Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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How did we get here so fast!? I am just heartbroken for Lili. As I posted in another thread, X-rays on Tuesday revealed mets in her spine and pelvis. We brought her home with the hope of getting through her 9th birthday, today. She has gone downhill so quickly. The Deramaxx and Tramadol aren't touching the pain she is feeling. She can barely walk. Going to the bathroom is an enormous struggle. It's always a balancing act for a tripawd, but today, after a Herculean effort to go potty, she lost her balance and fell in it. And then barely had the strength to get up and make it back inside.
The good news is that she is eating ok. She even enjoyed a Frosty Paws to celebrate her birthday. Laying down, of course, as she can barely stand. Her spirits are good, and she gives a good hearty tail wag every time we speak to her. Somehow, it would be easier to make this decision if this wasn't the case.
Tomorrow, I am picking up Gabapentin to see if adding that to the mix gives her any relief. If it doesn't, I don't know how much longer I can watch her suffer. I have literally been in tears every time she tries to walk across the room. She is currently snoring peacefully beside me so I am hoping for a restful night for her.
I think we will have, at best, another couple of days with her, unless the Gabapentin is a miracle drug.
Oh my goodness you two. what we wouldn't all give to somehow, someway help you through this.
It is good that she is eating and giving you those tail wags! Was it just yesterday..or the day before.. she had a good day, relatively speaking?. Do you think I. anyway the fall I g, etc. is related to the meds? And I only say that because her attitude seems okay..relatively speaking. And drugs to seem to effect her pretty hard.
You eat all the frosty paws your tummy can hold Lil!
We're send I g you love. Sorry--computer cutting g off
Lil is still here with you right now! She is still in the no went out worrying about anything. She just celebrated her Ninth birthday and good for yo Lil!! Yo are on your OWN timeframe...not that stupid disease that does 't even deserve a name!
Perhaps that gaba will have a different effect. Good ESS knows I'm not a vet it it seems li,e it takes a dose or two to develop the right benefits....just can't remember. I do know that so e dogs aren't as looph on it as tramdol.
My heart breaks for you. ZThisis so gutwrenchingly un-frign-fair!
But, again, try a d stay I. the moment with your girl. Listen to that snore.....I think it's a little loud tonight
because of all the frosty paws!
we are here for you....you k ow that.......we are wish I g for a better day with the gaba.
Sally an 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!
Don't shoot me! Just wanted to add o e more thought! I just keep this king in my head that this fall I g down is MABE more drug related than of.....UST because she's eating and wagging......and it just Alost seems impossible that the piece of crap disease could do all this so fast.
soooooooo.....just maybe.
Regardless...Hap Birthday again Lil. We are all mighty glad you were born ! The world is brighter because you are in it
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!
Hi there,
I am sending Lili some strong thoughts across the miles.
Her little face has always reminded me of our Dotty (snoring and farting next to me) and you were the first little tripawd survivor that we could relate to as she is so similar in breed and size. This made a big difference to us when we first joined this community, all the big dogs had different issues and it just seemed to be important to find a smaller pooch (Maggie's stories have been great as well) that we could connect with.
Thank you for sharing Lili with us all, my heart is breaking for you as you deal with this sucky situation.
Good luck for the next few days, hopefully the gaba will give her a bit of a lift.
Victoria and Dotty
Sally, I think that good day was on Wednesday - just 48 hours ago. Relatively good in that she had some relief from the pain, though was still a bit dopey from the sedation Tuesday. She did dart off the couch to yell at the florist bringing her lilies. 
We have upped the Tramadol dose as high as we can (100 mg, every 8 hours), but Sally, I think you may be right that it's the root of some of the problems we are seeing. She is just so weak. She can't walk 5 steps without falling down or sitting to rest. I'm trying hard to distinguish between pain and weakness, but it is hard because she is so unwilling to move. The generally good spirit, though, may point to weakness, possibly brought on by the Tramadol.
At the vet today when I pick up the Gabapentin, we will talk it through. I know she's already on the max Deramaxx dose so we can't increase that (I believe that's an NSAID, and Rimadyl saw her through the worst of her pain from the bone tumor in the first place). Maybe adding Gaba to the mix but decreasing the Tramadol will help.
She is unable to get to her water bowl and barely moved from where she was snoozing last night for 12 hours (other than a minor scoot when her big dumb brother decided he could fit between her and the couch arm -- he couldn't). I have brought her water several times and she is drinking well. She was game about going outside even though she could barely walk. She fell numerous times just trying to make it to the door. (She never has been a fan of tons of assistance - didn't need it after the amp - but we may try the canvas grocery bag again, just to make it a bit easier on her).
Then, sitting in the driveway, she unleashed a spirited chorus of barking at nothing, just greeting the neighborhood. Always a brewery guard dog, she is. She has a smile on her face and tail, even though her body tells a different story. When she came inside, she ate her whole bowl of breakfast with gusto, once she figured out the best way to scoot to a laying down position with the bowl between her legs.
Hoping that we can find a combo today that gives some pain relief without as much weakness. As long as she is eating well and wagging that tail, it will be impossible to make a decision about this.
Oh you guys I hope the new drug combo will help her feel better. It's tragic the way this disease can move so quickly, it's just not fair.
We have a lot of good resources pinned at the top of our Coping with Loss Forum about knowing when it's 'time', I hope they help you during this very tough time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The visual of her greeting the neighborhood made me smile! I can just see how proud she is of the melody she selected!
It's amazing that her attitude is still shining through. What a testament that is to Lil's spunk and the book d you have! Talk about a dog just being happy being loved......and fed!
Lil is sixty lbs., right? Happy Hannah...after surgery 115 lbs. ad I think the Most tramadol I gave er at once was two and a half. Eventually, I just gave her the gaba once every 24___ maybe 12_ Mrs. So hard to remember.
It just "seems". that this weakness could be escalate d by the drugs......and while the pain is there, it's not strong enough to keep Lil from being Lil!!
Did She f ally get some such shine down your way? We've been doing the "sun dance" up here for you!
Keep on bowling t your. neighbors Lil'........I think I heard it all the way in Virginia!! Didn't miss a note!!
Thanks for the time to update. You k ow this entire comm city is by your side.
Frosty paws for Lil'-------we're celebrating her birthday everyday. LW o -stop:-) 
Love, 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!
Dear sweet Lili is such a brave and strong soul. My heart goes out to you and we will be sending our best thoughts your way.
Enjoy every moment for both yourself and Lili, More Frosty Paws may need to be on the menu.
Thinking of you.
Luannr and Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
No improvement. In fact, it appears that her weakness in her remaining hind limb may be neurological. She has lost all ability to move her remaining hind limb, and when she does move, she simply drags the limb behind her. Today was the first time since she was a puppy that she had accidents -- unclear if it was because she couldn't move fast enough, or she simply cannot tell if/when she is going.
Given the location of the mets, it seems that they are pressing on her spine, causing the paralysis. As always, she is eating like a champ, alert and bright. On the one hand, that makes the decision harder since she seems "well" in that way, but on the other hand, I find some comfort in the fact that she will remain "her" until the very end.
The vet is coming by the house this afternoon. Curse this stupid disease - I can't believe how fast it is.
So glad you have the good fortune of the vet being able to come to your home. Hope all goes as best as possible. Our thoughts are with you.
we love you so much. My sobs aren't stopping anytime soon.
We love you and it's a privilege and honor to know your precious Lil'
SHE IS LIL' and nothing can rob her of that! You are together now and forever!
Holding you in our hearts gently and safely,
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!
I am so sorry about this development. I hate this disease. I want to say a lot more than that but it wouldn't be right to say those words. Freaking cancer.
Hugs
Michelle & 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."
Yes, later--not now, you will find comfort that Lil is being Lil until she crosses over
the "gift" is being given at the right time. A day too late causes more
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!
sorry..this tablet keyboard just disappears anytime it wants for as long as it wants
to late would cause more bad memories.
You have do e EVERUTHING possible and probably delayed the inevitable longer than that stupid vicious disease intended. Lil had other plans!
And I know I keep saying this and you already recognize this....LIL GOT TO BE LIL the e tire time!
I keep jabbering on thinking as though I could possibly say something to help.....and that's not possible right. ow.
Keep celebrating her life, surrou ding her with love and joy and "you being you"! She will li,e that. To exit surrounded by your love and joy for her being in your life is a gift she'll take with her forever. Your courage and commitment to her well being will carry you through........and the whole tripawd com city is embraci g you and helping to hold you up and carry you through.
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!
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