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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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How do you handle both emotionally and physically the ups and downs of recovery and chemo
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Member Since:
4 September 2010
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17 September 2010 - 10:19 am
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I am finding the last two days w/o any particular reason to be discouraging. Zip is a bit more unstable and seems tired and maybe even down a bit. We are 17 days from amputation and 10 days from 1st chemo. We have only begun but I wonder what the rest of you do and feel as each treament or changes in your dog comes about. I try hard to live in the moment , remembering none of us have tomorrow but on the hope of tomorrow that is so uncertain. Give me the wisdom of your experiences, what helps, what doesn't. Thanks

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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17 September 2010 - 10:37 am
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Hi Bordergirl, great idea to post this. I hope you don't mind I moved it to this Forum, thought more people would see it here.

I'll throw my two cents in....

Do you best to remember that all dogs are different, and you can't compare one recovery to another. Dogs recover the way people do, and they all react differently to the newest challenges they confront.

I think one of the best things you can to do help you get through this is to see how relatively well Zip is handling the process, and ask yourself, would you handle it just as well? Or would you be worse? How would you be doing seventeen days after ampawtation and then chemo?

Keep your eye on Zip, and remember that she is handling these changes much better than most humans. Watching her courage should inspire you to keep moving forward and staying pawsitive.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Canyon Lake, Texas
Member Since:
29 August 2010
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17 September 2010 - 11:46 am
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Hi Bordergirl,

I can't offer any wisdom here because Zip, you, DannyBoy and me are on the same path. DannyBoy is 29 days post amp and he rcvd his first session of Carbo chemo yesterday. He seems to be doing well. The Doc gave me some anti-nausea pills for me to start two days before and to keep giving them 3 times a day for at least the next three days. He hasn't barfed yet. He hasn't eaten his "new" food or any since before the chemo. Oh, except for a piece of cut up baked chicken breast. My other Irish Setters were really jealous so I had to give them a pinch too. Dboy will have 3 more sessions. In 3 weeks he gets Doxy, then 3 weeks later another Carbo dose, then 3 weeks after that Doxy one more time. At least that's the way I understand it so far. The Doc also sent in a prescription to Diamondback Drugs to start his Metronomics protocol. I'm supposed to give him two pills a day 4ever I guess. A bit costly but we know how that goes. Hopefully he won't have a negative reaction to it. The two pills are Doxycycline and Piroxicam.

Dannyboy does lay around and sleep alot but he does get up and goes outside  3 or 4 tmes a day with me for a walk in the backyard so that's encouraging too. Jerry's advice is good…I'm not sure I'd want to do cartwheels with one leg missing for at least a month or two 🙂

Take care,

Dboy's Dad

DannyBoy turned 8 on May 25th 2010

DannyBoy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the front left leg August 10, 2010

DannyBoy's amputation was August 20, 2010

krun15
4
17 September 2010 - 12:16 pm
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Hello,

First off- echoing what Jerry said- every dog heals and adapts at their own pace.  And an older girl like Zip might take a bit longer?  If I remember from your blog Zip is 13.  

Remember she has lived 13 YEARS on 4 legs, and only 17 DAYS as a tripawd!

It will take her time retrain and build muscles and get used to her new gait.  And chemo can make them tired and sluggish.

But that doesn't really address your question…

My pug Maggie had her amp before Tripawds was in existence, so we went through amputation, recovery and chemo alone.  I can tell you that I struggled often for months to stay positive about Maggie.  Her prognosis with chemo was 6 to 9 months.  I made the mistake of watching the calendar- like the prognosis was law.  I missed the things she couldn't or wouldn't do anymore.  The only guidance I got was that dogs do fine on three legs… so I struggled when Mag seemed down or got discouraged.

I finally came to realize that I was missing Maggie before she was gone,  I was anticipating what would happen.  When I really thought about it I realized that Maggie didn't miss what she couldn't do anymore- that is a thing reserved for us silly humans!  She just dealt with what was in front of her.  Little by little she got stronger, and more playful (though it wasn't really until chemo was done that she was completely herself).  Once I quit worrying about what might happen I was able to enjoy the time we had- and the amazing dog that Maggie had become.

Maggie was a long term survivor- who eventually developed a second cancer.  But the lessons I learned from the first go around allowed me to enjoy every day we had together- I really never worried about how much time we had.  I didn't even ask for a prognosis.

On a more practical level- you might want to start a journal or log to document Zip's recovery.  It may help you see that there really is forward progress, even if a day or two seem bad.  I kept journals for both of Maggie's cancer journeys.

Hope this helps a little.

Karen and the pugapalooza

knoxville, tn
Member Since:
12 February 2010
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17 September 2010 - 12:37 pm
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amen to everything that karen said.  zip doesn't know she has cancer, she doesn't understand schedules, calendars or percentages.  right now, a belly rub and a hug is the best medicine.  hard as it is...this moment is all any of us really has.  i'm not saying live in a cave, but try to focus on the good, positive events (a journal is a great idea),  take MANY, MANY pictures and videos.  gayle did five rounds of chemo, and there were several times that through tears, don and i both said NO MORE...it's hurting her...  but, she'd be better the next day, and even better the next, and we made it through all five rounds.  today is her seven month ampuversary...we are blessed to have had every moment of that time with our lucky one!!!  one final thing...there's no rule that says you have to follow the protocol through, talk to your vet, you know zip better than anyone...several of our members decided it was not beneficial, with the side effects, to continue with chemo. 

what every you do, if you do it out of love for zip, it is the right thing.  trust yourself, and love on zip...it's that easy!

charon & 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

http://etgayle

Member Since:
11 August 2010
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17 September 2010 - 1:12 pm
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My James is 6 weeks post-amp and has had his second chemo treatment of carboplatin.  He is 17 yrs old (and nearly all of my friends told me to put him down and not put him through surgery and chemo.)  Boy, am I ever glad that I didn't listen to them.

I am really tired today as James got me up at 2am and 4:30am, but when I am that tired, I come to this site and read some of the blogs that are so inspiring.  Also, I keep telling myself that I am a really awesome pawrent because I am taking such good care of my dog.  I was at the Pet Store last night, buying more canned food to try out, and told the clerk about James.  He said something about what a great Mom I was and then I said to myself, "yeah, that's right!  I am pretty awesome and so is James". 

James will go 2-3-4 days without eating and then, all of a sudden, he will start barking like mad for food.  I keep trying to be patient (not my forte).  He will eat when he is ready to eat.  (I do try to urge him to eat by buying all sorts of canned food to try out, but mostly I just need to trust that James will eat when he is good and ready to eat.)

I have been trying to take lots of naps on the weekends.  Today James is doing great and that makes me feel wonderful!

Good luck.

Nancy and James

James the poodle had his left front leg amputated due to osteosarcoma on Aug. 4, 2010.  He is currently doing chemo.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
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17 September 2010 - 9:13 pm
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How do you handle both emotionally and physically the ups and downs of recovery and chemo

 

I just want to throw in my 2 cents...even tho the advice here from everyone is great!

 

If we all were made of steel nerves, we probably wouldn't be here!   It's so hard on all of us so we find refuge here by talking, comparing notes and getting sensational support.  It lightens the stress a lot!

I know I don't have a cancer dog but living with one that is 3 legged with issues of being scared took it's toll on me for 11 years.  When she was happy, I was happy.  When she was scared, I was more scared!  When I worried, she worried, too.   We fed each other's emotions and I couldn't help myself!  It took me many years to realize that she got petrified going to the vet because I did!  She was scared of people because I was worried when people were around her.  It was a vicious terrible cycle! 

When I came to tripawds a year ago - I had just lost my Rugby, Comet's soul mate.  I didn't know if she'd survive the emotional trauma.  But really it was me just worrying myself sick.  I needed him emotionally for her and for me.  It was my grief that I was living with, not hers.  She eventually adjusted to her new little brother and she is now very, very happy with him!  He's a barrel of monkeys (inside joke) for her now!  She's old and not very active but she still finds him amusing!  ANd this was a dog I thought could never ever adjust to life without Rugby. 

So, my long post point - it's normal to be scared and to worry but don't let it take over like it did me.  You will make yourself miserable. 

Oh, and meds help!big-grin

Her Retired AvatarComet - 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.

Member Since:
7 June 2010
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18 September 2010 - 2:57 pm
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I should preface this: I am highly neurotic, anxiety-ridden, OCD-laden mommy. My mind goes to worst possible scenarios all the time. I can't go on big rides, won't eat anything unless it is prepared a certain way, etc. I have learned (as well as my poor family) to live with this by 'setting my mind right'. Examples:

First plane ride (and subsequent) - the week leading up to it, I was a wreck! Totally sick to my stomach. Once on the plane I realized, well, if it goes down, it goes down and I have no control over it. I was totally fine then.

My beloved Vikings games - I am not a people person, and can't stand crowds or being crowded, but absolutely love the energy and feel of a game. I prepare and do well, because I know, once again, I have no control over the other 65,000 people (although it would be so cool if I did!).

It was the same with Charlie, the cancer, and the treatments. Yes, my mind goes to those awful thoughts and scenarios, but I push it out as soon as I can. I know I only have today with him.

Not to novel this, but there is something else that has helped (other than the kickbutt Tripawd site!): I have been praying. I won't get too philosophical nor spiritual, but this is kind of a big deal for me. I had a cat (Fatty) who got pancreatitis and after two days at the U, we had to put her to sleep. During the weekend she was there, I kept praying and felt like nothing had been answered. So I showed Him! I stopped praying for two years. Yeah, I'm really sure that did a number on Him. whatever But anyway, it has helped.

So, my three paws worth: Setting the mind right, meditation (I actually wrote 'medication' laughing ), and prayer. If all else fails: Booze! big-grin

Best wishes to you and Zip on this journey!

"I don't know where I am."

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4 September 2010
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18 September 2010 - 5:41 pm
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All the thoughts were really helpful and giave us room to think outside of the situation. Today is better but this morning was difficult. Seems like the parade of horribles come in the early morning darkness. Prayer had been our mainstay and will remain so but talking and mostly listening to others is soothing to the hurting heart. Thank you tripawd community for being a family that supports and cares.

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17 September 2010
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18 September 2010 - 6:42 pm
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This site is the most wonderful place you will find for support, i simply dont know what i would of done without it.

I echo the post that my baby is not a cancer sufferer, just an unlucky set in life.

Love and pateience is the one thing that everyone here has talked me time will be your number one healer for your fur baby, keep strong and positive and they will follow your lead, seems to be working fine for me and Guiness very well so far.

Best of luck and lots of love and kisses

Toni and Guiness

Guiness is my baby we have had 8 wonderful 4 legged years together.

We intend on having many, many more 3 legged ones

Guiness took on a moving car and lost.

Leg amputated 16-09-2010

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23 July 2010
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18 September 2010 - 8:10 pm
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Dear Bordergirl14,

I am sorry you are feeling badly right now.

As trite as it seems 'One day at a time'. Well sometimes it is one hour or one minute at a time. The changes our fur-children go through with diagnosis, amputation, recovery, relearning how to be and treatments are tremendous. And we go right along with them because we love them so much.

Are you getting rest? Everything looks worse and our minds tend to go to the darker places if we are not as centered as possible. I'm sure this is nothing you don't know already. I encourage you to nap with ZIP, I mean not just when Zip naps but right there body to body. If for even just 10 minutes or a half hour. I miss those special times with my JD and totally believe it would be good for both of you.

Sending best wishes and hopes that Zip is zipping around very soon.

Spirti JD's mom

JD

One Tough Girl

(1999-2010)

-Diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left front leg –

-Amputation July 23 2010 –

-The cancer didn't get her, but she is gone-

-She fought the cancer and loved life till bloat brought her down August 29th, 2010-

Now she watches over her mom and two new sisters, the Quad-Paws Serena and Maya

Greater Western Washington area
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25 August 2010
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18 September 2010 - 8:26 pm
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Viking queen, love the post!  I too am experiencing the ups and downs.   Sammy had a great first chemo appointment but hours later has refused food and is looking upset and panting.  He is curled in a ball and seems very sluggish.  I tried getting a anti-nausea pill down him but I can't.  I was feeling panicky until I came across this post.

I guess we are all different, including our dogs.  It feels horrible that we are waiting on our dogs eating and moving to judge where they are and what we can do.  I wish we didn't have to be on a site and talking about this.  I told my boy that this is to give him more good time, but it feels like a lie right now.  I knew this could happen but I did it to him anyway.

I just have to trust that without this chemo his life expectancy would be cut in 1/2.  I am sure he wants that extra half!  I can't explain it to him though and I can't ask his opinion.  That is the hard part.  But when he is feeling good and sniffing the air, watching the world go by, I think he is happy.  I think he wants to press on.

So I will for him, like I know he would for me.  Hang in there, you know he would take a bullet for you if he had to.  Like everything else this is temporary.  He lives in the moment, once the moment is gone he will forget and be happy again.

 

Elizabeth and Sammy

Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,

leg fractured 8/27/10,

leg amputated 8/30/10

http://sammyand.....pawds.com/

 

I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us.  Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
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28 November 2008
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19 September 2010 - 4:08 pm
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From someone who has been on this journey a really long time - there will be ups and downs.  That is a given.  They will pass - try (hard as I know it is) to not stress.  Get your rest.  These two factors can only make it worse for you.  You will get through this and so will Zip.  Don't expect Zip's recovery and treatment to be the same as one you're read about.  Each and every one is different in some way.  If you think things are really not well, do not be afraid to call the vet and discuss what is going on.  They are there to help you through this.

Good thoughts and hugs headed to you from Texas!

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.

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