Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It was really hard reading your posts about Roadie, sounds so messed up and confusing, and tremendously sad hearing what is that sweet soul going through,and you with him. I unfortunately know nothing about his disease to help with a medical advice, just know what is a feeling of having a healthy happy dog who is overnight diagnosed with deadly disease and facing a fact that his life might soon come to an end. So can really feel how you feel,as most of the people here. But as I consider myself a fighter and my dog definitely was one I decided I will fight for him with all means until I see they are providing him a quality life not an extension of agony. So maybe you can try ask one more opinion and see what are his chances for a quality life - he is probably under meds still so that might be one of the reasons for him being so confused and disoriented,but in the end the answer you are looking for can find in his eyes. I know I did,even though didnt want to admit it to myself at first but it was so clear,it was like they were telling me: Mum,I cant take it anymore,help me. I cant even say it was the hardest decision I had to do,because there was no doubt it needs to be done to stop the suffering of someone I loved dearly, but it was as well without question the saddest day of my life. Only knowing that he is in a better place with no pain,endless meds,sleepless nights, provided me comfort. And even though I never thought I will need to end my dogs life that way,always thought he will just die one day in a sleep from old age,and was terrifed of idea that I would need to put him to sleep, that moment I was so grateful that there exists this possiblity to end his suffering and not watch him suffer before my eyes.
I so wish something can be done for Roadie....fight for him for a little while longer,see if there are any other options,other meds....and yes there are dogs that do fine with 2 legs as well,but as someone said before it depends on dog. In my neighborhood was a dog that lived for 3 years with wheelchair ,and ran around with it like its the most normal thing. Maybe some other would get depressed about it,but dogs usually very quickly adapt on all kinds of situations,once when the source of their pain is treated or removed.
Maybe dont give up on him just yet,but set some limits as well,try put your feelings aside for a while and think whats best for him. If there is a slightest chance of him leading a quality life I would go with it. But you might need to know when to stop too.
Really hope to hear some better news about Roadie soon....hang on in there.
Daniela, Angel Dons Mum
We couldn't agree any more. Jerry is just doing his job guarding these forums and its members by reminding all readers of the legalese they agreed to when signing up. Perhaps nothing you need to hear right now during this difficult time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm a fighter to Daniela, and I thank you for sharing your own personal story here.
A final decision has not been made, because giving up typically isn't part of my personality
either.
I just wish I could see him grow excited about something, anything.
He has an appointment Monday morning, and I will go in with an open mind to hear
what the vet has to tell me. I will not be brushed off any longer as to the diseases that
Roadie carries with him.
From what i understand he has a painful road ahead, where these diseases could take
over his body and fast. A future of medication, pain, suffering is NOT what I want for
my dog.
Up to this point, the diseases have not really been addressed except for one medication.
That medication is not for the heartworm but for the vasculitis. It is simply to get the blood
flowing again to his limbs. He already lost one limb b/c of this, and his other paw is suffering
b/c of it as well.
Monday morning will tell me more....
MY WISH
My wish is to see you
run and play
that this sadness in your eyes
will go away
that again
I will see your verocious appetite
my wish
is to see you sleeping peacefully in the night
it pains me so
to see you hunched over in pain
my desperate wish
is to witness life flow through you again
your life is so uncertain
yet it is clear to me that you are depressed
of living
it appears you have regressed
do we keep going
placing pills in cheese to ease your pain
will this medication
bring you to a place of wellness again
my wish
is to know just what to do
my sweet dog
this I do not want you to go through
just show me a sign
that you want to be here with us
let your eyes twinkle once more
give me that rush
now those bones
that you once loved to chew lay there untouched on the floor
I sit here to wonder
will you in this life find pleasure anymore
can this wish come true
I can only pray
that tomorrow
will bring for you a brighter day.
That is a beautifull poem, did you write it?
Thoughts of peace and hope coming your way...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Jerry, and yes I did write it.
I'm a novel writer, but like to dabble in poetry once in awhile.
Today Roadie does not eat at all, no matter what I tempt him with.
He has not drank a sip of water either.
I wish he would lay down to at least sleep.
For three weeks now, all I see is him in a constant state of sitting up, and hunched
over.
He's exhausted, but does not rest.
How can he go on like this?
I 'm going to sound harsh- but from what you have written about Roadie and how he is doing, and especially your last post- I don't think you should wait until a vet appointment on Monday. I know you are doing the best you can, and with nothing but love for him, but if he is suffering with no relief in sight you need to do the right thing for him. Either the vet you have or another vet needs to give him some relief, or if there is really no hope you need end his misery.
Believe me I know how hard this is, I made the decision to let Maggie go just 5 months ago. She was dealing with two types of cancer and kidney failure, and as soon as her life quality declined I made the call. I miss her every day, but I have some amount of peace because I know I did the right thing, and I did it for her.
I'm just going off what you write, it's different if there is some hope of recovery or quality of life. But nothing in your posts sound like there is any improvement, or hope of improvement.
Karen
Karen,
You are not sounding harsh, you are sounding realistic and truthful.
Today has been a day where I do believe Roadie is speaking without speaking.
He refused his medicine this morning wrapped in cheese, he loves cheese so
this alerted me.
I keep trying to bring him to his food dish, he will not come.
There is no reaction out of him whatsoever.
He's telling me what to do, it can't be denied any longer.
I had a good chat with Jerry and Jim today, and they brought clarity to my mind.
Sometimes when we are indecisive people, we need that knock on the head to help us
to decide. Especially something as monumental as this.
I keep hearing about the 'quality of life', and I see that since this happened to him,
there has been none at all. NOT EVEN A SMIDGE OF HIS FORMER SELF.
His future with vasculitis and heartworm to me represents a long (possibly short) road
of medication, pain, and sickness. I'm not going to put him through that. I dont see
him as having the will or the fight to go through it. I truly wish he did, but to see no fight
in him speaks volumes to me.
The suffering for little Roadie has to end.
It's very hard to say good-bye. None of us here ever want to either.
Love is a powerful thing. It will make us so weak at times but it will also make us strong at times. Unfortunately, now is the time when you have to muster all of your strength to be strong and selfless.
It's very sad and we are so heartbroken for you. But don't forget – you made Roadie the happiest he ever was or would ever have been through your love and companionship. What more could a dog want?
It's so not fair and my heart hurts for you, but it's time to let go for him and release him from his small painful body.
Sending you tearful hugs,
Comet's mom
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
I hope you know you have a whole family of people here to fall back on. We all know what you are going through and the difficulty in making these decisions, when Gus was getting to where I knew he was losing his battle, I said I would never make him suffer for my sake, and fortunate for me he passed on his own, but I would have called the vet the next day had he not. What helped me through one of the toughest times of my life was knowing I did everything I could for him, and some things were just out of our control to handle. Did it hurt, you bet, did I feel guilty because I was still doing things that we did together but he wasn't here enjoying them with me, you bet. I miss that guy more than any other dog I ever had, but knowing I gave him the best life a dog could have gave me comfort, just as you should feel proud for the way you rescued Roadie and gave him a life he otherwise wouldn't have had. Feel good that you did that, it won't take away the pain, but I hope it eases it a bit. Our thoughts are with you, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Love is a powerful thing. It will make us so weak at times but it will also make us strong at times. Unfortunately, now is the time when you have to muster all of your strength to be strong and selfless.
@ Comet & djblockman....
thank you both for your posts.
It's like I am walking in a daze today, knowing what I must do, but trying to put it off at the same time.
I never thought I would face something like this, but face it I must.
I'm at a loss for words really, but just wanted to thank everyone for this site.
God directed me here I believe to help me with this decision. It's nice to be around people
who understand, and do not judge you for whatever you decided. I've had people judge me
for the amputation, and I no longer have anything to do with them. There cold hearts were
clearly shown to me sadly.
I'm going to take these last days with Roadie, and try to give him what joy I can.
Hugs
We know there are no words that can help ease the pain you're feeling, so give Roadie a good belly rub for us and try to remain strong for him. And remember, what you're doing is a beautiful gift, the final act of ultimate compassion. Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You have gone above and beyond to do everything possible for Roadie and it certainly will be hard to let go. Just know that he will be free of his painful body and running with all the tripawds on Rainbow bridge when the time does come. So sorry you have been dealt this hand, but it will be the final, and most humane gift you can give.
Best Wishes,
Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
Today Roadie does not eat at all, no matter what I tempt him with.
He has not drank a sip of water either.
I just want to add:
If Roadie isn't drinking or eating, please consider seeing your vet the first thing tomorrow and say all of your good-byes now. I say that only out of compassion for you and him. You will hate yourself if something happens to him and you weren't able to let him go peacefully.
You won't want that memory. In a few months, you will look upon him with a smile because you'll remember the good times. I just don't want you to have guilt.
Please let us know how you are holding up.
Comet's mom
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Sending you strength and courage to face the day. I am so sorry you and Roadie are facing this. Peace be with you.
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.
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