Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Last night we got the typing back on Momo's bladder stones--they were oxalate, meaning not the type that can be dissolved. So the only way to have a chance at removing them would be surgically (U of M does not do lithotripsy on male cats, and momo was not a surgical candidate due to his kidney function). This was bad news, but not totally unexpected.
Unfortunately, his followup blood work this AM was not good. When we left the hospital 10 days ago, BUN was down to 70; creatinine to 3.5, phosphorus was almost normal at 5. Those values were high (very, very high, in the case of BUN...as normal tops out around 25), but if we could keep the relatively stable, we might have a shot at some more time.
Today, his BUN was 119; creatinine at 4.5; phosphorus at 10.5. Basically, what is left of his remaining kidney is not functioning.
The only option we would have would be to up his sub q fluids from 100 ml daily to 100, 3x a day for a week or so, then see if that helps. The vet said this was an OPTION, but also said he didn't think it was worth it...or fair--we would cycle back down within another 10 days, assuming Momo could even tolerate that much fluid...which he might very well not (he is "leaking" now--he's so hydrated, and his kidney can't concentrate his urine, and his bladder is not tight enough, so he drips urine. Clear, watery pee...but pee).
If we were looking at a long, normal lifespan...it might be a thing to investigate, or at least try. But we are looking at a lot of needles and fluids and meds to gain a matter of weeks, at most. Which, like we decided with Sam, seems hardly fair.
So...I think it is time to let him wind down. The vet thinks it will be days, maybe two weeks. He will come to the house when we need him. I cannot even begin to express how heartbreaking this is. He's just a baby. He's MY baby. He just didn't get enough time in this world. We didn't get enough time with him.
This sucks balls...and I can't afford the time to be angry yet. So we'll enjoy him, spoil him, and love him until he's gone. And then, I will be royally pissed for awhile.
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
Hi Megan,
Wishing you had better news on Momo. For now, Momo knows he is loved and that you have fought hard for him and with him.
Life sometimes is not fair....and in this case it is not....as you said, you will have time to "rage against the machine" when the time comes but for now...enjoy Momo and the time you have left with him.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers,
Linda and Tucker
Oh Megan. I'm so sorry. It DOES suck. And it's not fair. Hang in there. 
hugs to you .
Lori and the fam
Online
We cry with you Megan. So very, very sorry.
You were just down this road with Sam and haven't even had a chance to catch your breath. Sucks indeed!
One thing you DO know, and you kow it so well, is to take it day by day, week by week. It's not Momo's time yet. You are sooooo devoted to him, yoj WILL be able to stay in the present and you will NOT let anything rob you of this time! You are one strong woman commited to making the best out of your gift of time together.
Megan, I salute you for the selfless way you hav weighed the "options" to do what is in Mom's best interest. From what I "know" of him, he just doesn't sound like the kind of guy who wants to be subjected to anymore medical intrusion just to eek out a touch more time. Time that would not be enjoyable because it would all be spent "treating" rather than being present with him in the moment.
I know...KNOW...he is saying "thank you"
Feel our hugs around you...they are infusing you with love, comfort, peace and strength. And remember, Sam is right there with you...and Momo.
Sally and Happy Hannah
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'm so sorry Megan sometimes these things are just really unfair and there's no rhyme or reason to it. I know that doesn't make it any easier. Please give warm hugs to your baby...I'm sending you big hugs as well.
All my love,
Erica
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
I'm just heartbroken for you Megan, it's so unfair I can't even begin to think of the right words to say or how to offer comfort. I'm just so sorry.
You are amazing pawrents, you do so much for your pack, but you do it wisely and compassionately too, always with their best interests in mind as difficult as it is to put your emotions aside.
I agree, make the most of this time and hold off on the anger for now as best you can. The punching bag will be there for you to wail on later, and you can lean on us too.
I'm so very sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm sorry to hear this about Momo. Love up your boy, and tell him he's got a lot of people thinking about him.
Mere words are so ineffective at times like this. Please know that you, Momo and the rest of your pack are in our thoughts. Store up as many memories now while you can and then take them out to enjoy somewhere down the road.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Megan,
I am so so sorry to hear about Momo. This really really sucks. I wish there was something we could do for you. Your heart is still broken over Sam & to lose another baby 
. Love him up and hug him a lot
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Sending peaceful and strong thoughts your way. Hoping for a couple good weeks with your baby and know that we are here for you.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Oh Megan, I'm so sorry for this news. Yes, it sucks, big time. Hang in there.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Megan,
I'm really sorry about Momo. I hope you have some loving weeks with him.
Penny
Megan-
You have had a rough few months and it really does suck. Enjoy your time with Momo and know that we are holding you close in our thoughts to help you through this. Sampson will help Momo through it all.
My heart aches for you and I am so sorry you have to have this happen.
Take Care-
Luanne & Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Oh Megan. I am sorry. As we know, it's just not fair. Not fair for Momo to not get more time and have to feel bad. Not fair for you to not get more time with her. Not fair that this is so soon after Samdog. And I hate that all I can think of to say is that I'm sorry. My thoughts are with you and Momo.
Adelaide is a young tripawd Husky, from an injury. Her amp was on 10/1/12. She has 4 sisters, Aissa (a senior border collie/chow), Maggie May (a puppy Great Pyrenees), Mathilde and Morrigan and 1 baby brother, Bagheera. We are all watched over by our angel Brendol, who was dx with OSA 1/30/13, amp on 2/6/13, and left us on 8/20/13.
You can read their stories at http://adelaide.tripawds.com and http://brendol.tripawds.com
Thank you, everyone, for your kind words. It means a tot to be able to come to a place where everyone understands the mixed emotions you go through at times like these. It's kind of like Cheers, but without the booze or Ted Danson.
As of right now, he is fatigued, but still eating and hanging out. Our biggest challenge is that because of a combination of factors, he struggles with incontinence. The 150-200 mls of sub q fluid daily, the wet food, the excess water intake, and the prednisone are all making tremendous amounts of liquid--which since his kidneys don't work, is just flushing right through. Add that to the fact that his bladder tone is weak... and while he can and does use the box normally--and copiously (so no obstruction...yay)--he just drips continuously. And when he falls asleep, he leaks puddles. The saving grace is that it is SO dilute, you can't even tell it's not water.
It does mean, though, that he has to spend nights and the workday in the bathroom...which makes me sad he can't be out with everyone else while we're gone. But when we're home, I've just been following him with towels and saranwrap. Put it down, let him nap on it. Wash the towel. Follow him when he changes perches. Repeat with new saran wrap and towels. 
It is a bit of a hassle, but not something we can't deal with.
Like I said, he is tired...but eating, being social, and still grooming himself, and batting at sweatshirt drawstrings, so we are happy to indulge him. I don't want him to get to the point where he is listless or vomiting or not eating or any of that unpleasantness that comes with a crash, so it will probably be within a few days that we say goodbye, but again, it will be at home, with us, and peaceful. <3
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
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