riley

Riley was diagnosed with osteosarcoma 6 weeks ago. He was being treated with pain meds. the vet didn't think he would do well with amputation. His leg broke and he had to have his leg amputated or we would have the euthenize him. He had his leg amputated on Tuesday. He is amazing and is doing so well on three legs, it's hard to keep him down. He has to rest and only go out for potty breaks. He is due to get his stitches out on December 15. Hopefully, all will go well and no complications. I was so worried that this was not the right decision, but it was and he is like his old self. This will not cure him and the prognosis is still 5 to 6 months, but I can't think about that now. He takes vitamin E, C and fish oil to keep him strong.

Benpaws

So glad to hear that Riley is doing well after his surgery. Every day with him is a "gift" and cherish each moment. Do not look ahead. We only have "today" and nothing more is promised.

God Bless,
Joanne (Benpaws)

chirowife

Glad to hear Riley is doing so well. Dutch, my Weimaramer, had his front leg amputated on Monday. He is getting around ok, it's hard with the e-collar. He is having a lot of pain and whining alot which is just killing me. I hope that soon I will be like you saying that he is back to his old self. I guess in some ways we were lucky because he is now considered cured, but laying next to him on the floor all night listening to him cry was awful. Thanks for sharing, our prayers are with you and Riley.
Heidi

riley

It is so great relating to people who are going through the same thing. This whole ordeal with Riley has been so traumatic for us. Riley is on a lot of pain meds right now and he seems confortable. I hope Dutch can get some relief soon. Our prayers are with you and Dutch also. Thank you for caring. Riley (Rose)

riley

BenPaws - thank you for caring and for sharing with me. Riley (Rose)

Benpaws

I check through the "posts" every day and just re-read this one on Dutch.I was just wondering how he is doing? Is he now more comfortable and not in as much pain?
I can understand your sorrow when he cried after the amputation. Our hearts do go out to these gentle dogs who put all their FAITH in us.
I hope things are settling down for you and that Dutch is doing well.
God Bless you both. My prayers are with you as they are with everyone here. The stories are all so touching and so sad but many are "hopeful" and that is what I hold on to with my Benny.

In Friendship,
Joanne (Benpaws)

riley

Just wanted to say that it has been 5 and 1/2 weeks since Riley's amputation surgery. he is doing so well. He is healed and out of pain, yeah. He's able to run and play with caution of course. Every day he seems stronger. We just are still taking this a day at a time. The prognosis has not changed, but seeing him this way we are filled with plenty of hope. I hope Dutch is doing well also. Thanks for caring. Rose (Riley)

sms6of6

I'm glad to hear your dog Riley is doing so well post-amputation. Unfortunately, I lost my Great Dane Turk to osteosarcoma in Aug/08. Also, I was not able to afford amputation on my limited budget but I wish I could have done the same as you. I believe it gives you a better fighting chance. If you haven't read Ted's book yet, please do. It has very valuable information regarding supplements, etc., to keep your dog healthy. Turk did very well on these supplements and I believe he would have continued to do well but for a minor set-back which turned out to be a major one eventually. I'm not sure where you are from but I am from British Columbia, Canada. One of the very valuable supplements that I gave Turk was called Flor-Essence, found in Canada under that name, as well as the US. It is also known as essiac in the US. Anyway, I hope all continues to go well for Riley, and you. Keep us posted. Sandra from Canada.

riley

Thank you for your concern. I am sorry about Turk. You did do all you could. We struggled with this amputation, but had no choice because he broke his leg and was in extreme pain. It has been 2 and 1/2 months and riley is doing so well. He is running and playing and eating well. I do have ted"s book. I learned a lot about diet and supplements from him. We have riley and a very regimented diet. The biopsy reported that riley's cancer is in his lymph nodes. The time they gave us is almost up. I don't think about that. We just treasure every day we have with him. Anyway thanks for the info about flor-essence or essiac. I will research it. I have Riley on fish oil, vitamin E, vitamin C, milk thissle, cranberry, and grape seed. He gets prescription diet N/D along with vegetables that I add to his Healthy Balance dog food. He seems to be doing well on this for now anyway. Rose and Riley in St. Louis, Missouri.