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Koa is now 4 weeks and 5 days into being a tripawd. We had our fourth vet visit last week Wed since his amputation. He had to be started on a daily injectible antibiotic two weeks ago due to an Enterobacter infection which he finished on Fri. He had all of his sutures removed on Wed. He is taking less pain medicine and is becoming more like the old Koa prior to his bone cancer diagnosis. He’s been greeting people with his excited bark and running to the door when the doorbell is rung. He sticks his head out the window when riding in the car which he hadn’t done in a long time. Going down the stairs is a slow but going up is a piece of cake! And he’s starting to see some of his dog friends again! Thank you for your continued prayers, love, and support!!!🐶He is #koastrong

Koa’s skin opened up near his incision and was oozing on Sunday night. Took him to the vet Monday morning. He was put under general anesthesia to clean the wound out, put a drain in, and resuture part of his incision. Koa didn’t seem to be bothered by it at all. He was in good spirits and hopping on 3 legs well. We also found out that day that his biopsy came back positive for osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Once he is done healing, we will consult with the oncologist regarding chemotherapy.

The vet took the drain out today and we rebandaged his wound which also needs to be changed out daily. His wound culture from Monday came back positive for an Enterobacter infection which I will have to give him a daily injection of antibiotic. Good thing I’m a nurse so we don’t have to return to the vet daily for injections and dressing changes. Hopefully all of the stitches will come out next Fri. Koa also got a laser treatment today to help with the healing process. Check out his goggles! He’s such a strong warrior.

 

Koa’s been hopping on his own for short distances today. We are amazed at his progress! We went to the vet today for his wound check and bandage removal. His incisions look great! Sutures to come out next week Wednesday. He’s even been taking less pain medications and taking them less frequently. Now to master the stairs…#teamkoastrong#teamkoastrong

Here’s the newest “tripawd” Koa! He’s doing well. Resting comfortably. He’s tired and probably having some post-op pain. He is home as of last night. He stayed 2 nights at the vet. He’s still trying to figure out his balance. He hops with a towel placed under him as a sling. His leg was sent off for biopsy and we should have results in a week or so to see if he needs to do chemo. 🙏🏼❤🐶❤🤞🏻#teamkoastrong

What an emotional roller coaster we have been through the last 3 months with our dog, Koa, and his bone cancer diagnosis…He is an 10.5 year old active, social lab husky mix who enjoys hiking, swimming, and hanging out with his dog friends. He was diagnosed w/ osteosarcoma 3 months ago after having a limp that didn’t go away after 2 weeks. We had decided to give Koa the best life for his remaining days and chose not to amputate and just treat with pain medications.

On Thursday, we had a hospice doctor come to see if there was anything else we can do to make Koa comfortable since he’s been really having a difficult time walking. She made us rethink amputation since the tumor pain is the only thing affecting him. He’s still in good spirits, eating, peeing and pooping. If you remove the leg, there won’t be anymore pain. The cancer will still be in his body but no more leg pain and difficulty with walking.  On Friday, I took Koa to the vet for X-rays and labs. No obvious metastasis to the lungs on the X-rays. Liver tests were a little elevated but nothing to0 concerning.

So we’re a go for surgery on Wednesday. Please pray for Koa! It is much needed and greatly appreciated!!! 🙏🏼❤🐶 #teamkoastrong