Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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(partially reposted from an email)
Ever since Christmas, it has been hard. Daily fevers, with lethargy and wheezing (only during the fevers). Her little eyes get so puffy with the fevers. Then when the fever breaks she's up and going. But never since 2 days before Christmas, had she had the energy she had yesterday at the tripawd party. I hadn't seen her eyes sparkle like that in weeks.
Adam was hoping hoping hoping that it was the antibiotic we had her on (Clavamox). That possibly she was allergic to it, and by taking it off she would be rid of the fevers. What I've seen is that she definately feels better off the antibiotic (no back hunching, less difficulty breathing, no more guarding of the abdomen), but the fever came back worse than ever last night.
At 11 it was 104.5. We gave her medicine, got her to drink her tuna water. I even wrapped her in a cold gel pack. Her fever broke and by 2 we went to sleep. It took awhile to break this time.
Then she woke adam up at 5:30. Her temp was 105.1. That's seizure levels. She was miserable. We wrapped her in soaking wet towels. That didn't work. We put her in the bath and poured water over her. That didn't work. We called UCDavis and they were extremely unhelpful. I called my sister (used to be an emergency vet tech). Something I didn't know, dogs can sweat throught their feet. We took her outside (where it's cold anyway) and wet her pads so it would pull the heat to them. We continued to wet her pads, because we noticed within minutes, her feet would be hot! My sister is so darn smart. Me, Adam and Caira Sue out on our porch in the dark and cold at 6 am. It took almost 2 hours to break that one.
Now its back up to 103.
I guess it's been hard to see her up and down for the last couple weeks. Yesterday was beautiful. She really seemed to be having a good time (except for the few trips to eat grass). You know, we don't have kids. And although we've both had a multitude of pets through our lives, Caira Sue is it. She's the best of the best. It's really difficult to see a creature who loves life SOOOO much be hurting. We just want her to have as full a life as she can, but not be miserable. Damn this cancer.
I think our time with Caira Sue is definitely running short. I hate that it's fevers. I want to be brave and strong for everyone, but sometimes it's not easy. Adam lost his mother less than 2 yrs ago. I think losing Caira will in many ways be harder for him.
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
After Yoda's first lung met burst, his oncologist warned me he could be more prone to lung infections and that fever would be a symptom of this. Her symptoms also remind me a little of when I allegedly had walking pneumonia (me, not Yoda) in that I would feel just fine between fever spikes. Probably not helpful at all, but I thought I'd throw those thoughts out there and that maybe a different antibiotic would help her? Assuming you can get her in to be seen. I'm afraid I don't know any tips for treating fevers in dogs. Thoughts and prayers are coming your way!
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes dear little fruitbat, your ampuversary buddie IS thinking of you. I love the image of your little girl wrapped in wet towels. Do take a picture if it happens again. Yes, dogs do not have sweat glands as do humans, but can lose heat through their feet and mucous membranes - mouth and nose hence the panting of a hot dog. Not sure how to apply that to your situation, but maybe it will spark more ideas. Maybe wet her entire legs if you stand outside in the cool air (assuming it is not -40 like it is here, in which case that could be dangerous!), for some of the heat can be conducted through veins and capillaries to the surface, even if there are no sweat glands there.
It is so hard when they are in the prime of their life - and worse that many of the dogs on this site are even younger - in all ways except for this durn cancer, isn't it?
We are wishing you all the best. Keep us posted. Take care of yourselves too.
I wish I had some advice for you, but I don't know a thing about treating fevers in dogs. I just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you, and hoping that Caira Sue pulls through this.
A Great Dane Lean and Snuggle to you and Adam from Nova (and mom Sue)
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Oh, little sparkler-firecracker, you were so up yesterday, how can this be??!
I don't have any helpful suggestions either--my field of endeavor is numbers, not fevers--but I'm praying and supporting all of you, hoping you can beat the fever and heal.
Cemil and I send our love.
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Sending good thoughts for Caira Sue. Get better, sweet girl.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
I'm sorry that Caira Sue is dealing with these nasty fevers... Did the vets have any useful suggestions for you, besides cooling the feet? Are they going to try another antibiotic, since she didn't feel well on the clavamox? I really hope that she feels better soon... She was just so full of energy in the videos of the last Tripawds get together!!
Give Caira Sue a big hug and kiss from me!!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Homeopathic Belladonna can be an excellent fever reducer. It will not interfere with any medications since it is homeopathic, not herbal. You can get it at the health food store, usually somewhere around the childrens area, since they often suffer from fevers.
Hi Mary. Unfortunately, I don't have any advice or ideas for you either, as Max has only had the one fever, and it was not very high (103); maybe Baytril as an antibiotic next time (gentler on the stomach). Can't any vet answer as to why she has had these since late December? Other than that, just know that we're thinking of you, Adam and CS.
cairasue said:
But never since 2 days before Christmas, had she had the energy she had yesterday at the tripawd party. I hadn't seen her eyes sparkle like that in weeks.
Let me tell you clearly, the sparkle in her eyes was like a symphony to both Emily and I. In fact, the warmth, energy, and general comradery of all was nothing short of wonderful. It is for moments like the pawrty that we all live for. I am sure that it warmed you heart as it did mine. We know how much of a roller coaster you have been on, but this was definately a high. Truly a great time was had by all!
Wish that I could provide some good insight as to what you can do about these fever cycles. All we can do from here now is to voice our support and offer our prayers.
Spirit Cherry's Dad - Bob
I'm sorry I don't have any ideas for reducing fevers but I wanted to you to know I am thinking about and praying for you.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Tears in the eyes. This is so lousy for Miss Caira Sue, Tripawd Extraordinare. Do pray that the fever will break and stay broken and that Caira will be much happier and more comfortable. And that you and Adam get some rest and recovery. We so enjoyed seeing you and meeting Pops and Sammy yesterday. Caira must get better and keep coming to the pawties! Much love, Us.
Oh Caira Sue... I am sooo sorry you aren't feeling well.
Mary & Adam I hope that you know we are here for you if you need anything. Brian (my husband lost his mom 2 years ago as well. I too think loosing Shilo for him was harder). I wish we had some wisdom to pass to you but, just know we are always thinking about you and your baby girl.
Alisa
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.
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