Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Pete has some very creative humans!
Glad all the plans for after care are working out so nicely!
We are all right here for support, so keep is posted!
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!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Dobies! Welcome to the family, sorry you have to be here. My Dobe, Nitro, lost his right front leg in June 2014 to osteo. He's still with us, and doing well. And yes, I've got worrying and stressing over him down to a science. Sounds like Pete is doing great, we had a much rougher recovery. He was 8 1/2 at the time of surgery, and will be 11 years old on Halloween, so for an old guy, he's amazing. We were fortunate enought between the two of us to be home with him for 3 weeks. And even then I was a wreck going back to work. Keep in touch, I'm happy to answer any questions, as is everyone here at this wonderful site.
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
Okay - because life is not every boring with Pete...
Pete has idieopathic epilepsy. The first seizure was December 2015. They usually happen about once a month. I have checked everything from moon phases, tides, food, and all other medical options, and the vets say that there is no reason for them.
We have been six weeks without a seizure. He is not on meds because the seizures last for about 10-15 seconds and he rallies quickly. They are grand mal seizures - drooling, collapsing, urinating, totally out of it (but not passing out), slamming head on the ground, vocalizing)...we keep him stable and tell him he is okay and wait for him to "come back" to us. Then, we clean him up and move on. We have not had a cluster seizure situation.
The vet gave us Valium (diazepam?) for post seizures, but Pete is so quick to get back to normal, so we do not medicate him.
Well, at 4:45 am this morning, Sweet Pete had a seizure. It was his first post-op, so the poor boy was just a bit of a mess. Thankfully, he was laying in bed, so he did not fall on a hard surface. (Everything we have is encased in waterproof covering so that makes for easy clean up). He ate breakfast fell back asleep, and has been fine and mellow since the episode.
Does anyone else here have a tripawd with seizures that are not related to cancer? (we have asked every vet and they have said the two are mutually exclusive). Any thoughts?
We are thirteen days post op, waiting on the biopsy, and I am a wreck. I started the "stinkin thinkin" - what if this is a brain tumor? what if he hurts himself while seizing? is this the cancer? we haven't even seen the stupid oncologist!"...I am sure you can all relate.
Today is just a day when I want a break for my boy - he does not deserve this...any of this...thanks for listening.
Jen and Sweet Pete
Phillmar Spiderman (aka Peter),
Black and Tan Doberman, diagnosed 29 August 2016 with osteosarcoma, front left leg amputated 31 August 2016, chemo (carboplatin) administered 16 September, 11 October...earned his wings 31 October 2016 at 6:15 pm CST.
Sorry to hear about the seizures...my sister's German short hair has them and is on phenobarbital to control them. That is all I know about seizures, sorry. We CAN all relate to over-thinking, it's what we do best. Just sending emotional support, as I have no knowledge to share. Good luck, we're here for you.
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
I'm sorry you have been dealing with seizures...Pete does deserve a break!
My quad-pug Tani had secondary epilepsy, in her case caused by hydrocephalus, she was diagnosed around two years old when her seizures started. Tani also had proprioception deficits in her feet because I assume because of the brain injury- that's when you turn a dog's paw under while they are standing- normal dogs will immediately correct and put their pads back on the ground. Tani would leave her foot knuckled under for a couple to a few seconds depending on which leg/foot we were checking.
After the first seizure the vet put her on Valium. She went one night without a seizure then had them two or three nights in a row. After the testing that revealed the hydrocephalus she was put on phenobarb which she took for the rest of her life. The seizures I saw were always at night. She did have a few during the day when I wasn't home, the only way I would know is that there would be pee in one of the dog beds- and she would seem a bit tired as well for a day or so.
I know it's hard not to go to the worst case scenario- the cancer diagnosis makes us do that. I would start a journal or log of his behavior and activity and see if you can detect when a seizure is coming. Sometimes they are extra tired or you will see a stumble. Yeah, I know... sounds like a new Tripawd! Tani would sometimes go on what I called a 'little vacation'. They were little siezures where she would be looking at me and then her eyes would go 'away' for a few seconds. Sometimes she would wobble a little. The she would pop back and be really happy to see me...like I had been gone awhile. She usually had a big seizure that same night. Of course I didn't always see the 'little vacation' and she didn't always have a big seizure.
I would think that if Pete had a brain tumor the seizures would be getting worse and/or more frequent and he might exhibit other issues associate with brain trauma or injury like ataxia or deficits in his limbs.
When is your oncology appointment? You need to find out what the chances are that the cancer would have gone to the brain (very little I think) and come up with a plan to address the seizures if necessary.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Karen - thank you for your reply.
Pete has always "knuckled" on one side. His breeder did not show him because he "flipped his foot" and that would have not been popular in the ring. Some vets thought he had Wobblers. We were actually ruling out Wobblers when we found the cancer.
The seizures started in December 2015. No rhyme or reason to them.
I have charted his seizures since the first one. They mostly happen in the morning (usually from 6:45 am to 8:00 am and concentrated around 7:15-7:40 am), with three exceptions (2 am, 4:45 am, and 10:05 am). This morning was the first time I think I saw it coming but was not awake enough to figure it out. I think Pete knew something was up, as he found a spot to sit down and was looking around a bit oddly. (I am reflecting on the morning's seizure).
We added supplements to his diet in July, and he had been pretty quiet through August.
When I asked the regular vet, the second opinion vet, the acupuncturist, and the surgeon, all said they were not related to the cancer and it was not a brain tumor. We checked thyroid panels with Michigan State, ran a lot of blood tests, and had him observed...nothing.
We see the oncologist on Monday, September 19. I have a list of questions to ask. The seizure stuff is part of it.
The vets and I were debating about meds. Since the seizures were short and there was about a month between them, it seemed like the meds were unnecessary. But, he now has other things on his plate (and one less leg), so perhaps it is time we find something to help him with this situation.
Again, that you, and thanks to all of you guys - I do not feel so alone.
Jen and Sweet Pete
Phillmar Spiderman (aka Peter),
Black and Tan Doberman, diagnosed 29 August 2016 with osteosarcoma, front left leg amputated 31 August 2016, chemo (carboplatin) administered 16 September, 11 October...earned his wings 31 October 2016 at 6:15 pm CST.
YOU ARE. IT ALONE!! It's hard ro believe all this will get sorted out, but it will!
Certainly not a vet, but like Karen, I doubt this has anything to do with that stupid piece of crap disease. You certainly have done an excellent job of leaving no stone unturned trying to figure out the underlying cause, etc. Whatever "it"'is, it seems very manageable and may still not need medication for now...........maybe not ever!
It stinks that it happend during the recovery! At least Pete has enough pain medicine in him he probably didn't even notice he had the episode!
We all tend to focus on what's wrong and forget to replace that with focusing on what's right! Pete is getting through his recovery fairly flawlessly and is getting closer and closer to having his sparkle come back! Pete no longer has a leg that hurts and he is pain free......okay.....the surgery may hurt a little bit!
Just an unprofessional opinion, just because he has three legs as opposed to four, shouldn't increase the risk for bei g hurt anymore then it did before. It also seems Pete can sense it coming and knows to sit down. Clearly Pete is a very smart boy!
Okay, no more "stinkin' thinkin'! As far as the episodes, nothings really changed and it's still just "one of those unexplained things", so nothing new there. Try and just focus on getting through the recovery, which you are already doing very well, and get on to living life to the fullest!! All Ete cares abput is all that extra spoiling he is going to get because you love him of course...AND.....because it's impossible NOT to spoil a trilawd!!
Leading up to the amputation and now dealing with the recovery can be soooo intense....soooo exhausted...soooo scary! Follow Pete's lead...he's gonna be just fine!
Oh...and eat lots of CHOCOLATE...it annihilates stress!!
Love and 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!
You have done a great job keeping track!
Since he has always knuckled his foot (feet?) that would make me suspect something he has had since birth. It is not uncommon for seizure disorders to get worse with age.
Tani had to have had hydrocephalus since she was born but I didn't see any seizures until she was two years old. That's actually a little on the late side for hydrocephalus to show itself. It was diagnosed with a MRI so I know it was there. Once I knew there was a problem I realized that over the previous months she was having little episodes that I didn't recognize.
Once Tani was put on phenobarb her seizures were really well controlled, she was on a very low dose. She had them once in awhile, and I found a wet dog bed occasionally so I would know that she had one. She lived to be almost 15 years old- which is also odd in a dog with hydrocephalus, but Tani was never one to follow the rules 
.
I hope you can find something that works for Pete.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Sorry to hear Pete has occasional seizures and has had his first one post amp now.
You had a lot of tests listed, but I am curious if blood pressure has been tested? I have had cats with idiopathic seizures that ended up being caused by hypertension and I have known of dogs where hypertension led to epilepsy as well. It isn't common, but for that reason does not often get tested for.
Thinking good thoughts for him.
Also, I have a good friend who adopted a beagle with very dramatic and frequent epilepsy - he had been seizing for years. She consulted with another friend who develops individualized dog diets and Henry had several years with almost no seizures following the diet that was formulated for him. I know that sounds extraordinary, but for him, it really did work. If you would ever like to talk to Henry's person or the woman who designed the diet, let me know. I'm actually going to consult with her for a home cooked diet for my two.
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.
We had a dog with epilepsy when I was growing up. Cannot remember what meds she was on, and she would still have seizures from time to time, but she lived a long and happy life, and did not die of epilepsy. And also never had cancer. If Pete had epilepsy before, the most likely outcome here is epilepsy, not tumors. The fact that he knew to sit down as the seizure started also suggests to me that this was epilepsy, soomething familiar to him.
About four months ago, some of us who were newbies at that time came to the realization that sometimes a sneeze is just a sneeze (and not cancer in the lungs).
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.
Blood pressure is normal, thyroid is normal, and he is normal on all other fronts. We have drawn a ton of blood, Holter monitored him, and done everything short of an MRI. I am going to have him rechecked again soon. We need to detox soon before chemo starts (and after), so I like to clean his innards with some milk thistle.
You guys rock. I do not think it is cancer related, but I am not known for thinking straight at 4:45 am. Haha!
Pete got his staples out yesterday. The incision looks great and no issues with restrictions.
Post seizure, we have seemed to have stalled our progress. He is restless at night and seems to be having trouble getting comfy. His acupuncture appointment is 2 weeks away, so I am booking a canine massage therapist to help the boy. He is whining (never has he done that before) and his sister, Twist, bumped him and he yelped. So, he is still healing. We are out of pain meds and I think that is a little too soon (2 weeks post op). So, we head to the regular vet to see what comfort we can provide Pete.
I am not freaking out because I read about progress stalls here, so I am a bit calmer than normal.
I am looking into CBD oil for the seizures. The other meds are too caustic for him, and I do not want to deal with liver/kidney issues. The oncologist should have some more ideas on this front, I hope.
Thank you guys for listening.
Jen and Sweet Pete
Phillmar Spiderman (aka Peter),
Black and Tan Doberman, diagnosed 29 August 2016 with osteosarcoma, front left leg amputated 31 August 2016, chemo (carboplatin) administered 16 September, 11 October...earned his wings 31 October 2016 at 6:15 pm CST.
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR STITCH REMOVAL!!
Glad you're looking into administering some pain meds. I know there seems to be a mindset that "most" dogs don't need pain meds after the two week mark. Not according to many members here...And Happy Hannah was one of them! She needed them for avout three weeks. Others here needed them lo ger than that...not the full after surgery dose, but a reduced form.
I think massage is an excellent idea and one you can start right away. Even though his seizure was brief, I'm sure it tensed up every muscle in his body. That's an extra physical stress for a dog already trying to adjust muscles to three legs.
Let us know how the pain meds and massage help.
You're doing a GREAT job of adjusting to the "new normal" of ups and down of being a tripawd! Things do settle down eventually, but you are still in the recovery phase for now.
Lots of 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!
Congrats on getting the staples out!
You know gabapentin is used for treating seizure disorders (at higher doses than for pain). Maybe some gaba would help with his pain and keep is brain function stable...worth asking about. It does sound from your description that Pete might be having some pain.
There was never any test we did on Tani that showed any abnormality other than the MRI. Well, except for the proprioception deficit with her feet. I think you are smart for trying to limit the amount of chemicals Pete is ingesting, especially with chemo a possibility. I will say that Tani was on phenobarb for almost 13 years and never had kidney or liver issues. We did have to check her blood every 6 months. It was pretty much a no-brainer to put Tani on meds though because she was seizing every day.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
spiderpete1 said
Hello, I am Jen, mom to Peter and Twist. They are two Dobermans.Peter is 6 years old.
About a month ago, Peter started limping on his front left leg. At first we thought it was arthritis. Rimadyl seemed to help. We got an x ray, and another, and found the culprit - osteosarcoma in the upper humorous. So, in the space of five days, we got the confirmation xray, got into a surgeon and amputated the leg and the shoulder.
Pete was in surgery 8.31.16. He came home Saturday. He was standing and walking-ish within 36 hours. He has not lost his appetite throughout this (he has always been a healthy eater). The first night he was home he went out several times to pee and seemed to sleep for about 2-3 hours. This was Saturday (9.3.2016).
Last night - Sunday, 9.4.16 - Pete slept better. There was a possum outside and he jogged to the fence to try and catch it. It was not a long way, but I was shocked he wanted to go anywhere.
We have a lead and a soft harness to put under him to help him walk (not a walking harness). He hates both and freezes when we try and use them. I have to use them in the morning as his legs are not exactly working the way they need to yet. Once he gets going, he seems fine.
Pete has been panting randomly. It comes and goes - from the posts I see here, it seems as if it might be the Tramadol. Also, he wants to lay down in random spots- not his normal spots. I think this is okay from what you guys have posted.
He is a bit pokey today. Heck, I have no idea what I am doing and what to expect. He has been out of surgery 5 days, home for 2 days, and we have not started chemo or anything. His bandage comes off tomorrow night.
Does anyone else here feel as if they are watching every little thing to see if there is an issue? I am staring at him as if he might explode at any minute. He is sleeping right now. I know he is okay, safe, and in alot less pain but I am still neurotic.
What else can I do that will help him? He is my sweet boy. We know he is on really limited restriction, so we are watching him like a hawk. He sits outside and sits in the sun.
Meds:
1. tramadol 3xday (100 mg per time)
2. simplicef 1.5 pills one a day (for infection)
3. rimadyl 2xday (75 mg)
4. some supplements that he took originally before his surgery (taurine, co-Q10, some Chinese herbs) as he has idiopathic epilepsy
5. Rescue Remedy drops in his food (3 drops)
I am forever thinking we need to do more to help him. And I am scared. Thank you for listening,
Hello, Meet two more scared parents. Mistletoe our 5 year old Saint Bernard has had her front leg amputated on Tuesday 13th September. (bone cancer) She has spent last night and tonight in the vets hospitality. It is terrible, I felt relieved she had to spend another night away from home. CAN i look after this beautiful girl that deserves 5 star treatment.?? Have read a lot about live in the dogs moment, (I do believe this is true) however, we're human !! surely there's more we can do.
I'm very interested in the holistic therapies that I have heard about on this site. I never thought about Rescue Remedy drops. Looking for anything we can do to but her at ease.
Mistletoe will be home tomorrow, providing she goes to the toilet. So glad that the house will have a snoring dog back, but petrified I won't do her justice.
We hope Pete is doing well, feeling very close to your emotions right now.
Fiona and Jim
Hello Fiona, Jim and MISTLETOE!
Can't wait to hear more about MISTLETOE, with pictures of course!
Here's a link to another Saint Bernard on thehe journey. I think you'll find it uplifting.
http://sweetpat.....pawds.com/
I'm sorry you fi dd yourself here, as you can see though, itsw a great place to be for support and information and understanding. We sure do understand the uncertainty, the fear, the panjc, the stress, the worry, the lack of sleep and the kick in the gut feeling. Did I cover everything? Oh, and exhaustion!
Right now, just focus on bringing MISTLETOE home, getting her pain meds balanced and getting her through the recovery.
When you pick her up tomorrow, don't even bother looking at her incision...She sure isn't! Just tell her what a good girl she is! The vets do like to shave a lot of fur, so be prepared for that.
Make sure you have non slip scatter rugs for traction if you have hardwoods. For the first two weeks, MISTLETOE needs rest and short potty breaks. She may not poop for a few days and may be off her food a bit. Drinking and peeing are important though.
You can go ahead and start your iwn thread on MISTLETOE and others will chime in with support and information.
YOU ARE. IT ALONE!! STAY CONNECTED! WE ARE ALL RIGHT HERE BY YOUR SIDE! We also jave a TRIPAWDS HELPLINE so don't hesitate to reaxh out, okay? 1 844 TRIPAWDS
You're gonna do fine! Just be aa strong and confident pack leader a d that will help her tremendously!
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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