Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well, Henri is going to town on his skin. Poor thing has about 4 really bad spots where he has chewed himself raw and there is NO HAIR there anymore….he has always had skin allergies but they seem worse this year. I made an appointment with our local Vet for tomorrow.
Has anyone else had this issue lately? Not sure what works the best….I know he is uncomfortable. Also…something VERY very strange…
Henri has always had a pink belly…well, I have noticed a change in the skin color on his belly….it has turned dark grey….and is blotchy.
Not sure what this is from….guess I will ask tomorrow but I find it strange….would chemo do that? He only had one blast of doxorubicin and then he is now on Metronomic therapy….
I think something is going on with his right back leg also…praying he is ok…will have to get that checked out too. I do feel a lump…and it is hard for me to tell whether it is similar to the lypomas or if it is more in the bone? NOT GOOD…but I am not jumping to conclusions until I get more info….just worries me.
Will update my blog after tomorrows Vet visit!
Wendy & Henri!
Hi Wendi and Henry!
I have no answers, but it is good that you are taking Henri to the vet to get checked, for everything you mention - the skin, lump and leg. I suppose if his immune system is compromised by the chemo, his allergies might be worse (just a guess). Where did they administer the doxy? Was it in one of the hind legs? There can be complications if the doxy slips outside the vein, but I think those kind of problems would have happened right after the chemo, not now. What is the issue with the hind leg that makes you think something is going on?
Hopefully they can aspirate the lump and send it to a pathology lab to get some idea what it might be. I wish you all the best tomorrow. He will probably be fine - no point in making things worse by worrying, right Henri?!
Let us know once you get home, okay?!?
Wendi, You have a friend in misery here. We've fought allergies with Trouble since she was a pippy. So far, knock on wood, we're in pretty good shape, but I have started her on a round of prednisone to keep her comfortable and to keep her from licking her only front paw raw.
A friend introduced us to Vet's Best Hot Spot Spray, it is a natural product whose active ingredient is tea tree oil. Seems to ease the itch considerably. Also she has the blotchy grey spots, she's had them a long time (years) so I just accepted they were part of the allergy reaction.
Be sure to check with your vet about anything you decide to try. You don't want to change anything that could cause unexpected side effects.
Henri, don't chew your skin – you're much too pretty to have big red bald spots! Trouble sends lots of sympathy and hopes for a short itchy season.
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.
Boy I wish I had a reason for Magic to chew at himself...but he has always licked spots on himself...there is a name for it too. Not hot spots either...he will just pick a place and lick...If you stop him he will lick the carpet....
Wendi & Henri,
Oh gosh that's awful, poor guy! If you have any witch hazel around, it's a soothing tonic you can apply with a cotton ball. Not really an answer but it can help him feel better till you see the vet.
Allergies are pretty common. Captain Jack started a conversation about allergies a while back. Shanna, we're so glad that you jumped in and said that Trouble (the allergy queen) has those spots too, that's good to know.
I wish I had more advice but all I can say is hang in there and like you said, try not to jump to anything till you see the vet OK? Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We are sending healing, positive thoughts to you, Henri! We hope your visit at the vets today went well.
Sending 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
Hey Henri,
You keep your mom on her toes, that's for sure!
I can only offer up the advice of benedryl for allergies. But your vet will give you the best info. As far as the belly issue, Comet's was the same way and turned colors with blotches. I asked the vet and he told me it is perfectly normal when they age.
Age spots! (I got a few, too!)
But be sure to ask the vet about it to ease your mind.
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.
Yeah, Jack would chew his little paws into oblivion. We had to contantly watch him for a while because he would make himself bleed, and now he has 2 scars where his favorite spot to chew are. The vet put him on Hydroxyzine (sp?) which helped with the constant licking and biting. She also switched him over to an allergy diet. I've been bad about giving him his pills the past couple days, and last night he kept me awake with his non-stop lick fest on the bed!!! Poor guy 🙁 I hope Henri gets to feeling better!!! It's no fun to be itchy 😛
What I have discovered is that Trouble becomes immune to the different antihistamines. She will respond really well for a while and then gradually it looses it's effectiveness. Be sure you consult your vet, but you can use benedryl, claritin, and one other over the counter I can't think of right now as well as the hydroxizine. Also for us frequent baths help, but that isn't an easy task anymore for us. Our shower has tile steps leading up to it and the first bath after the amputation Trouble took a nose dive with the wet feet and tile…grr. Now I can't get her up there. She goes to the vet for a spa day – bath and nail trim.
We've been on special diet for so long, I don't even think to mention it anymore. Single carb, single protein (uncommon source – duck, venison, kangaroo, lamb seems to be ok) no corn.
Vets+Best also makes a supplement, Vita Derm, for shedding and itching I've been giving to both dogs. It is basically fish oils & omega oils. I figured it was good for the immune system as well as the skin and Trouble tollerates it well, so I've had them on it since the first dusting of pollen outside. I am very hesitant to try anything with Trouble, her allergy reaction can be so bad. It's really odd, but since her chemo, she seems to be a little less reactive that before – maybe just my imagination…
On the Rx front, there is a cortisone spray that seems to speed healing, you may want to ask for.
Oh, we also have a pair of musher bootsies I purchased in Alaska. They are fleece, and if she can't leave her foot alone, I put one on her. I think that covers the high points of our experiences.
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.
Wolfie doesn't have allergies, but every once in a while he'll chew/lick himself a nice, oozing red area... I use a mixture of witch hazel with liquid hydrocortisone. The witch hazel is great for drying oozing wounds, and the hydrocortisone for the itching/inflammation. That does the trick for him...
But, always check with your vet before using any over the counter products, especially since Henri is on chemo. Good luck with your vet visit today... Hopefully they will be able to address all your worries. Keep us posted!!
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!
[Image Can Not Be Found]Derma-Ionx™ Skin Care for Dogs is another option to consider. Here is what VetIonx has to say about this product ...
When it comes to canine skin problems, many veterinarians are now recognizing the need for holistic treatment. Unlike chemical products which actually compromise your dog’s immune system, and even make your dog’s skin worse, Derma-IonX™ works with your dog’s body to help the skin repair and strengthen itself naturally.
Your dog can take Derma-IonX™ as easily as drinking water.
Derma-Ionx™ is a liquid-based, proprietary homeopathic/oligotherapeutic complex formulated for superior, natural pet skin care. Our unique approach utilizes a multi-directional process to safely relieve skin conditions in dogs and to naturally support a healthy lifestyle marked by beautiful, strong and healthy skin.
Derma-IonX™ is formulated to safely and naturally treat dog skin conditions, including wounds, rashes, hot spots, hives, eczema and psoriasis. Derma-IonX™ can also help supplement your dog’s diet with the organic nutrients your dog may be missing as a result of modern lifestyles.
Tripawds members can save on Derma-Ionx™ with coupon code: NN10
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
One of the best ways to control allergies is by frequent bathing, since it is contact with the allergen (spores, pollen, mold) that causes the allergic reaction. If your dog is itchy with no sores then an aloe/oatmeal combo is best. If your dog has little red bumps or scabs then use chlorhexidine. If your dog is oily/yeasty with lots of black or thickened skin then you need a shampoo with an antifungal such as ketoconazole or miconazole. Wash the dog and leave the suds on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. It is a pain but baths must be done every 1-2 weeks to be effective. My French Mastiff Loki weighs 150# so we have to hook up the hose in the laundry room and wash him on the lower deck. He hates it! If I slack off on the baths then his bumps will return. He is also on Evo Herring and gets an allergy vaccine every 3 weeks. Antihistamines do not seem to help him and I have avoided steroids so far.
The pollen is really bad this year.
Pam
tazziedog said:
If your dog has little red bumps or scabs then use chlorhexidine.
Here are a few resources we found for Chlorhexidine dog wipes, spray and shampoo...
tazziedog said:
If your dog is oily/yeasty with lots of black or thickened skin then you
need a shampoo with an antifungal such as ketoconazole or miconazole.
And here are some antigungal products we found ...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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