Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, all. I apologize if this gets long.
I've been quiet here lately, trying to enjoy every moment with Ollie since his amputation (due to osteosarcoma) almost three months ago. He has adjusted to his new body, and we have three carboplatin treatments under our belt. He greets every morning with a smile, has a big appetite and continues to play and cuddle enthusiastically.
This might be a painful thing to recall, but I was wondering if anyone who has lost a dog to OSA could describe what symptoms were like "near the end," particularly in terms of coughing or breathing changes. I don't want to drudge up bad memories, but every time Ollie clears his throat or coughs, I lose my mind -- and I could use some guidance on what to consider "serious." If your dog had lung mets, did they cause coughing? If so, how persistent/frequent was the cough? Or did you notice heavy/labored breathing more than coughing?
Three weeks ago Ollie had a clean lung x-ray, and we were told we would probably see evidence of lung mets before he'd be symptomatic, so I was relieved (I know three months post-diagnosis would be a pretty quick progression -- but I also know it does happen that quickly sometimes).
I'm asking this because although he's in a great mood overall, tonight Ollie has had two series of deep coughs, almost like a hacking. My husband thinks he just had something in his throat, but it wasn't a typical cough like I have heard from him before -- it seemed to come from deeper down in his chest. His breathing and energy level seem normal and the coughs came in two separate spurts, out of nowhere. This was within the past hour so I haven't given much time to see if it recurs.
This dog is my heart, and I can't stop worrying about him ... I know you all understand. Everyone who joins this site does it for the love of a dog. I know OSA is a terminal diagnosis, but we are counting on him staying with us a bit longer. Hearing the slightest cough is terrifying, and I am so on edge.
Thanks, always.
Karen
*Edited to add that I just realized the chemo could be affecting his immune system, so some sort of cold or other illness is a possibility. This is all so upsetting ...
Six-year-old Ollie, a spunky, 55-lb. Australian cattle dog mix, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma May 1, 2015. Front right leg was amputated May 12. Did four rounds of carboplatin chemo treatment, ending Aug. 20. Lung x-rays still clear as of end of September. The rest of our story is still unfolding.
Hi There, well I lost my girl to a different kind of cancer (hemangiosarcoma) BUT I can totally relate to ALL your questions, worries, concerns... Shelby didn't have mets until about a month before she passed (ironically, not from mets but the flipping cancer went into her little brain). BUT she did cough, pant, breathe "off" and I freaked out each time. Sometimes... it was just related to allergies or older dog issues. She also snored MUCH more as she aged but I never noticed it until she got her diagnosis. I also was convinced that Shelby had foxtails in her throat, etc...you name it, I thought it. It was a paralyzing time but I would do it all over in a heartbeat. She was and remains my soulmate.
What I am getting at .. this disease can make us crazy. It can make our mind worry and go to the 'dark side' ... BUT if Ollie is acting and feeling fine, then he probably is doing the best he could be. He's living in the moment, loving his life with YOU and that is the best you can have. I know it is super hard. It is hard when I look back and see all that time I lost to worry but we're human so that's natural.
I know this doesn't answer your question but I hope it gives you some comfort that you are not alone in these feelings. It is hard not to worry when faced with this disease and a patient that can't talk and tell you what's up.
As for dredging up old memories ... it is those memories that keep my girl's spirit alive ... we are all here to help, the good, the bad, the ugly ...
sending love and peace ,
alison with spirit shelby in her heart (and little jasper too)
PS - I love your photo of him! He looks great and I love those ears!!!
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
First of all, Ollie has no intention of going anywhere anytime soon!! Look at that happy boy! He's planning on staying around a long time to soak up all that loving and spoiling he's enjoying!!
As Alison said, this piece of crap will drive you crazy with worry if you let it!! And you MUST NOT LET IT!! Every moment you focus on the worrying about the "end", you are NOT focusing on being with Ollie!! Ollie is alive and well and happy and by your side right now! To worry about what has not even happened, robs you of enjoying what you have together right now.
Now, just for the record, when my Happy Hannah did develop a met, she NEVER coughed...NEVER hacked! After her four rounds of chemo I did not take her back for anymore xrays (actually, I think I stopped the xrays at the third treatment). They had all been clear and that was good enoigh for me. I did an occasional blood work up and vet listening to chest, etc. Happy Hannah and I decided we were just getting on with livi g life to the fullest and savoring every si gle second of everyday
For Happy Hannah, she began to tire easily and, if I recall, she did seem to pant more and her breathing lattern changed slightly. But for Happy Hannah, her symptoms were NOT necessarily painful. She had no problem being a couch potato or just laying outside under her shade tree enjoying nature. And it was no holes barred at this point...ice cream, steak, cupcakes, five M&Ms a day (maybe a couple more), treats galore! It did eventually become more of a challenge for her to rest comfortably much further down the road and she was getting a bit more restless at night and, tiring very easily. She ALWAYS wagged and she NEVER missed a meal.
I vowed to her at the beginning of this journey that, if at all possible, I would never let her suffer or feel pain. She didn't need to feel exhausted just to get more tummy rubs, more loving or spoiling. She didn't need to be restless at night anymore just to snuggle with me and get more kisses. She spent her entire life being loved and being happy without having to be uncomfortable to enjoy the bliss!
She made her transition at home surrounded by my love, eating a plate full of steak, ice cream, M&Ms AND deer poop! She loved her deer poop! She was wagging as I let her know how loved she was and how privileged I was to be with her on her earthly journey.
THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT OF THIS WHOLE JOURNEY THAT OUR DOGS WANT US TO LEARN...AND ONE THEY HAVE MASTERD...IS LOVE IN THE MOMENT!!! LIVE IN THE NOW!!! Be More Dog !!! From this point forward, put all worries behind you and jump jnto the NOW with Ollie! He wants you present with him
Give yourself a HUGE HUG because you are doing a STELLAR job of taking such good care of sweet Ollie! There is one thing you do need to do thoug...POST MORE PICTURES of that cute boy! Actually, there is one more thing I ask of you. Commit right now to push worries away and stay in the moment with Ollie and know all is well in his world! Would youngive Olkie some ice cream in honor of Hap o y Hannah? She would like that! A d...if you have access to deer poop.....just sayi '!
I just realized how long and rambling this post is! Geez...sorry!!
Sending love!
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Anyone who's dealt with osteo knows how you feel. We want to live in the moment yet at the same time every little abnormal behavior puts us on high alert. It's a fine line to walk and you are doing great.
So yes, "the cough" typically presents itself like a deep hack. But it can also be a number of different things too. Dogs often have different symptoms as osa progresses. We see that a lot. So don't assume the worst. Unfortunately the only way to know for sure is by taking x-rays. If it will put your mind at ease, do it. Just remember that whatever the results show, Ollie doesn't care, he's still the same dog and still wants to have a great time, living life to the fullest.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for your responses and support. We had a marathon vet appt today with x-rays included ... turns out his lungs still appear to be free of mets. They ruled out pneumonia, too, and think it's probably some form of kennel cough from meeting other dogs in our neighborhood while his immune system is compromised.
Hopefully the antibiotics they gave us will clear this up. Onward and upward (until the next crisis, at least) ...
Thanks again!
Karen (and Liam and Ollie)
Six-year-old Ollie, a spunky, 55-lb. Australian cattle dog mix, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma May 1, 2015. Front right leg was amputated May 12. Did four rounds of carboplatin chemo treatment, ending Aug. 20. Lung x-rays still clear as of end of September. The rest of our story is still unfolding.
WOOOHOOO! That is GREAT news! Pawty on Ollie!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so glad for you and Ollie that his cough is something treatable and not lung mets taking hold. He looks great by the way in his pics...very handsome!!! I know it's hard to keep the worries at bay but you both are doing great!
Hang in there and spoil that sweet boy rotten!
Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR GREAT NEWS!!!!!!! Now jump back into the moment with Ollie and enjoy the bliss!!
And YAAAAAAAAAY FOR AN ADORABLE PHOTO!!! Ollie, that couch is all yours! You wear it well cute voy!!
Ice cream and cake to celebrate!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
So pleased for you
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