Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Mel
I also understand the question of 'should I have even started down this road'? It still pops into my mind now and then. But things would not have been any better if you hadn't gone ahead with the operation. This way, she had (STILL HAS) a good chance at a quality life. I think she was young and vital enough to want to take that chance. You are wonderful companions to Boinks and don't forget that!
Given our examination this week, and Hori's sad news, could there be a heart problem with Boinks that might affect her motivation? Or an undetected orthopedic problem? I take it that all of her blood values are fine?
Susan and Tazzie
There are no bad choices here. You did what you thought was best at the time, and it was. But that was then and there's no point in shoulding all over yourself. Best wishes for you and Boinks. Thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The vet has run blood tests and found nothing to indicate a problem. She had an evaluation pre-op for both heart and orthopedic and no problems were detected. They are running some more blood tests now to see if there is anything to give a clue as to what is going on with her, but I talked to the vet and we're really just casting a wide net now and hoping to find some direction. They said they could do more x-rays of her lungs and whatever, but that too is just shooting in the dark hoping to find something. There were some unusual growths on her cheek that they removed during surgery and sent for biopsy, but they don't know what those are yet.
I'm at the point of thinking she's just telling us it's time and she's tired, and I don't want to keep cutting her and poking and pushing her if she's decided she isn't going to live on these terms. I hope that if we don't have a surprise turnaround, I can bring her home for a day so that being at the vet isn't the last thing she knows.
Thanks again for your support and hope.
Mel
Dear Mel: We have been thinking about Boinks and are so sorry she isn't feeling better. I thought Tazzie asked good questions, but reading your response---it sounds like they have already ruled out underlying heart and orthopedic problems.
When I asked earlier about pain meds I was actually wondering not about side effects (although of course that is always a concern as well), but actually if she needs to be on a higher dose---thinking maybe she is in a lot of pain (so hard to tell I know). I'm sure she is on some now post-surgery.
This is so hard, my heart goes out to you and sweet Boinks. The rehab sounds promising. Maybe try a holistic vet? Acunpuncture?
I agree at a certain point you don't want to keep poking.
Whatever happens you made your decision out of love. And you gave Boinks a loving home she might never had had
w/out you. So many animals fall into the wrong hands---Boinks found love. She found goodness. She knows you are taking care of her, doing your best.
Love to all of you, Eve and Romeo
I just talked to the vet again and her blood work is starting to show problems with her kidneys and electrolytes. Her BUN is up, her creatinine is up, her potassium is up, her sodium is down. It's all clinical talk. Heck if I really know what all this is about; I know what they're saying, but putting it into the larger picture is difficult and there's only so much time for them to talk. They suggested she could have Addison's disease or it's renal failure and they could keep her longer and run more tests for that, but there were no signs of Addison's prior to surgery. I don't know how Addison's affects her ability to receive chemo and how delaying chemo affects her chances for survival. I don't know how all this fits into her already complicated recovery post-amputation. All I know is that she's miserable now and in a strange place and I can't be there with her.
Our regular vet was kind enough to talk to me and says the Addison's is possible even though it didn't show up before. Every new thing here is another $1200-$1500 to test for and keep her overnight again and keep her on fluids. We're running out of resources to deal with this, and we still have to think about the future with rehab and chemo if we keep going down this road. Of course we feel compelled to do everything we can and also compelled to stop what feels like a ride on a crazy train.
All of this is so much to take in at once, and she's very sick right now and we need to make decisions fast without much time to talk it through or ask all the questions we want or think it over. So I'm just writing it down to get it out.
I asked about the pain meds, and I swear, that just gets no answer and the conversation gets steered back to this new crisis and what we want to do right now.
Mel
Mel,
I am so sorry to hear that Boinks has had more set backs. It is easy to tell that Boinks is well loved and that your vet is on top of things. I don't understand the medical results you are referring to but I can tell you Boinks is in my prayers.
Debra & Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Mel
I am SO sorry to hear the news in your last post. It gets so confusing and harder to take with each additional issue the vet mentions. That kind of news got to me yesterday, but my dog was at least feeling fine and happy and there was no immediate crisis such as you are facing. I wish we could send some pretty heavy duty moral support in your direction. I know what you mean by feeling like you are riding a train that has gone off the tracks.
It seems strange that the kidney values are all reading high when there seemed to be no inkling of a kidney problem previously. I don't think a high protein diet alone would cause that. Could it be pain meds (metacam) that caused it? I wonder if Pam has any ideas on why the kidney values would soar with no apparent history. Does the vet think a kidney problem was part of the reason she didn't get back on her feet?
If her kidney values are Really high, they Have to keep her on IV fluids. But I know you just want to get her home and she wants to be there with you. It sounds SO hard. I really hope you find something that you and Boinks are comfortable with.
Susan & Tazzie 2
It's so hard when all of this information is being thrown at you and then you're expected to make a decision right away. That is the awful reality of dealing with a serious illness, and it's one that we are never, ever prepared for.
Try to take a deep breath, and step back. Don't think about the future, think about right now. Try to forget what the possile issues and resulting complications can be, forget the test results and the machines and all that medical stuff. Step back, and simply ask yourself: What Would Boinks Do?
You know her better than anyone else, you know what she is willing to tolerate and what she isn't willing to put up with. Communicate with her through your soul right now, look back on your relationship and try to listen for what she is telling you. Only you can hear the answer.
Boinks is in our thoughts and we send lots of love and strength out to you. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We brought our big girl home tonight, where she is surrounded by her family and familiar things. She is clearly worn out and fading, but her tail wagged when we set her on her bed and she seems at peace. To borrow a phrase, it's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah.
Dear Mel: I'm sure Boinks is comforted just to be at home w/family and all that is familiar. She has such a sweet face---and we've been thinking about her all night. Just wanted to let you know you are both in our prayers.
Hope you can get some sleep, Eve and Romeo
You and sweet Boinks are in my prayers too. I'm glad you're together.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
boinks said:
Of course we feel compelled to do everything we can and also compelled to stop what feels like a ride on a crazy train.
You really nailed the dilemma that we all have or will go through with our cancer fighters. That's exactly the feeling I struggled to put into words after they found Yoda's lung mets and I was considering the oncologist's options, which sounded both impossible given my resources and potetially very hard on Yoda's quality of life.
I'm so glad to hear Boinks is home. I know when my first dog was struggling near the end of her life, and stayed with the vet for observation at one point, they saw a much different level of suffering there than I saw when I got her back home. Don't underestimate the psychological effect of being at the vets' versus being at home with the family.
But, if it's time, it's time and you'll know best and do the best you can for her as you have been this entire time.
More thoughts and prayers coming your way!
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
Give that girl a big hug from us. We send our love.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am very sorry to hear about Boinks. Addison's disease is not common but certainly causes elevated kidney enzymes and a shift in electrolyte values. It is diagnosed with an ACTH response test in the hospital and is very treatable. Most dogs perk up quickly with IV saline and steroids and then need lifelong meds (Percorten ) which can be pricey. It is not unusual for dogs with Addison's to be fine one day but then "crash" once the body is stressed. Did they give her steroids?
I am glad that she is home with you now, and I hope that you get some answers soon.
Pam and Tazzie
Dear Mel, if it is a comfort to ME that she is home where she feels safe and loved, I can't begin to say how much this must mean to Boinks... maybe your sweet girl has enough energy left to make the turnaround and start climbing the ladder step by step again.
You are in my thoughts and I wish for the best for your super cuddly girl!
Cecilia & Spirit Hori
Spirit Horacia, Castaño, Olympia + human family Cecilia, Georg and Julia - - - Hori first diagnosed 8/6/09, ampu 8/12/09, run over the bridge 9/10/09 – We miss you every day dear girl!
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