot and skip a couple of meals, yiur Mom will treat you to a massage
We ALL worry over any little thing, okay? And sometimes it may be something that they probably already do anyeay, but we just never noticed before! It could I deed be that the sore in his mouth was hurting and causing him not to eat.
Looking forward to seeing pictures of your camping week end! You guys have a great time and enjoy every second!! Play! Laugh ! Live!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
So glad you got peace of mind from the vet. This is great!
Now, go Be More Dog 🙂
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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