Cancerous tumor on Coffee's leg

[Sheenagirl]

I feel so bad for Coffee. You know they can bounce back faster than you think. Here is an example;
One night two dogs that were loose in my neighborhood got my kitty and played tug of war with her. There was a rip in her side that was really bad - I could see her intestines. She really looked mostly hopeless. Took her to the ER vet. They could not stitch up the wound because it had to heal from the inside out. So the vet sent her home with some antibiotics and something topical for the wound.
The wound got larger and larger until her whole side was a gaping hole.
My daughter and I nursed her for a few weeks and you know she bounced right back - her side healed and you would never know there was such a huge hole there!
Just wanted you to read my kitty's story to know that even though something looks near impossible - they can bounce back!
Maybe you could give Coffee a few days before making such a big decision - keep giving the antibiotics and pain meds and see how he does.
My prayers are going out for Coffee that he will have a speedy recovery!!

[cuppacoffee]

Thanks, Jenny! That does make me feel a little better. I really feel sick about this whole thing because WE did it to him... I'd take his pain away if I could, but I'll see how the next week goes.

[Sheenagirl]

Your welcome! You know we try to do what is best for our animals and you were only trying to give Coffee the best chance at a long life. I sure can't blame you - I would have done the same.
You know even when our Rotties are not feeling good (for whatever reason) they do just lay around and try to recover. I believe that is what Coffee is trying to do.

[kerry grant]

You done what you thought was best for Coffee , you never intended to cause him pain.Sending hugs to you and a big lick from Bailey Bear .xxxx

[targonrotts]

leg wound closeures are hard. they take long to heal and can be fustrating.
have you contacted a vet university to find out about newer techniques on that type of wound closing?
i have heard there are newer methods. worth looking into.
hoping for the best.

[moz205]

I am so sorry for you both. When they feel pain so do we. Don't feel guilty about "doing this to him". You did what you thought and were told was the right thing to do. This is a bump in the road. My thoughts are with you. Tell Coffee that his friend in NYC sends a big ole slobber.

[my2boys]

Don't beat yourself up. I know I would feel the same way, but you did what you thought was the best thing. We'll keep you in our thoughts. Give Coffee a pat on the head for me and you get one on the shoulder!

[livertw]

Do you have an update for us on Coffee's progress?

[cuppacoffee]

We haven't moved much. He's still in really rough shape. They've told us that they can't close the open wound, it has to heal on its own. The edges of the graft (around the tumor) have died, but they think that it might take. He's got a huge cast now covering the entire right front of his body, and they've tried to put a splint in to keep him from bending the leg too much, but it didn't work at all. He's been at the vets since 8:30 this morning, I spoke with the vet this afternoon. We've been told to triple his tranquilizer medication for the next few weeks to keep him immobile so that it gives the wound the best chance to heal (it's right on his joint)

The really tough part is just the day-to-day stuff. He cries quite a bit, it's almost become a part of his breathing at this point. He hasn't had a bowel movement since last Monday, just little "pebbles" every hour or so. So we have to give him an anema tomorrow. Sometimes he has trouble lifting his head to look at me, but then he's up for hours at night stomping around (due to his split) and crying. He won't drink any water for a day or two, then he'll drink a half a gallon at a shot.

I definitely feel more optimistic about the situation now, especially since they said that even if his wound doesn't heal on it's own, they will probably just need to put a new graft in. I just can't imagine what he's going through. I don't think he feels much pain at this point cause we've got him so pumped up with morphine, but I know he has no joy in his life. Thanks to everyone for your concern. It's nice to have your support in these difficult times.

[AngelBunny]

Your update was terrible to read. Your poor, poor dog. I am so sorry.

[Sheenagirl]

I'm sure he feels like us humans after surgery - the worst hurt lasts for a little while then he will start feeling a whole lot better.
I know it is hard for you to see him this way and it is also hard to nurse him 24 hours a day - been there done that.
Hang in there with him - it will get better.

[Denise L.]

Oh gosh Kate! I am just reading this and I am so, so sorry poor Coffee is hurting like this.

I am sending lots of prayers your way.

[Nina&Bill]

Oh I'm so sorry! Coffee is such a sweet boy and I hope he bounces back soon. I think that contacting a vet university is a great idea. They could at least afford you some insight.

Please, PLEASE try not to beat yourself up. You did what you felt was best, what I certainly would have urged you to do. I remember one incident with Smidgen, she was plagued by lumps & I always had them removed. One time we found one inside her ear. It was removed, the ear was packed and the dr said to come back in a week. By the end of that week she was moping around, lethargic & just awful. When we got back to the vet she said that the ear was badly infected because I had never cleaned it. Now I know that's common sense but I received NO aftercare instructions and and I was just devastated that my girl was suffering because of MY stupidity.

You did nothing wrong. Fingers crossed for Coffee's quick recovery.

Nina

[Denise L.]

Kate, When I was going through all the problems with Cyrus almost 2 years ago, Gretchen referred me to a great ortho guy in Waltham. There is also a canine oncology place there too. VESCONE (veterinary emergency and specialty center of New England) 180 Bear Hill Rd in Waltham. 781-684-8387.

This where Richard the Rottweiler's owner brought him when he had lymphoma.

It is close to you and is a very good place.

[miccmill]

Oh Kate, I'm just reading this. I"m so sorry Coffee and you guys are going through this.

Hoping he turns the corner very soon.