Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Ugggggg! Stupid fever! 104.1 just took it on a whim as it had been down. Skipped Rimadyl yesterday, vet said to try every other day for stomach. Guess that is what is keeping it down. I am going to call today and see about stopping the Doxy. Obviously, that is not the ticket. Or maybe he has taken so much, he is immune. It has his poop so runny. I am so ready to just do Rimadyl 1x day Pepcid to protect his stomach and go holistic for the rest and it is what it is. No I am not cruel, I am trying to give him some form of quality time. This is not getting it. I have just been put in touch with a family who's dog did not do chemo well. Doing holistic and they are like 18 months out. Just venting. Just trying to make sense of it all. Our Corgi has appointed herself as his nurse. She bugged him until he went outside this morning and bugged me, would not eat, kept running back and forth between Ty and fridge. I feed him last baca use I have had to hand feed him. For her to wait to eat....well let's just say she likes him pretty well. LOL
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'm so sorry to hear this! And NO ONE thinks that you are being cruel! You are doing the very best that you can for Ty and he loves you. This journey just sucks sometimes and it sucks even more that our little babes can't just tell us what is going on. You are doing a great job being his advocate with the vet! Keep it up!! The holistic route may be the best bet! That is what we are planning to do instead of chemo. Mind if I ask what family you are in touch with? (I kind of want to pick their brain). But please don't think anyone here will think that you are nothing but the BEST mom that Ty could have! Keep us posted and I'm praying for good news soon!
Cody and Family.
Cody is our 7 year old Australian Heeler mix boy. Diagnosed on 2/20/14 and became a tripawd 2/21/14! We chose a homeopathic approach and he is being treated by Dr. Loops our of NC.
Stupid fever is right!
You have been the best advocate and mom for Ty! Everyone know that, especially Ty! The fact that you are focused on his quality of life shows how wonderful you are. It's hard because you don't have any answers...don't really know why he's been sick, and I know that makes it so much harder for you to make decisions.
Any blood test results back?
Hugs,
Carol
Okay.....ow I'M pracricing B R E A T H I N G! This is CRAAAAAAAZY!! And the fact that you have one ounce od sanityl left astounds me!! And can still throughin a little humor...OMD!!
We all love you and Ty so mich...HOWEVR...H O W E V E R.....if you EVER...E V E R...think for one second you are cruel.... we are ALL going to comeover there and wash your mouthout with soap...after we make you eat so mich chocolate you puke!!!
I love the story you shared with us about his Corgi buddy!! What a sweeteart! And you KNOW they are constantly "communicating" with eachnother and I'm sure she's helping him! Really!
Okay, the no vet disclaimer again, but unless there's some really strong and factual reason to continue the antibiotic, etc.....I would do exactlywhat you said and try JUST the Rimadyl amd pepcid...screw everything else!!
Do let us jnow aboutyour conversarion with the woman whohas gone strictly holistic and DO get in touch with her hoistic doctor.
Trynand get a phone consult with Dr. Dressler and Dr Ettinger.......the Dog Cancer Survival Guid vets. I would also STRONGLY recomment a phone consult with Dr. Marty Goldstein out of New York.....very, very proficientin holistic stuff......you can google or search on here...you'll find them/him n ere.
It may take a few days for Tyto get everythingout of his system and just have nothingin him but Rimadyl but it's worth a shot at this point!!
I knowyou're unbelievably overwhelmed and frustrated beyond words. But you ARE STRONG!! Get in that strong solution oriented state of yours and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE give these guys a call. Explain the urgency to whomever answers thephone and do NOT stop until you can speak with them...or a protégé who will be inDIRECT cntact. You can go ahead and be proactive now and put ALL hpTy's vets on stand-by to fax the files to them.
We'll keep checking back. For now, wonder f some cold rags would helpif you put them on Ty's tummy and chest...not ice...just cold towels.
Sendingyou love! And some for "Nurse Corgi" too!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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 I'll add to that chorus; you are most definitely not cruel by stopping the unnecessary meds and focusing on quality of life. Yes, put on your Mamma Bear attitude and let your vet know what you want for Ty. You can do it!!
I'm sorry the fever's up, hopefully this is just a fluke. Is the blood panel back yet? Or did I miss that news?
Lotsa hugs coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You are such a great advocate for your Ty. I wish I had the answers but I know we will get to the bottom of this and I do know how exhausting it can be to fight SOOO hard all the time. I am doing that with Shelby right now because honestly, if it's not one thing, it's another. AS far as the runny poo - we had a bit of that too and we got a probiotic that really helped. Also a bland diet of like rice/chicken might help.
Hang in there and keep us posted!!! We are all pulling for you!
Hugs
Alison and Shelby
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Shoot! Sorry to hear the fever is back. I agree with your approach, wholeheartedly. Sometimes less is more.
We all know how difficult it is to assess the problems when they just can't tell us what they're feeling. You absolutely are NOT being cruel. You're just the opposite!
Go with your instincts and let the vet know this is what you want. Holistic sounds like a good approach.
Amy & Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
No you are not cruel at all. We opted to do holistic remedies and so far his quality of life is everything that I hoped for. Dr. Charles Loops is treating him. He does a phone consult. Hope your Ty feels better soon! He is one handsome guy!
Hugs!
Jessica and Marshall
Thank you everyone. I am really not sure how I would have made this journey without all of you. The support here is phenomenal. No, still waiting on blood panels. If they come back ok, that leaves an autoimmune disorder. 3 things she said, cancer spread, not that infection, not that at least not one Doxy takes care of ( well4 if you add my suspicion of tick borne stuff) if that is ok....well. Not sure how you treat autoimmune stuff. He actually had a better day today. Got out of bed on his own twice today. I did not retake his temp this PM. I don't want him to think that every time I come near, I am striking something in his bottom or his mouth. He was alert and up enough that I know it is not crazy high like last Sunday. As far as his eating, he is so picky. No pumpkin, no yogurt, no eggs, defiately no dog food. I have benn supplementing with goat milk(canned) or puppy milk replacer. I have snuck in a couple of hot dogs too. He gets excited and wags his tail for them. Heck, the poor boy needs a few things that he enjoys at this point
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 like your idea of just watching his behavior rather than cnstantly taking his temperature. It's therapeutic for both off you!
Yeah, not sure how one treats an auto-immune situation. Goodness knows you're on the right site for informatiin! I'm sure someonehere has probably had some experience with it somewhere down the line!
Now get ready because it's time for a YAAAAAA! YAAAAY for eatingnhot dogs and YAAAAAAY for getting up onyour own!! Theynhave turkey hot dogs to, so maybe that'll switchhis taste buds up a touch!
ZKeep feelng better Tyz!! PLEASE!!!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Drat! This isn't what I wanted to find. I woke up wondering how Ty is doing. Spiking a fever isn't a good thing and to have it happen so often! What are they missing? Is the rimayl working? You may want to ask about a different med besides rimadyl, as that can have GI problems for some (Jackson has been on it 16+ months and he's great). That may be causing the runny poo. True, though, if after all this time (weeks, right?) the antibiotics aren't doing anything, it's a waste. I have to imagine you came to that conclusion b/c the only thing you've changed recently is taking him off rimadyl and following that, his fever returned?
I hope you get some answers soon! Get some other consults. Get that blood panel. Poor Ty. Poor you! Vent away, sister. Vent away....
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
That's smart to give him a break from the prodding, and replace it with hot dogs instead. Don't forget the kisses and smooches.
I hope you get the blood panels back today. If it is an autoimmune condition, rest assured that most are easily treated. Whatever it is, it's probably right under everyone's nose. I know it's soo frustrating.
More food ideas: have you tried venison, bison or stinky meats like liverwurst?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I have tried almost anything. Not liver wurst though. He did have some cube steak this morning. I actually left about a tablespoon of kible on his bed and walked awY and he ate that. His favorite is by far the milk. I have been alternating puppy replacement with canned goat milk. The goat milk is hard to find. May have to order online. I was waiting to see if he would get tired of it as he has done with most food.found these blueberry treats he likes. I have the best luck with lining all3 dogs up and giving them bits together. Guess everyone likes dinner companions
I broke down and took temp as I could not coax him outside for his nightly potty run. We will probably be out at 3 AM but that is ok. Fever was 103.5 so I gave 2nd Rimadyl. That was his original dose. I may try 1/2 tablet 2 x day if he has trouble I think the runny poop is more from the antibiotics than the Rimadyl. The only trouble we have had with that was last summer he would sometimes throw up some water.rimadyl seems to just generally make him feel better. Takes down the fever. They did not test for any autoimmune problems, can you even do that? Still no answer on blood work. I will call tomorrow. I have been a bit preoccupied as my sister in law is in CCU and we have been helping out with our 2 nieces. I have been pushing the probiotics and he has been drinking which is a plus.
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 found goats milk at Walmart in the dairy isle when Sassy wasn't eating we used that to help with her appetite. Try looking there or a natural food store will have goats milk too. I am sorry to hear Ty isn't feeling very well
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
I haven't had to deal with eating problems, fortunately, but when Rene mentioned stinky food....how about baby food liver? That would certainly have a distinct smell. When Gus had to take antibiotics all the time, we used chicken baby food to disguise the pills. That worked as far as getting him to take the pills until we realized that he had developed a chicken allergy.
Keep up the good work. So sorry to hear about the other life complications that you are dealing with along with Ty.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
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