Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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OKAY....I'VE READ IT ALL NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
And I.know everyone on here today has just been holding their breath looking for your update and, quite frankly, ...well....just not sure what your next post would say.
YAAAAAAAAY!! BAILEY ATE!!!!!!!!!
Wasn't sure we'd ever get to applaud that again!!!!!!
AND BAILEY RELAXED.AND SLEPT WELL!!!. YAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!
I'm so glad you have a new path now...a path of hope...a path that has already shown some results!!!!!!!
Very interesting about the chemo....I doubt that your Onco would have ever shared that info!
NOW Y OU CAN GET SOME SLEEP YOURSELF!!!! Maybe you and Bailey can both get some.acupuncture at her next session!!!!!
Oh, and that anti nausea kr apletite stimulate she gave you...yeah...lots and lots of dogs here have been given that with good results.
BAILEY SQUATTED TO.PEE!!!!
YES!!!! BY ALL.MEANS DO THE HAPPY DANCE RIGHT NOW!!!! Don't need no stinkin' clean hair to do the happy dance!!!!
Hope she gave you lots of.that special canned food...got a feeling Bailey might trade.in her peanut butter for this!
Tracy, I know this is the first time you've felt hopeful in a long time. And it sounds like you really have a good advocate on your side! You can actually relax and know you are doing everything.possible and Bailey actually feels better!!!! WOW!!!!
Sending all the love in the world to you!
Sally and Alumni 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!
Yippeeee! We are doing the hooppy dance here too, this is fantastic. Who is Dr. Snodgrass and what clinic is she with? I like her approach. Holistic vets rock!
Of course you can lean on us, anytime. Keep us posted and let us know how she's doing.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tracy, I was saying a little prayer for you and Bailey and when I looked at the clock in my car, it was 5:16. Ty liked the Hills AD also. I am glad that the acupuncture helped her to relax. Reducing the Gabapentin may just be a good idea to improve her overall energy. It just makes them so darn tired. Give Bailey girl a big ole hug from 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...Phew- Deep breath...I think that we all have been holding ours. Now it is your time to BREATHE and rest, we don't care about a shower and neither do the dogs lol. Wonderful to hear that beautiful Bailey got relief and ate- I did the happy dance,
clapped and cried. Mirazapine can be very effective for appetite stimulation, it is an antidepressant (try some lol), and we use it in the elderly with great success for appetite. It usually does not have a sedating effect either. Just in case maybe you would want to give it to her in the PM. It's action is not immediate and she will need a week to two to gain the full effect. WHOO HOOH!!!! The odansterone is an anti-nausea medication and probably was sedating, it does not increase appetite so it probably was of no help. Have you tried or been advised to give her an H2 inhibitor such as Pepcid??? Pepcid will protect her stomach from stress ulcers. I am not a doctor, but just giving my input as a nurse and concerned animal lover. Lay on the floor with Bailey, I have learned that a few dog beds are very comfortable (for me) and you can get some much needed rest and be with her. Again no shower required!
Soo happy for you guys, keep us updated!
Laurie
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.
I really don't know what to say. We had a good day with Bailey right after acupuncture and then yesterday was so so. We have to force feed her with a spoon (by opening her mouth and putting it on the roof like it's peanut butter... she even tries to flick it out... I never hold her mouth shut), we bring her water to her and remind ourselves that she needs to go potty.
Today was a turn for the worse. I have never heard a dog scream so loud in my life. She's not using her left leg at all, I was trying to get her to get up on her own because Dr. Snodgrass said be there to assist but see what she can do. Well I'm not sure if it's reducing meds or if something shifted, but my daughter came running up the steps and just held her back end why I held her front we both massaged her and we were able to get her to lay down. But she continued to cry and was whining in pain. So I called Dr. Snodgrass and she said she would work her in, just come over. My husband was just getting out of his work van so he put her in and away we went. When we arrived they took her right in and the doctor came right in. They examined her and gently with my husbands help they were able to get her to lay down. The doctor's assistant used a "Rescue Remedy" (pet) which is an all natural stress relief for pets made by Bach. She rubbed it on her ears, nose and tongue. She was breathing so hard this did slow her breathing a little and she started to pant less. Dr. Snodgrass did more acupuncture on her and spent a lot of time with us. She isn't one to tell us what to do. She did get some relief from the acupuncture but now that we are home she's panting hard again and doesn't want any food or water.
I'm ready to get sick, I am so numb right now. My husband cried on the way home and that's when I know he knows what we should do. I'm not sure it's fair for her to be able to continue to live her life like this. She can't play, do zoomies or get up to get a drink. All I have been doing is laying with her since her amp, I never left her side at night.
I'm sorry I don't have better news. But I'm trying to be positive but her quality of life is what we wanted and were aiming for. I can't stand this. It's not fair to her... I guess I was hoping that she would bounce up and start walking again with all three again and not falling over. Gosh this stinks.
I'm in the computer room crying and writing to my Tripawd Family because I don't want to upset her. So if I am all over the place it's because I'm not thinking with a clear head.
I love you guys and all my posts with the love and support from Tuesday. I pray to God that this session will work and help her ease through this pain she is in now.
For now,
TIGHT HUGS and TEARS.
Tracy and Bailey
Jerry: The name of the facility she goes to is:
Animal Health & Healing (www.animalhealthandhealing.com)
Dr. Sheila Snodgrass, DVM
and Dr. Teresa Garden, DVM
2615 South Big Bend Boulevard
Webster Groves, Missouri 63143
314-781-1738
Tracy, I am so sorry. Hang in there! Unfortunately I have always experienced the most pain in making the decision. You hope and hold on... then you say the words out loud. It sucks but in some ways it is a tiny relief. Not to say that the loss is bearable, oh no sir! You have done everything for Bailey, foremost giving her a happy life filled with LOVE. Go with your gut, not your head or your heart. My thoughts are with you!
Laurie
Tracy,
My heart hurts for you, we truly understand this unbearable load of emotion you are carrying.....I agree with Laurie, sometimes these awful situations push us into making decisions, but that is when your gut instinct is most important..... However, your heart will lead you in the right direction, your tremendous love for Bailey and all that you have done for her and gone through with her, your heart will guide you......
Unending {{{{hugs}}}}, and continuing thoughts and prayers for peace in your heart....
Love, Bonnie & Angel Polly
Dear Tracy,
as Laurie said, you have always been at Bailey's side, giving her all the love and care possible, and Bailey knows this. At this difficult moment, my suggestion would be: think back at what was your original plan for Bailey, and stick to this plan, because it was probably a well-balanced decision, taken after much thought. If you and your husband committed to Bailey's quality of life, this is your guideline - use it, follow it, trust your judgment. My thoughts are prayers are with you and Bailey, as I know are other tripawd families, all over the world.
Daniela & Johnnie (from Brazil)
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.
I am so sorry Tracy. I am hurting with you. It just gets so stinking hard. You just really don't know what to do. To make that final call, even if it is for the best is never easy. You have gone above and beyond for her and she knows it. She gets to sleep with you all night , every night. That right there is doggie bliss. I just want you to know that you are close in my thoughts tonight. Hugs from, 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.
I know quality of life is what we promised her.
She can't walk, eat or drink on her own. I guess I was hoping for a miracle with acupuncture but the way she screamed today when she got up something is going on and its really hurting her... it's not the drugs making her not want to eat, she's in severe pain.
We just tried to life her and wanted to see if she could stand to go outside and she just cried. I know in my heart what is right. I will probably have to say bye to my sweet Bailey Girl tomorrow.
I'm not sure if I will be on tomorrow or not. Unless a miracle happens.
With love and tight hugs. Thanks for always being here for me, I sincerely mean that from the bottom of my heart.
Tracy and Bailey
Tracy,
We will all still be hoping for that miracle for sweet Bailey........keeping a candle of hope lit for you tonight....
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Thank you Bonnie & Our Angel Polly!
If I sound out of it I think it's called anxiety medication.
We went ahead and gave Bailey codeine and she is finally calming down. Has not gone potty all day and would not stand on either leg this evening when we tried to take her out. She turned her head and then bent her knees to collapse. We don't want to hurt her more.
Sooooo if it is a spine issue, they can't operate... but her quality of life is the promise I gave her... but the what ifs in my head are running like crazy thinking ok one more acupuncture... but she's not eating we slip it in the side... some prescription diet I have 50 cans if anyone wants them. Bailey loves peanut butter and she did manage to lick a little peanut butter off a spoon and she loves cheese and she had some Cheetos and sharp cheddar cheese.
My head is spinning...
Looking for all my buddies.... HELP!
HUGS
Tracy and Bailey
TRACEY AND BAILEY!!!
Just reading your post and everyone's replies wishing we could all be guided to write the right word.....words that comfort and bring you peace.
And Tracy. you absolutely have every reason to hope for a miracle....every single one of us goes into this journey hoping for a miracle....and a miracle can indeed happen.
Sometimes thoug, we have to change the definition of a "miracle". Sometimes a miracle on this journey is no longer about "cure", or longevity, but about javing the strength to be a peace knowing you have done everything humanly possible....EVERYTHING HUMANLY POSSIBLE to help our dogs and cats. Find that miracle for yourself right now...what you have done for Bailey truly is miraculous.
Every single post from Bonnie, Lori, Daniela, Laurie has golden nuggets in them for you. Read through them over and over again.
AND then read your own post. You have gained insight and wisdom from being so intensely connected to Bailey. Your words show Bailey is guiding you.
Unfortuantely, we can all relate far to well the agony of being at this crossroads. It is gutwrenching and excruciating agony.
Part of your miracle is KNOWING you have left no stone unturned...not a single one! Acupuncture brought some relief. You know Bailey best. Would she find "some relief" to be quality as she woulld define it?
The promise we all make .....that's another way to define miracle. It IS a miracle of sorts that we can release our dog souls from their painful bodies that no longer serve them. All we can ever do on this journey is let our love be their miracle. And y o u love Bailey soooo much, you will continue to be her miracle. Ask her what she wants from you. How can you be her miracle now. If Bailey can no longer "be Bailey", then it is indeed a miracle to be able to release her....to let her KNOW you will be okay. Bailey needs to know you will carry on her legacy for her. That's another miracle...to be able to do that.
How can we help you Tracey? We all want to help. I see you're on here now...I'm going to stop for a minute and see if you respond so we can know how to help
you.
Add a little wine and chocolate to that "medication" and you'll be eating all Bailey's Cheetos and Peanut Butter! Just stay away from the codeine!
I love you! We love you. Bailey loves you!!!
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!
Ok, so first off I hope today is much better and she's shown improvement. Have you talked to Dr. Snodgrass yet? Based on what I read about her on the web (thanks for the info), she is an AMAZING vet and I would feel 110% confident having her know-how at a time like this.
Did she tell you what to expect over the next few days? Acupuncture can take at least 3-4 visits before noticeable improvement is seen, and sometimes the patient actually feels worse before s/he feels better. That's known as a "healing crisis" and it's the body's fighting response to being kicked into gear. Healing is so exhausting sometimes, I'm hoping that's what is going on. I would be in close contact with Dr. S to let her know what's going on. Then let us know OK? We are thinking of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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