Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I am going to make myself absolutely insane Googling things so I figured I would just ask what are the symptoms of lung mets getting worse and becoming a problem?
Shelby has lung mets - this we know. She goes for her X-rays tomorrow. Her energy is low but she's always up for being outside, going for a walk, snuggles, food... But she seems aloof and I don't know if this is due to her mets or her low iron (I will ask them, of course).
She coughs, but she's always done that. It doesn't seem like she does it more but I don't know. She breathes extremely loud (I tried to get it on video but she caught me). It sounds like she is congested and breathing like she's stopped up but looking at her, she's breathing through her mouth.
Sometimes when she coughs, it appears that's she hacking up a hairball but nothing comes out nor does she seem to chew/swallow (I think Jerry posted a blog about Jerry's experience and I can't find it now). I would assume that if she coughed something substantial up, she would spit not swallow. She also seems to smack a lot - opening and closing her mouth, but as far as I can tell ,there isn't anything in there that she's eating. More like she's dehydrated but she has plenty of water and knows where it is. Or she's just yawning, a lot.
On our walk tonight, TWICE she lost her footing and stumbled. That, I know, has nothing to do w/the mets but I worry. Once was while she was pooping (or getting ready to) and she just flopped down (I uprighted her before there was a poop situation). it is pretty windy here today but I doubt that would have pushed her over.
What she does not do is 'pant' excessively, pace, have a hard time sitting or laying down ... she is eating like a champ.
While I know the reality of our plight - I need to feel some sense of control knowing what I should look for because when I don't know and I feel upset or anxious, she starts to shake like she's scared and that is NOT me being a good mom. I feel like if I know what I should look for (and I know everyone is different) then I will be able to be the strong pack leader for Shelby.
Thank you for any guidance you can give us ...
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
Dear Alison,
The thing the most difficult for all of us here is always that constant watching for changes. With Snoop we've had good days ,bad days being just not right and then we level out. I have had times really struggling with the uncertainty, and the fear I've felt. Then I've reminded myself I know him, I love him and I'm trying my best for him, I'm listening to my gut about what doesn't feel right. I don't hesitate to call our Dr. I don't think any if us here do any different for our babies.
I think all any of us can do is take one day at a time. It's wonderful to come here for questions and support, it helps because we all understand.
Try to be kind to yourself.....I know when we go for our check ups I'm always more anxious, but as things can change things can also things remain stable.
Will be thinking of you guys tomorrow.
Esther and her Snoop
Ditto Esther and Snoop.
Sometimes when you guys re-state what I already know---...but I'm not "doing what I kow"......and I'm having a hard tme gettng back to that "dog place"...it helps t hear it again.
I can, howevdr address some of your concerns based on my i dividual experience with Happy Hannah. And I'll paraphrse so ething told me......lit's never like they tell youit will be.
We know Happy Hannah has that large thing...won't even give "it" anymore energy than just saying that. She has NO cough, no hack, none of those things.
Now her breathing is very, very noticebly labored...not sure labored is the right word.....short breaths. At this point, she becomes exhausted fairly quickly sometimes.....the last several days even had trouble getting up her ramp.....then the next day, it didn't exhaust her as much. She's still has a sparkle in her eyes, wags her tail, snaps at a cat if it gets too close to her bone, fusses at me if I'm not rubbing her tummy when she wants it! I'm not going to go on...but SHELBYSTRONG is NOT showing symptons this severe...no way shape or form! Her eyes are bright and her will is strong!
A stumble is just a stumble. Tires so etimes?? This dog is THIRTEEN plus, is walking on THREE legs and is taking chemo!! That is DEFINITELY soethingyou can take off your worry list! NOTHING is interfering with ths dog's quality right now and nothing will for a long, long time!
And I respectfuly disagree, whenever it's Shelby's time, I i agineit will be old age-related...as it should be!
Now get out that wine, paint your toenails while your looped and post us a picture and ditch Dr. Google! zhe doesn't know SHELBYSTRONG!! If he did, you could search "Shelby" and it would say UNSTOPPABLE!!
Love you both!
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!
Hi Alison,
Boy, I had the same questions you're asking. I almost wished there was a youtube video showing an example but then again, I wouldn't want to watch it.
Libby was an on and off gagger before all this. When she started doing it on a daily basis, even just once or twice, I figured it was the "cough" even though I would describe it as more of a gag. She never brought anything up but she was doing it more than usual. Nothing else seemed to change, though. She wasn't uncomfortable at night, not restless, etc.
You will have more answers tomorrow, after the xrays. For tonight, try to put it out of your mind (yeah, right) and Be More Dog
. 
Shelby is an amazing dog and she's doing fantastic. So are you!
Amy & Spirit Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Anxious to hear results tomorrow. The loud breathing, Ty is doing that, he coughed the other day, I worried.......I think sometimes we are on super high alert just waiting . It is hard and I think sometimes the closer you get to X-rays and other tests it it so much easier to worry. Shelby looks great, I can only hope to look half as good at 91 
thinking and praying for tomorrow. Lori & Ty ps: I liked the way you used the word WE in my thread. Makes me feel not so alone in all of this.
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.
I think it's harder to focus on the good things that are happening when in the back of your mind you know those evil mets are lurking about, but you've just gotta try as much as you can to celebrate the things that are good and beautiful.
Lung met progression symptoms are all different but in general what we see here is that they range from a deep occasional cough/hack, to spitting up what looks like a blood clot (a met), to just general fatigue, lack of appetite and an unwillingness to do much more than go on a potty walk, if that. The symptoms come on gradually, sometimes they progress rapidly and sometimes they don't. All dogs are different, there is no textbook way that they progress for every dog.
You have a big appointment tomorrow, who can blame you for watching intensely for signs that something is wrong, everyone does it, it's human to ponder the "what ifs." But as you can see, Shelby isn't doing that, she's just making the most out of the good health that she has today. You can do it too, I know it.
Good luck at the appointment, keep us posted!
{{{{hugs}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good morning Alison....and of course, Shelby
Pawsitive thoughts and lots of hugs for you and your gorgeous girl as you head to her appointment with the vet today.
Let us know how everything turns out....looking forward to pics of Shelby rocking her new collar
Linda and Tucker
As Jerry's lung mets progressed, we wrote this post for the Tripawds News blog:
What to expect next …
We also wrote about the new protocol his oncologist prescribed...
Living Life One Day at a Time
Hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thinking of you and Shelby girl today!
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.
Wishing you the best! We'll be waiting for news. xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
thinking about you guys today xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Thank you ALL so much .... I am overwhelmed by the love and support of the Tripawd family! Truly. It's humbling ... thank you and as always, my girl remains, blissfully ignorant that anything is wrong with her (as it should be). We are heading out soon and I'll post as soon as I know something!
Your love fills my heart with such warmth and hope and support and I know that no matter WHAT we hear today, the most important thing is that Shelby still doesn't have a clue .... and she is loving and embracing life to the fullest!
And thank you for the blog links! I searched and searched as I knew I had read them before.
XOXOXO
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
Ahhhhh......the power of love does amazing things......you also give back very nicely Ms. Alison!!
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!
Alison,
Please know that we are thinking of you and sending huge hugs to you and Shelby. Lily sends kisses to Shelby, too!
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
1 Guest(s)
