Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My weimaraner Brody had many complications with his battle with osteosarcoma and I wanted to share them:
First in his original diagnosis x ray he had clear lungs but a broken rib. Without doing a very expensive bone scan it could only be determined that is was possibly from old trauma or cancer inside the bone causing it to break. We went ahead with the amputation and chemo although it would be a prognosis of 3 months tops if it was the latter.
The amputation was a success and Brody was healing pretty well, the vet noted how great he was adjusting to three legs. I noticed after a couple of days his (now only) front leg was swelling with fluid. We took him in and it was fluid from the surgery site leaking into his leg. They put in a drain and it went away within in a few days.
About 4 weeks after his surgery I notice a lump on his right back hip (opposite his amputation leg) and he was limping slightly and becoming lethargic. After taking him in they determined that it was a muscle cramp from Brody compensating for life on three legs. He also had a temp of 105 due to either infection or inflammation. He was on antibiotics and sub-q fluids and he recovered very quickly and got around great. After being on muscle relaxers for about 2 weeks the lump went away.
Then just short of two months out from surgery he began finding it uncomfortable to lay down especially on his side and began having a lite cough. We were due for a follow up x ray the next week before chemo #3, but I was concerned and took him in the next day. The cancer filled his lungs and he had a second rib fracture on the other side. It had been inside the bone from the beginning.
I took him home that day and tried to take him outside to walk a little. So many doctors so many complications I just wanted him to do something he enjoyed. It was too much. He was short of breath after the walk over to two houses down and back. He fell onto his bed and was straining to breath.
I noticed that the inside of his mouth was white. No blood flow? I called the doctor and picked up some prednisone to try to help with his breathing I did not want to bring him in. He hated vets, it made him shake in fear (the dramatic weimie that he is) just at the thought. I didn't want to him to be put down there. I knew inside the time was here.
Overnight my husband and I said our goodbyes remembered funny stories of him as a pup and just kept him as comfortable as possible. We had him put to sleep at our home the next morning just two day shy of two months post diagnosis.
I share my story to help others that are going through this roller coaster ride. Knowing now that Brody only had two months I would not change a thing. I did everything in my power to help him fight. He was so strong through all the ups and downs and even until the very end he had a great life and happy spirit.
I of course wish that Brody's story had a different ending but hopefully he can help someone else looking for answers. I would do it all over again.
Thank you so much for sharing. By doing so Brody continues to help others as his spirit is free. Personally, I think it says so much that knowing what you know now, you would still make the same decision. That tells me you made each decision based on what is best for Brody. If we all follow that guideline as we make the tough decisions, there will still be sadness when they are gone, but there won't be regret.
Hugs to you as you continue to heal from your grief.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
We know how hard it is to talk about things like this, and we really hope that writing it down has helped you cope a little better. Thank you. How we wish that everyone could get a chance at a longer life as a tripawd. But like Shanna said, the fact that you don't have regrets says so much about how you view life, and all that Brody taught you. Keep those lessons near and dear in your heart, always dance and rejoice in the same spirit that he did, and you can't go wrong in this world.
Many, many hugs to you. Thank you for sharing and being a part of our community.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for sharing your story. I know that you love Brody very much and always will. Debra
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
I thank you too. It seems that when hit with the diagnosis, one of the struggles is, Is it going to be worth all the pain and trouble and expense if the time is going to be short? Your insight will help others make their decisions. It had to be incredibly difficult for you to write that, but I'm so glad you did. I know it took me three or four days to figure out what I was going to do. I found this site toward the end of that process. Reading other peoples' stories helped me a lot. You're a great example of how "good" can come out of "bad".
Many hugs as you adjust to your changed life.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
cemil said:
It seems that when hit with the diagnosis, one of the struggles is, Is it going to be worth all the pain and trouble and expense if the time is going to be short?
The thing is, there are never any guarantees that pursuing amputation and treatment will or won't be painful. There are odds and statistics and all that stuff, but what it all comes down to is how well do you think your furbaby can handle whatever might come your way? Are you willing to take that gamble? It would be great if we had a crystal ball.
In the end, what humans just have to keep remembering is, to a dog, a day is like a year. We really have no desire to keep track of time. So whatever happens to us in a month or a week or a year, it's all the same to us. We just want to be happy, pain-free, and with our people. Your love and companionship is all that matters.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank You for sharing this story of courage and dedication. My first two standard poodles were litter-mates, and while they really were dedicated to us and not each other, their lives seemed to turn together. Imagine my horror when the both suffered torsion within a month of each other, and ultimately passed away three years later just months apart. It left a canyon of a hole in my life that remains to this day. However, as I said on a page from my website, I will never really be without them, for the gifts that they have given me will live with me forever. This page is dedicated to all who have shared such a "special" experience. I welcome you to visit that page at: http://home.com.....sthere.htm
We applaud you for taking on this battle for Brody. Like you, I battle(d) for the long haul and would not back away even if I knew that it was only for months. Jerry is totally correct that they live for the moment. Cherry has show tremendous courage and desire to fight, because she loves her life and our time together. Can there ever be a more wonderful gift.
Bob and Cherry
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