Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I slept in my bed last night for most of the night!
First, I just want to thank everyone for your insights and support. It has meant the world. Today was a better day! Etta seemed to have more bursts of energy where she would hop around. This morning she peed & pooped-- although she pooped in the backyard and insisted that we hop to the front yard to pee. That is either the drugs or the hope for a treat from the neighbor? Anyway i think that was our biggest accomplishment so far.
She seemed in less pain today but definately she hits this wall very hard... when she is done she is really done and I have to pick her up and put her to bed. She got her pink bandage off and now she is wearing a t-shirt so she won't lick the seroma
. The surgeon just kept shaking his head about the cancer find but I'm just happy she is starting to feel better. She starts rehab on sat and will get her first acupuncture treatment. Thanks C.A.R.E. 
All of your advice about enjoying the moments with her as that is all we really have helped a lot. That is the only thing I can control! An interesting/tragic thing happened as I was checking out at the vet. A tech went out to help get a large dog out of a car who was unable to walk. A minute later the tech came running in with this 80+ pound lifeless dog in her arms screaming "he's not breathing."They rushed him in the back and I'm assuming tried to revive him. It was horrifying. I lost my cat Charlie a few years back in a similar way. This it really gave me perspective, I have time to be with etta and to make the most of that time. That is a blessing...
We have an appointment next tuesday to get the stiches out and meet with the oncologist.
I've broken down etta's crate and am sleeping in my own bed and etta is back in her's .... When she has the energy etta seems at ease going up the steps on our front porch...she also took a nice long nap on the deck in the backyard...life is better today!
Thank you... Thank you... Thank you.... everyone!!!
julie
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
Yeaaaay! She peed! She poooped! Yeayyy!!!
You definitely sound like you've gotten much needed rest, and so has Etta. Now remember, even with that burst of energy she can still overdo it (pain meds make us feel invincible!), so make sure she doesn't overdo it but keep on doing what you're doing, it's working.
That is so sad about the emergency patient you saw. I can't even imagine what that's like. We have been very fortunate here not to experience a tragedy like that.
Many hugs to you both. Congrats on making it over a huge hurdle. Keep it up!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I love hearing life is better. It is unusual how you find your way under the most adverse conditions. You are so right, enjoy each and every moment you have, there are some good days ahead.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Hang in there. The first two weeks can be really trying. If your dog isn't energetic you worry about that. If (s)he has too much energy you have to keep him or her calm! As so many others have already said Etta has just gone through major surgery and needs time to recover. Trust her to heal in the best way her body can heal.
I, too, am sorry for your diagnosis. It sure sucks, no nice way to say it. What ever you decide to do about chemo, remember to live each day to the fullest. Cherish your time and build memories. Also, when she feels better buy a kit and do a plaster of Etta's pawprints so you will always have that to comfort you. Having said that I realize I sound discouraging. I don't mean it that way. I just mean there will be time enough for grieving later, hopefully way later, so try not to waste this time together.
I am trying to take my own advice in all aspects in life. All of us need to live our lives to the fullest and enjoy each day, not just when dealing with our tripawds. What is it they say? Dance like no one is watching. Hey, our doggies do that!
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Funny the fuss that's made over post-surgery pooping and peeing.
Etta sounds like she's recovering nicely; sounds like you're recovering nicely too. Enjoy these good days and all the ones yet to come!
By the way, what a pretty face Etta has; she has the same smile as our Catie and Riley.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
So glad Etta is starting to feel better. Yes it goes like that for a first couple of weeks, a mix of good and bad days. But it will soon be behind you and it will all come back to normal…in a bit different way though. I know it was hard in the begining, had so many sleepless nights too and couldnt afford to get free days at work so was completly exhausted but in a way didnt find it hard to do anything for him. Mum was in charge during day and I had night shift 🙂
Am really sorry to hear about diagnosis,but try not to think to much about that,take it day at the time,and am sure you will find a right treatment for her with oncologist. As I read somewhere before – cancer is a word not a death sentence. It is very unpredicatable though and you have to be ready for everything, but there are really lots of treatments now that can help prolong life significaly, in a good quality which is most important. But guess you will decide better what to do after a talk with oncologist.
Try spend most time with her as possible, cause thats all she really needs now, your love and company 🙂
Hold on there girl(s) 🙂
Lots of hugs and prayers for speedy recovery
Daniela, Angel Don's mum
Excellent! I'm glad EVERYONE is feeling better today!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
HOORAY....I love good progress reports (including pooping and peeing and eating and doing stairs...in fact everything)
You are now on recovery road...
Please give Etta a big hug for us! We're keeping all fingers and paws crossed that her recovery has many more good days! The return to regular peeing and pooping is huge!
Hugs,
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
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