Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello! Max had his 3 month ampuversary on July 22, 2010 and he was doing awesome. Had his Ice Cream and everything.
He is a 1 1/2 yr old front leg amputee with osteosarcoma, no chemo because of his age.
Last week however, he started laying around a lot. Over the weekend he stopped eating his normal food and didn't want to get up even for the bathroom. Three nights ago he was so agitated and breathing so heavy that none of us could sleep. Two days ago we started him back on Tramadol, for the pain, and called the vet. Last night, we started Gabapentin along with the Tramadol and talked to the doc.
This is the plan of action. Gabapentin, Tramadol and Rimadyl plus some anti-inflammatory/glucosamine called Phycox. The thought behind that is that it could possibly be that he hurt a hind leg and since he can't limp he just won't walk. So we will keep him comfortable and pain free to let it heal up. Of course she said, it could be the cancer in his spine or legs or anywhere for that matter, that to know for sure we would need further testing and x-rays. We do not want to put him thru all that because I feel like if we found out that the result would still be the same and he would just have to suffer more to get there.
Has anyone here gone thru anything like this? I am worried that he has lung mets because of his breathing but would they affect everything else like this? I haven't felt any lumps or anything. The only lump I have noticed is the lump that Mastiffs, well most big dogs, have on the top of their head, it looks a lot larger to me.
The reason I am writing this is the fact that when I left my baby this morning he couldn't get up, he was stuck there just horrifying to not be able to help him. I am wondering if we should keep letting him suffer…… I am so worried that we are torturing our baby.
Thanks guys!
Offline
Wait ... I thought I just replied to this ... did it not post? Augh ... I have to go, but will repost later, I guess. SORRY!
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Was the other place this topic was posted deleted? Along with my post, maybe?? I'll post again later … I am super late now. Augh!
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Oh no... there were no posts on it that is why I thought maybe I put it in the wrong place. I am sorry to make you late!!!
Oh no… there were no posts on it that is why I thought maybe I put it in the wrong place.
Well, I'm confused, but to me this is the right place.
I'm so sorry Max is going through this, I know it's so painful to know that he hurts. Poor baby is so young.
You did good by taking him to the vet though, and now at least you have a good pain management plan. But like the vet said, it could be anything causing it, from something as simple as a sprain to something more serious. If you don't want more tests, you have to be sure you can handle not knowing. That part is difficult, and it can be hard to hide your worry.
We had vowed not to do more tests when I started having breathing problems, but once my pawrents did know what was causing it (mets), that knowledge also brought relief in knowing what to expect (once they could get past the tears).
If you are able to, you can always take him to a specialist (if you aren't already) who might be able to do some assessments without any invasive tests or ones that require anesthesia. It would be a lot better than having a general practitioner vet trying to diagnose it. Just a thought anyhow. But if you're comfortable with your vet, stick to her and see how it goes.
I'm so sorry. Try giving Max some gentle massage when you get home and see if that helps OK? Good luck and keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm just so sorry to hear about Max. It is so heartbreaking that they can't tell us exactly where it hurts! I can't offer any advice since I haven't been through it. But I just want to send my well wishes. I'll keep paws and fingers crossed it's only a sprain or muscle spasm.
Lots of hugs during this difficult time,
Comet's mom
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.
bethieb said:
Oh no… there were no posts on it that is why I thought maybe I put it in the wrong place. I am sorry to make you late!!!
The last thing I wanted was for you to think you made me late … I am sorry. I was just upset, because I was rushed and had written a response that disappeared. When I wrote my response, I did see this topic had been posted twice, and after I wrote my response, I could only find it posted once. Anyway … nothing for you to be sorry over; I was late because I am always running behind and am always late.
First, I would like to point out we were dealing with a different type of cancer than you are, so our experience could not mean a thing. I pray Max has just hurt a remaining leg, and all will be fine soon.
That being said … and I'm sorry to write this and I don't want to scare you … but what you wrote, is pretty much what we experienced in Harley's last couple days. Harley first showed signs of trouble getting up and it was harder for him to hop. Then he became picky with his eating … eating very little his last two days. I, also, noticed that his "bump" on his head was more pronounced. I googled the crap out of this "bump" … which, if I remember right, is called an "intelligence bump". From what I read, it seems the most likely cause is muscle wasting.
So, I hope I didn't scare you. I pray Max has just injured a leg, but when I read about Max's "bump," I wanted to share our story, as we had the "bump" that seemed to grow, as well. After I had read about muscle wasting being the most likely cause, I could then see less muscle tone on Harley in other places. We did not have the heavy, agitated breathing … so Max could definitely be dealing with something entirely different!
You and Max are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you many, many more Ampuversaries to celebrate!!!
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Trust your instincts. We can't tell you anything more than that. My Ruthie was doing so great and then suddenly took a horrible turn...however there other times before when she wasn't doing as well as before and it got better.
You just have to go with your gut and do your best.
I know that's not great advice, but it's the best I got.
Crossed paws,
Angel Ruthie's Mom
I'm so sorry to hear about Max. This cancer is just so unfair - he's just too young to be going through this! It's heartbreaking. I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I really hope that it's only a sprained leg and that's all that it is. As for doing further testing, you have to do what's comfortable for you. If theses pain meds don't seem to be helping in due time, maybe you might reconsider doing more testing. As Jerry said, and it's been my experience too, that having the knowledge of whatever it is that could be causing him pain, can also bring relief to you because you know now what to expect. It's taking it one day at a time, like we all have to do, and keeping the faith. I really really hope that Max gets better soon.
Sending you lots of hugs.
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
I am really sorry to hear about Max. It is hard for all of us, but particularly sad when really young dogs are involved. And I can understand your fears about the best way to deal with his situation now.
Of course none of us can say what his problem is. But there are quite a few cases in which dogs have developed spinal mets, so you can look those up in the archives (search spinal mets; spinal tumor; Jake (two different Jakes); Emily). The dogs that have developed spinal mets have tended to be extremely reluctant to move, and that change seems to develop quickly. Some people have treated their dogs for hip dysplasia but it turned out to be mets, and yes they were probably a bit sad that they had not intervened earlier. But how were they to know.
You might find some useful descriptions about spinal mets or spinal tumors in the archives. I think Emily and Jake the Golden both experienced spinal mets (not 100% sure about Jake). Someone named Sarah had a youngish dog named Jake with a primary spinal tumor. I know that she regretted taking the extra step to get a firm diagnosis because the spinal biopsy seemed to add to his pain. A skilled neurologist had been able to reach the same conclusion simply by evaluating his movement and the spot where he was in pain.
You are doing all you can do in terms of pain management right now. I'd be kind of surprised if he would need those sorts of heavy duty drugs if he just hurt a leg. I guess you might get your best answer (other than pursuing more tests) depending on whether these drugs lift him out of his funk. If it is spinal mets, and I hope not, the mobility seems to be impeded quickly. Heavy breathing and agitation, particularly at night, are pretty normal when a dog is in a lot of pain.
I sure hope the drugs and a bit of time are helping him to improve. When he really loses interest in living, you will probably know by the look in his eyes.
Take care of yourself. You have and are doing everything you can for Max.
Susan
I'm sorry to hear that Max is having a rough time. It's so hard to see our fur-kids not wanting to eat, and having such trouble moving around. The fine line between not letting them suffer and giving it the benefit of the doubt - hoping for the best - is indeed a difficult place to be. I firmly believe, having lost both of my golden retrievers within the past 6 months, that you know beyond a doubt when it is their time to go. If it's something from which they can recover, and it's a matter of time and pain management for healing, then that's what you do. If it's something from which they cannot recover - and it will only get worse - then you have the very difficult decision of determining when to end the fight. Only you and your dog (and your vet) really know that.
My most sincere hopes and prayers are with you that Max comes out of this and celebrates more ampuversaries.
As for the bump - I'm not a vet, so this is a guess, but I know my goldens both had that bump, too - it can certainly become more pronounced when the dogs are dehydrated. I don't know that it actually gets bigger - I think it's more likely that the tissue around the bone structure is losing muscle tone, or is becoming dehydrated.
Tana and Spirit Sophie
Sophie (1998 – 2010)
"Going Dog" def: living every day in the moment
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
–Unknown
Not sure what to say besides sorry for what Max is dealing with. Gus had his surgery April 7,2010, and when we did the first x-ray his lungs were clear, but a follow-up 7 weeks later showed mets. He did good for a while but you could see his endurance wasn't what it was, breathing was a little harder, but it got pretty hot and humid. I did my best to keep him cool but he wanted to outside alot of the time. I think the lump on the head would be from losing muscle mass. Gus had stopped eating on a friday, didn't drink much saturday or sunday and we lost him on monday but he was still walking a little. I can't say this is where Max is at on his journey but I always said I would never let Gus suffer for my sake, but when they dtop eating or drinking that is usually not a good sign. I would talk to your vet for advice. It's a call that sucks, but I think knowing you are doing whats best for Maxs' comfort needs to be your goal. Paws up, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
We are so sorry to report that Max has earned his wings.
Run Free Max, you will be missed.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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