I truly can’t believe how well he is adjusting. I live by that tag line “better to hop on three than limp on four” and say it to many people. He hasn’t had too many mis-steps so his confidence is soaring.
I have a second cocker spaniel who a little ADD. She’s the source of comic entertainment in the house. I’m afraid to take them outside together. I think I will wait until the stitches and staples come out before I do that. Right now the one who gets left in the house cries until the other comes back in. They’re not used to being separated.
I think the only thing Champ misses that rear leg for right now is scratching. He twice turned his head to the lost leg to scratch his neck and looked confused. Then just turned back. He has allergies so he itches a lot. He would scratch himself raw. So, in a way, this will actually keep him from doing that. I spoke with my vet and we are going to do the bloodwork soon to find out exactly what he is allergic to and then start allergy shots.
His allergies had always been bad. We tried everything. The only thing that helped him was Atopica, cyclosporine. But, I have nothing good to say about it. My vet swears I am wrong, but I blame the cyclosporine for the cancer, or the propogation of the cancer at least. It’s an immunosuppressant. I will never advise anyone to use it.
On the pawsitive side, he is eating great. I give him dog vitamins every day which he thinks are treats. These really helped keep his blood count where it needed to be during chemo. The incision looks good. His tail is still wagging.
I’m a little concerned about going back to work on Monday and leaving him alone but my neighbor said she would come over and check in on him at lunch time. It’s going to be a long 2 weeks.
One thing I found that I liked was a “Comfy Cone” instead of those hard plastic cones. He doesn’t seem to mind it as much and it works just as well.
Joy
It’s awesome Champ is doing so well! My Achilles ate his vitamins like treats, too. They know what they need. It’s good your neighbor will be able to check in – that brings some peace of mind. Have a great weekend home with the furkids!
gayle is on the k9 immunity regiment, and i really think this has helped her immune system stay strong after the chemo – something you might want to check out… glad champ is doing so well – and yes the ‘cone of shame’ is pretty awful.
charon & gayle
Sounds like he’s doing well! I hope he can get some allergy relief but that sure is good info. on the drug he was on. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, I was a little freaked the first time Maggie tried to scratch herself with missing limb! That bothered me quite a bit for a while but now it doesn’t..just get down there and scratch wherever she needs for her now 🙂
Hope the next 2 weeks are uneventful!!! 🙂
Tracy, Maggie’s Mom
Sounds like Champ is progressing nicely, and eating is a good thing!!
I hope that having your neighbor check in during the day can bring you some peace of mind.
Hang in Champ!
Spirit JD’s mom
Glad to hear Champ is doing so well! Thanks for kicking off his blog with such detail, can’t wait to see some photos. 🙂
Let us know when you get the path results on Champ’s leg. Funny to say, but I hope it is osteosarcoma and not hemangiosarcoma.
Sounds like you and Champ have gone through a LOT! Glad Champ is doing so well from the amputation.
Nancy and James the poodle
Champ, you’re living up to your name, that’s for sure!