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.
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!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Thank you all so much for your words, I have been re-reading them through the day, and it really gives me comfort.
Porthos had a bad night last night, lots of panting but has had a good day today.
As soon as I had sent the email to my vet about booking an appointment, he stopped panting! and didnt start again until this afternoon.
He is definitely weaker in his back end but that has been since taking the gabapantine. He can still get around by himself, and still has a good appetite.
I feel a little calmer since making the decision to take him to the vets. We will know for sure what is happening inside him, and will take guidance from our vet and our specialist at the CSU.
I suppose im hoping he just has a cold and that the lump on his spine is a lipoma, but deep down I think I know whats really happening.
I just need it confirmed so I dont second guess myself once he is gone.
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
You're doing everything possible that can bring you peace of mind. This part of the journey has so many ups and downs, much like how it began with the amputation recovery. There were many moments when we thought my time had come, but then I'd bounce back like a rubber ball! All of us have our paws crossed that Porthos can do the same, let us know how he's doing OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
its bad,
he has mets on his spine, we didnt bother to xray his lungs.
our vet is coming to our house tomorrow morning at 9am to help us let him go.
his hips and knees were ok through all this, he has a mighty heart.
devasted
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
I was following your posts over the weekend and just read your most recent post -- my heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry that this is the diagnosis you received but I feel you made the right decision to know exactly what you are dealing with. It's never an easy decision but you have done everything you could possibly do. You are in my thoughts. Take care.
Harley is an 8 year old Golden Retriever. Amp surgery for an infiltrative lipoma canceled due to two masses in chest. A rescue, he found his forever home on 3/18/07 and left for his eternal home on 1/09/13. His story and medical history are at http://myharley.....pawds.com/
Oh Amanda, I'm so so sorry to see this. We were all hoping that the news would be better. There isn't a lot that any of us can say at this point to make it ok. Just have a wonderful night with your beautiful boy, enjoy every second, and keep reminding yourself that you are doing what is best for him, even if it breaks your heart.
We will be thinking of you tonight and tomorrow.
Hugs,
Alex, Clyde, and Angel Holly
Oh nooooo. I hate this disease. Amanda please know you are in our thoughts, we are deeply sorry to hear this awful news.
Please know you are doing the kindest act of love for your amazing boy. It's terribly difficult, and will hurt like hell, but you are doing right by him by not allowing him to suffer.
Our hearts go out to you, please know we are sending you all the love in the world, now and always. We are here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so very sorry to hear this, it is kind that you took him and now understand the pain he must be in.
What a very loving thing you will do tomorrow even if it doesn't "feel" like it.
Heart healing wishes for you!
He is oh so handsome in his photo!
Amanda,
My whole family is praying and thinking about your whole family today......run free sweet PORTHOS.
Rizzo and Suzie
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
Oh Amanda, I'm so sorry to see this.
He is running pain free with all the others that went before him now. Abby will flirt shamelessly with him and show him all the best beaches.
Sadly, so many of us know all too well the pain that you are going through. Sending hugs.
Jackie, Angel Abby & Bunny Rita
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I'm so sorry to read this sad news about Porthos. He was a very strong boy, and you're right: he did have a mighty heart, and he fought a very brave battle. Sending healing thoughts to you.
Your boy gave you all his love, today you gave him a final, unselfish gift. I know it is so hard, only time will heal. But Porthos will be forever in your heart, and so will always be by your side.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
I'm so sorry that Porthos has come to this part of his journey. May his spirit run forever free.
Marla and Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
Amanda and Porthos
I just want to say have you taken some of his fur, because I did with my Fizzly and I couldn't look or feel it for a while when she past,
But I did a couple of months later and it smelt of her and that in itself was comforting
all my love zena and Fizzly in Spirit xoxox
Thank you so much for your words, I have read every single one with tears streaming down my face. Im sorry that I haven't replied sooner, the grief has been debilitating..
Porthos left us at 9.24am on Tuesday 21st of November.
He had a very bad night, heavy panting for most of it, by the time we got to the morning he was weezing as well.
I took care of him through the night, bringing him ice cubes and ice blocks which seemed to give him a little relief for a while. Sometimes he would just turn his head to the wall so I just stayed near but not smothering, then he would turn his head to look for me and I would pat him and hold him which he seemed to find comfort in. I gave him extra pain killers so I hope he wasnt in pain.
In the morning I sat on the floor next to him as he licked my face and stared in to my eyes so intensely. I dont now if this was 'the look' or if he was saying good bye to me.
We had made the appointment for our vet to arrive at 9am, I couldn't wait for her to get here as he was suffering but at the same time dreading her arrival. It was like being in a weird time warp of wanting this to be over for him but wanting to stop time.
When our vet arrived Porthos jumped up and started barking and wagging his tale, he was still so strong that I could barley hold on to him, this was after him hardly moving for 12 hrs.
Our vet Karin and her husband were so kind.
I held Porthos' giant head in my hands and I was the last thing he saw, smelt and heard. I told him over and over how much we love him.
When he had left us we sat with him for quite a while. He looked so beautiful, we couldn't see the sickness any more, it was as if it had left his body, his coat was shinning and he just looked as if he were sleeping.
I cant believe he is gone, I know we did the right thing, but I just want my dog back.
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
You don't need to apologize at all, I promise.
What you did was so hard, and so loving. To not let him suffer, to allow him a peaceful death and help him gently onto his next journey where there would be no more pain, is the kindest thing any pawrent can do for their fur kid. Knowing this doesn't make it any easier, I so wish I could help ease your heartache. I'm so very sorry.
I just saw your post in Coping with Loss, I'm headed over there now.
{{{{{hugs and condolences}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
2 Guest(s)
