Looking for advice
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| Dawn
I am so sorry you are going through this tough time. Only you and Shelton will know when it is time. What type of meds is he on? Is he incontinent? Does he have cognitive issues? Have you done blood work on him or does he have to be sedated for that as well? Wishing the best for you and Shelton Kathy |
| Thanks so much for responding. I knew this would be hard but I had no idea how hard. He takes Rimadyl but it seems to help for awhile and then it doesn't make much difference so we stop for awhile and put him back on in the past he needs it more during cold weather. He is not inconinent but he never did "hike" his leg? He always kind of spread them apart and he can no longer do that so he ends up going on himself which doesn't help the issue of not being able to get him groomed. His anxiety seems to be at an all time high, he gets himself all worked up and goes into the sections of the house he normally would never go to and then when he calms down he freaks out again because he doesn't like where he is, if we are not home he just lays in a ball in the corner and we have to carry him back. He had bloodwork done about 6 months ago and he is healthy as far as cancer, or any other diseases. I think I can't take seeing him so not himself and my husband is not really facing this, so I feel like I'm not getting his support because he doesn't want to deal with the pain of losing Shelton. |
| Talk with your vet about whether there is a better pain medication for Shelton. That might make a tremendous difference in his anxiety.
Talk also with your vet about what you might be able to do to help your boy be more comfortable. Maybe the vet would be willing to make a house call since Shelton isn't comfortable going out in the car. I know how hard it is to deal with all of this. My husband also had a hard time when our first OES began to fail, so I understand how you feel. Please let us know how you and Shelton are doing. |
| Hi Dawn! I am sorry to hear about the difficulties Sheldon seems to be having right now. I have no advise other then you know your sheepie better then anyone else does, but wanted you to know that we care and other members here have been where you are and always give great advise.
Plz give Sheldon a tender hug from us.... |
| I have alot of sympathy for what you are experiencing. I agree that it is worth talking to the Vet about trying another medication. There are so many choices and finding the right one can make a huge difference. My dog had the same issue with Rimadyl, didn't get any help from several others, but then I found one that worked for her and she was active again for many more months. So it is worth trying something different just to see if it helps. But if it doesn't help, then I guess I would consider whether the balance of pain/anxiety outweighs his pleasure from whatever it is that brings him pleasure. As for the grooming, you might want to consider having him shaved. It makes clean-up easier and will keep him matt-free for months. In my area there are groomers that will come to the house in a little van with a full grooming salon inside.
Good luck! |
| Care of an aging canine comes to an all new level. Because they can not speak to us, we have a hard time judging what is bothering them. Since yours in on Rimadyl, we know he is in pain. No pain medicine works forever. Fortunately the vets have a few more meds these days......better than a few years ago. Since your boy had the blood work recently, your vet should know if renal problems (kidneys) would prevent another med.
The pain of moving, tugging and balancing in the car makes it difficult for him to be the boy you remember. As long as he's in discomfort, he'll be difficult and moody. Hopefully a new med would give you back your boy for awhile. Eventually though, their pain and misery has to be measured against your need to have him with you. Another thought is canine cognitive disorder (CCD) While it doesn't sound like this is the case (in light of the arthritis), a dog who is entering dementia will be different. Here's a link to one site: http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2004&PID=8576&O=Generic When dogs start snapping (I'm not sure yours is..) I look at the hearing...did they not hear your voice and were startled by your touch. As for grooming, you may have to start hand clipping him, doing a little bit at a time. As he ages his "poop shoot and wizzer," butt and penis area will need even more attention as he may start to dribble or have trouble digesting his food. Older dogs are a challenge especially since you know you are entering the end times. Try to love them all the more. susan |
| I agree with everyone else just try to make him as comfortable as possible, and hang in there. Everyone here will support you during this difficult time. |
| HI Dawn
When you talk to your vet you may also want to ask about Anipryl which is for CCD. I have used it and didn't see a big improvement but, I know of others that have. Cholodin is also a supplement that can help with cognitive dysfunction as well as other symptoms. Science Diet also has a food that is for CCD It is called b/d and we did actually see a difference when using it. (of course all dogs are individuals but, these are some of the things we tried) Glyco Flex 3 has also been a big help in joint stiffness. Hugs to you both |
| Thank you all so much, it helps just to know that others understand. The vet is feeling like we are at the point where we have to make our decision since we see him daily. We do have him shaved usually, but my friend who has been grooming him the last few years says she honestly feels like she is torturing him because he is so uncooperative and then he wears himself out, and he can barely move. I've gone there with him to try to help, I've tried doing it at home. He just does not want any part of it, and he's at a point where I'm concerned about the mat's in his hair. The thought of him hurting himself while we are at work all day and suffering is unbearable to me, more so than letting him go - not to mention what it will do to my 6 and 8 year old daughters if they come home to find him hurt. |
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