Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Poor Mistletoe! And poor you! I am sorry you are having to deal with this on top of everything else. The good news is that they have identified the problem. As Sally says, drips can turn things around remarkably quickly, so here's hoping gorgeous Mistletoe is feeling a lot better soon.
Sending a big hug from Norfolk to Scotland.
Meg and Clare (and Elsie Pie) xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Hi all, and can't say thank you enough for all the support, suggestions and advice that you have given Jim and I.
Not looking good...................
Still not eating and TYPICAL MADAM, not doing a pee for the vet. !!!!!! Her bladder is full and is being a stubborn girl, and still not eating. !!
We will be back at the vets tomorrow afternoon, when THE decision has to be made. We're looking for a miracle, she needs to eat, we know she's put up a good fight, but, 1 complication to many.
You've all sent prayers and best wishes, if you wouldn't mind sending positive energy for just one more night.
Fiona and Jim
Oh Fiona, of COURSE we will be sending every possible positive vibe to you and Jim and Mistletoe.
Miracles DO happen and we are hoping and praying for one in St Andrews.
Sending love and all good wishes,
Meg and Clare (and Elsie Pie) xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
We are sending good wishes your way and lost of encouraging hugs! Summer and Patchy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Okay, if I'm reading your posts right, really wouldn't even expect any big turn around this early. She's only had fluids since yesterday, right? She's still on fluids, right?
My Frankie got into a bottle of Rimadyl, a potentially toxic amount. He was in the Vet's for four days, and on fluids three. If I recall, it wasn't until day three that he ate chicken I brought him...and immediately puked because I gave him too much too fast! I kmow it's not the same thing, but I just know that it took a couple of days of fluid.
Have you tried bringing her some warm chicken or maybe a cheeseburger and feeling her yourself?
Another crazy thought. Could she come home for a couple of hours to see if she'll eat at home or pee at home? I know it's really important to have fluids given continuously though.
And as far as not peeing, I certainly hope the Vet will go on and "express" her bladder. A full bladder could make her feel like she doesn't have room for food. I'm certainly no vet, but just throwing stuff out there.
I guess it doesn't matter, but have they identified the cause of toxicity to the kidneys?
Prayers, positive energy, healing thoughts, all coming your way from your Tripawd family.
Lots of love and hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Thank you.
You were the one that put faith into amputation in a large dog. All was going, not smoothly, but well. !! This has had it's ups and downs, but all worth it. Mistletoe deserves a chance. BUT... who throws kidney problems in to the mix. ????? !!!
I'm a great believer in hope and prayers. xx
Thanks Sally,
lots of questions.... Kidneys are very small, and not smooth. (I'm not a vet, but know that kidneys are smooth). They're putting toxins down to kidneys not functioning as well as they should. (I suppose that's really not an explanation)
Rimadyl - has been on it for 2 weeks before amputation, I'm hearing you !!!!
We're a 20min drive from the vets. That could be the way to go. Bring her home for a day or two before THE decision has to be made. Vet has said she's not in any pain. Other than bladder issues/ and being very weak through not eating.
Hope is still insight. xx
I would ditto Sally's suggestions to see if you could bring her home for a bit. Sometimes just the comfort and familiarity of home helps so much. Chicken broth is great when they are not eating not sure if I mentioned eggs too. Will be sending you lots of prayers and when you see your sweet girls please kiss that precious face for me. Summer and Patchy
One other thought. Obviously it's important that the fluids be given consistently. I've actually given my dogs fluids at home with the drio, and SubQ also. The Vet can show you how to do it. It really is easy. Soooo, just another way to see if being home would help her appetite and attitude without compromising her treatment.
So sorry you are having to deal with this extra whammy...so rotten...so unfair.
Continuing to send healing thpughts and prayers and love
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
Prayers coming from me and Clyde too! Giving fluids at home is really easy as Sally said, especially if they leave a catheter in for you - you can just click in the line to the fluid bag. So maybe that's a thought. Some vets are more willing than others to consider it. Come on Mistletoe, let's get eating! I know there is an appetite stimulant that my vet used on a sick kitty before, wonder if they'd be willing to try that.
With a very heavy heart I have to let you all know that Mistletoe has crossed over the rainbow bridge. She put up a good fight, but her kidneys let her down.
Before we complete this page - we purchased a Saint Bernard to put a smile on our faces, Mistletoe did that more than once a day. !! Even this morning when the vet phoned to tell us there was no change, however she had escaped her kennel and the nurse had to run after her and the drip that was still attached to her leg. 
Go Mistletoe.
I know I've thanked all of you before, BUT, without you I don't know how we would have gotten through this roller coaster of a ride.
To anyone new going through amputation my naive advice is take it slowly. And take advice and support from this amazing family.
We will follow these pages and hopefully be able to chime in when relevant.
Fiona and Jim xxx
Sooooo very, very sorry. Like everyone here, we were hoping with all our hearts this could be turned around. My tears flow to hard right now to try and formulate any words...even though there are no words anyway.
You and MISTLETOE are our family forever!!!
Just so sad right now....too many heroes have gone to the Bridge...too many....and our adorable MISTLETOE...But I know the welcome home pawty is wild and crazy.
With all the love in the world and holding you in my heart and thoughts...
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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'm so sorry, Fiona. I've been thinking of you and Jim and Mistletoe today and checking for an update. Mistletoe was very clearly a huge and hugely loved character. Even on her last day on earth she managed to put a smile on your faces. That's quite a feat to pull off! I know you will be hurting terribly for the loss of your magnificent girl. Please know that I am thinking of you both and sending you love and strength.
Run free Mistletoe!
Meg and Clare and Elsie Pie, and Spirit Billie too xxxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
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