Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 16 year old blind, deaf and dementia suffering 19 pound dog had to have both her rear leg AND hip removed down to the pelvic bone due to a tumor that was larger than her head. It has been 5 weeks now and she cannot stand unaided, and the vet said that walking will not be an option because she has done nothing but scoot. Infact, her pelvic region in all red with rug burns for this reason. She won't even try scooting unless I lean her up against the coffee table . Then she will push and scoot around it. She will "walk" if I hold her tightly under her body. I can now touch my palms on the ground because I spend so little time walking upright. She has been crying in frustration, so she was put on tramadol. She also wakes up crying every few hours at night. I hold her, and the crying stops. She seems to be having panic attacks. I was told that a wheelchair was not an option by almost every wheelchair company because she doesn't have a hip. But the head designer at Walkin Pets was kind enough to design a hip/holster device that she said may work. She doesn't know if Betsy will be able to use a wheelchair , but it is my last option. Did I do the right thing? Should I have put her down? I now cannot leave the house because she needs me 24 hours a day. I have told all of my friends that I cannot go to lunches anymore and I will not be attending my nephews wedding. I am thinking about revisiting my decision at the 6 month mark. If her quality of life hasn't improved, then I am wondering if a decision will have to be made. I cannot bear her frustration. The crying is killing me.
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Betsy and family, I'm so sorry (((hugs)))), and wish that I could help you feel better about the circumstances. I will do my best though, so here goes.
Has Betsy been to any canine rehabilitation therapy? If not, that is where you need to go next. These experts can evaluate her situation and prescribe things that can hopefully improve her quality of life. There are no guarantees but it's worth a shot. The Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit so please give it a try. If you cannot locate a therapist near you, message me your city and state and I'll do my best to locate one. I think that's really the best option right now.
In the meantime, is Betsy on any kind of pain management ? If not, talk to your vet and find out why she isn't. In her situation, regular doses of pain meds other than Tramadol. This drug is falling out of favor with vets because it's shown to not be nearly as effective as previously thought. Better drugs for chronic pain are available like Meloxicam if she can tolerate NSAIDs (if not, Galliprant is available), Gabapentin and Amantadine.
Also please consider registering as a member so your future posts won't need to wait for approval, and so that you can take advantage of our free pain management webinar on Wednesday with vet expert Dr. Robin Downing.
Hang in there and let us know how things are going OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The Vet is now telling me that Betsy may have to be put down. This is a heartbreaking decision, but I may have no choice. She cannot stand, and because of her blindness, she cannot use the wheelchair . She used to hug the wall to get around the house, but the wheels do not allow for that. She also pants and gets agitated at night. The final stage of dog dementia. it is heart breaking because her heart and lungs are strong and she has a huge appetite. But her quality of life is no longer there.
Betsy and family, my heart aches for you. I'm so sorry. Is there any chance that you would be able to get another opinion on her situation? If anything, it could help you be at peace if you decide to set her free. A pet hospice vet can help you determine quality of life. I can help you find one if you don't know of any. Either way, whatever you decide, we will support you and your sweet girl in your journey.
Meantime spoil that girl rotten and love her up. Feed her anything she wants. Let her know what she means to you, and soak up her furry wisdom. She sounds like such a sweet ol gal. 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We know your head is spinning and your heart 9s heavy as you try and decide the best path forward for your precious Betsy.❤
The bond you have with her and your devotion to her well being come shining through with every word. Your love for her is so evident. You have already fone avoe and beyond what many "pet owners" would do for their dogs or cats. You have left no stone unturned in giving her the best care humanly possible. She is soooo lucky to have you as her Earth Angel.
As Jerry said, maybe you can get a second opinion to help make you more at peace about what path to take.
"Quality" is such an individual perspective and your definition is based on your personal relationship with Betsy. You know Betsy best.
You have a beloved senior who has surpassed the "natural life span" of most dogs. Such a well cared for and well loved pup! Unfortunately as dogs go k to the sunset of their earth life, they develop issues that chip away at who they are....who they enjoyed being. And to make things even more stressful for the hooman is that a big appetite.is often not a good measure of quality.
A beloved senior of mine named Nellie also had dementia. She atelike a horse and would eat non stupid I let her! I honestly think that, as a result of dementia, she would forget she the three seconds after she ate! She also had lots of anxiety at night, panting, pacing etc. Her mobility was compromised also.
For me, and this was just me, when Nellie could no longer be Nellie anymore....when the only "quality " was basically eating ....anyway, that helped me make the decision to give her the gift of release she deserved.
Betsy has given you so many years of treasured memories of joy and happiness and love......and you have given her the same. Such a pr for voth of you❤
Dogs are such enlightened advanced Souls. They K OW they are far more than their earth clothes. And when their earthly body no longer serves them, when their ear body can no longer be a source of joy and fun and happiness, they eagerly embrace the gift of release♥️ They immediately feel the relief as their energy becomes whole and vibrant and light again. Betsy knows you two will always be one heart, one Spirit never to be separated.
Stay in the moment with Betsy and, as Jerry said, continue to spoil, spoil and spoil! And give her anything she wants to eat.....even "forbidden" food like cake and ice cream and one or two M&M's
We are here for you and surrounding yoj with peace and clarity and love💖
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie roo!
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!
I have reached out to a person that I follow on Instagram. They have a dog with 2 legs that is small, and she gets around really well. I totally agree with the others on pain management , that makes a huge difference!!
I am hoping she will get back to me some time today and will share the how, where, and who she got her wheels from.
I hope you are all hanging in there
Jackie and Huckleberry
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Thank you to all of you wonderful angels. I have finally found people who understand what I am going through, and this means everything to me. Betsy is able to use her wheelchair a bit. Because she is bling she needs to lean against something, so she walks around the coffee table. But every few minutes I have to move her because her wheels get stuck. It is repetitive behavior. Before the amputation she would walk along a wall until I removed her every five minutes from under a lamp.
Benny55, thank you for opening my eyes. I keep saying that she must be fine because she eats and drinks and cries if she has to pee, but she really isn't there. And neither are my husband and I because Betsy wakes up every 2 hours to go out. I am going to wait until the first of the year. Then it may be time to let her go. I just cannot think about it during the holidays.
It sounds like you have already gotten her wheels now, that is fantastic. Have you spoken to your vet about pain management ? This is so very important, especially when they are older and special needs.
Another thing I would like to suggest would be the possibilities of adding a good quality CBD oil to her regimen. I personally had fantastic luck with it with my senior large pup who had arthritis, couldn't hear or see well, and also had dementia. It made a world of difference for him for about 12-18 months? It is worth looking in to.
I believe if you have ruled out all of your options and then decide it is time that you will have peace of mind and heart. 5 weeks is a while, but with age and other factors involved I do think this still may turn around for you. No guarantees, but I think you will question less with all of the possible variables out of the way.
I wish you well on your journey and I hope so hard that things will take a positive turn for you.
Jackie and Huckleberry
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
paws120 said
It sounds like you have already gotten her wheels now, that is fantastic. Have you spoken to your vet about pain management ? This is so very important, especially when they are older and special needs.Another thing I would like to suggest would be the possibilities of adding a good quality CBD oil to her regimen. I personally had fantastic luck with it with my senior large pup who had arthritis, couldn't hear or see well, and also had dementia. It made a world of difference for him for about 12-18 months? It is worth looking in to.
I believe if you have ruled out all of your options and then decide it is time that you will have peace of mind and heart. 5 weeks is a while, but with age and other factors involved I do think this still may turn around for you. No guarantees, but I think you will question less with all of the possible variables out of the way.
I wish you well on your journey and I hope so hard that things will take a positive turn for you.
Jackie and Huckleberry
Jackie and Huckleberry,
My vet has suggested CBD oil. But Amazon has thousands. I don't know what to buy. They all have different strengths. What do you suggest? Thank you.
EXHAMMER said
My vet has suggested CBD oil. But Amazon has thousands. I don't know what to buy...
There are many worthless CBD products on Amazon. Please review our various articles and veterinarian interviews about cannabis for pets in the Tripawds Nutrition blog .
This tripawd talk Radio episode is especially informative:
CBD for Pets: What We Know and Don’t Know About Cannabinoids (yet!)
Dr Alex Avery also offers valuable input about shopping for CBD in this video:
CBD For Pets Shopping Tips Our Vets Want Us to Know
No matter what, be sure to review the Certificate of Analysis. If a CBD product manufacturer does not provide a COA, run.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Admin, I could not have said it better myself!
I would not buy CBD from Amazon. There are much more reputable companies out there and quality is key.
You can definitely check also with your vet. A lot of good companies are making special formulas for pets ❤
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
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