TRIPAWDS: Home to 22969 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Need Advice Quick!
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
In your heart, where I belong.
Member Since:
9 February 2011
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
16
10 September 2013 - 12:56 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I replied to your message, Kassi. Nothing makes you feel more useless than this type of disease, but I'll do what I can. 

Shari

From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.

Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/

Member Since:
14 June 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
17
10 September 2013 - 1:06 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh, I'm so sorry.  Of course you have regrets....when we care and love so deeply and something isn't right we always wonder if there is something different we could have done, even if we did everything we could.  You did everything right for Nesta because of your love for him.  There were never any guarantees...there never are in life.  Please don't feel bad or guilty about anything.  Nesta knows how much you love him.

 

Carol

 

Southwestern Ontario, Canada
Member Since:
22 November 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
18
10 September 2013 - 1:08 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Kassi....

firstly.. I am sorry that you are going through this... it f*cking sucks... BIG TIME!  I wish I had a magic wand that I could wave and make everything better.  But I don't. crying

secondly.. we all understand, please remember that we know how you feel, you are not alone.  Many of us here, I included, had regrets that we should have done this, or should have done that.. but you know what?  Don't focus on the regrets... it drains us.  We do the best that we can for our furbabies.. otherwise we would never be on this site now would we?

I didn't do chemo either, and i was starting to regret that until I shook my head and said.. "he had a great time while he was here.... and I don't regret that one minute!"

Thirdly... go love him up.. snuggle more.. cuddle more.. include more ice cream... include chocolate dipped pickles if that is what he likes.  YOU know Nesta.. you know how he feels.  Keep him comfortable, keep him pain free, and when you see his eyes tell you that he is not having any fun anymore, than he wants to run free and go play... let him loose to charge head on...

It will break your heart... and it will break ours too..     you are in our thoughts.... 

 

Christine..... with Franklin in her heart♥

 

Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012.  Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013.  Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack...   You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!

Twin Cities, Minnesota
Member Since:
6 March 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
19
10 September 2013 - 3:13 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Kassi...I am sorry to hear this news about Nesta. Some animals tell us whether they are ready or not, some are much more stoic. It's a tough question to answer--especially when there isn't one answer.

Do know, though, that you don't need to second guess yourself. Every millisecond of every day we are faced with myriad choices--from do I become a doctor or a lawyer or what shoes should I wear to the party, all the way down to should I blink my eyes right now? Or now? Or how about now?

Most of these we never have to think about (see: blinking. Or maybe being a lawyer or doctor, who knows...not in my world, but maybe for some). But often we do. And then you make a choice, and you move forward. And once you start on that path, there will always be an infinite number of possibilities that you DIDN'T choose.

And so, down the road, when something like this happens, it's a temptation to say "But what if I would have done this or that or the other thing?" or "Oh, I picked the wrong action!" But here's the kicker, should you have done that or the other thing, instead of this? There would STILL be a world's worth of possibilities left undone, and there's no guaranteeing that or the other thing would have turned out better than this...or even turned out as well.

You do for him what you do out of love--he knows that. You know that. He's not second guessing you. Don't YOU second-guess you. <3

"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul

Atlanta, GA
Member Since:
12 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
20
10 September 2013 - 3:41 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Kassi,

I hate that this type of disease seems to just hit us so quickly when we are nearing the end.  We fight and plan and keep on chugging through all the decisions and curve balls and we celebrate all our little victories, and then all of a sudden we get sucker punched in the gut.  I recently watched my beloved girl Brendol go through a decline that sounds similar to your Nesta.  She just wasn't herself, and then she wasn't eating without me hand feeding her, and then she wasn't eating unless it was stinky canned food, and so on.  I had taken her to the vet two times in one week and was feeling like I was losing my mind because we weren't finding anything wrong.  But the third time, they decided to do xrays, and once they saw the lung mets, they opened up their minds to the fact that she was also in pain from some metastasis elsewhere.  I did not put my B through any further tests, because for us too, it would not matter what the results showed because there was no further course of treatment other than pain management .  I did not get much time after that day to love on my girl.  It went entirely too fast.  I hope for you that Nesta can have some very nice, quiet, content days with the love of his momma.  As for when that time is over, well, nobody can truly say.  It has always seemed like a lightbulb just goes off of when it has all been enough and it's just time.  For me, Brendol got to where she could not make her back legs work.  She was still eating good and she still wagged her tail.  But not being able to stand on her own was just our last straw.

 

I will be thinking of you and Nesta.  This community is here for you with advice, support, and sometimes just a virtual hug.

Karma, the pack and our special 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.

PitaPata - Personal picturePitaPata Dog tickers

 You can read their stories at http://adelaide.tripawds.com and http://brendol.tripawds.com
New Haven, CT
Member Since:
27 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
21
10 September 2013 - 7:03 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I'm speechless.  This sucks.  This shouldn't be.  Any of it.  At all.  But, well, here it is.  She doesn't sound well and it certainly sounds like her Angel wings aren't too far away.  As so many before me have said, there's nothing you could have done that would have felt as right as what you've already done.  Who knows - if you had done something different, maybe things would have been far worse.  Maybe with a different course of action, Nesta would already be gone or have a worse ending.  At least this way you caught it and have a good sense of the time she's got left.  She'll tell you.  You'll know.  Until then, and even after she tells you, times are hard.  Lump in my throat starting...  I'm so sorry for Nesta.  She was robbed of a longer life.  But, no one can say she was robbed of life.  You gave that to her and a darn good one at that!  Her happiness-per-minute was off the chart.  Now it's time to really make sure that value remains intact.

Sending a bagillion HUGS your way and gentle head kisses to Nesta.

~ 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!

New Jersey
Member Since:
25 May 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
22
10 September 2013 - 10:12 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

. ...I am so sorry to hear your news of Nesta. You are in our thoughts.

 

Esther and Snoop

Montana
Member Since:
1 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
23
10 September 2013 - 10:14 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Kassi-

So sorry. I wish There was a way to help this pain you feel, but know we are here for you at anytime. Keep Nesta close and knoe that the love between you will always be there.

Hugs to both of you.

Luanne

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.

http://shooter......ipawds.com

North Carolina
Member Since:
5 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
24
16 September 2013 - 1:59 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh God. I did it.  I just did it, something led me to just call him back.  I called the vet and made the appointment and he's going to be here at 7:30 tonight.  This is the worst feeling in the world.  That I have to say goodbye to my Nesta tonight.  What the f%*! is happening?

Please pray for me and sweet Nesta tonight.  I do not know how I am going to get through this.  Tears are streaming.

I described everything to him and told him how I don't feel like his pain is that bad, but he is still not eating and just existing.  And he said " At this point, you just have to realize that you are not prolonging his life, you are prolonging his death." And I guess that is true, huh?  

I think the only way to heal from this is to begin the process and to begin, I guess Nesta must go to Rainbow Bridge now.  

What if he rallies again before 7:30???  Do I chicken out again?  This is not an emergency, and I almost feel like I need one. 

Thank you for letting me unload.  This is ridiculous.

Member Since:
14 June 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
25
16 September 2013 - 2:11 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh, Kassi,

I'm so sorry. I know this is such a difficult decision. Please try not to feel guilty. You're vet said it very wisely, take comfort from those words. And know that Nesta loves you and knows that everything you do is to help him.

You will get through this. You will be sad, but that's okay. And we will all be sad with you and be here for you. You will have many thoughts and prayers with you tonight and in the days ahead.

With love,
Carol

Raleigh, NC
Member Since:
10 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
26
16 September 2013 - 5:32 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I'm thinking of you and Nesta now, much love and prayers.

Kat and A'Tuin

A'Tuin's story can be found on my personal blog along with a dash of my life and poetry. 

I said goodbye to my puppy love on 5/15/14 after more than tears years of the greatest love I've ever known.

New Haven, CT
Member Since:
27 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
27
16 September 2013 - 5:37 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Us here, too.  I gave Jackson an extra kiss and toy toss in Nesta's honor.  Nesta will no longer be in pain...but always in your heart.  You're doing the right thing.

~ 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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
28
16 September 2013 - 5:51 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I'm so sorry Kassi. Please know that your feelings and indecisiveness is something we ALL go through at this point in the journey. It's human nature, don't beat yourself up. But I know that what led you to make that call was your heart. Listening to it isn't something humans are very good at but when they do, the world around them eventually makes sense. It will someday for you too, but until then, this is just going to really, really suck.

My heart goes out to you. Nesta will always be loved and adored here. Please remember he won't ever be forgotten in your pack or ours.

{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

New York, NY
Member Since:
3 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
29
16 September 2013 - 6:08 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I am sending you tons of love and hugs and strength.  I can't imagine how tough this is.  I am so sorry you have to go through this :(

 

All my love,

Erica

Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo

New Jersey
Member Since:
25 May 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
30
16 September 2013 - 6:09 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Massive,
Our heart goes to you at this difficult time. As hard as it was it was your love for Nesta that brought you to make that call. Your boy will not be forgotten.

Esther and her Snoop

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online: benny55
Guest(s) 180
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17731
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256797
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG