Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Seriouslynot a joke. Only this time Chloe had one stuck under her tongue! These are the WORST things ever!!! So where do I begin? I have a feeling that foxtails were responsible for Chloe's bizarre symptoms mid May, so I will start there. I wrote a post a while ago about Chloe having GI issues. Well that's what we thought at the time. She was doing this funny constant 'gulping' followed by frantic pacing, pawing to go outside and consuming large quantities of grass. After staying up all night, we had a general physical the next morning (convenient?). Vet thought it was acid reflux from the weird gulping that resembled pigeon head motions. She prescribed Chloe some pepcid AC. Symptoms kind of subsided, then a few days later Chloe vomited A LOT of grass and looked pretty miserable. Called her vet and I brought her in. Xrays didn't show any obstruction, but did show the beginning stages of arthritis in her lower back. After a week of pepcid, she really didnt do that gulping much. Thought it was over. See video below for some of the less intense 'gulping'.
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Flash forward a month. More gulping, vomiting and looking miserable. Tried more pepecid and monitored her symptoms for 2.5 days. She got worse. She didn't want to eat much, she refused to drink water, and didn't even want to go for short walks. This was not normal behavior. On Friday of last week, she started drooling this extremely foul stuff. Looking up 'stinky drool' online indicated she might have an infection of some sort. We went to the vet and waited 2 hrs to be seen by a specialist. After talking about GI issues blah blah blah, she opened Chloes mouth, looked under her tongue and found two large swollen masses. One with something possibly poking out. Vet explained that if it is from a foxtail, they would remove it, but that it might not be the only one in her body. So if she still showed symptoms a couple weeks after her recovery from the procedure, she would need to be scoped. Chloe was immediately prepped for surgery. They took a blood sample to make sure her vitals hadn't changed since her wellness exam 5 weeks prior, gave her anesthesia and found a foxtail in the mass. The other mass was just inflammation from the large foxtail. They also removed a couple pieces of grass and seed pod of a foxtail lodged in her tonsils. I am thinking those were the culprits for her gagging symptoms. Eating grass exacerbated the problem and led to the foxtail under the tongue.
I told the vet Chloe was probably dehydrated from not drinking much the previous few days (other than the chicken broth I could force down), so they hooked her up to an IV during the procedure. Approximately 1 liter of fluid went into her body. Some intravenously, some under the skin. When I picked her up 4 hours later, she had a lion mane of fluid because all of it went to the extra skin around her neck. It was a little funny. She also walked around with her tongue sticking out a little because her face was probably numb. That too was a little funny. Then we drove home. I drug my twin sized mattress out to the living room, set it up with lots of blankets and slept with her the next two nights. They shaved a spot to draw blood and put in an IV, so I put a shirt on her to prevent her from licking.
So for the next few days, I gave her pain killers, anti-nausea medication (she had a shot of antibiotics, I didn't want to deal with more pills) and some throat/stomach coat for possible ulcers. Did you know you can get some pet Rxs filled at participating Costco pharmacies? Vet told me to get the ulcer medication there. Only $20 since you get a discount being a member! But I guess what's another 20 when you just spent close to a thousand.... (@$^$%%#$ foxtails!!!). Food included organic chicken broth, brown rice and canned chicken. Yes she was spoiled. She certainly didn't have a problem eating those yummy, slurpy foods! Within 2 days, Chloe was starting to get back to normal. More energy, happy, less gulping. Fast forward a week. Yesterday Chloe had her one week post op check up. The vet was very pleased to see that her mouth had healed so quickly. Last week there was talk of another shot of antibiotics depending on how her mouth was doing. She again reminded me to watch for symptoms after all of her medications are through because she might need to be scoped. Trust me I will keep an eye on her symptoms.It took me this long to write this post because last Friday was the trifecta of life hitting me at full force and I lost it. A week and a half prior to Chloe's procedure, my grandfather passed away. Granted, it was not a surprise because he was in the hospital for the past 2 weeks fighting pneumonia. He requested to be taken off all machines if he was in the hospital for more than 2 weeks because he didn't want to be a burden. He passed away only hours after they took him off the respirator. There will be a memorial service for him in a couple weeks because he wanted to be cremated. I am very close to my grandmother and it killed me to call her and hear her so crushed. Then a few days later I was having roommate issues. He just got back from a 3 month scientific research cruise. When he left, I was extremely stressed out from his girlfriend feeling entitled to come whenever she wanted for however long she wanted. While he and I talked about this many times, I was actually looking forward to a reprieve especially since he made is seem like they might not stay together. 3 months later he came back. And gave me a 24 hr heads up that his gf would be staying at our house for 5 days. I said that he and I needed to talk about that before she came and then we argued. For the first time. Apparently she had worked all last week to take this time off. And he was just telling me this now. Not cool. The thing is, I don't sleep well with her here. This is an old house and I can hear EVERYTHING DAY AND NIGHT. They also like to stay up late to watch movies. I end up having to find creative places to sleep so that I can actually get some sleep. It was very hard on me because I knew I just couldn't live this way anymore. I wanted to live with someone who was willing to find some sort of compromise for the situation. But in the end we had irreconcilable differences and we no longer live together. Apart from the whole girlfriend situation, we were friends and we did get along when it was just us living in the house. I did a lot of crying that day because it was so hard to do, but it was best for me because it was driving me crazy. Then Chloe started getting sick. During her procedure I was beating myself up for letting her eat grass (I grew up in an area without foxtails) because we already had a foxtail in the eye adventure last year. I cried because I had a lot on my plate. Grandfather passing, telling a friend to leave, and the unknown condition of my dog (before it was confirmed they found the foxtail). I did go to the pool to burn off some anxiety, but I did cry a little in my goggles. I was emotionally spent. And now that I have had a week to recover, I can tell our story.
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Good news is that my grandmother is doing much better. My mom and uncle have been helping her with a lot of the stuff that needs to be taken care of. I have a new housemate, a good friend, a person in my lab. I have a feeling that she and I will have a good year together. No significant others to have drama with. Chloe is pretty much healed and she is not allowed to go outside by herself anymore, or eat grass since there are millions of foxtails here.
On another note, I am 5 weeks into training for my first half marathon in October. For those of you who didn't read my previous post, I will be wearing a tripawds rule bandana and passing out business cards at the event. To run for our past, present and future inspawrational tripawds.This experience really made me realize how close we have grown in the last couple years. I will be sad to lose her one day, but we won this battle. Chloe is a fighter even though trouble finds her. And I make sure to love her every day.
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
What a "tail"! I cannot believe Chloe had another run in with foxtail. Poor thing! Do you have a picture of the offending weed? I know there are different species-do all of them have barbed seeds? I am glad she is doing better- hope you will be soon too. Sorry about your grandfather.
Spirit Samson was Spirit Tripawd Daisys four legged "brother" and ruled as the self proclaimed head of the Monkeybutt Federations East Coast Division. Lady Chunky Monkey stayed from Oct 2011 and left for the bridge in Apr 2012. Miss Perdy is left and has some big pawprints to fill.
Do you have what it takes to be a Monkeybutt? Find out more at the Monkeybutt Federation
so sorry you lost your grandfather, and my gosh - miss chloe is just trying to age you as we speak!!! hope she is doing better - i'd be tempted to put a muzzle on outside to stop her eating, but i know that's impossible. our fel mel will eat anything that's not nailed down - sticks, mulch, voles...she's taken to walking on her hind legs so she can snag apples off of the trees... thank goodness we don't have foxtails here!
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Foxtail that was in Chloe on top. The vet asked if I wanted to keep it. I said yes because I want to put it somewhere I see it everyday to remind me of the dangers growing outside. I am sure there are other foxtail species around the house, but these were the first ones I found walking for 30 seconds. All appear to be 'barbed', meaning they can easily split into multiple seed pods.
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
wow I had no idea foxtail was dangerous to dogs! I am glad Chloe is feeling better and hope things stay better for you as well!
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Oh, I' so sorry Chloe and you had to go through this nasty episode. Foxtails are truly a nightmare. Our Monkeybutt Happy had one in his ear last year and the vet got it out before it punctured his eardrum. We have to be so careful and even then it happens!
Sending lots of good energy for Chloe's speedy recovery. And hugs to you!
Joanne & Lylee
http://lyleegir.....ipawds.com
Years ago we had a cat that lost his vision in one eye due to one of these things. Neighbors had a volunteer litter and we had no intention of getting a cat, but when we passed by one day to look at the kittens we saw one that had an eye swollen shut, nasty gunk oozing out, swollen, etc. So we immediately became cat owners. Surgery got it out but his eye was pretty much shot.
Glad Chloe is recovering from all of this and glad you were able to figure out what was going on. What a long and winding road that was!
Also, please accept my sympathy on the loss of your grandfather. I'm so sorry.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
So sorry to hear about your grandfather. Even when you know it is coming, it knocks the wind out of your sails.
Wow Chloe! Glad everything turned out well. What a tail you have to tell. I immediately googled fox tails and found this
http://thegathe....._3365.html
It gives possible symptoms for your pet. Thanks for letting us know about this.
heather & spirit shadow
Nicole,
First let me say how sorry I am about your grandfather. I hope your grandmother is okay with him not here. I remember you writing in the past how close you were.
Second, I'm so very sorry about Chloe! Oh gosh! Those foxtails are super, super scary. We have them here and we are always on the look out! When Comet got diskosponylitis, the doctor suspected a foxtail since it's common but it wasn't. And then when she had a cyst in between her toes, they checked for a foxtail. SO I know.
Don't feel bad...it happens. You just have to make sure they aren't growing in your yard. Even stepping on one can be bad.
Healing wishes to Chloe!
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.
Sorry to hear about your grandfather. Hope your grandma is doing ok.
Poor Chloe! Foxtails are indeed scary. They have a lot of them at Fiesta Island where we take Rita. We try to mostly stay awy from the area where they are. A friend's dog got one up it's nose! He noticed it right away - but not quick enough to get it out himself. Cost him $500 to have the vet get it out! Not fun.
They can get in their coats/skin, noses, ears, but gosh I hadn't thought about getting one in the mouth!
Hope she feels better,
Jackie, Angel Abby & MBBunny Rita's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
My gosh, you've been through the wringer, and I am so sorry about the loss of your Grandpa. Losing a grandparent is so hard and sad. But I can tell you are one strong lady by the way you ended your post "And I make sure to love her every day."
Now that just proves that despite everything, despite the loss and the stress...you have got it together. So good for you.
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
Wow Nicole, I am so sorry for your loss, and that you and Chloe were dealing with so much icky stuff. Paws up to you two for pulling through this terrible episode with a good attitude and a lighthearted attitude. I know that can't be easy. Roommate wars are the worst! Glad that your situation is calm once more.
As for foxtails, I recall that dealing with one in my paw was one of worst episodes I had prior to getting diagnosed with osteo. A foxtail got in my paw and made my foot explode! It was terrible. But you know I never thought that eating grass could be so dangerous. We always let Wyatt Ray eat grass but not anymore! Thank you for opening our eyes to this, we had no idea.
Chloe really is remarkable. For a gal her age, to keep on bouncing back from challenging medical issues, she is amazing! Three paws up to your girl, and you, for being such a great team.
Keep us posted on the marathon training, we are honored that you'll be wearing Tripawds' name!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you everyone, for your support and thoughtful comments. Things are finally starting to 'get back to normal'. Chloe hasn't done any funny gulping in a few days. Fingers crossed that this is over.
July 16th I will be home for my grandfathers memorial service. He served in the air force when he was younger, so he will have a military ceremony before his ashes are put into his box in the mausoleum. My grandmother is currently looking for a flag box that isn't over priced.... He had a hard last couple months: another heart attack (he had a stroke 25 years ago which left him paralyzed, approx from the arms down), stents put in his heart, pneumoia 2x, the second time being the one that he couldn't recover from no matter how many antibiotics he was on.
And as we like to say here, my grandfather crossed 'rainbow bridge' and is in a better place. A pain free place. May he rest in peace.
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
UPDATE:
Well Chloe's gagging hasn't gone away and I've been worried about it constantly. She had a longer episode Tuesday, which prompted me to call the vet to make an appointment for her to be seen Friday and possibly be 'scoped': A camera inserted down her throat, into her stomach and into small intestines to see if there are any internal issues.
My mental worry over the last few days: What if they scope her and don't find anything? What if they do? Will it be treatable or will it be something worse? I know I would regret not doing this procedure down the line if there was the chance that doing it now would help her in the long run. But it is another procedure requiring anesthesia and she is an ageing dog. Also the costs are racking up.
So we went this morning and it will be $1800. It is a good thing that even as a full time graduate student I have been employed for doing research and being a TA over the last year, so I have some savings. But I don't think that I can afford to do unlimited diagnostic tests if the vet can't find anything or if it turns out to be cancer. More things to worry about. Apart from the gagging, she is still happy, loving life and all. Its just that once a day for 30sec-1min she has uncomfortable gagging. I just hope it is something that she can live with long term if we can't figure stuff out.
And I know its hard to believe, but on top of my grandfather passing away a couple weeks ago, my uncle passed away a few days ago unexpectedly. The manner in which he passed has really brought family closet skeletons to light. Things that have been ignored, but really should be dealt with. I am torn because I am far away, trying to get my Master's Degree to become an independent adult while my mom's side of the family is in turmoil from having 2 deaths 2 weeks apart and dealing with the repercussions of his death. I feel so sorry for my grandma: she lost her husband and son so close together. We haven't even buried my grandfather yet. On top of that I'm worried about Chloe and trying to work on my thesis to graduate in a year. I am barely coping with all of this and I just want everything to go back to normal and be ok again.
Being only 23 I've had a lot happen this year: My dad was a severe motorcycle accident last July where I had to be the adult to take care of the situation (since he was up visiting me) because my family is 300miles away, my mom was out of the state and he was flown via helicoptor to a hospital an hour north of me. I thought dealing with that was hard enough. Almost losing him. Then normal school/work stuff throughout the year, had my first panic attack a few months ago when my life was being pulled in a million directions, and now all of this is happening at once. I truly feel that this year is my official 'rite of passage' into adulthood. Thinking back to undergrad years, yes I had stressful things, but nothing quite so 'real life' like death and family issues renewing themselves. And its been very hard for me being so far from family and close friends. Many people my age here don't understand what I'm going through and don't know what to say. Pretty much that is what they say. I just need to catch a break...
Sorry for the long post. I will give an update about Chloe when the vet calls me after her procedure. I hope she doesn't need to stay overnight.
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
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