Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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And the blows keep coming! Actually this isn't that bad and actually makes sense since it can come from obscure foods (she got a TON of 'get well cookies') and stress and we all know she's been under some stress. So I'll go pick up some new medication for her tomorrow and she'll get that twice a day and hopefully it will clear it up.
Her poo just didn't seem right to me and her rushing to have to potty and having two accidents in the house, straining to poo after she's already gone twice and have it be slightly soft and drippy... it wasn't full on diarrhea but it wasn't normal.
So clearly this means this mommy has GOT TO GET HER STRESS under control since my baby's digestive system is out of whack so you know it ... more wine for me!
And since I don't keep carbs like rice or pasta in the house, I thankfully had some gluten free pasta for her for dinner tonight to hopefully settle her belly. But clearly she's a hungry hungry hippo and not missing any meals - perhaps all that extra pooing is making her more hungry since she's a bottomless pit, it would seem.
Still proud of her - after 7 months of this, I am sure my colon would trashed too!
Alison and 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
Ohhh wow so that was the issue, it makes total sense! At least you have the poopy accidents figured out now. You are an awesome advocate! Here's to careful examination of our dog's poop!
Rice and chicken, chicken and rice, she should feel better in a few days.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Poor Shelby. I'm sorry she, and you, have this to deal with now. My current dog, Seven, had a bad case of colitis about 6 weeks ago. A bland diet of rice and boiled chicken, with a little bit of plain canned pumpkin (no added sugar or spices...not pie filling) helped him heal up, along with the meds from the vet and also a good doggy probiotic. I hope she's feeling better soon!
Hugs,
Carol
Thank you!!! I just knew something was 'off' w/my girl. And this might actually explain the hanging out in my bathroom issues so I'll see if this clears up, if then she stops that too. In the past (like 5 years ago) she would "poop" in my bathtub if she wasn't feeling well or couldn't wait. Now she can't get into my bathtub (I have a door and it's shut as I don't need her jumping in there and getting stuck) but she still might associate the bathroom with thinking she has to "go potty" and trying to figure it out.
And her belly gurgles sometimes. I am hyper sensitive right now. But literally when I got home from being out 4 hours, she almost RAN out my door and down the stairs and she's never done that so I knew she had to really go. And sure enough! Poor baby ... she seems fine now so I'm going to drink wine w/some friends and take a break from being a mom. In case no one has figured it out, I don't have real kids - she is my child - so a break from being a caregiver really helps me stay sane and be a better mom to Shelby!
Chicken and rice ! Got it! 🙂
Alison and 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
Oh Shelby, you are keeping your mom on her toes !! That stress can be a serious downer, for sure......but I'm guessing once you start having a more routine thing going, the stress and related problems will go away. As far as feeding her a bland diet for this problem, another option is prescription diet such as Science Diet ID, or Purina EN that you can get from your vet. I had to use that for my one Lab because any kind of cooked chicken actually made her belly worse. ID or EN was the best to use, and helped quite quickly. I don't know how you feel about those kind of foods, but I always keep a few cans here for my girls if they get belly or intestinal problems. They really helped Polly greatly, when she got so sick from chemo, also......just something to think about.
Hope your girl starts feeling better very soon, and keep us posted on her.
Bonnie & Polly
Oooooh. This stinks. But, it makes sense so that's actually kind of helpful. Breathe. And drink. I'm with you on that one!
Some foods that help dogs with poo problems is magic green clay (Wyatt is a huge fan...er, his pawrents are!) and diatomaceous earth. Both of these are basically inert bulk.
Since Shelby is stressed and given your comment about carbs, I'm assuming you're a healthy person (wine IS healthy) and appreciate whole foods. We're the same here and now Jackson is too. This guy LOVES veggies. I notice that after a good meal of broccoli and sweet potatoes, Jackson's poo is great (although, I must add, he's never had a problem there). The sweet potatoes are baked and he usually gets all the skin, plus the pulp. I go cheap with the broc and buy it frozen and thaw an entire bag. At one sitting, for a 60lb pup, he'll get the skin, ~1/4c sweet potato, and maybe 1/2c broc...on top of his kibble. We don't count veggies or potato as part of his caloric intake.
Maybe you don't want to introduce anything new to her. That makes a lot of sense. But if you're wanting to try something and appreciate the natural anti-inflammatory powers of whole foods, I'm recommending broc and sweet potatoes.
Good luck. Better buy a case of something enjoyable....
~ 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!
Thank you all for the great support and suggestions. The gluten free pasta seemed to help last night until I can pick up her meds today. Her morning bathroom stuff was pretty normal. 🙂
I do have sweet potatoes in the house so I can cook some of those up for her. I was giving her the pure pumpkin for her pills and she LOVES that. In fact, she gets a spoon every morning since I make a pumpkin smoothie w/almond milk for work. And yup, pretty healthy here (including wine) but I eat basically "Paleo" so we don't have grains in the house thus the way I found out Shelby likes cucumbers and baby carrots. I didn't think about broccoli. She might like that. She also likes canned green beans (no salt). Her kibble got switched about 3 months ago w/her cancer diagnosis to Blue Buffalo high protein so I can't imagine that is the issue. Maybe the different cookies she's been consuming (not a ton but different ones each day). She's always had an iron stomach so I am glad I was able to notice this wasn't normal.
I'll her her meds today and hopefully that will help. As I said, this probably the least of her problems but seriously - it's time to give this dog a break!!! I thought it was funny when the vet asked if she was under stress - I was like, she just had her leg removed 3 weeks ago, what do you think?!?
Thank you everyone...
Alison and 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
Hey, share some of that Paleo goodness with your pal! It's as good for her as it is for you. Jackson loves: broc, cauliflower, potatoes (purple ones, too), brussels sprouts, asparagus, zucchini, summer squash, apples, carrots, cucumber, kale, mustard greens, swiss chard, bell peppers (all colors), parsnips, butternut squash, and bananas and various berries (he goes apeshit for blueberries, even ones still frozen!). A hotdog? This pup won't eat the thing!
The high protein kibbles or at least kibbles without grain (which can increase protein levels), can be problematic on tummies. I applaud the effort to watch her diet and upgrade it, but if her poo condition doesn't clear with time (ie, destressing) and this med, you may want to tinker with her kibble.
That said, for the first few months of Jackson's recovery he got extra boiled chicken on his kibble to up his protein amnt. I wanted his muscles to have all the energy he needed to grow up big and strong! Fundamentally, there is a diff between freshly prepared proteins (boiled chicken) vs increased protein kibbles. Now that we're far beyond those initial months, he gets a wide array of veggies on his kibble and meds and supplements. More antioxidants, fiber, and special nutrients for him while fighting cancer! Bring on the colorful food bowls!
~ 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!
WOW... thank you for that great information. That makes total sense about the protein rich food. It's crazy expensive (but in the grand scheme of things. .. does it really matter?). I basically want to make sure she still gets kibble for her teeth to keep them somewhat healthy but otherwise, I am good w/cooking for her. She likes most anything I put in front of her but even using websites to figure out portion sizes, I do worry I am either over-feeding or under-feeding her. It's a balance. But veggies are freebies (like in life).
Ha ha at apeshit over blueberries! That is Shelby with the pure pumpkin now. I can't make my smoothie in the morning w/out her RIGHT there. She used to get that way about baby carrots but now she likes them only if I cut them up for her (spoiled). So basically most veggies are good for pups except onions? She likes cucumber, carrots, green beans (haven't tried other squashes but since she likes pumpkin, I guess she would like those). I got brussell sprouts at the store today for me to roast but I can boil some for her.
She does seem better today - her poo was WAY more normal so maybe the gluten free pasta helped bulk it up. I am giving her the meds like the vet said. I can only imagine how uncomfortable she must feel if she has to go and I am not here to let her out to go.
Her dinners are about to get a LOT more colorful! And I agree about protein for muscles ... as a marathoner myself, post-race protein is key to recovery. I should expect the same for her front limbs that are taking more of the impact now.
again thank you for sharing your wisdom. It's so much information and I feel we are in a rushing battle to do all we can to fight the cancer. It gets a bit overwhelming! 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
Ooooh, I forgot about green beans! Yep. Nomnomnom. Corn, peas, apples. Nomnomnom.
Initially Jackson liked his brussels sprouts roasted, but we've now discovered he also likes them shredded...and raw. Same with kale - a little bit steamed is delish to him, but he'll also take the spines raw.
Libby's mom, Amy, has this book and cooks a lot of meal for lucky Miss Libby:
Libby JUST celebrated her ONE YEAR!!! So, clearly all this yummy home cooking is working. I hear the book is great for portions: he'll tell you how much of each meal to feed per body weight. If you're up to cooking for Shelby, have a look at this book.
Yes, onions, grapes, and raisins are no-no's for pups. Plus macadamia nuts. Check out: http://www.cinc.....dangers-2/ and http://www.colo.....o-dogs/. Be aware, though, not all mushrooms are bad. In fact, there are special, magical ones that are GREAT for fighting cancer.
~ 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!
fetchon3 said
Libby JUST celebrated her ONE YEAR!!! So, clearly all this yummy home cooking is working. I hear the book is great for portions: he'll tell you how much of each meal to feed per body weight. If you're up to cooking for Shelby, have a look at this book.
Here's a review from the Tripawds Nutrition Blog :
Feed Your Best Friend Better with the Dog Food Dude
Thanks for sharing this great info with everyone Katy!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You'll also find this helpful:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all for the links on healthy eating for dogs and the book reviews. I will be getting the book for sure! I don't mind cooking for Shelby - I figure it will be pretty easy since I don't have to season and make it fancy for her! She definitely has an appetite of a T-Rex vs. a 22 pound dog! So hopefully some extra veggies will give her more bulk to help her feel more full.
She's always been a super 'healthy' eater - never one to miss a meal so at least that means she's feeling normal and strong in my mind. And bulking up her food w/pure pumpkin definitely did help her colitis over the weekend.
It's just so much information to take in and feel overwhelming but I think I can figure out the best course for her. Of course her vets think what she's been eating is just fine but I want to be as proactive as I can! I've already reduced most of her grains due to learning that cancer feeds on grains so most of her treats are grain-free . 🙂
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
We got the cook book this week and I read through it. Great stuff! I noticed a lot of garlic powder though and I thought garlic was bad for dogs? I guess I could leave it out. Shelby hardly has a distinguished palate!!! 🙂
I also noticed that the stock I've been serving her to get her to eat (low-sodium stuff) from the store has onion in it which is a big no-no. I am surprised her vet didn't say anything to me since they knew I was giving her that for over a month now.
Speaking of mushrooms ... I heard a story on the local news tonight about those cancer fighting mushrooms for hemangiosarcoma. Now Shelby has had her diagnosis for 6 months BUT I figure it can't hurt so I'm going to be that person and ask her onco about them. I did stop short of asking her other vet about "pot" for dogs to help w/pain and frankly, I don't need anything that is going to possibly encourage Shelby to want to eat anymore than she already does (i.e., munchies for dogs).
But thank you for the tip about the book. Seems pretty easy to supplement her kibble w/some homemade stuff that can be made in bulk and she can eat it for a couple weeks! 🙂
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
There is debate about garlic for dogs. In small doses it's fine, in larger ones it can be a blood thinner. We've used it in our pack with no problems. Stay tuned, we're going to have the author of Feed Your Best Friend Better on Tripawd Talk Radio , in March, so we can ask him.
Also, about mushrooms for hemangio, we just wrote about it:
Mushroom Therapy for Canine Hemangiosarcoma
http://nutritio.....iosarcoma/
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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