Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We can all feel...and understand...your agony is trying to do what's best for Progo. This is such an emotional tug of war you are going through. Sadly, there is no "right" answer as far as which path to take because we have no crystal ball. You AILL do what you think is in Progo's best interest, regardless of the outcome. A decision out of love is always the right answer.
You have some wonderful advice from all the previous posts.
One other suggestion is to literally make a "pros" and "con" list... negatives and positives. List all the positives of going through surgery and having a successful recovery...and then all the negatives. Certainly if being at a vet stresses him out, that's a possible "negative" against surgery. You have to see if the benefit outweighs the risk. Then, of course, what if you go through surgery and he never really admusts and recovery is full.of hurdles.
Additionally, what if you just continue with palliative care and keep him comfy and purring. It may mean quality for an extended time...or it may not.
I know I'm rambling. Just trying to throw some strategies out there that may help you get to a decision you can live with and not have regret.
As Jerry said, what do you think your beloved kitty would want?
Sending you clarity and peace...
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!
Thanks. I do appreciate it.
I just can't judge if we've made him "comfy" right now, even on the pain meds, as he moves so little and limps so stiffly. And I don't think he's given up on life. I guess that's why I keep swinging back around to trying amputation. I made a pros and cons list, but it's inconclusive because there is no winning side. Nothing is of equal weight, and nothing is a guarantee. Does "probably" getting rid of pain and improving his mobility outweigh the stress of being back at the vet's office? Does the risk of surgical complications mean that he's better off lying in the corner and limping out for food and water until we reach the point it seems kinder to euthanize him? I think he'd want to walk without pain again, but I don't know if I can make that happen for him.
I'm told by the veterinary hospital that there is no one able to speak with me between now and our Wednesday appointment for the amputation, which is frustrating because last night they thought they had a doctor who could call me today. These are the questions I was going to ask, about my hesitations:
(sorry; tried to fix the weird formatting of the text, but couldn't)
I read your last posting earlier and it's really been bugging me. I'm going to speak my mind here. That is crappy service from that surgical vet's office. You have a list of excellent questions and concerns that need to be answered before you are comfortable to proceed with the amputation. Could you talk to the referring vet to get the answers or a referral to someone else?
I've seen some people here suggest going to a teaching vet school. There may be one in your area.
For your information here are the costs that others have paid for amputation: http://tripawds.....d-you-pay/
I totally understand your hesitations. At the very least these questions need be answered and you are given time to make the decision, even if it's on surgery day.
I hope it doesn't sound like I'm telling you what to do. That's not my intention but it is a big decision and it's clear you need more help by having more information. By the way I like the idea of your vet making a house call for the aftercare.
For me, sometimes I need to get out of my head and listen my heart. So much information can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with the unknown.
Phew. You will get through this and as Sally says, "Eat chocolate! Lots and lots of chocolate!" And breath....
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
As Kerren has said, You have a great set of wuestions a d you deserve answers! You are laying big bucks for this sjrgery!
Two thoughts...perhaps you could email your wuestions with the expectation a vet would respond asap. Or perhaps the vet who referred you could expedite a call from them.
You have enough to deal with right now. You've been trying to speak with someone for several days now. This is just unacceptable!! Try and bypass the person you've been speaking with and keep going further up the line until you get results.
Sending you lots of hugs and love..
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 my goodness, you do not even want me to chime in with my opinion on not having a "vet available to speak with you" before the scheduled surgery. Nope. Shutting my mouth. Not going to do it.
Others on here have given you good, sound advice. Your list of questions is excellent and valid, as are all your concerns, especially knowing that the amputation will not get all of the cancer. This is different from my situation in which Jerry's cartilage cancer was eradicated with the removal of his leg and scapula. So of COURSE you have questions and concerns that you want cleared up before going ahead with the procedure!!
I did not mention previously, that my vet originally assumed Jerry had osteosarcoma, but the biopsy returned as chondrosarcoma. He explained to me that while the amputation surgery removed all of the tumor, this diagnosis (chondrosarcoma) meant that it could reoccur at a later date (30% chance). Now, I unfortunately tend to be negative, but I surprised myself after he told me this because my first thought was...but there's a 70% chance he WON'T get it again...
The only other thing I can offer at this time is suggesting you try that NurtureCalm cat collar. It is A M A Z I N G and might help with his vet anxiety. It is the very best $22 I've ever spent.
Wishing you luck at this tough time!!
Hattie & Jerry
Hugs,
Hattie and Jerry Cat (right front leg and scapula amputation due to chondrosarcoma at age 14, lived 2 1/2 years post amputation, succumbed suddenly to suspected lymphoma at age 16)
10/2001 - 10/9/2017 R.I.P ~ Love you always
Thanks, everyone. I was feeling sick with the "analysis paralysis" of trying to make the decision whether or not to amputate, so we decided to err on the side of doing something, and he had the amputation yesterday. He's coming home early this afternoon. Unfortunately, I have to work from 2-7, but I'll otherwise be home for him (and my husband can be, most of the time that I'm not).
I'm going to start a new thread over in treatment and recovery...
So glad you were able to provide an update with your decision. It was a tough one for sure. I look forward to reading your updated and new thread. Fingers crossed for quick healing for Progo!
Hattie & Jerry
Hugs,
Hattie and Jerry Cat (right front leg and scapula amputation due to chondrosarcoma at age 14, lived 2 1/2 years post amputation, succumbed suddenly to suspected lymphoma at age 16)
10/2001 - 10/9/2017 R.I.P ~ Love you always
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