Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So a little about Kara. She was diagnosed 1 year and 7 months ago with bone cancer. After amputation of front left leg, she recovered amazing and we went on with our life. Time flew by and before I realized it she had outlived almost every expectation. I started getting chest x-rays every 3 months about 9 months ago to monitor lung tumors. We have had some scares, but antibiotics usually fix her back up. She had a upper respiratory infection 2 weeks ago and her urine was dark red, ( not fresh blood looking). So we got her on IV fluids for 2 days and shots of two types of antibiotics, and more antibiotics pills to take at home, well last Friday I was off work and when I got home I noticed her back left leg was kicked out at an odd angle. So I rush her to the vet. We do x-rays of the leg because the vet said it feels ok. All they really can say is it’s a side effect of the cancer. She basically has arthritis bad and her bones are thickening ( bone inflammation). So I bring her back home and she is still on Antibiotics, now taking steroids, and 200 mg gabapentin. Last night she woke me up a couple of times whining but it wasn’t that bad. Tonight I get home she meats me at the door, she is still not putting any weight on her left rear leg. We go outside and she is good, hopping around and following me around. We come inside and she starts to whine a little and it’s time for her evening meds. So I fix her dinner and slip her the medication. She has absolutely been inconsolable since then. Panting loud, whining, and constantly rolling around like she is uncomfortable. She has been on these meds before and been fine. Is there anything I might have have that I could give her? I’ve messaged her vet, but not heard back from her yet.
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First ,of all, it's. wonderful to hear how Kara has been kicking butt all this time! Good job!
Guess I have more questions than answers at this point.
How specifically did the Bet determine the leg issue was a "side effect" of cancer. Not sure how a "contorted" leg equates to a "side effect". What does the Bet suggest to "treat" that condition?
Is the antibiotic for the respiratory, as well as the Prednisone? What was the cause of blood in the urine?
So0 the Bet rules out any cruciate knee injuries?
It sounds like rhe leg is the biggest cause of pain. What meds did the Vet prescribe? Confinement for awhile?
If at all poss, I would have Kara evaluated by a Rehab Specialist AND a second opinion Vet.
Sorry Im6 not much help. I know it's so upsetting seeing your sweet Kara so miserable. Hopefully your Bet will get back to you soon.
Jist ine other quick thought since this happened after her dinner. Is her tummy bloated or swollen at all?
Sending extra 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!
The vet said the she was not putting pressure on her left leg because she was in pain. So the odd angle I saw, was just Kara keeping it off the ground and not putting pressure on it. And she is in pain because of the bone thickening ( based on x-rays). You can see almost a new layer of bone enveloping her leg bone. The left rear leg has continued to keep her in pain and she is drawing it up more and more. No treatment beyond pain management ( Gabapentin) for the leg. The Antibiotics are from the upper respiratory infection and vet wants to keep her on antibiotics. In January all her ankles swelled and she was in pain that’s when I first got prednisone and gabapentin meds. Over time I had weened her off the prednisone almost completely and we Stopped the gabapentin meds because she wasn’t in pain. When I saw a foot looking swollen I would give her a small dose of prednisone. So when she got the upper-respiratory infection I had to stop the prednisone because you can’t take them and the high doses of antibiotics and anti- inflammatory med’s they prescribed. So it was last Friday when the leg went bad, and i took her that day before they closed and had x-rays done. I already had an appointment for Monday to look at her urine. So I took her and we ran a bunch of test. No definite answers, but it was clearing up and I got more antibiotics that help bladder infections more. So we finally finished the anti-inflammatory meds a few days ago and the vet said it’s now safe to put her back on the prednisone.
Geez, what an ordeal! Maybe getting back on the Pred will help. Anything for the arthritis like Adequan injections? The bone thickening....maybe someone else can give more jnsight .
I see your on here now. Is she settling down since uour first post ?
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!
Still panting a lot, not whining as much as long as I’m rubbing her. But this started 5 hours ago 🥺.
So she's settled in a little with your reassuing rubs. You, on the other hand are exhausted! As much as you don't want to, If you think a trip to the ER is needed..........this could be so many things. Maybe they could at least tell you over the phone if more pain meds could help...or hurt
I'm just do sorry you are dealing with this and wish I could help, but the ER may be your best bet.
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!
Oh my gosh how is she doing now? I hope things are better, you both must be so exhausted.
When the vet said "thickening of the bones," did they give you a diagnosis of hypertropic osteopathy (HO)? I think that's what you are describing?
Anytime you are in doubt about what a vet suggests, there is no harm in getting another opinion. Yeah, a hassle for sure but it could put your mind at ease. If you can see your regular vet that's probably best since they know Kara's entire case.
Let us know how today goes OK? I'll check back later.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I hope Kara and you are feeling a bit better by now ...
I would absolutely second the second opinion and the "Adequan" injection suggestion, if you think you're dealing with arthritis. Although expensive, It absolutely helped my guy. He went from being unable to stand up from his bed, to learning how to position himself into a sit and then straightening out that back leg to stand up. I was honestly 100% blown away, especially because I had heard that it isn't effective in many dogs..
I took her in at noon and the vet agreed that we could keep throwing more pain meds at her, but what was her quality of life. She was unable to walk and you could just see it in her eyes. She was tired and hurting. So I cried and loved on her and took pictures and let her go. She is now watching over me in a completely healthy boxer body. She is the shining example at my little vet that statistics don’t always matter. I year and 7 months since diagnosed with bone cancer. That was a hell of a run considering we only did the amputation, no chemo. Fly High Pretty Girl!!!
Awwww... I am soo sorry for your loss!!! Kara kick-osteo for a long time, what an amazing story.... I am soo happy that you were able to have extra time for experiences, memories, love and closure.
Your decision, today was the greatest gift of love and compassion. She has been set free of her physical body to run free and be 100% healthy Kara. I hope that you're able to find peace and find joy in the life you shared together.
I send my condolences to you and your family... my thoughts are with you!
I am so very sorry, you have my sincere condolences. What an unexpected turn.
Our hearts all grieve when we lose a member here, and all of us are lighting a candle in our hearts for your dear Kara. She DID have quite a run! And I'm sure it was all your love and attention that made it a beautiful time for you both.
When you feel up to it, we would enjoy getting to know here better in Coping with Loss if you feel up to it. If not, that's OK too. Whatever feels right to you.
Kara was one tough girl, her fighting spirit will always be here to inspire others who look for hope during a very tough time. Thank you for allowing us to be part of her journey.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just breaks my heart to read this. Kara, and you fought soooo hard You two showed everyone in this journey what's possible against all odds. Kara got so much quality time because of your devotion and commitment to her well being. It's never enough time though. Never.
You gave her the most selfless gift of love today by helping her shed the earth clothes that no longer serve her. She told you she was ready and she knew you loved her enough to listen. I know last night was rough. But I also know she was so comforted to have you by her side rubbing her. She was absorbing uour eternal ,loving energy to take with her as she headed to the Bridge, whole, healthy and so fit!
Please share more about Kara qhen you can. Her avatar pocture alwaus made me smile. So much gentleness, yet so much strength in that smoochable mug. You can just tell she has so much personality! We really would love to hear about everything that made Kara so special❤ And make no mistake avoutnit, Kara was indeed very, very special.
Pay attention. Kara will send you a sign to let you know she's still present with you, just in energy form.
We are all surrounding you with our love and with Kara's eternal love and light.
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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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