Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello.
I've been lurking on this site for the past few days. Our Django greyhound was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his front left leg a couple of weeks ago. He's a big boy, 36kg, is that something like 80lb? Initially we and the vet didn't think he'd be a good candidate for amputation, due to his size, but here we are, 5 days post op. He did really well when we first had him home at the end of last week, I think he was happy to have the bad leg gone. But over the weekend he went off his food, and we've had a hard time trying to get any of his pain relief or antibiotics in him. He vomited a couple of times yesterday, and peed in the house (which he never does...), and I ended up calling the vet out because he seemed so out of sorts. By the time she got here, he was perfectly calm, and I felt a bit silly... But this morning he had his post-op check up, along with bloods and urinalysis ahead of chemo, and now we know that his kidneys are failing. The vet did an ultrasound this morning and they don't look good at all, apparently there are holes, and something that looks like it could be another tumour. Now I'm wondering why we didn't look at this before the amputation surgery.... He's at the vet's all afternoon, on fluids, and we're scheduled to pick him up at 7 (UK time).... but they tell me it's a very "guarded prognosis"... I don't know if he'll be coming home or not, or if the kindest thing to do is to say goodbye... I'm totally distraught that this is happening, after all he's been through... Is it possible the the fluids will help him turn a corner, or is this it..?
Any advice / support gratefully received.
Ann I am so sorry about Django. Not sure why this wasn’t caught before surgery, it really depends on the diagnostic tests that were done. I’m not much help with this situation, I don’t have any experience with kidney issues so one of our members who does should be able to chime in.
Meanwhile, just wanted to say welcome. You have a strong boy there and he has everything on his side to pull through. We are cheering him on across the pond!
Sorry you are going through such a hard time and I hope that things get better today, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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Just want you to know we are all sending out lots of healing energy to yoir Django. The fact that, up to this point, he is doing so well right after recovery is remarkable. That bum leg must jave been quite painful.
Fluids can indeed help!!!!! I've seen it with my dogs! I've been owned by a dog who had failing kidneys and fluids were very helpful. If I recall, I think he had fluids for 24 hrs and then I gave SubQ at home. This is a different scenario because the kidney issue was the result of aging as opposed to a tumor . Regardless, I would think the fluids could help!. So be sure and ask yoir Vet about taking fluids home.
The Vet could show you how to do the fluids SubQ (very easily done under the skin), or, they could leave the ...hmmm...think it's called a "port".....in so you can continue to give IV fluids for a bit longer.
I'm sure blood work was done prior to surgery and have no idea how this showed up just now. I certainly would ask about the results prior to surgery. Maybe it's something that just didn't shown up on regular blood test??? Have no clue.
So give the fluids some time to work....ask about special food....and ask about any possible treatment to shrink the tumor. Piroxicam is a pill used here that some times helps.. I know usually a prescription food is used with kidney issues.
Yes, I would certainly think the fluids, etc could make a difference! He may have some pee accidents for awhile, but I doubt there is any pain involved. Of course, he may still have some pain from the surgery, so hopefully you are still able to give him his pain meds.
Please keep us posted!! We're all hoping to get things turned around for your sweet Django ❤
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too
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!
I hope you've gotten better news about Django. My dog has had bad kidneys for about a year. A few simple things help them do less work and ease the strain on them. 1. You should immediately put him on a prescription kidney diet. I have found that the Hills kd is better than the Royal Canin renal with my dog.
2. Only give him treats with low protein and NO phosphorous and NO potassium.
3. Use only filtered water. You can add about 1/4 part of distilled water to lessen the minerals in the water, but don't just use distilled. They still need some of the minerals from filtered water and distilled only is very dry and causes them to drink more.
Also: kidney failure is usually accompanied by high blood pressure. My dog is on amlodipine to control blood pressure.
These things should help relieve the strain on the kidneys. As far as the tumor goes, that needs to be addressed separately. Perhaps radiation?
Good luck. We're sending lots of prayers and good vibes. ❤
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