Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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This is not where I want to be and certainly don't know where to go. Jerry, I'm going to look up on that link for a certified therapist in rehab. I feel like VSS has given up on us simply because we won't to the MRI for $3,000. They did more x-rays and she was back there for several hours a few thousand dollars later. Have I seen the x-rays or any e-ray NO!
My husband is so angry he wants to take a drive to the place and have a talk with some vets. But he knows that is not the way to resolve this. We tried just doing one of each of the medications (without codeine) every 12 hours yesterday and ended up with a whining pup all night. I'm going back to 3x on the Gabapentin 600 mgs. and then the Carboplatin every 12. She did not eat this morning and we have gone to using a sling to get her up. I picked her head up today and talked to her and told her I'm sorry. This is breaking me and I know several of you have been through this.
She doesn't want to eat today so far. This is my Bailey today. To me she looks a little swollen but when she's upright her ribs are showing a little. I did give her 2 K-9 Immunity Plus this morning and I am going to give her 2 at dinner. I'm guessing that is ok. It doesn't seem to hurt. I have talked with Ellen (Charley's mom) and she seemed to think it was ok. My vet would not give me any advice on any supplements.
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August 14, 2014
This is NOT my Bailey. If you look at prior pictures... my heart is being ripped out because I simply don't know what to do. If I can get her up she is walking on two legs but not real stable and doesn't want to get up on her own. I have been rubbing her legs and hind end just to see if that helps and she does relax a bit.
I have bills pay just like everyone else and it's pretty stupid of me to say well shit I forgot to pay that one. I have most set up on auto pay. Geezzzzz
Crying my eyes out and walking in circles and I need a shower and go to the grocery store... RIGHT! I CAN'T leave her.
Hanging by a thread.
Never, ever expected things to go this way, I prayed I wouldn't do this to her and she did so well.
TIGHT HUGS
Tracy and Bailey
Okay....dee l breath again....not while you're in the shower, I don't want you inhaling water and gagging!! B R E A T H E.......
I know you're probably trying to post the video/ picture again....we'll all be watching for it.
I'll check back in a minute................
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!
Okaaaay....just saw the pictures. BAILEY IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL GIRL. Her coloring is very unique..
Yeah, her eyes do look a little on the druggy side
Can't say much about whether her tummy looks swollen or fluidy though.
Ya' know...I'm not so sure that maybe having your husband go back and have a "passionate" conversation with the vets is not a bad idea at all. I guess my thinking is, that considering the time, money, blood, sweat and tears you have spent down there...and "they" seem to be pushing for an MRI...perhaps they would be willing to donate that one session...or at least split it with you!!! These are some of the same people who continued pushing for more chemo even after it was very, very apparent she could not tolerate it......I'm sure it was well intended and not money oriented on their part...just raises a little suspicion.
Then again, she would have to be put under and that's not good either. In fact, the more ,I think about it, that's not the place I would wantnto do an MRI anyway!
I'm sure Bailey does feel worse today if, for no other reason being at the vets for so many hours, prodded and pokes and twisted and pulled every which way.
I really hope...really, really hope, some vet somewhere would be willing to work with you on this MRI. Maybe you have friends who have access to other vets who maybe willing to donate this serviceout of compassion. Is there a teaching school near you?
YOU are not doing anything to her but loving her and doing the best b you can! Something is going on that medical science cannot figure out. You have no control over the unknown, the yet undiscovered cause.
My heart breaks for you...absolutely hurts for you. We all feel helpless.
I am glad the massaging her legs helped some.
Thank you for taking the time to update us. And go on and go to the grocery store...it'll do you both good. Maybe you can get some stinky liverwurst for her as a treat......and a case of wine for you!
Sending you all the love in the world and the strength of the entire community!
Love!
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!
Ya know, you mentioned possibility of a swollen tummy....I'm sure the vets checked her tummy and felt her over from head to toe, right? Did any of these recent xrays take a look at her tummy?
Color of her gums?
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!
Her gums are pink and they respond from white to pink pretty quick.
Sally I can't do the grocery store. I just don't feel like it. I did take her out with help and then brought her into my bedroom.
At the vet Tuesday they said nothing about her tummy.
Does anyone know as far as beds... the ortho beds if they are good or bad at this point? It seems like it's even harder for her to get up, even my 10 year old is having problems. Right now I put the beds up and they are both crashed on blankets. Ohh and the bed in the picture is an old bed that's harder it's cedar that she fell on and just stayed there.
My husband just called and he wants to pick up copies of all her x-rays and medical records so we can take them to our regular vet.
They basically said here's codeine or the other option talk about the MRI. Didn't say make an appointment for a week, two or three.
In a fog right now.
HUGS to all my friends.
Tracy and Bailey
Dear Tracy,
so sorry to hear what Bailey and you are going through. I would definitely try acupuncture, because in my experience it is the way to get rid of pain without medication.
all the best from Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Oh, poor Bailey.........Tracy, I can't help but shed some tears for her and you.......I don't have anything at all, as far as ideas and such, so I think I will let Sally do my thinking for me. I certainly can't come up with anything better than what her posts say. The only thing I CAN say, is it truly sucks when no one can figure out what is wrong with our fur kids, when something like this is going on.......So much heartache, time and money, and still no answers.
The one thing I can offer you, always, is my constant thoughts, and support........we have all been through the good, and not so good times, so hopefully knowing we are all here for you will somehow help.
As far as beds go, I would let them sleep where ever, and what ever makes them comfy. With Bailey, though, I would want to be able to get her up a bit easier.
Continuing to keep all of you in my prayers,
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Tracy my heart goes out to you! You and your family have been wonderful advocates for Bailey...I hope that you find some answers soon. I am intimately aware of the constant nauseous feeling, nerves jangling and pure exhaustion. This is what us crazy dog people do. You are not given more than you can handle, you are handling things beautifully. I do not know Bailey but have always had an understanding with my angel Jake. He said he would tell me when it was time to go and he did. Not to say you should give up...I am in no position to go there. Try to keep him medicated and as pain free as possible, You and your husband need some rest ( forget about the shower). Try to alternate time with Bailey and resting, even if it means curling up on the floor or dog bed so you can be with him. My heart goes out to you guys. Keep us posted.
Laurie
I know we're looking for anything that's good here...but the fact that her gums are pink...that is good!
As far as the bed, I agree with Bonnie...wherever she plops and feels comfy...then that's the right spot!
And Laurie is right...YOU must get some rest too!
As far as getting up though, the more supportive the bed, the better. As far as getting up, if it's too soft or squishy, they can't get their footing as easily.
And YAAAAAAY for your husband! Very proactive step to pick up all her records and go to regular vet! That is a great plan! A new set of eyes...someone who knows Bailey and someone who perhaps will have a better grasp on what's going on! I REALLY like this idea!
Oh, I did check like I told you I would....Happy Hannah was on Gabapentin TWO times a day after surgery, BUT, and it's a big but, she was also on Tramadol. She was 123 lbs. Before amp..and day after amp. 118lbs. Big "fluffy" girls have big "fluffy" legs. Yeah, it seems like adding Codeine to the mix by the vet may have just been too much...assuming she's resting more comfortably today and at least her eyes aren't crossed over!
Thank you again for updating us. You maybe walking around in circles...you maybe in a fog...you maybe hanging on by a thread....butyou ARE hanging on...you ARE dealing with this! You don't have to get through this eloquently, or gracefully, or in some calm meditative state...you just have to get through it ANY WAY you can...AND YOU ARE! Your strength and determination have captivated us all!
I am Soooooo glad y o ur husband is picking up her records...and they better have good records and a whole lot of xrays...you've sure paid for them!!!!
I know Bailey doesn't feel well but she is still absolutely stunning! Strikingly beautiful!
HANG ONTO US OKAY? That "thread" you are hanging onto....ity really a very sturdy rope and we are holding onto the other end and we aren't letting go!!!!!!
SENDING THE GROUP HUG AND BUCKETS OF LOVE! Take a swig of that Codeine yourself tonight...you need some sleep!
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!
Tracy I'm just now catching up, is she any better today? Oh how we sure hope so. Remember, it is your right to go where you find that the care is most compassionate to your needs. If it's not working out at the specialty clinic it sounds like your regular vet would be a better option. I"m so sorry, I wish I could offer more. Sending many hugs and love out to you both.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tracy, I am just catching up as well. How is beautiful miss Bailey. Pink gums are a good sign. Does she have a fever? It is just so hard and my heart is going out to you right now. I know exactly the feeling. You can think of nothing else. stay close here. Keep us posted. Big hugs, Lori and TY
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Tracy
I haven't been here for a while and I'm just catching up. I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this difficult time. Hoping you get some better direction from your vet and that Bailey becomes more comfortable as soon as possible.
Esther and my Angel Snoop
Sunday... and still no change. We have noticed her tail isn't waging anymore it just hangs straight down. We are going to try acupuncture, should here from hopefully.
http://animalhe.....staff.html
(Dr. Garden)
http://animalhe.....paths.html
Not sure if we can get her in soon but we pretty much need to act quick on this. I don't want her to live like this.
Today she did not eat. We have tried steak (prime rib actually), cooked chicken, cooked chickens from SAMS, yogurt, pedylite and water... well she's drinking minimal fluids... I'm actually sticking my fingers in the water and lifting water in between her gums.
My daughter said her teeth are looking bad and her gums are looking orange... not sure what she meant by that. She was going to look it up but she fell asleep.
We have been sleeping with Bailey and Bella... the five of us the babies on the beds and the humans by their side. Bailey wakes up pretty much but not in pain I think she's frustrated that she can't get up she keeps looking at her back end. We have noticed once we get her up she's still trying to walk on two feet with that left leg not wanting to put weight on it.
We have actually on our own starting reducing her Gabapetin from 600 mg to 300 mg - 3x daily and she doesn't seem drugged as much but she does just lay around and doesn't want to play but that has been since this getting up issue started. So I'm not thinking pain, I'm thinking confusion and frustration on no being able to get up and move on her own. We do have a harness and sling, she hates the harness but the sling helps me get her up. My husband gently lifts her back end and I'm supporting her left side front shoulder so she doesn't fall over. Once she's up she takes a while and she wants someone by her like she's afraid of falling. She need not worry!
So, as of now I have not heard back from VSS. We need to give them time for multiple pages of documents... to be released.) I want to get her in to see if acupuncture can get tat tail wagging again and I also possibly want another opinion from Dr. Buss (oncologist) at Midwest Veterinary Referral in Chesterfield.
I'm praying that the acupuncture will help, I have been reading some interesting articles on the internet one I just Googled "Great Danes Tail Hanging Straight Down and Struggling to Get Up" This is what I read, which I find very interesting.
http://happines.....e-and.html
Sally, you would be happy to know at 1:30 am I ran to Walmart for Oreos and yes bought two bags double stuff and Birthday Cake... I was eating them as I was going to check the lady at the register said I love Oreos too, have a good morning... I had greasy hair and all, who cares! Ohhh and I polished off a bag of the mini Heath bars in less than 24 hours... my daughter said I was just walking around the house with the bag and unwrapping them with my teeth and wadding the wrappers in my left hand... nervous eating much... oh well it will help me gain some weight back at 89 pounds.
OK... so this is where I stand... my husband and daughter are with her at the moment and I am on our FAMILY web page to update. I'm on a sugar high so I apologize.
Pray things get better, I would do anything if I could se her tail wag again. SOOOOO PLEASE PRAY THE ACUPUNCTURE WORKS!
WE ARE NOT GIVING UP!
HUGS!
Tracy and Bailey
P.S. Keep suggesting... we are listening to everyone. Thanks again for listening to me and all the support!
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