I think every time one of my dogs has had a major health issue requiring a vet, it has either been on a long weekend or heading into a long weekend. Eddie has had two more grand mal seizures in less than twenty-four hours - one just before dinner yesterday and one just after lunch today. My vet is starting him on phenobarbital (which might make some matters, like his food obsession, worse) in the hopes that we can put a stop to them.
But, realistically? This is very, very bad news. And I won't prolong the situation if it worsens, or even if it doesn't improve. Quality of life is far more important than quantity. I'll keep you posted.
Showing posts with label canine health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label canine health. Show all posts
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
A Rather Tough Few Days
A few readers have emailed to ask how the critters are doing, and it is only right that I bring you up to speed. I shall relieve your anxiety by prefacing this post with "All the critters are okay for now!"
Eddie's seizure, mentioned in the previous post, happened on Wednesday. On Thursday, he was right as rain. But Shiloh wasn't. She went for her morning walk as usual, but ate hardly any breakfast and refused all dinner. Not a good sign in my food-loving gal. And she was getting stuck in strange places, falling over, restless, and just not herself. She didn't want her evening walk.
On Friday, she didn't get up until I woke her and had to carry her outside for a pee. She was unable to stand or walk, disinterested in food or water. She did not have typical signs of vestibular disease, something that often afflicts old dogs - no head tilt, no circling, etc. By noon, she displayed all the signs of imminent death - signs I am all too familiar with from the many senior dogs I have loved: lack of coordination, extreme fatigue, complete loss of appetite, vomiting bile, confusion, bladder and bowel leakage, tremors.
She's not usually a cuddler, but her tremors settled down and she slept deeply, with no fussing or obejections, when I held her. So we spent Friday night curled up together - first in my recliner, then in my bed. She was completely limp and nonresponsive to touch or voice - I could touch her paws, put my fingers in her mouth, play with her ears - things that usually either make her shake the body part or try to nibble me. I doubted she would last the night, certainly not the weekend. Since I had the mobile vet coming to see Eddie on Monday, I gave Doc the heads up that if Shiloh had not gone of her own accord over the weekend, I may be wanting her to help Shiloh pass when she came to see Eddie.
Saturday morning, I noticed her licking her lips and making smacking noises in her near comatose state, so I used an eyedropper to place a few drops of water on her lips and tongue - which she swallowed! A few more, and a few minutes, and she was trying to get up from her bed. And throughout Saturday, several times she got up staggered, drank some water, went outside with help, before going back to sleep again.
Sunday was better still - in fact, in the morning she seemed almost back to normal! She even went to the gate as if she expected our usual sunrise stroll. But we got no further than across the street and down one house before she collapsed again and I had to carry her home. All that day, she alternated between being up and alert for progressively longer periods of time, and sleeping. She even showed interest in chasing the cat - the spirit was willing but the body was weak. She drank water, but still didn't eat - her last meal had been Thursday morning. Only a small bite of toast (one of her favourite treats) even tempted her, and she was unable to propel it to the back of her throat. I was pretty sure today would be her last.
And this morning? She popped up at first light. She trotted outside for a pee. She drank water. She chased the cat,and managed to get a few tail hairs in her mouth. She ate a little breakfast , though most of it fell back out. She was alert and following me around the house and garden for at least a couple of hours. And all day long she got stronger and stronger.
When the vet came at 3:00, I was still undecided. Was this a swan song? Was she going to recover fully from whatever it was that had nearly taken her Friday? What to do, what to do?
The vet examined her and observed her and decided one of two things (or possibly both) had occurred. She had suffered a stroke or similar neurological event and/or she was coming into heat. Okay, that may sound strange - dogs come into heat all the time without exhibiting harbingers of death. But some of you may recall we almost lost Shiloh last spring/summer when she had a two-month heat with discharge that just wouldn't end, she stopped eating, stopped going for walks, just lay in her bed sleeping, day in and day out. (In case you are wondering why she is not spayed - since coming to live with me in October 2013, three vets have advised me not to spay this old girl who will be 17 years old in six more weeks - the risks of her dying during the spay, given her age, overall frail condition, and boggy uterus, are as great or greater than the risks of her dying from another prolonged heat.)
If what happened was a stroke, she will likely have another one from which she will not recover. If it was heat, she may or may not make it through. But she might also have several weeks or months of good living left to do. So we decided, based on how well she was doing when the vet was here and the fact that her heart and lungs sound good and she's drinking lots of water, that we would wait and see. She was simply not ready to go today.
I do have another tentative appointment booked for Thursday in case this is but a swan song (we are heading into a four day weekend here when my favourite vet will not be available) - but I will cancel it if she continues to regain her quality of life.
For now, for today, she has improved exponentially, and she ate a nearly normal size portion of dinner tonight before jumping up onto her favourite raised dog bed, unassisted, and settling down for a nap. She is one amazing sheltie.
As for Eddie, he has developed at serious heart murmur - minimum grade 4, possibly a 6 on the six-point scale (with his anxiety and panting and barking it was hard to hear the nuances that differential 4, 5, and 6 beyond knowing it is very, very noticeable). However, that only explains his recent fatigue on hikes and is not related to his seizure. For that we have taken blood tests and stool tests and should have some results Wednesday. The results will likely not tell us what caused the seizure, but may help us rule out some things like renal failure, liver disease, and thyroid problems.
The bad news is that dogs his age rarely suddenly develop epilepsy, which shows up in young dogs and can be controlled with medication. Grand Mal seizures in an eleven year old dog are more often caused by a brain tumor. The good news is there are many cases where a dog of any age has one seizure and never has another one. However, between the seizure and the serious heart murmur, Eddie's hiking days are pretty much over - gentle short walks for now at least.
And that's life at my house with the critters. I'm sorry there's no pretty picture to accompany this post. It has been an emotionally and physically exhausting few days.
Eddie's seizure, mentioned in the previous post, happened on Wednesday. On Thursday, he was right as rain. But Shiloh wasn't. She went for her morning walk as usual, but ate hardly any breakfast and refused all dinner. Not a good sign in my food-loving gal. And she was getting stuck in strange places, falling over, restless, and just not herself. She didn't want her evening walk.
On Friday, she didn't get up until I woke her and had to carry her outside for a pee. She was unable to stand or walk, disinterested in food or water. She did not have typical signs of vestibular disease, something that often afflicts old dogs - no head tilt, no circling, etc. By noon, she displayed all the signs of imminent death - signs I am all too familiar with from the many senior dogs I have loved: lack of coordination, extreme fatigue, complete loss of appetite, vomiting bile, confusion, bladder and bowel leakage, tremors.
She's not usually a cuddler, but her tremors settled down and she slept deeply, with no fussing or obejections, when I held her. So we spent Friday night curled up together - first in my recliner, then in my bed. She was completely limp and nonresponsive to touch or voice - I could touch her paws, put my fingers in her mouth, play with her ears - things that usually either make her shake the body part or try to nibble me. I doubted she would last the night, certainly not the weekend. Since I had the mobile vet coming to see Eddie on Monday, I gave Doc the heads up that if Shiloh had not gone of her own accord over the weekend, I may be wanting her to help Shiloh pass when she came to see Eddie.
Saturday morning, I noticed her licking her lips and making smacking noises in her near comatose state, so I used an eyedropper to place a few drops of water on her lips and tongue - which she swallowed! A few more, and a few minutes, and she was trying to get up from her bed. And throughout Saturday, several times she got up staggered, drank some water, went outside with help, before going back to sleep again.
Sunday was better still - in fact, in the morning she seemed almost back to normal! She even went to the gate as if she expected our usual sunrise stroll. But we got no further than across the street and down one house before she collapsed again and I had to carry her home. All that day, she alternated between being up and alert for progressively longer periods of time, and sleeping. She even showed interest in chasing the cat - the spirit was willing but the body was weak. She drank water, but still didn't eat - her last meal had been Thursday morning. Only a small bite of toast (one of her favourite treats) even tempted her, and she was unable to propel it to the back of her throat. I was pretty sure today would be her last.
And this morning? She popped up at first light. She trotted outside for a pee. She drank water. She chased the cat,and managed to get a few tail hairs in her mouth. She ate a little breakfast , though most of it fell back out. She was alert and following me around the house and garden for at least a couple of hours. And all day long she got stronger and stronger.
When the vet came at 3:00, I was still undecided. Was this a swan song? Was she going to recover fully from whatever it was that had nearly taken her Friday? What to do, what to do?
The vet examined her and observed her and decided one of two things (or possibly both) had occurred. She had suffered a stroke or similar neurological event and/or she was coming into heat. Okay, that may sound strange - dogs come into heat all the time without exhibiting harbingers of death. But some of you may recall we almost lost Shiloh last spring/summer when she had a two-month heat with discharge that just wouldn't end, she stopped eating, stopped going for walks, just lay in her bed sleeping, day in and day out. (In case you are wondering why she is not spayed - since coming to live with me in October 2013, three vets have advised me not to spay this old girl who will be 17 years old in six more weeks - the risks of her dying during the spay, given her age, overall frail condition, and boggy uterus, are as great or greater than the risks of her dying from another prolonged heat.)
If what happened was a stroke, she will likely have another one from which she will not recover. If it was heat, she may or may not make it through. But she might also have several weeks or months of good living left to do. So we decided, based on how well she was doing when the vet was here and the fact that her heart and lungs sound good and she's drinking lots of water, that we would wait and see. She was simply not ready to go today.
I do have another tentative appointment booked for Thursday in case this is but a swan song (we are heading into a four day weekend here when my favourite vet will not be available) - but I will cancel it if she continues to regain her quality of life.
For now, for today, she has improved exponentially, and she ate a nearly normal size portion of dinner tonight before jumping up onto her favourite raised dog bed, unassisted, and settling down for a nap. She is one amazing sheltie.
As for Eddie, he has developed at serious heart murmur - minimum grade 4, possibly a 6 on the six-point scale (with his anxiety and panting and barking it was hard to hear the nuances that differential 4, 5, and 6 beyond knowing it is very, very noticeable). However, that only explains his recent fatigue on hikes and is not related to his seizure. For that we have taken blood tests and stool tests and should have some results Wednesday. The results will likely not tell us what caused the seizure, but may help us rule out some things like renal failure, liver disease, and thyroid problems.
The bad news is that dogs his age rarely suddenly develop epilepsy, which shows up in young dogs and can be controlled with medication. Grand Mal seizures in an eleven year old dog are more often caused by a brain tumor. The good news is there are many cases where a dog of any age has one seizure and never has another one. However, between the seizure and the serious heart murmur, Eddie's hiking days are pretty much over - gentle short walks for now at least.
And that's life at my house with the critters. I'm sorry there's no pretty picture to accompany this post. It has been an emotionally and physically exhausting few days.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Shiloh then and now
It is just over three months since Shiloh came to live with me, four since she came to the attention of Sheltie Rescue. Regular readers will remember this sad, sad photo that a friend emailed me asking for my help:
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| Shiloh, one week before rescue |
Her full story is here, but a quick recap of her condition will highlight how much can be accomplished with four months of a healthy diet, exercise, and love - even for a Very Old Dog like Shiloh, who will be sixteen in May. When Shiloh first came into care, her skin was a mess, her fur was sparse and dull, she scratched and bit at herself constantly, her back end was so weak she could hardy walk and often fell over, she was very timid and hand-shy, and she was skin and bones. She had been neglected and abused.
Just four short months later, she is a healthy weight, the flakes in her skin and the bald patches are completely gone, she no longer scratches or bites at herself, and she has developed a thick, beautiful coat.
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| Hi Mama, you called? |
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| Shiloh in sunlight and shadow |
Best of all, her back end weakness is virtually gone. She loves,
loves, loves her daily walks and usually does a two kilometer loop every day
which includes time on the beach as well. She can now run fast enough and has enough stability to chase and jump at the cat, though she is learning that neither the cat nor I approve of such behaviour.
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| Shiloh, learning to "leave it" when the cat passes by. |
Oh, and she has become Miss Congeniality – walks right
up to every person and every dog she sees. She is a very popular dog-about-town. She is, however, a bit hard to photograph because as soon as
she sees me looking at her, even with the camera in front of my face, she has to
come running over to say hi!
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| Oh boy a person to pet me! |
She is a great, great dog and I love her to pieces.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
The answer to yesterday's question, and bedrest for Eddie
Georgia Little Pea guessed correctly - the handsome dog in yesterday's blog was indeed one of Lucy's pups, one of Major Bo Jangle's litter mates. This little reverse-brindle puppy
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grew into this big boy:
He has kept his original name, Zuke. He is perhaps an inch taller than Major Bo, a wee bit bulkier, and with even longer legs. It's still so amazing to me that short-legged, long squat bodied little Lucy produced such tall, long-legged offspring!
I have many more photos from yesterday to post, of Major Bo and Zuke and other friends in the park. However, that will wait until tomorrow, because Eddie says I have to tell you about his misadventure first.
Yesterday, Eddie was tired from his two hours of walking in the park, and was a little too eager to jump in the side door of the van to head home. He didn't wait for the cue to 'get in'. I moved just as he jumped, he missed the opening and tumbled back to the ground, landing awkwardly on his bum leg - the very arthritic one that was likely injured and left untreated before he came to me. He hopped right back up, but after we arrived home, I noticed he was holding his leg up, tight to his body. He's sometimes done that in the past and it has usually been fine in a couple of hours, so I gave him a pain killer and kept watch.
Twenty-four hours later, there was no improvement, so off to the vet's we went. It appears he likely has a partially torn cruciate ligament in his right knee, which is what I suspected. Fortunately it has not fully ruptured, though it will certainly be vulnerable to that in the future. He received a cartrophen injection, is on two types of pain killers, and on full bedrest for at least a week and likely several. No walks. No bouncing around. No jumping. Fortunately the only time he really bounces and jumps is at meal time or when someone comes to the door, but he will hate not going for his twice-a-day walks. He goes back to the vet in a week for another cartrophen shot and to reassess - if he is still holding his leg up or limping badly, we will x-ray to see how bad the damage is. Conservative management requires lengthy rest and a brace. Invasive management requires an expensive surgery - though that is a last resort.
Meanwhile, he thinks he will milk this for all it is worth. I, on the other hand, have told him that without exercise we have to cut back on the treats! But I assured him all his fans will feel sorry for him and send him good wishes. You will, won't you?
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grew into this big boy:
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| Handsome reverse-brindle boy! |
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| I wish she'd get that camera outta my face! |
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| Major Bo Jangles and Zuke at play |
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| Handsome Zuke |
He has kept his original name, Zuke. He is perhaps an inch taller than Major Bo, a wee bit bulkier, and with even longer legs. It's still so amazing to me that short-legged, long squat bodied little Lucy produced such tall, long-legged offspring!
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| Tee hee hee! You shoulda seen their dads! |
I have many more photos from yesterday to post, of Major Bo and Zuke and other friends in the park. However, that will wait until tomorrow, because Eddie says I have to tell you about his misadventure first.
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| Yeah, it can't ALL be about other critters! I haz a sad |
Twenty-four hours later, there was no improvement, so off to the vet's we went. It appears he likely has a partially torn cruciate ligament in his right knee, which is what I suspected. Fortunately it has not fully ruptured, though it will certainly be vulnerable to that in the future. He received a cartrophen injection, is on two types of pain killers, and on full bedrest for at least a week and likely several. No walks. No bouncing around. No jumping. Fortunately the only time he really bounces and jumps is at meal time or when someone comes to the door, but he will hate not going for his twice-a-day walks. He goes back to the vet in a week for another cartrophen shot and to reassess - if he is still holding his leg up or limping badly, we will x-ray to see how bad the damage is. Conservative management requires lengthy rest and a brace. Invasive management requires an expensive surgery - though that is a last resort.
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| I should be treated like a king! |
Monday, September 10, 2012
The Swimmingest Dog I Know
I know lots of dogs that like to swim, but I think very few show as much pleasure in it as our friend Sadie B. We went to Crofton Lake last Thursday, and as usual Sadie spent all her time chasing sticks in the cool water. The sun was bright, the water full of reflections, and the lake as beautiful as ever:
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In terms of photography, this first photo of Sadie B is my favourite, taken just as she swam past the concrete pillar of the little dock:
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But in terms of her expression of pure bliss and happiness, I like these ones a lot too!
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Eddie mostly stood around looking handsome,
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But some coaxing from Gail (and some treats tossed into the water) did encourage him to wade in a bit:
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However, as you'll see in an upcoming post, he is a very quick learner when food is involved!
In other news, Eddie visited the vet today for some routine care, and we discovered something unexpected - he has a fairly serious heart murmur which was not there at his last appointment in March. The vet estimates it as a Grade 4 (on a scale of 6), and it would account for why he has been tiring rather quickly on some of our routine morning and evening walks lately (though that could just as easily have been the heat).
The vet would like him to have an EKG and xrays, to determine the full extent and exact location of the problem. I may seek out a second opinion, however, as it wouldn't be the first time I've known vets to diagnose a heart murmur which isn't found on a subsequent visit. And, of course, one also has to ask if the findings would have any effect on treatment, or if the expensive tests are simply to satisfy curiosity and pay for the vet's next vacation. Back to google for more information!
Stay tuned - lots more stories and photos in the next few days - still catching up on the backlog!
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In terms of photography, this first photo of Sadie B is my favourite, taken just as she swam past the concrete pillar of the little dock:
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But in terms of her expression of pure bliss and happiness, I like these ones a lot too!
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Eddie mostly stood around looking handsome,
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But some coaxing from Gail (and some treats tossed into the water) did encourage him to wade in a bit:
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However, as you'll see in an upcoming post, he is a very quick learner when food is involved!
In other news, Eddie visited the vet today for some routine care, and we discovered something unexpected - he has a fairly serious heart murmur which was not there at his last appointment in March. The vet estimates it as a Grade 4 (on a scale of 6), and it would account for why he has been tiring rather quickly on some of our routine morning and evening walks lately (though that could just as easily have been the heat).
The vet would like him to have an EKG and xrays, to determine the full extent and exact location of the problem. I may seek out a second opinion, however, as it wouldn't be the first time I've known vets to diagnose a heart murmur which isn't found on a subsequent visit. And, of course, one also has to ask if the findings would have any effect on treatment, or if the expensive tests are simply to satisfy curiosity and pay for the vet's next vacation. Back to google for more information!
Stay tuned - lots more stories and photos in the next few days - still catching up on the backlog!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Why there's no new post....
I am working on the post on Eves Park, the last of the four parks we did last week. But I'm a bit short on sleep, I'm a bit sick of rain, I'm a bit overbooked on appointments and outings, and just to make things interesting......Sadie got very, very sick.
Sadie and Eddie went for their regular grooming at friend Karen's on Sunday morning. They go every 2-3 weeks for a good brushing, trim, foot care, etc. With all that long fur, my arthritic hands just find it a bit much - and besides, Karen has all the right tools and the dogs both really like her.
I picked them up, brought them home, and two minutes later Sadie had a big sloppy dump in the back yard. Okay, that's no problem - maybe she was a bit stressed and after all, we've recently upped her prednisone which can be hard on the system. I cleaned it up, fed her the next of her several daily meals (Note for occasional readers - Sadie has insulinoma, a fairly rare pancreatic cancer, and requires frequent feeding to prevent the overproduction of insulin eating up all the glucose and sending her into a seizure), and took off for my weekly game of bridge.
By the time I got home three hours later, all hell had broken loose. Sadie stumbled out the door and immediately upchucked all over the deck. Liquid poop poured out the other end. Feet folded under as she went into a low-glucose collapse. For the next eight hours I was routinely cleaning up one end, putting small amounts of food and meds in the other, and spreading old sheets over every inch of carpet and floor. In between, I was cooking up bland foods for her (she can't be fasted as one would normally do with a sick dog), mixing rice, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, pumpkin, whole grain bread, etc., ever mindful that insulinoma dogs need high protein, moderate complex carbs and no sugar. A challenge on a bland diet.
Needless to say, I didn't sleep at all Sunday night. Which meant I was totally wasted on Monday. Ms. Sadie, on the other hand, was much improved by Monday morning and giving me the stink eye for keeping her on a bland diet. Master Petey decided Monday would be a good day to be needy, noisy, and a pain in the butt - he has these days about once every week or so. Steady Eddie was fine and even reluctantly forfeited his Sunday evening walk and postponed the Monday morning one to the afternoon. Thank you Eddie, I take back every mean thing I ever said about your crazydog behaviour.
Anyway, all appears to be well now. Sadie is still being watched closely, and we'll put her on flagyl if the diarrhea returns once the pepto bismal has lost its effectiveness. Prednisone can do a number on the gut, and the recent increase in her dosage may be too much for her to handle. Or she may simply be reaching the end of the road - the changes I'm seeing are all expected parts of the disease. And so the saga continues....
Stay tuned - pics of Eves Park coming up next - likely later today.
Sadie and Eddie went for their regular grooming at friend Karen's on Sunday morning. They go every 2-3 weeks for a good brushing, trim, foot care, etc. With all that long fur, my arthritic hands just find it a bit much - and besides, Karen has all the right tools and the dogs both really like her.
I picked them up, brought them home, and two minutes later Sadie had a big sloppy dump in the back yard. Okay, that's no problem - maybe she was a bit stressed and after all, we've recently upped her prednisone which can be hard on the system. I cleaned it up, fed her the next of her several daily meals (Note for occasional readers - Sadie has insulinoma, a fairly rare pancreatic cancer, and requires frequent feeding to prevent the overproduction of insulin eating up all the glucose and sending her into a seizure), and took off for my weekly game of bridge.
By the time I got home three hours later, all hell had broken loose. Sadie stumbled out the door and immediately upchucked all over the deck. Liquid poop poured out the other end. Feet folded under as she went into a low-glucose collapse. For the next eight hours I was routinely cleaning up one end, putting small amounts of food and meds in the other, and spreading old sheets over every inch of carpet and floor. In between, I was cooking up bland foods for her (she can't be fasted as one would normally do with a sick dog), mixing rice, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, pumpkin, whole grain bread, etc., ever mindful that insulinoma dogs need high protein, moderate complex carbs and no sugar. A challenge on a bland diet.
Needless to say, I didn't sleep at all Sunday night. Which meant I was totally wasted on Monday. Ms. Sadie, on the other hand, was much improved by Monday morning and giving me the stink eye for keeping her on a bland diet. Master Petey decided Monday would be a good day to be needy, noisy, and a pain in the butt - he has these days about once every week or so. Steady Eddie was fine and even reluctantly forfeited his Sunday evening walk and postponed the Monday morning one to the afternoon. Thank you Eddie, I take back every mean thing I ever said about your crazydog behaviour.
Anyway, all appears to be well now. Sadie is still being watched closely, and we'll put her on flagyl if the diarrhea returns once the pepto bismal has lost its effectiveness. Prednisone can do a number on the gut, and the recent increase in her dosage may be too much for her to handle. Or she may simply be reaching the end of the road - the changes I'm seeing are all expected parts of the disease. And so the saga continues....
Stay tuned - pics of Eves Park coming up next - likely later today.
Friday, January 13, 2012
No News, and Sad News.
No News: There have been no sightings of London for the past few days. We're not giving up - we are still hopeful of finding her, still blanketing the area with posters, and walking the trails daily. As an aside, this has been good experience for Eddie, who has been accompanying me and is quickly becoming an old pro at car travel, hiking trails, and even waiting patiently in the vehicle while I talk with other searchers. I took today off, as I had some other things to take care of, but tomorrow Eddie and I will be back at it. I'm just hoping the forecasted snow bypasses us - so far this week it has been quite pleasant out, and snow or rain would certainly make the search more difficult.
Sad News: Sadie's medical tests have confirmed that she has an insulinoma - a tumor of the pancreas. While in people this is often benign, such is not the case in dogs. Insulinomas are rare in dogs and nearly always malignant. As Sadie's liver counts were also elevated, the vet fears it may have already spread - as is often the case by the time a canine insulinoma is diagnosed.
While a younger dog might benefit from surgery, the vet is not recommending it in 12-13 year old Sadie's case - the surgery is very invasive, the 'cure' rate is not high (largely because it has usually already spread), and recurrances within a year are frequent. The process of having surgery and being confined in the vets office for several days post-surgery would also be very traumatic for Sadie, who has abandonment issues when kennelled.
There are some drugs that may slow down the overproduction of insulin caused by the insulinoma and slow the growth of the cancer - they have some nasty side effects and we are still researching and discussing these options.
Please check back tomorrow for another important post about a dog in need.
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| "London" 1 year old lost sheltie Last seen near Stocking Creek Park, Saltair, Vancouver Island |
Sad News: Sadie's medical tests have confirmed that she has an insulinoma - a tumor of the pancreas. While in people this is often benign, such is not the case in dogs. Insulinomas are rare in dogs and nearly always malignant. As Sadie's liver counts were also elevated, the vet fears it may have already spread - as is often the case by the time a canine insulinoma is diagnosed.
While a younger dog might benefit from surgery, the vet is not recommending it in 12-13 year old Sadie's case - the surgery is very invasive, the 'cure' rate is not high (largely because it has usually already spread), and recurrances within a year are frequent. The process of having surgery and being confined in the vets office for several days post-surgery would also be very traumatic for Sadie, who has abandonment issues when kennelled.
There are some drugs that may slow down the overproduction of insulin caused by the insulinoma and slow the growth of the cancer - they have some nasty side effects and we are still researching and discussing these options.
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| Sadie in healthier times |
Please check back tomorrow for another important post about a dog in need.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Quick updates
1. London, the missing sheltie
London is still missing, but the good news is that she has been sighted several times by several people in the same area, and yesterday even entered her crate (which was set up in the yard of a place she had visited) but then spooked and bolted again before she could be enclosed. A system has now been rigged up to close her in from a distance if she returns.
For those helping in the search, the breeder emailed tonight to say she seems to be going up and down between the waterfall area of the park and a few homes on the bank, where they back onto the park (mostly off Knudsen Road and in behind the storage units).
She is a very scared dog right now, but will be getting hungry so hopefully she will soon come out for some tasty treat like warm BBQ chicken.
Please keep her in your thoughts and send positive vibes for her safe return.
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| Eddie helps in the search |
2. Eddie, my new family member
Eddie's leg is much better, so hopefully his lameness was just from either too much walking or some twisting during his prancing around. I rested it for a day or two, did a couple of very short walks, and today took him to the park to help search for London - I figured it was time he got used to travelling in my vehicle (to fun places instead of scary new homes or the vet's office!) and the soft trails of the park would be good walking territory.
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| But that black box in front of your face still makes me nervous! |
While somewhat anxious, overall he seemed to enjoy himself and was amply rewarded with treats. We didn't walk a long way; though we were at the park for about an hour, we spent much of that time just watching from vantage points or talking to other dog walkers. Tonight he is favouring his leg a little, so we'll see how he is tomorrow.
3. Petey, foster dog extraordinaire
Petey is doing well. He objects to my leaving him when he is awake, but he's settled in well and "Il Divo" knows how to wrap me around his little paws. On Monday, I'll be taking him down to Victoria to meet with another vet about his eyes. Please send "NO SNOW" vibes, because I don't want to be driving the Malahat in adverse conditions, and d*mn it's cold out there tonight!
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| Ah likes mah foster-mama pillow! |
4. Sad starving Sadie
Sadie's test results aren't back yet - at least not the ones we are most interested in - but she is holding her own as long as she is fed every three hours or so, and only taken on very short, very gentle walks.
As I've mentioned before, Sadie has episodes where she suddenly starts staggering like a drunk and then collapses in a heap on the ground. The first episode occured last May, with tests and chest xrays in May and June revealing nothing; however, in August the episodes began again, and have been getting more severe and more frequent since then.
In a stroke of luck, if one can call it that, she collapsed five minutes before the vet arrived for a scheduled appointment last week, and so the vet was able to check her heart and blood pressure while she was having an episode, and both were completely normal - we are now able to rule out a cardiac or circulatory problem. Her blood sugar, however, was dangerously low (1.2), and was still well below the appropriate minimum level a half hour after being fed corn syrup and carbs.
We are waiting for tests that will tell us if she has an insulinoma (tumor on the pancreas which causes overproduction of insulin) or possibly Addison's disease. Please keep her in your thoughts too.
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| Yeah, an' look how skinny I is despite all those extra meals! |
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Updates and News on a hot Saturday morning
It's going to be a scorcher (for Vancouver Island, though nothing like the temperatures people are experiencing elsewhere in North America), and I really have to get some housework done before it gets too hot. The dogs have been walked, with a quick stop at the Saturday morning Crofton Farmer's Market for homemade dog biscuits, and a leisurely stroll along back lanes gathering blackberries. I hate housework, so may as well update the blog. I'll throw in a few photos from the past couple of days for added colour, though they aren't specific to what I'm writing about.
Pepper, my SPCA fosterdog, visited the vet last Monday. She was a good girl, even though she had to go in the back for xrays and blood tests and have me pick her up a couple of hours later. She has a urinary tract infection, the xrays showed clear lungs and nothing sinister about the lump on her chest, and the blood tests suggest we were probably right on our diagnosis of Cushings.
However, further Cushings tests - to determine if it is adrenal or pituitary - are needed to prescribe a course of treatment, and both the testing (an eight hour process) and the treatment options are expensive and unpleasant. Whether the SPCA will choose to go that route for this 16 year old dog will depend on further discussions between the SPCA manager, myself and our very competent vet. For now, she is on antibiotics for the UTI and has another appointment booked for August 31st.
She is eating like a horse and I think she is finally putting on some weight - I have added digestive enzymes and probiotics to her top quality food, and she is feeding four times a day much to her delight and Sadie's dismay (poor hard done by Sadie who only gets fed twice a day!).
Sadie and Charley continue to plod along. We have now banned floofy beds (the kind full of foam chips, that 'floof' up when the covers are changed and slowly flatten over time) after an incident that left me feeling like a very bad mama. I got up the other morning and noted Charley was lying at the back of her crate, on her side, unmoving. No big deal - Charley often doesn't get up until the rest of the pack. Two hours later, when I was about to feed Pepper her second meal and Sadie and Charley their first, Charley still hadn't moved a muscle. I went over to talk to her, and suddenly realized she had soiled and soaked her bed and was unresponsive to my voice. No tail wags, to eye blinks, no twitch of the ears.
Fearing the worst, I knelt down and reached into the crate. Still breathing. Thank goodness. I realized then that she was simply stuck, unable to get herself upright from the position between the wires and the floofy mattress. Who knows how long she had struggled during the night before soiling the bed, or whether she had perhaps even had a seizure or another stroke - I hadn't heard a sound even though I'm a light sleeper. She was clearly in despair, having resigned herself to immobility.
I crawled into her crate and slipped my arms behind her to turn her and assist her out of the crate, and after a few unsteady moments she wobbled over to her food dish to eat her breakfast. I disposed of the soiled bedding, cleaned the crate, and put down a very flat pad instead. I have since also removed a floofy mattress from the large basket in the mudroom, and all others that are against walls or in locations where she might get trapped. The flat pads may not be as comfy on her old bones, but they are a lot safer for her. Having an aging dog means continual adjustments to accomodate their needs. The trick is staying one step ahead so incidents like the one Charley experienced don't happen.
In other news, North Cowichan has once again voted to support the gassing of stray cats rather than the use of the more humane lethal injection. It's been two years since we fought this battle; interestingly, this time it was Coastal Animal Services who made the request for extra funding for injections. Turns out, their private boarding business has been suffering since word got out that they use a CO2 box to kill cats. Our two weekly papers both have stories online here and here and I have written an op ed piece for the monthly Chemainus Courier which comes out in print next week.
Given that the new (draft) guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association specifically spell out that shelters and animal control should use lethal injection (including distressed, dangerous and/or fractious cats, with presedation - ie feral cats), and only conditionally accept CO2 "in unusual or rare circumstances, such as natural disasters and large-scale disease outbreaks” , it is unfathomable that for a mere $5000 a year, North Cowichan council would once again opt for the less humane method.
Coastal Animal Services purportedly stopped using the gas box three months ago and has been paying for lethal injections from their own pockets, a process they say they can't afford to continue. As their contract does not specify a responsibility for feral cats, they claim they will no longer accept them. One councillor's response? We'll find someone who will gas them for us. Good luck with that.
Of course, the real issue is the irresponsibility of those who let their unspayed/unneutered cats roam freely, or worse, dump them, abandon them, to survive by their wits and to reproduce several times a year.
The whole issue of euthanizing stray cats could be eradicated if people would be responsible, lifelong caregivers. Sadly, I doubt I'll see that in my lifetime.
 |
| Butterfly bush in bloom by Crofton Marina |
Pepper, my SPCA fosterdog, visited the vet last Monday. She was a good girl, even though she had to go in the back for xrays and blood tests and have me pick her up a couple of hours later. She has a urinary tract infection, the xrays showed clear lungs and nothing sinister about the lump on her chest, and the blood tests suggest we were probably right on our diagnosis of Cushings.
 |
| Cushions? I haz cushions? Yup, and they is very comfy, thanx you. |
However, further Cushings tests - to determine if it is adrenal or pituitary - are needed to prescribe a course of treatment, and both the testing (an eight hour process) and the treatment options are expensive and unpleasant. Whether the SPCA will choose to go that route for this 16 year old dog will depend on further discussions between the SPCA manager, myself and our very competent vet. For now, she is on antibiotics for the UTI and has another appointment booked for August 31st.
 |
| Oh no! Pills! I hates takin' pills! |
 |
| Ah dunno why ah can't get fed four times a day. Favoritism, that's what it is, favoritism! |
Sadie and Charley continue to plod along. We have now banned floofy beds (the kind full of foam chips, that 'floof' up when the covers are changed and slowly flatten over time) after an incident that left me feeling like a very bad mama. I got up the other morning and noted Charley was lying at the back of her crate, on her side, unmoving. No big deal - Charley often doesn't get up until the rest of the pack. Two hours later, when I was about to feed Pepper her second meal and Sadie and Charley their first, Charley still hadn't moved a muscle. I went over to talk to her, and suddenly realized she had soiled and soaked her bed and was unresponsive to my voice. No tail wags, to eye blinks, no twitch of the ears.
 |
| Noooo! Don't go tellin' people I pooped the bed! Aaarggghhhh! |
Fearing the worst, I knelt down and reached into the crate. Still breathing. Thank goodness. I realized then that she was simply stuck, unable to get herself upright from the position between the wires and the floofy mattress. Who knows how long she had struggled during the night before soiling the bed, or whether she had perhaps even had a seizure or another stroke - I hadn't heard a sound even though I'm a light sleeper. She was clearly in despair, having resigned herself to immobility.
 |
| I'z sowwy I scared you, Mama! |
I crawled into her crate and slipped my arms behind her to turn her and assist her out of the crate, and after a few unsteady moments she wobbled over to her food dish to eat her breakfast. I disposed of the soiled bedding, cleaned the crate, and put down a very flat pad instead. I have since also removed a floofy mattress from the large basket in the mudroom, and all others that are against walls or in locations where she might get trapped. The flat pads may not be as comfy on her old bones, but they are a lot safer for her. Having an aging dog means continual adjustments to accomodate their needs. The trick is staying one step ahead so incidents like the one Charley experienced don't happen.
 |
| Dogs, dogs, dogs! Why doesn't she ever write about CATS??? |
In other news, North Cowichan has once again voted to support the gassing of stray cats rather than the use of the more humane lethal injection. It's been two years since we fought this battle; interestingly, this time it was Coastal Animal Services who made the request for extra funding for injections. Turns out, their private boarding business has been suffering since word got out that they use a CO2 box to kill cats. Our two weekly papers both have stories online here and here and I have written an op ed piece for the monthly Chemainus Courier which comes out in print next week.
Given that the new (draft) guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association specifically spell out that shelters and animal control should use lethal injection (including distressed, dangerous and/or fractious cats, with presedation - ie feral cats), and only conditionally accept CO2 "in unusual or rare circumstances, such as natural disasters and large-scale disease outbreaks” , it is unfathomable that for a mere $5000 a year, North Cowichan council would once again opt for the less humane method.
Coastal Animal Services purportedly stopped using the gas box three months ago and has been paying for lethal injections from their own pockets, a process they say they can't afford to continue. As their contract does not specify a responsibility for feral cats, they claim they will no longer accept them. One councillor's response? We'll find someone who will gas them for us. Good luck with that.
Of course, the real issue is the irresponsibility of those who let their unspayed/unneutered cats roam freely, or worse, dump them, abandon them, to survive by their wits and to reproduce several times a year.
The whole issue of euthanizing stray cats could be eradicated if people would be responsible, lifelong caregivers. Sadly, I doubt I'll see that in my lifetime.
 |
| One of Crofton's many backlane cats |
Friday, July 29, 2011
Canine Puzzles
Charley's final blood test came back and all is clear - we were concerned her symptoms might indicate neuro-cryptococcosis, but she tested negative. So that brings us back to either the brain tumor, or a stroke. However, strokes are quite rare in dogs, and she didn't show other typical symptoms such as head tilting, eating from only one side of the bowl, or any loss of bladder control as would usually happen during a stroke of sufficient magnitude to affect her so severely.
There are two types of strokes - those in which the blood flow to the brain is impeded (ischemic) and those in which there is actual bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic). When we look at the causes of each kind of stroke, we have already tested for most of them - such things as kidney problems, diabetes, infection, high blood pressure, etc. By the time we eliminate the causes that don't fit, we are left with one thing which can be the cause of either ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes - tumors. So, whether her problems were caused directly by a tumor in the brain, or by a tumor somewhere in the body that led to a stroke, is somewhat immaterial. What remains to be seen is whether it recurs. Tumors can shift, brains do accomodate, a blood vessel that is squeezed by a tumor can become functional again as the person moves about - at least for a while, until it grows some more. So the prognosis is unknown - she could go tomorrow or she could be here for another year or more.
And medical tests are imperfect. It is entirely possible that it was some sort of bacterial infection despite the results of the blood and urine tests, and that the drugs she is presently on are wiping it out - because today, our Charley is almost 100% back to how she was before this all went south. She is walking as stable as she ever walks (which hasn't been great for quite some time), she is no longer bumping or stumbling, she managed a walk around the 'half-block" (ie, using the back lane) today, and she appears to have regained her vision or at least much of it.
It is a puzzle. All we can do is continue to give her the very best care we can and to love her forever.
As for Pepper, she and the cat have made their peace after two or three chasing incidents. Pepper was just curious about this little furry thing running past, and now that Allie understands she means no harm, she has stopped hiding and is strutting her stuff right past Pepper's nose without incident.
Pepper is somewhat restless and still waiting for her former mama to come for her - she checks the window, goes to the door, goes to the gate. But she will settle in time, and she is certainly an easy dog to have around. Today we took two walks around the neighbourhood - the first just around the block, and the second one to the beach and back. She was pretty tired at the end of the second one, but does walk beautifully on leash after the first block of trying to drag me into the bushes. She is, for sure, part hound!!
The Puzzle with Pepper is also health related. At certain angles she is nothing but skin and bone, but she has a big pot belly and is constantly hungry. Okay, the hound in her may also be why she is always checking out the kitchen - but combined with the enormous quantity of water she drinks and copious peeing, as well as other symptoms, Cushings comes to mind. On the other hand, if she has been malnourished and dehydrated, she may simply need time to rehydrate and fill out. In fact, her drinking is quite a bit less today than yesterday, when she went through several litres of water. Today I have only refilled the dishes once so far. I am feeding her small amounts of homecooked chicken and rice (with digestive enzymes and probiotics added) every three hours. Tonight I will start introducing her to top quality dog food as well . Hopefully she will start to fill out, and those huge, runny, corn-filled poops will become much more 'normal and easier to clean up!! Sometime next week she will likely have a vet check and then we will have a better idea of her needs and her future.
Sadie and Allie would like you to know that they are both doing well (although Sadie did have another exercise-induced collapse the other day, after a fairly short and not very fast walk). They think they should each have extra treats to compensate for the attention being given to Charley and Pepper. I dunno....what do you think?
There are two types of strokes - those in which the blood flow to the brain is impeded (ischemic) and those in which there is actual bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic). When we look at the causes of each kind of stroke, we have already tested for most of them - such things as kidney problems, diabetes, infection, high blood pressure, etc. By the time we eliminate the causes that don't fit, we are left with one thing which can be the cause of either ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes - tumors. So, whether her problems were caused directly by a tumor in the brain, or by a tumor somewhere in the body that led to a stroke, is somewhat immaterial. What remains to be seen is whether it recurs. Tumors can shift, brains do accomodate, a blood vessel that is squeezed by a tumor can become functional again as the person moves about - at least for a while, until it grows some more. So the prognosis is unknown - she could go tomorrow or she could be here for another year or more.
And medical tests are imperfect. It is entirely possible that it was some sort of bacterial infection despite the results of the blood and urine tests, and that the drugs she is presently on are wiping it out - because today, our Charley is almost 100% back to how she was before this all went south. She is walking as stable as she ever walks (which hasn't been great for quite some time), she is no longer bumping or stumbling, she managed a walk around the 'half-block" (ie, using the back lane) today, and she appears to have regained her vision or at least much of it.
It is a puzzle. All we can do is continue to give her the very best care we can and to love her forever.
As for Pepper, she and the cat have made their peace after two or three chasing incidents. Pepper was just curious about this little furry thing running past, and now that Allie understands she means no harm, she has stopped hiding and is strutting her stuff right past Pepper's nose without incident.
Pepper is somewhat restless and still waiting for her former mama to come for her - she checks the window, goes to the door, goes to the gate. But she will settle in time, and she is certainly an easy dog to have around. Today we took two walks around the neighbourhood - the first just around the block, and the second one to the beach and back. She was pretty tired at the end of the second one, but does walk beautifully on leash after the first block of trying to drag me into the bushes. She is, for sure, part hound!!
The Puzzle with Pepper is also health related. At certain angles she is nothing but skin and bone, but she has a big pot belly and is constantly hungry. Okay, the hound in her may also be why she is always checking out the kitchen - but combined with the enormous quantity of water she drinks and copious peeing, as well as other symptoms, Cushings comes to mind. On the other hand, if she has been malnourished and dehydrated, she may simply need time to rehydrate and fill out. In fact, her drinking is quite a bit less today than yesterday, when she went through several litres of water. Today I have only refilled the dishes once so far. I am feeding her small amounts of homecooked chicken and rice (with digestive enzymes and probiotics added) every three hours. Tonight I will start introducing her to top quality dog food as well . Hopefully she will start to fill out, and those huge, runny, corn-filled poops will become much more 'normal and easier to clean up!! Sometime next week she will likely have a vet check and then we will have a better idea of her needs and her future.
Sadie and Allie would like you to know that they are both doing well (although Sadie did have another exercise-induced collapse the other day, after a fairly short and not very fast walk). They think they should each have extra treats to compensate for the attention being given to Charley and Pepper. I dunno....what do you think?
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
A Reprieve for Charley
In the past, with dogs who have needed help to pass, I have always had a sense of certainty. Something told me the dog was ready to go, that it was time. With Charley, I did not have that certainty. Over the past twenty-four hours, in moments when her ears pricked up as I entered a room, or she rubbed her head against my knee, or pranced two or three steps toward me with a happy grin on her face, she wasn’t ready to go. And in moments when she stood pressing her head against the wall, or falling onto her side, or spread eagled on the kitchen mat looking at me with despair and helplessness, perhaps she was.
But for today, at this moment in time, she will continue to breathe in the summer air, to receive pats and cuddles, to be handfed if necessary and guided by my hand when she needs it. It may be that my vet will be returning for a final time tomorrow, or next week, or next month. But for now, it is not time.
My vet gave her a thorough check up. In all likelihood, Charley has a lesion/tumor in the frontal lobes. Her pupils are non-responsive to light (though she did flinch and jerk away when the light was shone in her right eye), and her blink reflex is negligible. She does track movement some of the time, but that may be in response to scent rather than sight. There are other signs of problems, too, suggesting a lack of connection between the brain and the body. We took a blood sample to check for infection, liver enzymes, etc. (I’ll have the results on that tomorrow) and she has been started on some medications for pain, infection, and diarrhea. Her last blood test was only about four months ago, and it was clear. If nothing new shows on this blood test, then that will help solidify the frontal lobe lesion diagnosis. For that, the future is bleak.
There are some who will say I should have let her go – that a dog who staggers, falls down, is lost, gets trapped in corners should be released. Had I let her go, there would be some who would say there was no need to end her life, that it was for my convenience, that such problems can be managed. They are welcome to their opinions; may their certainty be present in their decisions with their own animal companions. But the decision that was made today is between my vet, myself, Charley and the Great Spirit. It is a decision the vet and I are comfortable with, and I think Charley is, too. In true Charley form, she was the only one of my critters who met the vet at the door and stuck around to say goodbye when she left!
I have always said I would rather help a dog to pass a week too early than a day too late. May I have the wisdom to know when it is time, and not leave it a day too late.
Rock on, Charley girl, you are very much loved.
But for today, at this moment in time, she will continue to breathe in the summer air, to receive pats and cuddles, to be handfed if necessary and guided by my hand when she needs it. It may be that my vet will be returning for a final time tomorrow, or next week, or next month. But for now, it is not time.
My vet gave her a thorough check up. In all likelihood, Charley has a lesion/tumor in the frontal lobes. Her pupils are non-responsive to light (though she did flinch and jerk away when the light was shone in her right eye), and her blink reflex is negligible. She does track movement some of the time, but that may be in response to scent rather than sight. There are other signs of problems, too, suggesting a lack of connection between the brain and the body. We took a blood sample to check for infection, liver enzymes, etc. (I’ll have the results on that tomorrow) and she has been started on some medications for pain, infection, and diarrhea. Her last blood test was only about four months ago, and it was clear. If nothing new shows on this blood test, then that will help solidify the frontal lobe lesion diagnosis. For that, the future is bleak.
There are some who will say I should have let her go – that a dog who staggers, falls down, is lost, gets trapped in corners should be released. Had I let her go, there would be some who would say there was no need to end her life, that it was for my convenience, that such problems can be managed. They are welcome to their opinions; may their certainty be present in their decisions with their own animal companions. But the decision that was made today is between my vet, myself, Charley and the Great Spirit. It is a decision the vet and I are comfortable with, and I think Charley is, too. In true Charley form, she was the only one of my critters who met the vet at the door and stuck around to say goodbye when she left!
I have always said I would rather help a dog to pass a week too early than a day too late. May I have the wisdom to know when it is time, and not leave it a day too late.
Rock on, Charley girl, you are very much loved.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Be careful what you wish for!
I like structure, predictability, a sense of certainty in my day. While the unexpected magic moment of a beautiful sunset or animal sighting or colourful flower pleases me no end, generally I get into routines and stick to them.
But as surely as washing my car is certain to bring rain, becoming complacent is certain to bring change. Sadie's maladies aside, life with two old dogs was becoming too mundane for me. Except for our short little walks each day, hours go by when I don't see Sadie or Charley as they choose to snooze away the day in the mudroom or bedroom or lying on the spare room futon. At times I feel dogless - such a change from when Oliver, Belle, Caleb, or Lucy, all 'velcro dogs', lived here and followed me everywhere. Even my recent guest, Sam, trotted around with me from room to room, being ever helpful in his own 'stay alert, don't trip over me' sort of way. I miss that. I even mentioned to several friends that life was too quiet and dull and slow now - I needed a dog who needs a bit more of my attention.
I should learn to keep my mouth shut. Or at least not to let the Great Spirit, or whatever cosmic force governs our lives, hear me say things as dumb as "I need a dog who needs more of me!"
I got one. But it wasn't what I expected. And it wasn't a cause for celebration.
Sometime Friday afternoon, Charley had some sort of neurological episode which has left her either unable to see, or unable to make the cerebral connection between what her eyes see and what her body needs to do.
Charley, who had been doing so very well for the past several months, suddenly looked like a staggering drunk. Her front paws crossed continually, she fell over at the slightest attempt to redirect her, and she walked straight into walls and furniture and people and critters. She was panting softly, her respirations were shallow, her heart was racing. Finally she collapsed in a state of semi-consciousness, and there she lay. I called my mobile vet, fully expecting that we would be saying goodbye to her.
By the time the vet got to me, Charley had rallied a bit. She was resting comfortably, was very calm, took water and broth when offered to her, she even expressed interest in some dinner when I fed Sadie. We decided to ride it out for a day or two. The vet suspects she may have either had a stroke or, more likely, has a cerebral tumor- given what appears to be a loss of vision and the lack of front end neurological control. Or it could be something like Cushings disease, or a rapid escalation of degenerative myelopathy (Charley was tentatively diagnosed with this after a very mild but similar incident three or four years ago, and in line with her ever-weakening back end and dragging rear paws). Unlike vestibular disease, she has no head tilt, does not turn in circles or hug the walls, and has no rapid eye movements.
Today, she is a bit more stable and more alert, but no more focused. She is still crashing blindly (and sometimes with great force) into walls and fences and furniture, and standing with her head pressed against things, which the vet says may be an indicator of pain the the frontal lobes. She continues to eat and drink just fine (with help), and is on pain killers which seem to help. She must be led in and out on leash, helped to navigate the household obstacles, and frequently moved out of corners. In many ways, she reminds me very much of Oliver in the very advanced stages of Canine Cognitive Disorder, except that this came on so suddenly.
We shall deal with it day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, and make whatever decisions are in Charley's best interest.
In the course of twenty four hours, my life with the critters went from predictable and undemanding to high alert - needing to be constantly aware of Charley's whereabouts, helping her negotiate even the simplest of tasks (like guiding her head to her food dish), finding new ways to communicate with her.
So now I have one dog who has recently lost her hearing, and another who seems unable to see. And I'm a slow learner - I keep using verbal commands with the one who is deaf, and hand gestures with the one who cannot see. My life is challenging once again.
I should be careful what I wish for.
***********
Note to Elizabeth: I received your update on Zuke - thanks! - and emailed back for permission to post the photo. However, your emails are bouncing back (mail box full perhaps?), so please email me if this is okay. Looking forward to more photos, too!
But as surely as washing my car is certain to bring rain, becoming complacent is certain to bring change. Sadie's maladies aside, life with two old dogs was becoming too mundane for me. Except for our short little walks each day, hours go by when I don't see Sadie or Charley as they choose to snooze away the day in the mudroom or bedroom or lying on the spare room futon. At times I feel dogless - such a change from when Oliver, Belle, Caleb, or Lucy, all 'velcro dogs', lived here and followed me everywhere. Even my recent guest, Sam, trotted around with me from room to room, being ever helpful in his own 'stay alert, don't trip over me' sort of way. I miss that. I even mentioned to several friends that life was too quiet and dull and slow now - I needed a dog who needs a bit more of my attention.
I should learn to keep my mouth shut. Or at least not to let the Great Spirit, or whatever cosmic force governs our lives, hear me say things as dumb as "I need a dog who needs more of me!"
I got one. But it wasn't what I expected. And it wasn't a cause for celebration.
Sometime Friday afternoon, Charley had some sort of neurological episode which has left her either unable to see, or unable to make the cerebral connection between what her eyes see and what her body needs to do.
Charley, who had been doing so very well for the past several months, suddenly looked like a staggering drunk. Her front paws crossed continually, she fell over at the slightest attempt to redirect her, and she walked straight into walls and furniture and people and critters. She was panting softly, her respirations were shallow, her heart was racing. Finally she collapsed in a state of semi-consciousness, and there she lay. I called my mobile vet, fully expecting that we would be saying goodbye to her.
By the time the vet got to me, Charley had rallied a bit. She was resting comfortably, was very calm, took water and broth when offered to her, she even expressed interest in some dinner when I fed Sadie. We decided to ride it out for a day or two. The vet suspects she may have either had a stroke or, more likely, has a cerebral tumor- given what appears to be a loss of vision and the lack of front end neurological control. Or it could be something like Cushings disease, or a rapid escalation of degenerative myelopathy (Charley was tentatively diagnosed with this after a very mild but similar incident three or four years ago, and in line with her ever-weakening back end and dragging rear paws). Unlike vestibular disease, she has no head tilt, does not turn in circles or hug the walls, and has no rapid eye movements.
Today, she is a bit more stable and more alert, but no more focused. She is still crashing blindly (and sometimes with great force) into walls and fences and furniture, and standing with her head pressed against things, which the vet says may be an indicator of pain the the frontal lobes. She continues to eat and drink just fine (with help), and is on pain killers which seem to help. She must be led in and out on leash, helped to navigate the household obstacles, and frequently moved out of corners. In many ways, she reminds me very much of Oliver in the very advanced stages of Canine Cognitive Disorder, except that this came on so suddenly.
We shall deal with it day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, and make whatever decisions are in Charley's best interest.
In the course of twenty four hours, my life with the critters went from predictable and undemanding to high alert - needing to be constantly aware of Charley's whereabouts, helping her negotiate even the simplest of tasks (like guiding her head to her food dish), finding new ways to communicate with her.
So now I have one dog who has recently lost her hearing, and another who seems unable to see. And I'm a slow learner - I keep using verbal commands with the one who is deaf, and hand gestures with the one who cannot see. My life is challenging once again.
I should be careful what I wish for.
***********
Note to Elizabeth: I received your update on Zuke - thanks! - and emailed back for permission to post the photo. However, your emails are bouncing back (mail box full perhaps?), so please email me if this is okay. Looking forward to more photos, too!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Well, the good news is.....
Sadie is apparently fine. At least, they can't find anything that explains her lethargy, disinterest, collapse, and weird run of health problems. The xrays show the heart is normal size, no fluid in the pericardial sac, lungs are clear. Her bile acid tests show the liver function is good.
They could do an echocardiograph to test the strength of the heart muscle, or an ultrasound which might pick up stuff an xray can't, but since everything else seems okay the vet doesn't recommend it. So we just continue the antibiotics to clear up the UTI, and continue to watch her for anything alarming.
On the other hand, Charley went to the groomers today, and they reported there was smelly green slime on her back end. I'm hoping she just sat on a slug and it died in her fur. Wouldn't be the first time. But I will keep an eye on things and have her checked out if necessary.
At least the pension cheque arrives in my bank account tomorrow. I think it's spent already. Is it just a coincidence that my vet leaves on holidays tomorrow???
They could do an echocardiograph to test the strength of the heart muscle, or an ultrasound which might pick up stuff an xray can't, but since everything else seems okay the vet doesn't recommend it. So we just continue the antibiotics to clear up the UTI, and continue to watch her for anything alarming.
On the other hand, Charley went to the groomers today, and they reported there was smelly green slime on her back end. I'm hoping she just sat on a slug and it died in her fur. Wouldn't be the first time. But I will keep an eye on things and have her checked out if necessary.
At least the pension cheque arrives in my bank account tomorrow. I think it's spent already. Is it just a coincidence that my vet leaves on holidays tomorrow???
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Canine Health and Empty Wallets
Sadie spent several hours at the vet's today, having medical tests to try to figure out what ails her. In the past few months, she has had a series of problems - sudden deafness, occasional nasal discharge, sunken eye, urinary tract infection, collapse on a walk, extreme lethargy, and lack of interest in her social or physical world.
Some of these issues might be related - the change in behaviour may be explained by her loss of hearing, for example. The hearing may be related to the eye and nose problems, though no infection, foreign object or growth is visible in those areas.
But when a series of unexplained problems arise in such a short period of time, it is important to look outside the box for other explanations. Our Sadie is simply not herself.
A blood test late last week showed some possible liver problems, as did her urine test. While her heart sounds fine (except for a bit of sinus arrythmia, which she has had ever since she came to me), it is quite soft and her respirations muffled. (The vet did make me laugh when he accused Sadie of purposely holding her breath while he tried to listen to her chest - funny man!)
Yesterday we repeated the urine test and found her UTI from two weeks ago is back. Today she went in for bile acid tests (blood tests done after fasting, and then again two hours after eating a somewhat high fat meal, to test for liver function), and for chest/abdomen xrays to determine what might be going on to cause the collapse and the lethargy - possibly fluid around the heart, called pericardial effusion. We should have the results in a couple of days.
So why am I writing all this?
I am often frustrated when people complain to me, as one did today, about the cost of adopting a rescue dog (which, by the way, is a bargain compared to the prices asked by breeders, brokers, and owners selling their dogs online. And that rescue dog, if from a reputable rescue, will already be spayed/neutered, dewormed, vaccinated, and often has had medical problems like dental issues or ear infections taken care of. The fee they ask doesn't BEGIN to cover those costs! )
While I don't wish to suggest that having a companion pet should only be an option for the well-to-do, the reality is this: If you can't afford to pay the price that most responsible rescues and shelters ask, you can't afford a dog. Just as it is irresponsible to add a human child to the family without thinking of the financial implications, so too a canine addition.
A good quality food (not a dogfood from the grocery store shelf, but something which contains real nutrition for a healthy canine), occasional purchases of grooming supplies or visits to the groomer, leashes and collars, licences, supplements when needed, treats, toys, beds, etc. - these basic necessities represent a significant addition to a family's budget.
These costs are small potatoes compared to the cost of veterinary care. Professional health care is part of what we take on when we take on a dog, and I know of no province in Canada whose health care plan covers canine dependents. Of course there are pet insurance plans available, provided your dog qualifies; then you must add those monthly payments to the budget as well. And many people are willing to take their chances, thinking the sum of the monthly payments for the lifetime of the dog would far outweigh vet costs - which, in many cases, is correct. After all, the companies wouldn't be in business if they weren't making money!
But when a dog does need vet care, a need which often increases as the dog ages, the budget can really take a hit. I think people are often shocked at what a few tests or a vial of pills for their canine companion cost, and even more shocked if their furry friend must stay overnight or needs surgery. Caleb's bills, when he was diagnosed with cancer, ran into the thousands in just two short months (without putting him through chemotherapy). Princess Belle's two night stay, hooked up to an IV just before she came home to die, was over $800.
Sadie's vet bills for the last ten days? $645.74 and climbing.
True value of that health care? Priceless.
Except FOOD - I'm still interested in FOOD!
Some of these issues might be related - the change in behaviour may be explained by her loss of hearing, for example. The hearing may be related to the eye and nose problems, though no infection, foreign object or growth is visible in those areas.
But when a series of unexplained problems arise in such a short period of time, it is important to look outside the box for other explanations. Our Sadie is simply not herself.
A blood test late last week showed some possible liver problems, as did her urine test. While her heart sounds fine (except for a bit of sinus arrythmia, which she has had ever since she came to me), it is quite soft and her respirations muffled. (The vet did make me laugh when he accused Sadie of purposely holding her breath while he tried to listen to her chest - funny man!)
Yesterday we repeated the urine test and found her UTI from two weeks ago is back. Today she went in for bile acid tests (blood tests done after fasting, and then again two hours after eating a somewhat high fat meal, to test for liver function), and for chest/abdomen xrays to determine what might be going on to cause the collapse and the lethargy - possibly fluid around the heart, called pericardial effusion. We should have the results in a couple of days.
So why am I writing all this?
I am often frustrated when people complain to me, as one did today, about the cost of adopting a rescue dog (which, by the way, is a bargain compared to the prices asked by breeders, brokers, and owners selling their dogs online. And that rescue dog, if from a reputable rescue, will already be spayed/neutered, dewormed, vaccinated, and often has had medical problems like dental issues or ear infections taken care of. The fee they ask doesn't BEGIN to cover those costs! )
While I don't wish to suggest that having a companion pet should only be an option for the well-to-do, the reality is this: If you can't afford to pay the price that most responsible rescues and shelters ask, you can't afford a dog. Just as it is irresponsible to add a human child to the family without thinking of the financial implications, so too a canine addition.
A good quality food (not a dogfood from the grocery store shelf, but something which contains real nutrition for a healthy canine), occasional purchases of grooming supplies or visits to the groomer, leashes and collars, licences, supplements when needed, treats, toys, beds, etc. - these basic necessities represent a significant addition to a family's budget.
These costs are small potatoes compared to the cost of veterinary care. Professional health care is part of what we take on when we take on a dog, and I know of no province in Canada whose health care plan covers canine dependents. Of course there are pet insurance plans available, provided your dog qualifies; then you must add those monthly payments to the budget as well. And many people are willing to take their chances, thinking the sum of the monthly payments for the lifetime of the dog would far outweigh vet costs - which, in many cases, is correct. After all, the companies wouldn't be in business if they weren't making money!
But when a dog does need vet care, a need which often increases as the dog ages, the budget can really take a hit. I think people are often shocked at what a few tests or a vial of pills for their canine companion cost, and even more shocked if their furry friend must stay overnight or needs surgery. Caleb's bills, when he was diagnosed with cancer, ran into the thousands in just two short months (without putting him through chemotherapy). Princess Belle's two night stay, hooked up to an IV just before she came home to die, was over $800.
Sadie's vet bills for the last ten days? $645.74 and climbing.
True value of that health care? Priceless.
Ya better believe it!
(Photo by Red Dog Photography, 2008)
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sad news on Bobbie
This morning I received sad news about Bobbie, the senior sheltie who is at Delta Community Animal Shelter and has had major surgery for bladder stones. I was to pick her up day after tomorrow.
Sadly, she has cancer. Not in the bladder, but the leg. Her 'bum leg' that we thought was just a case of severe arthritis started swelling late last week and a needle aspirate was done. On the weekend Bobbie stopped eating, the swellling continued to spread outward and inflame, and this morning the test results came back - tumor.
Unfortunately it isn't a good tumor so they have put her on steroids at the vet for the next 24 hours to see how she does, but will likely help her to pass tomorrow. The tumour is painful, and the prognosis for any success with chemo is not good, and none of us want her to suffer....
DCAS will keep me posted. Meanwhile, send pain-free vibes for our sweet, sweet girl.
Sadly, she has cancer. Not in the bladder, but the leg. Her 'bum leg' that we thought was just a case of severe arthritis started swelling late last week and a needle aspirate was done. On the weekend Bobbie stopped eating, the swellling continued to spread outward and inflame, and this morning the test results came back - tumor.
Unfortunately it isn't a good tumor so they have put her on steroids at the vet for the next 24 hours to see how she does, but will likely help her to pass tomorrow. The tumour is painful, and the prognosis for any success with chemo is not good, and none of us want her to suffer....
DCAS will keep me posted. Meanwhile, send pain-free vibes for our sweet, sweet girl.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Scary Stroll with Sadie
Sadie As mentioned in my last post, I have been taking Sadie along on Sam's longer, brisker strolls. (Sam is an energetic 17 year old dog I am looking after for some friends). We worked up to it gradually, and for the past three days Sadie has been doing the approximately 1 mile loop morning and night with no problems. She slows down toward the end, but so does Sam.
Today, however, we had a scary event. Sam, Sadie and I headed up the hill through the town at a fairly brisk (for me - moderate for a more fit person) pace, then travelled about four blocks on level ground before heading back down to the ocean. While on level ground, I noticed Sadie stumbling a bit, but didn't think too much of it as it is not the first time I've had old dogs who trip over their own back feet.
However, after going about a block downhill, it was clear there was something seriously wrong. She started staggering as if she was drunk, and her back legs were getting tangled up and her rear would buckle under her. We stopped to rest, then she stood up and we continued. I slowed the pace considerably and suddenly she staggered again and had a complete collapse, simply falling over on her side and lying there, conscious but unblinking and unresponsive.
Of course, I didn't have my cell phone with me. And the skies chose that moment to dump a sudden heavy shower upon us. And there wasn't a soul in sight. I sat on the sidewalk, Sam's leash wrapped tightly around one arm, and cradled my twelve year old Sadie on my lap. She lay there a bit, then as I stood up to look at the homes within shouting distance, she got up and continued to walk. She had a few more staggering episodes and her back end collapsed a few more times, but after a moment's rest she would continue.
We reached a bench at the top of the path to the beach, and I sat there with the two dogs for about twenty minutes. Then we very slowly meandered down the path, along the beach, and back home, stopping frequently for rests for Sadie, though she showed no more signs of problems and even managed to snag a crabshell for a little snack along the way.
She has been fine since we got home, though tired as she always is after a walk. She ate a normal dinner, she barked loudly at someone daring to walk down our street, and she jumped up on the couch with no hesitation.
My first thought was her heart, though she has been to the vet recently and has always had a sound heart. My second thought was the very large lipoma on her chest might be pushing on her lungs and/or interfering with her blood flow - but all three vets she has seen in the three years she's lived with me have counselled against removing it and felt it wouldn't cause problems. My third thought was a neurological issue triggered by a tumor - you may recall she has had a weird problem going on with one eye (though it has been a lot better lately), and she has also recently gone deaf, very suddenly. It could be any of those things.
And then I remembered a blog I had read about another dog that did this, and I went searching, and now I wonder if Sadie has EIC - Exercise Induced Collapse - which is a fairly common genetic disorder found in border collies. Some things don't fit: it isn't warm out today (EIC is more likely to occur in hot weather); she used to have long runs/walks without exhibiting it (though perhaps not as fast as today's walk, as Charley has always been a much slower walking companion for Sadie than Sam is); and she wasn't panting at all.
But when I watched some videos on youtube of dogs with EIC, it was very much like what I saw. EIC is also likely to occur about five minutes AFTER the exercise (Sadie's collapse was about five minutes after our uphill hike). And, after an episode, dogs are back to normal in 5-30 minutes, which Sadie was.
Here's a couple of links to videos/articles on Exercise Induced Collapse:
Youtube video on dog experiencing EIC
Article by University of Minnesota
Sadie has recently been to the vet for a full checkup, including blood tests, but I will likely take her back again next week - or sooner if any more episodes occur. Meanwhile, she is on house arrest, and will go back to short, painfully slow walks with Charley. Sam and I shall do our longer treks unaccompanied.
This weekend is the SPCA garage sale, for which I am on the coordinating team. It was while I was working that sale last year that my Oliver was taken ill due to a misadventure with a petsitter, and passed away two days later. You can be sure my friends checking in on my dogs this year will have strict instructions not to walk the dogs. I don't want history repeating itself.
Stay well, Sadie. I'm not ready to say goodbye to you yet.
Sadie and Charley
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Keeping Dogs Safe in new surroundings
These guidelines apply to the first several weeks of the dog’s relocation, and are specific to preventing lost dogs. They do not deal with other dog safety issues such as introductions to other animals, separation anxiety, aggression, or training. These steps are based on my own experience, reading, and reasoning. The timelines are minimum recommendations - very nervous dogs may need the process stretched out more slowly. I am not a dog trainer – just a person who has spent too many hours looking for too many lost dogs, and who feels sick and angry about the recent spate of dogs lost enroute or within a week of arriving at a new home.
In the past few weeks, an alarming number of BC dogs have become lost in unfamiliar areas. They bolted during transport or shortly after arrival at a new foster home, or within a week of being newly adopted.
A change of home or circumstances is stressful for any dog, and even a dog with a wonderfully calm temperament may suddenly bolt. Here are some guidelines that should be drilled into the minds of every potential foster or adoptive home or transporter:
1. Use a Martingale or Silverfoot training collar, or a harness with a double safety connection, properly fitted. Use it for life, not just for a week. Inspect it regularly for signs of damage, especially checking all clips, rings and fasteners. Make sure the leash is attached to the correct ring. Do not use a flat collar – a dog can back out of a flat collar in the blink of an eye. Do not use a metal choke chain as these can damage the trachea of a strong puller. And before you put that collar or harness on for the first time, attach an ID tag with a current phone number.
2. Keep BOTH hands firmly on the leash. While some trainers tell you not to wrap the leash around your wrist in case the dog bolts and breaks your wrist, I would (as another rescuer recently stated) much rather see a person break their wrist than a dog become lost or killed. A wrist mends; a dead dog doesn’t.
3. For at least the first month, assume that the dog IS going to bolt, given the chance - no matter how nicely your new dog walks on leash. Make sure you have both hands on the leash before opening a car door or opening a house door.
4. Do not let children walk the dog for the first several weeks. A dog who tries to bolt is STRONG and QUICK.
5. Make it clear to everybody in the house that they must put the martingale and leash on the dog before they answer a knock at the door or open it to grab the paper from the stoop. Put signs on the doors to remind them, and hang spare collars and leashes near every door. Keep the doors locked to help prevent people from coming in without first having someone inside confine the dog.
6. Spend the first 24-48 hours in your home with the dog. Your dog needs to become familiar with the smells of the house and the people in it. Your dog needs to start to figure out that this is his or her new pack. Take the dog for very short outings at quiet times of the day or evening – first just into your yard (on leash, even if you have a high fence!) or, if you don’t have a yard, just a couple of hundred feet in each direction from your apartment building.*
7. Slowly increase the length of the walks over the first week or two, but always within your neighbourhood – first around the block, around two blocks, going the reverse direction, varying the route. You want the dog to become familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells of its own neighbourhood – that way if the dog should escape (because some burglar broke the window or because you had a heart attack and the dog slipped out as the paramedics came in – NOT because of your own carelessness!) he/she may be able to find the way home, or at least may stay in the area. Gradually expand the dog’s horizons and exposure to new situations.
8. As tempting as it is to want to show off your new pet or foster to all your friends, neighbours and relatives – DON’T. At least, not for the first week or so, and then just gradually, slowly, introduce the dog to new people and places. No matter how wonderful your new pet is, he or she has been through a stressful time – losing a family, possibly wandering loose, possibly staying in a shelter or rescue or foster home, and now another new situation and new people. Do not increase the dog's confusion and anxiety – let the dog chill with you, become bonded to you, learn about his new home, and gain confidence before adding more new events to the dog’s life.
9. Don't be lulled into complacency by the dog's good behaviour. A newly placed dog often has a honeymoon period, where he/she seems to have settled in perfectly. Then, after a few weeks or more, the dog may begin testing you, and/or become more challenging in many ways. The dog you have three months from the time of adoption is seldom the dog you saw during the first week or two – don’t get complacent about the doors, leashes, collars, etc.
And always remember – a Martingale collar or harness are useless if there isn’t a firm hand holding onto the other end of the leash!
Keep dogs safe. Let’s not hear of any more recently moved and now lost dogs.
(c) JFB 2011 www.mylifewiththecritters.blogspot.com
The above information may be copied and/or circulated freely as long as this blog is cited as the source.
In the past few weeks, an alarming number of BC dogs have become lost in unfamiliar areas. They bolted during transport or shortly after arrival at a new foster home, or within a week of being newly adopted.
A change of home or circumstances is stressful for any dog, and even a dog with a wonderfully calm temperament may suddenly bolt. Here are some guidelines that should be drilled into the minds of every potential foster or adoptive home or transporter:
1. Use a Martingale or Silverfoot training collar, or a harness with a double safety connection, properly fitted. Use it for life, not just for a week. Inspect it regularly for signs of damage, especially checking all clips, rings and fasteners. Make sure the leash is attached to the correct ring. Do not use a flat collar – a dog can back out of a flat collar in the blink of an eye. Do not use a metal choke chain as these can damage the trachea of a strong puller. And before you put that collar or harness on for the first time, attach an ID tag with a current phone number.
2. Keep BOTH hands firmly on the leash. While some trainers tell you not to wrap the leash around your wrist in case the dog bolts and breaks your wrist, I would (as another rescuer recently stated) much rather see a person break their wrist than a dog become lost or killed. A wrist mends; a dead dog doesn’t.
3. For at least the first month, assume that the dog IS going to bolt, given the chance - no matter how nicely your new dog walks on leash. Make sure you have both hands on the leash before opening a car door or opening a house door.
4. Do not let children walk the dog for the first several weeks. A dog who tries to bolt is STRONG and QUICK.
5. Make it clear to everybody in the house that they must put the martingale and leash on the dog before they answer a knock at the door or open it to grab the paper from the stoop. Put signs on the doors to remind them, and hang spare collars and leashes near every door. Keep the doors locked to help prevent people from coming in without first having someone inside confine the dog.
6. Spend the first 24-48 hours in your home with the dog. Your dog needs to become familiar with the smells of the house and the people in it. Your dog needs to start to figure out that this is his or her new pack. Take the dog for very short outings at quiet times of the day or evening – first just into your yard (on leash, even if you have a high fence!) or, if you don’t have a yard, just a couple of hundred feet in each direction from your apartment building.*
*Note: While this is a time for you and your dog to bond, you also need to help the dog know you are going to be reliable. From the first day home, begin doing graduated leaves - leaving the dog in the house for five minutes, five times on the first day, then ten minutes five times on the second day, then slowly increasing the time and decreasing the frequency until the dog is comfortable being left alone, secure in the knowledge that you will return. Confine the dog to a secure area (or a crate, if they are already crate trained) during this time – you don’t want them to slip through your legs and bolt when you re-enter the house!
7. Slowly increase the length of the walks over the first week or two, but always within your neighbourhood – first around the block, around two blocks, going the reverse direction, varying the route. You want the dog to become familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells of its own neighbourhood – that way if the dog should escape (because some burglar broke the window or because you had a heart attack and the dog slipped out as the paramedics came in – NOT because of your own carelessness!) he/she may be able to find the way home, or at least may stay in the area. Gradually expand the dog’s horizons and exposure to new situations.
8. As tempting as it is to want to show off your new pet or foster to all your friends, neighbours and relatives – DON’T. At least, not for the first week or so, and then just gradually, slowly, introduce the dog to new people and places. No matter how wonderful your new pet is, he or she has been through a stressful time – losing a family, possibly wandering loose, possibly staying in a shelter or rescue or foster home, and now another new situation and new people. Do not increase the dog's confusion and anxiety – let the dog chill with you, become bonded to you, learn about his new home, and gain confidence before adding more new events to the dog’s life.
9. Don't be lulled into complacency by the dog's good behaviour. A newly placed dog often has a honeymoon period, where he/she seems to have settled in perfectly. Then, after a few weeks or more, the dog may begin testing you, and/or become more challenging in many ways. The dog you have three months from the time of adoption is seldom the dog you saw during the first week or two – don’t get complacent about the doors, leashes, collars, etc.
And always remember – a Martingale collar or harness are useless if there isn’t a firm hand holding onto the other end of the leash!
Keep dogs safe. Let’s not hear of any more recently moved and now lost dogs.
(c) JFB 2011 www.mylifewiththecritters.blogspot.com
The above information may be copied and/or circulated freely as long as this blog is cited as the source.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A Short Post of a Heron on a Post
The tide was out when I took the dogs for their walk today, and I spotted a heron atop a post at the edge of the water. He - or she - (we'll say she, as it is nearly International Women's Day) was most cooperative as I was able to get quite close, even with the dogs, before she gave me her warning cry and flew away.
It was one of those incredibly bright but overcast days which, unfortunately, makes it impossible for me to see anything on the display screen of the camera, so I just pointed the camera in the general direction and shot - which meant a lot of pictures with nothing but sky or sea. Here's the best of about fifty snaps - none of them terrific, but fun to look at anyway. (To see at full size, click on the picture, then use the back browser to return to the blog).
And on the ground, a crow hunts for dinner:
In other news, my vet phoned me yesterday to tell me Charley's bloodwork came back showing no problems at all - good kidney and liver numbers, good white and red blood cell counts, no infections, just a healthy dog. So the vile mouth smell may be something gastro going on, like acid reflux, or may be a dental problem. The antibiotics seem to be helping, so I'll go the distance with that and then figure what to do next about her teeth.
Sadie's eye continues to slip occasionally, but overall is showing improvement. Both of the dogs are happy to get the extra treats that go along with taking their medicine!
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