Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Petunia isn’t eating again. I am wondering if the prednisolone med has anything to do with it cause I gave it to her this morning after her meows to eat, and since, she has been lethargic.
I absolutely hate to bring this up, and I am in absolute tears even typing this knowing what I’m about to ask …
How do I know when I have done enough? For 4 months, I feel like it’s been a struggle for Petunia to live a normal, pain free life. It has taken a huge mental toll on myself trying to strive to give her ONE MONTH … just ONE MONTH … of normalcy where she can hop along, play with her toys, and give me the loudest purrs and cuddles to wake up to.
I told the vet doc that I do not want to prolong her life on my behalf, and only if it is possible that she can recover and life a normal … or “new” normal life
What does that “new” normal life look like that I hoped? Everything, with the exception of her walking to look different.
I bought the yoga mats and laid them all over my house. I bought a ramp and extra pet stairs. I bought the crazy expensive easy access litterbox. I paid hundreds of dollars for rehab to control pain. I put my mattress on the floor in my living room.
To be honest, the most things I loved about her just isn’t there anymore. I’ll have small snippets here and there, but even those are rare. I truly believe I failed her early on. The early days after amputation were so important, and I coddled her too much.
What I would give to go back to those early days after amputation when she would wake me up at 2am purring SO LOUD as she cuddled in my armpits, stretching the arm out to touch my face. Cause she was still my Petunia!
In the last few days, I would look at her, “resting,” but her eyes are partially opened. Looking so uncomfortable.
I honestly don’t know how to feel, how to think. It’s been such a struggle to do this physically and emotionally by myself. I am spending so much money I don’t have, but have become numb to the spending because I just want Petunia to be healthy.
I am not ready for her to go. But when is it enough? I am struggling so hard right now. And I know no one can tell me these answers. Looking back, I feel like she was at her best when she was getting pain management via rehab. At least it feels like it’s all gone down hill since we stopped going. But I just can’t afford it anymore. I feel like such a terrible cat mom for not being able to do this for her.
I just don’t know what the reality of the situation is. My mind is so cloudy. She truly looks miserable. It’s hard to say if we can even get past it. I loved who she was late last night and this morning. But, she “relapsed” sometime after me feeding her this AM …
I put this video together a few years ago. It was quickly made, but I loved the song because I leaned in with both my kitties, especially the last 6 years since I got out of active duty.
I just miss who she was before amputation so much. Cause she was all of this before Oct 5, 2023.
Samantha, we hear you loud and clear and understand the agony in trying to do what is best for petunia at this point.
If I may make a suggestion, why don't you call the Tripawds Helpline tomorrow and see if that helps you process your thoughts? I happen to know the person who is on duty tomorrow and it is someone who Is very familiar with Petunias journey.😉
Generally, the prednisolone would actually stimulate the appetite as opposed to suppress it. Also, just curious if the jaundice is still showing up yellow in her gums and ears, Etc?
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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!
Just saw the video, crying and smiling and laughing at the same time. Just kind of speechless right now ...
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!
I don’t think I’ve shared this video, but this was Petunia’s normal with cat toys. This was about 2.5 weeks before her amputation. She LOVED her toys. I don’t know if you remember me posting that picture finding a cat toy that was placed in my bedroom a few months ago. One and only time she carried a toy since her amputation. It gave me so much joy. But it saddens me now that that it was the only time. I am so glad I took this video …
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Absolutely adorable video. Trying to get some rest tonight, okay? I'll be in and out tomorrow but will definitely call you back if I miss your call.
Well, ....eerr......I mean, whoever is on the helpline tomorrow will do that LOL I promise you you will feel more at peace and more reassured about deciding what's best for Petunia.
So clear your mind for tonight and just be with sweet Tuni
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!
The thing that I have been holding onto is WHO she was just before amputation. Besides the “bone cancer” in her leg, she was so healthy and thriving. Absolutely nothing wrong with her.
And then the amputation happened: Looking back, compared to today, it looked normal just after the surgery even though her herpes outbreak. Her eyes were tearing up, she struggled to breathe normallly through her nose, but she still wanted to cuddle up and purr so loudly in the middle of the night.
What happened?!?! Seriously?? She has no apparent cancer that spread, so why has everything suddenly flipped? Was my choices to blame?? Did I do this?? I was told that cats and dogs do so well on 3 legs … but why has it been such a struggle since the surgery when she was so healthy going into it??? I don’t get it.
I am limited on time right now. No one said ANY choice you have made has caused this. NO, NO, NO.
Im so glad Sally is on today!!! This ---- can just happen, and we can do everything purrfectly and still have issues. This is not your fault!!! We genuinely understand your thoughts (((HUGS)))
If you have not called the vet, please do and let them know Petunia is not eating again. As Sally has said, pred usually stimulates appetite. Are you using the transdermal appetite stimulant and rubbing it in her ear?
I'm so sorry, Samantha. I'm just sick to see this.
I will be back.
Give Tuni a smooch from us, please! Possum too.
((((HUGS)))
The vet just called me. We are upping her prednisolone to twice a day. He told me the get 30mL of food via syringe twice a day. I did do the mirataz yesterday afternoon, but I’m wondering if I did too thin of a layer. I’ll be giving that to her in 4 hours. He is going to call me on Friday to see her progress. He said that if there isn’t any, there may not be anything else we can do. I’m so scared right now. I took off work cause I just need to be with her. I may not be calling the hotline cause I just can’t talk to anyone right now.
I'm glad your vet got back to you. There's a plan you can follow now, so stick to it and know that we are all keeping our paws and fingers crossed that it works to get her back on track.
Please don't blame yourself for any of these medical issues. She's an older cat, with a lot going on inside. You are going above and beyond to manage the situation, help her feel better and heal. She knows that, and needs you to stay strong right now. You can do this.
Glad you phoned the vet & he upped the pred dose!
Yes, you want to gently rub it in her ear, not just in the ear
Dosing and administration of Mirataz®
I love the videos of Tuni and the song choice. Don't give up all hope yet, please. Cats are amazing and can bounce back from many things. I am not trying to give you false hope, but all we can do is take each minute as it comes and let the meds do their job. Yes spend every minute with Petunia and shut your computer down. JUST BE with each other.
You know the option is there (hotline) if you change your mind. I recommend you call/cry and talk with Sally. I KNOW with all my HEART it will help you process all this. None of us want to share our deepest thoughts, sorrows, and fear, but trust me, Sally is gifted, and she will help you!!! She understands!!!
The main thing is you know we are all surrounding you, and you're not ALONE.
We are sending love, tripawd power, and prayers.
HUGS and love to the girls.
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Did tell everything Holly has said. Petunia has made it this far because of you!
Yes, there have been a lot of ups and downs these past couple of months, but you have given her more UPS than downs. The reality is, old age is terminal. When medical issues hit during the sunset of our years, we just don't bounce back like we used to. Then another one hits, another one hits, another one hits. There is nothing you, or anyone on the planet can do to stop this aging.
The beauty of being a cat is the complete acceptance of where they are in every stage of life. They have a piece in knowing their energy is eternal and don't fear the end of life. Sure, they have a will to live like we all do. The gift they teach us is to know when to let go when quality is no longer there
We humans will second-guess everything we do and look under every nook and cranny to find something to feel guilty about.
Trust your Vet, trust yourself and, most of all, trust Petunia. When the good days become less and less and turn into good moments that would not be what any of us would want for ourselves.
I'm glad you're taking off today to be with Petunia. So do just that, be with petunia in a state of calm and peace and joy for the fact that you are together now. You are with her now and now is all that matters need not worry about tomorrow or the next day., be fully present now.
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PS..... need not worry about the helpline. You certainly don't need to talk, but maybe, just maybe, listening will help give you some peace and reassurance. You are surrounded by people who understand this part of the journey like no others can. Of course, we are all hoping they uptick in the medicine does wonders. Paws crossed
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!
We are hoping, hoping, and hoping the increase in meds shows some improvement!!! If not, ask about cerenia for Petunia. I would be shocked if she is not nauseated, and the only way to know is to address it and see if she would eat on her own after the dosage. It never hurts to ask. You will likely see increase in drinking and peeing on pred.
We are thinking of you; there is no need to get on. Know our pawsitive thoughts, tripawd power, good juju, and prayers continue!
((((HUGS))))
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https://www.iwi.....stosuccess
Watch the video please. This is not exactly Petunia no, but it may help your thought process and medication timeline. Always know you have tried you BEST and yes we will HOPE ! No, we don't always get the happy ending, but some DO!!! You acted quickly and are doing your ALL for Petunia. Our cats ask for nothing more.
(((HUGS))))
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