Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Tracy,
I have been following this forum posting since the start of it, but just staying behind the scenes a bit........I need to jump in at this time, if only to add my support during this very difficult time for you and your family, and sweet Bailey. I truly cannot offer any advice, but what Jerry said goes for me as well......This journey does really suck sometimes, but we still try to do all we can for our beloved fur babies.
I wish I had magic words of comfort, but unfortunately, do not......however, I do want you to know that we are all here to lean on, to help you through this really unsettled time with Bailey. Be with her, love on her, and make every minute count......
Keeping you in my thoughts,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Okay sweet, sweet Tracy and our lovely Bailey...we ARE going to start with a group hug right now, okay? But first, before you can really feel it, you have to do a few simple steps, okay?
We're all gonna take some deep breaths together...all of us reading this...all of us who care so deeply about you and Baile.........
B R E A T H E......B R E A T H E.....INHALE S L O W L Y...EXHALDPE S L O W L Y...BREATHE IN OUR LOVE, OUR STREE, OUR POSITIVE ENERGY...EXHALE THE FEAR, EXHALE ANY THOUGHTS KEEPING YOU FROM NOT. EING FULLY PRESENT WITH BAILEY......
B R E A T H E. IN BAILEY'S LOVE ...B R E A T H E IN THE COMFORT OF FEELING OUR GROUP HUG....it's coming through right now...you can feel it....be careful though, I think we're all hugging each other so closely, we're stepping on each others feet! And somebody in this group hug had garlic last night...can you smell it?
BREATHE IN THE COLLECTIVE STRENGTH OF EACH OF US.....THAT'S ROGHT...BREATHE IN YOUR POWER...BREATHE IN BAILEY'S POWER......shee one strong girl...gentle...but strong!!! You are feel i ng PEACEFUL NOW...BUT SOOOO STRONG!
Okay, as Jerry has said, as you already know and do so well...be in the moment with Bailey. Bailey is with you right now and you will NOT let that piece of crap disease rob you of one second of your time together...not one second!!!
YOU WILL STAY IN THE PRESENT WITH BAILEY BECAUSE YOUR LOVE FOR HER IS THAT STRONG...THAT DEEP....THAT LOVING!!!
Bailey has had times where she hasn't eaten before......and then times she has.....Gabapentin is a good drug for a variety of things...this may help.....don't know if it affects appetite.
I read through some of the GREAT information Ellen sent you.....I woulld DEFINITELY go over that with your vet.....heck...maybe you, or your vet could get a consultation with the vet who wrote that article. HE. REALLY KNEW HIS STUFF!!!
Knowing...not knowing...it's such a personal decision...so very personal. Look within yourself and see which feels best in your gut...Further test may not even show anything...everything was clear less than two weeks ago!!
Okay, we're embracing you again with our group hug.......it seem to make a difference ........yeah........itt helping, I think I see a little smile as you go over to kiss Sweet Bailey...she lovesi it when you kiss her!!!
Sending you so much lpve and sooooooooooo many ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
Still have my phone number? USE IT!!!
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 know you all made me cry when I read this. I made myself (well actually my husband did, he made me eat) then he said play with her don't be sad all day. It's really hard because she struggles to get up and it's really hard to grasp that right after her surgery a few weeks she did zoomies in the snow.
After she had her first dose of Gabapentin you could see her relax and she slept for a few hours. She did eat chicken tonight and yogurt and water with pedylite in it. She's struggling to get up she can't figure how to get her balance to push off those back legs so she goes in a circle until she finally gets her back legs untangled... I can't watch that I have been helping her... but once she's up she's walking with her back legs further apart but she's not doing the three dog hop! 
Sighhhhhhhhh, my anxiety is through the roof and I'm surprised you can't smell me from where ya'll are at! Showers can wait, that's what we use sunglasses and ball caps for right!
So I'm hoping and praying that this medicine will help her, I don't think it is capable of curing anything, does anyone know much about it? The pharm. said it was for neurological problems in a whisper??? But I was so happy to see her not tripping over her feet (after one dose) I know I wasn't dreaming my husband was right there with Bella going potty! We actually played tug (she was laying down) with her alligator and the finger spider crawl under a blanket (she hates that) she tries to get me... she's in dream land right now. Tomorrow's a new beautiful day.
Ohhhh one more thing if I rub her belly or leg too long she noses me and then puts her nose on my hand (like stop now.) As usual I'm all over the place and not sure if I'm doing things right with her as far as what I should be doing, sometimes I think I'm not doing enough because I don't want her to get hurt... If anyone has things that they liked to do or special treats... Bailey doesn't like ice cream (I know right!) sorry Sally and Happy Happy Hannah and Myrtle. My ears are wide open. Food, fluids, exercise... I'm all ears. I know sometimes I feel like this is my fault I needed to do more after surgery, but I don't know. I don't look back, I just want to do my best and what's best for her.
I love you guys, thanks for cheering me up.
I needed that group hug! (I think Myrtle had the garlic!) (Sally I wanted to call today but I could hardly talk after my phone call with the oncologist. Ellen did call after I sent her a text. Shoot me your number again I know I printed it and have it in my tri-paw folder. I need it on my forehead!
Thanks for all the love and support. Let's have a good night and hopefully I'll be back tomorrow... my number is 314-732-5834 anyone can text me, if I don't recognize the number I don't answer leave me a message and I call right back.. that's when I know it's someone who wants to talk.
I can't thank my tri-paw family enough. Today was a really tough day, my heart was in my throat and normally I go stand in the shower in cry but I haven't felt like showering... TMI.
GOOD NIGHT!
Much love and hugs (you guys mean a lot to me eve though we haven't met in person.)
(((((HUGS)))))
Tracy and Bailey
Don't need know stinkin' shower when you've got Bailey giving you kisses!!! Best shower in the world!!!!
Tracy, I felt cheered up from reading your latest posts....cheered up for you and Bailey...and Bella and hubby too!!
Eating....tugging the alligator...playing spider crawl under the blanket (that one would give me the creeps!), and nudging your hand away when she's had enough tummy rubs......that sounds like some quality going on there missy!
And post ANYTIME, TEN TIMES A DAY IF IT HELPS, okay? This is a nerve wracking journey and it will stress you out like crazy!!! WE UNDERSTAND!!! So just post sometimes t o vent, to express your fears, have support, lean on us, okay?
No one could be doing more for Bailey than you are,okay,! Don't ever think you've let Bailey down...EVER! This stupid disease makes it's own rules and they change daily. All we can do is do the best we can with the information we have...and you are doing that brilliantly!!!
Turkey liverwurst...y o u can get it at Whole Foods...stinky but I bet she'll like it.
Fluids.....you know how to test to see if she's dehydrated, right...pull her skin up at the nape of her neck...the back of her neck kind of in front of shoulder blades....it should bounce back fairly quickly.
For now, I'd just relax...yes..RELAX...and let the Gaba do n it's job.
And yeah, I just remembered...it was my garlic breath in the group hug......the cat poop smell....yeah, that came from Merry Myrtle's breath!
YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB OF HOLDING YOURSELF TOGETHER!!!! Don't sell yourself short, okay?
Get some rest my friend! Bailey is feeling better and that calls for sweet dreams!
LOVE!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Tracy,
I hope today is a little better.
My quad pug Tani has multiple neurological problems and she is 14. She has always dragged her right back leg a little (since she was 2), but she has had several strokes over the last year including 3 fairly large ones in June. The last two looked a lot like vestibular disease symptoms including the eye twitching and head rocking. It took a good three weeks for her to recover from the last one, but she now has the problem with crossing her back legs. She is a 15 pound pug and has all 4 limbs, but she has way more mobility problems than Tripug Maggie ever did. It's hard to imagine dealing with this in a Tripawd Great Dane.
Here are a couple things that help Tani:
When ever she is laying by me I massage her back feet, flex her toes and press on her pads. I've heard that with some neurological problems that the brain isn't always talking to the feet, and touching them might stimulate the connection. Tani usually gives me the evil eye if I do that for too long, but she is more tolerant lately.
Another thing I do before she gets up (if I get a chance) is to stretch and bend each of her back legs and try and get her to push against my hand a couple times with each foot. That exercise really seems to make a difference with her being able to put her feet and legs where she wants. I work the exercise in several times a day if when I can. I do know that whenever I put her down (she can't get down from any furniture on her own) her back feet are crossed- every time. She is so little that I can adjust them for her then she can walk OK, especially if we have done the stretch and bend stuff first.
I hope, hope, hope, that this is something Bailey can recover from.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Just to let everyone know Bailey is not doing better, I'm not sure if it's the meds or what but she refuses to eat and when we get her up she's all over the place. There's no support in her spine for her back at all.
I'm crying my eyes out I can't take this. My husband and I were just talking on we don't know what to do.
I know the meds can make them groggy and in time I was told that once she gets use to it maybe things will get better.
I'm a wreck. I just want to scream. I can't do this.
I know many of you have and are strong but I'm trying.
HUGS,
Tracy and Bailey
P.S. Karen thank you so much for the information on the exercises I printed the message and I'm going to go do them. Thanks everyone. I just feel broken. This truly sucks. I lost one in October, I can't even imagine one of my girls now.
I wanted to mention it's like she's trying to walk on two legs one in front and one in back not wanting to put weight on her left leg.
She's on Carprofen 100 mg. 2 x daily
and
Gabapentin 600mg. 1 tablet 3 x daily
{{{{{hugs}}}} I'm so sorry Tracy. How is she now? Have you tried assisting her with a sling or harness?
I hope that she is doing better, I know this is heartbreaking. What does the vet think at this point? Have you described the symptoms she's had today?
Ugh. My post has more questions than help. I wish I could do more. I will say this; you've come this far when you thought you couldn't, you both have come a long way even though it's only been six months. Somewhere deep down in your heart, you have the strength to be there for her at this very difficult time. You are much stronger than you know.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You cry and vent and scream all you want with us!! You and Bailey are going through a very, very rough time...very rough. We all feel your heartbreak and your despair. Your desperation to do anything n the world to help her and feeling like there are no solutions...an unbearably unfair position to be in. This does suck!!!
And don't think for one second we are "strong" all the time! And to endure what you have these past couple of weeks...I re a l l y, really, really don't know how I could find the strength....but we do, we al l do, because we must for our fur abies. And make no doubt about it...y o u can stil l be STRONG and crying hysterically at the same time!!! STRENGTH....it doesn't care what you look like or how yo u act when you are trying to pick yourself up...it just cares that you pick yourself up...even if for just a few moments every hour...pick yourself up...yeah, you are INCREDIBLY STRONG!!! You keep picking yourself back up when it seems impossible. Somehow you do it. And your love for BAILEY is what keeps bringng you back to a place of strength.
I know I the week end, but the first of the week maybe you can have the vet look at the link Ellen gave you, as well as Karen's info.
IF...IF you did a MRI, can the vets pretty much GUARANTEE that IF there is a spin or pelvis issue due to that crap disease it would DEFINITELY show u p? If the answer is yes, then it may be worth proceeding. Although, I just realized she'd have to be put under and I think that would be very hard on her...so maybe not a good idea.
I know all the tests have come back "crap free" and that should eliminate that "issue", right? And that leads back to neurological or the inflammation in the spine that the xray s h owed. And where does that lead? I don't know.
Do you dare ask the vet about reducing the Gabapentin some if you think that is making her too loopy?
Karen has given you some good tips to try. As she so duly noted, she has little Pugs! Great Danes are a little bit harder to do some of these things!
Has the Gabapentin seemingly stopped the pain?
YOU DID SEE SOME SPARKLE LAST NIGHT! Hold onto that! That could be a sign that something is helping.
From a calm.and centered place, have you had a conversation with Bailey to see what she wants?
Have you thought about a big cushioned wagon to take her outside and just pull her around to be out in nature?
I think everyone here wishes with al l their heart we had some answers.....just kee p trying to losten to Bailey...listen with your soul to her soul...is she still willing to fight...we all know she is indeed, a stong fighter! Is she the type of dog that, even if the walking doesn't improve much...but does some..she is content being ore of a couch potato just lapping up snuggles and tummy rubs, etc.
Well, you have some things to discuss with your vet the first of the week. The gabapentin is blocking any pain for now, so that's good.
We're here! Still doing our group hug...not letting you and Bailey go, okay? Rooting for you Bailey Girl.
Sending so much love and healing energy...
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
How I wish I could say it as perfectly as Sally. I so agree with
"y o u can stil l be STRONG and crying hysterically at the same time!!! STRENGTH....it doesn't care what you look like or how yo u act when you are trying to pick yourself up...it just cares that you pick yourself up...even if for just a few moments every hour...pick yourself up..
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I wish I had good news. We really have no news. Yesterday was a very long day and sleepless night and I'm still up.
The good news she is cancer free which is awesome and her lungs are clear. They can't find anything without doing an MRI. They did X-rays and a neurologist was with her and he didn't seem to think it was anything neurological. The only way to get MAYBE an answer is through an MRI because the density of an X-ray isn't enough. They were guessing basically and said it could be disc or spinal cord. She would not be a candidate for that surgery. So after several hours we came home with really no answers but with another medication to add "Codeine" to see if it helps her get comfortable. I hate this, I don't like to see her like this. It makes me sick to my stomach... she's crying more just to get comfortable she just received her first dose of codeine then the alarm is set for around the clock meds. I'm broken and don't understand... Why just 6 months!
Bailey can't get up she is having a hard time laying down and her eyes are rolling. My husband said no more Codeine we're not going to do this to her. At 5:30 this morning she was crying and she could not even walk and fell on us twice. We have a RuffGear Harness but it's really hard because she has only one leg in front and doesn't want to put any weight on the right back. So basically trying to walk on 2 legs. She is eating and drinking laying down but she did eat at Noon today and did drink. Last night she just looked so dazed and confused and acted like she did not know where she was.
Thoughts? My husband wants her off of everything. Does anyone know do they have to be slowing taken off either the Gabapetin or Carprofen? Today she has her doses of both at 10 slept a little went out did both businesses but real wobbly, almost not knowing to squat to pee. I'm thinking it's the codeine because she didn't do this when we first started medicating her for her leg tangling.
We just want her comfortable and not be in pain or drugged all the time. It's quality of life. I was laying with her today and I looked into her eyes and she squinted and had her ears back and a tear ran down... then my flood gates open. I wish I knew that was my sign.
I also looked at the video of the balls for strengthening exercises. Has any tri-pawd large breeds had any experience with these? I know she can't use the ball but would she benefit from the strengthening pad?
I'm going to go for now. I love my supportive friends and wish we all lived closer together.
HUGS,
Love Always,
Tracy and Bailey
Hi Tracy,
I am so sorry to be reading this, my heart is hurting for you......I was so hoping she would turn around a bit and be better after seeing her vet.......it is great that nothing showed on x-rays, but there is obviously still a problem with her. This part of the journey is so difficult, the not knowing, and the indecision of what the next step should be. The only thing I can say, is you will know in your heart what that next step is. I'm with Sally when she says, you can be strong, just remember to pick yourself up.....or better yet, we will help pick you back up. Most of us have already been through the best and the worst of times, we will be there for you during this time of stress and heartache.
I can't give an opinion on the strengthening exercises, but perhaps someone else may. I will continue to keep you, your family, and Bailey in my thoughts and prayers, and also like Sally said, we are still rooting for you Bailey girl......
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Tracy, we've all been wondering how you are doing, thank you for updating. I'm sorry I also wish it was better news, but I am very glad to know that she's seen other vets and the neurologist.
I'm not vet, but I would not stop pain medications. Pain control is #1, then you deal with the source of what is making her hurt. It's very likely she would be in a whole lot more pain without the drugs. Have you taken her to a certified rehab vet yet? Not just any doggy therapy place, but an honest to goodness vet with a rehab therapy background? Here is a way to find one in your area. I would not do any kind of exercises with her until you consult with one. Have any of the specialists you've seen been able to refer you to one? I have seen rehab vets get dogs walking when they were written off as hopeless, anything is possible and if you're willing and it's in your budget, this would be a very smart route to take.
Lots and lots of hugs to you, I'm so sorry this is so terribly hard, how I hope that Bailey starts to feel better soon. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm just sitting here shaking my head wishing answers could appear...good or bad...just some answers for you. Answers where you could proceed one way or another. This is just torture for you and, it doesn't seem to be a high quality for Bailey right now either.
Question...The Gabapentin seemed to be helping with the pain when they added that. Did pain kick in again and that is why they added the codeine??
Question...If they think it MAY be some spine or disc and cannot operate, what solutions did they offer as far as her recovering if that is what it is?
I know they may not have given you answers but did they give you any hint al all on how to preceed as far as "healing" if it is NOT that piece of crap disease?? Did they tend to lean more heavily towards spin or disc injury....or more toards the crap disease in her spine or pelvis? Either way, are they saying there is nothing that can be done...or, with time, if an injury it will heal?? And I hate to ask you...but did they discuss not continuing on at all?
As far as the Gaba, I know there is a little slow down period before cutting it off completely, but I think that is if it has been given longer term. Don't think stopping the codeine abruptly causes any problems. BUT DEFINITELY CHECK WITH THE VET!!!
Now, I'm gonna go against the grain here and even go against my own belief about "drugging" to prevent pain. I normally say pretty much, regardless of the whacky side effects, kee p your dog on pain meds!
HOWEVER, I can understand your husband's point about taking her off the pain meds and see what happen. Now, I preface this with, only you know what she was like BEFORE the pain meds were amped up. Did she seem ,"uncomfortable" but still having more quality than she is now?? Or was her pain so severe she had to have the pain meds? I know my questions are probably confusing. IF her pain is unbearable WITHOUT meds..and IF it does help to keep the pain at bay some WITH meds but she has no sparkle...she can't be Bailey...then at least you would have an answer.
Jerry's suggestion of a real honest to goodness Rehab Specialist could maybe give a whole different perspective. It is CERTAINLY worth a try if you have one available.
As Bonnie said, the indecision about what to do next, the not knowing..geez...I guess you ARE sick to your stomach!! I think I would be completely incapacitated!
I'm glad you posted so we could all send you our hugs and positive thoughts and energy. She did eat and is drinking..that's good. The extra codeine on top.of everything else coukd certainly make.her cross eyed and even more wobbly, that's for sure!
You'll continue to do what's best for Bailey and her quality...you always have, you always will. Reagardless of what happens, you'll always know you are doing what is best for Bailey and that's the experience, the memory, that will carry you through whatever comes your way.
You are quite an amazing team...you, Bailey, your husband and your daughter too!
Thank you again for updating.
Sending healing energy and love...and a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE GROUP HUG!!!!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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 I feel so sad for you and that beautiful Bailey. I wanted to let you know I took my cat to an integrated vet (Western & Chinese medicine and chiropractic) 7 weeks after her amputation. After the chiropractic session (where I was taught how to massage her spine and pelvis), Mona started prancing rather than thumping. I saw a big difference in her. I hope you can find someone who does rehab to help Bailey.
Kerren and Mona
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