Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I can't seem to get a grip on my emotions about Comet...I'm so scared that the end is near. I've gone through so much with her over the course of 11 years, she has become part of me. I know she doesn't feel good and is not herself because I've known her all of her life. I have such an attachment to her, I can hardly function when she feels bad. But this time it seems worse and I can't help but worrying myself sick.
She had diarrhea with mucus and tinged with blood right after Christmas. That lasted 4 days and I thought it was the junk food over Christmas and my mom being here. I tried pepcid but she still had it. I tried pepto and that seemed to help. But then she was constipated for 3 days. I took her off Rimadyl completely. I took her to see her specialists vet and he didn't seem too concerned and said to give pumpkin for the constipation. That helped but her poop is still soft and has mucus. Plus, she just acts abnormal. She lays on her side in the den instead of under the desk while I'm on the computer. I thought it was because she doesn't have Rimadyl and maybe it is. And then the whites her eyes are red. Her eyes have always been the window to her emotions and for them to be red really scares me.
I took her to the regular vet last night and she wasn't horribly worried but gave her some antibiotics and flora stuff. But I insisted on blood work. So, I am waiting...
I know how hard it is on everyone here that deals with cancer and I haven't had to do that. I have only had to deal with an emotionally troubled little dog with a deformed leg with many maladies for 11 years. I just can't bear to see her unhappy and not feeling well. Ours is not a normal attachment. She has always needed me. And since Rugby died I haven't been able to make her very happy. I only get glimpses of her old self.
Thanks for listening - I'm just emotional right now. It may be nothing serious. I'm hoping that my extreme emotions stem from having a pinched nerve and pulled muscle for a month now and not getting very good rest from the pain.
- Comet's very upset Mommy
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.
You've got one thing right for sure, the worrying will make you sick.
Try to remember that comet is not afraid. Follow her lead and stay in the present moment. Focussing on the end will only make the time you do have miserable. Many here will agree that it's all about quality of life, not quantity. That's why, when jerry started his final decline, I started this topic about questions to ask yourself when preparing to lose a pet.
Best wishes during this difficult time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Poor Comet, I'm so sorry. You are doing all you can do by going to the vet and seeing a specialist. It's so hard to see our pups feeling bad, when they can't tell us what's hurting. {{{hugs}}}} All any human can do is look into their best friend's eyes, and reasure them that everything will be OK. Then take a deep breath, and know that you can handle whatever comes your way. We hope it's nothing serious. Perhaps it's just G.I. irritation from Rimadyl? That happens quite a bit.
Please stay strong, vent here anytime you want, and let us know what the bloodwork comes back as OK? We are thinking of you both.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am sorry that Comet isn't feeling very good these days. I no how very hard it is to have your baby not feeling good and to deal with all the unknowns. I hope you will have the answers soon and they will be able to bring a smile to your face.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
jerry said:
Perhaps it's just G.I. irritation from Rimadyl? That happens quite a bit.
We will be praying that it is only a G.I. irritation for some unknown cause, but Jerry is right about Rimadyl. One of the very first things Cherry's oncologist did when she lost her appetite was to remove the Rimadyl.
However, express all your fears here. We will understand, help with suggestions, and provide all the support that we can. These fears on only a natural extension of the very special love that you share. Really would not want it any other way.
You are doing everything possible. Comet is very capable of bouncing back. Hang-in-there and know that this community is pulling for you.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Poor Comet and poor you, too. It is very hard to see our babies not feeling well. What did the doctors think the red eyes were from? Do you have any other pets? I only ask that because Jake's Mom was so concerned about Wolfie when Jake died and the new kitty really perked Wolfie up. Maybe Comet is experiencing depression over Rugby. Is people can get physically ill from depression then maybe dogs can too?
I don't know. I will be praying for you and Comet. I hope your pinched nerve feels better real soon and that Comet perks up. I'[m gload you insisted on blood work. If nothing else it can give you some reassurance.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
I'm so sorry to hear that Cometdog is going through some bad stuff... I can totally understand yourconcern. I would be too, for sure! I'm hoping it's just Comet's stomach being upset from some meds... and even once they're stopped, the diarrhea and mucus can continue for days after. I have a healthy german shepherd (Wolfie) and once in a blue moon, if he eats a little too much pizza, or some other yummy extra treat... he will have mucusy diarrhea for at least a week, even though we immediately try to pump him up with kaolin and pectin, immodium, yogurt, and anything else that's supposed to help an irritated bowel... it always seems to take him quite a while to get back to normal...
So, I'm hoping (and praying) that Comet's bloodwork comes back normal... and it's just a case of the slimy 'splats'... and nothing more serious... Please keep us posted!!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
I'm so sorry to hear that Comet is not feeling well. I know how upsetting it is when our dogs are out of sorts - Holly has been not quite herself this week, and not eating well either. I'm hoping that both our dogs tummies feel better really soon! Last time Holly's meds upset her tummy our vet suggested browning some ground beef, draining off any fat, and mixing that with rice (and I added a little water to give it some moisture). I think we slowly added her dog food into the mix over a few days. That helped her last time, but this time she doesn't seem to like it as well - especially when we added her kibble back in. It might be worth a try for Comet if you haven't tried something like that. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Well, from one dog pawrent whose baby has copious amounts of diarrhea, I no longer worry about his GI tract. Ever since he was little, Captain Jack has thrown up and had an upset tummy every other week is seems. It's to the point now where it's like, weird if its solid. There's nothing really wrong with him (well, besides the whole cancer thing), its just how he is. I'm not sure what to tell you about Comet's situation, but just wanted to let you know that sometimes, a sensitive stomach is just "normal". Hope it's nothing to worry about!!
<3 Laura and CJ
Thank you all for your wonderful comments! I really resisted posting but felt so much better afterwards. I like to suffer in silence. But I did have a bit of a breakdown as I re-read my post!
No word yet on the bloodwork, which is probably good news since they usually know very quickly. The vet probably hasn't had a chance to call. I finally said, 'screw it' and gave her a rimadyl to see if her mopey behavour was from the lack of rimadyl after she ate. She seemed much, much better in about 2 hours. She hasn't pottied today so I'll know if it's from the rimadyl tomorrow. I just needed to see if she was hurting.
She is on Cipro for the rest of her life for the diskospondylitis (infection of the neck disc) and she has an ossifying epulis growing on her bottom jaw in the area of her teeth. All of bottom teeth are terribly crooked now - not that her teeth were ever straight! I guess it's pretty benign and the only way to remove it is to remove her lower jaw bone. That won't happen.
The vet gave me another antibiotic for her, in addition to the cipro. Plus, she gave me a flora mix. It all may be from the cipro and such. She's been on antibiotics now since May and Clavamox make her start throwing up after a couple of months which is why I ended up at a specialists who put her on Cipro.
Comet does play me like a fiddle. She knows how to pull my strings. She demands so much attention, thanks to me spoiling her. She's the kind of dog that doesnt let me talk on the phone at certain times of day (at night). She barks to get me off. Or if I'm on the computer when she wants me watching TV, she barks. But then when I sit down on the couch, she demands me to break out some snacks and barks until i do. I'll have to post the videos sometimes.
But she knows I'm really upset if I cry and then she gets scared and hides. She doesn't see it often but here lately is a different story.
Debra - We got Comet, Rocket a terrier mix 6 month old puppy right after Rugby died. We did it immediately because I couldn't stand seeing her in her depression. I know her too well to know that she'd be miserable as an only dog. She's too spooked. But Rocket is annoying. She likes him now but it was a long road to get her to not bite him. She plays tug-o-war and likes to growl and chase him. He's finally understanding she's not a vicous dog, just a troubled dog that plays weird. He wants to snuggle her but she won't let him. She sniffs his wee-wee to see if he's okay, so I know she likes him.
Holly's mom - I hope your baby gets better, too. I did the rice and chicken broth for a few days and then added some ground up roast beef. I'm back on the kibble for now since it's only soft. Keep us updated.
Thanks to everyone else. I will keep you posted.
Dogtown new season is on...gotta go watch!
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.
My heart is with you. I totally get worrying about your best part of you. Keep us updated.
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
Her tests came back. Just a few differences from the last one taken in Sept. Urine was a little off - running a few extra tests and will get a early morning urine sample. Her blood count was a little low. Am running additional tests this week on that.
She felt great this morning and poopy was NORMAL! I'm not all that worried from the slightly abnormal tests.
I'm surprised she's not a diabetic from all the sugar we give her! She loves her desserts! She loves it when I make her peanut butter cookies and sits and waits in the kitchen until they made, cooked and ready to eat. Plus, she loves her donuts! Saturday night is donut night. The special ones come from the 24 hour donut shop. She loves plain cake and glazed ones. She gets so excited when you tell her we are going to go get 'donuts'!
She's special so I can't resist giving her special foods.
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.
So that sounds like good news? Right? I sure hope so! Did the doc have any ideas about what else might be going on?
Yeay for good normal poop! Isn't it funny how we get so excited about that kind of thing? There's the anticipation while they go potty, and then a big "yaaaay!" when everything looks alright. It cracks me up! Silly humans.
We love donuts too! Oh Comet, you are a pretty lucky girl to have such great pawrents!
So glad to hear you sounding upbeat. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I just read this thread and am relieved at your last post! 🙂 Hey, question, are you having to buy Baytril now? Where can you find Cipro? They aren't making the generic any more and Baytril has cost me $700 for 4 weeks for Raven. 🙁
Dawn and Raven
Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from. raven.tripawds.com
Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com. miles.tripawds.com
I'm glad to hear the tests came back pretty much normal. Whew. I, too, had to laugh at our celebrations of bowel movement consistancy. We sure do worry, don't we?
I also had to laugh at Comet and Rocket's interactions. In addition to Emily we also have a big choc. lab, Bentley, and a minature pincher, Marley. Marley kind of tip toed around Emily because Emily wouldn't take any of his, shall we say, shananagens. (That would not have been Emily's word.) Bentley, however, is very laid back. Marley would bug the living snot out of Bentley and he would take it...to a point. When Bentley decides he has had enough he puts Marley's whole head in his mouth and closes his mouth. The first time he did it we freaked out! (Ok maybe we freaked out the first 20 times.) There is never any damage and Marley will back off for a little while. They are good friends, although I do wish Marley would not hump Bentley's head!
Anyway, glad to hear Comet is feeling better. Give her a hug from me.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
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