Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I just tried to post a blog and I was unable too... : ( And still not able to post pictures...not sure what is going on????
Henri and I went to the Oncologist Tuesday and had a good visit. Dr. Fulmer thought Henri looked good. And once again, Henri was flirting with the ladies... LOL! ; )
You know how sometimes you have those defining moments in life...Well, I had one while at the Vet. Just like I needed confirmation to help me find peace with moving forward in Henri's amputation surgery...I had been having a dificult time with the choice to stop or continue his chemo Doxorubicin after Henri got really really sick. Well, my peace came while at the Vet. As I walked in, there was a lady there and her 12 year old mixed breed dog was getting his third doxorubicin treatment and they had to stop in the middle of his treatment because he suffered a seizure. ( And this dog had not had a history of seiures )....I felt so bad for her...the dog almost died. While I know this is rare...it still can happen. Maybe this is really rough on older dogs? Also, when we were being discharged...I had a guy going over the medicine with me that I was to give Henri and I asked him a little bit more about the Doxorubicin and what he had been seeing in dogs. He was a Vet Tech...and said that it is SUCH a strong strong drug. He said that a Golden was in earlier that morning for doxo chemo and they had to stop treatments because the dog starting having serious breathing issues. So ....for me...I believe it was my confirmation that I was doing the right thing. Henri had such a bad reaction to the first blast...I just can not imagine continuing that for him. So I finally have my peace, and I am trying to take the advice of so many that say...just live in the moment. I just want to be free of worry...easier said than done.
Henri seems to be in good spirits although he is showing signs of trouble with his back legs. I did mention it to the Oncologist and she said at this point, it appears to be arthritis. : ( I will just have to keep monitoring it.
Hopefully, I will be able to do a post again soon!
Hugs...
Wendy & Henri
Sounds like you made a good choice Wendy. Our experience with Doxy was not so good either – I think the vet should have stuck to the Carboplatin like most seem to for OSA.
Anyway, the metronomics should agree with Henri. Do keep on top of the hind legs and don't hesitate to go back to the vet or onco if it seems to be more than 'just arthritis'. You know Henri more than anyone.
keepsmiln1818 said:
I just tried to post a blog and I was unable too... And still not able to post pictures...
We're not sure what was going on their either, but please try again. We just reset your upload quota and successfully tested both image upload and a post draft on Henri's blog. If problems persist, please clear your cache and relaunch your browser. If you get any errors, please let us know what they say in the tech support forum.
Sorry for the hassles. Glad to hear Henri is doing well.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Henri, I bet your mom made a good decision. You should give her an extra nuzzle so she knows you agree. About your back legs, you should probably take an extra long nap too feel better! Take good care, Golden hugs and front leg high 5s! Shelby
I love it when a plan comes together. I hate the other dog had the seizure during treatment, but am relieved it helped you find peace. Trouble has some hip arthritis and has mostly good days, but there is always that 'off' day that creeps in there and sometimes last a few days. I started her on glucosamine + HA (natural without shellfish - she's allergic) and it has made a world of difference. On the off days, I keep a supply of tramadol on hand. If she acts like she is fighting pain, I'll give her 1/2 a tablet to take the edge off.
I like Shelby's idea of taking an extra long nap - I'm thinking mom could use one too!
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.
Hi Wendy,
I'm so glad that Henri recovered from his recent scary reaction to the chemo and that now he's going to start on metronomic therapy. I really hope that it helps him and doesn't cause any more problems. Did your vet address the problems with Henri's back legs? Did they think it was just due to extra weight on the back legs and arthritis?
Looking forward to seeing more pictures of Henri on his blog... 
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
I just want to be free of worry…easier said than done.
It's really hard to not worry, it's in our nature! We just have to learn to somehow cope with the worry.
I am so glad you got Henri's regiment changed. I hope it works out. Vet techs sometimes give you a better insight. They seem to have people perspective. I always seem to fall into the, "it's not common, but it happens..." category, too. That's why you have to be your own advocate, IMO!
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.
Sometimes you just need to have something happen to confirm your fears or your 2nd guessing, and in your case, you got your answer. So it sounds like you definitely made the right decision for Henri - a big relief I'm sure... I have to wonder why vets are recommending this course of treatment if it's that rough on dogs. It's all about quality of life and if chemo makes them feel that badly, why then? I'm not trying to be negative about this course of treatment, I guess I just don't understand it. Anyway, glad that you have found peace with this and hopefully Henri's back legs will show some improvement very soon. I know after Mackenzie's surgery, even up to 4 months later, her back legs shake every so often. The vet thinks it's due to her need to build up strength in her hind legs to compensate and carry her weight. So that might also be contributing to Henri's leg issues? I know the vet told me that it takes a long time for them to build back their strength. Good luck with everything - we're keeping our paws crossed for you!
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!
We're glad there were signs to help you find peace in your decision to stop the iv chemo. I agree with what everyone's said - we all know our dogs best and we have to follow our hearts to help figure out the right decisions for them.
So glad to hear Henri's doing well! And we'll keep fingers and paws crossed that his back legs see some improvement soon! Please give him a kiss from us!
Lots of 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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