Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Alison, I don't have any additional advice right now, but I am keeping you and sweet Shelby in my constant thoughts and prayers........
Much Love.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Alison,
My thoughts are with you and Shelby today, and I'm sending love and hugs your way.
With love,
Carol
Alison, you and Shelby are BOTH fighters and you are doing an amazing job, even if you don't realize it at the moment. Seizures can be controlled with meds. When I lived at home we had a Golden that was prone to seizures and like Sally said, it wasn't related to any other medical issues either.
It's not the news you wanted but it doesn't necessarily mean it's time to say goodbye. I hope you are resting. I know about the mind racing. I would think about Libby's issues when I went to bed, if I woke up in the night as well as first thing in the morning, so I know how that is. Shelby is in good, loving hands and it's where she needs to be to get things back on track.
Hang in there. Sending you lots of love and 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
Everyone has good advice. I am so sorry that you are going through this. These things always seem to happen on the weekends. I am glad they are keeping her overnight. That may get you some much needed rest. I was just talking with a friend today that had something similar happen to her dog. It was years ago, but with meds, she lived for quite a while after. It should help to get her all nice and rehydrated. That in and of itself, will perk her up. Thoughts, prayers and hugs!!!! Lori & TY
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
I've been following Shelby's story for only a few weeks but I adore her (and her mommy)! Hang in there!! Lilah and I are crying and praying with you! Stay strong! You're both so inspirational to Lilah and I! Puppy hugs and kisses your way!
The collective wisdom on this site gives me such hope! Thank you Amy, Lori, Sally, everyone for sharing your past experiences with seizures and other doggy issues. The good news is that Shelby hasn't had another seizure today (I just called). She is getting fluids and she's still wobbly on her feet (not sure what the means but I am guessing she's still doing the lurch-style hunched walk). They said she seems comfortable. They are going to try and feed her around 5 and definitely want to keep her overnight (which I figured). I am going to sit w/her then and serve her dinner (I like when they let me do that as it calms me and it doesn't upset Shelby at all to see me come and go).
For me - I slept about 45 minutes, if that ... and had yet another dream where I am falling asleep at the wheel of my car. Does that mean I am beyond exhausted? Since she won't be here w/me tonight, I am seriously considering a NyQuil sedative for me! I need to get some rest. And a shower ... I look and feel horrific.
Thank you for your love and prayers ... it helps ... so much!
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
Hi Alison
Just catching up on this thread....wishing I could reach through the computer and give you a real hug right now rather than the virtual one I am sending you.
It sounds like Shelby is in great hands at the vet's office....and I agree with everyone else...it is not her time yet! She is still Shelbystrong (and always will be).
Now you....try to eat something both healthy and comforting....I think both Katy and Sally's ideas sound great...and get some rest. If that means Nyquil - take some....
Hope you had a great visit with your beautiful girl.
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker
HUGS HUGS HUGS
I hope your time with her for supper is good and rewarding. I hope you see more Shelby sparkle. I hope she's a little (or A LOT) less crunched up. I hope there are some signs of improvement and a way forward.
If not, I know she loved having her momma over for a visit!
Then, I hope you drain a bottle of wine and top it off with a shot of NyQuil ZZZ and say g'nite. Zzzzzzs sound good - anyway you get them!
HUGS HUGS HUGS
~ 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!
Oh Alison, I am just getting caught up on all of this! I am so sorry that Shelby and you are going through this right now! What a way to spend a weekend... Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way from Ohio
Cody and Family
Cody is our 7 year old Australian Heeler mix boy. Diagnosed on 2/20/14 and became a tripawd 2/21/14! We chose a homeopathic approach and he is being treated by Dr. Loops our of NC.
Alison,
I just got caught up on all that is happening with Shelby. Everyone has given great advice. Keep your strength up too for you. Shelby is in good hands for the night and if something happens they will definately call you. Prayers for your baby
Hugs
Michelle & Angel 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."
hello everyone - I wanted to give a quick update! Shelby apparently had a mini seizure around 4 p.m. (PST) and they gave her a valium but I didn't know this when they brought her to me and she was stoned. She looked lop-sided and awful ... it was horrible ... she KNEW I was there though and I cried a bit on her fur. Then I told her we were going to pick ourselves up and prove what fighters we are. I brought her some toys and she did perk up w/the squeakers ... (ears up). I offered her some treats I brought and she ate them.
They brought her some chicken to eat and she wolfed it down and seemed to perk up with that.
The doctor came to talk to me to explain the druggy look and that she had had the seizure. She wants to put shelby on some seizure meds and I agreed. She said it might limit them to once a week (!!!!) and that if it doesn't help and she remains too drugged then it is time to have that conversation about quality of life.
I was w/her about an hour and I didn't see her walk BUT she did scooch up to get closer to me to nestle up with me and she seemed soothed by my being there. I told her I loved her more than life itself and that I would see her tomorrow and I left and barely got out of the grocery store and home before I literally lost my shit. Truly - that was the most epic meltdown I have had since this started. I could not breathe. I texted a close friend and begged her to come rescue me since I am alone and I am scared and I have to be realistic that even if we dodge this bullet, our journey together is on borrowed time and I don't even know what that looks like.
But let's continue to send her positive loving healing energy ... she is in a safe place tonight. She is getting good food, scratches and gets to wear a Christmas bell to alert them if she has a seizure. She has her toys with her that smell like me. She has her liver treats. And everyone there tells me that they love her. And I have wine and NyQuil. I know I need to eat food but I have never been LESS interested in eating than I am today.
Thank you for the love!!!
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 Alison. I'm a bawling mess for you. I'm so concerned for you and her. We know she's in good care. We know you will be OK. But this news is hard to read and the hardest for you to handle. It doesn't matter if it's cancer's fault or something else, maybe even her age. It's the unknown. The scary. The unsure. The fighting and fighting and fighting. It's hard. It's exhausting. We champion everyone here, sometimes as an effort of "faking it til you make it". Faking it to ourselves. Then when it becomes too much, we brake down. Just like you did. It was coming. I'm actually surprised you and so many others here haven't broken as often as one would think. I wish I could come over and we'd be together. Maybe saying lots of things, or nothing at all. I wish you to be surrounded by love, in person, and certainly virtually - from us! I'm worried about Shelby too. i just hope this stabilizes. I hope! We have to hope! I hope you just pass the &*$^ out tonight so deeply that there aren't any dreams. I hope dearest Shelby gets lots of love and healing and can go home to her momma and home tomorrow. I HOPE.
HUGS so so so many hugs! Hugs for strength. Hugs for sympathy. Hugs b/c I'm not there. Hugs b/c this is scary.
LOVE to Alison. LOVE and HOPE for Shelby.
~ 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!
Hi Alison
I was crushed to read today's events. I'm so sorry. I know you are scared and I know watching Shelby deal with one issue after another is both heart breaking and exhausting. Like everyone has said, you're both fighters and you've done an amazing job staying positive, doing your research and moving mountains to help Shelby beat this thing. You love her so much, I know it's hard to see her deteriorate in any way for whatever reason. I can relate to that, I really can. But have no doubt my friend, you are an incredible doggie Mama. I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E!! There isn't a dog in the world getting better care than Shelby. NOOOOO doubts there!
Like others, I too have a friend who has a dog with a seizure disorder unrelated to cancer or any other illness. He's been on meds for years and although he does still have very scary seizures every now and then, they're mostly under control. I can't remember how old he is but it's somewhere around 7 (large breed, so that's getting up there). I guess my question is, why does your vet think seizures are more serious for Shelby? I understand how other medical issues can complicate matters but intuitively it just seems like they'd be manageable for her too.
My heart goes out to you, Alison. Having a sick doggie is hard hard hard, there's no question about it. I'm sending you a big hug, lots of love and positive energy. Shelby is in the very best of hands tonight - with good doctors and vet techs who truly love her. She'll be fine, so do try to get some rest.
Claudia and Angel Jersey Girl
Sending prayers, hugs and healing thoughts all the way from PA. It is amazing that I have been on this site for only maybe 6 weeks and I feel like L have made new friends from all over. I wish I did not live across the country as we could share a bottle or 2 of wine and our hatred of this stupid disease. I always check on Shelby as one of the first posts I get on. I have a lump in my stomach for you because I know how sad and scared you are. You are quite strong to have made it this far without an epic meltdown. I have had several. There we have it: Alison strong & Shelby strong.
I am praying that when you go to get her tomorrow, she feels sooooo much better. Hugs from us to you and Shelby' Lori & TY
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Okay, we ALL wa t to come ovsr and spend the night with you....guess we'll jave t settle for a "virtual pajama party"! I'm searching my caviets ow for some NyQuill and toast yoj and SHELBYSTRONG!!
This joirney takes us al toor knees without a moment's notice. Thank doG for this site because this is the onlyplace where people understand, not only the depthof our love, but the emotio al turmoil this whole saga can put us through. But then we jist hold to eachother even tigther and we let the love of the commjnity pull us back from the brink yet again.
Of course, it's a little jarder to pull you back when yo're in a drunken stupr from NyQuill and wne...ut pull we will!!
Alison, I'm ot blowing smoke and I certainly don't know the causes of these seizures, but I DO know of sooooo many cases where they are treated and kept under control for a very lng time. And I know it depends on the severity and frquency, etc. I can tell you that javing a "seizure" once a week ks NOT a horrible thng! I can a tell yo that, n the case of mh brother's Golden, they were more frequent than once a week bt that dog jad a great quality. He would be a little tired for a few mnutes and just get on with livi g as though nothing jad happened
My Mom had a dog who had little "mild" seizures" frequently and she had to dl some trial and error to get the med. doseage balanced right (too druggy...not druggy enough), to give that dog a nice extension of quality tme. I want to say her dog was on a low dose of phenobarbital (?).
Sooo, point beng, it ma take a little bit of a balancing act, bjt you should be able to get these under control without her eknv to dopey. If that's not the case, then clearly you have to look at quality and some u derlying cause that just won't respond to drugs.
Those times where she jad those little "fainng spells" and the vets said they weren't seizures.....well, maybe they were....and she shook them off with no problems...and that was without any meds. So, hopefulh with some meds, we can keep these things to a miminal...or stip them all together.
You will get a good night's sleep tnight if you have wine and Nyquill!! Even if you dn't...you won't knlw it!!
We all love you and Shelby and we are all sending tons of positive energy sgraight to you both!!
Much, much love and hugs!
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!
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