First snowfall of 2016
December 17, 2016….exactly 2 1/2 years ago today, Nitro had his right front leg amputated due to osteosarcoma. At times its hard to clearly remember that day, while other parts are seared into my brain and will never be forgotten……
Like my first image of him hopping down the corridor when we picked him up the day after surgery, wearing his t-shirt and Ruffwear Harness; his eyes were glazed with drugs, but what a glorious site to behold. Tears in my eyes, I dropped to my knees, and told him he was beautiful.
Like the heart-wrenching cry of pain he let out as we tried to get him in the back of my SUV. And the long, sleepless night as he tried to get comfortable, only to pant and whine and moan.
wherever there is a blanket, there he is
Fast-forward to today…a week ago he had lab work to check his renal (kidney) function, as its been determined he has arthritis in his left knee and low back, and has to be on an anti-inflammatory which can be hard on the kidneys. The lab values had gone up, so we decided to cut the dose in half – BAD IDEA! After just one reduced dose he was painful, and had such a hard time getting around that I had to resort to using his harness to assist him. It was such a low point for me, that I looked into his eyes to see if he was telling me he was tired of the fight – but apparently his eyes were only telling me he wanted another treat, because by morning he was moving much more easily. The following night after work, he was practically doing ninja kicks in the yard. This tells his vets that it is most likely the arthritis, and he is now going to get Adequan injections that I will be able to give him at home once I learn how. It’s not an inexpensive treatment, but if it enables him to be comfortable while lowering the anti-inflammatories, it will be well worth it to give his kidneys a break.
Hard to see Kodi in the snow
So that is where we are at this point of our journey; still ups and downs, to be sure, but we are most assuredly blessed in this Christmas season. Wishing all of our Tripawd friends and family a healthy and hoppy new year.
Peace and love from the Ehlers Ranch
December 17th, 2016 at 6:34 pm
So inspiring to read this! Our dobie has been a tripawd since February and she has arthritis too! We give her Metacam occasionally but it is also not good and the effect shows up in her blood results.What anti-inflammatory medicine are you giving him?
December 17th, 2016 at 6:48 pm
He is on Carpofen (generic rimadyl). The adequan injections he will be getting is glucosamine, but is administered in the muscle or sub-cutaneous, so it gets into the system quicker.
December 17th, 2016 at 6:29 pm
I celebrate this miracle and this beautiful warrior whole heartedly with you!! Go, Nitro!
December 17th, 2016 at 6:23 pm
WOW. Paula, I didn’t realize Nitro was 2 1/2 YEARS out from his amp…. Holy cow that is AWESOME. Good for him and good for you. He is such a gorgeous boy – and so loved by you. Congratulations and way to go Osteo Warrior!
w
December 17th, 2016 at 6:01 pm
A fitting post for a true hero and warrior! Way to kick cancer’s butt Nitro!!! You are an amazing example of how to live the good life on three. I am so happy to celebrate with you and to have gotten to know your awesome mama (even if she is a Packer’s fan)! Have a very Merry Christmas and happy happy new year!!! Sending you love!!!
Alison with Spirit Shelby and little Jasper too!
December 17th, 2016 at 5:12 pm
Hoppy 2 1/2 year ampuversary Nitro. Way to kick butt. 🙂 You know we all get a little arthritis as we get older. I know Bosch has some in his back and in his ankle/carpus. So he is limping around.
Anyway you are doing awesome and keep kicking butt buddy. We all love you and love you playing.
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
December 17th, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Way to go Nitro!!!
December 17th, 2016 at 4:45 pm
Nope..not there
December 17th, 2016 at 4:45 pm
Darn! I tried rom”copy” a photo of cake and ice cream, but it didn’t reproduce it. I thought it would at least reproduce the link.
Anyway, visualize a cake with ice cream cones surrounding it! YUMMY!
I’m gonna trymit again just in case……..
December 17th, 2016 at 4:43 pm
HAPPY TWO AND A HALF YEAR AND COUNTING AMPUVERSARY WARRIOR NITRO, THE MOST HANDSOME WARRIOR ON THE PLANET!!!!
Oh Paula, this is absolutely GLORIOUS!! This celebration means so much ro allmod us in so many ways!! Nitro carries the torch for thos who have gone to the Bridge, and he is a Beacon kf Hope for anyone starting this journey!!
Okay, yoy know I jad to chucke when Nitro jad a bput of arthritis flare-up and your interpretation…very wrong interpretation…of what that meant!!! Yeah, being on this site makes us gravitate to the edge so wuickly, when no one else would even bat an eye at a something like this! LOL
Nitro is such an amazing boy and we are all so thrilled ro be celebrating this victory, znd this Holiday Season with you both…And adorable Koda too! What a team!!!
Lots and lots of love and ice cream and cake and snowballs!!!!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
December 17th, 2016 at 3:40 pm
Yay Nitro! What a beacon for Hope you are around here! And Paula you never leave any stone unturned in finding help for your beautiful boy. Kudos for being such a warrior yourself! Love to you all!
December 17th, 2016 at 3:19 pm
Way to go, Nitro! We love to hear these success stories. 😄👍😄👍
December 17th, 2016 at 10:51 am
Woot woot woot! Way to go Nitro! We need more miracle dogs like you!
December 17th, 2016 at 10:18 am
Hoppy 2 1/2 year Ampuversary Nitro! You truly are a Cancer Warrior! I’m so proud that you & Murphy share a page on this year’s calendar!
love you!
Donna