Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Glad to hear you are both feeling and doing better today!
It's ok to get tired, both of you....I get growly when I am sick.
Just take things 1 day at a time....1 more mile on the journey.
Dig those heels in! Ty is!
Healing prayers!
You are an AMAZING pawrent, never ever forget that. Your pack is so aware of that, which is why Ty has fought so hard through this battle. Take Sally's wise words to heart, no words have ever been more true. xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I was thinking about you both on my run today ... amazed and in awe of your strength and tenacity! We are all pulling for you BUT you are doing the heavy lifting (literally, I gather). Remember this - like everyone has said, you are an amazing parent and Ty knows it! He's got the great life!!
More healing energy and prayers for you!
XOXOXO
Alison & Shelby
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
Hi Lori
Tuck and I are just checking in to see how Ty and you are doing.
Ty really sounds like he is improving! I'm glad your friends have told you what a great life Ty has had.....because with all of your love and support (and medical expertise and prayers) he will continue to do so 
Hope that both of you got lots of rest last night. One day at a time....with lots of snuggles and treats for both of you.
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker
Well, The stool was an epic failure! He is kind of afraid of it. Does not want to put his foot on it. Vet visit went pretty well. Well after I got him out of the car. He moved way over on the opposite side of the seat and would not move. I finally got him out. Once inside he ran to the exit door 3 times. Once inside the room , he proceeded to jump on me and then try to jump up to sit on the chair beside me. He has not done this since October.His temp was 104
though. They still are not sure if it is infection talking or an immune related Neoplastic issue. Increased the prednisone a bit, but we don't want to encourage infection and he is having muscle wasting. I am trying really hard with the food thing. I purposely did not empty his drain before I went, they are sending what was inside it as well as a swab from the one small remaining open spot on wound to check for any remaining infection. 3 to 5 days again. He is sleeping hard now. He came home went potty, ate, drank observed what I was doing for a bit and decided a nap was in order. Only thing is, he seems to be breathing kind of fast. Hopefully it is just the big day. Appt. was at 11:30 and we did not get home until almost 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.
Well now! This is good news! I see and read JUMPING a lot here. I also read quite a bit of mobility, too! Those movements are something you've not seen for a while. CONGRATS! YEY!
I REALLY like your idea of not draining the drain so they could take another sample. Bravo!!! And adding to that with another swab from another area: BRAVO!!!
Your vet seems to now be on it and doing a great job. It all sounds soooo GOOD!
More eating! More drinking! More movement! More potty! And even a little bit of "monitoring mom in the kitchen" behavior. Bit by bit, Ty is getting better.
Keep monitoring that temp and I'd report it daily or maybe even AM and PM to your vet via phone.
I'm SO happy!!!
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
You did it!!! You both ROCKED today and you made it through the appointment, that is fabulous!
What a day for all of you but especially Ty, who can blame him for taking a long medicinal nap.
Oh as far as the eating issue, I just came across this post in the Dog Cancer Blog, hope it helps:
DogCancer.TV: Cancer Cachexia and Dog Cancer- When Your Dog Won’t Eat
I agree, your vet is really staying on top of this now.
Have a restful night.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
DITTO KATY AND DITTO JERRY!
From "our" perspective...without the exhaustuon and emotional toll of the day.....this is REALLY POSITIVE!!!!
He CAN move with the right motivation...the ver's office!! Jumping up...trying to "escape"...trying to "merge" imself into his momma so no one can see him.....TY has is TYness back.....in short spurts...but it's back!!
I think t was Dr. Pam who said she allows for a little over 103 degree temp. at the vets just because of the stress level.....so 104, while still an i dication je still has some infection...which is a "given" this early on...may not be all that alarming.
Lori, now yoj DO have time to get the proper harmess here.....go to the lonks and see which one is best for Ty.
If he is having muscle issues from lack of mobility, infection, etc., this will at least give you both some relief now.
I'm sure he is breathing jard...he's exhausted from figuring out how he could escape snd fighting off the fear he would jave to spend the night again at "horror hotel"!
Curious whu they ypped his Pred.....he's eating fine on the dose he's on.....is ot for i flammation or to do with the MRSA ?
Really snart idea...yet again...not to do the drain before you went....good thinking kiddo!!!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY TY AND LORI
After he rests up some.....maybe tomorrow...maybe we could get a treag for all of us and see another picture of TY!!! YAAAAAAAY!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Great news from the Ty front! I am happy to read this ... I totally get it - when I brought Shelby to chemo last week and they did her bandage wrong and I tried to send her back, I've never tried to move 23# of solid mass like that before! Brakes on for sure. I am sure he is happy to be home!
This is great news and let's keep the party rolling! Ty is a true fighter!
XO
Alison & Shelby
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
Sally , the increased dose of Pred. Is for inflammation. He ran very few fevers on 20mg twice a day. She did not want to up it too much as he is having muscle wasting. He is losing weight. They are still talking neoplastic syndrome?? Not really sure about that, but we will know infection wise in a few days. I am up and online as we were just out to pee and get our middle of the night snack. ( 2 plates of homemade food) does of that qualify as a snack?) if he continues to eat like he did today, maybe he will gain a few oz by next week:
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.
Sounding better. Come on Ty!
Lori, you are doing an amazing job with Ty. Hang in there, there must be a reward coming soon for both of you!
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
That's a hardy midnight "snack"! But OH SO WORTH IT and DESERVED! YES!!!!!
You know, I was thinking back to when I broke my finger. I wore a cast for weeks. When that cast came off, my arm was so tiny! My muscles, from lack of use, had atrophied. With regular use afterward, they came back.
Hmmm? How long as Ty been laid up? He's not using his body or muscles like he used to. I'd expect that would be enough for him to lose weight and take on a general "wasting away" look. Somehow, though, that must be different to your vet for he/she to bring up "neoplastic syndrome"? Isn't there some more definitive way for them to test for that, such as specific blood tests? Well, if I were you, I wouldn't focus on that.
I'd focus on his appetite and movement! WAHOOO!!!!
However, if he is "wasting away" it may be due to (partially or wholly) to his lack of movement for weeks. To help him out, keep the protein up. Go slowly, don't push it, as that can cause upset tummies and soft poo - which is something you're already dealing with! So maybe wait to add protein to his diet until he's off his antibiotics or at least his poo has firmed? BTW - chicken stock has protein in it! So if you're using that for his Popsicles....yummers! I would think that it's still ideal to keep him quiet and relaxed as he still has a lot of healing to do. But while he's down, give him some Range Of Motion (ROM) exercises. I know Jerry's new book covers this. Treat Ty like he's a 90 year old in a nursing home: keep a schedule, feed healthy and wholesome foods, and keep the limbs moving when appropriate and with support (the canvas bag!). That passive movement will keep things and fluids moving and help maintain his movement...when he's ready and able to move more.
(If your vet says anything to the contrary here or another more skilled and knowledgeable person, such as Bud's mom, I'd listen to them! I'm shooting from the hip - from my own experience with a broken arm which is NOTHING like Ty's cancer and amputation and MRSA . I'm also thinking longer term, about how to preserve, maintain, and regain muscle strength in Ty WHEN he's ready.)
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
He has been up a couple of time alone today. Not eating well though:( It is just getting so difficult emotionally to see him like this. He used to be so active. I am trying to remind myself that he had a huge day yesterday. What do you all do about pain meds? My husband does not think he needs any, I am not so sure. Is there just general pain with this cancer. Obviously the bone pain, but we amputated his leg to take that away. I am just really wondering about his true quality here. Am I doing this because I cannot bear to go in and pts. I think my husband would take him but then I feel guilty because I should be there. I am just stuck in this huge funk about the actual day that I have to do that. Can't seem to get out of it. Will he feel abandoned if I do not go that day? I want to do best by my boy. I have decided, no more surgeries, no more hospital stays. He has had 4 surgeries in as many months and more needle sticks than I can count. I have very little left as far as financial resources , and I want to spend them on things that are going to add to his comfort not cause more pain. I am so afraid that he is wondering why the heck I keep doing this. I know, I am using my human baring here and not my dog one. They want to do an ultrasound next week to see is wound is Neoplastic?? I have to tell them no, it is hundreds of dollars for that. It is hundreds every time I walk through the door. It is causing tension between my husband and I . My kids come over and say they feel sorry for my dog. I feel like no one understands. Sorry I always get on here, but I don't feel able to discuss this anywhere else. It is just like we have a good dy and then a couple of bad ones. A good report a couple of bad ones. We cannot do chemo so all I really have are steroids, pain meds supplements and of course the best and biggest of them all, prayer.
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.
Yes indeedy, you've come to the right place to let it allout kiddo.....keep n purging......we get it and we al do it! I think everyone here would agree, ou're more entitled than anyone right now to urge, vent, scream, stomp your feet.....and then let us help get you back to that STRNG snd cetered woman yo re!
KATY is spot on as usual! Great perspective on handling Ty right now.
TY is doing soooooooo much better!! Again...we can see it!! He has been up n his own!! HUGE!! He's been eating like a piggy! HUGE!! Not feeling hungry all the time is OKAY!! Ty is sooooooo much better than he has been in at least a month plus!! And fairy cnsistenty too!! That is HUGE!!!
Now, let's work n that brilliant mind of yors for a bit, okay? You nailed it...you saidyou were STUCK about the actual day. Well, get your booties n and gra hold to this chain, because we are avout to UNSTICK you and pull you outof that quicksand called funk!!
I'M SERIOUS.....VISUALIZE THIS........you are stuck in a pile of muddy quicksand and solid ground is just within your reach....you reach for it, but you are too tired to grasp it and you sink back nto the "funk"!
NOT ANYMORE MISSY!! We've got this chain so tightly secured (but com fortaby so) thatyou can never sink back to that wasteland ever again. NOBODY knows what the "last day" will look like...so dn't even think you can prepare... it's already out of your hands and now needs to be out of your mind. You are making those "thoughts" real in yor mind and body and yo're "re-living" what has not happened! That ust feel awful and we must STOP that NOW!! Okay?? You're on board with getting that out of your head, right? OKAY!!! 'ATTA girl!! LET'S GET OFF THAT CRA and back to TODAY!
! You are going to leave all those toughts behind and let the quicksand gobble them up forever!! Those thoughts ROB you of your TODAY with Ty!! And that will be a regret that we are all here to make sure you don't have!!
Okay, this chain around your waist is attached to a huge , mo ster size dump truck.....and it's loaded with all of us cheering you on!!! 'Hold tight Niki, we've got you! Hold on! We're pullng you out of that funk up here on solid ground where Ty awaits you!! Ty is wagging his tail as hard as he can! He cannot wait to see you up here FULLY PRESENT BY HIS SIDE NOW!!!"
ONE...TWO...THREE....GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
YOU DID IT!! YOU'RE HERE WITH TY!!! Although you're a bit muddy and stinky and look like a mess...you are a beautiful sight to TY!! He's sooooo glad you're back in the present with him!!! Ty's QUALITY may look different than it did two years ago...yeah, we get that!! But here's one thing for sure......Ty's QUALITY these recent days since he's been home, looks one hell of a lot better than it did two weeks ago!!
Now, before your husband comes home and thinks you've come up with so e kinky mud wrestling party for him tonight, go hose yourself off, take the cains of......hmmmmm.....then again....-go on and greet your husband like that and let us kow what happens...or not!!!
write this with so much love and care for you and Ty.
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Please don't apologize for posting, ever, that's why we are here.
The biggest challenge humans have is living in the past or future. It's easy to do and it worries us sick. First, ground yourself and keep telling yourself, this is Today. Yes, you have to measure his quality of life according to those things he used to enjoy doing, but overall, you also have to keep in mind that he is living with this disease, he isn't dying from it today. There will come a time for that. Is it today? I don't know, only you can answer that. You seem to have a closer relationship with Ty than your husband does. If that's the case, and you want another opinion about his quality of life, ask an unbiased third party like your vet or a good friend to see if they can help.
You've made the decision not to have any more tests done, that is a huge milestone. Stick with it, we are fully in support of whatever you decide. If it makes sense for Ty, that's all that counts.
As for pain meds...Ty will tell you if he's in pain, but not directly. This forum post will help:
I hope this helps. Again, we are always here to listen and hopefully help in some way, never hesitate to post OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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