Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, Dexter has started coughing recently so im worried now we haven't got long with him 
and its breaking my heart! The lump on his neck enlarged then went down with turmeric suppliments. His nose is congested but holistic pills have helped. His breathing is rapid, a bit laboured and raspy. He seems alert still and will bark at the door, he wont eat his kibble but will eat chicken or meat put down. He is drinking etc fine. What should I do now? Holistic vet checked him last week and listened to chest.
I don't want him to suffer but also dont want to let him go whilst he is still eating and wanting to wag tail xx
I'm so sorry to hear this. Many of us went through similar circumstances and know how difficult it is. What did your vet say when she checked his lungs? Does she have a plan for helping him through this phase? Are you only doing holistic treatments or combining conventional pain relief as well?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The Holistic vet said he didnt think the lungs soundef as though the tumours were big but not sure they can tell?
I have metacam for pain but thats it. We are using holistic meds only but havent discussed any options with out vet as not sure if in the uk they
have other treatments except steroids which can have bad side effects? Going to book vet tomorrow and maybe arrange xray to see how bad it is if thats a good plan. Also seeing holistic vet so will voice my concernsx thanks
Dexter also hacked up clear fluid today not sure why..
My vet should have a plan for him but doesnt seem to have one so will be asking questions!
dexter said
The Holistic vet said he didnt think the lungs sounded as though the tumours were big
Big is relative. Jerry's oncologist explained to us how dogs have much greater lung capacity than humans. He remained happy and comfortable—while tiring easier—until they had consumed nearly one full lung and half the other.
...so will be asking questions!
Don't miss our recent Tripawds News blog post...
Questions to Ask Your Veterinary Oncologist
Best wishes, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Really! I didnt know that. Yes Dexter tires easily and is lethargic at home but brighter at vets or around people! 
Thinking good thoughts for Dexter. Are you on Twitter*, btw, Dexter's Mum or Dad? Twitter can be fabulous for 'crowdsourcing' and there may be some UK vets who specialize and could give some advice.
I'm @va_deb on Twitter, btw. I follow a couple of UK rescue groups and vice versa, so I'll see what I can find out.
*P.S. For anyone reading this who isn't on Twitter, but is thinking about dipping their toe in...
This link that has Twitter 101 and other social media basics: AARP Social Media Education Center
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Online
Please update when you can. And remember, we are all here for you, okay? We understand the overwhelming fear that overtakes us at the least little hack or sneeze.
I can tell you this, based on yor post, Dexter is STILL enjoyi g lfe and is having good quality! As you've seen from Jerry's example, dogs can live a good quality life for quite awhile without much remaining lng capacity.
My Happy Hannah has a "large" tumor apparently for sometime. While things are slowng down now for her cosiderably and I imagne she has "other issues" related t this dreaded disease, I can say that she has mantained good quality and still enjoys life. It sounds like Dexter is just beginning to show some symptons...if it even is mets...being tired and some labored breathing...and still has a lng way to go before his quality starts being compromised.
Tjmors are in NO way an immediate death sentence! Lower energy and being a little pickier withhis food aren't compromisng Dexter's quality at all! He is alert, engaged, happily waggng his tail...all really good signs!
I'm sure the vet will take his temperature and do blood work, but Dexter could also simplyhave an infectin, or maybe a resipatory infection!! So make sure he checks his temperature, etc.
Although Prednisone has side effects, do now have her n a low dose (started out too high and thst did cause whacky problems) It's at a point in her journey where she needs that little extra bit of "help" and long term side effects are of no at this point. I also give her a tramadol at night and sometimes djrng day But Happy Hannah's siguation is now more "advanced" from where Dexter is right now.....assuming he even has the "thing"
I'm really rambling.....I'm simply trying to say you and Dexter have a lot of quality tme!! The lesson now is.....no matter what, let NOTHING rob you of your tme together!! Stay fully present and in the moment with Dexter! Rememver, he is vlissfully unaware of any "issues" and could care less! He's jst enjoyi g being with you!
How 'bout some pictures?? Pictures make everyone feel better!!
Will look forward to your update. N the meantme, go snuggle with Dexter and watch that tail wag! And keep that chicken and hamburger coming! It's god for him.....topped off with a scoop f ice cream!!
Sendng lots of hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Wanted to add that it's great his "ljmp" went down. He realy could just jave an infectionof sme sort and maybe a goodole' dose of antibiotics wil help.
Happy Hannah does not evenhave a cough or a "congested" sound.....so yet another reasn to think Dexter maynhave a bronchial nfection.
I jist want to state agan...regardless...Dexter's quality is not being compromised t all. Less energy is not panful or ncomfortable. T jist means more tme for relaxng tummy rubs!
Now gve us a smile by postng a picture of that fuzzy cury haired bundle of white furz!
(((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
I think Dexter will tell you "when it's time". Enjoy every moment you have together. I know the feeling when they start coughing and you get so scared, but it really sounds Dexter still enjoys life! You never want your time together to end, but we just have to understand it does. With or without cancer. We just HAVE to take care of every minute together. Sometimes it is not easy, but we have to do it. Wish you all the best!
Gunilla, Wilbur, Bellis and angel Penny
Thanks guys
Its really confusing, he is lethargic, has bouts of coughing, and crackly breathing episodes then he will settle down for a bit then it starts again. He cant go far without getting tired and yesterday coughed up a splatter of blood He is now on predisone and his appetite seems to have returned but he still has bouts of coughing, and panting. His temperature is normal today.
He will become animated if people turn up and wag his tail but will soon lay down again.
He will go outside to the toliet himself still.
He likes car rides too but its just the coughing episodes.
The panting started when he started the steroids.x
Hey I'm so sorry, we are quite familiar with the ups and downs at this point in the illness and it IS so confusing.
I think some of that has to do with a dog's survival instinct (refusing to show weakness), some of it is due to side effects from the prednisone, and some is just the progression of disease. A beloved Tripawds member wrote this great post about judging quality of life, I hope it helps:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
my stupid computer is freezine up..so it may stiop mid sentence.
There are links on here for meds you can give dogs to help alleviate the cough...I jist don't know them...try searching under tresting cough symptons...or maybe palliative care...I know hydorcodine is one...and an over the counter Robitussin is one...your vet will surely kow.
Yes, this is a very bumpy part of the journey and it does have ups and downs.
For whatever reason, my Happy Hannah seems to no have a cough. She does pant, she does jave labored breathing and, while thst seems to happen more in spells and after exertion, she does "settle down...happily so. Now, that said, the shortness of reath and lavored breathing is mich more consistent now.
The pred. will definotely make them pant more andeven change their breathing pattern a little.and, in her case, it seem to make her a little whacky at the higher dose. She's 125 lbs. But it did seem to help. Crazy journey!
Happy Hannah started out 20mg twice a day...then reduced to 20 mg. once...then 10mg once.....going to have to bump her back up to 20mg once as she is having more difficulty breathing on a steadier basis now..not all the time.
Waggng gail, likes going out and sniffing ghe breezes, tummy rubs, eating, drinking, Engaged, eyes happy (that's a huge one for me..happy eyes)
For me, this is a very tough time trying to make sure I'm honoring her wishes...trying to make sure I'm reading her signs of "quailty" correctly. S I understand where you are all too well.
For us, the tiredness is moving k to exhaustion...even so...that's not painful and she's a very "laid back" girl anyway.
I feel like Dexter's breathing, since he does settle down, is not as "progressed" as Hapy Hannah's is now...especially if you can alleviate the coughing sysmptons..
I jave to laugh...as I write this I'm outside with Happy Hannah. She did her "bidness", just laying round now. ..pretty tired. Next thing I know...I'm looking up and she's walking with a pep in her step sniffing out deer poop!! One of her favorite "foods"!
To me....she's still showing me she's aving quality!! Guess her consistent labored breathing doesn't concern r her as mich as it concerns me!
Okay' gotta' go re-focus my girl before she eats too mich deer poop!
Sending you all the best wishes in the world. Stay completely in the moment with Dexter! This is almost impossible...but try not to worry about "the time"...yeah...almost impossiblr. Just trust he will tell you Ad know that this part of the journey is bumpy and scarey...but just for us...not them.
Let NOTHING rob you of your time together! Stay connected tomus, okay?? We're here for you! I could not go through this journey without this commjnity, that's for sure!!
Sending love! Oh, one thing I doif I catch myself not staying fully present in the moment with Hapy Hannah.....I d or say something to make her tail wag.....and that brings me right back to the present.....being more dog!
Sally amd Happy Hannah
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!
Thanks
I never had anymore xrays I know its the mets and so does my vet. Coughing is less with the pred and therefore less blood coughed up. Dexter stopped eating much but now on pred his appetite is good
Hope Happy Hanna goes on to give you alot of happy times sounds like she is doing great
Day by day Sally thats all we can do!
love Nicky and Dexter from over the pond!x
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