Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all-
Sophie has seemed more sluggish and easily tired this week for the first time, and has spent some time over the past week plus licking more than usual, including her remaining front leg. I'm just tonight noticing hair loss on that leg, on her belly (where she often has it, and has history of allergies) but also around the site where her left leg and shoulder were removed, and at the tip end of her tail (it's very strange, I've never seen her actual tail and tip before- unnerving). One of her eyes also has been a little runny for the past day or so, and is looking a little red tonight.
Only change of diet etc of late has been addition of K-9 Immunity and Transfer factor this week- giving her below the recommended dosage (4 tablets instead of 6) as I am really broke. Do dogs ever have allergic reactions to supplements?
I'm calling the vet tomorrow- unfortunately our great oncologist moved down South about three weeks ago, so the new one will be someone new to both Sophie and I. But of course I'm terribly anxious that she is somehow coming out of remission. Anyone have any thoughts? Can hair loss be a sign of cancer returning?
Very sincerely,
Christine for Christine & Sophie
sophiesmom said:
Can hair loss be a sign of cancer returning?
We've never heard of this. But the cancer does affect immunity so allergies may become more severe. I forget, is Sophie undergoing chemotherapy? Some dogs have experienced hair loss during chemo.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
If she has a history of allergies (atopic/airborne) it's about that time of year in many places...and perhaps with her immune system being compromised generally, she is now having more noticeable symptoms? Just a thought....hopefully it's not an indication of anything serious, but just the onset of some summer allergy stuff.
When you've always got that cancer worry in the back of your mind, it's easy to see every little skin bump or kibble left in the bowl as a sign of metastatic doom.
But all dogs, especially older dogs, whether or not they're in remission from cancer have all sorts of things that go wrong every so often, and most of them are minor. Infundibular cysts, a Staph. infection due to underlying allergies, etc.And cancer survivors can also get endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism just like the next dog.
Don't panic, and don't worry too much about it--your dog will think something is wrong and act accordingly, which will further convince you she's at death's door--just take her to the vet. They can do a thorough exam and whatever diagnostics they need to figure out whether or not this is something you need to worry about. There will always be time for worrying later!
For now, just enjoy your time together. Whether you have weeks or months or years left, neither of you will live forever, so relax and just enjoy it while you can.
Hi Christine,
How's Sophie doing? I've been tinking about you since your last post. Let us know how she is doing if you feel up for it.
All the best,
Jenna & Zak
Hi Jenna & Zak!
It is SO nice to hear from you!!!! I've often wondered how Zak has been doing since you initially posted, and I worried that not hearing anything meant bad news...
I've been off tripawds for awhile, so perhaps you have posted since. I think I was going through a "denial" stage where I didn't want to think about the continuing presence of cancer in her, and our lives. I took the cat to the vet about a month ago and the vet asked about Sophie (who is now being followed by an oncologist). I said she was doing well and she replied "yes, they usually get about a year." That was so hard to hear. I want to think of everyday as a day further from the cancer, not one potentially nearer. Ugh, sorry for spreading the anxiety. On the other hand, it's always always a reminder to enjoy every day.
She has a little brother now, Luca, a rescue puppy. I haven't figured out yet if this was a selfish move on my part or not. Sometimes I have to admit I resent not getting to focus *all* of my attention on her.
Next three month chest x-rays are scheduled for early June, please keep your fingers crossed for her!
How is Zak?!
Christine & Sophie
So happy to hear that she's doing well. I was worried when I didn't see a response to the post as I was subscribed to it. I had a fear something had happened so this post is a welcome one.
A new puppy! Exciting news! I'm so overwhelmed with Zak's stuff that I think you are a brave woman taking on a new little one. How's Sophie dealing with it so far? It's prob a nice distraction from the reality of cancer life.
Zak's doing well. I put up a post a month ago for an 3 month update. Here's the link http://www.trip.....
I was about to put one up for his 4 month update. He's doing really well. So happy to have this time with him!
Keep in touch~
Jenna & Zak
sophiesmom said:
...it's always always a reminder to enjoy every day.
Well said. After all, that is all that matters right? Just ask Sophie. I think I know what she'd say.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Christine, I know I have read, but don't remember now, what the ingredients in K9 Immunity and Transfer Factor are, but I just made a huge mistake with Trouble and her allergies. I began giving her glucosamine/chrondroiten/MS and a week later she was itchy, licking, scratching, chewing to the point of driving us nuts. Come to find out the supplement is made of shellfish and Trouble is allergic to shrimp. Any supplement has the potential for causing a problem in a known allergy dog. Hopefully the supplements have nothing to do with Sophie's hair loss.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Hi Shana,
The hair loss stopped after I stopped the k-9 immunity, and Sophie is a dog with a major allergy history, so my guess is that it was just something probably in the filler or the coating of the transfer factor or whatever. I'm thinking it was much more likely the inactive ingredients than the active ones. Her hair has grown back (as grey guard hairs!) in the spots since. Anyway, I got it from k-9 medicinals and Dorla there was really lovely in taking the products back. I think they are great products that help lots of dogs- Sophie is just a sensitive one. She's actually got some scabs on her neck now so something new to worry about! She has her next three month chest x-ray in early June, so I'm just keeping on eye on things for now.
Thanks for writing, I hope Trouble is well! I actually recently got a second dog, a rescue pup- was told he was "Mastiff-Shepherd" mix, but looking at his size and conformation, I"m thinking more likely "pitbull-shepherd" mix. He's a little headstrong, but awfully sweet. And Sophie is helping train him.
Best,
Christine & Sophie
Pitbull mix? Strongheaded? Naw, it couldn't be. Trouble was a difficult pup. Sweet as pie, and a velcro dog, but she chewed everything we owned. None of the sheets or blankets had corners left, she ate ever tag out of every tee shirt, ate a few pair of shoes, tore up she shutters in the entranceway, ripped drywall tape off in the hallway.....and headstrong didn't begin to describe her stubborn streak. One day at about 18 months she matured and we've never had another problem with her. She's the perfect pet. Hopefully you'll be as lucky with your little rescue.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Sorry that I did not post a reply sooner. We are pleased that Sophie is doing better and will second the thought that the immune system has been insulted by the chemicals that we were/are forced to use to fight the cancer. Cherry caught a intestinal bug which was extremely rare for her, and it took more than a month to return to any sort of normalcy. Cherry is doing wonderfully well now nearly 2 and a half months later. Glad to hear that you have found a task for Sophie in training the new pup. They always seem to enjoy life more if given a task.
Keep us posted and we all hope for the best.
Bob & Cherry
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