Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I couldn't figure out which category was the most appropriate for this post, so please move it, Admin, if you feel it fits better elsewhere. After nearly 3.5 cancer-free years with Nova, something horrible has happened just out of the blue. Many of you know already that Nova is a blind Tripawd, and has adapted very well. Suddenly a few days ago she started to lose her way a little more. She became very sullen and depressed, often staring at the wall and whining, and became very distant, which is very unusual for her snuggly, tail-wagging self. Several behavior changes. It was almost as if she was suffering from doggie dementia.
I took her to the vet and they got her on the scale and discovered she had dropped 7 lbs since we were there last Friday. My vet said that made him worry it was cancer. When I described the symptoms, his first gut reaction was that it was a brain tumor. Sadly, the only way to really ever know for sure is to have an MRI, which is thousands of dollars I do not have. And if the MRI showed there was a tumor, it would be nearly impossible to treat. I had him do bloodwork, which was pristine as usual. Chest x-rays were crystal clear with no evidence of mets. No evidence of spread to any other organs. All we have to go on is loss of appetite, extreme weight loss, confusion, personality changes... sadly all these signs point to a brain tumor.
I hope and pray that they are wrong, but I realize that Nova has already beaten the odds many times over, so I am so thankful for that. I wish I could write more, but I right now I am so very sad and afraid. I don't want her to be hurting or in distress. She has been given Rimadyl right now to see if that takes the edge off any pain she might be in. She's not interested in her dog food, but I just got her to eat a couple leftover burgers from our Memorial Day cookout.
So all I can do right now is love my girl.....
(A very sad) Dane Mom Sue
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
I am so so sorry to hear about your beautiful girl. Shower her with love and belly rubs. That's what she needs more than anything right now. Much love and warm thoughts to you during this sad time.
xo
Sue,
We are so sorry to hear about the Queen. Give her an ear rub for us.
Spirit Samson was Spirit Tripawd Daisys four legged "brother" and ruled as the self proclaimed head of the Monkeybutt Federations East Coast Division. Lady Chunky Monkey stayed from Oct 2011 and left for the bridge in Apr 2012. Miss Perdy is left and has some big pawprints to fill.
Do you have what it takes to be a Monkeybutt? Find out more at the Monkeybutt Federation
When I read your status on facebook my heart dropped and reading it here makes it hurt even more. I am so sorry. No time is ever enough time no matter how long or short. Nova has been a true hero to so many of us. Cancer sucks. Sending you lots of hugs, Finchy kisses and Buster tail thumps.
Spirit Chili Dawgs pack
Diagnosed with OSA: 5/2/2011 Ampuversary: 5/11/2011 OSA returned in hip: 8/26/2011
Chili Dawg crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 8/30/2011 & is now pain free. He was my heart dog, and I miss him every day.
Oh, Sue, I am so stunned that words fail me at this moment. Nova is one of those dogs that us newcomers to the site cling to and pray that we can have even a portion of the success which you have enjoyed. You are not alone in your sadness tonight. Please give The Queen a little hug from us.
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Oh my goodness Sue, I wish that I had the right words to say to give you comfort at this frightening time. Please know that you and Nova will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
A big hug for you and a gentle kiss for the Queen....
Anita
I'm so sorry to hear about Nova. Could it be unrelated to the cancer? I'm not sure how old Nova is, but it does sound like it could be doggie dementia like you thought (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or CCD). Her symptoms are the same symptoms of CCD too. If it is CCD, there is a medication available that can help by increasing dopamine in the brain (selegiline or L-deprenyl, brand name Anipryl). Could they try her on the medication in case it is not cancer related?
Here's some info about CCD: http://www.drsf.....m?aid=1346
Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to Nova.
Hugs and chocolate labby kisses,
Ellen & Charley xoxo
Charley's Blog: CHOCOLATE KISSES
DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10
Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10
Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin
Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing
♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥
Sue,
I havent responded to a post like this in a long time. Queen Nova was and is still such an inspiration to me, she gave us hope while Cooper was still traveling his journey. I so hope they are wrong, the queen has meant so much to so many here. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and Nova!
Coopsdad
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
I echo everyone else's sentiments. Nova is so brave and such an inspiration. A giant, blind, three legged dog loving life. How many times do you see that! We'll send up prayers that it is the best case scenario and that you both have the strength and courage to face it together. Lots of virtual ((((hugs)))) to you both...and lots of slobbery boxer kisses too.
Leslie
Sue, I know how upset and worried you have to be right now. You're right--Nova has beaten the odds so many times, so maybe she can do it again. I think Ellen offers a great perspective. What do you have to lose trying Nova on the Anipryl? We've used it for a couple of our older dogs with CCD and either it works, or it doesn't. What if it does? I know you can't diagnose Nova without an MRI, but if she improved on Anipryl it is almost the same as a diagnosis.
I'm sorry you're having to deal with this, and I hope Nova calms down and gets her desire for food back. That would help a tremendous amount, I know. So for tonight, I'll hope for that.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
I'm so sorry to hear this. I know if love could cure, she'd be healed. Give her an extra treat from us.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Hi Sue,
Sorry to meet you like this. I'm pretty new to the site but I can see that your Nova has been fighting this damn disease for a long time. I have a tripawd and her monkeybutt sister is blind and 13 years old. She has always navigated pretty well like your Nova. How is her hearing? I thought my Sophie was having some real dementia type difficulties lately (and I still do) and I think some of it is that her hearing has slowly left her too. I feel your pain and pray for you and your Nova. I just love and hug my Sophie every day as the touch is all she has to go by. Give her a hug for me. All my best to you....
Suzie and Rizzo
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
Sue, I know I don't have to tell you how important Nova is to Max's family. I am so very sorry to read this post. It's very strange, I was thinking about Nova just a couple hours ago, and was thinking of PM'ing you to ask how she was doing. I know whatever is causing Nova problems, you and Nova will handle it the same way you've handled her fight against cancer for the past three and a half years: with love and compassion. I wish I had something better to say to you. All I can say is that Nova and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, and we'll be thinking of you, sending positive thoughts to your Queen. Our Queen. The Tripawd Queen.
sue, sending our best wishes for you all. ET juju for our queen.
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Sue, we are so sad to hear this. You are so smart for taking her to the vet and at least getting some kind of answer sooner rather than later, even though it's not what anyone wants to hear. Nova is one of the all-time greatest Tripawd rock stars EVER, and it's hard to believe that anything can slow her down. Even though we all know what the inevitable conclusion is when it comes to osteosarcoma, when a dog beats the odds for as long as she has, it's almost as if she never had it at all. If only. Ugh.
When the time comes and medicine can no longer help, that's when it's time to set your fears free and make the most of your precious time together. Easier said than done, I know. Keep her comfortable and maybe even talk to a hospice person about pain management and palliative care for her. That might help make things calmer for all of you.
We send all our love to you and Nova. Please keep us posted and remember we are here for you during this time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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