TRIPAWDS: Home to 23092 Members and 2158 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

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.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Is it almost time?
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Member Since:
25 January 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
4 March 2015 - 12:28 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

After 5 days on prednisone and seeming better on it he had yesterday off of prednisone. Last night he didn't want to stay out and play in the snow. He came in and got on couch and only sat there for a few minutes with my son then he started panting and got up and went in his crate. Today he is having trouble getting up and down and walking. We are putting him back on prednisone the Vet wants to try to get him to the lowest effective dose. He is still eating. What do I make of this? If he has no interest in playing outside and sitting on the couch and being loved is it time? I'm hoping that the prednisone perks him back up but what if it doesn't? It's so hard to see him like this knowing he is only 2 1/2. I know that it would be just as hard even if he was old but he's still a baby and I keep thinking of all the things that he was supposed to get to do over the years.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
4 March 2015 - 1:01 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I'm sorry, it's so hard seeing our pups struggle with this disease. {{{{hugs}}}

When you took him off the Pred, was it cold turkey? Because pred needs to be gradually tapered off. I'm wondering if his behavior was a side effect of sudden withdrawal?

We posted in our Downloads blog once about assessing quality of life. Check out Dr. Villalobos' interview, this should help you put quality of life issues into perspective for you and Marshall.

Hang in there. I know there are times when things can seem so hopeless, but there are ways to manage this disease to keep him comfortable. I can't recall but are you doing anything like acupuncture to help? Lots of people report great results with it when the cancer impacts quality of life.

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

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
4 March 2015 - 1:10 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Okay...to me it just sounds like one of those "less good" days on this part of the journey...the ups and downs...good a d less good....

It "appears" he does need ro be back on the pred asap...which is what yoh are doing.. I know when I've had my dogs in lred. theyhave to be "tapered off" slowly to lpwer amounts for a bit and then e v entually, every other day. Anyway, this real l y could just be a temporary off day and the pred will bring him backnup. He could also be over doing it because he does feel perkier!

Sorry, I have to head off to work but will check in tonight. For me, in my non vet opinion, I would give the pred. a chance to kick in. Not a vet, but when it comes to pallative care, pred can do wonders for quite awhile...even in pretty strong dose s...without causing harm. So, to be able to keep Marshall on a daily dose that isn't crazynhigh, should continue to help him...as opposed to no dose at all. Just unprofessional input!

If he doesntw feel perky today, just sitting on the couch and getting loved isn't necessarily an awful day!! Day by day...stay in the moment...you've been through the uos and downs before...the ups are more fun, that's for sure.

And REMEMBER, Marshall isn't thinking about what he's missing out on...he's immersed in the now and the treasured time he has with his humans!! He wouldn't have it anyother way!!

Sending love....and remember the deep breaths.........he will feel better in a day or so.........

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Idaho
Member Since:
12 March 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
4 March 2015 - 3:45 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

When our Gus was on pred the last time, it disagreed with him a LOT, but we still had to take two weeks of gradually decreasing it to wean him off of it in order to avoid having bad withdrawal problems. It sounds like poor Marshall is not doing well with the cold turkey approach.

Kathi and Murphy

Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!

UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!

Orrtanna Pa.
Member Since:
25 January 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
4 March 2015 - 7:19 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I agree, Pred should not be stopped cold turkey. My hubby has been on it for years for a chronic illness. Sounds like you made a good decision to put him back on. When I was trying to decide if TY was enjoying life anymore, I put faces in my date book. Happy for a good day and sad for a bad one. Gave me a concrete picture to look at. Thinking of you, Lori, Ty, Chan, Lucy & Daryl

TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed  and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater. 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
4 March 2015 - 8:06 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Good strategy Lorisuperstar

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Member Since:
25 January 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
5 March 2015 - 2:13 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thanks everyone. He still isn't himself even back on it. He goes out to play in snow but wants to come right back in. I'm hoping when my husband gets home he wants to play. He still gets up when he thinks he's getting food so that's good.

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
5 March 2015 - 2:40 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thanks sooooo much for checking in! I know I can speak for everyone here who is cheering for Marshall, we appreciate you taking the time ro update us!

Gosh...call me crazy...but if he's still gettingnup tonplay...EVEN IF he wants to come back in...and if he still is very engaged whennit comes ro food.....that's pretty darn good considering ! And it srill may take another day or even two, before the Pred. gets him "steady" again.

Just curious, what does had he been on for those five days and what is he back on now.

I jave to laugh about Marshall wanting to come back in...even hard core snow lovers are getting a little tired of this weather!! Marshall may find the benefits of laying in the sofa in a warm house to outweigh going out in the snow!!!

How 'bout a video of him getting up wanting food? 'Would love to see that!! I hope he's getting any treat he wants...and I bet he is!!

Thanks again for the update. Let us know how it goes when hubby comes home! Again, even Marshall just might be getting tired of the snow!!

Se ding all the hugs in the world!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Orrtanna Pa.
Member Since:
25 January 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
5 March 2015 - 3:23 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I agree, it will probably take a few days for the Pred to kick back in. As far as the snow, I went out and wanted to come right back in. Had to shovel though. The fact that he still has interest in food is good. Hang in there and keep us posted. Lori, Ty and the canine 3

TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed  and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater. 

Member Since:
22 December 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
6 March 2015 - 5:56 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Only you will know when your pup has had enough. My girl was on prednisone and codeine for 6 weeks. She was happy, played, ate etc until the night before she passed away. For us, we knew when she didn't settle in and get comfy after her dose of codeine on Sunday night. Our vet told us the prednisone and the codeine will work until they don't and then you will know. Every dog is different so I can only say look for signs of change for Marshall. You will know when it is time. He will tell you. I know that sounds awful and I didn't believe people when they said it but it was true. WHen I looked into my girl's eyes Sunday night I knew she had enough. God bless you and I hope Marshall responds to the prednisone and gets back to his happy self. Keep us posted!

Member Since:
25 January 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
6 March 2015 - 9:21 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thanks!!!! His prednisone dose is 20 once a day it was 10 in morning 20 at night. He still isn't feeling well. He actually seems worse again today. I have some video of him outside yesterday I will post. His breathing is so heavy and shallow now. Is this just a side effect of the lung tumor? He doesn't really cough. Every once in a while I hear a little one it's mostly heavy breathing and panting. His face is starting to look different it's as if the bones are more prominent in his cheeks. Does that make sense? He hasn't lost weight as of last week and I don't see how he lost any since bc he will eat anything and everything. If it wasn't for the pancreatitis that he had in November I would really be giving him anything he wanted but I'm scared to cause that to come back and he is too weak to handle that. I don't think its time yet but I also don't think its too soon either. He's tired, he's not himself, he's unsteady on his feet, he doesn't breathe well. I'm typing through tears. I'm not ready yet for him to go but I never will be. He's a 2 year old lab he's supposed to be bouncing off the walls and playing fetch with his softball that he loves not deteriorating. What does everyone think about the prednisone dose? Should it be higher? He needs to perk up more or at least seem more comfortable bc this doesn't seem fair to him.
Jessica and Marshall

Member Since:
25 January 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
6 March 2015 - 9:42 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost


This was 2 nights ago

Member Since:
25 January 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
6 March 2015 - 9:45 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost


This was yesterday in the snow and I know you are all going to think I'm crazy bc this doesn't look like the dog I described but this was 30 seconds of him being perky then he wanted to go in even though they were still outside and he laid on couch. He does get up and shift positions often does that mean pain or discomfort?

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
14
6 March 2015 - 9:55 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh my heart aches for you .. it is SO hard to know what they need when they can't tell you. I love the one of him playing in the snow ... he still looks full of life and zest... 

Prayers and love for you! 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
15
6 March 2015 - 10:07 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

You aren't crazy at all. Unfortunately at this phase of the disease there are a LOT of ups and downs. We went through the same thing and even called off "the" appointment at the vet because things changed so quickly from one minute to the next (we were glad we did change that appointment). Jerry also shifted around a lot and it was because a met was blocking his breathing passages, so he just had to keep finding a more comfortable position. It reminded me of when I had pneumonia, I imagine he felt the same way with heavy lungs and all.

Not having a lot of experience with it, I can't comment on the prednisone dose, only your vet knows the right amount for him. As for the loss of muscle tone in his face, that part is pretty common with advanced cancer.

I think what it comes down to is following your gut feeling. It's hard to know when the time is right but over and over again people tell us they are glad they made "the" appointment too soon rather than too late. Sometimes if one waits too long things can get really bad, really quick, and that's where really bad grief and heartache sets in for the human. If this helps at all you can read about how we knew when it was time to say goodbye, but have some tissues ready, I know it will be hard to read right now:

Spirit Jerry: How We Knew His Time Had Come

Also, you should check out this "Penny Jar" article that Bo's Mom wrote. It isn't as difficult to read as our experience and it will really help you gauge his good days vs. bad days.

Penny Jars Measure a Dog’s Quality of Life

I hope this helps. Remember you are not alone, we are here for you OK? Join the chat in the evening, you're likely to find folks in there. Or, PM me and we can arrange a time to chat. {{{hugs}}}

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

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 210
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1272
Members: 17848
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18635
Posts: 257067
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG