Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I'm so frustrated and emotional. Toddy had his right front limb amputated 7/18/2017 secondary to malignant tumor found in brachial plexus. He's already had a tough road prior to that. He has been doing pretty good and even found a rabbit nest in our yard over the weekend. He tried to get them to come out and play. Needless to say he was not very gentle.... Every time he goes out in the yard he heads over to the nest and we have to re-direct him. Except today... He hasn't seemed himself today and I gave him his meds because he seemed to be in pain.(he has only had to have previcox occasionally since 2-3 weeks after his surgery. He has a bump on his lower eye lid (that he has had for years) but decided last week he wanted to scratch it off himself. sigh..... We scheduled surgery for that for this Friday.....but now I notice a lump/knot at the top of his incision. I called his surgeon and left a message yesterday but never heard back (very unusual). Called again today, why did this week have to be the week they are slammed and down a vet? He had already left for the day. Can nerve sheath tumors come back this quickly? It is not painful to him for us to touch or put pressure on his "lump". His prior tumor we could not get near.
I'm not sure if what I'm feeling could be scar tissue or if it is a new tumor? I can just tell that he has not been the same this afternoon and that has me worried. He is eating, going to the bathroom, getting around good and enjoying laying on the couch. BUT he doesn't want to get in his crate and he LOVES his crate, doesn't want us leave his side at times (he sat on his 10 yr old human brothers backpack to try to keep him from leaving this morning and has NEVER done that before), and he will just stand in place at times and not move (not usual for him) .
I'm hoping Toddy can catch a break and I am worrying for nothing. I have looked through all the posts on nerve sheath tumors, and probably have done WAY to much research. We all beg for cuddle time with him and it is amusing to see who he chooses next (of course right now he is next to me 
but Daddy is not home yet.)
here are a few pictures from today
laying down on the backpack
decided he needed to help me take the kids to school today
Heather & Toddy
Oh Toddy!! First of all, you are so darn cute in your photos......but that ine of you laying on your biy's backpack so he can't go to school....precious!!! And hearing about wanting to "play" with the bunnies.........soooo cute!! 🙂
Okay, first rule around here when anyone finds a "lump"...STAY OFF DR GOOGLE!! Before this crazy journey we wouldn't even bother to "google" every lump that showed up. And we've seen sooooo often in this journey, when a lump is discovered, sometimes na lump is just a lump and a bump is just a bump!! And being at the incision. site, it absolutely coukd be scar tissue!!!!
Now, as far as him having an "off day",' that can happen a lot with tripawds in the first severl months. It doesn't take much to over exert, or to tweak a muscle, etc. Since he's eating and pottying just fine, just doesn't feel like running a marathon, he certainly could have tweaked a muscle tryinf to get those bunnies to wrestle with him!! Standing in place.....not wanting to move......all sound like symptoms of a sore musle or even a sprain at his back or shoulder. Massage up and down all over and see if he shows any tension anywhere.
TRY not worry.....just enjoy all the extra snuggles Toddy is giving you and keep posting more cute pictures! He is soooooo cute!!! Update us when you can.
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!
Thank you so much Sally! You are a sweet, sweet soul !! He got another baby bunny late last night.....and headed back to try to play again this morning.
The news is not good. I HATE CANCER with every fiber of my being!!!!!!!! He now has 2 "lumps" and they are tumors.He now has a tumor at the top of his incision about the size of my palm and one at the bottom about the size of a golf ball. His first tumor was so aggressive that the vet was afraid it had already been "seeding" in his brachial plexus. We agree with our vet that going back in again surgically is not in Toddy's favor. We've only had 6 1/2 years with him and it's just not enough!!!!! Our kids are devastated, as are we. It's only been 50 days since his amputation....50 days!!!!!!!! Why?????? I just want to scream! I can't stop the tears and I don't want this to be real!
For now Toddy is enjoying helping me drop the kiddos off at school, sleeping in our bed (which he has never done), loving extra treats, snuggling on the couch,and trying to hunt down those bunnies. I know he will let us know when it's time, I'm just not sure how to let him go!!!
here is Toddy when we first got him
Heather and Toddy
Heather I am so sad to hear that about the new tumors. Dang, I would be just as upset. Did the vet have any treatment options for you? Radiation for palliative care?
He's still a young little muppet and has so much living to do. My heart breaks with you. I know it's hard not to let this get you super upset but here's some things that may help you feel better:
Toddy doesn't know what the report says. He only knows that you are upset and he wants you to feel better. Animals mirror our emotions and he senses that you need love, which is probably why he doesn't want to go into his crate. This is the hard part, but the stronger you can be when you think of the news, the happier he will be also.
Toddy also doesn't know that it's only been 50 days. Time is a thing that we mark, but not animals. In those 50 days, has he been living the life he loves again. Chasing rabbits, loving on his people, enjoying summer. That is all a dog ever wants. To live in the moment, right here and right now. It's why we encourage everyone to try to Be More Dog as they cope with cancer.
Finally, it's up to you to not grieve while he is still of this earth. This book, The Legend of Beezer and Boomer, can help you do that. Toddy is still here, and he wants all of you to treat him the same as always. Love him up, feed him good things and make every day special. The truth is, none of us know how much time we have on this planet. With or without cancer, all of us will pass sometime. For some it's way too soon and it hurts like hell. But if you know that Toddy's life was spent in pure joy and love, isn't that what really matters?
I'm so sorry. This is a hard thing to deal with and you can always, always vent here as much as you'd like OK? We totally get it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You vent and scream and cry here all you want, okay? You've earned the right!!! Then, take some deep breaths and know that there are options for additional treatment. Others who jave dealt with this will chime in, but I think Palladia is one option that shows promise.
This is NOT the end of the road by any means! Toddy has plans to hang around a lot longer so he can get more treats and more non stop spoiling!!
The important thing to remember is NOTHING has changed in Toddy's blissfully unaware world!! This diagnosis doesn't mean squat ro him!! He doesn't think in terms of "what's fair", or why did this happen, he just happily sails through one moment to the next soaking up your love and massive amount of spoiling!!!
Take some deep breaths,do your research, and come up with a plan forward. I encourage you to chexk out holistic/nutritional/supplement options too.
Right now Toddy is by yiur side and feeling just fine! It is sooooooooo important to stay in the moment and to not think about the tomorrows. Just like every thing about this journey, you will handle whatever comes your way whenever it does. No need to go to the "tomorrows" before they come. To do so robs you of your todays with Toddy!! And Toddy has NO intention of letting ANYTHING interfere with his time together with you!!!
Continue to make EVERY DAY the best day EVER for Toddy! Tell your kids to come up with different ways to spoil Toddy everyday. Getting up on the sofa, eating ice cream, playing with TOY stuffed bunnies, getting into the trash without hearing "no", going for a drive-thru cheeseburger everyday, etc, etc. And we woukd loooove to see pictures of how Toddy is being spoiled!!
OMD! That picture of Toddy!! He clew is ine of THE cutest dogs ever!!!! And In ove his coloring too!!
Sending lots of hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. If you have a Starbucks, take Toddy for a Puppacino Puppy Latte! 🙂 🙂 And we'd love a video!!!
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!
Heather,
So sorry to see you going through this. I know EXACTLY how you feel. It's still really raw and emotional for me after what Rocky went through. I don't know how much help I'll be at this point, but I'll try.
When Rocky's tumors started spreading and growing, we tried Palladia. It's an oral form of chemo that I gave him every M-W-F. It worked wonderfully for us at first. Rocky had a fast-growing tumor that actually shrunk within the first few weeks of starting the Palladia. It only worked for us for about a month, but his oncologist said 5-6 months was more the norm. And there are others here who had it work for much longer. It's at least worth looking into.
Otherwise, I'll echo what Jerry and Sally said: Take each day as it comes and live each day to its fullest. That's what Toddy is doing.
Hoping and praying for the best for you all. And Toddy is just so adorable.
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.
David...so kind of you to offer support. It's compassionate acts like this thst make Rocky soooo proud to have you as his human. He continues to reach out and help others through you.
With 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!
Thank you all so much for your direction and suggestions.
I did order the book you suggested Jerry. I did talk with our vet about the palladia and he has prescribed that in the past. He said it is on back order right now.... The tears are reserved for my quiet time only. I probably am overly emotional due to memories of our black cocker we lost to cancer (they found it the exact day I went into pre-term labor, removed it and it doubled in size within 30 days and we had to let him go). Toddy's main activity is rest and we noticed a definite decline in activity yesterday. His respirations are high at times. Right before his surgery I switched him to Dr Harveys cancer diet. No grains etc. We also started dasuquin and K-9 immunity plus.
We are planning special treats for Toddy every day!! Our boys are loving planning this for him. Today he got a cheese burger...It started out as a tug of war.
He still wants to go see the bunnies and he tries to dart to them as quick as he can or sneak over if the thinks I'm not looking. We realize we are on borrowed with him. I just wish this stupid cancer would have stayed away a little longer than 1 & 1/2 months. He is loving the extra spoiling!!!! his other fur brother might be a tad jealous.
Sally...The boys can't wait to get him a toy rabbit !!! Thanks for the idea!
David...Thank you for reaching out! I know this is an extra difficult time for you! It means a lot!! You have been in my prayers.
We are living each day to the fullest and trying not to think about tomorrow. We are thankful for everyone's support and guidance. It means the world to us! Well, it looks like I have some rabbits to go protect from one curious pup!!!!
Heather and Toddy ( the rabbit hunter)
I don't think I can add anything that hasn't already been so perfectly said. All I can offer is a big hug and let you know that you're not alone.
Take a look into Toddy's beautiful brown eyes and I bet he'll make you smile.
Tiffany
RUN BUNNIES RUN!!! 🙂 Toddy is on your little bunny trail!! 🙂
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'm partial to Cocker Spaniels, but Toddy is just so darn cute. I'm rooting hard for him and you.
Now that he has his Wings, Rocky is a bit more powerful. I'm going to ask him to give Toddy a boost to hold back this POS disease.
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.
This pictures of Toddy THOROUGHLY enjoying his cheesevurge...OMD.....soooooo cute!!! His eyes are dancing with glee!!
I know it's really, REALLY hard to hang k to hope, but there IS still hope for more time, okay? Just because he may be tired one day more than the next,doesn't really mea aything other than he got worn out going to the Vet AND trying to catch vunnies!!
Another thing your boys can do is make EVERYDAY CHRISTMAS DAY for Toddy! Everyday Toddy gets a wrapped present to open!!! Yes, the boys will be vusy picking out presents and wrapping them!! 🙂 They can wrap up treats, bones, foys, new blankets, pillows, bunny slippers, bunny toys, etc. And yes, he still gets to open presents Christmas Day, this just gives him a headstart! And once a week Toddy gets a Birthday Cake and ice cream and a steak dinner! And yes, he still gets to eat ice cream and cake on his virthday too!! It gives the voys reasons to celebratebe everydayand stay focused on the joy of living in the moment 🙂
You have every right to be "emotional", especially because this makes yiu revisit your loss of your other beloved Cocker. Just remember....that was then and does not mean the same as Toddy's experience. Check into the Palladia. Is your Vet figuring outa way to speed his back order up?? I woukd think some direct contact with the manufacturer may help speed things up...maybe. Or maybe calls to other Clinics to see if they have some that can be purchased
Keep these ADORABLE photos coming!! Take lots and lots of photos and make sure you include lots of selfies!!
Lots of 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!
Thank you David! I love looking at Rocky's photos!! It warms my heart to see is sweet cocker face!!!! We could use all the boosting we can get.
its not looking good. His tumor o found on Tuesday was the size of a quarter and now it fits on my palm. The second one that showed up was golf ball size yesterday and tonight feels like a baseball. I think it's pressing some on his airway. His tumors are so agressive. They have a life of their own and the are ravaging his sweet body.
Sally I LOVE the bunny picture ! He's getting cake and ice cream for sure tomorrow!! I love all of the ideas for the boys and the spoiling. His favorite thing to do is eat. Our oldest son (10) said tonight "I sure am going to miss his kisses!" Shattered my heart. I'm going to make a photo book of Toddy for the boys. That way they can remember all of our good times together and keep a piece of him close to their hearts.
xoxo
Heather & Toddy (bunny terriorizer)
DON'T GIVE UP!
Rocky and I had some terrible luck with this POS disease, but we never gave up. Hoping and praying you and Toddy find better fortune. You can tell from his pictures what a gentle soul he is.
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.
And get lots of videos of TODDY THE BBUNNY TERRIORIZER giving your voys sloppy kisses! Make sure you have the sound on. That will be such a great furever treasure.
Do you think a second opinion Vet/Onoo could offer up any possibilities for keeping those SOB tumors at bay?' The one possibly pressing on his trachea...any chance of removing without too much of an invasion? Don't ean to be asking such uninformed wuestions or asking things you've akready thought about.
Your love forToddy is so strong and that's what will carry you from one moment to the next. And we are here to help in anyway we can.
For now though, we are celebrating Toddy everyday and his adorable self and his undeterred focus on vunnies!! Don't tell him he has tumors.....he's not listening!
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
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!
1 Guest(s)
