TRIPAWDS: Home to 25056 Members and 2171 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Avatar
Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Sky Blue's Journey into Tripawd
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Avatar
Member Since:
10 October 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
31 October 2018 - 8:06 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Hello!

For those who haven' t met us, I'm Rebecca and my cat Sky had amputation surgery on his right hind leg 10 days ago. I did not go quietly into that decision nor have I been brave and silent. I was terrified and second, third and hundredth guessed the decision.  At this point things are getting better and I'm moving here from the Presentation and Diagnosis forum.  But whew, it's been a ride..and not over yet. 

My cat, Sky Blue, is a rescued Turkish Angora - although I didn't know what breed he was until recently and didn't really care. He is gorgeous and affectionate and just PERFECT! He has blue eyes but is not deaf. I've had him over 12 years so he is probably around 13. 

Yesterday we got the results of his pathology and it turned out that he doesn't have cancer! That was a huge relief because I was told it was 90% chance that it was cancer. But he did have extremely inflamed joint and surrounding bones so amputation would have been the solution either way. We are getting used to our new normal. It has been complicated by intestinal disease which we are trying to manage.  Super stressful roller coaster. 

If you want to read our background I'll put link here. https://tripawd.....-guidance/

The good news is Sky is here and not leaving anytime soon!! YAY! Everyone here has been incredible support. I am so grateful.

Look forward to 'meeting' you!

Rebecca & Sky heart

Avatar
Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
31 October 2018 - 9:01 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Anyone just meeting Sky and Rebecca for the first time, MUST click onto the link to get the backstory of Sky getting to this victorious time in his recovery!  

Recovery was full of ups and downs.  This was a PURRFECT example of why we call this initial  part of the recovery a roller coaster ride!!    Rebecca and Sky show everyone how to persevere and stay the course in spite of the fear, the uncertainty  and the doubt....the big time-energy-zapping-doubt!  

You and Sky have had such a huge impact on us all!  Truly,  you have !!

SOOOOO THRILLED SKY DOESN'T  JAVE THAT PIECE OF CRAP DISEASE!!😁

Speaking of "crap", you'll learn a lot about crap from the link!!!  Had no idea kitties give so much thought into how, and where, and even why, they poop!!  I've  come to believe that, if they had access to a magazine with lots of pictures, they would take that with them to the litter box to help them pass....er....pass the.....TIME!!

SO HAPPY TO CELEBRATE  SKY'S GOOD NEWS😁😁😁😁   Yes indeed, ice cream for everyone!!!😎

Hugs and love

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!

Avatar
On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
1 November 2018 - 3:27 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Bravo! Thank you for hopping on over here Rebecca! this will be sooooo valuable to members. 

And yeah, we're pawtying for your cancer-free Sky!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Avatar
Member Since:
10 October 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
1 November 2018 - 9:41 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thank you both for the welcome to this forum! Where would we be without your amazing support??!!!  

As you have said, this has been a scary journey for me - and it almost broke me seeing Sky struggle so.  He is still adjusting.. as am I. I look forward to not shoving so many meds into his throat and letting him live peacefully with his new normal. 

Oh, I found out the results of further slides they did to see if there was a fungal or bacterial reason for his joint issues. Nope - they found nothing! So the good news is that no additional treatment is warranted. But we may never know what caused the terrible pain and injury to his leg. 

I can't imagine how my story has helped anyone. But if it does, then wonderful! If it helps to read a whiney, self-doubting, helpless person then I'm the gal smiley

Sky hasn't made the trek downstairs tonight. Guess my cooking wasn't inspiring. He's right.. it wasn't steak so why bother?!

But he seems to be feeling OK. No poop. What would a post of mine be without a poop scoop? laughing

Thanks again for all of your emotional encouragement and practical support!!

Rebecca & Sky heartheart

Avatar
Michigan

Member Since:
11 July 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
2 November 2018 - 9:09 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

What you do know is ZERO CANCER and NO rechecking for the crap disease!! clapThe pain has been taken away Sky is thankful to hop on!

I can’t imagine how my story has helped anyone. But if it does, then wonderful! If it helps to read a whiney, self-doubting, helpless person then I’m the gal smiley

Rebecca Sky's story and recovery & all the emotions that go with recovery will indeed help someone else!! Everyone on this site who post helps another person & kitty!

Have you tried or seen these?

New Way to Give Medicine (or supplements) to your Cat
DIY Capsule Kit for Cats - Capsuline

Screen-Shot-2018-08-17-at-9.36.34-PM.jpgImage Enlarger

Screen-Shot-2018-08-17-at-9.36.50-PM.jpgImage Enlarger

You would have to order them, and I have no experience to share, but they look fantastic. The met is really bitter I remember giving that to Saxton. ughUnless it has changed, it has been seven years since I used it last. You can get it compounded to something that is not such a big deal to give. If Sky has to stay on it, I would look into compounding. These may be an answer. We will keep fingers crossed it is temporary!

Sky's stitches should be coming out soon?

Hugs & scratches to Sky
Holly & Purrkins❤️

Avatar
Member Since:
10 October 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
2 November 2018 - 12:07 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Holly and Everyone!

Two weeks ago as I write this Sky was in surgery. And I was a nervous wreck.  Today we reached another milestone smiley

Sky was really hungry this morning - the empty stomach requirement for Carafate (for suspected ulcer) is REALLY a hardship - so when I got up at 7:30 to let Marlowe out and feed the other cats, Sky followed me downstairs. He went into the laundry room where he normally ate, and I fed him there for the first time! Not only that but when I opened the back door he went outside..despite the cold, wet weather. I could tell he was hoping for some special grass out there that seems to help his tummy. That wasn't entirely successful as he tipped over and decided it wasn't worth it. I also thought he might poop out there as he didn't yesterday and that was a favorite spot.  I picked some of the grass for him and gave it to him inside. Then he had some freeze dried raw chicken and devoured quite a bit of it.  And this part is for you, Holly winker: He walked toward the stairs and pooped on the floor - but it was a beautiful poop!! clap He then ran up the stairs.  I call that a WIN!

Thanks for the info on those caps, Holly!  Actually, we kinda figured out something like that and it's working big-grin Dr. Louise gave me empty gel caps and I'm cutting the metronidazole into tiny pieces and putting it inside. I can even get the Pepcid he needs inside too which saves dosing him another time. It's working and I can do it with water. Was doing with cream but it messes with the no food schedule. And the caps don't taste bad as long as I get it off the outside. Apparently, the met is SUPER bad tasting and even compounded it still tastes horrid. 

I thought Sky's stitches would be coming out today. However, what I didn't know is that they are dissolvable! They will fall out on their own if not removed. I LIKE that!  Louise and I haven't discussed as our priority has been poop. But I would like to save the trip and just let them come out on their own. I found this out when I spoke with the surgeon about the additional slides they ran for fungus and bacteria. In case, I forgot to post the results, they came back negative. So we will probably never know exactly what caused Sky's leg issues.

So 2 weeks into this journey and here we are! It has been draining and I had another down day yesterday as he seemed tired of it. But today started out brilliantly, so we are getting there!

Thanks and hugs all around!

Rebecca & Skyheart

Avatar
On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
2 November 2018 - 12:31 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Wow what a great report! No fungus, no bacteria, no cancer and BEAUTIFUL POOPS!!! YESSSSH!!!!

Hugs back at ya, this is wonderful news.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Avatar
Michigan

Member Since:
11 July 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
2 November 2018 - 1:22 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Ditto Jerry
GREAT NEWS!clap
I'm not sure how that was for me, but if we are celebrating I'm in! WHOO HOOclap

I know it is SUPER BAD TASTING IT IS bitter and gross! I always taste meds pin size taste to see what challenge I am about to take on:) So yes it's awful! Saxton developed tic's tremors on it, so he was not on it for too long.

Glad you found something that works, either way, that's all the matters!!
Fantastic you don't even have to head back for stitches to be removed! I am sure Sky will be happy about that too! Remember it will take time for Sky to adust he won't be as active as he was. They are active, but in shorter periods of time at least that is the way it is with Purrkins. He bolts around like a crazy kitty and then rests and repeat.

Keep up the great work.
Scratches to Sky and the crew!
Hugs, Holly & Purrkins❤️

Avatar
Member Since:
10 October 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
2 November 2018 - 2:53 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Yes, celebrating, Holly!!! superstar  Although a low key celebration today. I'm exhausted. Everyone else seems to be up for resting too. Works for me!  

Sky hasn't gotten to crazy kitty stage - and I doubt he will at this age. But he makes huge efforts. Then rests. He loves his new kitty cave - and I can't reach him as well to give him meds so he likes that too. winker

Back to break time... I've been napping. Was up til 2am then up again at 7 - this carafate regimen can't be over soon enough! I think tomorrow is last day but I may cheat a little...

heart R&S

Avatar
Member Since:
1 October 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
2 November 2018 - 3:31 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi there,

I just finished reading your story from the beginning.. wowsers.. what a ride, huh?  I am so glad that you and Sky made it over the hurdles, and you had the best cheerleading team anybody could ask for. Huck had a crazy trip too and the company that helped you also helped me keep what I have left of my sanity laughing

I just wanted to pop in and say hi and welcome. Way to go on being such a wonderful pawrent heart

Jackie and Huck heart

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Avatar
Member Since:
10 October 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
2 November 2018 - 5:42 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thanks for the welcome, Jackie and Huck!

One of these days I'll get it together and post a pic of my beautiful, Sky. 

It has been a wild ride. Today has been good and we are all taking it easy and a deep breath. It's been a lot to do on my own. I'm not sure I kept my sanity... been looking around the house for it winker Nowhere to be found, but I'm getting clues... 

There are some wonderfully dedicated pawrents here! I appreciate every word anyone has offered to me/us. Sky is getting better and that's all I care about!!

Thanks again!

Rebecca & Sky heart

Avatar
Member Since:
1 October 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
2 November 2018 - 6:21 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

You're doing a great job, don't underestimate yourself... recovery is ruff!! As a former vet tech i can easily tell you this takes a lot of heart, soul, love, and work. You're doing a pawsome job! ❤️

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Avatar
Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
2 November 2018 - 9:41 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Sanity is way overrated!  It's just one more thing to try and keep track of when you're stressed, , so just go ahead and loose it!! 😜😝🤑    Very freeing!!😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

Screenshot_20181102-232029_Gallery-1.jpgImage Enlarger

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!

Avatar
Member Since:
10 October 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
14
2 November 2018 - 11:36 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thanks, Jackie, for the vote of confidence. I have felt so inadequately prepared for this. And there have been a lot of unknowns to deal with. But Sky is such an easy boy to begin with so I just try to listen to him and my vet and do my best to adjust to their information. 

And Sally, you always make me smile! You have the BEST illustrations EVER! clap Hahaha!

heart

R&S

Avatar
Member Since:
10 October 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
15
3 November 2018 - 12:54 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

WOOO HOOO! I got Sky's pic on here as the avatar. Isn't he gorgeous? I had nothing to do with it. laughing

As pretty inside as he is outside. And doing so much better today... AND NO MORE CARAFATE!  That was a huge stressor.  I found him eating Sterling's food downstairs after I had already fed him. As his poop is returning to normal, Dr Louise said I could stop the carafate. So no more living around his empty tummy status. YAY!! 

Life is getting better!! clapclapclap

Rebecca & Sky heart

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 262
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1288
Members: 18564
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18887
Posts: 259210
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG