Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Mollie wasn't a Tripawd... she wasn't really even "my" dog; she was my mom and step dad's dog. We got her when I was in High School. I can still remember her as the cute little puff ball of cream white; just a little cotton ball with a button nose.
She was probably a puppy mill dog, but that was before the public even knew what a puppy mill was. She was an impulse buy. I had gotten my dream (getting a dog) several years before when we moved into our first house. Mom and I were shopping at a pet store and saw these Bichons and asked to hold them. They were sooo cute. I don't think I had a second thought about them though. My mom, on the other hand, wanted to take them home. She talked my step dad into getting a second dog and a few days later they brought home Mollie. The girl at the pet shop told them to take the little boy because Mollie was so noisy at night, but my Mom was always partial to girl-dogs. The girl at the pet shop was right... she was very noisy those first few weeks!
I spent a week over my birthday at my Mom's. I knew it would be our older dog's last visit. Mandie passed just a few days after I left. I didn't say my goodbyes to Mollie because she was still young and healthy.
Mom called today. Mollie was acting strange last night; panting and being restless, so she took her to the vet this morning. Over the past few weeks after Mandie passed Mollie had been peeing on the rug a lot. We all thought that it was behavioral since she was now home alone everyday.
The vet called my stepdad over the afternoon; Mollie had Pancreatitis and severe diabetes that had been undiagnosed for quite some time. She had been on an insulin drip all day but was rapidly declining. She wouldn't be recovering. If they wanted to say goodbye, they needed to go now.
My stepdad was able to go and be with her in the end. My mom wasn't able to get away, she was the only nurse at the clinic today. She called me a few minutes ago to tell me.
I haven't been able to shed a tear for her; I think part of it is being in pure shock and part of it is being on this antidepressant makes it REALLY hard to cry.
I have more questions than anything, and no one to ask. How? Why? What? When?
How could it have gone undiagnosed so long? Why did she decline so quickly? What caused her pancreatitis if she didn't have table scraps or extra food/treats yesterday? When did the diabetes develop? How can I make sure that this doesn't happen again? What can I do to make sure that I catch on to the little clues before its too late?
This post doesn't have much of a purpose, just an avenue for venting and getting my feelings out. Thanks for listening.
Hugs to my Tripawds family - Heather & Barret
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
I'm so sorry to hear about your sudden loss, Heather. Diabetes is one of those silent killers that comes on slow and often goes unnoticed by the majority of owners. Every month we have a new diabetic at work and unfortunately some of those just don't make it. Because the pancreas produces insulin the diabetes can come either before or after the pancreatitis and is not uncommon for newly diagnosed diabetics to present first for pancreatitis. It's nothing you guys did wrong to cause it and please don't think you did. Little white dogs are often genetically predisposed to all of these diseases that those of us with large dogs may never experience so it can be a shock.
As far as preventing this type of situation in the future, regular bloodwork is the bet way to go. Every 6 to 12 months depending on the age of your pet is essential in monitoring health and screening for disease. A simple urine test at the same time also gives crutial information that sometimes doesn't show in the blood. Even on my young dogs I do yearly bloodwork since they age so much quicker than we do.
Big hugs and good thoughts your way.
Mandy and Mav
Maverick is a wonderful miniature australian shepard born with a malformation of the front right radius/ulna, amputation performed on 11/4/13 at 6 months old. Follow his story at mavericksjourney.tripawds.com.
Awwww Heather,
I am so sorry for your family's loss. It is so hard when it comes out of the blue like that. I don't have the answers to any of your questions but it seems like the only way to catch diabetes would be through blood and urine testing. Something most of us don't have done for our dogs except when there is something obviously wrong. My dad's a diabetic so I know a little about the disease. And I have researched canine diabetes some in the past because Codie Rae drinks ridiculous amounts of water. Diabetes symptoms can be pretty subtle, easy to miss, and are also attributable to many causes. The peeing on the rug could have been a clue but your assessment that it was behavioral due to loss of her doggie companion was not at all unreasonable. Diabetes can put a dog at higher risk for pancreatitis so it may have been this rather than table scraps or something else she might have ingested that caused the acute episode. And diabetics can get into a state of ketoacidosis, which is life threatening and can progress rapidly. Perhaps all these things combined in Mollie's case. But I am just speculating and probably not doing you any good. The point I am trying to make is this would have been a hard thing to catch in advance.
You know you can vent here anytime, thats what we are here for!
xoxox,
Martha and the OP
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
I am so sorry for your loss... I can understand why you are shocked but like Mandy said, there was most likely nothing you could do. I don't know much about diabetes in animals so I can't offer any guidance. But since I just lost my Shelby, I can empathize and express how sorry and sad I am for you. Holding you in my thoughts...
Alison & her Shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Heather, I'm so very sorry for you and your mom and step dad.
And yes, the pst serves many purposes...... we got to know Mollie, and Mandie too. And we get to support you and send you love and understanding like no others can. When you can, please post a picture. They sound adorable!
And you have created a great awareness about some very "silent killers". They similarities between those two sneaky diseases that Mollie had and the sneaky piece of crap disease that all the dogs are facing here are creepy. There seems to be no rhyme or reason
MANDY and MARTHA gave some valuable advice amd insight. As Martha said, a lot of us don't do these tests u less we see symptons.
This post may be part of Mollie's legacy. I have no doubt...o doubt, tnat manyof us will do blood tests and urnes tests more routinely.
Heather, I know you and, especially your mom ad step dad have some rough, rough days, weeks and mnths ahead. Havng been loved by Mollie...and having had Mollie's love...and to lose her so soon after Mandie...it 's a void, that's for sure. I kowot doesn't helpmich, but I'm glad your step dad was avle to be with her and I'm glad she lived full out and didn't suffer.
I'm just so sorry.
I realy can't offer mich ccomfort...just understanding and love. Mollie didn't want you to say "good-bye", because she knows shemis always with you. She and Mandie together will be powerful Guardian Angels watching over you and Barret, and all yourpack.
Sending you love.
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!
Heather,
I am so sorry for your loss & your families. Diabetes is very hard to diagnosis in animals. Like Martha said there can be subtle hints but with the other loss it would make it very difficult to diagnose. I am so sorry. RIP Mollie My thoughts & prayers are with you.
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."
Thank you all so much for your words of kindness - you're right - speculation and "what ifs" do no good here, but I want to raise awareness and most of all make sure it doesn't happen to one of my kiddos!! It is just such a shock!
Thanks Mandy, your information made me feel so much better. I feel like I should have heard about this before now... I am in the pet industry and I am usually pretty well informed on most pet health topics. I know all about pancreatitis and what usually causes that, but diabetes... I've never encountered that one before! It was so very out of the blue!
I feel really sad for my mom and step dad. They were somewhat prepared to lose Mandie. She was in ill health and very very old. They were just starting to heal from that wound only to lose Mollie without any warning. I wish I were there to be able to comfort them but I am hundreds of miles from them 
And Sally - soo soo glad to see you're still active on the forums. How are you doing? Of course I have pictures to share 
Mandie (curly tail) and Mollie in their favorite spots:
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Awww Heather.....these little cuties bring tears to my eyes...yet again. So darn cute. Clearly good buddies!
Yeah, to lose these two souls bac to back...very, very hard. I kow we can all say...""Mollie and Mandie are together"...and they are. But it hurts to not be with them.
Nah...you can tell they aren't spoiled and well loved!! I have a pillow that says, "If you want the best seat in the house, you'll have to move the dog." Mollie and Mandie must jave originated the phrase.
Thank yoj for sharng Mollie and Mandie with us. Again, by sharing Mollie's story here today, she will continue to touch lives...AND save lives...I honestly believe that! Now that's a life of meanig...a life that wiill continue to make a difference!
You cannot help but smile through the tears at these pictures.....talk about defining cuteness.....
Sending you love and, please pass on our heartfelt support to your mom and step dad.
Sally and Happy Hannah
PS...Yeah, I'm still trying my hardest to stay on the site.....trying ......trying so hard. Thanks Heather.
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!
Whoooaaah not at all what I was preparing myself to read Heather, I'm so very, very sorry. I can't imagine how stunning and awful this is for all of you. Please give our condolences to your folks, and we send lots of hugs and love to you all.
I don't know a lot about canine diabetes and all I know is that pancreatitis is serious stuff. I'm so sorry it wasn't caught in time. All we can do is our best; learn from these tragic situations, monitor our animal's health with regular checkups and lab work, and keep the faith that everything will be OK.
My heart goes out to you, I can't even think of the right words.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks again - I will pass my condolences to my parents. It has to be even harder on them.. I think I am still in shock!
I didn't talk to my mom about it too much last night. It just wasn't the right time. I know Mollie went in for her senior exam every six months and did her labs, but from what I gather it is tough to diagnose unless they do a blood and urine sample at the same time and it isn't regularly done unless there are symptoms. Goes to show you that any behavioral issue, even if there appears to be a clear reason behind it, needs to be investigated by your vet. Her trainer and dog sitter had even said that she suspected that the peeing was due to Mandie's passing and my mom going back to work.
Yes, definitely still in shock.. but the end of an era. All of my childhood dogs are now officially crossed over. So sad that they don't live longer. I can only live in the moment and hope that I've got years and years ahead of me before I have to grieve for one of my own furchildren. Barret still acts like a pup, so its hard to believe that he's 5 (or is it 6?)... Nope, not going there - He's here and happy and healthy now and that's what counts.
To Sally, Michelle, Allison and all the Tripawd mom's and dads of those who have passed over: You're so strong to continue to be on the site so actively. Know that you're helping others through their struggles and giving back and we all sincerly appreciate it even though it must be so hard and so heartwrenching to do. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. The community wouldn't be the same without you.
Hugs from me & Kisses from Barret <3
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Heather,
I missed this thread somehow- I'm sorry for your loss, and pass on to your parents too. It's hard to loose a companion when you expect it, but the sudden ones are very tough. Maybe a tiny amount of consolation that the girls are together again and waiting at the Bridge.
How hard for your mom too, not being able to get there, and you being so far from home.
Sending strong, positive, peaceful thoughts to you and your family.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Oh my Heather!!! How very sorry I am for you and your family. Poor girlie... Mollie and Mandie were such cutie pies!
Sometimes there are those diseases, like diabetes, etc. as Mandy said, that just sneak up on us.. and I think that is why we sometimes feel so guilty about it afterwards. But... when the doggies aren't actually showing "sick" signs, it is very easy to let that get past us. And Mollie was showing signs that could be linked to Mandie's passing. That is only natural. And we as humans.. are only human. We try our best, and that is all we can do.
Comfort that comes to us at this time is that the two of them are together again.. snuggled up on a big patch of soft grass in the meadow. And that is only because they have been racing around having a great time with all our furkids and they are tuckered out! I bet Mandie was just estactic showing Mollie around!!
Our condolences for you and your family. It hurts... and when it is a sudden departure to the bridge, we wish we could have said goodbye.. and that's ok. Don't dwell on that.. cause you have her in your heart and you can say hello anytime you want. Besides.. we really don't say "goodbye", we say... go have fun.. I will see you later!!
Christine.. with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Heather, so sorry to hear about Mollie. That is a big loss, two in a short time. As far a shedding tears, I lost my childhood dog( she was 16) after I was married. I did not cry right away either. It was easier to not think it real until I went up and she was not there. I also had not lived with her in a while. She hated my husband and would sneak and bite his leg under the table and growl at him when he came over before we were married. I knew they would not do well in the same house. I had younger siblings that were attached to her also. So she stayed at home with my parents. I was just basically numb when my Dad called to say he had " taken her in". To vet. I have thought of her a lot lately with the passing of Ty. I just realized that any pictures of her are still at my parents house. I also don't know much about diabetes in dogs. It sounds as if it is a sneaky disease. Sending you and your Mom a big hug, Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
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