Month: July 2015

I was beginning to feel like a fraud, being here when I don’t actually have a tripawd.  I have been calling Leila a semi-tripawd because she doesn’t fully use her leg and gets around on 3 legs.  I think I had lulled myself into a little bubble of denial that she is fine and that she could continue like this indefinitely.  Unfortunately that’s not the case.  I have heard back from my vet, who has consulted with two other specialists.  They agree that the best course of action will be to remove the pins from Leila’s leg and see how the bone holds together.  There are three possible outcomes from this.  Best case scenario, the bone will hold and she will be fine.  Alternatively, the bone could collapse immediately and they will amputate during the same surgery.  The worst case would be that the bone appears to hold, but later collapses, causing Leila a lot of pain and making it necessary for a second (well, technically it will be her 4th) operation.

So the operation is scheduled for next Monday.  Good job I’m not superstitious, I’ve just looked at it will be 13th.  We go away this weekend and I wanted to make sure I can be here for her after the surgery.  She doesn’t like the drowsy feeling of coming out of aesthetic or sedation. It makes her scared.  I think its because she’s not as aware as she usually is and she doesn’t understand what is happening.

I had actually booked her in for this procedure a couple of weeks ago, then changed my mind last minute.  My friend suggested I ask for a second opinion and I jumped at the opportunity.  That was when I found Tripawds, through Fang’s owners original worried post on a different site, wondering whether to amputate his leg.  I followed his story, understanding all of those feelings of worry, of being unsure of what was the right decision for Fang.  That lead me here, where I found so many others who have also experienced similar worries, and then relief that all has gone well and their pet is not only coping, but happy with life on three legs.

I’ve had time to think about it, to read the blogs of others and see pictures and videos of happy tripawds enjoying their lives.  I know Leila will be fine whatever the outcome.  I am so grateful that its an injury rather than cancer or similar which has caused this.  I am so sorry for those out there who continue to worry for their furbabies.

Here are Milo and Leila enjoying the sun.  Leila can climb up the scratching post using all 4 legs and can get down by herself as well.

 

Today I received some potentially good news in the form of a reply to an email I sent to a specialist vets in Calgary.  I sent Leila’s most recent x-rays along with an explanation.  One of their surgical team replied saying that there is some healing and that there is still bone to work with.  She asked for a few extra details about whether Leila can use her leg at all (which she can, but she is still not weight bearing on it).  I also sent the original x-rays from March so that they can compare.  They were very understanding about me not wanting to bring Leila on a 3 1/2 hour drive if there is nothing they can do, so they will try to give me the best advice possible and I will take her if we feel that there is a good chance they can help.  Despite all the travelling Leila has done, she still hates most of it.  Our last car journey, the 9 hour drive from BC to where we are in Alberta, was very stressful for her and consequently for me as well.

I am worried about getting my hopes up for her leg, but I am very grateful that I have found this website.  It’s nice to have people who understand what it’s like loving your pets like family.

These are her x-rays from 15th March 2015 and with the pins, from 24th June 2015…