Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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How would I know if Shelby has a UTI? I can't see her pee (she pees on grass so I can't see the color of it). But from the time I got home yesterday, she was very active. I walked her and she did her business (her poo is slightly looser in the evenings and I've taken her off ALL added veggies so her dinner is just kibble with some homemade chicken/barley stew). She literally is acting hungrier than she ever has in the past. I swear she feels heavier to me and the 'cage' around her ribs seems wider. Also the skin on her belly and whole front just seems to hang down more and seems 'soft'. She drinks a ton of water at night - which is normal since she doesn't really drink during the day. Then she eats her dinner and almost immediately has to pee.
So I took her out to pee. Fine. I made my dinner and as I was sitting down, she did the potty dance so I took her out - again. Then she let me eat and within 20 minutes of finishing, had to pee again. while I am making my dinner and not giving her food, she's chugging water like she's trying to make herself feel full? So between 7:15 and 8:45, we must have gone out about 4 times - finally made her walk further to see if she would poop and it was drips and forced. She also seemed to pant more (I think she was getting tired of walking but we would go upstairs and she would beg to go out).
She didn't sleep all night w/me and already we've been out for a longish walk and she pooped twice (normal solid) and peed a ton. She already looks like she wants to go back outside and her ears are perky and alert and she ate a cookie and glucosomene and spoon of pumpkin.
Is she truly hungry? Thirsty? Her vets said if she doesn't drink more than her body weight in water, then she's fine (and she's not even though it feels like it). She seems happy - ears up, perky, tail wagging, dancing... but something feels off. Ideas? I don't even know how to explain this to the vet since she will eat if offered food but I feel like she either has a UTI or colitis (again) or her lung mets are causing her discomfort or something. Thank you!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Hmmm. When was the last time she had a full blood panel done? It doesn't sound like it's related to lung mets.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We always know when something just isn't quite right, don't we? I was wondering about the blood work too. Several years ago Libby was drinking a lot, gaining weight and her coat was not soft any more. It turned out to be her thyroid, a simple fix really. Shortly after starting her thyroid med she got back to normal. I'm not saying that's what it is, it's just a thought.
Libby peeing in the snow made it a lot easier to check her urine but the blood always dripped at the very end and after squatting several times. It was kind of orange in color. If you don't mind looking weird to your neighbors 
you can squat down and watch her as she pees to see any visible blood, or try to catch some in a dixie cup. Is she licking that area a lot?
I know all our worries are heightened after this diagnosis (especially when mets are involved) but like Jerry said, it doesn't sound like it's from the mets.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Thanks you guys! You're great!!! I have checked her pee (as best I can) and when it comes out, it is normal color (clear or yellow)... I also super check her poop (sometimes it has a shiny mucus on it) since she had worms ONCE in her life and I am super cautious now. I wonder if the colitis is acting up and therefore dehydrating her when she has the loose stools therefore making her drink more and pee more! I am crazy anxious about the mets now that I have read so many stories here about fluid filling her lungs that that is where my mind goes first.
But a thyroid would make sense and would make her super hungry - literally - more than ever. her fur is still basically the same feeling (albeit filthy). I thought they did blood work when she had her amputation but maybe not ... I'll call over there today and then see if I can get some blood work from her regular vet. 🙂
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Yeah, definitely check on the bloodwork. And try not to focus on the fluid buildup in the lungs situations; that situation doesn't occur nearly as often as you might think, we don't see it here as frequently as say, breathing difficulties due to mets getting in the way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for that info!!! It helps! Her vet (her primary care physician) just told me the same thing - said she looked great. He did take some blood work (we had just popped by while we were out running pet friendly errands) so he'll check things out. It is possible that she's super hungry because she poops ALL the time so her oncologist called me back and are putting her on a probiotic. I swear - this dog is on MORE supplements than most humans! The onco also said that chemo does sometimes upset their digestive track longer than the few days after so the probiotics should help. I'll get those tomorrow.
Don't you know - she's acting totally fine now, sleeping, chilling... being Shelby! Mommy needs a cocktail.
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Oh I'm glad you got to talk to her and things are good!
Join us for hoppy hour in the chat, we're there right now.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Shelby is on so many supplements it's not even funny! Of course I day I pick up her probiotics, her GI system seems to be working really well. But the probiotics they gave us are: Rx Vitamins for Pets - Nutrigest. Have you heard of that one? She takes one a day so we'll see! Fingers crossed!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Sure have heard of that brand, it's exactly what helped Wyatt Ray 's belly get strong and healthy. RX Vitamins used to be vet-prescribed only but now you can get them here on Amazon.
Here are some posts for ya, specifically about probiotics:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I hope the vet gives you the answer to your questions/concerns.
I keep empty sour cream, butter, cottage cheese, etc type containers to collect urine from my dogs. Yes, I've had to collect many urine samples. I simply take the lid of the container and slide it right under the dog as she is doing her business. The urine collects in the lid and gives me the opportunity to see if blood is in it. Then I dump it into the container and take it to the vet! Just some information in case you need it in the future!
Danell
That is a great suggestion, Danell! Thank you so much. I wondered how if, need be, I would collect a sample of her pee. I am sure Shelby will love me doing that however, since I still help her on her amp side when she poops (holding it up), she does let me get closer to her while she's doing her business.
Well we are committed to beating this - finally got organized with our daily pills! I swear, Shelby takes WAY more pills than I do but then again, I'm not a senior with a medical condition that needs a ton of supplements! I can no longer rely on my memory to make sure I give her all her pills - even though they are sitting on my kitchen counter. 
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Goodness gracious...ghat upsets my tummy just looking at them!
Maybe Shelby needs less of a "vitamin cocktail" and more of your cocktails!
Hi Alison! Just catching up on posts...glad Shelby is doing great!! She's such a sweetheart.
Always sending the best to you both!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Alison tell us which pills are which in that photo.
Nice organization work lady! It pays off.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
They all contain:
1 fish oil pill (the yellow one)
2 Farrofood iron supplements - the two-tone ones
1 Probiotic - RX vitamins - the lighter colored one
3 I'm Yunimity mushroom therapy - the all brown ones
she also gets 1 ml of metacam daily
She gets all of these at night with her dinner! I open them up and sprinkle the contents in her food and mix it all up since she got really good at hiding the pills under her tongue and spitting them out later.
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Crazy thing is, I had to get a urine sample on Kasey today! I put the lid under her as she was using the bathroom and she looked back at me like "excuse me, can I have some privacy?" The day I took her in and she was diagnosed with her mast cell tumor, I had asked the vet about her inability to hold her urine. He put her on Proin and told me my options if that didn't work, but all I was focusing on was the word amputation that I heard him say to another vet as he was walking into my exam room.
So Kasey has finished her Proin, but she still is having accidents. The vet did a urinalysis when I took her in a month ago and it all came back negative. So I called him yesterday, he told me to bring in a urine sample and we will go from there. He told me of a medication she could be put on (can't remember it) that will help with her bladder control. He believes it to be due to old age, guess we will see.
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