Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I am so sorry to hear of Maggie's passing. I don't know anything about bloat, so cannot say if you are right or wrong. My Otis also died quite suddenly. On Saturday morning, I took him for a bath. That night, he began to have difficulty breathing. We went to the emergency vet to discover that mets in his lungs had torn the tissue, causing air to build up in his lungs. He also had retched twice that night. I thought it was a stupid dental chew that I had given him. The vet reassured me that it was not. They were able to drain the air that night so he could come home for one more day. The next night, his lungs again began to fill with air and I had to take him in for the last time. So, you just don't know. Cancer can happen incredibly fast. I never would have taken him for a bath if I thought we only had one day left together. I hope this helps a bit. And, no matter what the actual cause was, you did your very best for Maggie. Sounds like she had a great quality of life right up until the end, and she passed surrounded by her people and knowing she was dearly loved.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Oh, no! I am so very sorry. I certainly know the heartbreak. I hadn't been on here for a couple of months so I didn't know about Otis. Yes, I think Maggie had a great life and dealt with her cancer in a way that made me very proud. I'll probably never know exactly what happened to her. I like to think that she just went to sleep and didn't wake up. Kinda how I'd like to go out. Very sorry for OUR losses.
I am so sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your sweet Maggie. Please know that there isn't anything you did wrong and there is a lot of debate about how to prevent bloat. No matter what advice you follow there is no guarantee your dog will not get bloat. I follow a website where they raise great danes as service dogs and out of hundreds of dogs they had one recently with bloat (the first one in 12 years). All the dogs are fed the same, treated the same, breeding lines are known, yet one got bloat.
It is clear Maggie was well loved. How wonderful was it that she did so well with her amputation and continued to enjoy life? That was your goal and you did it. Although this is a sad time, I wish you many smiles when remembering the happiness Maggie brought to your family's life.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Ohhhh my gosh. First, I'm SO sorry to learn about Maggie's passing. I'm glad she did so well after surgery, but there's just never enough time afterward, no matter what. You gave her all the love and calm, happy days that she wanted and I hope you can take comfort in knowing that you were able to make her last days enjoyable and loving.
As for bloat, yeah, it really, really sucks. We had one member lose her dog here to it just days after surgery. It's a terrible situation but Kerren is so right, there is a LOT of debate about what causes it and even the best vet scientists don't know for sure. Three years ago we had a gastropexy surgery done on Wyatt Ray , which is a preventive measure to avoid torsion (stomach twisting) that's done by adhering the stomach to the rib cage. When Wyatt was recovering, I asked his surgeon at Colorado State University about preventive measures (CSU is one of THE best vet research facilities in the world), and he said point blank, nobody knows exactly what causes it. So please, please don't blame yourself.
The best measure anyone can take on a giant breed dog that's prone to bloat, is to do the gastropexy surgery (stomach tacking). It's not cheap (just over $1k in most places) and unfortunately most pet insurance plans don't cover it (Crazy!). But, it's the only thing that will prevent the stomach flipping over. And I'll be honest, the only reason WE got it done was because a friend of ours had a dog who bloated and it cost her over $5k to save her dog (and that type of surgery isn't guaranteed it will work). Plus, we're often camped at least an hour or two away from an ER center that can handle the surgery. So for us, it was a good choice. Had our friend's dog not bloated, we probably wouldn't have been scared into it. What I'm getting at, is that by your sharing Maggie's story, perhaps you will inspire others to get the procedure done and a life will be saved. What another beautiful aspect of Maggie's incredible legacy.
My heart goes out to you, and I'm so grateful you returned to tell us what happened. Please, feel free to share Maggie's photos and celebrate her life in "Coping with Loss," we'd love to honor her right alongside you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so very sorry about Maggie 
She was a beautiful girl. And you obviously loved her very much. You gave her a wonderful life, and a chance to end her days pain-free. I could picture her there, under the beautiful tree in your neighbor's yard, just watching the world go by. That's the definition of a peaceful day. She got to spend time with her grandma, and ice cream too! That sounds wonderful.
Please, don't blame yourself. You don't know what you don't know. Maggie loved you and your wife, she lived a great life, and even her last day was a good one.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Oh, no, I am so sad to hear of this sad turn of events. But you are right when you say a very high percentage of dogs simply do not make it through bloat, even when it is spotted early and even with the most loving and attentive dog parents. And it is such a very invasive and tough surgery once bloat is underway and their systems are under such stress that it is very likely the reason a lot of dogs don't make it even with surgical intervention.
She was such a sweetheart and so loved and lucky. And I know you were lucky to be her people. As much as my heart hurts for you, I celebrate the additional time you had to show her how cherished she was.
Sweet dreams, dearest Maggie.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
I am so sorry to hear about Maggie. Bloat sucks and like Rene said do not blame yourself. We never know. I have an older Rottie who has not had a gastropexie and I worry about him all the time because he has already had one scare.
Thinking of you & your wife
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."
So sorry for you loss and heartbreak. Wishing you peace in the coming days.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
So hard to believe, after everything, this happened! I'm sooo sorry, so very sorry and absolutely heartbroken for you...and with you.
As Lisa (Pofi) said, the odds of surviving the surgery for bloat are pretty slim, especially after sweet Mag had just had major surgery.
And for whatever it's worth, I did have a dog transition apparently as a result of bloat. There was NOTHING that was done any differently that night...same amount of food...same amount of water...no running around or excessive exercise...NOTHING DIFFERENT! I went to bed...she got up once during the night...I let her out...she drank some water...came back in. She was a bit restless. It appeared she had probably thrown up a little bit, ut soon settled back down and she and I went back to bed. She transitioned sometime during the night. The shock...yeah, I can understand the horrific shock. Without going into details, there were some observations I shared with the vet when I found her in her bed. He felt it was bloat that had taken her so quickly. I questioned every single thing I had done....she did have two cookies instead of two....she licked my empty supper plate clean like she always did...And on and on looking for a something I had done to cause this. Her name was Cornbread and she was a sweet and loveable and funny rescue Bloodhound.
My Vet said EXACTLY what the CSU Vet said Jerry quoted...NOBODY KNOWS!!! The most he could offer....is simply larger older dogs seem to be more susceptible than others.
I share all this to reinforce that you did nothr to "cause" this...NOTHING!!! And you, just like me, had NO reason to suspect a dog throwing up was anythw as horrific as bloat!
Now though, in spite of your bone deep grief, you are here courageously sharing Mag's story, I can GUARANTEE you, a life has just been saved as a result! There are members on the site right now who, like myself, would never have thought a random vomit and the appearance of an upset tummy could indicate bloat. Awareness has been raised because of you and Maggie.
I know the void seems unbearable right now. The intensity of this journey from diagnosis, to amputation, to recovery and then to the bliss of enjoying every single bonus day we are given, to the transition is not anything anyone coukd understand unless they've been in our shoes.
You will eventually move beyond the last hours and focus in the thousands and thousands of happy hours you and Maggie shared! And there are plenty!! I know these last couple of months could not have been filled with more loving and more spoiling!!! You gave her extended quality time with you and that was a priceless gift.
Maggie's earthly journey has touched us all. I hope you know that. I hope you can see that her life mattered and that she has made a life affirming difference...a true life affirming difference...during her time on earth. MAGGIE LIVED A LIFE OF MEANING. MAGGIE'S LIFE MATTERED. She not only showed big dogs how to rock three legs, she has saved lives!!! Now that, my friend, is a legacy that matters!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please stay connected and share more of Maggie's story when you can...with pictures of course! I know when she headed to the Bridge she was telling everyone there that she had the best humans anyone could ever want! She told them she LOVED her life with you and bragged about how loved and spoiled she was!!
Surrounding you with the happy memories ou and Mag shared....and some of her Mastiff slobbery!
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
Thank you everyone. Very touching responses. Like I needed anything to make me cry. Today, I'm busy finding the perfect memorial for my big girl. You know, I got her like a week after I had to retire. My best friend's daughter found Maggie, who was about 8 weeks old at the time, wandering near a freeway on-ramp. Maggie was taken to a Human Society facility but no one claimed her. My buddy's daughter, after 3 days, went back to get her, but she (and my friend) were afraid of how big the silly dog would get. As they have a very small yard, they immediately thought of us. We have a huge yard, and at the time, we had another Great Pyrenees. They obviously knew we were fond of big dogs, and my buddy told me he had a dog for me which we could take home from his Super Bowl party in 2006. We met Maggie (who was then named "Stella") and I fell in love. Robin was afraid that Maggie/Stella would take over from HER dog, Sadie, and wasn't quite on board. We brought the new dog home and on the drive, Robin came up with the name "Maggie". I loved that name, but Robin still wasn't convinced we needed a second dog. After a day or two, it appeared Robin still wasn't ready to add to our family and I found a guy from work who agreed to take Maggie. The day I was to take Maggie to him, though, Robin went to work, and I awoke to find a note. The note was from Maggie and it said that "mom says I can stay." I fell in love with my wife all over again (as I am prone to do anyway) and very soon Robin and Maggie loved each other as well. Robin was a a great dog mom and Maggie loved her to pieces.
On a side note, I have tried everything to post some pictures, but I can't figure it out. Not that I have any to post though 😉
Oh my God .. I am just reading this... allow me to offer my sincere condolences and love to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss but wow... Maggie lived extra because of all you did for her. I wish I could take away the pain but she was so loved and she knew it ...
sending love!
Alison with Spirit Shelby 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
I'm so sorry you lost your girl.
Maybe it's a 'Maggie' thing. I got my Maggie when she was 10 weeks old from my uncle who was a pug breeder and also showed his pugs. My mom thought I was crazy for getting a dog. Mag and my mom developed a very strong bond which actually grew stronger after Maggie's amp. Mom even had a secret snack routine with Maggie.
Here is how you add photos to your forum posts. The pictures have to be hosted somewhere online like photobucket. If you can't make that work you can email them to me and I will post them for you- just send me a PM.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
I am so, so sorry to hear about Maggie's passing ...
Bloat is really terrible as one has very little time to act. And the only way to save our babies is by getting surgery done immediately.
Eurydice's breeders had a few cases of bloat, all were successfully operated expect one who was found too late ...
Nobody knows exactly what causes it, there are guidelines to help prevent it from happening (feed smaller portions a couple of times a day, no vigorous exercise a couple of hours before and after meals, etc) and it is a fact it affects bigger and gigantic breeds more than smaller ones.
You certainly could not have known so please do not think otherwise.
Your love for your girl is so, so strong, she is still with you and your wife, now and forever in your hearts.
I was really moved by Maggie's note, what a beautiful, beautiful way to put it, Robin is clearly a really wonderful woman!
Sending you and Robin a huge hug, please remember you will see Maggie again one day and she is lovingly watching over both of you
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
I may have stumbled on how to post pics. I had started a blog back in June, I think, with the thought of putting some pics there, but never got around to it. Well, the empty blog was still there. It's simply titled, "Maggie", and I was able to post a couple. However, when I go to search, I'm finding other "Maggies", and I'm not sure how to link these posts to my blog.
Robin and I both really appreciate the very kind words from everyone through all of this. You guys have been a big help.
Okay...I think I can add the li ks here.....
http://magsdad......ry-recent/
http://magsdad......le-re-cap/
http://magsdad......-this-out/
I love reading avou Sweet Mag and how she picked you for her furever home!!!! I'm going to check out her blogs. now...I'll be back!!
Love ro you and all!
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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