Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm hoping things are better for you and Ty! You have been through so much. Wanted to let you know that I think about him all the time. Sending lots of pawsitive thoughts your way! Hugs!
Jessica and Marahall
Logged in this morning hoping for some good news on Ty, or at least that he is holding his own. Been thinking about you guys and sending tons of positive thoughts.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
I was offline most of yesterday so I didn't see all of this till this a.m. WOW... I am so sorry... I am praying that Ty is holding on his own and that we will see some good news today. We are ALL thinking of you and sending you lots of love and healing energy!
Alison & 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
Well, I couldn't make the call. I was up and down all night and even slept some on his bed. Finally he pushed me away:( I think he just wanted to sleep. I got up and let the other 2 dogs out, figuring I would come back and get him geared up to go out. He was standing at the door, tail waving
no fever this AM. He is still on the injectable antibiotic until tomorrow. We have appt. at 11:30 tomorrow to get his drain removed. He ate a terrific breakfast. I have him on a pretty bland diet of rice, ground turkey and ground deer meat. We had a little party last night. We ate blueberries, goldfish and Stacy's pita chips. I figured the heck with the cancer diet, as I thought he should have some enjoyment. I put him back on the Clavamox. I will talk med future tomorrow. His Doc is out of town until tomorrow. He is still tender on his front leg, but is bearing weight. Still has the scoots. He hates pumpkin so I snuck some into him mixed with peanut butter. He is also on probiotics. Has anyone tried using one of the dog backpacks that are in pet stores. I know it is not a real harness, but I need something a bit more substantial to put him in an out of the car tomorrow. I know the day is coming that I will have to make a decision, I think I need to just go day by day. He is also on Prednisone. The vet had halved his dose while he was on the Amakacin. I gave him a full dose yesterday AM and a half again last nnight and this AM. Figuring if it was inflammation that may help. He has tummy issues withRimadyl and had a bad reaction to Deramaxx so for now Prednisone it is. As far as a mobile vet visit, we live an hour and 15 minutes from his specialty vet. We had a different vet do bloodwork on Sat. Due to distance. They took his blood from that front leg, so maybe they just pulled on it funny or something. I guess from the Prednisone, his veins are small. They had to get a urine sample also, and I saw something I never saw before. Great idea, but it looked so funny. They used a soup ladle to get it. So we are outside and vet tech is following him all over with the ladle . Maybe you had to be there. He is having a lot of slipping and sliding as it is muddy here. BUT we are ok for now. Not as good as when we came home last week, but Ok. I think someone's prayers were working last night. Lori & Ty
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.
The ladle! Awesome! I actually need to use that for Jackson as I need to collect a new sample, too. GREAT idea! Awkward, but effective.
He was up! Tail wagging! Eating! Pooping! (even if runny) He stood up!!!! With those huge advances, I think today is GRAND!
I know you want to be prepared for his end days. That's smart thinking for any pet parent. But for you, taking it day by day is important. Don't forget, though, the immense progress he's made! Such as: his wound is clean and healing! No more rotting flesh. He's on the best antibiotic for his MRSA (right.....?!?!?!?!?!)! He's now eating!!!! He picked up a shoe a few days ago!!!
Ok, so it sounds like he's on the injectable antibiotic for his MRSA infection: Amakacin. It also reads that he's back on the other correct antibiotic Clavamox. He's on prednisone and the dose depends on what you think is best. And, he's NOT on any pain meds.
Do I have that right?
His scoots and runny poo must and most definitely be caused by his wicked powerful, double dose of antibiotics. It's an unfortunate side effect, but in his case, a necessary one. You can try to mitigate it with green clay, pumpkin, other veggies, more probiotics, or diatomecous earth. Or, you can just let it be and make sure it never gets out of control. Keep his fluids up! Freezing chicken stock in his kong so he works on that? Puree lots of tasty things and freeze that with some extra water so he gets a puppy popsicle? Such as (any/all of these): blend up pumpkin, cooked chicken, PB, bananas and freeze (with added water or low/no sodium stock) into tasty treat!
Lori, I really feel Ty is OK today, from what you're saying. The prednisone will help with inflammation. Maybe since he's tough with pain meds, it's best to leave those out of the equation for now? I don't want to sound cruel and leave him in pain, but if the side effects are awful and knock back his progress, maybe just rest and prednisone is best. Have you discussed this approach with his vet?
GREAT day!!!
~ 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!
Oh what a HOPPY DAY! This is great news, the news we had all hoped for! Thanks for the update. The thought of chasing him around with a soup ladle put a great big smile on my face!
Enjoy this major victory!!!
Oh as for doggie backpack, do you mean one that you put him in?
If you need a way to get him in your car, a reusable canvas grocery bag with the sides cut open can serve as a temporary sling, use the handles to hoist him.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Lori
This update sounds so much better than last night's 
I agree with Katy....take each day one by one....I see huge progress for Ty and you because I am not right there "in the heat of the action".
Rene's idea about the temporary sling is great too...I used on with Tuck until he was healed and then got him his beautiful red harness.
Keep us up to date....we are all here for you
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
No, this is actuall a backpack you put on them. Sort of looks like the life jackets. Has a handle on top. I want a harness, but there is no way to get it shipped here before tomorrow. The shopping bag is a bit awkward, maybe I need it make 2 and use together. Someone asked about pain meds. He is still on Tramadol 50 mg. 2x day. I did not want to take it especially with the development of the sore front leg. Thanks for the treat ideas. I will be making some today
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 wouldn't try that with a doggie backpack, there's too many ways it could slip and rotate and cause a fall. I DO love your idea about sewing two bags together! Let us know if that works.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Whew! What a much happier update this morning. Looks like Ty told you that he definitely is Not ready for that trip to the bridge just yet. The grocery bag idea sounds like it could work pretty well. Do you have a ramp for loading hm in and out of the car? I guess, though, if he isn't willing to use it just yet, picking him up somehow will be the way to go.
Please keep us posted. We look forward to more positive reports.
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!
I don't have a ramp, but I just built him a stool to help. Was the best I could do with my limited carpentry skills. I realized it was easier to get him in and out on a curb, but do not have one at home. I just bought 2 1 ft x1 ft wood stools about 5 inches high. I screwed them together and covered the top with carpet. We will see......my emotions are all over the place today. Not sure what is wrong with me. I should be over the moon, instead I am worried about the next setback etc. he spent some time outside about 5 minutes and seemed to tire easy. His temp is 102. I think that is ok though. Eating and drinking like a trooper. Katy, he Loved his Popsicle. I snuck pumpkin into it and he did not even notice. Peanut butter hides a lot.. I nam still amazed at the change. I was sure that last night, he was seeing the bridge. He was just staring off somewhere.
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.
Lori, I'm very relieved to hear there has been improvement. Your emotions are going to be a bit jumpy. Just try your hardest to focus on the positive that is occurring right now and not any possibilities. Maybe you need a wine popsicle? 
Your stool sounds very innovative, give yourself a pat on the back. And keep hanging in there.
Karma, Adelaide and the crew, and our angel Brendol
Adelaide is a young tripawd Husky, from an injury. Her amp was on 10/1/12. She has 4 sisters, Aissa (a senior border collie/chow), Maggie May (a puppy Great Pyrenees), Mathilde and Morrigan and 1 baby brother, Bagheera. We are all watched over by our angel Brendol, who was dx with OSA 1/30/13, amp on 2/6/13, and left us on 8/20/13.
You can read their stories at http://adelaide.tripawds.com and http://brendol.tripawds.com
Hey now, this is sounding good! You've diverted some of your energy into popsicles and stools! Congrats! You should upload a pic of your pup and the stool.
I was also thinking, sweet potato skins always make Jackson's poop extra firm (note: he has no problems in that area). If you eat sweet potatoes, why not save the skin for Ty? You can feed it as is or blend it up into another frozen treat?
I ache for your nerves. I bet after all you've been through and are going through, when things seem steady that's when it's toughest. It's like waiting for the other shoe to drop, or so it's said. Just like Ty, you'll get better every day, but also like Ty, there will be ups and downs. As Karma said it!
HUGS!
CHEERS for Ty's great day!!!!
~ 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!
LORI AND TY!!
Lori...PLEASE, PLEASE read these replies over and over...Katy, Bud...EVER SINGLE ONE...all of them...are not only a wealth of nfromation (love Karma's Wine Popsicle-----I would add a dose of chocolate to it though) but they are a true reflection of TY's progress!! We're giving you "perspectives" from a place not racked with exhaustion, not racked with raw over-worked emotions.
We aren't afraid to "hope for you"...we aren't afraid to focus on how far he has come considering the ALMOST...but not quite...insurmountable challenges you and Tnjave gaced TOGETHER.....because we can SEE the light at the end of this tunnel!!
Please recognize you ave been throuh "h..e..double..l" and you cannot help but feel exhausted, warn out, fearful, living on the sharp edge of a razor blade, defeated every single time there is a set-back (and goodness knows, there jave been many)
LORI, dear, sweet brave Lori...NOW is NOG the tme to give-up......and I KNOW you jave no intention of doing thst, but smetimes it jist feels "easier" to think tha way so you can give your emotions a little reprieve! But those feelings of defeat are comng from being emotionaly spent.....NOT from the facts of whst's really going on.
What's really going on is YOU JAVE THE ANSWERS YOU HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR...BEGGING FOR...AND TY FINALLY HAS.....FOR THE FIRST TIME DURING THIS WHOLE ORDEAL......A CHANCE AT FULL RECOVERY!!!
You have shown patience that is beyond most of our comprehension! We are all bowng down to you in awe!!
There is something I'm going to ask you to try...for you...no...it's not eating chocolate........It's been...what...less than a week since the cause of all Ty's issues were discovered......less than a week since he's been on the proper meds...and having to dendure staying at the vet and having surgere during all this......that's enought to make any human being crumble to their knees and "throw in the towel. And, on top of thks...you've had the craziest roller cosster ride for..what..at least a month..prior to this?? AND YOU'RE STILL HERE AND SO IS TY...AND SO ARE WE!!
Okay...here's my point.....if, somehow..you can push everything tht jas happened up ntil his homecoming back...far, far back nto the past...and re-start this journey from the point of figuring out what was wrong with Ty...start fresh...start with renewed hope.....star with no worries because you already know this recovery...startng now...has ups and downs (re: BUD's blog)....you aren't exhausted b this anymore...you aren't hopeless anymore...you have a SOLUTION!!!!
I have no dry eyes as i write this. I, like evdryone here, can only stand in the sidelines and cheer you on. WE aren't giving up, TY isn't giving up, so please, don'g you give up!! Use us as your stength when yours is waining, use us as your hope
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!
Thank you all so much! Your kind words and support mean so much.we took him out side on the porch awhile to get some fresh air . The only thing is , he seemed a bit stiff in his one back leg when he got up. Seemed to walk it off though. He stood to eat his supper tonight. I put it on his new stool, which was still sitting in my room. He visited in the kitchen a bit. What I wouldn't give to be stepping over him daily when preparing dinner. A friend told me today that I have given him an amazing life. I certainly hope Ty thinks so. I did have to look at my crew last night. It was pouring rain and windy, they were all sprawled out on their beds dry and warm. With full bellies. So thankful that I can keep them inside with me.
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.
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