Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hey guys, more than anyone, I think you guys would know. This is about my girl with dementia, my beautiful Shy. The pills are no longer working and she is having more and more bad days. My vet thinks that maybe prozac will help. I am looking into her beautiful face and wondering if doping her will only be for me.
Here are her symptoms: She is constantly agitated, moving her bedding and all the dogs bedding around. She paces non-stop, and moves furniture and gets stuck in corners. She can't remember why she went outside, so she goes in and out, in and out.
Good days: she sometimes still plays, she barks, she watches and loves me. She sometimes still smiles and she always wags her tail when I talk to her.
Bad days: all of the above, with the agitation, anxiety, and constant circling. A bad thing is her back legs hurt her and she walks like a shark out of water. She falls 3 or 4 times a night and it is hard for her to get up.
It is a draw. She still eats, still potties outside not inside. The heat is really bothering her today, the first of the nice warm days to come. 75 degrees and she is panting and upset. I can't imaging leaving her and something horrible happening to her while I am gone. I came home today and couldn't find her. She was hiding behind a bush that she never has been behind before. I am gone from the house for work 12 hours a day at least.
What do I do? Please help me, I am so on the fence.
Elizabeth and Sweet Shy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Oh boy Elizabeth.... on the fence - what a topic. I dont know if anyone on the whole wide earth knows the answer to that question. I just expressed that today to Indianas mom, I worry that I will wait too long with Cooper and I worry that I wont wait long enough. I guess in our situation I am weighing it by exactly the kinds of things that you are looking at. Is Coopy in pain? Is he still smiling? does he wag his tail when I talk to him? does he still eat everyday? Can he still get up and down the stairs to do his business? 95 percent or better of the time I feel that Coopy is still doing fine and he wants to be here. In all of these cases there is a certain amount of selfishness going on... we love our furkids and there ailments have not pushed us away they have drawn us closer than we ever could have imagined out of necessity. I wish I could give you a good solid answer - my vet told me the other day that I would know... I question that but think maybe he is right. For now I feel that on the bad days it never hurts to wait another day - I mean in the scheme of things if they are not in danger or obviously suffering, what is another day to wait and see? Give sweet Shy a big hug for me and kisses for Cooper! we are sending lots of love and prayers for you and Shy both!
Coopsdad
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Oh Elizabeth, how heartbreaking. You know whatever decision you make will be right because only you know Shy. Here are my two cents, feel free to consider them or discard them. I detest any unnecessary drugs but I would not consider trying Prozac "doping" her. Drugs are wonderful when they work! How convinced is your vet that it will work? Is it, "This is helpful for many dogs" or is it "Well, I suppose we could give this a try on the outside possibility that it might miraculously do the trick."
I'll be praying you get the guidance you need and have peace with your decision.
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
Ken,
That is what I am so frustrated about. I have never known. Unless they are screaming in pain or are already gone in their souls, I have made horrible choices and always wondered. My rottie had her tracia collapse, but I still wonder... was she just in need of a drink? Could it have been something as simple as she was just choking a little?
My beloved kitty, who I will treasure forever, had asthma, probably because we smoked in the house early in our relationship. She lived in an air incubator for her last few days, came home, struggled, and finally I took her in, I ended her life, in so many ways. I hate myself for that. Could I have done more? Was there a better treament for her in the end, not just an all night emergency clinic? I don't know. I don't know. I don't know...
I want to be more responsible with Shy, I want to be a better person for her. I wish I knew the answer to this one, it is so immense, taking a life of someone you love.
Thanks for answering what you could... I wish we knew.
Elizabeth
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Tates peeps,
Well the vet thinks it will be a couple three weeks before we see any improvement, if we do. There is another drug, out of my price range that we could try that has good results. She said dogs respond to one or the other usually. My mom and I talked tonight and she asked me if it was me what would I want? She said she wouldn't want to go on.
I am kind of like that old ad with the frog going down the neck of the stork and choking him, "never give up".
I don't know what she wants, she looks at me solid in the eye, but then walks around moving all the bedding and bundling it up, and all the rugs too. Obviously she is agitated. Her tail used to be out in a curve, but now it is mostly under her body. She seems so stressed. When I say her name she looks at me, so she is aware..but it is like she can't help herself.
Elizabeth
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Hi Elizabeth,
I'm sorry to hear you and Shy are struggling so much. It's almost a more difficult choice when the only diagnosis you can reference is old age. I think you need to remember this is really the natural progression of Shy's life. Our pets, on the basis of their lifespans will almost always break our hearts at the end, but they are happy until their quality of life is irreparably impacted.
Extreme anxiety alone can be debilitating. I would be concerned that her cognitive deterioration is resulting in constant fear and uncertainty. This coupled with the pain and subsequent falls you describe are just heartbreaking and sound as if they may be overtaking the joy and comfort she has always known.
I understand your fear, leaving her alone for so long while you work. I leave my animals for almost 14 hours, although at least it's only twice a week. I have to have a sitter for Isabelle when it storms and know the high emotion when she's caught alone. I've had the experience of coming home to find my cat (who had a brain tumor) stuck crying, facing the wall, in a corner, because he was neglecting one side of his body. I don't know how long he'd been there, but I knew I couldn't let it happen again.
Our responsibility from the day we assume the care of an animal, is to make decisions for them…happy and sad….The most important of these choices, sadly are often the final ones. We give them the best lives possible. It is our priviledge and burden to give them the same in death. Try not to be so harsh on yourself. You aren't "taking the life of someone you love" when you choose a peaceful end to a cherished pets life. You are fulfilling an unspoken promise, made the first day of your lives together.
Only you can determine if Shy's quality of life is acceptable, but you have to come to peace with the decisions you make for her, as well as for those you've made in the past. You make them with the best information available, and you make them with love. You can't ask more of yourself.
Cynthia
Oh Elizabeth.
What a terrible thing for you and Shy. We think of mobility and deterioration of other things when they get old but not this.
As you know, Comet was a very fearful and scared dog out of her environment. She had fear quirks in the house also; like ghosties lived upstairs and she'd hide in her bed under my desk when you went upstairs and it wasn't a scheduled time to go upstairs - not always, but about 50% of the time. No one could pet her. That alone was maddening for me since she was so soft and so sweet. But she appeared vicious to most everyone. It was just pure fear.
I could calm her fears. I was her lifeline to the world. That's where it's hard. To not think we can calm their fears when they are scared, it's so hard. It's the maternal instincts in us.
Toward the end, when Comet's hearing was pretty much gone in one ear after having Horner's Syndrome, her fears of high pitched noises were almost unbearable to her. We couldn't even watch, "The Biggest Loser" anymore without turning down the sound when they weighed since there were beeps that drove her nuts.
Could Shy be deaf possibly? Comet would go into a freaked out mode when she heard those high pitch beeps. One of those broadcasting tests came on TV before I could turn down the TV and it was that loud screech noise. She was so nervous for hours!
I tried Reconcile (doggie prozac) for Comet about 3 years ago. I thought it would be the answer to her fears. I tried it 1x and it only made her dopey acting. It was within a few hours of taking it. I didn't give her another one until Rugby died and she was so depressed. Again, I gave her 1 and she was just dopey. I didn't do it again. So, needless to say, it didn't work for Comet except it made her sleepy and dopey. I have a whole bottle (32mg) if you would like to try it for Shy. I'd be happy to send it.
With that said, if it doesn't work, then I think you'll have your answer on what to do. I can only hope since I don't have any children or really any family, that someone will let me go if I become too fearful because my mind isn't right. There isn't anything worse than living in fear. Creating fear in people is why terrorists use this tactic or even kidnappers with people. It just terrible.
Just let me know - Elizabeth. It will save you around $90 to just try it. You'll know very soon after Shy takes it. Or at least I did with Comet.
***BUT*** DO NOT MIX tramadol and prozac together. There is an interaction that can cause Serontin Syndrome. (my vet wasn't aware of it but I found it out by googling it)
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
It is true that some dogs (and people) will get a little tired when starting a drug like Prozac but this should go away in a few days. There is certainly no guarantee that this drug will work for Shy but I think it is worth a try, since the dogs that respond to it typically do quite well. If she is not better within 2 weeks then we need to consider our options. Some dogs get some relief from alprazolam but that drug is best used for noise phobias (thunderstorms or fireworks) rather than daily anxiety.
Cometdog makes a good point about the Tramadol. I don't think that Shy is taking Tramadol but it can react with Prozac so they should not be given together. Prozac should also be used cautiously in dogs with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
Pam
Littlemantate,
Thank you for those words, it helps me so much to read them. I guess it is my responsibility to choose the kindest road, it just rests so heavy in my heart. It would be so much easier if our guys could tell us in plain words what it is they want. They are so communicative about so many things, I just don't know if they understand the concept of this.
Cometdog,
Thank you for your thoughts and sharing Comets experience. That must have been so challenging, understanding her fears and trying to help her. You are a special person and she was very lucky to have found you and made a family with you. Dr. Pam thinks that it shouldn't be too expensive at all to get this perscription, Fred Meyer has $4.00 scripts, but thank you anyway 🙂
Dr. Pam,
I wanted to talk to you about my thoughts but I am always so mindful of your busy schedule, and in reality I usually forget what I want to say until I am off the phone. Thank you for taking this time to give me insight too. I thought about it after reading the first couple of posts last night, and I think I should give her the opportunity to try this medication. If after a couple of weeks she seems not herself, or not here, or not happy, I guess I will know what to do. This makes me cry.
Thanks for the prayers everyone and for the support.
Elizabeth
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Your reasoning makes perfect sense to me. It's like what folks say here when people are on the fence about trying chemo, you can always stop if the side effects aren't worth it. I understand the reservations about trying the Prozac too, but it'll leave you without that "what if," if you try it. More thoughts and prayers are coming your and Shy''s way!
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
This is truly heartbreaking, particularly since it was old age in the end that was our final fight - a different form, but old age none the less. I didn't want to give up either, so I know how hard it is.
You got an encouraging word when your vet offered the choice to try a drug that could help. Our Pam gave you her thoughts and encouragement to try the drug. With those two factors in play, I would give it a try. If in the two week period, you think Shy just can't make it any longer, you are free to change your mind and make quality of life decisions.
I've said it before, and I truly believe it was harder for me at the end facing the aging/mobility than facing the cancer, the recovery, and the chemo. With the cancer, there was a decision to make, and then life went on. With the mobility (and with Shy's dementia) you are keenly aware there is a point where there is nothing else to try.
My thoughts are with you in your struggle.
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.
thanks Gerry's Mom and Shanna,
I just came back from Fred Meyer with the scripts. I gave it to Shy about 1/2 hour ago and we will see how she does today. I was going to wait until tonight and bedtime, but I thought it might be better to gauge her reaction while I am awake 🙂
Shanna, I know what you mean, there is nothing definative here. I meant to ask Pam while I had her on the phone all of my concerns but I get so caught up trying to get the info in and knowing I am forgetting things that I missed my window. Thank goodness Pam reads these posts!!!
When I was at the pharmacy I asked for a consultation with the pharmacist to go over what possible side effects there could be. She looked confused and asked why I was giving this to a dog. She laughed and asked me if my dog was "depressed". Then when I explained about the dementia she asked "how would you know, it is just a dog".. I didn't laugh with her, and just waited for her to give me the info. She sobered up and told me that she would think it may cause her to be drowsy. That was all I got. Well, I guess it explains why she isn't a doctor, no bedside manners... Maybe it would be more funny if I wasn't so upset about her condition.
I will hope for good things today for us all,
Elizabeth and Shy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Ugh, you're taking her comments much better than I would have. How insensitive. Can't imagine it ever being funny. It's not funny when a human needs Prozac so why would it be funny in Shy's case???? Geez. There are several other words I'd like to use in reference to the pharmacist and her comments, but I'll follow your very tolerant lead as best I can and drop it instead. Good luck!
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
When I hear "it's just a dog" all I can do is feel sorry for that person. Pretty sad. Gerry's right, you set a good example for us in the way you handled it.
Hope Shy is feeling better. xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks, it reminds me of that video I just posted. I could see how she thought it was funny, I guess if it wasn't me in this situation and I didn't have a friend who was a dog I could find it amusing, but it really wasn't. The parting words with her was, "oh yeah, no alchohol either"… haa haa haa. Okay, I won't get my crazy dog drunk.. got it.
That did make me smile a little, because I never would consider it, but after watching Shy destroy the house this afternoon I broke out an old bottle and am having a cosmo. So, I won't get my crazy dog drunk, but nothing wrong with tying one on for myself right? 🙂
I pm'ed Pam and asked if she does home visits. It is a long way from where she comes from, but I see the writing on the wall. I am going to give her this time if she has it in her, but this really has to turn around for my pretty girl. She is here, but she is gone. I see her love for me in her eyes, but she circles and circles, knocking over everything in her path and disturbing Sammy and Titan when she wants to destroy their bedding too.
She keeps coming over every couple of minutes for reassurance and love, then back to her never ending circling. Damn it, this sucks.
Elizabeth
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
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