Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Update on Ryder: He has started having seizures. 1st one was Monday night (8/30) at 11 PM. 2nd was the next morning, Tuesday around 8:30 AM. Such an awful sight to watch. When he came out of it on Monday night he was very disoriented, snapped at husband and growled at me. He retreated to the furthest part of the living room and we just let him recover. In about 15-20 minutes he was back to himself, albeit drenched in saliva and urine. Tuesday morning he woke fine, went outside to 'do his business' and wanted to lie on the patio (which he frequently likes to do) in the cool air. Next thing I looked at him and his head was twitching spasmodically and then he went down. Same actions, lots of saliva and jerking. He recovered a bit quicker that time and had a drink of water and came back in the house. Our oncologist had taken an extra day off so we took him to see regular vet (Dr. Bausone) and after checking him out he said that his pulse was normal, lungs and heart sounded good, eyes were bright and focused. We left with an emergency dose of diazepam in case he has another seizure. Dr. B said to ask oncologist (Dr. Miller) if he should be on anti-seizure medication. Dr. Miller called this morning (Wednesday) and agreed that it sounds like the cancer has metastasized to his brain. She is going to discuss with Dr. B and we will probably put him on anti-seizure meds for the duration...Not looking too good right now, we are in palliative mode and trying to be positive. Good ol' Ryder is his normal happy, loving self, even had a play session (lying down and chewing on each other) with 14 month old puppy Grace this morning.
Geez, sorry to read this. This is such a piece of s××t disease
Getting him on the anti seizure meds should make a difference, so hang onto that, okay? . I k ow it takes a vit of tweaking sometimes and the meds can cause a bit of drowsiness at first. The dose starts out a bit high (I think I've read that), then can be reduced at a dose that still stops the seizures and keeps the pup perky.
2hile these are hard to watch, as you can already tell, Ryder bounces back and continues to be Ryder. A human friend had them and he said they aren't painful or anything like that. It's just that you come out of them confused and a bit disoriented at first. He did say his muscles were sore sometimes, so be sure and give Ryder lots of massages.
Keep us posted. All of is are joining in with you and staying pawsitive. Clearly Ryder isn't letting this hold him back.
((((((((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!
Poor Ryder! I'm sorry, that just bites. It must have been so hard on you! Our Jerry had seizures before he had cancer, but they were mild compared to what you described. Cancer is so mean!!
Of course with Ryder, he just moves on and continues being himself, and that sounds like a very good sign that medication can really help keep his quality of life up. I'm keeping paws crossed that it will!
Stay strong and know that you are doing everything possible for your sweet pup. There's no way to know for sure what's around the corner, so try hard to be present and follow his and Grace's lead. They are such good teachers!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks you guys for the words of encouragement. Yeah, dogs live in the moment for sure (I need to re-read "Be More Dog "). He greets me every morning with hugs and tail wags and a happy, smiley face. Cancer sucks, we are doing everything that we can to help his body fight this evil enemy but it keeps showing us that it is still there. We will continue to keep his life normal and happy. He loves his walks (hops) to the corner mailbox and then rolling on the front lawn just enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Meals continue to be his most favorite time of day!
With the threat of seizures (BTW they were grand mal), I am afraid that even with anti-seizure meds on board he probably shouldn't do the swim therapy any longer. I am terrified that he will have a seizure while swimming - he wears a life vest but still at almost 80 lbs it would be very hard to get him out of the water in time...any thoughts? Am I being paranoid? Never having been through this with a pet I don't know what limitations we should put into place. Waiting to hear from oncologist today after her phone consult with Dr. B concerning meds and treatment going forward.
We are praying that he will be able to go camping with us in 6 weeks ... this is the trip that we had to postpone when his leg fractured on April 1. I think he will enjoy the different smells and exploring along the Kern River.
You are doing great, and you are seeing all the joy he has in every ounce of his body and personality. Stay focused on what is real and true, Ryder's essence.
Try not to jump to any conclusions yet. Ask the vet what they think about swim therapy (and any other questions you have, be sure to write them all down as you think of them before the call).
We hope he can go camping too! That's a lovely area to enjoy together.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dont have any insight on whether his wim activities should continue or not. Be sure and ask the Vets about that.
It sounds like Ryder finds a lot of joy in simple activities, even if swimming is put on hold while the meds are being balanced out.
It made me smile to visualize how Happy he is taking his little mailbox adventure everyday. Just being outside in the sun is therapeutic.
You are doing auch a great job of surrounding Ryder with love and care and joy. Auch a sweet bond ♥️
Jist continue to stay fully present in the moment. Make every moment be the best moment ever. Just like Ryder does. Do not let that carp disease interfere with your focus on living in the now! You are doing everything ppssible for your Ryder and you can find comfort in that.
Shhhhh........don't tell anyvody........but spoil him with lots of yummy foods.food he shouldn't have like a acoopmof ice cream, bacon, FRIED chicken, Starbucks Puppacino..
Heck you can even do a couple of "mini" camping trips in the back yard til you can go next month. Put up a tent and roast hookay. and s'mores over a fire. Your neighbors will think you're nuts, but that's okay.
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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