Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Thank you all for sharing your experiences. One factor that is weighing on our minds re: amputation is what the ortho said on her evaluation. Her oncologist had ortho do a detailed exam of her other extremities. Her other hind leg has a bit of swelling and mild to moderate arthritis, or early cruciate ligament disease. He did clear her for amputation but said "...owner should be aware that the left stifle isn't normal and difficulty ambulating may be an issue." Otherwise, she is a beautiful, healthy girl. She just turned 5 on April 1, 2015.
We can't get past the what-if's. What if we amputate and start chemo and don't make it to Christmas. What if the stress of amputation is too much for her other leg? What if we're simply transferring pain from one leg to the other? etc, etc, etc. I personally believe another issue we are having is that we are both healthcare providers and have an understanding of this from a human perspective. Sometimes I feel it would be easier if we started this journey without a knowledge base. This decision is not difficult, its merely unbearable.
Here are the links that Benny55/Sally was referring to:
Tripawds Quality of Life Survey Tells All
Six Days After Rear Leg Amp and Getting Worse-Very Scared Made Horrible Decision.”
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi again,
I'm sorry to add more to your questions....but what if you don't do the amputation? When things go bad will you look back and wonder why you didn't do the amp?
I know it is really hard to do, but you can't let the 'what-ifs' decide for you. There is no way we will ever know what would have happened if we chose another path.
What is the best thing for Pursey?
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
pursey said
Thank you all for sharing your experiences. One factor that is weighing on our minds re: amputation is what the ortho said on her evaluation. Her oncologist had ortho do a detailed exam of her other extremities. Her other hind leg has a bit of swelling and mild to moderate arthritis, or early cruciate ligament disease. He did clear her for amputation but said "...owner should be aware that the left stifle isn't normal and difficulty ambulating may be an issue." Otherwise, she is a beautiful, healthy girl. She just turned 5 on April 1, 2015.We can't get past the what-if's. What if we amputate and start chemo and don't make it to Christmas. What if the stress of amputation is too much for her other leg? What if we're simply transferring pain from one leg to the other? etc, etc, etc. I personally believe another issue we are having is that we are both healthcare providers and have an understanding of this from a human perspective. Sometimes I feel it would be easier if we started this journey without a knowledge base. This decision is not difficult, its merely unbearable.
It sounds so trite, but none of us knows what the future will bring. You are right---some of those things could happen. You don't know. None of us knew either. And none of us know your dog like you do and you must do what is right for her in your own heart.
I can only speak for ourselves but we knew Ellie was in pain and it would not get better---and from what I know, the pain of OSA is something off the scales compared to the other things you mention. Despite all it's drawbacks we knew that amputation would at least spare her that. Still, we worry that she is tearing her body up doing the tripawd hop, we worry that she'll wreck her other leg tearing down the stairs to chase the squirrels, we worry every single cough or hack is a sign of lung metastasis---we basically worry all the time! But we don't let it stop us enjoying her and it certainly doesn't stop Ellie from enjoying her life right now, in this moment.
Denise, Bill and Ellie.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Well said again by Daniela, ".Mac" Karen and Denise. And thanks, as always Jerry!
You and Kevin are dpong an excellent job or processing everything. This decision is absolutely gut wrenching and seemingly unbearable.
Curious what you meant about being a health care provider and your personal human perspective and how that factors in.
Oh,I did want to mention my Happy Hannah did have trouble going UP stairs (rear leg), but I was able to have built a ramp for her for that prior to the amputation.
Some rear leggers manage fine though. Many use one of the harnesses made for tripawds to help with stairs or getting in and out of cars.
She NEVER showed any signs of "depression". As you could tell from the link I gave you (or Jerry gave for me!), she did do a lot of whining and crying for several days. This IS major surgery and humans would be whining and cring too!
Try and chunk your fears down. With each question you ask yourself, dig deeper and ask what the "real" fear is. Another question you might ask yourself, at what point a certain amount of "time" would make the "risks" bearable. And right off the bat, just a reminder..PURSEY DOES NOT HAVE A TIME FRAME STAMPED ON HER BUTT! Statistics are just very general guidelines...so e dogs get "less time" then "predicted", some get way more! Is it six months, one year, etc.? Then chink kt down even further....why would..for example, 12 mo ths be "worth it"but ten months wouldn't.
And then go even further by stepping j to Pursey's big paws. Do you think time frames mean anythi g to Pursey? Do you think she would care if she "mzde it to Christmas" or not? What she cares about is being by your side pain free and living each moment to the fullest!!
Sit quietly with Pursey...get grounded in Pursey's centeredness. In that calm state,you will hear Pursey's "voice". Perhaps that's where you'll find your direction.
And I can tell you this, I made everyday "Christmas" for Happy Hannah and I made everyday her birthday and we loved everyday in the most joyful state possible and celebrated her presence by my side like the gift that it was!
Continue to ask ANY questions, or to vent and rage! We do a lot of these things around here! This journey doesn't have right or wrong decisions...amputation is not always the decision everyone makes for numerous reasons. Obviously, almost all off us here have taken that route based on our personal situation. Only you know what is best for you and Pursey, in a brutal "forced choice" sort of way!
One more bit of "advice" B R E A T H E.....DEEP, DEEP BREATHS....EXHALE SLOWLY.....B R E A T H E.....and immerse yourself in devouring chocolate by the bagfulls!!!
We are here with you!!!!
Sending lots of love.....and chocolate!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
As someone previously mentioned, your story is bringing back so many memories for us all.
I don't know who penned the quote, but someone said, "Any decision made after diagnosis is the right decision."
That sentence spoke volumes to me and the hub-a-dub. I can also tell you that no matter what decision you make, you will second-guess your reasons behind it long after the results. It's only natural.
Our Harmony only lived 11 days post surgery. There's not a day that goes by where we don't question our decisions. We live with them for the love of Harmony. All those doubts didn't/won't find a cure for cancer and that's where I try to put all those emotions, squarely on "Voldemort".
It wasn't the amputation that took our sweet Harmony, it was the cancer. Our truth is we should have taken her leg a long time ago. That way she would have had a fighting chance before it spread to her spleen and liver.
Bottom line, this is not going to be easy, but you've already shown what kind of pawrents you are by questioning what you think is best for her. Only good can come from such a loving and caring devotion to your sweet fur-baby.
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Thank you all for your responses and most of all, your support. This week has been crazy and I'm sorry I'm just now responding. Pursey is scheduled for amputation tomorrow morning. We decided on Tuesday after speaking again with both the oncologist and orthopedic. We were in a frenzy trying to get everything squared away for tomorrow (work/school arrangements, funds to cover the operation, etc). It's all happening so fast. Hopefully we'll have time to tripawd-proof the house while she's recovering at the hospital. Will keep you guys updated and will probably have even more questions after the surgery! Like mentioned before, "any decision after diagnosis is the right decision" and we're holding on to that for dear life!
-Kevin, Danny, Pursey and Lola
And, add to your "hold onto list"......any decision made out of love is the right decision! So hang onto that too because you clearly love Pursey and she KNOWS it!! This journey forces js to make extremely difficult decisions that are real kicks in the gut! You are trying to do everything possible for Pursey! You have done your research, you are aware of some known challenges and you are moving forward! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!!
Most dogs stay at least one night or two, some more. You'll have time to get raised food and water bowls (to prevent strai ), the put non skid scatter rugs over hardwoods for traction , Some dogs need support with a sling (a towel works just fine).. A good semi firm bed is helpful. One too squishy coukd make them slip as they try and get up. The Big Barker Bed is perfect for big dogs who need a bit of support.
Oh...and veey important...CHOCOLATE for you! Eat lots of chocolate the next several days!
And REMEMBER, Pursey is NOT worrying about anything!! She is living in the moment and blissfully unaware of anything but the joy and love she derives from her humans!!
STAY CONNECTED! You are not alone!
Sending lots of love and hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Best wishes for a perfect procedure and speedy recovery! Please keep us posted...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Today is surgery day. Sending strong, positive thoughts for an uneventful and successful surgery. Please update when you can.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Again, we cannot thank you guys enough for your support. Half of the battle is over! She made it through surgery and is recovering- as per expected, she's on pain meds, ABX and fluids and they encouraged us not to try to visit her tonight so we'll wait until tomorrow to see her.
Now we're getting nervous- the thought of bringing her home scares the crap out of us...it's as if they're sending us home with a newborn baby and no instructions! So I'm sure this weekend will be an interesting one. We're both off all next week so we have a week to get her used to her new body. We're going tomorrow to buy rugs because our entire downstairs is hardwood. We're also looking into getting her a Big Barker Bed or possibly something raised off the ground a bit. They're sending us home with a vest- not sure if it's one like we see advertised on this site so we're going to check those out.
Thanks again! We're totally exhausted and going to bed early! Ps, how do you upload photos on this post?
Best,
Kevin, Danny, Pursey and Lola.
Good news!
Yes, get as much rest as you can until Pursey comes home.
Here is how you add photos to a post.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Good news! Exhale now.
And I think I said basically the same thing about 'bringing home baby' to Bill so I can definitely relate.
We didn't get to see Ellie until we went to pick her up. I thought I'd be upset seeing her the first time, so I was very much dreading it. But it actually wasn't bad, since she was so clearly happy to see us and so clearly ready to go home!
Denise, Bill and Ellie.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
YAAAAAAAAAY! Surgery is over and Pursey is resting comfortably seeing pink elephants snd watching Lonney Tunes in her head!
Now you get some sleep! You may not get much sleep over the next several days!
I always suggest not even looking at the site when you go pick her up. Just look into that sweet face of hers and tell her what a good girl she is!! You are going to be so happy to jave her home.
We are all right by your side so don't hesitate to use us as a resource during this recovery period. We've all been through it! It's not a picnic! Hold onto us...we won't let you go!!
HUGS...AND GET SOME ZZZZZ'S
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Aww I'm glad to hear things went well!
We agree with your vets; visiting the first night tends to cause more distress than comfort. We've had vets tell us that the dogs are happy to see the humans when they're there, but once they leave and the dog stays, the dog's a wreck. So yeah, good move. And I know what you mean about bringing home baby, it IS like that. But hopefully the recovery period will be easy and she'll just snooze all day. It's not always hard, but sometimes it can be for couple of days. Hope she gets to come home today. We're looking forward to hearing more and seeing some pics. Love those Danes!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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