Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Awww hoooraaay! This was a terrific way to end my day, thank you for the update. Rest up and keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I called the hospital to check on Tabby just before midnight. Turns out the critical care vet was going to call. Tabby's blood pressure was too low - they'd been checking it every 2 hours. He was getting fluids to help bring the BP back up. The vet said he'd keep me informed, but no news was good news.
At 4:15 a.m. the critical care vet called. Tabby's BP was improving though still not normal so they were checking every hour. And his red blood cell count was a little too low.
So that was it for any more sleep.
But, this morning the oncologist said, "Tabby's doing just fine". His BP responded to more fluids and is now about normal. While the red cell count remains a little low, the oncologist is not unduly worried, saying it isn't anywhere near transfusion level. They're also going to taper him off the pain meds some to help him become more alert.
I was anticipating Tabby coming home today, but he'll be staying at the hospital again tonight. I know that's the best place for him right now.
Tabby's a strong boy - I'm counting on that helping him get healthier over the next 24 hours.
Glad Tabby is doing better this morning!
RE: low BP and low red cells ... Shelby had some of that pre and post amputation. Now Shelby was a dog but I think it is worth mentioning. I think she did get a transfusion but it was normal. But just wanted to give you some peace of mind so maybe you can get some rest.
Also, it's good that Tabby is staying another night and being monitored. It is the best place for him ... as hard as it is for you. You can get some extra rest that you'll need when he gets home!
XO
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
Alison, thanks so much for sharing your baby Shelby's experience with low BP & low red cells. Though Shelby was a dog, I think in this case that doesn't matter, since Tabby, a cat, would have the same treatment. It definitely helps to know that someone else has been through this situation, too.
Thanks all, for cheering Tabby on!
Glad to hear the fluids are helping!
I would of been pacing the floors last night ! I know its hard when we think they are coming home and they have to stay another night. Tabby is where he needs to be getting monitored and they will get him stable.
He is a fighter count on that!
Gotta Run but will check back later.
Saying extra prayer for Tabby and Mom!
Keep us posted please.
HUGS!
Holly & Purrkins
Yes, ditto Alison about Shelby's experience. And can't remember exactly who, but another dog recently experienced the low blood pressure and actually did have to have transfusions and eventually got things back to normal.
Sounds like just the fluids have done what needs to be do e to get Tabby's BP baxk to nor al! YAY!!
The clinics are used to these kinds of things and are fully prepared. What sounds scary to us is somewhat normal to the professionals!
Really glad Tabby is getting such good care and he is getting better! He's exactly where he needs to be for the best care! Tapering down some of the pain meds will help too.
The whole community is cheering for Tabby!!! He IS a strong kitty!
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!
You have done FANTASTICALLY well as has SUPER TABBY!!! Yes, those calls can be nerve wracking but it really sounds as if his critical care vets are right on top of things and thinking of all angles and making 1000% certain that Tabby is doing well enough to come home! There is nothing worse than being released too early and then having to go back. So KUDOS to having such caring vets in charge!
As for BP and red blood cells, that does sound fairly normal AND the fact that Tabby has recovered so quickly after extra fluids, etc. is extremely promising. Plus, for a "feral" feline who does not like the vets, well, sometimes the readings can go a bit wonky simply from the stress of it all. Tabby is teaching us all to be patient and to let that Tabby recover in his own Tabby Time!
Sooooooooo glad to hear that he is being well taken care of and that he is on the road to home:) Try to get those naps in when you can because before you know it, Tabby will be right there with you! (Would it be possible to go visit this evening?)
Just called the hospital to see how my little guy's doing. Got only a quick progress report because the oncologist is going to call a bit later to go into more detail.
Tabby's vitals are good, and they've "stepped down" the pain meds to a more as-needed basis. So that's all I know for now.
Holly, I was absolutely pacing the floor last night - think I'm going to wear a path in it soon! The last two days have been such a series of extreme emotional highs and lows. Especially last night, after the 4 a.m. call, it was pretty intense.
Sally, you're right about the clinics being used to situations that for us pet parents are downright terrifying. I wasn't prepared for BP/blood cell problems. But yes, Tabby's lucky to be in good hands in an exceptional animal hospital.
Charliebear, you make a good point about Tabby's possible level of stress. I think the majority of kitties, maybe dogs too (although most seem to take vet visits more in stride than the kitties do) are nervous going for vet visits. But because Tabby isn't a house cat, he's even less accustomed to being around people, other animals and all the noise typical of a busy animal hospital. So that could be affecting his recovery.
Also, I like how you said that "Tabby is teaching us all to be patient and to let Tabby recover in his own Tabby Time!" That's pretty much what the oncologist told me today. He said, "He's 18. He's allowed to take his time".
Not sure what the policy is about visiting. I believe I could, but sometimes they discourage it because the dog or cat thinks they are going home with you, only to have you leave them again. But I'll see what the oncologist thinks.
Thanks so much, everybody - you guys have been truly wonderful!!!
Great news! Vitals are good Keep it up Tabby!
I think all of the factors are playing a role with Tabby, his age, being a outdoor kitty and just being a kitty in general & having major surgery, all the sounds. Its terrifying to him!
I can only imgaine what your going thru, I was a wreck waiting on Purrkins , had there been complications ? I just dont know ? I would of wore a hole out most definaltey , and then some!
This is a roller coaster ride and it will even out ok, we will get off the ride soon and things will even out slow but sure.
Tabby might take longer and Tabby is entitled to do that!
Curious if they said he was eating for them ?
Purrkins was in the hospital 3 days ,one night before surgery and 2 nights after surgery.
I had the same concerns on visiting Purrkins. I was not going to visit if it was going to upset Purrkins. I told the surgeon that, he said he felt it was a good thing for the animals to see their humans. He said he sees the animals perk up. I read the exact opposite.
I did go see Purrkins in the hospital. I was not even sure he knew it was me. I think that was harder on me ,having to see him and leave him once again then it was on Purrkins.
He was so drugged and out of it.
Do whatever the Dr thinks is best in your case. I think all cases and Dr.s have different views.
Hang in there you are doing great ok! We are all in this with you!
You and Tabby have the Tripawd nation behind you and that is pretty powerful!
HUGS
Holly & Purrkins
Great news! Glad the surgery went well!
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.
What great news! Surgery is the greatest hurdle. I hope Tabby gets to go home with you soon or you can get a visit in at the very least. I was able to cuddle up with Mona before the vet took her to his house over night. It didn't bother her in the least that I left (she was kind of stoned). I hope you are able to get some rest knowing he's in good hands.
Hugs,
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Waited several hours for the oncologist to call back with a report, but worth the wait. Tabby's BP has been normal all day today!
He's become more alert and is moving around some since the vet discontinued the Fentanyl. Now he's on a Buprenex IV.
Tabby has also been letting the vet pet him - a big step for a boy who is very shy with strangers. Could be the meds making him bolder...
Still not eating, though. I'd brought food from home when I dropped Tabby off for surgery. They've tried feeding him with it, but he's not interested. Since he hasn't eaten in 2 days I asked the vet if a nasal feeding tube, placed temporarily, would help. Doc didn't think so - says it could be too stressful for Tabby on top of all he's been through. I may go to the hospital tomorrow to try to feed Tabby myself. They'll put us in a quiet area away from everything and see if it makes a difference.
Even if it doesn't, the best news is that Tabby may be coming home tomorrow afternoon!!!
I'll admit I'm a little nervous about caring for him. To try to prep for that, I'm starting to read about other members' experiences with those first days of home care. Thank goodness for this site - such a wealth of great info here!
Thanks Holly, otisandtess & Kerren for your comments & good wishes. Deeply appreciate everyone who has been keeping up with Tabby's journey.
Thanks from my little guy & me. We feel the love!
Tabby he is even enjoying a pet from the Vet Cant wait to hear Tabby is home!!
Im not surprised Tabby is not eating in the hospital setting. Purrkins just tasted food. They were not concerned. I was!
He just licked a taste for me when I went to see him. The Vet was not concerned and said he was not surprised at all with Purrkins personality he did not think he would eat in the hospital setting. Don't be disappointed if he does not eat for you when you visit. I'm hoping he will, but if not ,he will feel better and more comfortable when he gets home recovering. Purrkins did eat when he got home and settled.
Being nervous is normal , I had a mix of emotions picking Purrkins up! I could not wait to get my boy home, but I was sooo nervous! I told the vet student who was caring for Purrkins I was nervous, Purrkins did not move in the hospital, he just peed where he laid
I thought he would at least be up or have taken a step, he did not. The vet student looked at me and said "YOU'VE GOT THIS"
I am going to tell you those same words! YOU'VE GOT THIS ! Yes it is scary the first hour was the worst for me, I do not think anyone can truly prepare you for that first day. It will get better! I promise! Try to be strong for Tabby! The love you have for Tabby will get you guys thru this! You will find the strength you need! You are stronger then you realize !
Give Tabby a Ear and chin scratch from us when you visit .
Post when you can and let us know you got Tabby home
We are here if you get panicky or need advice. Your never alone!
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins
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