Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Bailey had a few bumps in the road and was back at the Critical Care of the Surgery Center on Friday for dehydration. So chest x-ray, blood work and fluids. Also put on Cephalexin 3 - 500 mg 3x daily for UTI. Doctor said UTI caused from stress. Well she started sneezing Friday night and into Saturday when laying down... Sunday at 3am it was breathing with mouth open and white foam when she sneezed through her nose... back to the ER (they requested to see her) another chest x-ray clear, gave her fluids and check lungs again and sent us home... so most of the day and as we speak she is sneezing white foam... I called early and they are bring her back in... well it's a sheet of ice and I can't drive in this. I'm not sure what to do. I wonder if she's not having a allergic reaction to the antibiotic? Anyone? We took her off of Tramadol because her panting was getting worse and when she was at the Critical on Friday the doctor who seen her said that she was pushing around on the incision and she didn't flinch. I have noticed her shivering and her temp has been 102.7 to 103.6 at the ER... You can definitely tell her strength is not what it was like the day she came home... she's hopping slower. Felling really helpless.
Oh how scary I'm so sorry! First, breathe and stay strong. It's a bump in the road but you can get through this, I know it.
Apparently Cephalexin can cause side effects like GI issues but various websites I looked at say they aren't life threatening, just to let your vet know what's going on and stop treatment after consulting with them.
Please call your vet asap and let them know what's going on. First jot down all of her symptoms so you can give them a clear picture, then call them and ask what you should do. Next, let us know what they say because we will be thinking of you and sending all our best.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry for all the typos I'm one handed at the time. Talked to vet and they said they don't seemed concerned at this moment. They asked what she was doing now and I said sleeping like a baby. But to let everyone know I started her back on Tramadol like my vet originally prescribed 2 every 8 to 12 hours and we did 2 every 8 prior and she did fine. I'm not sure if she ever was panting at that dose but it did help her. So if it starts up and doesn't stop back to the ER they said they would keep her a couple of days... I really hope this is just a bump in the road... I don't want to take her back and stress her out even more but I will if it starts again... man do I feel like I'm a pain in the ass. I'm so worried about her having the fluid settle in her lungs. But they reassured me that the x-rays from Sunday were clear as well as the blood work. So I am going to go lay by my fur babies and relax. Thanks Jerry I need lots of support.
Originally they said keep her on the antibiotics, Pepcid and tramadol... every 8 hours. I called back after reading Jerry's link and this all started the late night/early morning of her first Cephalexin dose and has been doing it ever since. I keep really good notes each drug has a sheet of paper and times and amount is written down... hmmm they said stop the Cephalexin they will call the doctor at home. Maybe they will switch it the tech... her urine is clear now, normal for her. I know they say use the antibiotics until they are gone but I'm hoping they don't put her on another one... any suggestions? The tech named one but said it's real expensive... but she had to call the doctor. This is really upsetting me. $1,000 in two days for me to try to convince them that she doesn't do well with this drug. My daughter is in vet school and said she thought that too, there are a ton of antibiotics out there for UTI... I'm sure anyone on here could name several.
Whew! That sounds like pretty good news I'm glad you were able to speak with them and that they aren't worried. You're doing a GREAT job managing her pain and medication schedule despite these hurdles.
You are NOT a pain and your typos are totally allowed OK? We understand how stressful this is. Remember, you pay your vets to help you care for your sweet Bailey so never hesitate to get on the phone and speak with them. And we are here to support you so post away.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Bailey's mom,
I don't really have any advice (Rene gave you lots of good information) but never feel like you are being a pain when you call the vet - you are worried about Bailey and right now you are being a strong advocate for his needs 
The first two weeks after surgery really can be a "roller coaster" and this is likely one of the bumps in the road for Bailey.
Try to relax....take deep breaths....and give Bailey lots of hugs and snuggles!
Take care
Linda and Tucker
Did the vet call you back? How is she doing?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What's the update? If they took urine, are they culturing it? That'll help find the right antibiotic. Trust your gut! Be a pain in the ass! It's OK!!! If you're really convinced about it being Cephalexin, call your vet and just inform them you're taking her off it. See what happens - their response and hers.
Sending good thoughts! Check back soon and let us know how your big lady is doing.
Hang in there. 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!
OK, Bailey is off all her meds except for Pepcid. She still doesn't want to drink much or eat. She seems depressed. Sooo this running nose and sneezing has been going on for a while now and all I get is bring her in and we can re-check her. She goes tomorrow for staples out... which I'm worried about it doesn't look healed but I guess they make that determination. I'm not happy with then at all, the money is money but they should have kept her last Friday because she was dehydrated instead in putting her on more drugs. No they never did a urine test on her. I called them to let them know her urine was real dark almost brown. OK, she didn't eat at all there and they have tile floor... so she held it... they finally figured it out by Sunday morning (she had surgery on Friday) that she is afraid of tile, I even told them. Called today about her nose again and she pooped today and it was black. I'm afraid that I'm losing my baby and they just keep making me stress her out more and not doing SHIT. She's eating very little, cooked chicken, some yogurt, dog bones with peanut butter (she's always ate peanut butter unless surgery causes changes), she only drinks water with a little peadilyte mixed in. She went outside several times yesterday and stood in the sun leaning on me and actually wanting to take a walk... I walked her up the sidewalk a little... she just looked at me and wanted to go further... today doesn't want to go out... but the black stool was this morning.
Come to chat!
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!
OK. Breathe. Breathe. I'm so sorry you're feeling helpless and that the help you've been getting isn't comforting or working for you (or her). My suggestions:
Get her to a diff vet. Is there even a vet that travels and would come to your home? Your girl sounds pretty stressed and having a home visit may suit her better.
Have a special human friend come over. Make that person understand s/he MUST be really exciting, happy, upbeat to see Bailey. Have them arrive with foods and liquids Bailey hasn't had: sardines, FrostyPaws, cottage cheese, cream cheese, hell even a cheeseburger! Having a special person over does wonders!
You could take her for a car ride, if she likes car rides. A change in scenery can help. Stop at McDonald's and hook her up with a cheeseburger.
She's still within recovery, so her road may be bumpier than others. But I agree: you gotta get your lady to eat and drink something. Distracting her with fun and special person may make her eat.
~ 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!
Katy,
Thanks for your response. It helps. I was on chat I guess before I seen your response. I just don't know where to take her. The poop is scaring me being black. I did the McDonalds plain cheeseburger I bought 4 and she ate the inside of maybe one... she hates car rides but I did have her outside yesterday when it was 60 degrees and she walked a little and just stood in the sunshine but last night she was up sneezing and just nasal dripping. She's also doing something weird. She hits her nose hard into her bowl and pushes her food all out instead of eating it no matter what it is, even a dog biscuit she picks it up and drops it. She's done this since this nose thing. She goes tomorrow for staples removed.. they said it would be a tech if I want to see her doctor I have to take her at 9. These people make me sick. She's not a number.
I am truly horrified for you and the treatment that you and Bailey are getting. I am so sorry.... you are a strong parent though, and I believe you are doing all you can to advocate for those that don't have a voice. I don't have any guidance for you or ideas about why she's acting the way she is with the food or any of that but try and be a strong pack leader for her. they read our emotions and hopefully if you can find some calm, it will help her. Please keep us posted! We are ALL here for you and support 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
Wow I'm so sorry about this awful ordeal. Always remember, you have options, you don't have to go to that clinic. Call friends in your town who have dogs and vets that they like. Ask for your dog's medical records at your current vet and leave, you don't need to put up with treatment you're not happy about.
Black poop is nothing to mess around with, get a sample ready to take to the vet tomorrow and don't waste time with the tech. Let them know your concerns and if you don't like the answers, tell them you are leaving. Be strong, you can do this.
I'm sorry I missed you in the chat today, I'll try my best to be there tomorrow morning.
Good luck, we hope you both have a restful night.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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