Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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^^ What Linda said... Just checking on you and wondering how Shelby is doing. Keep us posted...thinking good thoughts!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
OK - it is definitely her mouth... I just tried to touch her cheek and she screamed. She let me look in there and I couldn't see anything but i am not a vet either. She will walk around (albeit bunched up in the middle if that makes sense) - mainly to get away from me. I got some water in her by using her metacam syringe to put it into her mouth. She swallowed it. I am not sure how much to give her nor do I want to get into the habit of getting water in her that way. I don't have any chicken stock, sadly. Karma gave me a recipe for homemade electrolytes so I might do that ... She just looks miserable. She's sleeping and won't wag her tail for me but I feel like she's got a bug or something. And it's causing her to stiffen up. Since she WILL walk - albeit slow and gimpy - it's not our end, right?
OK - maybe not her mouth, but her neck right below her ears. I pushed there and she screamed. Is it possible she has a pinched nerve? She ate her breakfast just fine and is sitting w/a heating pad on her neck now. I can rub/massage her but there feels like something is there (that may have always been there). The hunched up walk is what makes me think pinched nerve. I did get her to drink some water ... flavored with liver juice from last week. I guess I'll call the ER vet. I will make myself crazy and I would like to get there before it gets super busy. Sigh. Happy Saturday!
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
Aliison I'm so sorry, I'll bet if you called Leslie the PT she can get you in on an emergency situation. It sounds like something that acupuncture can alleviate. I have my paws and fingers crossed you get some good news today. Give Shelby a hug from us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So sorry to hear... Hopefully acupuncture will help. Good luck and keep us posted.
Sending hugs and good thoughts from VA!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
ALISON! Nope...not the e d...no way no how! So take that off yor "worry list", okay??
Does sou d like it could defi itely be so e sort of pinched nerve! They cause shootnb pains everywhere and can definitely make her tense up every muscle because she's afraid to move. I'm sure they've been checking kidney, rine, etc....all her bloodwork has been good...so this probably is muscle strain, pinched nerve, etc.
Loke Claudia said, once you have so many surgeries, things can get out of whack so quickly.
The bt of vomig is probavly just fro al the stress, etc.
Take a breather when you get home but post as soon as you can. We're all here for you and SHELBYSGRONG!!
Love and hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannan
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!
Hi Alison,
I just googled symptoms of canine stroke and I'm going to try and paste the link here. This blog talks about "drunk walk" and inflammation of the vestibular nerve that runs through the inner/middle ear. Maybe that's why she yelps when you touch her in that area? Please read and see if this is what you are seeing. It could be old dog vestibular disease. It's not a death sentence! I think you will have to cut and paste this link to your address bar. I hope it helps.
http://www.peth.....had-stroke
Hugs,
Amy & Spirit Libby
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
Thank you ALL for your continued concern. And Amy - thank you for the link. that does MAKE a ton of sense. That sounds a bit like what is going on. Definitely.
and Sally - thank you for reassuring me ... this is not our end.
So Shelby is at the ER (Advanced Critical Care) for the day and possibly the night. They wanted to observe her. They can't make her yelp (unfortunately) but when started wheezing really hard after the yelp, I called them and they told me to bring her in. So as we were leaving, she vomited outside of my car - her entire breakfast! She just seems out of it. They dont' think it's neurological or pinched nerves since they said she wouldn't be able to move her neck back and forth but her 'lurch' like walking is concerning. I do wonder if she is de-hydrated. She didn't drink at all yesterday, I don't think. So they are going to give her some fluids and observe her for the day and encouraged ME to get some rest since I haven't slept. I have been crying for the last hour on the phone w/my mom so hopefully that has exhausted me enough to sleep a bit now. I won't hear anything for a few hours ... at least not until this afternoon. But I might call and ask them to check for the vestibuler nerve thing... then rest. And eat... I can't believe it's almost 10:30 here. I've been up since 5 and barely had any water myself. I need to take care of me to take care of her.
Prayers for Shelby ... she's a fighter. When I went to say goodbye to her in her little cage, she got up, ears up and wagged her tail and tried to come to me. They love her so much there I know she is in good hands.
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
I've missed all that has happened and just got caught up as much as possible. Oh, Alison! I see you're online, which isn't good. Go back to sleep, if possible. This is quite a rollercoaster. Not OK. Poor Shelby. She's so wonderful, I don't like any of this.
I'm glad they have her for awhile and will juice her up with fluids and see if they can get her yelp. What is going on? Oh, I hope there are some good answers soon.
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Hang in there Alison. . This has to be so hard. ..definitely try to get some rest. We're all thinking of you!
Lori and the family
Oh and about acupuncture, ACC has someone who comes on Monday so if she isn't better by then, she will be getting that!
I just called them about the Vestibular Disease. It does make sense. If she has an ear infection also, that would make you dizzy and balance off and nauseated. Her muscles just seemed so scrunched up ...
I am going to go pick up her gabapaten meds that we ordered yesterday and then nap. And get food. I can't believe I haven't eaten. This stress is just emotionally exhausting but I feel confident they are going to help my girl.
Hugs!
Alison & Shelby
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
My appetite is always the first to go when I'm worried too. Yes, get out of here and get some rest young lady! I'm glad you called them about the Vestibular thing. It made sense to me too. The gab drug may help too. Now take a nap!
Amy & Spirit Libby
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
That's the spirit!!!
Hey - ask them about giving her a muscle relaxer. Obviously, they shouldn't give that when they've still got observations and tests to run, but if she's still so wound up and tight, maybe that'll help. If dehydrated, muscles feel it pretty badly! You know. You're a runner. Also, if fluids REALLY seem to help her out, maybe start talking about sub-cutaneous fluids ("sub-q") you can give her at home. Maybe with her diseases, anemia, heart issue, and her age, she's critically sensitive to dehydration. SubQ fluids are EASY to give and could REALLY help her out (and you wouldn't have to continually seek vet care. I don't know - is there a fluid option, too, that's ideal for anemics?
Hang in there!!
Baked sweet potato, topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese, and sauteed kale is one of my favs for comfort food.
HUGS
~K&J
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Okay, good...she's kn gold hands. nlw.....it's time for Alison tl rest up!! I think the vets are kee
ing her to give VOTH of you some rest!! Nkce fols over ther!!
I really sounds like sne must has sme "senioritis" stuff gong on. Nope, gettng old is not for sissies but it beats tne alternative!
I'm reallh glad she's gettng fluids, esecialy if she didn't drnk mich at all hesterday.
Anh "little" thing as a dlg ages can throw them out of whack mich quicker than when they were younger. Add evdrything that Swgt Shelby has been though this past year..--.OMD.....you've got a miracle dog!!
Yeah, that "vestibular" thing s what I was trying to say Bodie had...and it generally ks associated with older dogs snd DEF ITELY treatable. So et es a sympton ks there eyes look a little naywire... aybe a .ittle crossed. Bodie did NOT have that sympton...just the drnken walk and stjmbling.
now..-.EAT SOME REAL CO FORT FOOD....--ICE CREAM BY THE BOWL FULL!! CHOCO.ATE VY THE TRUCK LOAD FULL!!
HUGS AND .LOVE!
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!
I don't know how much of a miracle dog I have but she's a fighter. Sadly, they just called and said she had a grand mal seizure which they think is related to her hemangiosarcoma ... of course that is why we found nothing in her belly / chest - it's in her brain. 🙁
They are ruling out vestibular for now ... and will continue to keep an eye on her. Obviously this was not what any of us wanted to hear today. My heart is breaking ... in ways I didn't think it could break again and again. I just look at the little sun patch where her bed is and it's empty. I know today is not goodbye but I fear that we are losing our battle and I don't know what a world w/out Shelby looks like. I got her in my 20s and basically we grew up together. She is my baby ... my first adult dog.
I am still hopeful that she won't have anymore seizures today and the fluids will help and they will then get her on some muscle relaxers. I want to sleep. Really I do, but I can't seem to shut my brain off. I am debating taking 1/2 a Tylenol PM but I want/need to hear the phone if it rings.
They did say she was alert and happy in her cage and that was good news. They did not say that I need to make that decision today about her but I need to be aware that these could continue for weeks/months ... is that fair to her? At what point do I know?
I am just devastated ... I managed to get some food in my belly and am drinking some water so I am going to try and rest when she's not here. Hopefully they won't call again until around 4 when they said they would call regardless. And I will go see her later tonight. She is strong but this bastard cancer seems to stronger right now.
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
Okay.....one doesn not mean she'll jave more...and even if she does, the gabapentin will help keep them at bay.
My beother jad a Golden who lived for well pver a uear keeping these things under control.
I don't realky think they know what causes this....y brother's dog didn't jave any lf this crap disease.
You now at least have an answer AND can move forward with treatment for the seizures...and they are treatable....maybe not forever...vut nothing is.
As much as you are with her, I just wonder if this was brought on by all the stress of the last day or so and being at the vets because you would have oticed! I don't know that this "one" is a big i dicator of anything right now.
Hang in there sweet Alison.....we all love you both so much.....have to go to work ut will check back immed. as soon as I get ho e
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!
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