Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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I haven't posted for a while since Ember was doing so well - she passed her six month ampuversery with flying colors from the veterinary oncologist and was enjoying short hikes and swimming, playful and happy. She had a party for her 10th birthday. THEN... she started to show signs of being reluctant to move and was obviously in pain. In two weeks the pain got to the point where she would not even try to stand despite tramadol and then morphine. Her vet found a very tender spot on her remaining distal femur and x-rayed her leg - her suspicion; OSTEOSARCOMA IN THE OTHER LEG! The x-ray was inconclusive but I have a horrible sense of deja vu; it took three vet visits to diagnois the OS last time.
We are totally at wit's end. She doesn't have a spare anymore.
I am so sorry to hear that you and Ember are going through this. I am happy for you though that so many happy and painfree months have gone by for you and Ember to enjoy! My hopes and prayers are going out to you that the tender spot and Xray suspicions turn out to be something other than OS. Keep your spirits up and do your best to stay positive during this scary time! Don't forget how much stress that other leg is under after an amputation so hopefully it is something else that will be easier to cope with. Thinking of you and hoping for the best.
-Kathy & Maya
violetjane said:
... she passed her six month ampuversery with flying colors ...
I know it's hard, but try to remember these have been six joyous months you would not have had with Ember, had you not taken the steps you did to take such good care of her. I'm sorry to hear the beastly cancer has reared its ugly head again. 
Our thoughts are with you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I can't imagine your feelings right now. Just know we are thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers hoping for hoping for the best.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
How awful that you are going through this. We will pray that this is not the OS returning. Like Admin says, you have had 6 months of joy and happiness that you would not have had, had you not taken such good care of Ember. Rejoice in that time you have had and in the time you have left with her. Live in the moment with Ember!
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
I'm so sorry to hear about Ember. It is so important for you to stay positive right now, as difficult as that may be. Remember to make decisions as they come and in the best interest of Ember. And stay focused on one day at a time. Don't worry about tomorrow until it gets here. This will help you keep your sanity even as you fear the worse.
Since the x-rays were inconclusive, I think I would look for a second opinion. I'd also research and start supplements if you haven't already. Good luck to you and Ember.
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.
We're adding our thoughts and prayers too, hoping that it turns out to be something manageable. Try Rescue Remedy for yourself, to keep the fear from overtaking you.
Hugs and an Anatolian lean
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Thank you everyone for your kind words. It is true that we have had time together and that was wonderful. I am feeling more positive now. I was hoping that after the amputation Ember would have much less pain and she did for a while.
She is doing a little better now on her cocktail of pain killers. She will get up and scoot around a little bit, but she is not eating much.
Has anyone ever heard of OS in both legs? I was lead to believe it would return to her lungs and she would die a relatively painless death.
Jane and Ember
Unfortunately it is not that unusual for bone cancer to met to another leg or to the spine. Radiation can help as can IV pamidronate treatments. Controlling pain is key.
I am sorry that Ember has to go through this again!
Pam and Tazzie
violetjane said:
Has anyone ever heard of OS in both legs?
Jane,
Just the other day, we met a Rottie who had been diagnosed with OS in both legs.
The painkillers will decrease her appetite, have you tried giving her stinky yummy foods? We swear by braunschwager. Other people say cat food. Whatever gets her to eat a little bit. Spoil that girl rotten, and give her lots of love and hugs from us.
We are thinking of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Dr Pam and Jerry,
Our vets talked so much about lung mets that we were having trouble believing that Ember could have mets in her other femur. But I can see that it is possible, for whatever reason. She is taking morphine sulphate twice a day and diazapam. She was on Metacam and Tramadol, but she bit our other dog about a week ago and our vet thought this might be better. She rallied a bit over the weekend, but she hasn't wanted to move at all today.
I feel a bit set upon by the universe, but am trying to keep my mind on the 6 good months we had with Ember and indeed the 10 good years of an excellent dog. She was so loving and obedient and grew up together with my kids, who love her dearly. Just before she got sick this fall my father and stepmother died in a plane crash and we adopted their lovely little Sheltie Prince. So I guess they will be caring for Ember in heaven while we take care of Prince here on earth.
Jane and Ember
violetjane said:
She is taking morphine sulphate twice a day and diazapam.
I wouldn't want to move either. Dogs will get very dopey and lethargic on morphine. Try to take things one day at a time and stay in the moment with Ember. Anticipatory grieving can cause stress, while acceptance and preparing for the inevitable can help emotionally.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
violetjane said:
Our vets talked so much about lung mets that we were having trouble believing that Ember could have mets in her other femur. But I can see that it is possible, for whatever reason. She is taking morphine sulphate twice a day and diazapam.
Dear Jane, I am very sorry to hear of what you and Ember are going through.
I agree with you, many think that lungs are the most common place the nasty beast will visit, that almost forget the 2nd most common place is the bones which is more difficult to detect than lung mets, and also show the ugliest side of this beast.
Keep her comfortable, hug her, kiss her, spoil her with all your might.
Thinking of you two.
Thank you everyone for your kind words. We are carrying Ember about the house and yard to where we think she would like to be - out on the grass in the morning and then down to the bottom of the yard for a while, and then inside for the heat of the day. She rolls over to have her tummy scratched and still hopefully picks up a toy when anyone approaches. She is a sweet, brave dog!
I just had no idea that the bone mets where so common, and that things would progress so quickly - that she could go from running around and chasing her ball one day, to not able to move the next. But that's a blessing really, although it came as a shock, I wouldn't want her to be sick for a long period of time.
Jane and Ember
Jane,
You and Ember are both so very strong and courageous.
The speed at which the disease can progress is frightening. Sometimes it does play out in this manner, and it feels so unfair.
But by finding the blessings even at a time like this, you will have so much more room in your heart to enjoy every minute, and give her the loving hospice care that she needs right now.
Ember is teaching you well, good job Mom. Our thoughts are with you, and we are here if you want to talk.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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