Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello!
I'm new to this forum and wanted to share my story because I'm worried about my dog who isn't doing well after his amputation surgery. His name is Snowflake (Siberian Husky 11 yrs old). He has osteosarcoma in his front leg.. His surgery was on Monday and 3 days later he is still in the vet because he has some complications. Apperantly the surgery itself went well and his incision is healing fine. However, his body's reaction to the surgery wasn't good. Per the vet, fluid developed around his lungs and his protein and white blood cells are low. His values are up and down so they have been working with him to help him. He has also been having some labored breathing. They gave him some plasma to help and protein. They also put a catheter in him to help with his urine. They are doing their best but they gave me a couple of options if he doesn't improve. They told me I could take him to a bigger hospital with specialty treatment so they could perhaps do a blood transfusion, put him in an oxygen tank and monitor him 24/7. It would be obviously more expensive too. They also told me it would be up to me to decide to put him down if his condition doesn't improve in a couple or days. I'm so sad that this is happening. I decided to amputate to help ease his pain. Yet it seems he's in more now. I feel guilty and sad that maybe he won't make it. Just wondering if anyone else had complications too and their pet recovered? Any words of encouragement? I don't want to lose my dog, but I also want to do what's best for him. For now I'm praying and waiting to see if he improves tomorrow. Can my dog survive this ? Or are these bad signs? Thank you in advance.
Hey there! It was so nice chatting with you yesterday on the Helpline, I'm so glad you decided to post here. As I mentioned in our conversation, here's my suggestion:
See how he's doing today. If your vet feels that Snowflake is not improving, the next best move would be to get him checked into the specialty center. Ask your vet the best procedure for doing so. You mentioned that your vet is not a 24-hour clinic, and that worries me for any pet who is recovering from a major surgery.
The Orange County ER Specialty clinic that's AAHA-accredited is the one I would feel good about taking him to. MASH in L.A. would be my second choice. But IF your vet has an "in" at MASH and they can get him in sooner, I'd go there just to speed up the process. Either one is a good 25 minute drive for you so I would ask your vet what would be necessary for safely transporting Snowflake.
Honestly based on what you are describing I don't think that it's time to consider euthanasia. I think your vet probably and kindly presented that as an option in case the costs of caring for Snowflake any further are out of your reach. But this soon after surgery, if you are able to cover the cost of emergency care, I don't think that his health is so bad that euthanasia is the best way to go. Now I'm not a vet so I could be completely wrong. But I just wanted to throw my gut feeling out there about why he mentioned that to you.
Hard recoveries are not unusual. They do happen, and nine times out of ten the dog really does bounce back once the reasons for the recovery delay are treated. Here's an article or two we wrote about that:
Tripawd Tuesday: Bocce is Greyt After Tough Recovery
Two Tripawds’ Tough Amputation Recovery Stories (and Comebacks!)
Let us know how today goes OK? I hope that soon we will be able to share Snowflake's recovery story too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh gosh, so sorry you and Snowflake are dealing with these issues.
Not sure of the "cause" of all these hurdles. We always know every sirgery has a risk for humans and dogs, major surgery or very minor surgery, they all have a small risk factor. We proceed because we know the benefit of the surgery far outweighs the risk. And yet, when "it" happens, we have to force ourselves to remember "why" we proceeded. And in this case, like everyone here, you proceeded out of LOVE and doing ever possible to give Snowflake a chance at s quality, pain free life. And that is still absolutely very possible outcome we are all hoping for in Mr Snowflake's case!!
As Jerry pointed out, there are situations where the recovery has been full of additional unexpected hurdles that eventually get figured out and handled.
We know all to well, the expe se I evolved in overnight care and all of the ppss therapies Snowflake may need to get through this challenge. It just sickens me that sometimes we cannot provide the over the top care sometimes our dogs need. It's a harsh reality and one you CANNOT....CANNOT....CANNOT. feel guilty about if you are unable to follow through beyond what you have done. And you jave already done more than what many can do just by proceeding with the amputation. And Snowflake knows that!
That said, IF you are able to proceed, you can check out CARE CREDIT. You can also ask (BEG) the ER to work out a payment plan. Maybe your Vet who did the aurgery can make a call over there and see if he can assist you in getting a payment plan based on his relationship with them....with you.
All that said, I agree with Jerry 100% It doesn't seem like euthanasia is at the bottom of the lost at this point. He has a lot of things going on right now, in addition to the "normal" hurdles of recovering from MAJOR surgery, shaking off strong hospital meds, etc. A blood transfusion, as we've seen in other cases, can make all the difference in getting him on the right track. The fluid around the lungs could be addressed at the specialty clinic too.
We are sending you cyber hugd and all the pawsitive energy your tripawd family can mister up....and that's endless!!
((((((((((HUGS)))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Thank you both for the words! I love my dog so much I didn't even care to consider the price at this point. Even if I'd only get a few good months more with him I'd pay all that is needed. Today Snowflake's breathing was better compared to the first day. He was able to lift his head up and look around compared to the first couple of days. He was also able to drink a lot of water. He did not want to eat though even as I volunteered to take him some cooked chicken and fish with rice. So they gave him some glucose I believe on his fluids since his red blood cells were low. He also hasn't stood himself up so he's been laying down most of the time. He's peeing just fine so per the tech he doesn't have any issues with kidney failure since his urine is concentrated. So at least some things are good. They did mention there was some dark tissue under the incision site perhaps the cancer cells that where concentrated in that area. So they told me that should hopefully come off on it's own. So they are working to address what's coming up on his charts. He's still super lethargic. I am going to call the Fullerton hospital and see about getting him transferred tomorrow. Just praying he can come home soon as I feel he'd probably prefer being in his home. This is super scary but I've been reading a bunch of forum stories to keep me positive. I'll keep updating 😊 and will post a pic of my beautiful husky 🥰
Ohhhh Snowflake you are a BEAUTY! What a sweetie.
Yes, stay pawsitive! You do have a good vet who is on top of the situation, but like they said, the specialty clinic is likely able to do extra things that they aren't equipped to do. I like that your vet was upfront about it, that person is a keeper for regular vet care!
These are good signs that he can bounce back from whatever is delaying recovery. Huskies are resilient dogs! I'm with you though, and think it's a good idea to see about the specialty clinic. Let us know what they say. We are sending lots of ((((hugs))) your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ohhh myyy goodness! Snowflake just stole my heart! Such a handsome fella's
And you DO have improvement so celebrate that!!! Hopefully you can get him transferred today and his improvement can continue. While I know Vets don't usually like for you to visit with patients, but , in Snowflakes case it may do him good, especially if you can bring him some yummy food. I agree, a ythi e you can get him stable and do care at home, it always helps to be back home.....for everyone.
Paws crossed for continued improvement!!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
My sweet boy passed away today to doggy heaven. He couldn't handle it and had cardiac arrest. Thank you for the encouragement regardless. My heart aches in every way and I tried hard but it wasn't enough.
Ohhh nooooo. I'm soooo sorry. Crying buckets of tears right now. No words, just no words. Shaking g my head in disbelief. I'm just so sorry. Cannot form any thoughts right now, so want to come back. You did EVERYTHING possible, EVERYTHING ppssible. Medical knowledge can only go so far and cannot forsee the u seen that pops up with surgery.
I'm just so sorry, so gutted for you and with you.
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 am so, so sorry. Just speechless, I saw this and 
. My heart goes out to you Jasmine, I'm so sorry. You absolutely did everything you could to make sure he had a good life on three, yes you did try hard! This is so unexpected and tragic. Just awful! It breaks our hearts and I can't imagine how hard it is on you. If I could reach out and give you a big (((hug))) right now I would. There are no words that can ease the pain you're feeling, but please know that we all feel terrible about your sweet boy's unexpected passing, and we grieve alongside you.
If you want to talk, we are here for you OK? And if and when you feel ready to share all the good times you had with Snowflake, please post a tribute OK? With him being your first dog, I know he meant so so much to you and there's a lot to share. I'm really sorry for your loss.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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