I have a 14 year old cross breed, medical history as follows:-
arthritis, taking synoquin for this
Paralysed larynx, taking steroids
vet says that heart is slightly enlarged but not above average for dog of this age, slight heart murmur. enzymes up slightly in kidneys, but again nothing unusual for age of dog also on steroids.
A few nights ago he appeared to have a stroke/ischemic attack, right side of face appeared limp, unable to stand or walk, no coordination, by the following morning appeared much better, walking,eating + drinking no problem. Then tonight following his evening walk, same thing happened, although didn't appear as severe as first time, but he is now very lethargic. Anyone have any ideas please.
2006-12-07 08:17:56 · 25 answers · asked by LISA O 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
There are many things which could cause this behavior. Since your dog is so old, it is very likely that this is one of the symptoms that the body is beginning to break down. I would recommend having another blood work up done by your veterinarian. Depending on the money you are willing to spend, they can recommend x-rays, ultrasound or even MRIs to help diagnose the problem. However, it is important to keep in mind that your pet is long past the "mature" stage and is definately a senior citizen. Your vet will better be able to diagnose your dog, especially since they have a full history.
2006-12-07 08:24:18 · answer #1 · answered by cgmel 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I would go for another vet visit. Sounds like you old friend is slowing down. Not to question your vet, but try a second vet and let that vet know some history and all medications, and ask for a new opinion from them. Might be that you have mixed meds and there might be a better solution, or it might just be 14 years on a dog is an age when dogs are grandparents ages.
2006-12-07 16:24:06 · answer #2 · answered by Yutow 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
My 16 year old did the exact same thing...Your own diagnosis seems correct. There was nothing the vet could do for my oldster, and the episodes became more frequent..finally, he just didn't recover from one, and had to be put down..However, he lived about a year after the first one.
I would check with the vet, to see if he/she can find the reason behind those episodes, and if there is suitable treatment.
2006-12-07 16:24:26 · answer #3 · answered by Chetco 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Old Age I'm afraid, and there is no cure! The symptoms you describe are what an old dog of ours had and the Vet said they were mini strokes! Each time it happens it is harder for the dog to recover from! I would definately take him to the Vet as soon as possible and ask what can be done for him (if anything) but you may have to make that final decision all owners do! Is it fair to prolong his life? My heartfelt sympathies!!
2006-12-07 16:52:41 · answer #4 · answered by willowGSD 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like CDRM, its progressive disease, it affect over dogs 8 yrs. The disease is a part the nervous system, treatments are Steroids, as you say vitamins + Blackcurrent seed oil, but non of these will affect the dogs mind ie the Grey or White matter, but it will help in his mobilty. The dog is coming to his end of his longevity. I had the same problem with 1 of my GSD he was put down at the age 13 yrs + few months old. All the best.
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2006-12-07 20:33:00 · answer #5 · answered by CLIVE C 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some people can be so harsh on here w/ the things they say. I know this has to be hard on you. We had a poodle for 13 years and one night he started having seizures so we rushed him to the vet and we couldn't let him suffer anymore so we decided to put him down! It's so hard to do, but remember they won't feel anymore pain! You know these strokes/ seizures have to hurt him. Good Luck! Hope all goes well.
2006-12-07 16:29:51 · answer #6 · answered by ParisLynn16 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hi sorry to be the barer of bad tidings but our 12yo German Shepard didn't have quite as many problems in fact he was still pretty fit and healthy. He started having fits and loosing all control over himself my mum took him to the vet and he didn't come home it turned out that he had cancer and internal bleeding. This all happened very quickly literally over a couple of days.
I'd say please please take him to the vet if he is getting too bad is it really worth prolonging his life for yourself or is it kinder to let him go. It's very hard I know but it's going to happen one day.
2006-12-07 16:39:51 · answer #7 · answered by sarahc 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
i hate to say this, but i guess ur dog is getting too old. 14 year old dog just the same as human in 90 years old.. dogs only live for around 12 to 16 years.
2006-12-07 16:30:40 · answer #8 · answered by kaiser_ziegfried 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think you probably need to consider how your dog is feeling, pain, etc., and honestly consider having him put to sleep. It sounds like if you don't do it soon, he is going to be miserable, if he's not already, and that's not really fair to him. Take some time to seriously consider this possibility for your dog's sake. Good luck.
2006-12-07 16:25:08 · answer #9 · answered by stacijo531 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it sounds like his poor little body is just starting to shut down on him due to his age. I really do understand, in july, just after his fifteenth birthday, we had to have our beautiful baby boy put to sleep. It's one of the hardest things that you'll ever have to do, but when you see that they're suffering, and there's nothing else that you can do, it's what is best for him. our boy, a beautiful german shepherd, meant more to us that most people's human children do to them. when you've done all you can, and you realize that they're suffering, and they don't understand why, it's time to let them go. and as sorry as I am to have to say this, I have to say that I think it's time to let him go. he won't suffer any more.
I am sincerely so sorry, and I will keep you in my prayers.
2006-12-07 16:41:46 · answer #10 · answered by atiana 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋