Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We go for our oncology check-up on Tuesday. I was really optimistic - the coughing after eating has stopped, and with the a/c down a bit lower, there is minimal panting. Friday, however, I noticed redness on his lower lip. Pre-cancer I would have said bug bite, or perhaps he burned himself trying to get to a pan my daughter left to cool on the stove. Now, of course, I think the worst. I am even afraid to book a one week vacation first week in August, even though I know he will be well cared for. Hopefully the doctor will set my mind at ease.
Wish us luck!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
This disease really does a number on us, doesn't it? We can't see anything without imagining the worst. I know Nitro has been panting a lot too, and I was quietly freaking out when I remembered "duh, it's like 90 degrees outside". Awhile ago he'd gotten a bump between his toes that I was SURE was a mast cell tumor....it was just a big zit, with bacteria and junk inside that eventually went away. Paws crossed that Otis is A-OK, and you don't have anything else looming on your horizon. Loads of luck coming your way!
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
My mind veers rapidly from feeling reasonably comfortable that cancer is under control and being held at bay to being certain we have lung mets and time is short. A couple of times this week, Pofi cut short exercise - he only went a block on a walk with my husband and then sat down and wanted to head home and then when one of his favorite people in the world came to take them to dog park on Friday evening, she said he wanted to leave relatively soon. But he had been lying outside in the sun and heat for two hours before each time. Yesterday I took them to the dog park and even though it was in the 80's, he romped happily for nearly an hour. So Friday I was feeling doom and gloom and now I am feeling comfortable again.
ALL best thoughts for Otis' visit with the onco vet on Tuesday.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Yep, you've nailed the "worry wart" part of this journey just fine! Absolutely goes with the territory and no e of us are (or were) exempt! You do bet a little more...hmmm.....guess the word woukd be "comfortable" not letting a hiccup escalate in your mind into some raging uncurable disease that no ither dog in the world has except yours!
That bit of redness could be soooooo many simple things...and probably is!
Otis is doing great! I know being in the sun zaps my energy and makes be feel tired. Besides, Otis seems to be ahead of the curve with his energy level anyway! No worries!
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!
Good luck with Otis on his visit to the oncologist. Being a recent parent to a TriPAWD I have yet to experience the abject paranoia that comes with the territory. Not looking forward to that of course but will deal with that when I have to. I'm sure Otis will do just fine!
Keeping fingers, toes and paws crossed here for a great check tomorrow!
xxxooo
Linda, Riley & Spirits Mighty Max & Ollie
Odd... my comment on this post seemed to have disappeared (internet gremlins!!!). Anywhoooo... I totally get the over worrying ... I was the same way! So sending you lots of positive energy for your appt tomorrow!!!
Hugs!
alison with spirit shelby in her heart (and little jasper too)
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
Best of luck!!!! We will be in the same boat soon, sending you so many good vibes!
3-paws and four hands are high fiving ad sending you a ton of well wishes!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Otis had a good check-up today. Although it needs to be confirmed with a radiologist, oncologist said his lungs look clear. The red swelling on his lower lip - wait for the complex medical diagnosis - was "looks like he scraped it on something." They gave us carprofin to use as needed for arthritis pain. Best part of all of it is that I now know that everything I have observed to date is absolutely normal!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR OTIS!!!! 🙂 YAAAAAAAAAY FOR NORMAL!!!! 🙂
I know you are relieved! Otis probably scraped his lip licking the bottom of his food bowl making sure he got every tasty morsel of the good stuff!
Speaking of tasty morsell....wouldn't a scoop of ice cream be a great way to celebw a good check up? It would probably help his lip heal! 🙂
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
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!
YEA Otis!!!!! Good report!
Now give that worry wart Momma a big ole sloppy puppy kiss! You knew everything was good didn't you!
Enjoy your summer, Bandit and Deb
Yes!!! Yea Otis! You must be so glad to have that visit done and huge relief that all is good. Previous to August of last year I lived in my own happy little land of well yea old dogs might get cancer but not a dog that's 5 or 6. Learned really quickly what a fallacy I had believed. I think once you do this journey it remains a part of you forever more. I now find myself watching my "only child Riley" for limps, bumps, lumps or anything that doesn't seem right on a daily basis. It makes us so much more aware of things and ready to think the worst. Of course with a journey as intense as this one is I guess that's to be expected. So so happy for you and your daughter and your fluffy family members! Hooray for Otis!
xxxooo
Linda, Riley & Spirits Mighty Max & Ollie
PS. You had me chuckling at the complex medical diagnosis = scraped it on something
Woot! Woot! YAAAY!
I got a good chuckle out of the complex lip scrape too! Glad anything nasty was ruled out. Isn't it crazy how we worry after a cancer diagnosis?! But like Linda said, it's also about being vigilant, so good for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oncologist just called. Otis' blood work looks great, but the radiologist said there "might" be something visible on one view only. The oncologist said if it exists, it is at the limit of detection. I was given the choice of coming back for more x-Rays in 4 weeks, or staying with the planned 8 weeks. I think I am going to stick with 8 weeks, unless I see some change. By the way, I am wondering if the scrape on his lip was a face plant. Feel horrible for not even thinking about that.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
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