Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Isabelle had such a bad time Thursday night. The liquid Hoxsey Tincture she has been on, from Natural Path (which was well tolerated & my vet has been using for a long time), is indefinitely back ordered. Her last dose was a week ago. Thursday she started the replacement formula, in capsule form, at 1/2 the usual dose. She had terrible nausea, vomiting & ultimately dry heaving all night. I felt so bad for her because she wasn't able to lay down without severe reflux. I gave her several doses of zofran, SQ fluids & pepcid, but not much helped. All the retching (and standing) aggravated her L-S arthritis. I stopped her Artemix a few weeks ago for worsening reflux & vomiting, although not nearly as severe.
She was feeling better in the morning & was less than excited to get rice for breakfast. By late afternoon she was back to normal, snatched some cat food off the table & ate her usual raw dinner. She had laser on her spine & was running around outside in the evening. She'll get extra acupuncture this morning before she walks in the treadmill and I'm certain she has forgotten all about yesterday.
I know it is unlikely either of these agents will make much difference in the long run, but I'm sad I now have even less to offer. One (of many) consideration for not electing to pursue chemo, was the potential for GI side effects. Isabelle does not tolerate reflux, nausea, or vomiting well…possibly because her days of scavenging conditioned her to be able to eat garbage & not get sick….but medications & supplements can be a problem. I have had to find the right timing & combinations to avoid issues.
I also realize how fortunate Isabelle & I have been in comparison to what others are going through. I blessedly did not have difficulty choosing a treatment plan & only a weekend separated her diagnosis & amputation. Her recovery was quick & uneventful and she has enjoyed every day. This is really the only uncomfortable few hours she's had and I shouldn't be complaining. I just want the best for her.
Thanks for listening to my too long narrative…
Cynthia
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Cynthia, I just feel the need to say this - don't beat yourself up! You have done an awesome job of making quick decisions and doing all you can do to minimize the 'effects' of treatment on Isabelle. I hated the few hours of nausea (and sometimes chills) Trouble would have after chemo, but I kept reminding myself that a few hours of discomfort for more quality days was a good trade off.
Isabelle has really done well, and even the ones who do the very best have an off day here and there. You will find the right combo to minimize her discomfort with the meds. You will.
Lots of calming thoughts coming your way.
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.
Awwww, what a sweet pic!
Cynthia, you are doing the best thing for her, please don't have regrets. You know what Isabelle can handle and what she can't. All of your decisions are made with love and concern, and that's all that matters. Most importantly though, remember not to get lost in the overwhelmingness of the treatments, meds, and worrying about side effects. Yes, living with cancer means having some good days and not so good days. But as you can see, Isabelle might have a bad night, but the next day she's gung ho again and doing her best to love life. That is the Way of Dog.
Follow her example, it's the best way to live life, with or without cancer.
Don't ever worry about your posts being too long, that's what the Forums are here for.
Many, many hugs coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Awww!
First, that is a, "too cute for words" picture!
Second, try not to be upset. It's going to be ruff some days. Next to screaming pain, I have a really hard time dealing with them being stomach sick.
But as Jerry and Shanna said, there will be moments of angst when they are sick! And most of us get very down, when our furbabies are sick. Comet and I play off of each other's emotions and sicknesses. When she's sick, I feel sick and vice versa.
Hang in there.
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.
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