Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I wanted to say how Mac is doing but not do it in my other topics. Basically it just seems like nothing is working or helping and I don't know what to do anymore. We're coming up on 7 weeks post-op and there is no improvement, he just gets worse. The main thing is that he will still barely eat one morsel of food. We have tried all foods and we tried Remeron and that didn't help so he's on prednisone and sucralfate now along with the pepcid and metronidazole for his gi upset. He keeps having diarrhea all over the carpets inside and outside. He's been crying some too and a couple nights ago when he was trying to squat outside he couldn't fully do it so I tried to use my hands under his belly like a sling and he whelped and turned around and bit me, which he's never done. We've started him back on Tramadol but I wonder if it's contributing to the colitis or not. He's just miserable…
The creatinine protein ratio test came back and it's even higher at 15 something. I don't know what else to do for that except keep him on the enalapril.
He has always had a lot of lipomas and even had to have one removed that was the size of a grapefruit a couple years ago and he has had a very large (about 2-3 inches across and an inch high) blood-filled tumor under his armpit since 2007. I've noticed in the past couple of days 3 more lumps under the skin, which seem harder than his regular lipomas, more like lymph nodes, and on top of one of his biggest lipomas now is what appears to be another blood-filled tumor growing. Since he has hemangiosarcoma it could be that on the skin, or it could be a hemangioma like I assume the other larger one is. I don't know. The doctors don't seem too concerned because they say "tumors or not, we have to get him eating first before we worry about them). They say "it probably won't be much longer".
So…I don't know….I know you all have your own worries and problems with your little guys/girls. I've been crying nonstop and just felt like typing. I thought maybe somebody may have some tips or something I haven't thought of.
Oh Jacki, I'm really sorry, this must be so painful for both you and Mac. I wish I had something, anything at all to offer, but I'm afraid all I can give is my love and support, I'm so sorry. There is so much going on with him, I'm not sure where to even begin guessing.
How long as he been on the Pred? Usually it just takes a day to get the appetite going.
Have you made any progress at all with seeing another doctor, a holistic one? Did you try Dr. Marty's clinic? I've heard of so many cases at Smith Ridge where the dog was in really bad shape, they took him to the clinic (or did phone consultations), took an entirely different approach, and the dog made a comeback. I really encourage you to contact them and see how they can work with Mac's current docs.
{{{{{{hugs}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jackie, on top of everything else, I'm sure you are exhausted. The problems Mac has had will just wear you down. I didn't go back through your posts, so forgive me if I repeat things you already know.
Have you tried baby food? I know he has other issues going on, but he needs some calories and it should be pretty mild on the system. I would even try ice cream, oatmeal, anything that is easy to eat, easy to keep down, and will provide some energy for him. Maybe even try a dog food slurry - blended food and milk or formula.
And I really hope I'm not speaking out of turn here, but only you and Mac know when the fight is over. If you are overwhelmed because this decision is weighing on you, know there is no one here who will question that decision. You will find only concern and support here.
I'm sending healing thoughts for Mac and comforting thoughts for you. You are not alone.
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.
Jacki
You should feel free to tell us about Mac. I have been wondering how the old guy has been doing, and was hoping that no news would be pretty good news. Apparently not. The battles with bone cancer are hard enough, and Mac started this whole darn battle with a couple of strikes against him, age and complicating medical issues. But you have done so much for him! Don't get upset if he acted a bit snarly. It is the only way they can tell us to leave them alone.
I wish you all the clarity of mind and heart in figuring out what to do.
Susan and Tazzie 2
Jackiandmac, I just want to tell you that I really feel for you and Mac. I just do not know what to say but be sure we are here for you and Mac. Take Care
Suzanne
It is possible that the blood-filled lumps are hemangiosarcoma mets, but it is true that there is not much to do for those short of surgery. HSA is a very aggressive cancer and could also involve other internal organs. The fact that his protein/creatinine ratio is that high is also not good. Did they ever check his blood pressure?
If he seems painful then there is a chance that his spleen or liver is enlarged so you might want to consider a follow-up xray of the abdomen. I am afraid that you might be getting close to the point where his quality of life is no longer what you want it to be. As hard as it is to consider euthanasia, it is something to think about now. Dogs with HSA can have internal tumors that rupture and bleed suddenly so I would be on the lookout for pale gums, weakness, lethargy.
Pam and Tazzie
Jacqi,
I'm sorry that Mac is doing so poorly and not eating. I know this is so much easier said than done but try not to act to stressed while trying to feed Jake. Is it possible that part of it may be nerves from knowing something is wrong from your vibes? I don't mean to belittle the physical things just that if you are feeling nervous when trying to give him food he may be reacting to that. You might want to try the Brat diet that you use with children when they have diarrhea (banana, rice cereal, applesauce and toast). Can dogs take pediacare? If so, look in the baby food section, it is great for the electrolites when infants have diarrhea so unless they is a reason dogs can't drink it maybe that would at least keep him hydrated. You and Mac continue to be in my prayers.
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.
Oh Jackie, and oh Mac. I'm so sorry to read this. It's so hard to see our loved ones going through such a rough time and it sounds like Mac is really having a time of it. I agree, that you should never feel bad about writing about what's going on with Mac. If nothing else, it helps to write and vent. Also, there are those like me who have nothing much to add(there are so many experts on here-I'm more heart and less expert)-but will keep you in their thoughts and prayers in the hopes that you might have a moment's peace.
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
Dear Jacki and Mac: My heart breaks for you. I remember your kind and empathetic response when I posted a "Help! Overwhelmed!" on Romeo's behalf. I've been wondering how Mac is doing and how you are holding up Jacki. This sounds very tough.
I don't have any expert advice to share---except that Jerry's folks seem to have a good suggestion. I do feel good about the holistic treatment Romeo is receiving. I agree, however, that if Mac isn't eating that seems the most pressing concern. He must be very weak. And the diarrhea stuff must be awful for him (and you). Romeo has had some terrible gi problems in the past and its a helpless feeling to watch them. He's had a couple bad tummy days since becoming a tripawd, and I know its particularly heartbreaking to watch your tripawd have to go and go!
I'm sure Mac felt terrible about biting you.
Mac has such a sweet beautiful face. You are obviously devoted to him. And I know how much he must love you. This must be so hard on both of you. I hope you have a friend who can sit with him so you can get a little sleep.
You are both in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Eve and Romeo
I, too, can't offer anything but support. I'm so sorry things are not going well.
You and Mac are in my thoughts and prayers.
((Hugs))
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
I wish I had something other then support & thoughts to offer you. I hate to see our best friends stuggle, it is heart wrenching. Shilo and I offer our prayers and please never feel bad writing, this place is what gave me strength. It will hopefully give you strength too.
Alisa and Shilo
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.
Dear Jackie & Mac,
sorry to hear what you are going through. I hope you both find a way to communicate and Mac can tell you what he wants done.Fight or release.
It's awful to feel we have put them through this... and that it isn't getting better, but don't forget it was the only chance you had, of having some more quality months. It is awful, that some of us don't get them granted.
Hugs
Cecilia & Spirit Hori
Spirit Horacia, Castaño, Olympia + human family Cecilia, Georg and Julia - - - Hori first diagnosed 8/6/09, ampu 8/12/09, run over the bridge 9/10/09 – We miss you every day dear girl!
Oh Jacki - I'm SOOOO sorry.
This is so not an easy time...the struggles, the decisions, the questions, the uncertainty, the fear of losing our best friend, the pain and sadness...it is very overwheming. Listen to your heart and that voice we all have inside ourselves. Listen to Mac and even though it's never the right time for us, sometimes it's the right time for them...only you and Mac will know when that time is.
We are all here for you.
Love
Heather and Spirit Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Thinking about you today. Hoping you're having a good day.
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.
Thank you all for your kind words and support....it means the world to me.
I'll try to answer your questions. He's been on the prednisone 3 days now but I don't really see much of a difference. I got him to eat some warm bologna today and a few salt-free potato chips, and he hasn't had an accident inside so I am pretty happy. I indeed have tried everything I can think of--baby food, mushed up stuff, mashed potatoes, bananas, cheese, etc to no avail. When I give him all his pills by hand down his throat I've replaced the water I squirt with a water/beef broth mix to get a few calories in. He was just as unhappy today as usual but at least he got some visitors. My sister and her husband and my 17 month old nephew whom I adore visited today and Mac likes to see anything new. My nephew loves dogs so Mac was a good sport when he petted him, and didn't even mind when he pulled his fur a little bit and accidentally fell on him lol....that's about the only nice thing that has happened with Mac since all this happened--he's mellowed out a bunch. My sister kept making comments like "Mac is saying 'let me die'". It pissed me off cause I kept asking her not to say things like that. It's hard to know if Mac is just feeling bad and he'll get a bit better or if it's true and he wants to go. I think I'm going to go ahead and get another ultrasound. I noticed that two of the little lumps I mentioned have become little blood-filled tick-like lumps...which still is hard to determine if it's cancerous or benign. Oh and he doesn't have high blood pressure last we checked.
I guess the reason I haven't called for a holistic consultation yet is money. It's not that I don't think he's worth it...he is, and I can borrow if I need to, but it just seems like if it is indeed the end, another few hundred to be probably told that seems like a waste. I can't know of course if they can help or not so I'm on the fence.
I try hard not to let my emotions rub off at all just in case it would affect how he's feeling and his appetite, but I think we all know that in the darkest times it's damn near impossible not to let some of it get through. I don't cry in front of him. I try to keep it casual but he's smart and when I stroke him saying over and over again how much I love him and need him, I'm sure he can sense something.
I'm trying to fight for him and I'm trying to keep my head up. I really appreciate everything you guys say....so much. I don't know if it's because he reminds me in the face a bit of Mac or of one of my sister's dogs, but everytime I come on here Tazzie's smile cheers me up a little. He's so cute....no offense to the other cuties on here though 
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