Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our K has taken a turn for the worse. She was doing so very well. We took her on a 2 week camping trip that ended a week ago, and she romped as if she wasn't even sick until this past Tuesday. Then, her leg swelled up and she started limping like crazy. It's the same leg where she had the original bone tumors (they were zapped with stereotactic radiation in January). Our regular vet thinks that K micro-fractured the former tumor site. We're seeing an oncologist at CSU on Monday.
To top it off, she's now had two bouts of coughing in the past two days. This is her first coughing since the lung mets were found in March.
I've been able to keep my spirits up throughout this whole journey until now. Now, I feel like the end of the tunnel is accelerating toward us at warp speed. K is definitely in some pain but we're starting new pain meds to try to reduce it (gabapentin and amantadine).
I just needed to tell you all about how things are going... Advice is always welcome. This group has been so helpful in the past but I do understand that we may be getting beyond the point where anything can help.
K, an 8 year old chocolate lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the radius and ulna on 12/23/11. She had stereotactic radiation to kill the bone tumors, and 3 rounds of carboplatin. On 3/16/12, lung mets were found. We tried several different kinds of chemotherapy to slow the lung mets but none worked. Finally, mets appeared at other sites, including her spine. She earned her angel wings on July 15, 2012. K changed my life, and I'll never forget her. Our/my journey is chronicled at romp-roll-rockies.blogspot.com.
So sorry you are at this stage. It is very hard. I hope you can manage her pain and still have some good time together.
I know you have a lot of beautiful pictures of her on your site. Be sure to get someone to take some pics of you together. Spoil her as much as you can - favorite foods and places.
Wish I had some other magic words or advice. Hang in there.
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, too am so sorry about K.
I know Pam our resident vet has said that with late stage pain you can give people narcotic pain meds. And maybe prednisone to help make her feel good?
I will be thinking of you guys.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
sorry to hear you are reaching this point. hopefully the new pain meds and the vet visit on monday will give you and idea of what you are facing, and any options you might have to help your pup stay comfortable. sending best wishes for memorable days ahead. we agree with jackie, take lots of pictures and enjoy each and every moment of each and every day.
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
My recomendation is to define in your mind what the minimum life quality is for K. Make that decision now- while you still have some options and time. I did this when Maggie's oral melanoma was diagnosed. I knew what would define the end. Then I could relax (as much as possible) and focus on making every day Maggie's best day.
Every day is precious, make the most of every one. Make all the memories you can. Watch K's eyes, listen to your heart, you will know what is right and when it is right.
I hope you much more time with K.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Sorry to read this update. I love reading your blog! K truly has been an inspiration, and a real "pillar of strength"! For better or worse, Boo's end came suddenly. However, when she started acting funny with the leg that did end up breaking, we had that sinking feeling that the end could be near. I found this article (on tripawds!!!) and bookmarked it thinking it could be helpful. I thought it would be something I could DO and measure, other than just worry and wonder.
http://tripawds.....y-of-life/
Sending thoughts and prayers that you will find the strength to live each day to fullest!
Amanda & Angel Boo
Boo became a Tripawd Warrior Princess on Sept 8, 2009. She crossed over the Rainbow Bridge 2.7 years later on April 29, 2012. Run free Angel Boo!
I am so sorry you are approaching the stage none of us ever want to think about. I don't need to tell you that pain control is probably the main area where you can focus on to keep K as comfortable as possible. We used the amantadine and found it quite good for the pain. We were using it in conjunction with paracetamol/codeine and piroxicam (although that was stopped near the end due to tummy upsets). Lots of photos (especially of the two of you together) and lots and lots of cuddles and quality time.
My heart goes out to you. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
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/
Hugs, hugs, and more hugs. Dang it.
We are always here to help, it is never too late to come here and just vent. Many of us have felt the same kind of helplessness and dread that you're feeling now, and my best advice is to remember this: there will be plenty of time for tears later. Right now, don't let cancer steal your precious time, that's the only way it can "win."
You probably already know about the Argus Institute at CSU, but if not, here is a link. They are a wonderful resource for grief support, and CSU even has a pet hospice program run by students.
Here are some more resources:
End of Life Care Tips from a Pack Mom
Tripawd Talk Radio Discusses Hospice Care this Sunday 5/8, 5:30 pm EST
My heart goes out to you, I am deeply sorry. This is the scariest part of the journey, but what I remember most about it, was that once any hope of medical intervention was gone, it was as if a big burden had been lifted and we were free to enjoy eachother's company without pills or dosages or doctor visits getting in the way. I know that sounds weird, but its the best way that I can describe what we felt at this point in our own osteo journey.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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