Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all, ugh I hate writing this. Quick background... my sweet boy Remy (10.5 yr old mini schnauzer) was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in August of 2019. He didn’t show signs of pain, so I didn’t choose to amputate until October 2020. He did great with amputation. He had clear xrays at the end of December. In April 2021 I repeated them and we found 7-8 lung mets. I started him on chlorambucil (low dose chemo) as a last ditch effort. I repeated the xrays a month later (beginning of May) and they had grown, but didn’t appear to have more. Anyway, he still acts just like himself (eating great and wants to play), but his breathing is obviously heavier/more rapid. Sometimes he’ll pant out of nowhere. The anticipatory grief is swallowing me whole. I am single so I am his only caregiver, and he is truly my world. I don’t know how to function without him. I find myself worrying ALL THE TIME. I worry that he’s suffering. I worry that I won’t know when it’s “time”. I worry that I won’t be able to make that call. My brain tries to prepare itself by imagining life without him, but I fight it because I can’t go there. I want to make every single day a good one for him so I try not to get upset around him, but I feel like I’m drowning. Then I feel guilty for making it seem like he’s a burden when he’s anything but. He’s my child. I have friends and family close by, but they don’t understand the way you all do. I would really appreciate some words of wisdom. I’m so sorry that you are all in this boat, too.
We DO understand all the feelings, the concerns, the uncertainty of the tomorrows. We thank you for taking the time to express your fears and worries. I know thst wasnt easy and I know it wasnt easy to hear that adorable Remy has mets.
So hang in tight to us because we are going to help get you in a "better" place so you can thoroughly enjoy every moment with Remy and be fully present with him, okay?
We'll offer a couple of steps to help ease your worries. It IS good news thst no ew mets were found the there didn't seem to be any big changes in the o es he has. It IS good news that Remy is still being his hapoy self and has good quality and is clearly being loved and spoiled!
It sounds like any "symptons" are pretty mild and can definitely be addressed medically for continued comfort and quality. Ask your V.et about Prednisone. If he is having off and on changes in breathing pattern and some panting , Prednisone can he,p. It gets rid of any inflammation in the lungs the mets may be causing, thus helping breathing, etc. Also, a low dose of a pain med can be helpful to maintain quality and comfort.
Now, the next suggestion, while it may make you sad at first to think about, can be quite empowering and free you from some of the worries. You can make plans "generally " in advance for whenever the time may come to research if you have at home euthanasia Vets in your area, or of your regular Vet makes home visits. That frees you up to continue to be fully present with your Remy now.
Usually lungs are not painful per se. So if there is a silver lining, I guess that's it. Generally, not always, dogs become more and more tired. Sometimes the breathing pattern does become more and more labored on a consistent basis...not just sporadically. Some dogs stop eating. In my Happy Hannah's case, she became more and exhausted and any bit of exertion kind of wore her out. She NEVER missed a meal, and never did! For her, when it became apparent she could not lay down comfortably and breathe comfortably and could barely sleep at all, I knew it was time. The scales were starting to tip out of her favor and I didn't want to be faced with a "crisis " situation for her if ai could possibly avoid it. Your regular Vet can help assess Remy periodically to help you determine quality. That way you will have guidance and won feel like you are making the decision all on your own.
What you must focus on now is that Remy is soing pretty darn well eight now. She is not going anywhere anytime soon!! Yes, there is a time to grieve, but not now! Remy is with you NOW and you WILL do whatever it takes to stay fully present with her now.
The one regret people have expressed is "wasting time" with worry and fear when they should have been living in the present t woth their dog. Uou cannot let that piece of crap disease interfere with your time together now. Temy sure isn't!!
For now, it is soooo important to kick those worries to the curb. Right now it's not about how you can "live without" Remy..right now it's about how you can live fully present with Remy right now and how you can make each day the best day evvvver!! How can you spoil him even more? How can you make everyday an adventure with treats and tummy rubs and massages and a bowl of ice cream and a steak ???. No, your love is sooooo strong for Remy you refuse to allow that crap disease to try and rob you of your time together! I believe in you and know you are that strong and that committed to Remy! And he knows it too!
Here's an actual "method" or "aide" to help break the pattern of worry and focus on the power of the present. Put a rubber band on your wrist. Everytime you find your mi d wandering to thoughts that ake you away from the bliss of being with Remy now, zap yourself really hard!! Yep, pull that rubber band back and give yourself a teal stinging zap!. It only takes a few times to gain cl trol of your thoughts and refocus them in a way that empowers you.
We are all here with you, okay? Yoi are not alone!💖 And we would, love, love, love to see some pi of the ways yoj are spoiling Remy😎 Take lots of pictures and be sure you do selfies with you and Remy👌
Extra 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!
Thanks so much, Sally. Your kind words help more than you know.
I asked both my regular and specialty vets about adding steroids to help, but they both brushed it off. I thought that was strange.
I asked my regular vet if he does at-home euthanasia (Remy is my first dog, so I’m new to this process) and he said that he isn’t certified for it, but he does do it. Is that a concern? Do I need to find someone who is certified to do at-home? I’m so scared about the process in general for multiple reasons, but also because Remy is VERY sensitive to sedatives. He gets hyper on them and will walk around, pant, and whine. I just want that day to be peaceful and I’m terrified it won’t be.
It helps to know that I shouldn’t rely on just his eating as an indicator. He does sleep, but acts uncomfortable. If I count his breathing, he takes about 14 breaths in 15 seconds. I know that’s quite rapid. He also seems uncomfortable if I pick him up. I don’t know if that’s due to the lungs or if maybe the cancer has spread elsewhere. It’s so hard to know what is right because he still wags his tail and acts like he wants to play, but is out of breath when he tries. I do not want to keep him here for my sake. Nor do I want to be in a crisis situation. But I just don’t know if it’s too early or not.
I will absolutely try the rubber band trick. Thank you for that idea, and for being a wonderful sounding board. I’m so sorry that you have already been through this with Hannah. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone ever.
I will absolutely include some pictures if I can figure out how to attach them.
Tara if you are online right now, I'm in the Tripawds Chat for a bit. Back in a sec with some feedback.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this tough stage of the disease. It's hard not to worry, we totally understand. We have the burden of knowing where things are headed, and our pets do not. It's a tough place to be in and a heavy responsibility. Right now, you are putting one foot in front of the other, asking good questions, and putting Remy's needs first. You are doing a great job and no dog could ask for more. So here are some thoughts I have:
When the mets were found, what exactly did your vets advise? Did they come up with a plan to keep Remy comfy? As Sally mentioned, the mets aren't painful, but they impact breathing as you've seen and that's the part you can do a little something about. It's surprising that your vets didn't think Pred could help. Around here, in all parts of the states at least, it's pretty standard for oncologists to give it to a dog with advanced lung mets. Pred reduces inflammation and can help with making breathing easier. But because it's a steroid it can also make dogs crazy. So it may or may not be something you want to investigate further, or insist on. I know that in our experience we tried it and had to stop with Jerry, it made him bonkers. However it did help our Wyatt. So you have to decide if it's worth the try.
One type of vet that can help you so much right now is a pet hospice vet. These folks can help you assess Remy's quality of life with an unbiased eye. And they can come up with a treatment plan to keep him comfortable and make sure he has a good quality of life. Then, when it feels like his time is near, they can create the type of farewell at home that you want for him. Our Tripawds Resources pagehas info about pet hospice (scroll down), and you can also check out this blog post about preparing to say goodbye.
Your current vet can help Remy with his transition, and I didn't even know there was such a thing as being certified to do it at home. I think it might be more of a local bureaucratic thing than a skills/qualification thing, so if you want it to be your regular vet, I wouldn't worry but you can ask him what it means to be certified versus not certified.
I'm sorry to cut this short, I have to run out for a few minutes, back later...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, I just wanted to chime in. I said goodbye to my boy one year ad three months ago. I do understand the emotions you are feeling. All I can say is when it's time Remy will tell you in Remy's way. And just remember when Remy does let you know to let them go is the most selfless gift we can give them❤️
But until the time comes, cherish each day)❤️
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
That is so sweet of you Nancy, thank you for sharing.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all for your kind words and advice, I appreciate it so very much.
Honestly, they haven’t really given me guidance as far as keeping him comfortable. They’ve been fairly clear that there isn’t anything they can do from here. I agree, I find it strange that neither vet was on board with steroids. I wouldn’t want him to go crazy, but it’s definitely hard to watch him breathing so heavy/fast. However, he still gets up to greet me when I come home, follows me into the kitchen, goes potty, and still acts alert. But I know his heart and lungs are working overtime. I feel like he’s telling me he’s not ready yet, but his breathing breaks my heart so much that I can’t imagine it’s comfortable for him. This is a miserable situation and I hate that anyone else has had to go through it. 💔
he still gets up to greet me when I come home, follows me into the kitchen, goes potty, and still acts alert
Sounds like Remy is still being Remy👍 Even if there is some discomfort with labored breathing it's not enoigh to stop him from hretting you, being engaged and alert. So sounds like, all things considered, quality is still there.
I would try calling BOTH Vets again, and then go to a third one of need be, to advocate for COMFORT CARE!! And that generally entails Prednisone for inflammation around the mets and a low dose pain med to just sort of take the edge off. To say "nothing can be done" is just not so....especially because we are talking about maintaining comfort. Sure long term use of Prednisone can cause issues, but Happy Hannah's Vet said that there are times when Prednisone can be a "miracle " drug. I've had many dogs on Prednisone thru the years for various issues and have not had any of them shows signs of anxiousness, etc. There may be increased thirst, this more need to pee,, but no biggie. If Remy did have some sort of high strung reaction that some have apparently experienced, you can take him off it.It may or may not help Remy, but it's worth a try.
You're doing a good job of staying focused in the moment and with your Remy.💕
And we DO need pictures of this adorable pup.....hint!!
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!
Hey it's good to hear from you. I'm with Sally, I think that Remy is still having a good quality of life based on what you are describing. And since he doesn't want you to be miserable, it would pay to have a professional hospice vet provide comfort care. I can help find one near you if you'd like, just PM me your location. It would help you feel better about the situation, as sucky as it is. As an example, I know that when my dad's COPD was catching up to him last year, having the hospice team come over and show us the best ways to care for his needs was so very comforting. We felt useful instead of helpless. It didn't change his health situation, but all of us were in a better place with comfort needs being taken care of. I'm betting you will feel the same way with a pet hospice vet on board, and this will put your mind and emotions in a better place so that Remy and you can have good, quality time together.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I contacted my regular vet yesterday but he was less than helpful, which is disappointing. I am waiting to hear back from Lap of Love regarding a hospice consultation. I agree, I think it will make me feel much better to have a professional opinion.
My grandmother passed away from COPD about 2 years ago, and my Mom said the same thing about when she consulted hospice.
In the meantime, if anyone has tips for eating, I'm all ears. Remy has never, ever had trouble eating before (except immediately following his amputation, which was understandable.). He is the least picky dog alive and loves all food, so this is new territory for me. He seems like he wants food and acts interested, but then he turns his head to most things that I offer. Yesterday scrambled eggs worked, today he's not interested. I've tried deli ham (he did like a little of that), carrots, apples, ground turkey, pumpkin, and cheese. Thankfully, he will drink some pedialyte or water if I put it down for him.
I wish I could figure out how to add a photo for you, Sally! I'm usually tech-savvy but this is making me question that. When I click the icon to add a photo, it just asks me for the image source code and I'm clueless. I tried to drag/drop as well, but I don't think that worked.
Thank you both again from the bottom of my heart for helping me not to feel so alone in this. I can't tell you how appreciative I am.
Hey Tara, I'm in the Tripawds Chat for a bit if you want to talk.
Back in a sec with some feedback...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OK, my thoughts...
Thank you for sharing that about your grandma. I'm sorry for your loss.
About your current vet, ugh. You know, pet hospice is such a new thing, and there are still many vets out there who don't see the value. I hope you hear back from Lap of Love soon. They basically started the whole pet hospice movement, I love them to pieces. But I know that Covid is making them really, really busy so if there is another mobile hospice vet in your area I would call them too just in case. And again, if you'd like help, let me know.
As for Remy, we went through the same thing when Jerry's mets became an issue. The good news is, now we know tons of things that can help you help Remy want to eat. We have TONS of appetite and recipe tips for you! Here's our best appetite boosting link in the Tripawds Nutrition blog . Basically,
- Feed him from paper plates. Dogs can smell old food scents even on bowls that got run through the dishwasher.
- Warmed food really gets appetites up
- Use the stinkiest, most novel and yummy foods you can find
- Pick up pills with tweezers, not your hands, when you are mixing them into a treat
- And whatever you do, don't mix pills/medications with his regular food. That will turn him off of eating completely.
- IF all else fails, a prescription called Entyce can help him want to eat
I hope the tips get him eating.
As for photos, here's my usual instructions but if these don't work just email me a couple I"m happy to share them for you.
Sorry your picture didn't show up. This is how adding images to the Forums works.
- Upload pics to a photo sharing site like imgur.com or your own Tripawds blog (https://tripawd...../supporter). Pictures and video have to be hosted (live) somewhere other than in the forums.
- Once the photo is uploaded somewhere, right click and copy the Image URL or just copy the image if you’re on a phone
- Return to your Tripawds Forum post and paste the image URL (or the image itself) in your post. It should automatically appear.
If you’d like help figuring out the process let me know! And give Remy tons of love from us. How is he doing today?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
In the stinky food category, Griffin's oncologist recommended sardines in oil when his appetite was off. A few mashed up sardines sprinkled on top of his food worked really well. Good luck with Remy! 
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
And I'll add liverwurst and tripe to Stacy's stinky food list.
And the other thing about Prednisone is that it often increases appetite. So sorry your hitting brick walls on some possible comfort options. Also, sounds like Remy may be showing signs of nausea Hopefully a consult with a Hospice Vet can help you make pregress in that area. Cerenia is is often helpful.
Hope you can get the picture posting figured out. Took me mo ths before I could figure it out! You can PM me and I'll send you my email so you can send me some Remy pictures I can post for you.
Tive that sweet Remy a big smooch and a couple of butt scratches for me!
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!
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