Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The vet has talked to me today. I am waiting on them to send me the records from the biopsy.
He restated that there was no surgery or medication that would have helped his inflammation. But I haven't spoken to his primary doctor yet. Mac has been doing really well the last 3-4 days. I wonder why his red blood count was really low after the surgery. The surgery team told me it may have been due to him fighting cancer, but now that's off the table, I really don't get it.
I am still freaking out a bit because the fungal infection was also ruled out.
I can't blame you for wondering if amputation was the right path or not. I know I would be wondering too, and probably freaking out as well. So until you are able to speak with other vets, maybe get other opinions on the pathology report, try your best to focus on the fact that he is doing really well! And this early in recovery? That's a GREAT sign that Mac is rocking this journey!
Here's what I can tell you based on my own personal experience: inflammation is a sign that there is something wrong in the body. It can wreak havoc and cause pain and serious problems. Think: rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes the source of inflammation is easy to find, sometimes it isn't. Cancer itself is a form of inflammation, as I understand it. So, whatever was going on with Mac, at least that source of his pain is no longer there, and he is on the path to feeling good again.
I hope this helps you feel even just a little better. Give Mac a hug and smooch from us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Been trying to find some words..... words of reassurance..... words to help alleviate your "regret" ,etc. It was a futile attempt, as I just couldn't find the "right" words.
I knew Jerry would though. I was eagerly waiting for her response that I knew would be spot in. And it is.
To spend energy speculating at this point takes quality time away from Mac. The fact that he is doing so well this earlyon is definitely a reason to celebrate. For reasons that may not be fully understood yet, the amputation was the best route. His pain is gone
Continue to write your questions down and all the "symptons" that led to this point. Getting other opinions is vital. A specific diagnosis may be elusive... may not. You have done, and are doing, everything the professionals who have the knowledge have directed you. Unfortunately, we are all human and even the professionals don't have all the answers .
Keep us posted and tha ks for sharing Mac's journey. We learn so much from each journey.
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 both. It does help, yes.
I think I wanted to make it clear for anyone that may stumble on this post: I don't regret the amputation decision. He is feeling soooo much better that it's hard to regret it. He does have issues w/ arthritis on his front right leg which is what's worrying to me the most. But it is a relief that Mac does not have cancer and I am hoping that rehab will help him a lot.
What I do wonder is whether I took him into the vet soon enough. That's where my regret is. Had I taken him in sooner for the TPLO surgery, maybe the inflammation wouldn't have happened.
I think what really messes w/ me is that the month before he tore his ACL, he injured his arthritic front leg & I took him to the vet immediately. It wasn't his regular vet, because they were so booked. And that vet did xrays and told me that nothing was really showing up & w/ arthritis, it doesn't take them a lot to hurt themselves, a little ding can take them a longer time to recover. Which is what I thought had happened to his right rear leg. Also w/ adequan injections, I think I was seeing a tiny bit of relief from his limp. It took me 2 months to get him into the vet because he wasn't getting better. I really wish that I took him in sooner.
Maybe I am trying to make myself feel better, but every surgeon was booked out until December except the really expensive one we went to.
There are so many ways the situation could have played out. We can make ourselves batty replaying all the different scenarios and what ifs. You did the best you could in a tough time within the veterinary field. You are an awesome advocate for him. Don't ever doubt that you aren't. Things could have been a lot worse but they didn't because you are a great advocate.
Mac is better now, and yep, rehab will help him be stronger sooner than he would without it. His future looks good, and with you, anything is possible!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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