Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Yeah, there are no guarantees one way or the other with chemo. Some appear to get extended time without, some do not. Without chemo, some appear to get extended time with it, some do not.
If either of you decide to do chemo, it is something you can stop at anytime if bad side effects happen. Rare that it happens, but we have seen it ln ocassion here.
Whatever decision you make, it has to be one you are comfortable with and can move forward without looking back. You know both know your pups better than anyone. No right or wrong! Every decision is made out of love and that's all that matters!❤
The reasons I did do FOUR rounds of Carboplatin for my Happy Hannah.
1. I knew I could stop at anytime.
2. She enjoy carrides and did not have any stress at all going to the Vet. Always happily went jn with tail wagging.
3. I was quite uncertain at first about what path to take. Knowing how my mind works though, I knew I would second guess myself, spend a lot of time in "what if..." mode. That was then. I've gotten much better at not second guessing any decision no matter what path I take.
4. At the time, I was able to figure out payment.
Many Oncos suggest different number of rounds. Generally four, five or six. No right or wrong at all. Based on my conversation with her Onco, four was proven to be adequate.
Now go hug your pups and watch their tail wags!!!
Oh, and I did keep Hapoy Hannah on pain meds (reduced) for about three weeks. There's no magic as to when to take them off meds. I know many seem to go off them around the two week mark, some even sooner and many beyond the two week mark. Some even stay on a doses for months. It just depen6 on the INDIVIDUAL dog.
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!
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Was glad to hear Chance is getting a little bit of fun back in life. Will be interested to hear how chemo treatment 1 goes. Fingers crossed all well!
Hi just catching up. Happy to hear Chance is doing so well. But being a Lab I knew he would
Brownie also had the Urban Sprawl Bed, and loved it! If one of the the other dogs got on his bed, he would look at me. It was like he was saying, Mom, Sassy is in my Bed!
Brownie would also be restless at times, at night. He would move from his bed to the floor and back to his bed. I have him some CBD treats by Rover's Relief, and they really worked.
I think I read you are in Texas? I'm right outside Houston.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
By the way, Brownie had front left leg amputation. There is another member named Lady. She also had Front left leg amputation, and now Chance. And they are all Labs. How strange.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Thanks Sally for the feedback on the chemo. I have the same reasons why I'm going ahead with the chemo...mostly I just have to know that I'm doing everything possible for him. The Dr is recommending 5 rounds, but like you said, she said I can stop at any time if I feel that it's impacting his quality of life.
After his suture removal last week, I was told he doesn't need the meds (Gabapentin and Tramadol) any more because he's doing so well. Well I've been noticing he's having a hard time getting comfortable at night so maybe he still needs some at least a lower dose. So I've been keeping him on the Gabapentin a couple times a day to see if that helps. I'm also continuing the heat pack 1-2 times a day...he seems to like it. He has pretty much left his incision alone but I've caught him a couple times licking his arm where they had the IV.
So we've started venturing out, although we're pretty much restricted to morning only since the temps have been topping out at 100 - 104 lately! neither one of us want to go out in that! As expected, he's all excited at the beginning of our walk -- either to the mailbox or 5-6 houses down the street, but once we get to about the 5th house he can't decide if he wants to head back or keep going, so we go back and he's a pooped pup! He's still not into the Tornado game but I did pull out some small Tupperware containers and hid food under them on the carpet...he seems to like playing that game. I do need to figure out some other games that will keep his interest as I'm sure he'll get bored with that game.
I need to circle back with the vet on PT still. I'm just so worried about the impact on his joints (especially his remaining right leg/shoulder) with the redistributed weight. There's a vet PT clinic not too far from my house so will likely give them a call. Not sure with all the COVID restrictions if they'd let me come check it out first. Guess we'll have to see.
He's resting comfortably on his Urban Sprawl bed now after our little walk this morning so going to try to get some work done before we venture to the mailbox before it gets too hot!
You've really got a good handle on things and are doing an excellent job of watching over your boy.
I love his "five house" routine. Don't remember if I posted here or so where else, but a member named Otis would take his walk down to the fifth house. He would stop there and lounger around in the yard for a nice relaxing rest. Hos hooman had to explain to the neighbor what was going on. The neighbor enjoyed the visits and would go out to greet him upon his fifth house arrival😎
Yes, it is a lot of effort to walk on three, especially in the heat! Dogs do tire much quicker, that's for sure. But I love that Chance gets so excited to go on his walks, and welcomes getting back in the air conditioning just as much😉
Yeah, a little dose of Gaba before bedtime, and a dose during the day may be what he needs to get over the discomfort.he ,at still be experiencing. Continue with the massages and heat packs. Ueah my Hapoy Hannah never bothered her incision, bit she would lick her leg where they shaved for bloodwork.
Thanks for the update and keep on keepin' on! Good job!
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!
Wow that's some crazy hot weather. Smart of you to head back to the house!
That's great things are going well. I love that you're thinking of new games to keep his attention. I wonder what it is about the Tornado that he's not crazy about?
Yep, PT is an excellent idea! We couldn't agree more. Even if a Tripawd doesn't seem like they need it, it's also about our education as pet parents, we get a lot from it too. And as for the pain medication, yes if you believe he isn't comfortable, let your vet know the next time you chat with them. You know Chance better than anyone else, the vet isn't seeing that behavior at the end of the day so good for you for being so observant.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
After a nice morning walk (before it got unbearably hot!), Chance had his first chemo treatment today. Dr said everything looked good, his creatinine levels were a little high (fairly normal for him and he's on meds) but nothing to worry about. Again, due to COVID, had to drop him off and leave him for a couple hours but brought lil sis, Kenya, with me to pick him up. They both loved the ride! They're both resting now but I'm sure they'll be looking forward to their evening walk.
I think the Dr said that we'll do follow-up Xrays in 6 months(?) to check for any metastasis. I'll have to verify. In the meantime, next couple of weeks he'll have bloodwork done (CBC) to check his white/red blood cells to see if the carboplatin needs to be adjusted. The treatments today doesn't seem to have affected him but they did say IF it does, it may take a couple of days. Fingers crossed he has no reactions!
I think today calls for a little something extra tasty in his dinner tonight! 
Awww good boy Chance! I'm so hoppy the chemo went well. We'll keep our paws crossed for no side effects and meanwhile, heck yes you deserve some tasty side dishes tonight! Enjoy 🙂
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Glad to hear the first chemo went well! We're right there with you. Literally, I think. We had our first chemo yesterday. Like you, I'm kinda just waiting to see if we get through the weekend without the ickies. I told my dad I had pain pills and then the 'puke pills and the poop pills', which I'm hoping not to use.
Fingers crossed.
Happy Thursday everyone! So far so good...no signs of side effects from the chemo. I was so torn this morning though. Teleworking has been great for being able to watch over Chance all day, but computer issues forced me into the office this morning. The fur babies were a bit confused on where mom was going without them...AND they are missing their morning walk.
I just wanted to take the opportunity again to thank everyone for your feedback, recommendations and support! I guess like any support group, talking with those going through (or having gone through) the same situation is comforting and so helpful. So THANK YOU!!
Sandra, Chance and Kenya
Awww Sandra you are so welcome, it's an honor to be here for you all. It's wonderful that Chance is rockin the chemo. We love good news like this!
Sorry you had to go back into the office. Stay safe and keep us posted, we're sending lots of love.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Sandra! It's great that Chance has not shown any side effects from the chemo - Griffin has sailed through 4 rounds (3 of carboplatin and 1 of doxorubicin), so I hope Chance has the same good luck. Please post photos/videos when you can! ~ Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
I'm still working on Chance's blog and have added some photos. I'm going to enlist my nephew to help me this weekend to see if I can get it going with some posts.
Stacy thanks for sharing Griffin's PT blog/exercises. I need to start incorporating more of that into Chance's day. Honestly I think Kenya could benefit as well! I'm still going to look at local PT since they are experts and can advise what is best for Chance. I do worry about his other joints and muscles. He loves his daily walks but I do notice that he's still figuring out his new normal gait. He's very energetic at the beginning of his walk, but halfway through I can tell he's rethinking how far he wants to go! His heart wants to go for miles; his body is telling him otherwise. I just keep telling him...we'll get there!
Great news on Griffin's chemo treatments! So glad to hear he's doing so well with it. Did they switch to the doxorubicin on the last treatment? Just wondering if there's a reason for the switch or just part of the "normal" process. Chance's oncologist is recommending 5 treatments of the carboplatin.
Chance sporting his Ruffwear Gear! We're working on the right fit. The harness shifts down his left side as we walk. I don't want to tighten it too much though!
About 5 days post-op -- Kenya giving her big brother the comfy bed but staying close!
Aw, such sweet photos.❤
Chance is doing very well and certainly looks good and his colorful harness. Maybe on his walks you can find a reason to make him stop in maybe nifff around and then lay down under a shady tree for a ew minutes. Walking on 3 is exhausting and dogs tire much more easily, especially this early on. They can still do the same as before, they just need to rest more in between.
You have a wonderful pack and clearly they are adored. I love that your little Chihuahua likes to ride in the cart too!
Cannot wait to see more pictures and videos. And for goodness sakes, don't worry about the quality of the video, we just want to see there happy experiences.
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!
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