Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I’ve been trawling through posts hoping that the decisions made by others will help guide mine. But every situation is so unique I feel I’m only going to get clarity by posting Lila’s situation. She’s had ten great months as a tripawd, a couple weeks ago she had some back pain I took her to the vet the next day, she was well in her self by the time she was seen so the vet was happy to watch and see how she went. Yesterday really suddenly she lost the ability to stand on her remaining back leg. She was crying out and panting. We took her to the vet and with methadone on board, she settled In her vocalising. Initially they found she had no deep pain in that back leg. They pinched her toes with haemostats and she was non responsive. 30 mins later and she gets sensation back in that foot still couldnt hold her weight on that back leg or to go from sitting to standing with out help. The vet suspects she’s slipped a disc in her spine (Ivdd grade 3/4). She’s at the vet now, we are waiting to go back this morning for our consult. She’s an 11 year old shepherd and the idea of spinalsurgery feels daunting and too much to put her through. Her remaining leg also has significant arthritis. It’s happened so suddenly I can’t process that in the morning she happily went for a walk and that afternoon this has happened and are looking at a possible recommendation of letting her go. Advise on what I should ask or do when we go in for our consultation would be great. I’m a bit shook so it’s hard to know what the right this is to do. Thank you in advance 💓
Oh goodness, I am so sorry!! I'm sure others will chime in, all I can say is one day at a time right now. I hope this is something that is easier resolved. Maybe rest and meds will get her back to her old self.
In your heart and mind you need to weigh the pros and cons and do what you feel is best. We all come to a point where we need to decide when enough is enough and how things will affect quality of life. If you need to, write it down. Make a real list to help guide you.
Everything you've done has been out of love, and everything you decide in the future will also be. There is no right or wrong here.
Keeping you in our thoughts❤
Jackie and Huckleberry❤❤❤
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Ohhh my heart aches for you. As a Sheppie mom myself, with a Tripawd who has rear end issues, I really feel for you. I know someday we may face a similar situation and it hurts to even think about.
I'm glad her pain is being managed. Is she having a MRI to pinpoint the exact cause? I'm guessing that may be the only way to find out what's going on. Whether or not she has one done, I would want at least two opinions from two vets, one outside the practice where she's normally seen, before leaping ahead to the end-of-life decision. I mean sure, she's 11 years old but many GSDs live longer, happy lives on 3 legs with good pain management like our Wyatt Ray (who is also 11). So try not to jump to the worst case yet. Get the facts together and then if you have to, go there. But right now know that we are sending all our love and pawsitivity your way for some healing and answers.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just checking in and hoping for the best for beautifu Lila.....whatever that may be
❤❤❤
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!
Hi all thank you for reaching out. Lila had a CT done (no hospital in Canberra had an MRI). They found mets in her chests lytic changed to her thoracic spine which looked like the cancer was in her spine too. There was also significant arthritis in her lumbar back. The vet said we should say good bye and I agreed once I saw her. We gave her 24 hours and she wasn’t able to use that back leg. We brought her home and said good bye that night by getting a vet to come out to our home. She passed in my arms. My heart is empty and our other dog is mourning too. We are all in this together. I’m so lucky to have had 11 amazing years with her. Thank you for this wonderful group. It’s been a life saver, the love that is shown here is so special and precious.
Oh no, I am so very sorry 💙 You did everything to give your girl the best life she could live, and taking her home to help her cross over was a very selfless and loving way to honor her life.
Lila is free of pain again and whole. She will always be in your heart.
Sending you hugs and healing vibes and peace.
Jackie and Huck❤
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
My heart hurts for you Divya, I'm so sorry Lila got her wings. That beautiful girl is going to missed no doubt, but you sure did right by her by not allowing her to suffer with such terrible pain developing. Poor sweet pup. I'm so very, very sorry.
If you want to share more about her please do OK? She had such a great life with you and we would be honored to learn more about all those good times you shared.
For now, know that we are keeping you close in our hearts, and watching for a sign in the heavens that she is looking out for all her adoring fans here on earth.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This just hurts our hearts to hear. We are all so very, very sorry.
Sweet Lila gave this piece of crap disease a good run. It could not touch her Spirit or and cert did not deprive her of making every moment the best moment ever! She got to be Lila and got extra bonus time for spoil and loving and fun! Take comfort in that.
And take comfort knowing you did everything possible for your girl's well being. And when she told you she was ready to be free of her failing earth clothes, you loved her enough to release her. She knew you loved her that much. We knew you loved her that much.
And yes, please do share more about Lila with is when you can. We know the days and weeks ahead will be rough. The grief seems like it will never stop. The void will seem unbearable.
We do know that, by sharing some of the great happy times you and Lila had, it will help push the sadness further into the background. That's what Lika wants yoj to remember. Her time with you was so special to her and she wouldn't have traded it for anything.
Let is know how she makes a connection with you. Pay attention. She'll let you know she's still with you❤
Surrounding you with Lila's happy smile and wagging tail...always
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too
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!
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