Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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When I decided against chemotherapy, I knew a few great months in a dog Isabelle's age, was a gift. As we approach 4 months on Friday, the time has slipped by too quickly. I know how incredibly lucky we've been and what wonderful days we've had.
Isabelle is happy, playing, eating & overall looks fine, but I thought I could feel her spleen. It was slightly enlarged for no good reason before her cancer diagnosis. She had an xray today & it was larger than in the past. She's having an ultrasound tomorrow. While I'm torn about the wisdom of all of these diagnostics, I'm equally worried about her having an unknown. friable, splenic mass & leaving her alone for 13 hours twice a week.
Her ALT has been chronically elevated since I adopted her. A liver bx several years ago revealed nothing significant. We thought, it might be due to her Hx of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Today it was slightly more elevated, not alarmingly so, & not anything that would have even been looked twice at six months ago. Now, it too is a concern.
It's hard to imagine, watching her now, chasing the cats over a toy, that everything may change tomorrow. She is everything to me.
This is Isabelle before the gray...but still one of my favorite photos.
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Thanks for the update. Try to follow Isabelle's lead and live for today! She doesn't fear what may come in the future, and the time you do have together will be much more enjoyable if not filled with fret and worry. Carpe Dog! 
PS: Isabelle is beautiful.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Isabelle is lovely. Rene is right, your focus should now be on enjoying each moment. We have all been in your place at one time or another. It is extremely difficult not to allow the fear to overtake the reasoning. My stategy for the most part is to avoid panic until I know exacly what I am dealing with.
Sending lots of good thoughts as you face the ultrasound tomorrow.
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.
hugapitbull said:
Rene is right, your focus should now be on enjoying each moment.
Oh silly Shanna, that was my Dad who said that. But you can feel free to say "Rene is right" any time! 😉
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
littlemanjake said:
It's hard to imagine, watching her now, chasing the cats over a toy, that everything may change tomorrow. She is everything to me.
But remember, nothing changes for Isabelle (what a pretty, pretty girl!). No report from a doctor will affect her outlook, she will still be the same hoppy go lucky cat chaser. Try to follow her lead, and remember that the Way of Dog is the Way to Live.
We send our love for a good report tomorrow. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
First of all, the picture of Isabelle is just precious beyond words. Makes me want to give her a big kiss (and love that collar too!) I know exactly what you're going through. I think about tomorrow too and how it could change in a flash. So will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that Isabelle is just fine and everything will be ok. Fears and worries - that's definitely life in the life of a tripawd parent (it's always something, isn't it?) I like Shanna's words of wisdom:
My stategy for the most part is to avoid panic until I know exacly what I am dealing with.
So keep us posted on Isabelle's ultrasound. We'll be keeping you in our thoughts!
Kami, Mackenzie & Kobe
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, what a beauty! And I love that collar too, soo cute! I agree with everyone, although it's so hard not to worry, try to keep focused on the here and now. I also agree with you that the time goes by so quickly. I went on a 2 week vacation in July, and if I knew then that Sadie would be gone in October, I would have wanted to spend those precious 2 weeks with her. The thing is, while I was gone, she was still with someone who loved her (my husband) and although we can't put our lives on hold, what we can do is make the moments together count.
Sending positive thoughts your way!
Lisa, Ranger and Spirit Sadie
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
jerry said:
hugapitbull said:
Rene is right, your focus should now be on enjoying each moment.
Oh silly Shanna, that was my Dad who said that. But you can feel free to say "Rene is right" any time! 😉
That will teach me to go back and look! I normally can tell by the post whether it is mom or dad, I must have been distracted. Oh well, we all know 'Rene is right'!
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.
Isabelle's ultrasound was unchanged from 4 months ago, except for a slightly increased spleen. It was homogeneous & the radiologist had no explanation, but that sometimes older dogs have splenomegaly without an etiology. The nodules, first seen 4 years ago haven't changed either.
Tomorrow is her 4 month ampuversary. I feel like we've dodged another bullet and am so unbelievably grateful.
Thanks to everyone for your sensible, calming advice. I can't thank you all enough for always having a kind word and taking such an interest in our story, when everyone else has so much more going on at this time.
It is always very unnerving for me to loose all perspective and panic when Isabelle has so much as a snotty nose after digging in the snow...so the opposite of my norm. A little knowledge is sometimes hazardous & a lot can be worse
.
Isabelle was so annoyed with me the other evening for laying all over her, kissing her & generally annoying her...she just couldn't figure out why I kept waking her up.
Wishing you all a Happy, Peaceful Christmas.
Cynthia
Whew! This is some GREAT news to celebrate with!
Now stop hovering, Mom, and go enjoy this great occasion.
Woooo hooo! Hoppy Christmas to you too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Best Christmas present ever! So glad to hear Isabelle had an uneventful checkup. I know you will rest easier now. As I always say (but occasionally have trouble following) "Do not panic until you know for sure what you are facing".
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.
Pawesome news!! You must be so relieved. What a wonderful Christmas present and we are so happy for you! Way to go Isabelle!! Happy 4 Month Ampuversary too!!
Sending you lots of golden hugs in celebration! 
Kami, Mackenzie and Kobe
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!
That's great news Cynthia. I can't imagine a better Christmas gift. My norm is to loose perspective and panic just about everyday it seems 
Happy 4 Month Ampuversary Isabelle.
Merry Christmas,
Brett and Fortis
Wonderful news! Happy Christmas!
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
PS - that picture of Isabelle is pawsome! What a beauty!
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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