Discussion
Our little dog 'pogal' a yorkshire terrier reached 17 last month. He's an amaznig little character, but in the last 4 years has really started to slow down. Over that time, he's sight has pretty much left him (milky eyes) and he's lost all his hearing. However he is still content to sleep in the sun and wonder around the back garden.
Over the last couple of months, his age has realy seemed to catch up with him, to the point that he now widdles in the house ( he used to wonder to the door and ask to be let out). I think his sight has completly gone now, as he's started to bump into doors, walls etc and will quite happily bark at the radiator / wall. I assume thinking it's us.
The widdling isn't an issue - we just bulk buy kitchen towels but the bumping into things is scary - He has also over the last few weeks started to wonder around the house / garden as if he's lost, rather than a purposfull walk (if that makes sense)
We took hiim to the vets for something unrelated about 2 months ago - they gave him a checkup and they, that his heart had a small murmour but that was to be expected for his age, and that other than that he was doing ok.
He himself seems quite happy still ... he'll happy doze away on my lap in the evenings when watching tv etc, doesnt' seem distressed when he is wondering around or upset either.
My own thoughts is that we can put up with the widdling, and just give him lots of care and he'll shuffle off in his sleep - but am I just kidding myself as I don't want to make that decision.
converslley if he does go during the night - what do I do ? Wrap him in his blanket and take him to the vets ?
Over the last couple of months, his age has realy seemed to catch up with him, to the point that he now widdles in the house ( he used to wonder to the door and ask to be let out). I think his sight has completly gone now, as he's started to bump into doors, walls etc and will quite happily bark at the radiator / wall. I assume thinking it's us.
The widdling isn't an issue - we just bulk buy kitchen towels but the bumping into things is scary - He has also over the last few weeks started to wonder around the house / garden as if he's lost, rather than a purposfull walk (if that makes sense)
We took hiim to the vets for something unrelated about 2 months ago - they gave him a checkup and they, that his heart had a small murmour but that was to be expected for his age, and that other than that he was doing ok.
He himself seems quite happy still ... he'll happy doze away on my lap in the evenings when watching tv etc, doesnt' seem distressed when he is wondering around or upset either.
My own thoughts is that we can put up with the widdling, and just give him lots of care and he'll shuffle off in his sleep - but am I just kidding myself as I don't want to make that decision.
converslley if he does go during the night - what do I do ? Wrap him in his blanket and take him to the vets ?
If he is not distressed or in pain then I'd leave him alone to enjoy the sun.
IF he wanted to go, he would let you know.
The more painful bit ..........
If he does go in his sleep, are you getting him cremated? If so then yes, just place him in a towel/blanket and put him in a box and take him to the vets. They will get him cremated and give you back the ashes in whatever box/urn you have agreed with them. I assume you will get an individial cremation as well.
IF he wanted to go, he would let you know.
The more painful bit ..........
If he does go in his sleep, are you getting him cremated? If so then yes, just place him in a towel/blanket and put him in a box and take him to the vets. They will get him cremated and give you back the ashes in whatever box/urn you have agreed with them. I assume you will get an individial cremation as well.
Being blind just dont move things about so he knows here things are.
Sounds like the chaps spring is slowly winding down and as long as he is happy and in no pain then let him enjoy his retirement dozing away in the sun.
I love old dogs. I think they are as cute as puppies
BTW: This thread is useless without pics.
Sounds like the chaps spring is slowly winding down and as long as he is happy and in no pain then let him enjoy his retirement dozing away in the sun.
I love old dogs. I think they are as cute as puppies
BTW: This thread is useless without pics.
We had a similar situation with our Bobo as he was nearing the end, his eyes, ears and appetite were fine, but he started to lose the muscle mass in his back legs and then start to have the odd accident in the house.
the vet said that if we were happy cleaning up (which we were) and his quality of life was not affected, and he was in no pain, then we could all carry on.
Either you'll know when it's time or he'll make the decision for you. Give him extra hugs
the vet said that if we were happy cleaning up (which we were) and his quality of life was not affected, and he was in no pain, then we could all carry on.
Either you'll know when it's time or he'll make the decision for you. Give him extra hugs
Hi all,
Well last week we took pogle to the vets to see what was going on. the Vet gave him a full check over and was pretty impressed with his health for his age. He remarked that pogle had a very strong heart.
We proceded to tell him that he wasn't himself any more and that along with no bladder control we were worried about his behavior, specifially that he wouldn't settle unless having a cuddle and would just walk and walk around the house as if he was looking for smoething, then conversally just stopping and staring into space.
I also mention that smoetimes he will get up and just walk in tight circles always going to the right until we pick him up for a cuddle. I said that his appetite was fine and he was still happy to eat, and could still smell a chocolate bar being opened 3 rooms away.
Sad to say that the vet, thinks he has a form of dementia and possibly a brain tumour in the front right ( hence the circle turning). He has given us some pills to try and improve things, once for nutrients and the other I guess for the demntia (I forget what they are called) and that we now have to bring him back in two weeks to see if there is any progress. He said that if nothing has improved then it's kindest to let him go to sleep. - which is what we were expecting him to say.
We managed to get out from the consulting room to the nurse who told us all the options regrading cremation etc before we both lost it, in fact I'm welling up here too, as I can't imagine not having him with me. Please dont post the 'dog' poem otherwise I know it'll send me over the edge today.
Pogle's at home, sun bathing at the moment - so we've got till next Friday for the pills to take effect. Hoping that they will, but guessing that the vet has given them to us to give him an extra couple of weeks and we can get used to the idea of him not being around
suffice to say - i would give absolutly everything I have to turn this around
Well last week we took pogle to the vets to see what was going on. the Vet gave him a full check over and was pretty impressed with his health for his age. He remarked that pogle had a very strong heart.
We proceded to tell him that he wasn't himself any more and that along with no bladder control we were worried about his behavior, specifially that he wouldn't settle unless having a cuddle and would just walk and walk around the house as if he was looking for smoething, then conversally just stopping and staring into space.
I also mention that smoetimes he will get up and just walk in tight circles always going to the right until we pick him up for a cuddle. I said that his appetite was fine and he was still happy to eat, and could still smell a chocolate bar being opened 3 rooms away.
Sad to say that the vet, thinks he has a form of dementia and possibly a brain tumour in the front right ( hence the circle turning). He has given us some pills to try and improve things, once for nutrients and the other I guess for the demntia (I forget what they are called) and that we now have to bring him back in two weeks to see if there is any progress. He said that if nothing has improved then it's kindest to let him go to sleep. - which is what we were expecting him to say.
We managed to get out from the consulting room to the nurse who told us all the options regrading cremation etc before we both lost it, in fact I'm welling up here too, as I can't imagine not having him with me. Please dont post the 'dog' poem otherwise I know it'll send me over the edge today.
Pogle's at home, sun bathing at the moment - so we've got till next Friday for the pills to take effect. Hoping that they will, but guessing that the vet has given them to us to give him an extra couple of weeks and we can get used to the idea of him not being around
suffice to say - i would give absolutly everything I have to turn this around
Thought it sounded like them. They're exactly what I'd have suggested. My cat is on vivitonin. Unfortunately the aktivait didn't suit him and actually made his symptoms worse but I'd still recommend them for others. The only other thing they may suggest is steroids ic they suspect a brain tumour as it may reduce inflammation. I'd say you have n on the ball vet as Aktivait is not one that many would consider.
Vivitonin increases oxygen flow and is a px drug. Aktivait is a neutraceutical and contains products designed to improve brain function and general age related behaviours.
Good luck. I really hope they do help but if there is no change after a few days it is likely to make your decision clearer (though not easier
)
Vivitonin increases oxygen flow and is a px drug. Aktivait is a neutraceutical and contains products designed to improve brain function and general age related behaviours.
Good luck. I really hope they do help but if there is no change after a few days it is likely to make your decision clearer (though not easier
)Edited by bexVN on Wednesday 29th August 10:13
Believe me I know exactly what you are going through, having a 17yr old cat who has given me a few real scares over the last yr, he is so important in my life but I feel that I always try and do my best for him and the day when that is not enough and his enjoyment of life is lost and the vets agree is the day I'll have to say goodbye. It's a day I dread, let's hope for both our furry friends that it is a while off yet.
Listen to the vet if you trust his/her knowledge.
At any time a good vet will have the best interests of the pet at heart at all times.
We have just watched our 9 yr old boxer go from a dog leaping and bounding around to a dog that can't even stand up anymore due to a number of internal problems in as little as 4 weeks.
She spent 3 days at the vets undergoing tests and put on a drip during this time as she couldn't feed herself,she came home with some pills and a very slim chance of survival.In fact I think it's more that the vet allowed her home with pills for a couple of days so we could say goodbye to her at home.Each day went by with our dog getting weaker and weaker to a point she couldn't eat or drink anymore of her own accord.
She came home on Saturday just gone,the vet came to end it for her yesterday morning.
Yes it's been sad and the house is a very quiet place today but it was 100% the right thing to do considering how quickly she became ill and how quick she deteriorated.
At no point did our vet give us false hope,our dog had a very slim chance of survival,I appreciate the vet being honest through out.
I have no doubt in my mind that even if we didn't listen to the vet our dog would have likely died by the end of the week.
If you trust your vet,you must listen to what they recommend,no matter how hard it will be.
At any time a good vet will have the best interests of the pet at heart at all times.
We have just watched our 9 yr old boxer go from a dog leaping and bounding around to a dog that can't even stand up anymore due to a number of internal problems in as little as 4 weeks.
She spent 3 days at the vets undergoing tests and put on a drip during this time as she couldn't feed herself,she came home with some pills and a very slim chance of survival.In fact I think it's more that the vet allowed her home with pills for a couple of days so we could say goodbye to her at home.Each day went by with our dog getting weaker and weaker to a point she couldn't eat or drink anymore of her own accord.
She came home on Saturday just gone,the vet came to end it for her yesterday morning.
Yes it's been sad and the house is a very quiet place today but it was 100% the right thing to do considering how quickly she became ill and how quick she deteriorated.
At no point did our vet give us false hope,our dog had a very slim chance of survival,I appreciate the vet being honest through out.
I have no doubt in my mind that even if we didn't listen to the vet our dog would have likely died by the end of the week.
If you trust your vet,you must listen to what they recommend,no matter how hard it will be.
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