Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Saffy is our two yr old Golden doodle with tibia OSA amputation. She had done great in the three plus months since her amputation... Until this past week. I don't know whether her new symptoms are metastasis or reaction to chemo or just random problems, but I'll post here on the off chance someone has experience with it.
We know she's anemic and has very low platelets (thanks to carboplatin). She also is being treated for giardia and some other parasite whose name I can't remember. But more worrying is that she's in obvious pain because of her back end - her tail is limp and tender, her lower spine is painful, she sits and walks with more trouble, she keeps licking at her vagina, which has had some discharge and her anus is dilated. Also, there's a grape-sized nodule next to her vagina. The vet couldn't say for sure what's going on. Pelvic X-ray and vaginal/rectal exam didn't shed any light. I kind of suspect that it's metastasis to the spine, but I'd hate to put her down if it's something fixable. So we're in that awkward period... Hoping tramodal can take care of the pain.
She kind of bunches up in pain and howls... Which is so sad. She has a good appetite and hasn't thrown up or been incontinent.
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Im sorry all this is happening. I can't really help but just wanted to add by best wishes that this is something small and fixable. Good luck and I'll be thinking of you. Remember quality is better that quanitity and if this is not treatable you are better to release her sooner rather than later.
Sending you our best pawsitive good thoughts
Hugs
Sarah
Poor Saffy. Sending pawsitive thoughts your way hoping the Tramadol helps.
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 Saffy! We are so sorry to hear this, it sounds awful. I know that you are a strong girl though, and your age will really be an advantage as you fight this painful episode off.
Remember ma, if you aren't getting a fast diagnosis from your vet, don't hesitate to get a second opinion stat. Your vet won't be insulted and you will have peace of mind knowing you are doing all you can. This sounds serious, and I wouldn't wait to talk to someone else.
We are thinking of you both and sending our love and healing wishes.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So sorry that Saffy is not feeling well.
Didn't Dakota Dawg's people just go through a very similer thing with their monkeybutt Evelyn? I think it turned out to be a bite or sting of some sort right in her private areas? If I remember correctly it caused some seriously concerning symptoms for them until they figured out what it was. Maybe Shari will chime in on this.
Many hugs and well-wishes to sweet Saffy!
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/
I'm thinking about your Saffy and hoping for the best. It is so hard to see them in pain. Let us know how she is doing....poor girl.
All our Best
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
Oh, poor sweet pea!
I hope you can figure out what's ailing her and get some help for her. It's so hard to see them in pain.
Sending pawsitive thoughts to you and Saffy,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I am sorry to hear Saffy isn't feeling so well. We lost Scout to spinal mets-- Saffy's symptoms are nothing like Scouts (thank goodness) . He was generally unwell for about two weeks-- lethargic, not eating with his usual gusto, and I thought I noticed an odd gait to his hop. He went downhill fast-- he lost the ability to walk (rear legs partially paralyzed) on a Saturday afternoon- we did an MRI on Monday which confirmed cancer in the spine, and we put him down on Tuesday.
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
We found another mass on her thigh, an inch or two from her incision. She refused food today and won't walk. She went out to pee and couldn't squat down so peed all down her tail. We're going to have her put down this afternoon. It sure doesn't seem fair, but I know it's time and the right thing to do.
Oh I'm so very sorry. You have to do what is right for Saffy and your pack, only you know her better than anyone else. Our hearts go out to you, please know we are thinking of you all and are here if you want to talk.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh, I'm so sorry to read this. I was really pulling for her. She's so young and so adorable.
I know how absolutely unfair it is to lose a pup so young - but remember that she doesn't know that she's not getting to have the full life expectancy. She just knows that you made her life FULL.
Sending big hugs out to you today. It's so hard to let them go, even when we know it's the best thing. You are giving her a very unselfish gift.
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Oh....I am so sorry to hear this. I was so hoping to hear she was just having a bad spell. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this really hard time. Saffy is a true warrior princess and will always be with you in your heart.
Take Care.....we are here when you need to talk.
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
I'm so sorry to hear this. Words are not enough. My heart goes out to you.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
to lose a pup at such a young age, is just unthinkable. we are so sorry saffy wasn't able to be with you longer, although she will always be with you in spirit. such a brave and beautiful little girl - heaven is gaining a perfect angel. hopefully the memories you've made with saffy will help to eventually dry the tears that now fall. love never ends.
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
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