Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Aww I'm sorry she's spending another night there, but yeah, she's in the best place for right now until this all gets figured out.
It's amazing how much a mother's intuition just knows something is amiss, I'm so proud of you for being such a great advocate for her and listening to your gut instinct. You KNEW something wasn't right, and you were able to get her into care sooner rather than later, this is a tremendous help for her, she will pull through this, I know it!
Hang in there today and let us know how the visit goes. Tell Shelby we all love her very, very much.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tani's been on pheno barb for 12 years, and there is still a small sedative effect with each dose, but you would have to know her to notice. When she first started it would really slow her down. And our vet did the same thing with Valium when Tani first started having seizures. We went one night OK then seizures every day/night until we started the meds and got the pheno at the right dose. There are so many reasons for seizures that vets seem to ramp up the meds, not start with the more potent stuff unless the seizures are really severe and frequent. And pheno is a drug you can't stop without tapering off.
And if is of any comfort Tani's seizures do not cause her pain or discomfort. She is a little disoriented and tired for awhile after. Come to think of it that might be contributing to Shelby being 'sedate'.
Maggie had multiple issues and it was so hard and stressful to handle at times. I know your head and heart are in the right place- it makes tons of sense NOT to do the MRI. Shelby has the best advocate, and the most loving Mom a Tripawd could ever want.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
As hard is it is to have them have to stay at vets, some times that is just the best place for them to be. I am glad you can visit her there. That way they can get all her meds adjusted before you take her home. As far as sedation, heck yes, she is sedated. I think the seizures themselves would wear her out. Then added the meds especially Valium. Thinking of you both today. I think it is harder on us humans than for them to be away. As long as we come visit them and they have food, they have enough meds in them that they are just resting and hanging out. Us, not the case. We humans count every hour and minute. We worry and fret. Shelby looks very comfortable in pics from last night. A bit high but not enough so to pass on the chicken! Every time I see a picture of her, I just want to give her a big smooch. She is just so darn cute.
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.
It's heartbreaking to see her like this ... it's heartbreaking to see my STRONG dog so weak and sedate... I literally bawled all over her at the vet (not my finest moment). She had had a mini seizure right before I got there but they don't know if it's related to the meds or the crate or the vet or what....So they had given her a sedative right before I saw her so she was snoozy, snoozy.
I just layed on her and cried and told her that I loved her and that you all loved her and that I was proud of her.I got her nose / ears ALL wet from my tears. I told her the story about how we met and our first weekend together. I told her about our first trip to the beach. I told her what a great life we have had. They brought her in some water and she woke right up and drank a TON. Within a couple minutes she was moaning and I was worried and then she started to push away and she had peed. So I called them to take the wet pad away. She's on wee wee pads on a blanket. She's very cozy. BUT I took that as a GOOD sign that she was trying to move to get away from the pee. The nurse and I took her outside for some fresh air and sun and we got her to stand sort of (she kept pushing off / away) so she could pee/poo. She was telling us she needed to go! And she wagged her tail. They told me she hasn't done that since they had been around her so I am sure that was for me.
I gave her some kisses and told her I would be back later. I am scared. I don't know how she can ever come out of the hospital like this and come home. My hope is that she can stay strong for the week and if we don't see improvement, I can bring her home for the weekend and if need be, say our goodbyes outside of the vet. I really don't want her to lose her battle there but I definitely do believe the cancer is in her brain and that is what is causing the seizures. I just pray we can stabilize them and get her through the week. She will eat whenever they offer her food. That is good, right?
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 know this is so hard. It's never OK for anyone, pet or human, to be ill and away from home. Home is where we heal. The care she's getting, though, sounds outstanding! I wonder if your vet misspoke about "being concerned" for her sediation. Little Miss Shelby is going through a lot and has been pumped with meds. She's gonna feel out of it. But how nice that she she can be all loopy with expert care?! This way, you know she's getting medical attention and if she gets woobly or a develops a new symptom, she'll be under expert watch! I'm sure she loved having her momma there during meals. If you're able to camp out and read (um, drink from "secret cup") while she's there, that sounds wonderful! You've great a great team.
Shelby is going to excel. Sure, she won't be puppy, but no one was after that. She'll be loved, mobile, waggin', eatin', playin' machine! I know it!
Good choice with spin this AM. It's a solid way to burn off some nerves. Keep it up! Rest up, too. And take some pleasure/comfort in knowing Shelby is getting REALLY good, really critical care.
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 and I forgot to mention, the drug they gave her to make her less 'sedated' actually DID perk her up for a bit. So I have to believe, like you said Katy and others, we are still playing with the drug levels to get them right. Shelby is a petri-dish right now!
And she is getting the most excellent care I could ever hope for. It feels very familiar, driving over there to visit w/her and then leave (like I did for my father prior to when he went into hospice) but Shelby WILL leave the hospital. Doctors tend to be more grim than parents ... that much I have learned through this journey. Obviously she doesn't want to tell me Shelby is going to recover 100% ... she's clinical. I'm optimistic! Scared but optimistic.
BTW - I'm on the "Sally diet" today - I've eaten a cup of fruit and dark chocolate almond bark. 
I need to get some protein in me later ... I'll have a salad for dinner!
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 was writing my response to your earlier ones when you uploaded this.
I'll say it again: it's heartbreaking when our loved ones are ill. It's even worse when they don't understand. I'm so thankful that Shelby doesn't seem to mind being there. Well, I mean, she'd LOVE to be home, but that she's not a wreck there. Yeah, her seizures may be b/c the place is stressful. I understand that. I also understand how it's easy to connect cancer to her brain and what it's doing. Who knows?
Given their advice and experience, what do they think? In their opinion and experience, is Shelby having a lot of seizures? Or not? How about her mobility? You said she stood and wagged and moved to do her business, but is she as bent/curved over?
We all want her to recover! We all want her to go home with a new drug program that'll keep her stable and safe enough for you to be comfortable leaving her alone.
As hard as it might be, might you have to keep her there for a few more days until she's VERY stable? I'd just hate for there to be more scary moments at home... Yes, those are probably going to happen to all of us here! But when there's an active, clinical situation I hope you two can get home and know what to expect, have some plans, and have some phone numbers!
I loved your time with Shelby, telling her stories, reminding her how exceptional is she, reinforcing the bond and love you have. That's special, Alison. It's priceless. She's priceless.
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!
Got the tears flowing and can't stop darn it!! Yes, you and Shelby are priceless...to each other and to us!
Okay, gonna stop crying long enought to point out some REALLY GOOD signs too!
She's crazily sedated and yet she WAGGED!! First time they said they've seen her tail wag!!! HUGE!!
She perked up---NUGE!
Eating! Drinking! HUGE!
She KNEW she had t poop and pee and was trying t let the dumb humans know it!! HUGE!!
And for the .ove of goD...read and re-read and re-read again Karen's post about Tani!! Ringing any bells of familiarity???
Yes, as Katy and Karen..and EVERYONE said...it's go a be ROUGH getting all these meds worked out!! Seeing her sedated is so hard! Jist rememer, she's seeing pink elephants and singing a little Bruno Mars and Prince...all at the same time!
Now ALISON STRONG...you CAN do this and so can SHELBY STRONG!! I know this seems impossible...but so have all the other gazillion hirdles the two of you have been through!!
For her...you HAVE to hold back your tears in her presence and you can! You bounce in their with that strong positive energy that you and Snelby are kown for! You've said so many beautiful things to her today...so beautiful! Ow it's time to add a dose of 'SHELBY STRONG CHIN UP BUTTERCUP" to the conversatio !!
We love you so!
Saly and Happy Hannah
PS...Guess I figured out why I was crying so hard, because realky, you have a lot of good news sprinkled in tnis post! I think I was crying because you added fruit to "my diet" and didn,t just stick with straight chocolate!!
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,
Shelby is so lucky to have you as her pawrent!
I see many "pluses" in your story....she wanted to go out, she is hungry, and she is thirsty.....and she was thrilled to see you.
Anticonvulsant medications all have a sedative effect so right now I'm sure a lot of the sedation you see is caused by her meds. For now, Shelby is safe and well cared for....you need to take care of you now too.
Now...I would highly recommend something savoury....potato chips, nachos...whatever is your favourite to go along with the Sally diet.
Many hugs and pawsitive thoughts for both of you
Linda and Tucker
Thinking of you and shelby today! You are the best mommy in the world for taking such good care of her and she knows it by that tail wag she gave you when you were there! Sending lots of prayers and hugs your way
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.
When one of our pawrents are hurting we all hurt with you. Your stories to Shelby are so touching and wonderful. No regrets. You are doing your very best and what is best for dear Shelby.
The tail wags, eating and doing her "business" are good signs but I know you have real concerns. Shelby is in good hands even if they aren't your own. She knows you are close and will be there for her.
Hang in there Alison. We are there with you in spirit. (((Alison & Shelby)))
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
Ah, the Sally Diet...boy do we need a good description of this for the Nutrition blog , 'cause it can help anyone get through the ruffest of times!
I DO think that all the things you mentioned are very good signs. She's still got spunk, she's hungry, she knows you're there. The sedation is just the drugs, but it's not sedating her spirit.
I'm with Jackson's Mom, keep her in the hospital for a couple of days, especially if you have a tough week ahead. She'll be getting great care, and spoiled rotten. I'm sure you'll still worry but no so much as if she's home alone right?
Something tells me that Shelby has a LOT more livin' to do, this is just a bump in the road for now. Hang in there, she will get through this and so will you.
xoxoxoxoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
thank you my family! Your words make me cry, make me smile, warm my heart ... I feel the hugs tight around me. I know whatever our journey brings us, I will NOT be alone and that is so comforting right now.
Just talked w/the vet - the seizures are MUCH smaller (I would like there to be none though) but only 2 today. And she is concerned since Shelby is on anti-seizure meds and still getting little ones. We talked about keeping Shelby there through the week if possible and that IS an option for me so that gives me control and peace of mind. She said Shelby will perk up and then doze back off - I see that as GOOD - she's not in a constant drugged out state. I think, with most vets, they are cautious about giving owners too much hope so I take what she says with a grain of salt. I know my dog.
I may or may not run back over there tonight (it's only 15 minutes away)... I will go right from work tomorrow to Shelby.
I need Shelby to get strong but if that is not possible, then I need her to stay strong for me this week - at least through my event Thursday. and then if she's not better, I can get her out of there and can make the hard decision to allow her to peacefully and with dignity pass outside of the vet. That has always been my goal.
I hate this f'ing cancer. I was so worried about lung mets but didn't even think about the brain... my dad also had a brain tumor. Lung cancer took his life but brain cancer and seizures are what alerted us to his disease. Unreal the parallels. I feel like I share a lot about my personal life and write really long posts ... I am sorry... it's a stream of consciousness for me and since I live alone and my buddy isn't here for me to talk to ... I talk here!
I am going to eat a salad, sandwich and a cookie! And wine. XOXOXOXO
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
Don't ever be sorry about sharing Alison, we will be strong with you, cry with you and share each joy with you. You are such a great mom to Shelby and she is one strong pup! You have given her so much. Cancer will never touch Shelby's spirit, her love, and what she's been able to give to so many here: hope. She's just one of those pups and by sharing her with us, you have given so many parents here a priceless virtue.
Sending positive thoughts, prayers and hugs your way!!!
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Alison,
I am so sorry for all the turmoil that you and Shelby have had for the last few days. And I am sorry I have been absent. I left town yesterday and just got caught up tonight. Wish we lived closer where I could bring soup and wine over for you right now. Give that sweet Shelby a kiss for me. My pet sitter has a lot of experience with seizures in canines and sounds like he has a good holistic approach along with the traditional medications. I will ask him to give me some tips. Coincidentally, we were just discussing seizures and treatments today when I picked up the girls because another friend of mine has a kitty that has occasional seizures. He was telling me how putting an ice pack on the spine really helps. If you want the info, just let me know. In the meantime, know I'm thinking of you and your girl.
Karma, Adelaide and the crew, and our special angel Brendol
Adelaide is a young tripawd Husky, from an injury. Her amp was on 10/1/12. She has 4 sisters, Aissa (a senior border collie/chow), Maggie May (a puppy Great Pyrenees), Mathilde and Morrigan and 1 baby brother, Bagheera. We are all watched over by our angel Brendol, who was dx with OSA 1/30/13, amp on 2/6/13, and left us on 8/20/13.
You can read their stories at http://adelaide.tripawds.com and http://brendol.tripawds.com
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