Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone,
Moving from the diagnosis forum to treatment forum... Thanks to everyone who posted great information for Charlie's appointment at CSU today. All of your thoughts and suggested questions were grounding and quite helpful. I was completely blown away by that place. I've never had that kind of veterinary experience before. I may never have any other kind again--I'm happy to drive a little over an hour to consistently have that care for Charlie.
**The tough news...CSU confirmed Charlie's diagnosis of osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and the best option for relieving his pain and giving him time is amputation and chemo. We were prepared for this, in great part thanks to all of the support and information here at Tripawds.
**The best news...Charlie's lungs are clear! Knowing that this was the best possible news for today, we still understand that we may have him for 3 months or 3 years. Regardless, we're happy to be able to end the pain (get his great doggie smile back) and love him up for as long as we are blessed with him. They also changed his pain meds from Tramadol to Gabapentin since we weren't fond of the way Tramadol made him glassy-eyed and sad.
**The good news/bad news...They were able to get him in for surgery on Monday. Because we were so prepared for this, we were able to say yes, we're ready to do it asap. I've already spoken with the surgeon (last weekend) and she's great. Sad that it must be done, but good news that we're so on top of it.
THANK YOU for the support, everyone. Aside from them telling us that Charlie had been completely misdiagnosed, this is the best we could hope for. We will take any and all prayers, thoughts, and good energy for Monday.
Heather and a pooped out Charlie
Charlie, our English yellow lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2014. He became a tripawd on February 24th, with clear lymph nodes and lungs, but that didn't last long. After three doses of Carbo, in May 2014, x-rays showed lung mets. We briefly tried Palladia, which went well. Unfortunately, Charlie developed unexplained complications in his hind limbs. We said a reluctant farewell on June 11, 2014. Still miss our boy each and every day.
A plan! Confidence! Preparedness! These are all very good things. Charlie, Mr Sassybutt, is in very good hands and care. Have a fabulous weekend.
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
So glad to hear the appointment went well! I remember the feeling after the oncology appointment, it's scary but quite a relief to have a plan in place!!! You have quite the road ahead of you but all of us here for support!!!!
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
It definitely feels good to have a solid plan in place and know that you are moving in the right direction to a pain-free life for Charlie. I know how scary that onco appt is and the day of the surgery, bringing him home, etc. This place is a great place for support, laughs and overall great ideas and resources!
Sending you lots of healing energy and prayers for Monday! And let us know how it goes!
Alison and Shelby
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
Heather and Charlie, just want to send my good thoughts, wishes, and prayers, as you both enter his new phase of life.....as a handsome Tripawd. You ARE really on top of things, and that is great, and he will bounce back in no time from the amp. So happy his lungs are clear! Keep us posted as to how everything is going with your handsome boy.
Best wishes always......
Bonnie & Angel Polly
It sounds like the two of you are well prepared for Charlie's upcoming surgery! A definite plan and being happy with your vet is half the battle! We'll be sending your handsome boy positive thoughts for Monday!! Be sure to tell Charlie he's got the whole Tripawds Nation thinking about him!!
Aww that's pawesome, I just love those folks at CSU. Isn't the hospital amazing? I've gotten better care for our pup there than I have at any human hospitals I've been to! Love it! DId you see our Tripawds News blog series of posts about CSU?
The plan is great, you sound soooo relieved (nervous of course but that is so normal). Over the next few days you can start to Tripawd-proof your home by doing things like putting down traction (i.e., Costco has inexpensive rug runners for about $11 each, they're great), raising his food bowls and giving him lots and lots of lovin'! Whatever questions you have just holler OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes! This weekend we'll be getting the house ready. CSU is ready to outfit him with the harness. I'll pick up a t-shirt for him. A friend has loaned us a ramp for the car and a kennel (have never kept him enclosed, but you never know). We'll get a PT consult before leaving. I may also ask for a consult on his diet, if they do that. Despite reducing his food, he has put on a little bit of weight. But we don't feed him a lot for his size! When he's really down for the count the next week or so, I'll need some guidance on that. I know it's a challenge to get some dogs to eat but um...not expecting that from Chuck. 
Charlie woke up particularly sore this morning after all the action yesterday. Plus, we were all so worn out last night, I don't think he shifted around at all, which is what usually wakes me to give him pain meds. Hoping the gabapentin works for him. He is barely using the affected limb at all this morning. We're ready. The support from friends and family on Facebook is amazing--hearing from people that I haven't heard from in years, messaging and cheering us on. Charlie, generating love even in his darkest moments. Love that dog.
Thanks, all.
Heather and Charlie
Charlie, our English yellow lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2014. He became a tripawd on February 24th, with clear lymph nodes and lungs, but that didn't last long. After three doses of Carbo, in May 2014, x-rays showed lung mets. We briefly tried Palladia, which went well. Unfortunately, Charlie developed unexplained complications in his hind limbs. We said a reluctant farewell on June 11, 2014. Still miss our boy each and every day.
Just caught up to the thread on Sweet Charlie.
You've done your research and you have a plan in place. Best of all, Charlie's not worried about a thing!!
Just want to ditto what everyonehas said and to remnd you yoj are not alone. We all u derstand and are here to help in anyway we can.
Now go buy a lot of chocolate and eat it all between now and Monday! It'll do wonders for your nerves!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Heather, Charlie is so very lucky to have you......he sounds like he is in the best hands possible for his upcoming surgery and I wish you all the positive thoughts I can.
I am looking forward to hearing how he does, he is such a handsome boy.
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Oh, day before surgery.
We got his new, elevated dishes and refitted his bed with some memory foam (he's already so much more comfortable in it now). We figure we'll go get the runners for the hardwood floors tomorrow night to keep ourselves busy. The gabapentin kicked in, and after some good rest, he's looking like a champ--which just makes it harder if you can believe that. Yesterday was sunshiny, and he had a really nice walk and time rolling in the sun in the backyard. John and I created a video of his "Life on Four Legs", which was incredibly therapeutic (I'll see if I can figure out how to post it). I didn't mention this previously, but I had surgery myself in January, and went for my first run since then. Felt sooo good. And we have had tons of cuddle time.
And yet...
I called CSU this morning. Because we didn't do FNA (it's too deep) or biopsy on Charlie, I'm having this awful vision of amputating, only to find that it's not actually cancer or that it's treatable by other means. I'm ready to move forward with amputation in the case of cancer, but I want the opportunity to really directly ask the question, which for whatever reason I didn't last week. Unfortunately, neither his oncology vet or the surgeon are available today, so I'll have to take him up there tomorrow morning and have the conversation there. A part of me has sufficient confidence in his team to think that they would have told me outright if it weren't absolutely necessary or if they weren't reeeeally certain. But as Charlie's voice, I feel like I have to ask.
I was noticing how clingy Charlie has been today. Thinking he was needing some love. But then I realized that, as usual, he's picking up on my stuff. He's loving me. Lord, that dog.
Thanks for listening.
Heather and Charlie
Charlie, our English yellow lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2014. He became a tripawd on February 24th, with clear lymph nodes and lungs, but that didn't last long. After three doses of Carbo, in May 2014, x-rays showed lung mets. We briefly tried Palladia, which went well. Unfortunately, Charlie developed unexplained complications in his hind limbs. We said a reluctant farewell on June 11, 2014. Still miss our boy each and every day.
Ok, here's the link to the video on You Tube. Enjoy a good dose of Charlie.
Charlie, our English yellow lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2014. He became a tripawd on February 24th, with clear lymph nodes and lungs, but that didn't last long. After three doses of Carbo, in May 2014, x-rays showed lung mets. We briefly tried Palladia, which went well. Unfortunately, Charlie developed unexplained complications in his hind limbs. We said a reluctant farewell on June 11, 2014. Still miss our boy each and every day.
Sounds like you're all good to go. I think your feelings are totally normal, and it's a good thing to ask EVERY question you have about the surgery so yes, do call them so you feel 100 percent certain about the decision, you don't want any doubts in your mind for a better recovery.
About that clinginess...that is actually one of the signs of pain in dogs. Our Jerry was the same way for a long time before diagnosis and we couldn't figure out why. We later learned this is one way dogs tell us they are in pain. Even though the Gaba has kicked in (which is great!), he's still feeling it I'm sure.
But yes, do ask and let us know what they tell you.
What a great video! I know you'll have lots more to come I'm sure.
And congrats on your own surgery recovery! That's awesome!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hoo, boy! Wait until Sally sees that video!!!
Charlie, you are one handsome Lab. We will be thinking about you tomorrow. You won't believe just how well you will do by summertimne(is that ever going to get here?), but you will be hiking and swimming with the best of us. Ask me how I know!
Murphy and Kathi
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
OOOOOOOOOO MMMMMMMMMMM DDDDDDDDDDDD,!!!!!!! Kathi, you know me well!! THIS IS GREAT!!
I LOOOOOOOVE THIS VIDEO!! I LOOOOOOOOOOVE CHARLIE!! And I LOOOOOOOOOVE the song you selected! Heck, I love Heather and I love John!!!
I was tapping my fett the whole way through! Oh yeah, I was clapping too! Big time!! And I love all his hapy dog pals too...very cute.
These pictires are absolutely brilliant! They show a very, very hapy dog with so much joy in his eyes! This dog is heart...pure heart! His close-ups just melt my heart! You really do get to know Charlie through these pictures and he's just delightful.
He knows how to make the best out of every moment and nothing will change that.. He'll still love the snow, still let you dress him up in funny outfits and still let you love on him al you want.....and I do believe that is a huge amount!
As a little encouragement, my Happy Hannah just celebrated her ONE YEAR AMPUVERSARY and moving forward (knock on wood)! Once recovery takes place and you settle into the joy of having Charrlie's sparkle back, you WILL live in the moment, in the present just like Charlie. It will be all about quality and the gift of each sacred second. Let NOTHING rob you of your blissful ti e together from this moment forward. You both have a WONCERFUL attitude and outlook...applause to you!
One more tidbit.....when you pick up Charlie, just look into his eyes and praise him and love him.....don't even bother to look athis incision site. He just wants to see you and your hapy faces smiing back at him.
Sending you lots of love. Again, thank you for sharing thst woderful album .....I'll be grinning all night and well into the summer!!!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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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