Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I should stop posting my blogs….seems like I post one and then we have a bad day!
Today was a bad day for Henri…he had terrible vomiting this morning and he was straining to potty.
After the 4th time vomiting and him lying in the back yard acting lethargic…I knew it was time to go to the vet.
I had to drop him off because I had to go to work. They had to carry Henri in there which was terrible.
Of course when I had to leave him there, I lost it on the way to work and cried so much. : (
There was no choice though…I knew he felt awful.
So after $350.00….Henri had fluids injected, an anti-nausea injection and an antibiotic injection.
He would not eat today and only drank a little bit. I bought special bland food that we can start tomorrow.
When I brought him home late afternoon….he still seemed to be feeling horrible. It is so AWFUL seeing your pup this way…awful! He is still going outside trying to have a bowel movement and can not,….he is straining and making groans/moans…so so sad. : ( I wish he would feel better. The Vet said he felt his tummy and told me that Henri is not constipated …but that his GI tract is all messed up and upset. So he told me to give the medicine to help with that and I did. Does not seem to be helping yet.
I feel so helpless! I wish I had not done the doxorubicin chemo now. Emotionally, I know I can not handle it. He is MISERABLE! I know a lot of people mention that if the chemo does not turn out good, you can stop at any time…but chemo is a REALLLLLLY big deal….it is not like buying a pack of gum. So far…one chemo treatment has cost me….$1400.00 wich includes a cardiologist exam, bloodwork before chemo, bloodwork after chemo, and the Oncology exam and the emergency today. And to see Henri so sick…I must say it is NOT worth it.
So at this point, I have decided against further chemo, I can not handle it but most importantly ….it appears Henri can not handle it and I feel bad for having done it. At this point…I dont even know what damage is done.
Hoping for a better tomorrow….
Wendy and Henri
So so sorry to hear that Henri isn't doing well today. I imagine you would feel helpless. My Mackenzie's on carboplatin and she's had some very unpleasant side effects....it's heartbreaking to watch. But then she bounces right back after a few days. Not sure what the side effects are for doxorubicin and if this is similar. We are keeping our paws crossed for you and Henri and better, easier days to come.
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
Oh Wendy, this is so sad, we are so, so sorry and hope that both you and Henri feel better asap. Please don't be so hard on yourself, you are doing the best you can. Henri won't hold it against you. It is not in dog's nature to do so, he does not live in the past and he will not have regrets. Neither should you OK? I know, easier said than done. But you did the right thing by taking him in. You followed your instincts, and you took care of things. He will feel better when the meds fully kick in. You done good Ma.
It's just so hard to tell who will do well with chemo and who will experience side effects. Nobody knows until they actually go for it. Again, go with your instincts. If you are not comfortable with chemo, don't do it. Do what you know is going to give you and Henri the best quality time together. You are not a bad pawrent OK? Remember, there are no "right" answers for all dogs.
We send lots of hugs and well wishes. Please let us know how he's doing tomorrow. Get some rest OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I have decided against further chemo, I can not handle it
I don't think I could do chemo if the side effects were as bad as his either! I'm so sorry for poor, poor Henri! I can't imagine how tough it must be.
I hope he gets to feeliing better by tomorrow. Please let us know. Okay?
Sending your poor baby a big hug of love.
Comet's mom
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.
Wendy,
Unfortunately we can't tell ahead of time what will happen with chemo.
But please don't have any regrets, you are doing your best for Henri and that is what matters. I know how out of control it all feels when our dogs are so miserable. But you can't go back and undo anything, and second guessing yourself will just make you feel worse. What you can do now is be strong for Henri, and make the best decisions you can about treatment going forward.
Hopefully Henri will get over his reaction quickly and be back to his old self. Like Rene said- he won't hold a grudge.
Karen and the pug girls
And it's never been said you have to go the chemo route. It's always worth a try, but the bottom line is quality of life. Feel good about the health decisions you must make on Henri's behalf an move on. And remember, No Regrets!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Wendy & Henri,
It's Mari & Mika, your amutation buddies. Whew! One month has passed already and I'm so sorry it's been a tough one for you. 🙁 However, I'm very hopeful that Henri will start feeling better soon and months and months from now, we'll be chatting again about how PAWSOME our pups are doing.
Sending you big furry hugs!
Hey Wendy..We're also hoping for a better tomorrow. Sending strong thoughts. Let us know, okay?
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Oh I am so sorry to hear about Henri's problem...Tehya was also on the same chemo drug thankfully she didn't have any side effects although only had the one major blast. Please do not be hard on yourself you are doing the best you can and you certainly didn't know that he would have these problems before you started you are trying to do what is right for Henri. Jerry is right it is quality of life that matters and if the chemo is going to do this to him maybe it is not the right choice or maybe they can try a different drug for him.
I am sending you both a big hug this emotional rollercoaster is not fun that's for sure.
Take care,
Darlene Angel Tehya's Mom
So hoping Henri (and you) have a better day tomorrow. Chemo is a hard decision because no one knows how each individual dog will react. Try to to beat yourself up. We know and Henri knows you had the best of intentions. You had no way to know what the outcome would be. Trouble had carboplan and I don't think it's quite as hard on them.
Can't wait to hear better news in your next update.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Oh Wendi,
I am so sorry for you and Henri. I hope today is a better day and he gets better and better as the chemo reactions fade.
Maybe homeopathic treatments vs the chemo would be more appropriate for Henri? My Maggie is being treated by Dr. Charles Loops...here's his website if you are interested: http://www.char.....psdvm.com/
I can tell you that Maggie had a new lump we found under her ribcage after surgery...it is now gone...she gets daily rotating homeopathic treatments by Dr. Loops. I can only assume the treatments are what has made that lump disappear. The daily remedies she gets are to keep the cancer from spreading.
Just thought I'd throw this treatment out for you as it is less invasive and gentle on the dog's system.
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Oh Henri......this is awful.......I am so sad for you and Mom.....
Maggie/Tracy....don't forget how much Belladonna helped your groaning and moaning with bowel movements post surgery too....it was clearly pain in your case....
YES YES YES! If Henri cannot handle his chemo, stopping is a human decision and YES YES YES, please give Dr.Loops a call...he is amazing......
Hugs to you both!
Yes! I had thought of Maggie's moaning/groaning during stools...but it wasn't as bad as poor Henri's...poor guy 🙁 Funny, how no vet could tell me why she was moaning/groaning during fecals....they all just looked perplexed and said nothing. Pain.....it sure as heck is a terrible thing in our dogs...especially cause they can't talk and tell us where it hurts and if anything we're doing is helping or making it worse!
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
maggie said:
...homeopathic treatments by Dr. Loops.
Don't miss the Tripawds Nutrition Blog posts for recommended homeopathic cancer treatments for dogs from Dr Loops.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dear Henri - we hope you're feeling better today! We'll keep fingers and paws crossed that your reaction to the chemo passes quickly and that you are back to your happy self soon!
Hugs,
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
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