Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Nicole,
I'm sorry for all the turmoil. I'm so sorry you've now lost your uncle. It's a huge amount to have on your plate at once. I'm sorry that in many respects you've been the grownup of the family. I have had times in the past where that was true of me as well, so I do understand that pressure. And I certainly "get" the part that makes you want to run away waving your hands in the air screaming. Sometimes the only thing--the best thing--you can do is decide consciously that the others who are actually adults must take care of themselves. So if your uncle's closet skeletons can be handled by someone else, let 'em.
You are right that your grandma needs support right now, but you've got to encourage and/or allow the other family members to step up and do their part. Don't forget that you're grieving, too. You need to be able to do that without becoming the caretaker for everyone else.
There, off that soapbox now. As far as Chole goes, hopefully something will turn up that shows why she's doing this. And if nothing shows up, then maybe Chole has just developed a doggie OCD behavior that won't hurt her. Dakota has a couple of them (all about licking) and they can drive me nuts, but I distract him and deal with it and I know it doesn't hurt him. I'm going to hope that's all it is because it's free to deal with.
Do take care of yourself, Nicole. I am so sorry about your uncle and your grandfather. So look after your own needs and remind everyone else that grieving is best done when shared and supported by each other. And snuggle Chloe for us all.
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/
Good grief, Nicole, I'm so sorry to hear about everything you are going through. Grad school is stressful enough on its own, without all the added things you are dealing with. And to lose another family member so soon! That too is bad enough, without the "family skeletons" adding to the stress load.
Like Shari said, do be sure to try to take care of yourself!
As for Chloe, I hope they can figure out what is wrong with her. I understand about the diagnostic tests - they can be frustratingly expensive and then you feel like you've spent a bunch of money and still don't have answers. Hopefully there's some help for her.
Hang in there! Sending pawsitive thoughts out to you and Chloe, your grandma and your whole family,
Jackie, Angel Abby'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!
Wow Nicole, I had no idea you were going through so much. I'm so very sorry that you're handling this all on your own, so far away from your family. Why the universe throws things like this at us is beyond me, all I can think of is that there is a greater plan for helping us learn how to cope with life's ups and downs. I'm glad to hear your Dad made it through the accident, but very sorry to hear about your grandpa and uncle. My condolences go out to your family.
I agree with Dakota's Mom; let the adults deal with the issues that you had nothing to do with. You need to take care of yourself, and Chloe. You can be there for your folks and your family on the phone, and offer a listening ear, which all by itself is a huge help to people in emotional turmoil. And of course we are here to listen to you whenever you feel like talking. I suggest writing in Chloe's blog, which is super therapeutic, at least I think so.
It stinks that money is always an issue when it comes to doing more veterinary diagnostics. Making choices based on your budget is difficult, we all get that. But there is nothing wrong with choosing to wait, or not to do anything at all either. What matters is that you and Chloe are spending quality time together, loving life, instead of always being at the vet's office, worried about things you have no control over. Chloe knows you are her #1 fan and would do anything for her, but what she wants most is for you to be happy and free of guilt. Easier said than done I know, but it's a place to start.
You have all our best wishes for an uneventful time ahead with your beautiful girl. I hope it's an OCD behavior too! Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Shari, Jackie and Rene for your words. I really appreciate all of your advice and pawsitive thoughts. And I think that you are right in what I need to do right now: support my grandmother when I can (my mom, gma and I have 3 way conference calls everyday; we are all very close even though distance wise far away. And she does have adult moral support where she is right now) and take care of Chloe and I. I certainly am trying.
In a week and a half I will be driving home to attend both memorial services. It would be nice to stay longer, but I am in the crucial beginning stages of my thesis so I have made it a point that I will only be there long enough to be part of the grieving process with my family.
So here is the news:
Chloe has severe inflammation of her esophagus, some inflammation and bleeding in her tonsils and a little inflammation in her stomach. While they didn't find anything in her body (good we hope), the vet thinks that the foxtails have irritated her insides and her gulping has exacerbated the problem. She is in a bad loop: Itchy throat, gulp, still itchy throat, gulp= no healing.
What we can do: she received a few shots: anti-nausea, antibiotics and steroids. The first two are precautions: anti-nausea for potential poor appetite from all the pills she will be on, the second against secondary infection from the inflamed tissue. The steroids should help with the inflammation. If she is still gulping in a week or two, the vet recommends some oral steroids. She thinks that if we can get the inflammation under control and allow her insides to heal, that she should make a full recovery. They biopsied some throat, tonsil and stomach tissue just in case. We will find out the results Tues or Wed of next week. I also will not resume normal dry kibble diet until she does not gulp weirdly at all for at least a week. But I can get creative, like soaking her kibble until it is mush like baby food in some organic chicken stock. Plus some mushy brown rice and mushy organic canned chicken. All soft stuff. Not even going to give her her favorite treats until this is cracked. I am very cautious and observant when we go outside. No eating of anything. Just sniffing, walking and tail wagging.
She is much more perky and 'normal' than when she had her foxtail under the tongue removal debachle. 2 weeks ago after her procedure, she was a loony bin. Even though she is 11, she does seem to still have that 'kick' and bounces back quickly. I know this might sound selfish, but I really need her to live healthy and happy for at least another year. She has been on my journey through grad school with me and I just can't lose my best friend yet. Not after the year I have had. And I tell her this everyday. She's not allowed to get sick or leave me. Not yet, not until she is old and lived her life and dies of just being plain old.
And I am going to do my best to care for her so she can do just that.
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
jerry said And of course we are here to listen to you whenever you feel like talking. I suggest writing in Chloe's blog, which is super therapeutic, at least I think so.
I will probably copy/paste some of my posts in this forum into a new blog post. Maybe I will write more about things that have happened, but I don't want to 'steal her thunder'. But having her here has helped me get through the hard stuff (that doesn't revolve around her troubles), so when I am up to it maybe I will write about that.
So, I'm spent. Physically and emotionally. And hungry. I will give everyone an update in a few days. And when we get the biopsy results. Good night everyone.
-Chloe's mom
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
Interesting results, and probably really good results. It may not be OCD stuff, but it sounds similar if it's a chicken-egg loop. (Which came first, the irritated esophagus or the gulping?) It's great that nothing horrible was discovered. Steroids can do amazing things so I've decided to be 100% optimistic and go ahead and congratulate Chloe on getting well! Squishy food, distracting walks and games, and some snuggles.
One thing I wanted to clarify and maybe state a bit differently about your family turmoil right now. When I said the adults in the family need to be adults and not make you be the grownup, I did not mean that I thought you were not an adult. Not at all. In retrospect, I realize it could have sounded like that. What I meant was that sometimes (at least in my family) adults can put too much on the shoulders of younger family members instead of carrying their own load. I was concerned that the other relatives might be taking advantage of you and making you feel that you should be the responsible one while they perhaps got to act like youngsters. You are more responsible and mature than many old farts I know, Nicole. And that was exactly why I was a little concerned for you: Because your family likely know that as well. But please don't think I was implying that you are not an adult. Unless you don't want to be one. Don't feel obligated. 
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/
I'm so sorry Nicole. I'm so sorry you've experienced another loss in your family and a close call with your dad. Losses of family can really take it's toll. And then your emotions are so elevated you start having death on your mind which starts a cycle of thinking everyone is leaving you.
I've been there several times but I have a good feeling that Chloe is going to be okay. She is going to get better and she is going to be there for you.
Fear of losing is just overwhelming you right now. Get some rest and food and you'll start feeling better. And never stop talking about your loved ones that have gone. As one that was 20 years old when I lost my dad, I very much understand how no one your age understands the heartache. It seems like no one cares and you have to bury your feelings. But that's not true. There is always someone that cares, you just have to open up and talk. You'll be surprised at who'll listen and give comfort.
Sending you lots of good thoughts.
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.
Dakota Dawg said
One thing I wanted to clarify and maybe state a bit differently about your family turmoil right now. When I said the adults in the family need to be adults and not make you be the grownup, I did not mean that I thought you were not an adult. Not at all. In retrospect, I realize it could have sounded like that.
I know sometimes the written word can be easily misconstrued, but don't worry Shari, I didn't interpret what you wrote as me not being an adult 
.
Some of the family baggage 'brought to light', I might discuss more in depth in my blog post (will take a couple days to figure out what I want to say it and the best way possible) has to do with my immediate family, my dad. This 'family secret' that everyone knows about but isn't doing anything about, is something I only recently discovered for myself because my mom didn't want to burden me with this knowledge. I know she is trying to protect me and is struggling to figure out what is just enough vs too much information. And it seems that at least with my uncle's passing, the nature of it and its suddenness is really a rude slap into reality for all of us. And I have had conversations with my grandmother about this and she too has known and felt it best to protect me as long as possible when my mom confided in her. I guess that with the women in my life, that seems to be understood, but I am not sure my dad understands that what is going on affects our family as a whole. And has affected who I am as a person having grown up with it.
I feel I am getting carried away and need to write this all out on a word document... if anybody is interested in my story, how chloe plays a leading role, I will also post an update here about a blog post.
And I made a homemade pizza and ate 1/3 of it since I haven't eaten much all day from all the worry. I will probably call it a day soon and get some sleep. And again, thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I know that if all of us were in a room, we'd all be giving eachother hugs.
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
The morning after: Well, I have had about 4hrs of sleep if that gives you any indication.
- Chloe has been swallowing, panting, licking, pacing and whining excessively.
- Chloe peed herself (significantly) in the middle of the night.
I noticed she was peeing more than normal last night and that she sometimes 'leaked' a little. This would prompt excessive licking in her private area. I knew she had an IV, so I made sure she peed right before bed and didn't think anything of it; last time she got through it no problem. Until I woke up to a soaked dog bed and soaked Chloe. Poor thing. At least it is so dilute that it didn't smell. I gave her a quick waterless shampoo bath (she was annoyed at more 'wetness') to at least help remove the urine (and towel dried as much as possible). Then I dumped everything in the wash. I came back inside and looked online for 'side effects' in relation to an endoscopy and/or steroid injection. I wasn't sure if either was concern for worry since the vet didn't mention these symptoms.
To confirm my finding, I called the pet hospital at 6am and spoke with someone for a few minutes (24hr service). The woman said that yes excessive urine is a common side effect from the steroid shot (not sure if it was cortizone or what, I would need to check the vet printout), but that there is nothing I can do other than watch her for the next 3-5 days. And take her out to pee as much as possible. But that I should not limit her water intake.
Another thought occurred. I asked her what the symptoms of diabetes would be since her vet cautioned that steroids could trigger an early onset if she were naturally predisposed to getting it (genes?). The person on the phone said that her symptoms would be similar, but that her urine would also be sticky. At least it isn't sticky right now. Hopefully the foxtail irritation turned foxtail under the tongue turned unresolved irritation does not become 'developed diabetes'. So I will be monitoring her over the next week as much as possible. I really hope this steroid shot works because I don't want to deal with oral steroids and more pee issues (or worry about developing diabetes). I am hoping we get through the worst of it this weekend.
A few hours later: Chloe finally got comfortable on the couch and has been peacefully resting. I did make sure to give Chloe her sucralfate (dissolved in chicken broth to help with possible ulcers, needed on an empty stomach), 2 antacids, and 1/2 a tramadol. Oh yes, she is back on her old friend tramadol
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
Nicole, I'm so sorry for this ruff situation. How is she doing tonight?
I have no experience with this sort of thing, I'm so sorry, I wish I could offer some insight. But do know that I send all my best wishes for her to feel better and recover soon. You both deserve some good times again, playing on the beach and having a ball in the ocean. Please keep us posted.
Many hugs coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
She hasn't needed to pee as much, but she's also not drinking lots of fluids on her own. I have been freezing little ice cubes of chicken stock and then put them in some cold water to encourage fluids (and have them be cold to help reduce inflammation down the throat).
As for gulping, it has been worse after the procedure, probably the scope and biopsies. She whines more from the discomfort even though I have her on tramadol. Maybe I need to give her a full dose rather than half doses in the morning and evening.
I am just hoping that her gulping subsides within the next few days...the vet said that worst case scenario she would need her tonsils removed. Sounds like more money and anesthesia and I'd rather have the steroids work.
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
!!!
I don't think we're in Kansas anymore. You've been through some tornado. I'm so sorry. I have a few quick thoughts, but remember I am a PEOPLE nurse, so not everything applies to canines. Definitely ask the vet. Lately we have been using something called Manuka honey for wounds and healing. Raw honey, it should be LOCAL helps patients antibodies against triggers that would release pesky histamines that cause swelling. [Basically? We're talking an allergic reaction. Local honey imports local pollen into the body and you kinda vaccinate yourself against all the crap that makes your eyes itch]. It is also antibacterial and used to tidy up wounds. Secondly, I don't know if foxtail spurs are hard to remove, but I once saw a patient who had, I think it was glass embedded in the skin. That's a real pain in the butt to tweeze out. Tiny shards, almost invisible. If foxtails are like this, could Chloe have retained some of the seed pods? I don't know if this is applicable in vet meds, but sometimes you gotta try anything. If the vet suspects retained seeds, perhaps suggest what we did. Instead of plucking out one by one the tiny glass shards, dry the area as much as possible [I realize we are talking about areas of mucosa and this might not be practical...but?] Now don't get freaked out, but if the vet can use duct tape or other super sticky peel away thing, that might catch all your seed pods. I know, I know...under the tongue is a weird place to try. But if it works, man - those things will be caught on that duct tape in two seconds. Dental impression fixative is another way to try in the mouth - you know the stuff they use to make an impression of your teeth if you are getting professional trays made? Professional grade stuff comes out semi liquid, takes about a minutes to set, and you pull it out. You don't have to whiten Chloe's teeth, but you might catch some irritating particles if the vet has any of that dental impression material! [I really just mean wherever the foxtails might still be in her mouth.]
Condolences on the deaths in the family. High hopes for Chloe.
KungFu
PS...Article on Veterinary use of honey.... http://www.huff.....34771.html
PPS In people, steroids make us extra thirsty and pee-y ...I believe my dog got a steroid shot and he was like that for about a week...then it faded.
Sorry...I got kind of side tracked about honey. What I really wanted to point out was this :
Honey is also anti-inflammatory. This benefits healing in both exterior wounds as well as reducing inflammation in the intestinal tract. Orally administered honey has been used for many years by indigenous healers for stomach ulcers and research shows it has benefit for this problem as well as being helpful for colon inflammations such as Crohn's disease in humans.
From the article. So it may soothe her tummy AND give her some calories and energy to fight off this thing. But of course ask the vet.
kungfunurse said
PPS In people, steroids make us extra thirsty and pee-y ...I believe my dog got a steroid shot and he was like that for about a week...then it faded.Honey is also anti-inflammatory. This benefits healing in both exterior wounds as well as reducing inflammation in the intestinal tract. Orally administered honey has been used for many years by indigenous healers for stomach ulcers and research shows it has benefit for this problem as well as being helpful for colon inflammations such as Crohn's disease in humans.
From the article. So it may soothe her tummy AND give her some calories and energy to fight off this thing. But of course ask the vet.
I really appreciate the honey tip! When I asked the vet about more hollistic ways to reduce inflammation (since being on steroids long term is no good), she didn't know of anything, but that wasn't to say things didn't exist out there. Friday I have to call her to give an update, so I will ask about giving Chloe honey. As long as she says it isn't toxic, I'm sure she would be interested to find out how it goes. And Chloe does need the calories. She is at an optimal weight for being on three legs (too heavy and it would affect her mobility), but she really can't afford to lose even 5 pounds without starting to look emaciated. Would you recommend giving it with food, before food or after food? I will be sure to read the article once I finish my long drive tomorrow.
When they scoped her, they didn't see any indication of residual foxtail seed pods (but when they removed the one from under her tongue, they did find a seed pod in her tonsils), nor did throat x-rays reveal any external areas of swelling (that might indicate foxtail/seed pod lodged somewhere, since the plants themselves don't show up).
So, to give another update to everyone:
Chloe's biopsies of her tonsils, esophagus, stomach and intenstines came back negative for any cancer or diseases. She is still gulping hard during the day (no 'fits' at least), so she will be starting a short dose of oral steroids (more peeing here we come!). I am hoping with the short course of oral steroids plus the honey (once I get the ok from vet) that we will BE DONE with all of this.
We are way to close to her 2 year ampuversay for any scares. Only a couple weeks away...
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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