Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Thank you!!!!!
We are super happy with where she is now compared to last night. I'm so proud of her!
I cried when she ate that first bit of food.
I think she's going to be frustrated until she can move. Any tips on keeping her chill and calm while on bedrest?? I asked about mild calming tablets maybe for night time but vet said no for now, see how she goes. They want to taper off gabapentin to a lower dose as they think that's what's causing the confusion in her. Is this a good idea or not???
Skin is pink and healthy around the wound. No necrosis to my knowledge.
Meatballs, cherry yoghurt, trying to stand and barking to move - that's more like my Hol.
Will keep you updated!!!
This place is amazing, thanks all for your continued support.
If she stays in ER tonight I'm going to try catch up on sleep. Haven't slept or eaten in 4 days properly and need to be strong for her
A proud Holsmum xo
Dr. Pam THANK YOU so much for taking time for your thoughtful feedback. I had never considered that Pred could help in a situation where spinal or brain mets were a possibility. We learn so much from you!
Holly you are a ROCK STAR! 
Little by little you are getting stronger and showing the world that you can tackle this obstacle. Keep eating, keep that fighting spirit and soon you will be healed.
As for keeping Holly entertained, little brain games can help. Do you have any food puzzles? Even hiding bits of food under a blanket where she lays can encourage her to sniff and hunt, and liven up her mood.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Update
So we've had a roller-coaster of a time. Tweaking meds and back and forward between our usual vet and ER vets.
The confusion has got a bit better. She's eating her fave stuff, like chicken, beef and meatballs. She can drink from her bowl if you hold her up.
She's on amoxycilin and metronidazole, IV in the day and tablet by night. She's been on methodone but vet is trying vetegisic today instead because once methodone wears off she cries and screams and I drive to the ER vet which is 170 per go. She's starting metacam today to see if it helps her joints get moving and able to support her weight.
Right now she's still got an oozing wound and lab test hasn't come back yet. She's frustrated and can't get up, she just lays like a little rag doll unless I move her. She's trying desperately to sit up but just can't hold herself up. It's heartbreaking, and alongside the cries and screams it's so hard. She's such an independent dog and misses just walking about by herself, or even just sitting up. I feel like she's trapped in her own body. Like her body is failing her. I've had no sleep and lost 7lbs since the op, ran out of insurance and owe 500 from my student loan, we are struggling in many ways.
I don't want to give up on Hol, I just want what's best for her. It's so hard.
Vet Clare is taking her home on the new meds to observe. She's also had gentle physio to see if we can get her tiny legs working.
Pray for us
We need it
I hope she knows how much I love her and appreciate her
I miss her so much
Without her a piece of me is gone
A worried Hols Mum xo
PS I don't want her to suffer if her future quality is bad but I don't want her to think I've given up on her, discarded her cause this is too hard. I'm 100% witj her all the way no matter what
Holly is my baby and I love her so much xo
Had to have a little chuckle at Miss Holly eating her fav foods! She's gon a hold our for nothing but good stuff from here on out😉
I would cert hope at this point that the ER would five you a price break, or at least work with you on payments. I know ER's cost a lot to run, but still, you deserve a little help from them kn that end. Ask! It doesn hurt to ask. And ask the Vet, or the owner if they are available. Don't just ask the staff st the front desk. HOLLY would not want you to be ao financially strapped. She wouldn't, really.
When she is on the pain meds is it a completely knock out situation, or is she somewhat alert but with her pain managed? As you brought up one time, opioids can cause some whacky side effects...
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, make SURE they've eliminated the nerve issues brought up before. Did you have a chance to look at Ollie's video??? Is she acting similar? Show it to your Vet.
Has the Vet ruled out spine issues ? Slipped disc, etc? I'm reading that she's TRYING HARD to get up (which is a good sign), but seems like that could indicate a back issue. So ask her how, or o0f, she has ruled out back issues.
It's good that they're starting gentle range of motion with her. I'm glad the Vet is taking her home. Has the Vet not seen the screaming, etc before when the meds wear off??
I think it was Stacy who mentioned gping thrpugh this thread and writing down all the questions we've been bombarding you with and take the kist to the Vet. That way you have clear and concise questions and you can right the answers down as she addresses them. Mention Dr Pam's suggestion s.
Be clear in one thing, okay? YOU ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE....EVERYTHING POSSIBLE...FOR HOLLY!!! What you are doi g for Holly is "above amd beyond". And Holly KNOWS how much you love her!❤
Try and get some rest ronight...AND eat a decent well balanced meal! Or at least load up on junk food!!
Hoping the meds make a difference. The Carprofen may take a time or two to kick in, but it's good for arthritis.
Sending prayers, hugs and healing energy for sweet Holly❤
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. May have ment6 this. Check into Care Credit credit card. It's easier to qualify for than most. NO KNTEREST FOR SIX MONTHS. Usually RR clinics have the paperwork right there for you to fill out. They plug it into the computer amd you are approved right on the spot.
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!
Holly knows......we all know.....the Vets know.....you are doing everything possible for her!!!. The love and dec6 you have to that little girl comes shiniing thrpugh with every post❤❤ And yes, there ,may be a time when she does need to be released if her earth clothes fail her. The key right now is to find the CAUSE of the pain, as well as to treat the pain. And you are trying with all your heart and Soul to do that. Sometimes there are unseen, or unknown, causes that medical science cannot find.
One .little thing just popped into my head. Pinch her toes and see if she pulls away. Gently bend her foot and see of she puts it back in normal position.
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!
Thanks so much
All your support means so much to us
I'm calling my vet in the next two hours, can you guys help summarise essential questions to ask. My heads a mess
Rewatching Ollies Video in a sec, I did think they seemed similar but Holly has changed slightly since the other day...
Sorry for short replies, I'm exhausted.
But I appreciate all everyone's saying, Thank you
Holsmum xo
PS is there anyway someone can link me directly to Ollies video. For some reason I can't make the pages load on his forum posts rn
Hi Sophie. Here is the link to the video for Ollie's phantom pain . Sending hugs from Griffin and me! ~ Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Thank you Stacy!
Poor Ollie, was glad to see later images of him at his pawrents wedding, beautiful happy ending and recovery.
It is similar to Holly, BUT she can't seem to get up. So hard to tell. Will show vet though
Worried it's a pinched nerve in her back after much research
Stacy, thanks so much for doing that. It still makes me nauseous to see that.
So Sophie, this was the case where the sirgeon had to go back in amd block off the nerve that was left exposed. Mu Unprofessional terminology used jere.
I'll try and recap some of the observations we've ,ade and questions s we've brought up. Again, not a Vet and not giving Vet advice. The only Vet was Dr Pam's post.
1. All work up good. Mobile before surgery. Was on loxicam but stopped that prior to surgery to put on Prednisone for mast cell.
2. How long was she on Pred prior to surgery? Could that have "masked" any hidden issues with mast cell, or brain or spine lesion that only showed up once she was off the Pred after surgery?
3. Other than mobility, she had no screaming issues the first 24- 48 hours, right? Ao the "first" episode could have been anything... phantom pain ...so many things. That's when she started all the opiod the methadone, etc??
4. And that's when you questioned some of the side effects of the opiods confusion, dysphoria, etc.,
5. The Vet was going to "check j to phantom pain ". Did you ever get an answer on that.
6. Ask when the culture will be back. Until you get the feedback on the culture, you won't know of amoxicillin is effective. Which, based on the oozing still going on, it sounds like another ant may be in order.
8. Does she still have a fever?
7. Continue to ask about the "nerve issue".
It just seems to me that SOMETHING happened as a result of the surgery.
It could be that the pain jas uet to be properly managed consistently and without side effects. A 6 lb senior dog woild jave a very sensitive system.
Highly doubt it, but It could be that, somehow there was some brain "damage" during surgery
Or somehow that crap disease had already progressed and didn't rear it's ugly head until after surgery. Doubt it, but possible.
I do think all the switching up of the meds, all the various kinds, could certainly mess with her little brain too! I would guess side effects would be apart of what you're seeing...not all...but maybe some.
So just tried to highlight some things to check on. Hopefully someone will come behind and do a better job
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!
And could CERTAINLY be a pinched nerve. That reminds me of a little dog I had who had that issue. He just all of the sudden coid barely walk and all and yelped with the slightest movement.
Heat and the carprofen could help with that. As well as not being verynmobeile...which she certainly isn't!!
Hang on! I see Jackie (oaws) is on here now. I asked her to check on Holly and BAM...here she is lickety-split!!! She's been a Bet Tech among other things she maybe avle tooffer I sought 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!
This community is so amazing! Thank you everyone for helping Holly's mum when we were offline yesterday.
Let us know what happens when you try to pinch Holly's toes. That is a GREAT idea Sally!
We are hoping her body strengthens. Her mind is still full of spirit and heart, and that is such a good sign for her. Stay strong and do your best to get some rest OK?
xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi all
Thanks for the amazing continued support! It's so dearly appreciated by me and Hol.
UPDATE
Asked our vet all the questions.
Here are some of her answers
Was on pred for 5 months prior to surgery, so could have masked worse arthritis and or spinal issues but hard to say
Screaming started after anaesthesia was out of her system most likely as she was less sedated
She's off opioids now but still screamy/whiny
She asked if Holly tried to lick at and use her limb that's gone but no sign of that. She said according to her obs it doesn't seem phantom pain is a big factor and she's on gaba for that anyway
Culture should be back tomorrow hopefully. The wound is drying up apart from one area that's a bit broken down and still oozing. She's on amoxy and metronidazole. Also wound is flushed and medical grade manuka honey loaded dressing is applied by vet
No fever for 48 hrs now
No sign of pain on wound apart from the broken down area...
Is still oozing though
Nerve issues have been discussed but vet is convinced pain is fairly well managed now and it's another issue
My vet had her all yesterday and last night. She thinks pain is well controlled, and better balanced between managing pain but not causing effects of heavy sedation. She's off all methodone now, and just on vetegesic injections, metacam, paracetamol and gabapentin. She's on amoxy and metronidazole. Vet said she seems peaceful in the day but cries/whines at night, like her sleeping pattern is switched. She said she doesn't think the whines are due to pain, as she shows no discomfort when wound is palpated. She said she thinks it's frustration at not being able to get up or sit up. As well as general boredom.
She's home now and I have to INJECT vetegesic later (super nervous even after being shown). She's had 2 whining episodes both seemed to be down to not being able to get up. She's very frustrated and just can't seem to angle herself correctly as well as a lack of strength. We had an appointment with a physio vet and she showed us exercises to do, and made us a makeshift sling also. She said use heat packs on joints and massage, as well as exercises. She also said Hol needs to eat at least double her usual calorific intake.
Sorry that's SUPER long!
She's whined herself out and is asleep on my knee now. Bless her. I wish I could get her to bear weight on her leg 
Holsmum xo
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