Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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{{{{{hugs}}}}} I'm so sorry. Ugh. Computer problems and now this.
The same exact thing happened when I was on pred. I have my paws crossed that the piroxicam works for her. Have you seen our Online Pharmacies that we link to? Try contacting them, they will have the piroxicam. I'll contact you via email to let you know. Please give Shelby a hug from us, we are thinking of you both.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hiya Spirit Jerry,
Thanks to you and the other wonderful Tripawds family members who emailed me all the wonderful information about Piroxicam. Seems that we're going to need it compounded, but that's okay.
You guys are THE best~!
Rock on, Shelby................rock on.
I was not aware that Prednisone could cause marked lethargy in a dog. I knew about the panting, excessive thirst/urination, effects on liver/kidneys, etc. But for some reason I wasn't aware of the lethargy.
What has been so alarming is the sharp decline Shelby has recently made.....she hasn't been coughing much but her energy is zapped. She was always the first one outside and the last one in.....gotta always do one last patrol for those pesky lizards, you know. But now she requires my assistance with her harness to get outside, and even sitting (she's a front leg amputee) seems to wear her out.
This afternoon, after she peed, she just dropped where she was and had the saddest look on her face. I just about threw in the towel there; yet, when I squeaked her squeaky tennis ball, she was alert and forced herself up and the tail was going crazy.
Am I fooling myself? I know you guys can't make a decision for me, but don't I owe it to her to see IF the Pred was causing this and to see if once we're off, she'll have a bit more energy?
God, no matter how many times you go through this.....it NEVER gets easier.
shelbysmom said
Am I fooling myself? I know you guys can't make a decision for me, but don't I owe it to her to see IF the Pred was causing this and to see if once we're off, she'll have a bit more energy?
I agree with that completely. You have to do what puts your mind at ease, what you know you can live with no matter what happens. If that's what it will take, do it. If you haven't already, set some benchmarks as to what you believe her quality of life should be. That will help make decisions a little easier.
Our Coping with Loss topic, Hospice Guide and Grief support, has some good resources. It's hard information to read through, but it can help.
I know what you're going through, there's no easy way around it, and I'm so sorry. This is the part of the journey where you live every day from moment to moment, enjoying the good ones that you have, and saving those tears for another time.
Give Shelby a big hug from us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks, Spirit Jerry.
Her 3 favorite things in the world are: Eating, diving for water toys at Hip Dog and squeaky tennis balls. Tomorrow we will go to Hip Dog and while I'm not sure she'll have the energy to dive, I suspect sitting in the warm water and being massaged will make her happy.
Her appetite has not waned.....well, that's not true. A couple of times she's balked at my putting supplements in her food but now that I have figured out how to get them in her, we're fine. Girlfriend LOVES to eat. (Something that we have in common...ahem)
And oh...those squeaky balls. If I had disposable income (what's THAT?), I'd buy up all the squeaky tennis balls in the world and just let them squeak them until she destroys them.
Thanks for all your support everyone................you are holding us up whether or not you know it.
I've been down this road more times than I can count in the past 10 years.............17 furkids I have had to say *see you on the Other Side* to. Yet, each time it's almost like the first. The heartbreak, the feeling of not being able to do anything to help my girl. It's overwhelming.
My head tells me that Shelby's time is coming sooner than I had hoped......my heart doesn't want to accept it. But tomorrow at Hip Dog will be a big decision maker. She's too tired to chase her lizards now. The only way I got her up to go out and potty was to squeak her squeaky tennis ball. But she couldn't do it without my help.
Please hold me up......I need to be strong for Shelby. Spirit Jerry, I read your pawrents' blog..........I know it was painful for them to write it, but it was a big help.
Pam,
I am so sorry to hear that Shelby is not getting any better. I was hoping that the things you were doing would help her to get better. We are here for you to lean on. This is one great family to have.
Michelle & Sassy.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Pam,
I don't think it matters how many times you reach this point in the journey- except that you know you have the strength to do what Shelby needs. You know Shelby so well- she will let you know when it is time, just listen to her and look into her eyes. Experience doesn't make is easier- we all invest too much in our pups for this part to be easy. It is part of the love we have for them that allows us to make it through these days.
We are here for what ever support you need.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
17 furkids to say goodbye to. Wow, that's a lot of tears. We've only said goodbye to a handful, but it certainly does not get easier. I think it's even getting harder for me. We are thinking of you at this hard time. I know there's not much we can do to help, but hopefully just sharing with us helps some tiny bit.
Thinking of you,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
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!
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