Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Tripawds family. Hope you all are doing well. Gabbar and I have been away from here for a few weeks, just trying to get on with life. His leg was amputated on October 27th. Just over a month has gone by since his amputation. Most of you have followed his progress on my earlier threads.
Pros:
- The excruciating pain was gone.
- Post surgery, he was back up on his feet quickly. Recovered fast and well.
- Appetite is excellent. Eating and pooping very well. A little too well in fact. He's got a better appetite now than he ever did.
- He's smiling, he's energetic, excited about walks, curious, sniffing, never wants to come back home.
Concerns:
- I keep sensing that he's putting tremendous strain on his front right leg, now that the left one is gone. In fact, this morning when we got back home after a walk, and he took a slightly pronounced step, he squealed.
- He's been coughing the last 2-3 days. And he particularly coughs when he gets up suddenly after napping or if he's been sitting or lazing for an extended period of time. Before the surgery, when the lungs were X-rayed, they were clean. The lymph nodes were also cleared. But knowing the possibilities of what could happen, I shudder and fear the worst. Is coughing a possible symptom that perhaps there are mets in the lungs?
I'm going to take him back to the vet in a couple of days. Hopefully, it's nothing. We have great days, and then we have mornings like today where I just get very paranoid.
In the meantime, here's a quick hello from Gabbar to his Tripawds family!
Read about Gabbar's journey from diagnosis to amputation at
Coughing can be a sign of mets, but it can also mean a lot of other things. It is really hard as a Tripawd parent to not worry about every cough, sneeze or snore. (Yes, I agonized trying to remember if Otis snored before his diagnosis. It just wasn't something I had ever paid attention to.). The vet will likely want to take more x-rays, which hopefully will put your mind at ease.
Even though Gabbar did great through recovery. You still need to moderate his activity. He is still getting used to using new muscles in different ways, and it is not uncommon for Tripawds to pull muscles. Do you have rehabilitative therapists there? If the vet rules out a serious problem, perhaps a visit might make sense?
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
We do have therapists here. I guess I'll ask Gabbar's vet for a recommendation. But yeah, a vet visit and X-rays and all are now definitely going to have to happen. I certainly need to start limiting his activity. For now, the coughing has me extremely worried.
Read about Gabbar's journey from diagnosis to amputation at
Is he coughing all of the time, or at any particular time? Is this a high season for allergies? I know last spring in the U.S. several of us had allergy issues post-amp. They had probably been there every year, but we just noticed them because we were on met-alert. And, even if it is mets, if he is alert, eating well and happy, then you just keep on enjoying your time together. Some dogs have lived for a significant period of time after mets are diagnosed.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Now that is one fine looking "Hello from Gabber" picture!! Looking good sweet boy!
Loving all the PROS!! And they sound like really good PROS too! Great appetite, smiling, energetic AND no pain..............all GREAT!!
Having fron leg issues seems to be the "challenge of the month" here in triawd land! It is soooooo easy for front leggers to overdo, especially this early on (and yeah, it's still somewhat early as far as muscles, joints, etc still adjusting and strengthening). Rest and just potty breaks for now until you can get the Vet to check him out. Do you still have Rimadyl? Start that up again, of course, with Vet approval.
Message all over his neck and shoulder area. Does he show any sign of tension? It could very likely be a shoulder issues, or even a pinched nerve in his neck, rather than the actuaw leg itself being sore. Regaedless, for now,no running around,or jumping, etc, just back to leashed potty breaks. And if it seems like it hurts him, maybe a Tramadol. Again, not a Vet and not givw Vet advice...just some suggestions until a Vet can check him out. I reallu, really doubt it's anything more than a tweak from overdoing it.
And, for whatever it's worth, my Happy Hannah never even developed a cough when she had mets. A cough could be soooooo many minor things. Alergies,even if they've never been present before, can pop up suddenly. An allergy cough or a conjestion cough may, indeed, be more noticeable after being in a prone position.
Gabbar clearly feels great and, as far as Gabber is concerned, that's the best way to measure how he's doing!!! We humans though, we master the art of paranoia and worrying with excellence!! We all understand and we all do it!! And almost always, whatever it is we worry about never even happens!!
Good to jear from you and looooove seeing that happy photo of your boy!
Hugs to all!
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!
otisandtess said
Is he coughing all of the time, or at any particular time? Is this a high season for allergies? I know last spring in the U.S. several of us had allergy issues post-amp. They had probably been there every year, but we just noticed them because we were on met-alert. And, even if it is mets, if he is alert, eating well and happy, then you just keep on enjoying your time together. Some dogs have lived for a significant period of time after mets are diagnosed.
I wouldn't say ALL the time. But I've been noticing that he's been coughing when he gets up after a period of inactivity. For example, this morning he was lying down on my bed, and when it was time for breakfast, he got up and off the bed, and started coughing. And this has been consistent last 2 days or so. He was fine during the walk this morning. I also noticed a mucous discharge on his mattress this morning, which has me a bit worried.
He's had coughs before. In fact, both him and Suzy used to pick up kennel cough if we ever left them at a boarding facility when we'd travel. I guess, after all that has transpired, one can never be too careful.
And yes, he's eating and pooping well. He just ate his morning meal and licked the bowl clean.
Read about Gabbar's journey from diagnosis to amputation at
benny55 said
Now that is one fine looking "Hello from Gabber" picture!! Looking good sweet boy!Loving all the PROS!! And they sound like really good PROS too! Great appetite, smiling, energetic AND no pain..............all GREAT!!
Having fron leg issues seems to be the "challenge of the month" here in triawd land! It is soooooo easy for front leggers to overdo, especially this early on (and yeah, it's still somewhat early as far as muscles, joints, etc still adjusting and strengthening). Rest and just potty breaks for now until you can get the Vet to check him out. Do you still have Rimadyl? Start that up again, of course, with Vet approval.
Message all over his neck and shoulder area. Does he show any sign of tension? It could very likely be a shoulder issues, or even a pinched nerve in his neck, rather than the actuaw leg itself being sore. Regaedless, for now,no running around,or jumping, etc, just back to leashed potty breaks. And if it seems like it hurts him, maybe a Tramadol. Again, not a Vet and not givw Vet advice...just some suggestions until a Vet can check him out. I reallu, really doubt it's anything more than a tweak from overdoing it.
And, for whatever it's worth, my Happy Hannah never even developed a cough when she had mets. A cough could be soooooo many minor things. Alergies,even if they've never been present before, can pop up suddenly. An allergy cough or a conjestion cough may, indeed, be more noticeable after being in a prone position.
Gabbar clearly feels great and, as far as Gabber is concerned, that's the best way to measure how he's doing!!! We humans though, we master the art of paranoia and worrying with excellence!! We all understand and we all do it!! And almost always, whatever it is we worry about never even happens!!
Good to jear from you and looooove seeing that happy photo of your boy!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Thank you for your comforting words. I have a feeling he's overdoing it. His mom is out of town traveling for work. So he's been climbing onto my bed and sleeping next to me every night. And jumping off the bed may have put some pressure on the leg. He's mobile and moving around on his own will, which is encouraging. But you're right. Seeing how he recovered post surgery, I am to blame for letting him exert himself. No more long walks. Just pee and poo breaks for the next week.
Read about Gabbar's journey from diagnosis to amputation at
Ohh....one more thing to add. Glad you brought up kennel cough as some form of that is certainly a possibility too! Even kf they've had a vacine for it, they can still get it. And it's not more pronounced with a lot of exertion yet, again, could be something minor...and most likely is!! And the mucous, even more signs of infection.
So no more worrying, okay? Gabbar sure isn't!!!
And no, you are NOT to blame for possible over exertion! What you ARE doing is letting Gabbar live life to the fullest and you let him get to be GABBAR!! And that's why we do this journey! And that's what Gabbar wants!
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!
Hey there! It's nice to hear from you and to know that overall Gabbar is doing so well! Look at that hoppy boy, he's smiling!
Don't blame yourself. Being a Tripawd parent is an ongoing learning process, we all figure out things as we go. First, yes, there are a LOT of plusses with Gabbar's current state. He's rockin!
The coughing could indeed be anything. We have all walked that fine line of concern and paranoia and that's OK. Get it checked out with your vet and do your best not to jump ahead until you know what, if anything it is. As for the activity....OK, no more jumping off the bed. Or put some stairs on the side and do your best to train him to use them. I know this is a hard one for many people, we all love it when our dogs share the bed with us. But yeah, he's probably just putting too much force on that front leg by jumping off, so if you can eliminate that you're ahead of the game. And yep, R&R for a week and see how it goes. Also, massage and palpate him in his shoulders and neck to see if it's tender. My bet is he threw something out of whack. It's easy to do. R&R typically helps. And let your vet know too OK?
Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Unfortunately, after I posted all this in the morning, we had a terrible, terrible few hours and bad news.
I took Gabbar down for a pee break. We got back. He seemed to be a bit low in energy. Struggling a tad. I thought, maybe hes in a bit of pain and gave him half a meloxicam. He was fine for a bit. Sitting around, chilling.
Then half an hour later he began coughing and coughed up a couple of drops of blood. I turned to get a napkin to clean it up, and turned back, and he was having a seizure. This was the first time I've ever seen him have one. It lasted a good 30-40 seconds. It was terrible to watch. I panicked. Didn't know what to do. Just completely seized, frothing heavily at the mouth. He settled down after that. And in about 2 mins he was back up on his feet. But very scared and disoriented. Didn't know what was going on.
I rushed him to the vet. Vet examined him and said he looked okay and that seizures happen. Not to worry. And then we X-Rayed the lungs. And it's bad! The cancer has spread into the lungs and doctors have given him a couple of months.
Here is the X-Ray:
I'm just devastated. The doctor has asked me for a day to think about and evaluate whether chemo may be a viable option. But doesn't look like it. I'm looking for vendors to purchase some cannabis oil. It's not legal here so difficult to procure. I don't know what else to do. Doctor says, if you want to let him be, enjoy his days, he'll probably make it another 2 months before it reaches a point where we'd have to let him go.
The situation has just turned so fast it's killing me. Right now he's still recovering from the effects of the seizure. He seems to have temporary blindness on his right side. Isn't responding to movements on that side. He's disoriented and running and bumping into things.
Has anyone had any experience with administering cannabis? And if oil isn't available, is it possible to administer in the traditional form, and if so what kind of dosages? Sorry, I'm going on and on. I'm at a loss. I don't know what to do!
Read about Gabbar's journey from diagnosis to amputation at
Oh gosh. We all say this journey is a rollercoaster of emotions but your last 24 hours have been utterly unbelievable. I'm so sorry you are faced with this. But take comfort that Gabbar doesn't know his diagnosis. Love him and support him in the next few days while he recovers from the seizure but then enjoy him and try to forget the statistics. I lost my boy 3 weeks ago, he had his amputation in May, completed his 5 rounds of chemo and then had 2 good months. He loved life in those 2 months, was spoilt rotten, he didn't have the fear or uncertainty that the cancer diagnosis brings us humans. He thought it was fab wanting for nothing. I guess I'm saying this as it doesn't matter if its 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 months. The love is all the same and that's all they care about. Once he's rested have fun with him, do the things that will make lasting memories, treasure the moments and take oodles of pictures.
I'm sorry I don't have experience of cannabis oil though I started to research it myself and it is held in high regard by those with first hand experience
Much love Karis and Zuki with Wings
xxx
Zuki Wuggafer 30/09/06 - 11/11/16. Right hind tripawd due to Osteosarcoma. He had a strong 5 and half months as a tripawd but unfortunately a secondary issue with his spine ended our battle. He loved life, loved our family and was the best dog I could ever ask for. Truly my first love, forever in my thoughts and heart.
Read our story: http://zuki.tripawds.com/
I am so sorry that this has spread so fast. We tried palladia for a week with Otis, but in all honesty, personally I agree with your continuing decision to pass on chemo. In fact, the seizure worries me more than the mets. No personal experience with cannabis, but there are a couple of threads on this site of people who have tried some derivation of it. Someone more technical than I can hopefully post them for you. I know this is a very hard time, but all you can do is love him and enjoy the time he has left. There was a recent (last week?) blog about how to know when it is time to let them pass. You may not be ready, but sometimes it helps to think about quality of life in advance. We are all thinking about you and your family.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
So Gabbar had multiple seizures this evening peeing and pooping and throwing as he did. He was in bad shape. Levipill has been administered to control the repetitive seizures. And some gabapentin also given. He's not conscious now. But the breathing has normalized and muscles relaxed. But there is a possibility he may not make it through the night. The doctors are quite certain that the cancer has metastized into his brain as well. His mom is traveling on work out of the country. She's rushing back. I just hope he hangs in till she's back. Please keep Gabbar in your prayers.
Read about Gabbar's journey from diagnosis to amputation at
I am absolutely stunned ro hear this! The seizure, the mets, the fast turn of events, so awful for you.
And none of this means squat to Gabbar so grasp this thought as rightly as you can right now!!!! As Zuki's Mom said, Gabbzr has none of the fears and uncertainties we humans do! They could care less about days on a calendar or any ole' diagnosis. Gabbar is his own man and has already shown he is a strong Warrior!
Okay, some deep breaths....B R E A T H E.....B R E A T H E.....there are DEFINITELY options for Gabbar! This is a kick in the gut, but once you can work through the initial shock of everything (which, clearly Gabbar is not staye stuck in all that stress!), then you can process a treatment plan and move forward.
As far as the mets, many, many dogs have gotten great extended quality time after they were discovered! One of our beloved members, Sassy, got almost EIGHT MONTHS extended bonus time!! And obviously, our Founder Jerry an amazing gift of bonus time! There ARE various treatments...Metronomic, Palladia, Doxycurbin (sp), Lukeran that you can speak to your Vet about. There are Holistic options as well. And YES, we are seeing more and more research done o. Cannibis Oil and YES, members here have tried it and hzve spoken positively about it.
I actually just read so ewhere (not on here) where a Norwegian Vet was using it and doing case studies in dogs she was treating. Of course, I doubt I can fInd it again.
Also, regarding the mets, has the Vet prescribed Prednisone ir any cough medicine? They both have been beneficial.
The Cannibis has been used to treat seizures in humans from what I understand. And while seizures do periodically and randomly happen in dogs, just keep an eye out for any recurrence. When it comes to this piece of crap disease, it may, or may not indicate something else.
What did the Vet say about his leg/shoukder? I know you have a lot on your plate but that's a place ro start as far as making him feel better. Then ask the Vet for either the Pred or cough medicine to help if he continues to cough. Try and keep things chunked down aright d focus on what you CAN "treat" whike you're doing more research.
And continue ro spoil and love and make everyday GABBAR DAY!! Which, of course, you already are!! STAY IN THE PRESENT...STAY IN THE NOW! Let NOTHING interfere with your time together! Gabbar sure isn't!!!
STAY CONNECTED. You KNKW we are here for you! Give Gabbar some really good junk food today...and Suzy too!
Lots of love to all
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!
OHHHHHHH.....I'M SOOOOO SORRY!!!!! The entire time it took me to type you had already posted that news......I'M SOOOOO SORRY!!!
I think .any of us were more concerned about the seiz than anything else. But kt sou ded like if you didnt have a recurrence then that wouldn't be an issue.
I'M SOOOOOO VERY, VERY SORRY
It sounds like he is out of pain. He KNOWS you are there for him. He KNOWS thst, "conscious" or not. His SOUL knows you are there. And Gabbar feels your wife's presence too. She doesn't have to be there physically for him to feel her love.
Sende you all the love in the world...all the kove of your entire Tripawd family...our tears are falling so hard right now....so very, very, very sorry
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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