Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hello.. My name is Jeane and my sweet girl Arbi is 13. She has had a tumor for the last year. When we discovered it.. it was inoperable.. well. they could.. but it infiltrated much of her thigh and would reoccur. So we went with a watch and wait. It grew. She was fine. However, now.. it has started to open and rupture. We have surgery scheduled for Friday. I am not sure she can wait that long. She is on pain meds. I called the Dr right after I spoke to Rene on the help hotline. Thank you Rene for being there when I was having a bit of a meltdown.!! The decision to go ahead with the amputation on an older pup, or the alternative.. heavy indeed.!! My girl is healthy.. ( a bit of Cushing's.. ) and full of life.. I have read so many stories and realize that EVERYONE has these feelings when making decisions for their pup. As everyone else, I have gone back and forth.. wondering if I am selfish with ANY decision. It honestly helps knowing that there so many people out there who have gone though this exact -same -thing. I just feel such a HUGE responsibility for her.. as everyone else has expressed. I am so scared .. not just for her.. but for myself and taking care of her and helping her though this situation. I am grateful I have found this resource.. I am downloading the books right after this... thank you for listening as I ramble a bit..
Jeane I am sooooo glad you posted about Arbi! Were you able to connect with Alicia?
Meanwhile, how did the call with the vet go? Did they give her any pain control for her tumor rupture situation?
As I mentioned on the phone, if Arbi is otherwise healthy there's no reason why she couldn't do well on three. Those senior dogs examples I sent via email are just a few stories of seniors who've gone on to enjoy great lives on 3. It's not all that unusual, they are so much more resilient than we ever imagine until we go through something like this.
Stay tuned for feedback from others! And your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello and thank you for taking the time with me.. I honestly felt a lot better. !! I called the vet right away and they gave Arbi two types pain pills. As you had mentioned, she should start those now. She is a lot more comfortable. Today, I took her in to see the Dr., the wound was looking bad.. but it looks worse than it is. The tumor outgrew the blood supply and is necrotic. They cleaned it, dressed it.. gave me antibiotics to add to her collection. She's comfortable. I was worried we would have to do the surgery sooner rather than wait. The Dr. said it is better to have a planned surgery than an emergency situation. So we will bide our time.
I have not gotten in touch with Alicia. Honestly.. I had forgotten.!! Thank you for the reminder.. I did not get any email with senior dog examples. I have been all over YouTube and see many do very well. A friend of my daughters works for an animal rescue for senior pups in Washington State. She tells me they do very well .. all the things that you have said as well.!!!
I did get the email with your gift.. thank you and I will be happy to give a review. I have been glancing at it since I downloaded it. I look forward to really getting into it after Arbi has her surgery. I am all over the other books.!! So much to learn in a short amount of time.!!
I have gotten used to the idea that I am joining this club.. the club no one wanted to join. However... There must be a reason for all this...
I am looking forward to reading your story while I sit and tend to my pup... Arbi has a right to her life.. just as you say in the beginning of your book... age and size should not be factor. I am sure I have been worrying and being a basket case for nothing. Thanks to you .. I have some tools to manage this situation with. With much appreciation...
Well hello Jeanne and Arbi. As you. can tell, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! And yes, welcome to "the club no one wants to velong". As you can see from Jarry' sage advice and support, you are exactly where you need to be to sail through thos journey with flying colors!!
I had to chuckle just a little as I was reading through your post. It reminded me of all my emotions and uncertainties that had me going back and forth like crazy!!. I even cancelled the first surgery appt f0r my Happy Hannah because I I soooo scared!! A heavy decision indeed. At first anyway. Once you gather information, do your research, talk to people who have been through the journey, you do gain a sense of relief ow that you jave a plan jn place. Just getting her pain managed is a huge relief!
And yes, there is a "reason" for all this on a life lesson level. Arbi will be your guide and teacher. We all come out of this journey with a Soul's growth that only our dogs can teach us.
Okay, we'll all be sending lots of pawsitive energy to your sweet pupper! Now get some rest and know all os well in Arbi's world. Give her a hug for us♥️
Hugs
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!
Oh I'm glad we could help you feel better, and I'm SUPER glad that Arbi was able to get pain meds and wound care. YAY! And the vet is right, it's so much better to schedule the surgery.
Here's what I sent in that email. Check your spam folder for a message from me, rene-at-tripawds
Here are some links for you to check out that you might have missed in your amazing research of our community:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello Sally and team..
I am so relieved to have found you all.!! it is something that we would never thought would happen, when we first became pet parents.. but yet.. here we are.. doing the absolute best for them.. even if we have our emotions all over the place.! The BIG thing.. knowing we are not alone.. there are many others who have traveled this road... I felt so relieved to talk to someone.. I was a bit overcome with emotion when Rene answered my call. Sometimes my head feels a bit cloudy and out of focus. I am grateful Rene mentioned pain meds.. duh.. Yes.. getting her comfortable is huge...she's snoozing beside me right now. thank you for your uplifting message.! it truly helps.. especially when we are second and third guessing ourselves. In Arbi's case.. honestly.. the alternative is not something I can fathom at this time. So on we go... Friday will be here before you know it and then a new chapter will begin.!
Rene.. I did find your email...thanks so much.!! so much wonderful information .. I am very grateful..
Jeane and Arbi...
You sound so much better Jeane. None of us ever want to join this club, I totally get it. We are here for you to lean on though, so as you prepare for surgery and the recovery phase, just holler with any questions. Give your snoozy girl a smooch from us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much for your support.!! Yes.. I am better emotionally today. Understanding this is a necessary procedure to give my girl the best chance at a wonderful life with me. Just because she's a bit older, as you said... that should not stop her from living out her golden years with joy and happiness. One thing I read in your book.. when Jerry was needing his surgery.. all of a sudden... nothing else mattered. I understand that.... I am in the middle of a divorce, closing down a business because of step kids embezzling... (allowed by their dad, my husband and business partner.). Honestly.. when I came to grips with what Arbi will need, all that went by the wayside and she is what I am focusing on. The rest of the stuff... it's just stuff.! Luckily.. I have some homework to do for the attorney, so while Arbi is recuperating.. I will do what needs to be done and hang out with her. I will post again when she has her surgery on Friday. Right now.. the vet gave her an antibiotic and it is helping with the issue with the ruptured tumor. She's comfortable and happy. I cannot wait to read the rest of your story.!! ❤️. Jeane and Arbi 🐾
There must be a reason for all this...
And yes, there is a "reason" for all this on a life lesson level. Arbi will be your guide and teacher. We all come out of this journey with a Soul's growth that only our dogs can teach us.
After reading the ppst above, sounds like the lessons being taught by Arbi on this journey are starting to unfold.......just sayn'
♥️
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!
Jeane, I can hear strength and hope in your writing, I'm so glad you're able to reach this point. You've been through some awful times lately and I'm so sorry for that. But I'm really, really glad you found us, and agree, Arbi is your guide and teacher even more than ever. Stay strong!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello... you are so right about the lessons unfolding.. I am seeing it... very small glimmer.. a new life ahead.. and it took my sweet girl to help me detach from the garbage that is just - not - important. It's a work in progress...
I am so appreciative to know that there are others there.. feels like you are holding my hand.. I am doing my best to be brave. I am sitting here with my Arbi right now.. we spent the day together doing fun stuff... Nothing else matters..
Tomorrow morning will come and a new life will begin... with love and light.. Jeane❤️
Ah hah! Yes we are all a work in progress aren't we? Our pets sure get life before we do.
We are totally holding your hand! You ARE brave, I can tell by your words. Arbi is your guide and you are an A student!
All of us are keeping you in our hearts and sending much, much love to you both for an uneventful surgery and speedy recovery. Let us know how things go OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good Morning... Arbi was taken to the hospital this morning... met with the Dr. I am so GRATEFUL that I had read your books before this. I had some questions to ask.. and got some good answers as well. I felt a little more knowledgeable going in.. not just handing over my girl and hope for the best. Regarding pain meds.. we discussed that quite a bit as well... the Dr. added something else in to make sure my girl will be kept comfortable at all costs. They may keep her overnight.. as they said.. it all depends on how things go.. I honesty feel calm right now.. because I am a bit more prepared than before I found you all.!! Question... when I give you the updates, should I start it under another category ? With much love and gratitude... Jeane and Arbi. ❤️🐾❤️
Hey Jeane. I'm so glad you read the questions and the books too. Knowledge is power! Yay!
So you confirmed that there will be a vet tech on the premises overnight, right? If so, and you're good with leaving her, it will be easier on you in the long run. It's sooo hard to see our dog or cat so out of it and loopy that first 24 hours.
Thanks for asking about starting a new topic. Sure, start up in Treatment and Recovery:
https://tripawd.....-recovery/
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes.. knowledge is POWER... I also understood what the Dr. was saying more as well.!!! I did confirm they have staff there 24/7. While it's so hard to not have her here with me.. I know if they decide to keep her.. it's for the best. I did not demand her to come home.. but boy.. it's gonna be a lonely night without her.!! Just staying busy until the call that she is out of surgery and all went well. Hugs.. ❤️🐾
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