Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Thanks for the info... this website is extremely helpful. Read and watched Jerry's PBS story last night. Also read about the pain management and just watched the video.
Very interesting about the BARF. Finn has been on BARF since he was 1. He was having horrible hotspots and they disappeared with the BARF. I also decided to do titers only. I wish our county would allow Rabies titers.
My doc said no more pain meds unless I think he needs. He does not seem to be in pain at all today... (except as noted in my next journal entries) That said, I will closely monitor as you kindly have suggested. I have plenty of carprofen and gabapentin.
Benny - he has been on gabapentin for 2 weeks and a day. Every 12 hrs or so for the last few days.
Here are the meds listed in his surgery invoice - Buprenorphine, Dolores, Zetamine, Acepromazine, Ropivacaine. They gave specific amounts.
I have no regrets on how Finn's procedure has been handled. The doc has made the entire experience as easy on us as possible.
I am going to buy the Dog Cancer Survival Guide next. Still on the fence in regard to chemo - Jerry's story was inspiring. Need the biopsy results first.
Hey Scott. Thank you for the nice note. I'm so happy you are finding things here useful, and that you read and watched Jerry's story . We sure miss that guy.
Yeah the BARF diet is a controversial thing. Jerry did really well on it, but I know now that I wasn't giving him the best type of BARF nutrition I could have. I'm so glad it's working for Finn, you are obviously doing it right!
I'm with you on titers instead of vaccines! It's just so hard to get around bureaucracies with just titers. You must not board Finn anywhere? Oh my gosh and when I asked one vet at Texas A&M about rabies titers, he flipped his lid and refused to do it. Said if anyone got rabies from a titered dog who was his patient, he couldn't live with himself.
Your state might have a rabies vaccine waiver you can try presenting when asked for proof, if you decide to go that route. We did a blog post about it years ago but I see now that it needs some updating. Meanwhile check out this website that lists states with medical exemptions in lieu of rabies vaccinations:
https://www.rab.....xemptions/
I'm so glad you and Finn are doing well!
As for chemo, there are no right or wrong choices. If anything just get the consult with the oncologist, so you can know what options are out there. Then decide. Information is empowering no matter what route you take. And we will support you no matter what.
(We don't board. We did until we found out they don't have anyone onsite at night. Might as well leave him at home. We have left him for up to 30 hours as he as full access inside and outside at any time. Plenty of cameras. If longer then either we take Finn or have a friend look after. And yes, we will meet with an oncologist right after we get the biopsy results.)
9pm - 1 clavamox. Laid down under my feet.
4am – up for potty. My phone flashing light was out so I could not see the urine.
DAY 6 – 4/12/23
9am – I woke up (another full night for me! - I usually get up between 6 and 7) 1 gabapentin (14hr since last) and 1 clavamox (12hr). Gave him food (soft only)… to possibly prevent gastrointestinal side effects - read that is best to do gabapentin with food.
10am – Went out side and potty. All clear! Enjoying the breeze and rain. He then came inside for his nap.
12pm – Off the get his tube out. He jumped in the front seat while I was getting the back seat ready. Then barreled into the back seat. Arrghhh... hope he did not hurt himself.
1pm – Lifted him out of the car... he does not like to be carried. Surgeon removed the tube. Said there may be more drainage since the pathway is established. It should close up on its own. Said no more pain killers as the pain from the surgery should be over. But I could give him the gabapentin if I wanted. I will give him one more tonight. He seems to be in great spirits. The doc said the incision is healing remarkably well. His incision has looked healthy and clean since bringing him home on Friday. There is no redness. The doc also said that the tshirt is no longer necessary unless he lays in the dirt. Let him walk around the grass outside before we left. He was pulling hard. Had a big business and a pee. Looked good – all clear. The surgeon said if urine is still red by the time he gets his stiches removed then they will need to do xrays. He is pretty sure his prostate is inflamed and leaking blood into the bladder. Stiches out next Friday. Sounds like the worse is behind us.
130pm – stopped for some lunch. I went to let him out of the car to join me and he jumped out and let out a bit of a yelp. He is OK - I did not intend for that to happen. Arrrgghh. Stopped at the florist and the jewelry store for my wife’s 50th .
3pm – got home. He did not want to jump out this time (hopefully lesson learned for now), and let me lift him out. He is resting now. Eventful day.
6pm –vet tech arrived.
7:30pm - 1 gabapentin (she said he was panting – wanted to calm him down)
740pm – outside adventure
9pm – 1 clavamox, got up for a little walk and laid back down
1045pm – got home. He went pee. All looked good.
12am - Went back inside to sleep.
DAY 7 – 4/13/23
8am – Finn slept all night. Got him up and outside for a pee – all clear.
9am – 1 gabapentin & 1 clavamox. I left for work (finally)
1pm – got home. He was sleeping all day... had not moved.
430pm – got him up and outside. He is tired... slow to move (sore?). Got him to play ball (kinda). He went pee – all clear. Need to get his spirits up!
5pm – back inside and back to sleep.
730pm – Steve and Hillary came over – woke/cheered him up.
9pm – 1 Clavamox (no more gabapentin)
10pm – Finn had some dinner (kibble/soft/steak). Then outside for a pee.
Day 8 – 4/14/23
Woke up several times last night and he was just sitting there. Did not seem to be in pain or panting. This is not unusual for him. Probably the gabapentin withdrawal. Did not want to go outside.
8am – Woke up and he is in bed. Won’t move.
845am – finally made up and out for a pee... been a while since his business.
9am – 1 clavamox. Back to sleep.
Wow what a great journal! Sounds like a typical recovery at this stage. There will be ups and downs as far as his energy level, but so far it sounds like he's definitely coping really well with the new activity that's been re-introduced.
YAY! Tell your wife HOPPY BIRTHDAY from us!! What a gift to have her sweet pup on the mend. Although I suspect the flowers and jewelery were a hit too 😉
I can't blame you for not boarding him! Can we board our Nellie at your place, it sounds like a doggie Disneyland 😉
Cheers to a really nice relaxing birthday celebration weekend!
So happy to jear how pee seems to be staying clear. Great news!
As usual, an excellent job of chronicling everything. Good idea of having friends come over. That little technique often perks the pups up. It lifts their spirits....even of they go back to sleep once everyone leaves.
And don't hesitate to add some Gabapentin back of it seems like he is showing pain signs again..
Glad that tube is out now too! Progress!!!
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!
Oh gosh DTTO HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your wife!! Ide cream and cake for everyone.....even a little vit for Finn!🥳🍨🎂
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 wonderful reading this Scott!!! I am Scotts sister and have been following closely!
We love Finn and he could not have more dedicated, loving pawrents than Ann and Scott!
Prayers for continued healing!
What a wonderful community this is!
Awww hi Scott's sister! It's so pawesome that Finn has such terrific family encouragement and love, it makes all the difference!
915am - Down but is awake. Looks OK and not in pain. Alert. Not in great spirits.
Biopsy results – Osteosarcoma, proximal humerus (unfortunately we did the right thing)
1245pm – put his shirt on. left to have lunch with dad and run some errands
330pm – got home
He was in and out with our encouragement. seems sore... but wags his tail. Panting some but not heavy (normal). Rolled his ball toward him but was not really interested.
7pm – gave him some raw food – ate the tripe but the chicken quarter was still too cold/frozen.
900pm – went pee – looks good. Still has not done his business since Wednesday!
930pm - 1 clavamox with some diner (kibble and steak). Laid down in his bed. Got up... back down... Back up... panting.
1015pm – 1 gabapentin
12am – He would not go outside or move. Grabbed his leash and he was up and ready to go (yah). Walked him about 5 houses down. Went pee and big business. Finally 48hr+ later. Walked him a bit more he wanted to keep going.
1230am brought him and his bed into our bedroom and I went to sleep my bed finally. He was up throughout the night. Just sitting there.
Day 9 – 4/15/23
8am – woke up and he is sleeping in his bed. He got up and moved out into living room.
11am – 1 clavamox (got hung up on phone call)
1115am – Put on his tshirt. I left to do some errands. Ann said he got up and went out side through the doggy door and peed on his own (without here knowledge). Yah!
130pm – got home. He went outside and did his business. Then back inside. He stayed inside while we worked outside. Could not get him up or out. Did not want to move - probably sore from his big walk last night.
5pm – grabbed his leash and he was up & ready (he’s got us trained now). Walked him about 10 houses down... saw a neighbors small dog. Marked everything he could (looked clear). Came back had a chicken quarter (raw) then sat out with us. Smiling.
9pm – 1 clavamox and back inside and on his bed. Sleeping.
Hi Sheri! Thanks for checking in and the support.
His incision looks great. No redness or bruising whatsoever.
Yay for big business! That's awesome he's showing so many good signs of his old behaviors. Tiredness is expected and should decrease as time goes on.
11pm – took him for a small walk up the street (Steves)... moved his bed and water bowl into our bedroom for sleep
DAY 10 – 4/16/23
Up throughout the night. Just sitting there. Panting.
5am – 1 gabapentin
830am – woke up... he is out.
9am – still in bed gave him 1 clavamox. Also some new supplement pills (Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM & Dechra ElocosaCaps Omega 3 & 6). sleep in bedroom all day (at usual spot in door threshold)... could not get him motivated to move.
130pm – got his leach out and he is up and ready. Walked down to circle (1000steps). Back inside and laid on floor next to back door on incision side. slept there all day... could not get him motivated to go outside or move.
630pm – got his leach out and he is up and ready. Walk to end of street and loop back through alley (600steps). He lifted his leg and held strong on two a few times! Still all clear. Then to back yard to hang out with us.
650pm - ate his dinner – tripe, cow heart and his typical raw mush (beef/sweetbreads/liver/ veggies/ nutrapro/ACV/EVOO/molasses/eggs/cottage cheese) mixed in with new supplements: Dr. Mercola, Bark & Whiskers, Organic Mushroom Blend (2scoops in Mush) & Dr. Harvey's Health & Shine Omega 3 Fish Oil for Dogs (6 pumps – in tripe). Hung outside for a while. Moved around a bit exploring... and he barked at a duck!
8pm – back inside with us. Laid on bed for a second then sat with us for dinner... now back to bed.
9pm – 1 clavamox - Would not eat. Laid next to us and was out good.
12pm – slept next to him on couch. He looked too comfortable. At some point he ate the clavamox.
1am – he got up and I moved him into our bedroom.
DAY 11 -4/17/23
Finn was up several times last night. Did not want to go outside. Was licking but not his wound or leg.
930am – I finally woke up. Noticed that his bed was wet. He basically peed and licked it up rather than go outside. Poor guy... must be sore as he is not panting. Gave him his supplements.
10am – Last clavamox
1030am – left for work errands
220pm – got home and he got up to meet me. Followed me outside and around. Went pee... all clear still. Looks very comfortable and content. No panting.
315pm - Neighbor Frank came over and he enjoyed seeing him. Went pee outside again (kinda).
345pm – back inside and into bed. Now back up.
Listed hos leg to pee! Quite a feat on two ! Good job Finn!
Happy to read he gets animated when he sees the leash, as well as when his friend came over.
Not to sound like a broken record, but don't hesitate to keep him on a consistent dose of Gaba. I know we've mentioned 30p kg is a low dose. Iia5 thinking of pf hos last dose was 5 a.m. on Day 10 and he was up several times the night of Day 11 and didn't want to go out, peed in bed, etc ....anyway....just throwing that pit there. All in the FWIW column.
He sounds like Fin is doing realky well mobility wise, attitude wise, eating, potting, etc. AAmd getting you when you came home...I k ow you were thrilled to see that greering!👏
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!
Aww buddy. So happy to know you have friends coming over to cheer you up. And wow what great foods you get too!
I also think his pain levels seem to be fluctuating quite a bit. Pain that spikes is harder to bring down, and takes twice as long. So if you are unsure it would be really helpful to have a rehab therapist evaluate him. They generally like to see dogs pretty soon after surgery, so now's the time. Maybe there's a mobile one that can come out to you? I'm happy to help you find one if you'd like, just PM me your city and state.
Thank you Jerry and Benny! ... I started him on some new meds to manage the pain. This is being done through a tailored program. He seems to be doing much better. Also, made him turmeric bone broth and added supplements to his diet.
4pm – Starting his new meds. Laid inside for most of afternoon.
8pm – feed him his dinner (Mush, Heart & Chicken leg) added Standard Process - Canine Musculoskeletal Support (4 scoops), Dr. Harvey's Paradigm Green Superfood Dog Food (1 scoop), Organic Mushroom Blend (2 scoops), & & Dr. Harvey's Health & Shine Omega 3 Fish Oil for Dogs (5 pumps) to mush. Did not eat all or chicken leg.
830pm - came in and sat with us for dinner.
Does not seem to be in pain today. Getting up and moving around good.
Sat with up by couch for TV... seemed in good spirits. Just wanted to be pet.
12pm – Walked around the circle. He was moving fast. Big business. Pee all clear
DAY 12 – 4/18/23
730am – Woke up. He slept great last night. No panting. Or restlessness. Pee all clear.
Moving around all morning. In, out...
1050am – Left for work. Ann said he was in and out. Laid in sun for a bit.
4pm – Home from work. Frank came over to visit him. He was happy, excited... almost jumped up on him. Ate some food (chicken and remaining mush from last night). Pee all clear.
6pm – came outside for a bit... went in for rest and has been sleeping ever since
9pm – woke him up. Finally convinced him to go outside. Back inside after a few minutes. Now resting on bed.
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