Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi guys
Stewie and I are asking for you to look at this first video in particular. He has not entirely been himself over the last few days and i am being a little paranoid Mother who needs some direction from some experienced friends. On Friday Stewie started to lick at his back left leg obsessively, not stopping when i asked him to. This took me back many months before his diagnosis with OSC when he had been over the top licking at his front left leg!
i have also thought that over the last few days that Stewie has not had a ton of energy. He plays with Hedgie but after one run, two if forced, he is leaning up against me telling me he is done with Hedgie game for now... 3 or 4 runs with Hedgie and a good game of Tug of War is usually Stewie’s norm!
On Friday night i gave him 300mg of his Gabapentin hoping it would settle him down. It did, as far as the licking of his leg anyway, so i have put Stewie back on bedrest. I gave him another 300mg of Gabapentin on Saturday morning before he went to his Aunty’s house for the night, as we were heading down to perform at a show. She was instructed to take him out for pee and poo walks only and to please give him 300mg of Gaba with his supper that night. Then I picked him up this morning and gave him his 300mg of Gabapentin when he came home. I managed to take this video of him this afternoon to show how laxydazy he is and has been for a few days now. I don’t think he is walking entirely like his normal tripawd self. It seems to be more of an effort. I hope I’m wrong.
This is Stewie shortly after. Now he is highly treat orientated, so Hopping to Mum for a treat is not an unreasonable request to ask at any point, no matter how he is feeling, he doesn’t appear to be favouring his left leg in any way that anyone can see can you?
i know that you are going to suggest i take Stewie to the vets to get him checked out and i more than likely will if I see him feeling any worse. He is stil eating, mostly without being convinced. He still ruvs his treats. He doesn’t want to go on any long hops at all! His left eye has a bit of an ‘old’ look to it, i don’t know how else to explain that one, but that is really just a ‘side’ as it does’t appear to bug him at all. He has been panting a little more often for no apparent cause and sometimes his breathing is ‘heavier’. I haven’t noticed him ‘coughing’ any more than the minimal amount that he has done in the past. Sometimes i see a cloudiness in his eyes but not always.
If it was just one or two of these things that were happening right now, i don’t think that i would be concerned, but the fact that all of these things are going on and my Mother Gut alarm is going off, i am just wondering if any of you guys see what I’d do in that first video or anything off in the second video?
i am wondering also on any oppinions on how Metacam may be of assistance to him right now. I have both of these prescriptions on hand and i will be calling to set up a consultation with Stewie’s new vet this week. As a few of you know, Paul and i have done what we can for Stewie’s OSC. We don’t want to do anymore X-rays on our boy, we do know that. My Dr. Laurie and Dr. Bill have just sold their clinic, so Stewie’s new doctor doesn’t know him, she doesn’t know us, I’m afraid of being taken down a path that was not origanlly planned... i want to know that we are all going to be content with our next moves and that includes both Paul and i. I hope this all makes sense?! But i don’t want Stewie to suffer in any way shape or form, so if i need to do something for him, i will
i honestly don’t know what to think right now you guys, I’m afraid to start thinking down the wrong road, i am praying that i am being paranoid and that Stewie has over done it again and if that is the case, I’m sorry for putting this post out there, but i certainly would appreciate any thoughts on my boys ‘down daze’ he’s having right now!
Hugs to you all
Petra and her Stu Boy who is not all himself these daze 🙁
Remember...“live in the moment!“ 
He certainly has no energy in the first video.
On the gaba- have you been giving it to him routinely or as needed? Has it just been the past couple of days? How long between the gaba dose and the first video? Obviously I'm getting at the sedation effect that gaba can have.
In the first video it kind of looks like his neck is bothering him. When he is lifting his head back up from sniffing the floor there is a little twitch, then when he looks back at you it looks like he doesn't turn his head all the way toward you. And again when he is outside when he looks back at you it seems stiff. Also when he goes out the door it looks like there is a little bald spot between his shoulder blades- is that normal?
If anything in the second video it looks to me like he might be favoring his right rear leg or maybe trying to brace himself for the hop- again his neck maybe.
Of course you are worried about lung mets- and I get not wanting to do xrays or other tests. I reached that point during Maggie's journey and I did the best I could not to do them. But there are times a test or xray could rule out something you are worried about. No pressure or judgement on my part- just something to think about.
I'm sorry you have a new vet- I'm dreading the day my vet retires. And it is so much more complicated when you have chronic issues. On the bright side a new set of eyes might see something new. Be open to what the vet might have to contribute but be firm in the path you have chosen to follow with Stewie's care. If the vet understands and supports your position then he/she will be a 'keeper'!
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Petra, as much as I hate to say this but every time I was really convinced something was wrong with Manni I ended up being right. It’s a gut thing and we just know our dogs best and can see the little signs more clearly than even the best vet.
I am not saying that we’re talking mets here at all. Maybe Stewie really has neck or leg issues but yes, I would definitely have it checked out, especially if it would put your mind at ease a little.
I always had x-rays taken mainly for that reason. I just wanted to know what was going on and felt that doing the x-rays was not a big thing since it was over fast. I do understand not doing that though but maybe he really does have issues totally unrelated to cancer.
I rather liked our Metacam, for as long as it was enough for Manni. In terms of pain management I prefer it over Gabapentin and I feel it has less side-effects, apart from stomach issues which we handled by adding American Slippery Elm to Manni’s food.
I hope that new vet works out for you!!!
Keep us updated!
tina
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
I saw the same maybe a favor of the back leg maybe? I played it so many times and don't see Stewies hop enough to know? The first video is the concerning one to me.
My concern is they want to do an x-ray of his limbs and justifiably so and then you know my worst fear is. I am praying this is Stewie overdoing and that's it! I see discomfort for whatever the cause he does not want to go and plops down like that took all he had! His neck has been an issue in the past right? He looks stiff and painful to me.
I would want someone to tell me exactly as you have both have. Tina, you wanted truths all scenarios right? That is me as well!
Your gut instinct is not the same as being paranoid Mom. Unfortunately, there is a difference! This instinct weighs too much, and you know it & hate it!
None of us would judge you on no x-rays on any route you took or did not take! KNOW that! I would be terrified for an x-ray, but on the other hand, it could show injury that is all of our hope in a sense rather than you know what! It could prove you have comfort options right? It could prove the worst fear too?! Can they just provide comfort measures without a defined cause?
Our Vets here would not, but I haven't had an animal with osteo so maybe they will? I would tell the new Vet all of your wishes and concerns before she see's Stewie if that is possible, Dr. Laurie would have notes on all of this in his chart I would imagine!
Did you try the Metacam last night?
We are sending out ongoing prayers & good juju etc.
Huge hugs and Rots of Rove!
I agree, go with your gut, get him checked out. As you may or may not know, after we finished Nitro's chemo, I also vowed no X-rays...I needed to stop obsessing over things I had no control over - or it was a "bury-my-head-in-the-sand" kind of thing. I followed that route for almost 2 years after his amp; then he had some issues with mobility, and I was SURE the cancer had moved into his spine. I took him in, they suggested xrays, I went into a full-blown panic....I agreed, because we needed answers. He was gone for almost an hour, all the while i was spinning out of control, picturing the worst. 27 X-rays later, the conclusion was arthritis in his back knees, and spinal stenosis by his tail region. (they also did a "drive-by" of his lungs, which were clear).
All through his journey he had chiropractic adjustments, starting around the first month after his amp. His neck was so twisty, it brought great pain - I don't know how he would've survived 3+ years without them. After some time, we also added acupuncture (started when he began having kidney issues, and continued to help his arthritis).
I get the new vet uncertainity, but at this point, answers (I feel) are the important thing. Its scary for sure, but fear of the unknown can be so much worse. Maybe it will be a non-cancer thing that can be dealt with, but first you have to know what that is. Do you have any alternative practice vets - that do chiro/acupuncture in your area? Good luck, keep us posted. Sending big hugs to you all.
Paula and Warrior Angel 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
Good morning my lovely ladies in shining white armour!!! I sooooo very much appreciate that both of you wonderful ladies are here with our great advice and experience! Thank you for taking the time... but most importantly, thanks for being real and honest.
krun15 said
He certainly has no energy in the first video.On the gaba- have you been giving it to him routinely or as needed? Has it just been the past couple of days? How long between the gaba dose and the first video? Obviously I'm getting at the sedation effect that gaba can have.
I started the Gabapentin on Friday after his supper. That was when he was obsessively licking his back left leg. Then on Saturday morning after breakfast, i gave him another 300mg. Then he went to his Aunties and got another 300mg after his supper. Then yesterday morning i gave him another 300mg after i got home. That dose was at about 9:30am. The video was taken at about 1pm.
With these doses layed out as they are, does it still appear to you that it is Gaba sluggish?
In the first video it kind of looks like his neck is bothering him. When he is lifting his head back up from sniffing the floor there is a little twitch, then when he looks back at you it looks like he doesn't turn his head all the way toward you. And again when he is outside when he looks back at you it seems stiff.
Very good eye Karen, i was sorta seeing that yesterday when i was feeding him treats... this is an issue that has been ongoing since we have been with him, but Dr. Laurie. Could never pin point if down as it would not last for long. She also said that it was either in his neck or???? Remember the last time i put the video out there that he hurt his back leg at Aunty Anne’s and was on bed rest back then, well this is a milder version of that.... he wouldn’t put his leg down back then, but he also wouldn’t want to turn his neck to the right! You obviously see the same thing, but in a milder version right?
Also when he goes out the door it looks like there is a little bald spot between his shoulder blades- is that normal?
This is his new normal since his surgery and Carboplatin treatment. He has NO undercoat what so ever! i have seen this since his fur started growing back. His Scar fur is nice and soft, the fur on top has always been short and bristly.(since surgery) His body coat is outer fur only. This is why he doesn’t get to sit outside in the chilly cold for too long. Im afraid of him catching a chill!
If anything in the second video it looks to me like he might be favoring his right rear leg or maybe trying to brace himself for the hop- again his neck maybe.
Thanks again for seeing that.... i thought you guys would think I’m nuts when I’m taling about his left leg... but in the second video his left leg looks fine, but his right leg is being held up for a second or two right? I think you might be right in saying that he is getting ready for the next hop... it’s like his happy hop has gone out of his slow walk... he hops fast pretty good still, but that is when he has the momentum going...
Of course you are worried about lung mets- and I get not wanting to do xrays or other tests. I reached that point during Maggie's journey and I did the best I could not to do them. But there are times a test or xray could rule out something you are worried about. No pressure or judgement on my part- just something to think about.
Paul will be the deciding factor as to whether we go anywhere with Stewie. Because these signs are all pretty subtle to his eyes (denial)
I'm sorry you have a new vet- I'm dreading the day my vet retires. And it is so much more complicated when you have chronic issues. On the bright side a new set of eyes might see something new. Be open to what the vet might have to contribute but be firm in the path you have chosen to follow with Stewie's care. If the vet understands and supports your position then he/she will be a 'keeper'! Karen
Yeah, thanks for understanding on that one too Karen! I am truly a bit out of sorts because of it! The new vet only just took over and things are a little crazy around there.... i don’t want to take Stewie into a mad house and not get the proper attention.... anyhow, these all sound like excuses at this point.....
Thank you and thank you for your thoughts on this Karen. It means a lot. Please know that both you and Tina are in my group of ‘esteemed’ people! I am certainly not going to forget to mention Sally and Holly whom have also put their two cents in on Stewies situation right now! Amongst a handful of others, i just want to make sure that you are acknowledged for how i feel about you all!
tinsch said
Petra, as much as I hate to say this but every time I was really convinced something was wrong with Manni I ended up being right. It’s a gut thing and we just know our dogs best and can see the little signs more clearly than even the best vet.
Yes, i think you are right on this one Tina! I watch Stewie like a hawk and sometimes i do have to question as to whether i am being overly paranoid, but i don’t think so in this case.... 🙁
I am not saying that we’re talking mets here at all. Maybe Stewie really has neck or leg issues but yes, I would definitely have it checked out, especially if it would put your mind at ease a little.
I am going to have to let the Metacam do its job and then if Paul see’s what i am seeing then we may be taking him in. Again, i don’t want i to sound like Paul is being a cold hearted monster right now, he just doesn’t see exactly what i am seeing! I know he sees something or he wouldn’t let me give Stewie any pills... i need to let him see that there is a problem!
I always had x-rays taken mainly for that reason. I just wanted to know what was going on and felt that doing the x-rays was not a big thing since it was over fast. I do understand not doing that though but maybe he really does have issues totally unrelated to cancer.
I am keeping my fingers crossed, my cats paws crossed and if i could go cross eyes i would, but i can’t so i won’t!! The Metacam has help Stewie in the past with his ‘neck’ issues... lets hope things settle down again?!
I have always wondered if it isn’t in Stewies neck, does he hold his neck like that because of pain elsewhere?
I rather liked our Metacam, for as long as it was enough for Manni. In terms of pain management I prefer it over Gabapentin and I feel it has less side-effects, apart from stomach issues which we handled by adding American Slippery Elm to Manni’s food.
Thank you! All of you are making me feel a little better about giving Stewie his Metacam. i will update the vets with his dosage today.
I hope that new vet works out for you!!!
You and me both Tina, you and me both!!!!
Keep us updated!
tina
THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER YOU GUYS!!! I super appreciate you coming in and giving me something to bite into. There is nothing worse than second guessing yourself! Thank you for your experienced eyes!
I will definitely keep you all updated and i will take video when i can ....
i see that there are a couple more replies, so i am going to sign off for now and get back to you all later...
many kisses and hugs coming your way you guys! Thankyou!!!
Petra and her slightly slower Stewie
Stewie does go for acupuncture and ortho-bionomy I think that is how you spell it? They just started going weekly, but have been going prior too.
Petra can tell you more. I agree on both chiro and acupuncture Purrkins gets both and he is tiny compared to the pups & he gets out of whack!
Thanks, Sally you know why we were both up
I don't have much to add other than I'm hoping everything is well with Stewie and any issue is relatively minor. Keeping y'all in my thoughts.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
Just gonna copy what I emailed Petra last night because it's similar to what Karen is seeing. Then gonna add a couple of ore thoughts.
Couple of things. I couldn't really make a distinction about him favoring a rear leg, but it certainly seems like there may be a strained muscle, maybe back...neck...or leg...or front leg shoukder....something that's making him prefer to lay down rather than hop around. Licking his leg could even be from a pinched nerve in his back, as opposed to the leg itself being the cause of stress.
Have you tried any gentle "range of motion"'with his rear legs to see if he tightens up at any point or shows signs of pain? Massaging up and down his back to see if he shows any tension at any spot?
Definitely add Metacam to the mix. The Metacam woild probably have more of an impact on any "over doing it" issues working with the Gaba,assuming there is inflammation somewhere. And yes, just potty breaks and complete rest!!! . Hedgie time and tugging time can take a time out for a few days!
Of course, the panting could be from some pain, as well as the Gaba. The eyes looking "off" could also indicate some bit of pain.
I know your having the Vet check him out, but I wouldn't eliminate a respiratory infection separate from the "possible leg/back/shoulder issue". A Vet should be able to figure that out just by listening to his chest......no need for xrays as far as I'm concerned!! Remember, you da' boss!
I really think the Metacam can help. OBVIOUSLY, not a Vet and not giving Vet advice and don't do anything without Vet approavl...and blah, blah, blah.
I've looked at the cideos a few more fimes now, and it does seem a "pai " from "I don't wa t to move because it hurts my ...(pick one)..neck, back, shoulder, etc....or all!
Not gonna say "never", but rarely does osteo cross over to another limb.
As you can see, there are very personal and individual decisions about pursue additional tests, etc. THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG-! It's a decision where you and Paul already drew your line in the sand when you first started this journey. I fhink it's important to remew that because that discussion took place when there was less stress or fear. Now, does that mean tbe "line" can't be moved some? Heck know!!
I was fortunate in that my Vet of a hundred years didn't retire until after Happy Hannah's journey. We discussed early on to what lengths I would go, or not, afer her original chemo and where my line was. He was very supportive of that. As it was becoming more clear that Happy Hannah probably had a met, the ONLY reason we proceeded with an xray was because, if she did have a met, there were things that could be done ro continue her quality and her comfort.
You and Paul know Stewie best and what he would want for himself.
Continue to give the Metacam and complete rest time to work! And YAY that he already feels a little better after just one or two doses! HUGE!! The fact that he jas jad similar "issues" before, really does indicate the same is true now. It's just that being on three legs can take a toll, especially after hopping arou d in all that snow you have!! So it may require more rest and Metacam for longer periods now.
Hugs and love
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!
Holly
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!
Purrkins said
I saw the same maybe a favor of the back leg maybe? I played it so many times and don't see Stewies hop enough to know? The first video is the concerning one to me.
Holly, as you know, you are the reason that i came on to post about Stewie and his situation right now.... you saw enough to be concerned and you also suggested that he is in pain and not moving right, so thank you for having beagle eyes! 👀
My concern is they want to do an x-ray of his limbs and justifiably so and then you know my worst fear is. I am praying this is Stewie overdoing and that's it! I see discomfort for whatever the cause he does not want to go and plops down like that took all he had! His neck has been an issue in the past right? He looks stiff and painful to me.
Yes, that is my concern too, that Dr. Amber will want him in to do a full check up and going over and i can see why she would want to do that, but i won’t know until I ask right! We don’t want to see the worst case scenario... does this make sense? We want to be here for Stewie in what ever way we can and i won’t let Stewie suffer, but i am torn here......
I would want someone to tell me exactly as you have both have. Tina, you wanted truths all scenarios right? That is me as well!
You guys this is me too..... This is not Paul..... again, I ask that you not think of him as an ogre and uncaring at that, he just doesn’t want to put Stewie through anymore than he has to! He can’t even stand seeing me give Stewie a pill, as i mentioned above, never mind forcing him and having to drug him, just to do the X-ray! I can keep Stewie quiet during these exams, i can’t always make him do everything we need him to!
Your gut instinct is not the same as being paranoid Mom. Unfortunately, there is a difference! This instinct weighs too much, and you know it & hate it!
Yes Miss Holly, i know it and I DO HATE IT!!!
None of us would judge you on no x-rays on any route you took or did not take! KNOW that! I would be terrified for an x-ray, but on the other hand, it could show injury that is all of our hope in a sense rather than you know what! It could prove you have comfort options right? It could prove the worst fear too?! Can they just provide comfort measures without a defined cause?
Our Vets here would not, but I haven't had an animal with osteo so maybe they will? I would tell the new Vet all of your wishes and concerns before she see's Stewie if that is possible, Dr. Laurie would have notes on all of this in his chart I would imagine!
I am going to call and make an appointment for a consultation to begin with if i can Holly. It will be a good time to talk about our very old and weary Mr Spike. I won’t blame her for telling me that we should bring them in, but......
Did you try the Metacam last night?
I did Holly, thank you! You helped me see that the Gabapentin would not help much if it wasn’t nerve related! Ha! (Well not funny!) i can totally relate to that and i should have made the connection. The Metacam is only once a day, so i gave him his first dose last night. I am going to update the vets with what i am giving him.
We are sending out ongoing prayers & good juju etc.
Thank you my darling Holly! I am collecting and holding close all the good JuJu that you can offer!
Huge hugs and Rots of Rove!
Rots of Ruvin right back atcha!!!
Petra and a sleepy Stewie
Rocky's dad said
I don't have much to add other than I'm hoping everything is well with Stewie and any issue is relatively minor. Keeping y'all in my thoughts.
Thank you David! Its lovely to have your support my darlin’!
hugs to you and Baxter
Purrkins said
Stewie does go for acupuncture and ortho-bionomy I think that is how you spell it? They just started going weekly, but have been going prior too.Petra can tell you more. I agree on both chiro and acupuncture Purrkins gets both and he is tiny compared to the pups & he gets out of whack!
Yup, you spelt it right Holly! Miss Leslie is now adjusting him every week because it is recently that i have noticed the change in him and his occasional whimpers that were happening. I thought the treatments were helping him, but now he is hopping heavier than he has in the past.... sooooooo......
Miss Leslie is away this week unfortunately, but i have him scheduled again next week. I am also going to ask her to start on the laser acupuncture again.
Tina, I’m sorry, i didn’t acknowledge this question before.... the nearest facility that could treat Stewie with Accupuncture is 3 hours away. That unfortunately is a treatment out of our realm.
Thanks, Sally you know why we were both up
you guys are totally synched in for Stu Butt heh?!! Thank you!!!
dobemom said
I agree, go with your gut, get him checked out. As you may or may not know, after we finished Nitro's chemo, I also vowed no X-rays...I needed to stop obsessing over things I had no control over - or it was a "bury-my-head-in-the-sand" kind of thing.
Paula, thank you for sharing this with me. No, i didn’t know that you also chose the ‘no further treatment’ route. It’s not an easy decision, but it is one that Paul and i chose after we finished chemotherapy. The fact that i have done the Ortho-Bionomy for him as well over the last few months, well that was an easy one to decide for him. He loves it!!! It does feel like a bit of ‘bury-our-heads-in-the-sand’’ type deal and the guilt can play into that and make this whole vet thing bloody painful!
I followed that route for almost 2 years after his amp; then he had some issues with mobility, and I was SURE the cancer had moved into his spine. I took him in, they suggested xrays, I went into a full-blown panic....I agreed, because we needed answers. He was gone for almost an hour, all the while i was spinning out of control, picturing the worst. 27 X-rays later, the conclusion was arthritis in his back knees, and spinal stenosis by his tail region. (they also did a "drive-by" of his lungs, which were clear).
Paul won’t agree with X-rays, I don’t think... But it is a huge comfort to know that when you did, you were assuming wrong and thank god for that after 27 X-rays!!! I am definitely going to show him this information when he is open to it today.... i just told him about posting the video... he didn’t say much...
All through his journey he had chiropractic adjustments, starting around the first month after his amp. His neck was so twisty, it brought great pain - I don't know how he would've survived 3+ years without them. After some time, we also added acupuncture (started when he began having kidney issues, and continued to help his arthritis).
As i mentioned above to Holly’s remark, i am taking Stewie in once a week now for his Ortho-Bionomy and he us usually really good after. He was great after last weeks Wednesday appt and then he wasn’t that great on Friday...
I get the new vet uncertainity, but at this point, answers (I feel) are the important thing. Its scary for sure, but fear of the unknown can be so much worse. Maybe it will be a non-cancer thing that can be dealt with, but first you have to know what that is. Do you have any alternative practice vets - that do chiro/acupuncture in your area? Good luck, keep us posted. Sending big hugs to you all.
Answers are important for sure Paula, i couldn’t agree more. But i have to take it super easy with Paul and not jump to conclusions and therefore have him turn a blind eye to my concerns. But so far he is not disagreeing with me and that almost scares me more!!!
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
Thank you my darling for helping me with my concerns for my Stewie boy! I am hoping that this is all just another strain, like Sally has added. Im sorry it took me so long to respond back to you, it has been a while since i felt the healing power of the Tripawds furmily and i have got to get my fingers working quicker!!!!!!
Massive hugs to you Paula and special spirit kisses to your Warrior Angel Nitro!!!
You guys are incredible.... please know that! Paul will get filled in on all of your thoughts a bit later on... i am going to go and phone the vets right now and see what we can organize for my special boys...
Sally, honestly my lovey, i am going to get back to you in a little while.... i am not forgetting your sweeet words of wisdom my lovey, i just wanted to make sure that everyone got a virtual hug right back from me this morning, so that you all know that I know, you are here with me and Stu-Butt!
i hope all of my rambling is making sense? Thank you for your understanding when it comes to my boys!!!! 😉 
love to you all!
Petra and a quiet Stewie
Wow I'm sorry I missed all this yesterday! You have gotten incredibly helpful feedback that echoes what many of my thoughts were when reading through the posts. To that I'll add:
One pain medication is often not enough for treating any kind of chronic pain If you are unable to add a non-RX like acupuncture into the mix, then adding an additional pharmaceutical may help tremendously. I wouldn't expect to see the Metacam working during the first day or two but during the first week I'm guessing it will. If not you may want to ask about a muscle relaxer like Methocarbomol, which has helped our Wyatt since last summer.
What I've learned is that Tripawds can have very tight muscles because they are not getting the full extension when they walk. Their bodies are essentially crunched up all the time in order to balance. So a muscle relaxer can help, as well as more couch cuddling massage sessions. And remember, when our bodies compensate for pain that's happening in one area, the outward symptoms appear in another. Hopefully this is the case with Stewie's situation.
Most times, this disease plays out text book style, with the lungs being impacted and not a second osa tumor in another bone. But if you know you can't sleep at night without knowing for sure, then get the scans done. As others have said, sometimes it's the not knowing that is worse than knowing, whatever the diagnosis is.
I hope this helps. Keep us posted and give that handsome fella extra lovin' from all of us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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