Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The complications from her lung cancer and possibility from diabetes had us make the decision to euthanize her about 3pm today :(.
She had been responding well to insulin and her meds (winstrol 25mg every 3 days, rimadyl 2x a day, azodyl 2x a day) and variety of foods we were using. However; the last few weeks she was coughing and even gasping for air more and more and producing a lot of phelgm. We tried some new meds the past week and saw a temporary improvement in at least her breathing.
She had a good day at dog park Saturday morning, but immediately starting vomiting after (she was with me the whole time there and didn't eat anything odd, she'd only lay on the ground by my bench and not roam...she just liked to sun herself). The vomiting did not stop for most of the day and Sunday. She hadn't eaten anything in a couple days except for the pill pockets with her meds. Still her glucose levels were over 300 and at one point 600! The best we could get it down was around 250 at one point. We took her into the vet first thing this morning. He was able to switch insulin and get her to 127 after a couple hours. Her body was very resistant to the insulin. He put her in oxygen and although she still was coughing at times, she was much more relaxed. It stinks though because she hates going to the vet.
She was alert and active that morning even though she vomited a little. We were hoping he could pull a miracle and get her back. She didn't even want fresh chicken...it was clear at this point she had decided to no longer take food.
She was slightly anxious as the vet shaved her forelimb (she's a long haired dog), but we calmed her a bit and he was able to get the vein perfectly. She went very peacefully and my wife was holding her. My wife never had to deal with this and thought the dog was still alive 🙁
She had a good two years with us and we are happy we didn't let them destroy her when my grandmother passed away (no one wanted a three-legged dog even when she didn't have cancer or diabetes). I am glad it was only the last few days things got really bad for her and she was still a happy dog. I believe by next month or even week, she'd be suffering a lot and more than likely her having a heart attack or drowning in her own fluids without us there would be a traumatic end for her.
Just an update for those that followed her story.
Foxy | Golden Ret./Corgi Mix | Born on Date ~1999 | Tripawd mode – 10/02/2009 | RIP - 03/05/2012
So sorry to hear about this. I always thought you guys were great people for taking in your grandma's pup. Foxy was so lucky to have a wonderful couple of years with you and your wife.
I am so very sorry! There are no words to describe this kind of pain... for YOU.
But not for her. She is running free and no longer in pain.
Today you loved her most of all. <3
So sorry for your loss. You were so wonderful for taking Foxy in. What a lucky pup!
May your happy memories fill the hole in your heart.
Hugs and Whimpers,
Judy and Baby
I'm so sorry to hear that Foxy has passed. I'm glad Foxy was able to spend her final years with you. Sending healing thoughts your way.
You guys did a wonderful thing, you gave Foxy the gift of two more years when you took in an older dog that no one wanted. The years sound like they were challenging, but I'm guessing also very rewarding.
Today you gave Foxy the ultimate gift by letting her go on to her next adventure.
I hope the good memories you built in the last couple of years give you some peace and comfort in the coming days and weeks.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
We are so sorry to hear of Foxys passing. It was wonderful of you to take her and let her spend her remaining time surrounded with love after she lost your grandmother. Sending you hugs.
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
We are so sad to hear this heartbreaking news, and send all our love and condolences.
It's so sad, but there are so many people who wouldn't have done what you did by taking her in. You gave Foxy a chance to live a wonderful life, and I'm sure she paid you back a thousand times over with her devotion. I know it's terribly hard to say goodbye, but we hope that all that you shared together over the last two years can bring you comfort and help heal your hearts.
May Foxy run free of pain and straight into the arms of your waiting grandmother. We are so very sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
we are so sorry to read of foxy's passing. you gave her a great life, after losing your grandmother - no doubt both of them are together again, and watching over you with love and thanks. love never ends.
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
I am so, so sorry. Foxy was lucky to have a good 13 years, but it is always to soon to lose a furkid.
Beth and Spirit Smilin' Sammy
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
Thank you for updating us. There are lots of people who followed Foxy's story because it's something in the back of everyone's mind. What happens to my dog if something happens to me? You did a wonderful thing when you opened your hearts and lives to Foxy. Truly, Foxy knew that and I'm sure she loved you deeply because you gave her a home and love and, at the end, you gave her release and peace. Thank you for doing so much for her.
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 am so sorry you had to say goodbye to Foxy, although, at 13, she'd had a good run. I was struck by your kindness in taking in your grandmothers unwanted pup-- she was so lucky to have you and your wife to live out her life with. I am smiling through my tears at the thought of her not having to wait to cross the bridge, she's already with your grandmother. Still, I know there are many tears down here, and my heart breaks for the two of you.
Catherine and Spirit Scout
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
So sorry to hear of your loss You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Roxy…Border Collie cross born on approximately October 27th, 2011;
Rescued in January 2012 by Oops a Dazy Rescue & Sanctuary;
Right hind leg amputated on January 20th, 2012 due to a severe spiral fracture;
Adopted on February 21st, 2012 by Teena, a devoted human & Charlee, a purebred BC.
Hugs, tail wags & sloppy kisses
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