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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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My baby Xena
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Westminster, MD
Member Since:
31 August 2013
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20 December 2014 - 9:34 am
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So very sorry for this bad news, my heart hurts for you.....I do agree with what many here have suggested, and otherwise, enjoy each day with your sweet Xena....

Keeping you and Xena in my thoughts.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly

Spain, Torrevieja.
Member Since:
13 February 2013
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21 December 2014 - 7:29 am
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Hey everyone.

Its now 3pm here today and she hasnt been sick since early hours of this morning. But she looked so very depressed this morning, after she was ill early hours i sat with her until 6am as she wouldnt drink or eat anything, i managed to finally tempet her with a digestive biscuit and she finally dropped off to sleep in my arms at 6am. When i got up this morning, my other half had tried to feed her every and anything he could think of, and had given up as she just turned her nose up at everything. I made some scrambled eggs on toast and i could see she sparked up and was bugging me for my scrabbled eggs. She ate the whole lot! so here comes my question, can i feed her whatever she feels like eating? or should i just stick to rice or dog meat? will i do her any harm by feeding her what she wants? After the scrambled egg she was up and hopping around and i took her out for a walk in the garden, since we have moved our new house has a lot of space, 1500sqm for her to sniff and enjoy  with Raegen and Poppy her furry friends. But she went outside and laid in the sun and listening to the birds. She was so peaceful i just sat there with her watching the world go by. every now and then a car would go by and shed sit up and watch and listen and as it past she would lay down again. She so desperatley wants to play with the other dogs it breaks my heart. I stood over her yesterday stroking her belly and back. and i realised i could see quite a difference from one side of her body to the other. one side has a lump petruding and pushing her ribs out and the other side is flat. This is when i realised that this is exactly where this stupid lump is, and i just sat with her rubbing her belly and realised just how much pain she must be in. If i go ahead with the surgery, will it be instant pain relief? all these questions and i just wish poor Xenie could answer me. Shes such a strong dog, she has been through so much, and dont want her to suffer at all. My last dog was a labrador and she was 16 when we had her put to sleep, and i think we left it too long and i was selfish i keeping her here with us. When she was so very uncomfortable. But when we put Holly to sleep it felt right like she understood. Whereas Xena is nowhere near how Holly was and it doesnt feel like her time. and Xena isnt 9 until Feburary and the vet said to me the life expectancy of her mixed breed is around 12 years old. I dont want to be selfish but feel that she would come out of the other side of this. And with her bloods being perfect, im just hoping its not a cancer and just a lump that will all go smoothly and she wont be in pain anymore! :( im going to enjoy today and tomorrow with her and then will see what tuesday bring, her vet appointment is at 11am so i will let you all know whats going on.

hugs
Chloe and my baby Xena <3

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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21 December 2014 - 7:45 am
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I am happy to hear she had a good meal, even if it was after several failed attempts, and seems to be improved. If it were me, I would feed what she will eat until you have that vet appointment - within reason. I wouldn't give her anything with a high fat content, and if you can coax her to eat the bland rice and chicken, that is likely a better choice. At least it will insure she has some nutrition for strength until her appointment.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

Virginia
Member Since:
26 January 2014
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21 December 2014 - 7:51 am
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I say give her whatever she'll eat, whatever she wants (as long as it isn't on the toxic list for dogs of course). Eggs are not bad for dogs, I used to give my Jake eggs regularly for most of his life. When he started snubbing his nose at his food, I fed him whatever he would eat b/c their immune system needs energy to work. I gave him real meat chicken nuggets, pizza crust (his favorite thing), bacon, eggs....some mornings I made him numerous breakfasts until I found something to peak his appetite. Baby food meat is a good option too. 

Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”  

      

Spain, Torrevieja.
Member Since:
13 February 2013
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9 April 2015 - 4:26 pm
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So today was that day, the day we have known that eventually would come. The day when we finally said our goodbyes to our beautiful princess. It doesnt matter how many times you tell yourself that one day you will have to deal with the unevitable but when it comes its so hard and isnt easy. It was my birthday last week and my brother had flown over from america to come and see us all, we havent seen him for three years so we were all so excited. Xena was absolutely fine all last week, and then on monday things started to deteriate, it was like she was just holding on to do the last few things she loves. Playing by the pool and in the garden with the other dogs, meeting other people and them making a huge fuss of her, lots of treats, seeing my brother and seeing us all happy together. But when yesterday arrived we quickly realised she´d had enough and she was ready to say goodbye. We made a vet appointment for today hoping that when we went in to see Sergio our lovely vet he would give us the options as hes always saved us and bought us a few more months with our princess. But this time she couldnt walk and had lost around 5 kilos in the last couple of weeks. She was just skin and bone and that wasnt like our Xena. She was sleepy and tired, also very weak. When he saw her he told us even her shadow wasnt her anymore and took a blood test, after searching for a vein for around 10 minutes, he finally managed to get some blood, but with her blood pressure really low and her temperature at 35 degrees she was cold and tired. blood tests came back as failing kidneys, and that the cancer has taken over. Options being to put her onto a drip like we did in december and hope to maybe force the kidneys into working again which was a really low chance as the kidneys were working to less than a 30% of function, and kidneys dont regenerate or get better. Sergio our vet told us that by putting her onto a drip was only going to maybe buy us 24-48 hours and she would be alone in the surgery and what life if that for our baby. We didnt want our princess to spend her last 24-48 hours by herself in a vet surgery. And the only other option was to say our final goodbyes and tell her how much we loved her while she dropped off to deep sleep. Sergio was amazing as he always is, and gave us so much time to say our final goodbyes, during which she finally found the strength to stand up and lean on my mom who was with me. We told her that she was our warrior and she sure did teach that cancer a lesson and that she was ready to go and be with our other angels, where she wont hurt anymore. She snuggled her head into my moms arms as if to thanks us. Sergio our vet sedated her first to calm her and completely relax her as even though she was laid completely relaxed her heart was speeding like she had run a marathon, another problem that we knew was related to this horrid cancer. We stayed with her stroking her and tickling her chin, reminding her of all the amazing things we have done together in her 9 years with us, and telling her how much we love her and she will always be a part of our lives. Then when she was calm Sergio put her into a deeper sleep like she would if she was going into an operation and we sat with her the whole time just talking to her, whether she could hear us or not, i wanted to make sure she knew we were with her every second of the way, because she is our family and we love her. Then when she had dosed off, Sergio then put her to sleep. Nothing the whole wide world prepares you for that moment when she takes her last breath, and you know no matter how much you search every corner of the world you will never find your bestfriend for one last hug and a sloppy kiss. We stayed with her for a while longer after she had gone saying our final goodbyes. As we left i carried her lead and her collar and a small piece of her furr, that the vet had shaved off to take blood, i also left with the beautiful memories we had together, it was in this moment that i realised that everyday that i had lived in Spain Xena was there through thick and thin, through rain and snow, through boyfriends and pregnancy, tiny baby, good days and bad days, silently by my side always and there when i needed her. She was my best friend, an absolute pleasure to be her mommy and i was there when she needed me even in her very last moments it was her families faces that she saw last. She was a huge part of our family and always will be. Today when she left she took a piece of my heart with her and filled it with all the memories and love i had for her. Wherever she is now be it across that rainbow bridge, we loved her so much and we will see her again one day and give her that hug i so badly need right now. When we came home, my other two babies were playing outside and i kept hearing her hopping sound she used to make, i kept looking at the spot she always laid on, her food bowl, her bed, and even the empty space on the sofa and kept thinking shell pop out her head in a minute and come bounding along to give me a kiss, but i sit and wait and she doesnt come. My heart is broken for my princess but i know today was her time and we have been so blessed to have her in our lives everyday for the last 9 years.

On another note, i want to thank everyone from this amazing page. If it wasnt for you guys in 2013 when she was first diagnosed i dont know what i would of done i was so lost and confused. Since i found this page i made the best choice by letting her become a tripawd. She did better on three than she ever did on four. I cant believe im writing this in past tense, but thankyou so much for every single bit of advice and support its meant more to me and Xena than you can ever possibly imagine!

All our love,
Chloe and Angel Baby Xena 09/04/2015 <3

Westminster, MD
Member Since:
31 August 2013
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9 April 2015 - 5:29 pm
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Chloe,
I am in tears for you.....I am so very sorry for your loss of Xena, it is absolutely one of the worst things in the world to go through. I am happy, though, that you got another almost 4 months of enjoying your precious time with her. Somehow, I know there still never seems to be enough time with our fur-loves. Your post on her is so loving and emotional, and I know she had the best mom in the world as well as the best life with you. And I also know, there were so many brave beloved angel Tripawds awaiting her at the Bridge.

Xena will always be with you, and beside you, always, and she will always be remembered here.....

Keeping you in my thoughts,
{{{Hugs}}}
Bonnie, Angel Polly, and new crew

Norene, TN
Member Since:
21 October 2014
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10 April 2015 - 7:51 am
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I've never read about Xena before, but I took the time to read your entire thread and I'm so very sorry for your loss. There simply are no words that can be spoken to help ease your pain. My heart breaks with yours.

pam 

Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.

"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."

- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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10 April 2015 - 11:22 am
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Chloe, I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. You and Xena have been a part of this community for so long, you just never prepare yourself for saying goodbye to a hero.

But wow, she must have just known that she had to be there for your birthday, your brother's visit, to be with all the people she loved the most in this world, before she became an angel. Animals are so smart. Oftentimes it seems like they pick their time to go because they understand their people will be able to cope better that way. Sounds like Xena did that for you. As hard as it was, her transition sounds like it was a peaceful and gentle as could be. Your vet sounds wonderful.

There is such terrible heartache that we must cope with at a time like this, all we can do is hang onto the good times and happy memories to help us get through the day. It sounds like you are doing that and I know Xena is very, very proud of you. She has always been so strong and beautiful, and she will remain that way as an angel too.

We've had quite a few losses lately, lots of Tripawd angels are new in the heavens but they are not alone and that brings comfort. With Xena on their side, they'll watch over all of us.

Please feel free to come back here and write about her some more whenever you feel like it, you are always a part of the community. xoxo {{{hugs}}}

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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10 April 2015 - 11:24 am
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Ohhhh Chloe, I'm so very, very sorry! Ive been by your side on this journey and it just breaks my heart to know she has transitioned

You gave her such a beautiful gift and ckearly she was readyntk be released from a body that no longer served her. She was loved every second of her life and that's the eternal love she took with her...and the eter al love she left for you. It's funny how quite often the dogs rally right before it's time to let you know they are ready tongo. I think it's because they are so happy and excited knowing they will be free from lain

Xena NEVER let this stupid piece of crap define her. She made her own rules and blew statistics out of the water. She bounced back like a rubber ball so many times! Such a victorious champion! Such an inspiration!! She touched us all!

Please stay connected. This part of the journey is reallu, really hard. You will feel the void for a long time. Caring for a tripawd is like no other. We understand the depth of the grief. We also understand that the happy memories will soon help pish the grief further away. Xena and you had thousands and thousands of delightfully loving and fun times. That's what she wants you to remember.

Xena's life mattered. She will always be remembered here, as will your love and devotion for her!

When you can, we have a thread Bonnie, Polly's mom, started and it would be a great place to post more photos and remembrances of Baby Xena. It's called Tripawds Alumni. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please know we are here for you. You can lean on us.

Surrounding you with Xena's eternal grace...

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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10 April 2015 - 11:39 am
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I am so sorry for your loss.... Xena will never be forgotten and she was met at the bridge with many, many cuddles, tails wagging and lots of love.

 

alison with the spirit of 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

Martinsburg, WV
Member Since:
3 June 2014
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10 April 2015 - 12:20 pm
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Chloe,

I am so sorry for your loss of your precious Xena.  She fought a great fight against cancer and it's horrible what this disease does to our precious furkids.  Just know that Xena is now young again, healthy, and happy.  She was greeted by all her Tripawd brothers and sisters that have gone before her and they are all romping together playing in green fields with the sun shining brightly on them all.  And you will see Xena again some day when it's your time to leave this earth.  She will greet with slobbery kisses and a wiggling butt. 

We understand the heartache you're feeling and know giving this most selfless gift of peace to Xena is so hard.  I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and know that we are here if you need to lean on us for support.

Hugs

Sahana and her Angel Leland

crying

Leland

November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014

May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!

Orrtanna Pa.
Member Since:
25 January 2014
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10 April 2015 - 2:46 pm
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I am so sorry to hear about Xena. I tried to post earlier, but it wouldn't go. She fought so hard and you did so much for her. I know this part of the journey is so very hard. Come here for support. It really does help. Thinking of you, Lori, Ty & Gang

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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