Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Spirit Lovey, Crystal my darling and sweet Kiko Rei
I am soaking in all of this information... You are in a hellish time right now, we feel that and are totally embracing you with our love and support in any way we can! I have finished reading your posts, but it would be foolish of me to rush a reply back, my feelings are far too involved for that, so my lovey I am going to start by saying that I agree with what Holly has written to you this morning 100%!!
I don’t want to leave it at just that, but I want to give you my love and support in my own words as well!
I truly believe that it was Mojo who visited you, he is my spirit cat after all! As well as visiting Holly this morning, he woke me up with nose kisses and I immediately thought of Spirit and you Crystal! We are so with you right now and through the next few days! We all want what is best for Spirit and yourself! 💞💫✨💫💞
I will be back Crystal, I will be composing as i do my chores... I’m embracing you both from my home to yours!!!
Petra and her Pride ❤️❤️❤️
Remember...“live in the moment!“ 
I don’t see any scattered response 😉 Looks great to me!
Spirit is having a no-eating morning again (despite Mirtaz given last night) so I'm already worried & can't syringe feed until I have assistance. (I've tried on my own, it's not good). He seemed like he wanted to eat, but I tried 6 different foods -warm, of course and he wanted something else that I apparently don't have! Not even the baby food he would touch.
This is very concerning to me and it should be to your Vet as well.
Oh, I def will stockpile the foods though! I do know about no onions I tried hard to find a pre-packaged bone broth that had no onions to no avail. Good to mention it though, thanks!
Up until the SCC diagnosis, I have avoided giving the boys seafood more than as a treat now & then too, but with picky Whitey, it's whatever gets him to eat right now, so I feel ya!
Great and the Bone broth we get once a month it is pricey!! Will provide you link if you want to explore;) Both the boys love it but I don’t love the price so once a month treat it is;) First link is to chewy's second to Amazon.
Caru Free Range Chicken Bone Broth for Dogs & Cats, 1.1-lb box
Caru Free Range Chicken Bone Broth for Dogs & Cats, 1.1-lb box
Amazon is more expensive but it supports tripawds when we shop from a link directed from here. (pretty sure) admin? I don't know why it is so pricey ouch!
I'm wondering about this AD food you mentioned though? I do have a couple of syringes the vet gave me before that I've been using when he's needed to be fed that way - pretty small, but it gets the job done!
As long as the syringe stopper is not getting old. When they are used over and over it is best to replace because they don’t syringe smoothly. As in they are hard to press on you don't want that, You need smoothly any time you syringe anything to a cat. I syringe the boys supplements 2 x a day. I know about syringes. Ask for some new ones. I use 10cc they are a good size not too small not too big it would be great for syringing food .
Here is a link to Hill’s AD
Hill's® Prescription Diet® a/d® Canine/Feline
Great food for times like these or in recovery .
To syringe it you would just add enough water to slurp up and syringe back to Spirit.
Yes it takes practice on syringe feeding but doable. I would put Spirit in between my legs. Indian style your legs around Spirit. This ensures Spirit is not going anywhere you have him wrapped in your legs. He cant back up which is what any cat will do. Have him facing the outside so your are going around him to get to his mouth. Go in with the syringe at the side of his mouth and Go slow.
It is intimidating if you let it be. DONT let it be. Allow him to swallow with each tiny plunge of the syringe. The thicker the better the less chance of aspirating him.
Thanks for the suggestion on different compound of Mirtazapine! Considering they knew I had trouble administering it/they helped with pill on V-Day, I'm surprised they didn't make the suggestion. I actually did try crushing the Mirtaz. and to get him to have it in liquidy fish food like tuna and sardines, but no bueno. So syringing might be best if they don't offer another compound of it.
I don’t know why vets do not make these suggestions likely they have no problem giving meds so it does not occur to them how to make it easier on us? Another GRRRR
Ask about it and syringe with (little) tuna water in the meantime.
Idk if you saw my reply about asking multiple times about paw x-rays, but my vet has said nothing would show up if I'm not feeling it/seeing it already unless it was effecting the bone already. I don't quite understand it, but I do know it was pretty obvious for me to see when the first tumor started to swell up! I'll ask again w/surgeon and make sure everyone is aware of the blood in the nail situation, though it's not enlarged at all.
I did read your reply, my concern is on the new nail bed. This sounds just like SCC in another foot or lung digit sydrome. This is where the "OH NO" factor matters for you, if I understand you correctly. You would be “OH NO “ if it is in another foot and you just took the one arm, to be in the same shoes you are in now maybe weeks later. This is not what I want for Spirit or for you. Why I suggest getting this foot looked at. You have something happening in the nail bed of another foot that is exactly how the other one progressed. Maybe they can aspirate it or X-ray it. Any form to rule that out another foot is not being affected.
I'm already feeling like I need to postpone this because I'm so nervous about everything, but Idk when next surgery day would be, might be next week --- and more chance of spread, etc. through lymph.
Then postpone it, a day or 2 at this point is not going to make or break the outcome.
I definitely don't want to end up saying "Oh no, I shouldn't have," which is why this has been so hard to decide. That's really the nagging feeling, I guess - be unsure which path might lead to regret, and trying to pick the best option for Whitey. This could go either way because of his condition and the uncertainty with this disease, so the risk vs relief needs to be worth it.
Could not agree with you more
I am planning to be home with him, yes indeed! & Will be sure to put a blanket over the cage, good idea. The only 24-hour care place around here is where he had the CT scan... and I could take him there for overnight care after picking him up from the other vet, but it's super expensive.
That is great you can be home one less worry. I would have the number and know you can call them and go if you need them. The first day home ? I am of no help as you can see Purrkins was kept 3 nights 4 days🤢 I will be here for you even so and help if I can. Most importantly is you have professionals to help if your in need!
The fish flop sounds pretty scary, but encouraging to me that you too second-guessed yourself and then your mind was set at ease after he settled in.
Yes it was horrifying to watch as soon as Purrkins knew he was home things changed dramatically it was all too much for the little guy being gone for so long, the first day home the first day he tried to move and realized my leg is gone, frantic flop to get around. After he realized I’m home and I could see Purrkins was in there. We were fine. I never second guessed since never will.
The surgeon would be taking the shoulder thingy too, yes & if he can get all of the lymph nodes from the area, those as well. He was at the 24-hour vet for 8 years, and some other place too - said he's done many of these amputations.
Good to hear
Great about the onesie, thanks so much for the link! ^_^
Your welcome ! I know who cant love Purrkins in a onesie right! 😸😻he is a lover in a onesie or not😼
Let us know what you decide what the vet has suggested etc. We are here with you Crystal and Spirit buddy we are sending kisses and chin rubs… eat for Mom!
Lots of love 
.
Hello again Crystal and Spirit and Kiko in the background there... 😉 >^..^<
Once again I am going to ditto Miss Holly! She has had far more experience than me in the recovery of major surgery for kitties. I would have to fall back on advice for her on that. But having experienced the surgery with Stewie, all of her tips and suggestions make purrfect sense to me! Cheers to both Mr. Purrrrrkins and Miss Holly! 😘
After re-reading all of this info... sheeeesh Crystal, I’m overwhelmed by all the information that is coming at you! I can only imagine how you are feeling right now..... Can i just take a moment with you and give you a massive hug my darling! It sounds like you really need it right now!!!!
As you can see YOU HAVE OUR SUPPORT!!! You adore your furbabies, we totally get it!!! We know that your heart feels like one massive rock right now!!! We totally feel for you as well my darling, please know that! We are with you during this really, really, really difficult time!!!! Even if you don’t see us on line, please know that you are still wholly in our thoughts and hearts! ❤️
There is one thing i sincerely want to touch on before i delve into the meat of your posts here... I know that this surgeon feels like another X-ray of Spirits limb, the one with the affected toe nail bed, seems unnecessary, but what do you think and want? I am unsure as to why he is hesitant to X-ray the limb, especially as it looks like how the first toe looked, prior to it opening up? May i stress that the tumours were not FELT in Mojo’s back paws, but they were seen on xray!!!
Dr. Laurie just like your other surgeon (Dr. 👹) would not go ahead with the surgery, even if I begged her to! With all factors included, as with Spirit, the tumours in 3 paws never mind one and along with the lung mass (Mojo only had one mass, that was enough to tell us everything!) She told us that Mojo had 2 months before the paws opened up and got be inhumanely painful, she did not feel that he was a good candidate for digit surgery, never mind a full limb amputation! And he appeared to be in purrrrfect shape!!!! He wasn’t!!! He had lung cancer and numerous (well hidden, all but 1) tumours in his paws!!! FLDS ! As hard as that was for us to understand, we had to trust her. What she told us fell in to everything that we read about FLDS, we loved our boy super hard from there on in and gave him the best palliative care that we could possibly give him while he lived out the rest of his somewhat horridlypainful end to his dear life!!! I had to convince Paul to say goodbye once his paw opened up! That was our benchmark for him suffering! We loved him all the more for giving us the time that he did!!!
This is MY TRUTH, it comes from my heart and my experience with my boy! Im sorry Crystal, this is super hard for me to write, I am not asking you to cancel tomorrows surgery, all i am asking is for you to just rethink on doing the extra xray, if another mass shows in Spirits paw, you have your answer and your vet just learned something vital!!! If it comes back clear, then you (and we) can sigh a huge breath of release and focus on Spirits recovery through surgery and not have to worry about another paw being affected.
so i am sending this off to post right now so that you know that we are all online and hoping to help at anytime. I am going to be going through each of your replies, so the posts are going to be broken up throughout the day, in order to get through them and still keep my boys >^..^< happy! Sheeeeesshhhh! Cattttttssssss! So loveably demanding!!!! don’t we ALL know that!!! ❤️ >^..^< ❤️
I saw that you had written to Dr. Pam, that was a great idea! After all Knowledge is Power, right?!!
Tons of love and comfort and support coming your way Spirit, Crystal and Kiko
💞💫✨💫💞
Hello ladies!
As always, your tips and support are received with the utmost appreciation! I can't thank you enough! It's really kind of you folks to read my long updates & take the time to follow up! The love & support are invaluable. __/|\__
Thank you for the broth & AD food links, Holly! I found out recently - after having no luck at grocery stores - this local pet store I go to has some good frozen free-range no-onion broth options in a freezer in the back too!
Spirit has eaten a full meal now, thankfully! & took a nap with me for a few hours 
He's had a good pep in his step through the afternoon & eve, and used the pan (yay!) after eating. He's just resting now... but I feel like those were good signs! He's purred a lot when I pick him up and held his skinny little body - which I take as good too, since he had completely stopped purring pre-digit amputation.
I was awakened from the nap by call-back from the surgeon, so I did my best to remember to relay all of my concerns. I mentioned his weight/eating less, and he said that in the long term it's definitely a concern, but not so much reason to not do the surgery, and said he's seen cats at different levels of health do really well through it and to keep in mind that the sooner the better chance of bouncing back if we're going to do this amputation. He felt that maybe the heavy breathing was just because he was stressed at those times, and if it was happening when he was just sitting there, then he would be more concerned. He said he'll give him a good look-over and tell me honestly before doing anything if he thinks Spirit is strong enough to make it through. I told him about the blood in the nail on the back leg and he said he understood why I would be worried, but unless there was a mass there, that they can't aspirate anything, but he'll look at it. I might request they do an x-ray in the morning, but it really sounded like he wouldn't be able to tell anything at this point, but I am of course thinking of/worried about hidden tumors like you've described on Mojo, so better play it safe, even if the doc thinks it may be unnecessary. If something shows up, you're right, I would have my answer then. Again, it doesn't look like it's the nail bed, but inside the nail is darkening/looks like blood. Surgeon also said they have capsules or oral syringe avail for the Gaba, and generally the syringe is easier.
Still hoping to hear from regular vet, but no call yet... ** Heard from her just now - she is on board with doing x-rays tomorrow beforehand of at least the back paw/limb with the blood nail, but said if it's swollen (which it is not thankfully) they should be able to see something. She did make a good point though, that the blood in the nail showed up after his bath, which could have caused trauma to the nail from him trying to get out of the tub, etc. But yes, x-rays will be requested before anything! She also suggested they try to get a lung x-ray while he's under if they can get a good one without extending anesthesia time with full inhale of chest, so we can see how that's looking now. She recommended Cerenia too, which the surgeon said was not part of his usual protocol when I asked about it (I had concerns about it before), but I may suggest now after talking it over with regular vet. Also she said they should check his anal glands if he is still having the very tiny poops, in case they need to be "expressed." 
What a term! Gives new meaning to Madonna's Express Yourself! 
** The other vet office is closed, so I will have to run the x-rays and everything by them in the morning...
I haven't seen if there's been any reply to my Ask the Vet post here yet, will check after this...
I'll give the solo syringe-feeding (if needed) another go using your tips, Holly, thank you! I basically did it in that same way when I tried, except he was elevated on a table in front of me, not sitting down, still facing away and me behind to syringe. But it was super hard for him to keep his head still to get the syringe in his mouth at all, he would jerk his head back & forth, so attempting to dispense it often just ended up all over his chest or sides, the floor, etc. 😛 Whereas with 2 people, you can limit his head turning by the person holding putting their hand flat against his cheek. But the Indian-style sitting might have some advantages over the table/elevated way I tried before, thanks!
Petra, I praise you for sharing your truth about Mojo's journey with me once again, I know we each have our own paths to choose and you knew what was best with your little guy when it came down to it. Right now, I feel like Spirit is not ready to give up yet, but it's also hard not to confuse that with me not being ready/wanting to give up yet, and hard to not feel the opposite on bad days/times where he isn't like himself. Today he once again threw me through a loop not eating for so long, but then turned around and ate a whole meal and used the pan, was purring and hopping around pretty well. Since Spirit is at the exploding-paw level (again) already - although only one paw is definitely effected as far as we know now - (and now will have more answers from x-rays tomorrow!) - and I've seen the pain it's causing him thusfar (evident mostly when I'm cleaning/bandaging the tender area), euthanasia hasn't been far from my mind as what would need to be done to help him from suffering soon if amputation weren't an option. It feels surreal to imagine life without my little Whitey... though I want the best for him, above all! Because he's showing me hope today, I'm hopeful too, and won't give up until he shows me a sign that he's ready. I know your connection with Mojo allowed you to know what was best too, and I respect your decision and realize how much you love your furbabies, and how impossibly difficult of a call that is to make, no matter how you look at it. We're incredibly blessed with whatever time they share with us, and for having the honor to be their caretakers - through thick & thin!
When regular vet called, Spirit ate another 2/3 of a meal, yay again! This makes me so happy! He looked really lively too!
Ok... not much time to go - less than 12 hours before drop-off! I'm going to set up the cage here...
Please keep Spirit in your prayers and good thoughts! & thanks for your angelic presence, Mojo! __/|\__
Eternal gratitude for your support ladies!
I'll post update asap!
*Big hugs* -Crystal and the Tiny Loving Man Band 😀
spirit333 said
Hi Petra & gang,
I've had to write this in chunks because Keek the Sleek is in hyper-bengal mode, knocking all the magnets off the fridge every few minutes and flying through the air! Your words have given me comfort & also brought me to tears, but in the best way, I can't thank you enough. I know you know more than most what I'm going through...
Hi again Crystal, Spritit Whitey and Kiko Rei
Keek the sleek is maybe feeling at little out of the action 😼 and wanted to throw a little humour into your home for a few minutes... >^,,^< ... Yup, I think we all know about ‘chunky’ writing! i’ve been doing it all day as you know 😉
My darling, i have expressed my dearest sentiments to you and you know that we are here for you still... 😘
Hey, I figured out how to split the quote! 😀
I like how you put things, Petra! You definitely get it - and I appreciate your words/thoughts, long or short!
You're so welcome, handsome Stewie!
More synchs on the song too, one of my faves is "Little Things" by India.Arie! So true too... it's those little things that really matter the most, when it all comes down. I'm happy that I definitely have no regrets about not spending enough time with Spirit, because my kitties are my family, my life <3 and we've had so many amazing times so far together. <3
Hehe. It took me weeks to figure out how to get out of the ‘grey matter’ and if I remember correctly, it was Holly who pointed out the “ ” “ button at the top! 😉
”Little Things” ~ great song! You had me grooving in my chair there for a minute;) The singer has a beautiful voice! The Joy our babies bring us is immense Crystal, I completely agree! Spirit and Kiko are your furbabies, a massive part of your life and you are doing everything and anything for your boy, we soooo get that!!! We understand, because each and every one of us here on Tripawds site has done the same thing for their fur baby’s! We also want you to live with a decision that you can live with! Follow your heart Crystal and you can never have any regrets! Spirit is giving you all the time in the world for you to be settled with what ever you decide for him! He knows that you are running to the moon and back for him!
Ahhh... I do know... And as you can tell from my update above, I worry about Spirit's ability to make it through this, but am trying to remain hopeful. I typed the response to Holly /update before reading yours, so this was especially heart-wrenching to read about Mojo. __/|__ The tumors on Spirit's paw - both the digit that was already amputated and what grew back/is there now, are indeed open/bleeding and very painful, and he's quite a trooper for bearing it as much as he has. Poor babies! It seems so unfair, I wish I could just take the pain on myself... I'm sure you know the feeling too! :..(
Yes, I have seen the same phrase written time and time again here, if only we could take on the pain for our fur babies... You’re hurting enough Crystal! :.(
For anypawdy, going into any major surgery, we know that we are going to have our best results if we are healthy, right? Spirit is a Fighter. He will do his best for you, just as you are doing the best for him! Im sorry to have upset you with Mojo’s story, I have not shared this story to this detail with anyone outside of Tripawds, most people would not understand, nor would they want to hear. I share all this information with you, so that you are aware of the similarities that I see between Mojo and Spirit... Hence all this <<<synching>>> 💕 I believe anyway...
My regular vet seemed to think that Spirit would be able to bounce back from the surgery when she saw him on Valentine's Day... He was pretty skinny then, and the paw was open and huge. It's surprising to me to hear her faith in his recovery, even at his ripe old age.
Age is not Spirits biggest hurdle in all of this, as far as I see it, he’s still a young fella! As you know i am not a vet, I don’t have the years of experience to say whether Spirit is a good candidate for surgery or not, I don’t know... but what I do know is what you have mentioned here today and in recent postings, Spirit isn’t eating properly, he is losing weight and along with masses noted in his lung areas, he has possible symptoms in his back foot of another digit tumour. I am also concerned to hear that he is having trouble breathing when he is a little stressed... will he be okay under anesthesia, are his lungs strong enough? I sound horrid in my negativity Crystal, I’m sorry! If your vet is still super confident after you have asked him all of your questions then Spirit will still do his very, very, very best for you!!!
I want to have the conversation with her again w/what's gone on since & also talk to the surgeon/vet who would do the amputation again and basically tell him (that if the kidney values are good & all) to give call me with his honest opinion on whether or not he thinks that Spirit, with his age, weight, etc. would do well with the surgery, after he sees him. Of course that's cutting it close, and putting a lot of trust in the doctor - whom I've never met, but seems on point.
Our prayers are with You and Spirit, no matter what you decide Crystal. don’t let time be a factor in all of this. As Sally has mentioned before, she cancelled Happy Hannah’s surgery a few times, before gaining the courage for her and H.Hannah to go through with the surgery! It’s a big deal! It’s a big surgery!! It’s a bloody big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly!!! Take his opinion and weigh it with your own... If his answers don’t make sense ask him to explain it to you in a different way... BE COMFORTABLE WITH WHAT YOU DECIDE!!! You know that it is going to be bloody scary whichever route you chose, but be sure that as Holly has mentioned a few times above, please be sure to have enough pain medication going for Spirit. Vets seem to think that our fur babies are super beings and don’t feel pain like we do.... that is sooooo far from the truth! They just don’t show it the same! Don’t feel pressured, just because they have a table ready and times booked... if you’re not feeling your decision, put it on hold till you do! You have been doing a tremendous jog with Whiteys care, exceptional actually! And you will continue to do an exceptional job!!!
And you're right, maybe I should ask the #1 surgeon too why he recommended against the surgery, although... from what my regular vet said, they spoke and he admitted to her that he probably should have amputated the whole limb when he took just the digit! In the report, it points more towards my choosing to not do the surgery if a mass was found, although it was his recommendation indeed. It's been hard to get him on the phone/call-back the last two times I tried with q's on the size of the mass in the CT scan, so not sure it would be in time, but I can try! From the research you've done, you can see too that they generally do not recommend amputation if a mass is found in the lungs, so it might just be textbook recommendation.
I hope that you found some more answers today...? There will always be the textbook recommendations and it is always up to us to pay attention to those numbers. Those numbers are out there for a reason. We base our decisions on what these odds may be?! But as you can see here on site, our fur babies don’t know 💩 about numbers, and anything goes around here. I mean, here I am trying to beat the odds with Stewie right?? We had no idea how long he would survive after diagnosis with OSC and we still don’t know, but bloody hell, I pray like mad every day that we get the years that he deserves!!!
I have felt Mojo's presence here with me too, I hesitate to say, but I could have sworn I saw a "ghost" kitty twice in the past week! :O
It was dark both times and in the dining room I glanced and saw what looked like the tail and back legs of what could only be described as a light/hologram looking cat run by. I thought maybe it was just one of the boys and my eyes playing tricks on me in the dark, but they were both fast asleep on the bed when I looked for them! :O Whether it was Mojo visiting, or maybe one of Spirit's old housemates/brothers/sisters, Idk! But I appreciate his loving presence watching out for my little guy.
No hesitaiton necessary here my darling! My Mojo is a pretty special boy too! He is pulling out all the 🛑’s for Spirit!! He is <<<synching>>> everyone in order for Spirit to have the best of attentions! Mojo has been a very busy Munchkin today... 😉
Indeed, I know no one can decide for us... I was so sure when I spoke to the vet and made the appointment. I had gotten good vibes from the vet, and Spirit, and it felt really right, like my heart was at peace and that was going to be the way forward. Then these thoughts began to plague me again after him peeing on the bed, and not wanting to eat/losing more weight, seeing the blood in the back nail, pooping in living room, not jumping up on any chairs, bed, couch, etc. 😛 But again, it could just be symptoms of his pain and this could relieve him. I know he must be strong going in though, so it's a battle... I syringe fed him because he desperately needs to keep up his nutrition and weight to be at a decent point going in. My indecision / second-guessing the whole thing, I feel somehow might be a lesson for me to stick with a decision and follow through on it... Not the easiest/nicest way to learn this, if so!
“...seeing the blood in the back nail...’ My lovey, pain does not cause this... You said that this is how it started in Whitey’s front toe right? Follow your heart Crystal, you have to be strong for your dear, sweet, Spirit Boy! You know Spirit best, you know what you both can handle! The hardest decisions in life are never easy! 😘
He's a short-haired guy, so maybe easier to feel these things than with longer hair like Mojo's? I've asked multiple times if X-rays should be done on the other paws/limbs and what they could show, & the vet assured me that x-rays wouldn't show anything that we wouldn't be seeing/feeling already with this type of cancer/to the tissues. The vet looked him over pretty well on Valentine's Day and I have as well, only finding that blood in the nail recently.
I honestly don’t know enough about how these 💩 FLDS tumours grow, so I can’t speak for Spirits paw conditionin. But this picture shows Mojo’s back paw, this picture was taken about 2 months after diagnosis, please keep in mind that it was Mojo’s front paw that he started licking at weeks and weeks prior to his diagnosis, it was his front paw that by this point was very swollen and close to bursting... his back paw did not look like this when Dr. Laurie did her xray! Even in this picture, his foot just feels a little swollen... If i didn’t know him better, i wouldn’t think that there was much wrong with this picture?!! I know that his paw is terribly swollen here!
Before the tumor on Whitey's digit that was removed, it was so bad, it was damaging the bone, which I guess is what can happen once the tumors are so big/out of control they push into the bones... so to clarify, Spirit didn't/doesn't have tumors in his actual bones to the best of my knowledge. The ankle tumor... probably wrapped around his bone there or is split on both sides & really two tumors, because it showed up on the top of his ankle and then was on the bottom as well (like a ball) not long after. It's surely one of the more painfuld ones 🙁 Idk what kind of effect they are having pressing on the bones there, but it can't be good!
No lovey, that was my nightmare for Mojo, the knowledge that these tumours were just growing at such an incredible and painful rate...I could only imagine how bad it felt for my boy! I can only imagine the pain that Spirit is enduring! He is a Warrior!!!
I often wondered and i still do, why we, Mojo and his Pride, were given such a bloody difficult and gut wrenching disease to deal with? Not only were we having to deal with the decision as to the ‘right time’ to call it for our boy, but we had to live with his pain too! 😭 As you understand 100% right?!!! 😭 I still don’t understand! And I still don’t know if I made the right call?!!! But I do know that right now I went through that, so that I can at least be here for you!! An understanding ear and voice, that may not be filled with proper wisdom, but please be assured that i am here filled with love for you both!!! 💞
Thank you again, I'm truly honoured and grateful for the support you & the other ladies here have been showing me, it's really helping me to keep going through all of this! Petra rocks! 😉 There's so much more stress to my situation too w/only having help to syringe feed or bandage, etc at a certain timeframe at night, (so just hoping he eats more during the day on his own!), living with a person who isn't always compassionate, etc.
Crystal you are a rock! Know that there is something to be admired in all that you are doing for Spirit!!! Im sorry that you do not have as much support as you need, I realize this makes it that much more stressful for sure!
Please Whitey, please eat for Mum! She so needs you to eat and be strong for her lovey!!!
What should I know going in? Maybe I need certain supplies I haven't thought of? Questions I forgot to ask?
Can I get back to you on a different post Crystal? I honestly think other kitty Mum’s will be able to assist you better on that one... 😘
I am leaving Mojo’s mousing picture up, ‘cause Whitey didn’t eat it the other day!!!
💖💫💞✨💖
Bless you Petra, bless you Mojo! I definitely want to tell Spirit's story in the future, tripawd or not - you're right! It's a great feeling to know others have been in similar situations and to learn from and help one another through. The Tripawd support is incredible, you guys are THE BEST!!!! I hope Spirit's journey can help others making these hard decisions one day too. For now... going to try to get some more CBD and food into the Tiny Loving Man and see if I can get some answers from the vets/update regular vet.
🙂 Thanks for the love Sally & gang! __/|__
Sending love & warm wishes to you - Holly, Petra, Sally, Jerry, and to all your lovely heart-stealing "creatures of love" as I call them - 4-and 3-legged alike <3
Best wishes to you all and we will be looking for your posts here over the next few days, we will help in anyway we can Crystal! I will check back in later and see if there are any questions that I may have missed. thank you for staying touch.
Kisses and chin rubs to your brave warrior! hugs and comfort to you Crystal!💞💫✨💫💞
spirit333 said
I haven't seen if there's been any reply to my Ask the Vet post here yet...
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spirit333 said
Spirit has eaten a full meal now, thankfully! & took a nap with me for a few hours sleepy He's had a good pep in his step through the afternoon & eve, and used the pan (yay!) after eating. He's just resting now... but I feel like those were good signs! He's purred a lot when I pick him up and held his skinny little body - which I take as good too, since he had completely stopped purring pre-digit amputation.
Crystal I am so pleased that Whitey followed through with doctors orders and is beefing himself up for surgery tomorrow!! You are so right Crystal, he isn’t ready to give up! He is like a champion getting ready for a fight!!! 🥊
Petra, I praise you for sharing your truth about Mojo's journey with me once again, I know we each have our own paths to choose and you knew what was best with your little guy when it came down to it. Right now, I feel like Spirit is not ready to give up yet, but it's also hard not to confuse that with me not being ready/wanting to give up yet, and hard to not feel the opposite on bad days/times where he isn't like himself. Today he once again threw me through a loop not eating for so long, but then turned around and ate a whole meal and used the pan, was purring and hopping around pretty well. Since Spirit is at the exploding-paw level (again) already - although only one paw is definitely effected as far as we know now - (and now will have more answers from x-rays tomorrow!) - and I've seen the pain it's causing him thusfar (evident mostly when I'm cleaning/bandaging the tender area), euthanasia hasn't been far from my mind as what would need to be done to help him from suffering soon if amputation weren't an option. It feels surreal to imagine life without my little Whitey... though I want the best for him, above all! Because he's showing me hope today, I'm hopeful too, and won't give up until he shows me a sign that he's ready. I know your connection with Mojo allowed you to know what was best too, and I respect your decision and realize how much you love your furbabies, and how impossibly difficult of a call that is to make, no matter how you look at it. We're incredibly blessed with whatever time they share with us, and for having the honor to be their caretakers - through thick & thin! heart
Crystal I am soooo very proud of you right now! You and Spirit have been through sooooo very much in the last very short period of time!!! You know in your heart where you and your Spirit boy need to go, you have got a plan and now you can move forward! Again, I say that we are in this 100% with you and Spirit, we know that this is going to be a tough surgery, it’s tough for all of our fur babies, but Spirit is getting his food in his belly and is going to do his very best in this!!! I say again, he is a super Brave Warrior!!! Spirit is not giving up!!! He is giving you all the love in the world!!! He will be in Warrior mode going in to surgery tomorrow, you know he will!!!
Hope Crystal and a Plan to move... to keep going forward, I totally get where you are coming from!!! I COMPLETELY RESPECT YOUR CHOICE CRYSTAL!!! You are absolutely right when you say that we each one of us have our own journey! We each know our kids and we do what we can for them! We each have to live with our own choices, I do mine. My journey with Mojo was brutal on us all, none of us were ready.... but my darling girl, you will know when you and Spirit need to say goodbye and tomorrow ain’t it!!! You are giving it your best and I truly admire you for that!!! I know ive said this before Crystal, but you are a warrior too, you have been in a whirlwind of hell and you have never given up. You have been so kind as to put up with us being very forthright with you and offering our opinions and requests.... I truly hope I didn’t cross boundaries with you Crystal. I feel like I may have come close, but as i have mentioned before, I can only offer my truths and Mojo pulled me in, it’s really his fault! 😉 I can only bow down to you and be here furher for you... 💕 I do hope that you would tell me if I was stepping over the line?
So, now that you have a plan, let us all move on... Here are some things that I can suggest based on Stewies recovery....
You my girl, have a few rough days ahead of you. But you’re ready, we all find our inner beast to draw on in times of need and you have already found yours! 😘 Be sure to have your vet’s number handy for all hours if you have ANY questions. Keep a journal of Spirits meds and instructions and behaviours and you can relay all this to your vet when you check in. Time will blur together over the next few days, so keeping your pen to paper, or fingers to the ‘pad’ will help keep your thoughts and facts in order. Plus when you write your blog, you have all this information you can add. This is really all great information right.... It’s why we have these discussions...
The medications are going to mess with Spirit, as Holly said and as you have experienced with his surgery before, he will definitely be confused by his lack of control and freedom to move around. They adapt pretty damn quickly though once they find their Tripawd legs... he will need a lot of reassurance that what he is feeling is okay...
Oh lovey, i could go on for hours. we will have to continue this conversation tomorrow and get more input from more kitty pawrents, they will definitely be able to help you more there, regarding surgical and post op expectations etc... I think we all need a break and a few cuddles from our fur kids now...
When regular vet called, Spirit ate another 2/3 of a meal, yay again! This makes me so happy! He looked really lively too!
Ok... not much time to go - less than 12 hours before drop-off! I'm going to set up the cage here...
Please keep Spirit in your prayers and good thoughts! & thanks for your angelic presence, Mojo! __/|\__
Eternal gratitude for your support ladies!
I'll post update asap!
*Big hugs* -Crystal and the Tiny Loving Man Band 😀
Spirit, you must have seen that mouse Mojo brought you and it got your juices flowing!!! Good, Good boy!!!! A few more hours my lad and you join the Tripawds heroes club!!
Prayers are streaming your way Whitey Spirit and Mojo is By Your Side!!! 💞💫✨💕💞
Massive hugs and bundles of comfort coming your way...
Stewie his Pride, Spitfire Spikey, Chester Molester, Prissy Miss Lily and Tedwardo >^..^< and of course their traveling troubadours Petra and Paul
Thank you again so much, ladies & gentlemen (sorry Jerry, didn't realize you were still following this post! 😀 )
I've subscribed to both posts *thumbs up*
Spirit ate 3 full meals before midnight & is in peppy form! I've been calling him a champion all night, thanks Petra: 
Super Stu! said
Crystal I am so pleased that Whitey followed through with doctors orders and is beefing himself up for surgery tomorrow!! You are so right Crystal, he isn’t ready to give up! He is like a champion getting ready for a fight!!! 🥊
Hoping the x-rays are clear, big day ahead! I really appreciate the good vibes & hope you all are taking good care of yourselves in addition to all the love & care you're showing Spirit & I! I don't think you've crossed any lines, Petra!
Going to call it a night here!
Much love & gratitude
-Crystal, Spirit & Keek
Good morning Crystal, Spirit Whitey and Keek the sleek, i hope you had an okay rest with your darling boys?
Okay Spirit today is the big day! You and your Mum are preparing for the biggest fight 🥊 of your life and we are in your corner!! Wraps are on, gloves are being fitted and the grease is on the face.... Bells will be ringing for you Spirit, you just need to get through this round okay!! Your opponent has nothing on you big fella! You have sooo got this!!!
We are with you Spirit and Crystal, we are there in spirit and Mojo is surrounding you with all the powers that he has!!! He’s a pretty Super Cat!
Keepig you in our thoughts and prayers
Petra, Stewie 🐾 Spikey, Chessie, Miss Lily and Mr. Ted >^..^<
Good Morning ,
Best of luck today we are thinking of you & Spirit. I saw your post in the kitty forums, just in case the member does not reply
I'm wondering how soon you put on a t-shirt/onesie or something to protect the incision area?
We put the onesie on Purrkins as soon as he got home. You want the incision covered at all times. If your not using a cone. I checked the incision 2 times a day, switched the onesie every day.
The hospital iced Purrkins incision for 3 days and I had instructions for warm compress after we got him home.
NOTE - ice first 3 days then warm compresses.
Warm compresses 2-3 times a day for 3-5 days - heat a moistened clean washcloth in a sealed ziplock bag, warm in microwave. (test the warmth on yourself before applying) apply for ten minutes.
Purrkins loved his warm compress the ice and warmth helps with the swelling and bruising and healing. We did not have any problems with Purrkins incision. Stitches were in for 14 day. We were in a spare room until his stitches were out and then the Surgeon said Purrkins was free to go back to being a kitty in all ways. No onesie no restrictions.
Some kitties don’t go poop on the pain meds, I do not know what is normal for Spirit since he has been on pain meds but don’t worry about that right away ok.
The litter box since your using a cage right? We cut ours out further for Purrkins to get into. A low lipped is best. Some people have used cardboard boxes even. You may or may not have to help Spirit in the box the first day. I had to help Purrkins, Purrkins was not “typical”. Be prepared Spirit might face plant, it takes a bit for them to find their new hop. I did help Purrkins, he was so frustrated and It was awful to watch. I decided to help less frustration for us both and it helped Purrkins get his confidence faster. Do whatever you feel is best in your own case.
Should note too Purrkins could not even walk when he got home, as I mentioned the fish flopping BUT he managed to jump in the window the first few minutes home! Completely unreal and he was not suppose to be jumping of course. I was surely going to have heart failure that first hour home 😉 Purrkins third eyelid was showing also from all the drugs and that got better once the major major pain drugs from the hospital wore off.
Front leg kitties have no problem jumping up, getting down at first for Purrkins was a learning process. It did not take long. Purrkins was up and doing really good day 3! I believe all that would of been sooner had he got home sooner.
I have kitty steps thru the house that he uses to get to any of his favorite spots. His window seat. You can take a look at Purrkins blog (hit the globe under Purrkins avatar). You can take a look at his youtube page that might help you as well.
The blog will show you the litter box we used in recovery and what we use now. Changes we made to the house etc. The only thing that is not written about is the first day home (note to myself to make that change) I just loaded pictures of that day not the details.
Jerry has a article written on Tripawds Recovery Shopping List to go over. (hit the orange text)
I would have prepared you with more info had we known sooner. So please ask any questions that I have missed, be happy to tell you what we did or check out Purrkins Blog we also have a forum broke down for front kitty amputee blogs too. To read others experiences.
to take a look at. A lot of info is on the forums too but we understand when in a panic we dont have time to search. I did a lot of reading before surgery & in recovery.
I will be in and out today and mostly out Friday but I assure you we will check in to see how you are doing. Please let us know if your on for today etc. Questions I missed etc. ask please.
Sending lots of pawsitive thoughts & tripawd power to Spirit and you!
Holly & Purrkins
If you are sent home with Gaba capsules what I did for Purrkins was open the capsule in a little bowl - added a little tuna water to syringe it to him.
I am not sure what you will be sent home with so let us know on that and we can further assist in that area.
Best wishes for today !!
She recommended Cerenia too, which the surgeon said was not part of his usual protocol when I asked about it (I had concerns about it before), but I may suggest now after talking it over with regular vet.
I would not be concerned on the Cerenia it is a anti-nausea med it might help Spirit want to eat. Cant hurt! I have used it before with Purrkins brother short term if that helps ease your worry. If you meant Convenia (antibiotic) that is a different topic. Anyway trying to catch up on all this info and caught that.
Hey all! Thanks for checking in & for the advice/support once again! *hugs*
So the other paw/limb x-rays were clear and Spirit is now a tripawd!
The little warrior got home about an hour or so ago and is resting right now. He did really well they say & he's been pretty alert & able to sit / balance well in the cage when we picked him & when he first got home. I put his bed in there but it might be too elevated for him to get onto right away, but I figured at least try it, and also have another soft crash pad in there, which is where he's laying presently. I do not currently have a Onesie on him, I had to wash the ones I bought, but will put it on asap!
Super, super helpful info & links Holly! Thank you so much! I didn't realize Purrkins is a YouTube star! 
Pretty cool! I'll have to check out more on his journey soon, thanks!
I must say, we had a rough start to the morning, and after such a good night (he ended up eating 3 whole meals, did I mention?)! Without their usual morning meal, Kiko Rei "Raymond" and Spirit were fiending for food and ended up going at it on the bed! I was in the bathroom when it started and came out as soon as I heard them and found hair tufts everywhere, and Spirit breathing really heavy and wheezing a bit, almost like the beginning of an asthma attack! Not good. He seemed to regain steady breathing and composure after a few minutes, and having seen this, Keek visibly felt bad and came over and licked Spirit's head/face in apology. Awww... <3 I was still concerned that it happened, and of course told all of this to them at the vet's at drop-off.
The surgeon called me post-op and we also spoke this morning about doing the x-rays ahead, etc. & I talked to a tech at pick-up. The surgeon doc was really patient with my q's, professional and understanding, but he also mentioned that he wondered if I was looking for excuses to not do the surgery, and said he understood it was a major operation & wanted me to not have any regrets, but reminded me that this is a palliative surgery and his lung mass is still there, so what would change if we found more tumors? So I let him know that we were ready, but that yes, it would change my mind if we found other masses/tumors on paws/limb because of how fast they spread and the effect they have on all of our lives on a daily basis, plus it would be even worse with one limb amputated and another limb in pain... whereas the lung situation - still undefined fully - has not appeared to be as fast growing/aggressive or have daily effects on Spirit's life unless he's stressed (heavy breathing, see below about incident this morning after a spat with Keek!). I just wanted to be sure about the other limbs/paws before going forth with amputation - and he seemed to get that once I put it that way. He stood by not giving the Cerenia, despite my regular doc's suggesting it. Also he didn't want to do the lung x-rays that regular vet suggested he do while Spirit was under anesthesia, because he thought it would prolong anesthesia even more than the other x-rays already and that it wasn't the best way to get clear images/full breath (complete opposite of what regular vet said - she said it would be easier to get them!). So only the limb/paw images were taken... and he didn't call me after they were looked at/deemed clear because Spirit was already under anesthesia and we'd talked about doing it that way to get the best images, so only if he saw something he'd take him off of it and call me, but if it was clear, he'd proceed with amputation. And so he did!
I'm surprised how- saggy of an area there is around the incision - like loose/hanging skin - Idk if this is normal, but I thought it would be more taut! But for what it is, it seems to look like a job well done!
I cut down a small pan to fit into the cage yesterday in preparation, I think it's low enough for him to get in/out of & I also bought smaller bowls for the cage + have them elevated on a little box currently. The cone of shame
he has is nice & short, so he should be able to reach the food / water, and so far hasn't tried to bother with the incision. I tried to offer him some food and he doesn't seem interested right now. It's in there if he changes his mind - although Kiko, the monkey, is trying to stick his arm in there and get at the food! So he's locked in a room with me as I type this. 
Spirit's def on some good pain meds, seems pretty relaxed but alert, if that makes sense? He won't start the other meds until tomorrow... and the Gabba is the liquid kind that I guess needs refrigeration, and I'll give it to him by syringe.
I'm a little nervous about doing the icing & warm compress... the area probably should stay pretty dry, I'd imagine? I just worry the incision area will get wet. I also have no microwave so doing warm compress I'll have to work out some other way - maybe I can get some of those hard-warmer packets that you have to shake up and then put those in a soft towel? Times like these I wish I had my grandmother's old Fairy Crawford stove! ^_^
Did you ever use anything topically or just let it heal on its own for Purrkins, Holly?
It was close to closing & not busy, so I got to share the story of how Spirit chose me/came into my life with the receptionist while we waiting for the tech/to have Whitey brought out, which was nice.
I really felt a sense of relief and calm throughout the day and upon picking up my little Tripawd newbie. I think it helps too that this vet / animal hospital is located more out in the country, and I'm from a rural area, but live in a much more urban area now. That was part of what I thought to myself, that if something went wrong with the surgery or whatever, at least Spirit would be in this nice woodsy area and not a packed, busy, stressful city. It felt "homie" there which is really nice, and everyone seems less stressed & less go-go-go than other vets I've gone to in the cities, my regular one included - although much of that is the fact that they also run a doggy daycare in the same facility, so the barking and traffic is high!
Ahhh... so there we have it! The painful limb/paw is no more, and the tripawd journey begins!
I can't thank you all enough for your support and care through all of this, and I really hope I haven't burdened anyone with the complications of Spirit's journey thusfar. I really appreciate the time & energy you've all given to help get us through this! I probably should have blogged most of this, as I feel like my posts often read like a Log/Diary of what's been going on, and somewhere in my mind I feel like maybe that will be important to have all that information for someone else who may go through a similar situation in the future and be searching for answers, just like Mojo's journey has been a guiding light for me & Spirit in a lot of ways! Now maybe it's Purrkins time to take the limelight & lead the charge! 😉 I did come across another recent tripawd kitty post here already which was also a great help. I'm sure I'll be sticking around and have plenty more q's. Maybe even be able to offer more advice myself as time goes on! For now, onesie fitting and icing shall commence in 10, 9, 8...
Love & warm wishes to you superstar furbaby parents & furry fams!
Tripawd Tribe Love!
-Crystal, the Tiny Loving Man & Kiko Rei "Raymond"
(I love all of our nicknames for our furbabies btw! Petra - Tedwardo! Chester Molester!?!?? )
So the other paw/limb x-rays were clear and Spirit is now a tripawd!
PHEW huge relief yes you have to feel a weight lifted now some away.
We used a diffuser in recovery and before surgery and still use it Feliway multi cat diffuser. You might have further issues between the kitties you may not. We had issues before surgery between the boys and up to a month afterwards. We all do things differently here Is a post on that How Did You Prepare Your Other Cats for the New TriKitty? I kept Purrkins in the spare room and Brother Saxton would come and ask to come in and we allowed supervised visits if it got uncomfortable in any way we stoped the visit. Spirit is most important right now in the sense he needs lest stress so whatever that is at your house do. Keep separated or supervised visits if needed. Purrkins and I slept in the spare room in the closet me half way in 😉
I'm surprised how- saggy of an area there is around the incision - like loose/hanging skin - Idk if this is normal, but I thought it would be more taut! But for what it is, it seems to look like a job well done!
Cats have alot of excess skin I was told this because I asked what is that a stump? No all skin. It will be filled likely, this was Purrkins after he got home so remember 4 days later and its filled. It will decrease in time. Purrkins still has a sag I thought it would all reabsorb but it never has.
It shows a little here but a video shows more on his blog. Some cats have more sag and some do not have any? Point being we have it. Don't worry about that. It might reabsorb it might not.
I'm a little nervous about doing the icing & warm compress... the area probably should stay pretty dry, I'd imagine? I just worry the incision area will get wet. I also have no microwave so doing warm compress I'll have to work out some other way - maybe I can get some of those hard-warmer packets that you have to shake up and then put those in a soft towel? Times like these I wish I had my grandmother's old Fairy Crawford stove! ^_^
Did you ever use anything topically or just let it heal on its own for Purrkins, Holly?
We were not to put ANYTHING ON the incision. No ointment nothing! We didn't put the wash cloth on the incision to get the incision wet in any way we were told to put the wet cloth in a ziplock baggy and warm in micro. Warm on the stove anyway to warm water then in the baggy ! But again ICE first they iced in the hospital. I would do the same with the ice or ice pack in a baggy. Purrkins getting his warm compress.
Ahhh... so there we have it! The painful limb/paw is no more, and the tripawd journey begins!
That is great and I am glad this all worked out and your in recovery.!
I can't thank you all enough for your support and care through all of this, and I really hope I haven't burdened anyone with the complications of Spirit's journey thusfar. I really appreciate the time & energy you've all given to help get us through this! I probably should have blogged most of this, as I feel like my posts often read like a Log/Diary of what's been going on, and somewhere in my mind I feel like maybe that will be important to have all that information for someone else who may go through a similar situation in the future and be searching for answers, just like Mojo's journey has been a guiding light for me & Spirit in a lot of ways! Now maybe it's Purrkins time to take the limelight & lead the charge! I did come across another recent tripawd kitty post here already which was also a great help. I'm sure I'll be sticking around and have plenty more q's. Maybe even be able to offer more advice myself as time goes on! For now, onesie fitting and icing shall commence in 10, 9, 8...
Crystal we have been thru this we understand ! As far as the blog and the diary and the posts you can add all that in your blog or redirect from the blog to here. Ok, You got more support here then you would have in the blog, know that is what the forums are for. Please do the blog I think you will help others with Spirits story!! This is unusual today it likely will not be in the future.
Thanks for the update you guys were on our minds is a understatement! Will be out tomorrow but will check in the evening to see how your guys are doing. Get some rest when Spirit is resting ok. Good job you stayed strong and your in recovery. I hope you got a emergency number to call if needed! Hope its not but we need to be prepared if so.
I am toast so If I missed something or I am jumbled;) just say ok!
Lots of healing wishes coming your way Spirit heal well buddy! Get some new pictures posted please when you can
Note added we did the warm packs with the onesie. On top of the onesie. I told you I'm fried.
Goodnight!
Hi Crystal and Tripawd Newbie Spirit!!!!
I am sooo very pleased that your surgery went so very well Spirit!!!! You really are a true champion aren’t you!!!! You have truly rocked it!!! Mojo will be sooo proud. He is clapping his paws for you!!!
I know both must be thoroughly exhausted after a super stressful day! It certainly has been a long day for us here too, I can well imagine how stressed you must have been just waiting for the time to pick up your boy!!! We have been thinking of you all day and have been hoping that all went well for your Spirit Boy!
I am having to run now my dear, It is going to be a long day for me as I head out of town tomorrow. Then I have an Allensong performance on Saturday, so I am going to be offline for a couple of days.
I am wishing you all the best for some smooth nights, you are going to have your challenges for sure, but be sure to call your vet with any concerns okay?
We are so glad to hear that everything went so smoothly for Spirit today!
Goodnight and rest well.....
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