Sky

[Naya]

Sending you big hugs
I found green beans a really good filler for Harley when she needed to loose weight x

 

[Lab_adore]

I'm so sorry

 

[Stacia]

I am so sorry @Atemas, however, there is a pill Sky can take which improves the blood flow to the brain and can help. I am sorry that I cannot remember the name, so many years have gone by since I was a veterinary nurse. It must be such a worry for you with the problems your Mother is having as well.

 

[Candy]

Just read this. My thoughts are with you, such a difficult time. Ageing respects no one. Hugs coming your way.

 

[Atemas]

there is a pill Sky can take which improves the blood flow to the brain

Yes there is Vivitonin or Selgian. We will get our head around these in the next few days. Thank you every one for your kind words and hugs yesterday - it means a lot. Today is another day. I am going to reduce her food a bit (less kibble). There are quite a lot of vegetables in her wet food but I will add green beans. We have started the extra Tramadol and will just give that a few days to see how much it helps her.

 

[Stacia]

Thanks @Atemas, it was Vivitonin I was trying to remember the name of. Mashed tinned carrots are another way to bulk the feed and help to lose weight. Rourke might be put on Tramadol but I have been reluctant, how does it affect Sky? Hope she is feeling a little better today?

 

[Atemas]

Rourke might be put on Tramadol but I have been reluctant, how does it affect Sky?

I think it has helped her. I was so against her having it so reluctantly agreed. I am not a fan of any kind of medication, I’m afraid. The older I get and the things I hear about medication side effects, I just question it all. I know many would disagree with me. It’s hard to say if there are side effects. I didn’t think there were but I’m not so sure. I think you can only try it and see if Rourke benefits - he is a young dog still and it may make a big difference for him.

Sky is resting - she is calm. Yesterday seeing her so wound up was just horrible. I don’t want this for her

 

[Stacia]

@Atemas, it must be very distressing seeing Sky so wound up. Like you I am not a fan of any kind of medication as the side effects are usually disturbing. I just thought Tramadol would make the dogs feel zonked out, so good to have your personal experience.

I am pleased for you that Sky is calm today, long may it last. It must be such a worry for you and I do understand.

 

[snowbunny]

Ginny was on a huge array of drugs post amputation, including Tramadol, and it had no noticeable side-effects with her. Even if there are potential side-effects, I think you have to weigh up the benefit; if the drug offers relief from constant pain, how much is that worth compared to any of those side-effects? We can't possibly know whether or not anyone will suffer any side-effects until they give the drug a go. It may be there are none, it may be there are enough that they outweigh any benefits. But I think it makes sense to go with early intervention to relieve pain that we know is there, and then gathering that information, rather than dealing with "what if"s that may never happen.

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this, Alison; it's hard to see anyone we love in pain and distress, whether that's a human, dog, or any other species.

 

[Joy]

I've only just read your post from yesterday Alison. I'm so sorry and hope you can find a way to make Sky more comfortable. Obviously no one wants to give unnecessary medication to their dogs but when they're ill I'm in favour of trying what the vet suggests and then if there is an adverse reaction changing things.

 

[edzbird]

It comes as a blow to have your suspicions confirmed by the vet, but it does give you insight and a way forward.. I hope the extra tramadol brings Sky the relief she deserves. She's a brave old lady.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Poor Sky, I hope today is going better. Totally understandable that it's feeling overwhelming especially with that scary trip to the vet. Adding in my hugs.

 

[Atemas]

especially with that scary trip to the vet

it was, this is t worst I have seen her. I suppose it was the equivalent to a panic attack. She has always been such a chilled dog, it’s hard seeing her like this

 

[Beanwood]

it was, this is t worst I have seen her. I suppose it was the equivalent to a panic attack. She has always been such a chilled dog, it’s hard seeing her like this

Poor Sky and poor you in such a difficult situation... We were discussing cognitive impairment and canine dementia at the weekend. Obviously it is important to get a full medical history of the dog before really giving advice, however some things considered useful...

• Physiological "rule outs" meaning check for pain, other health/neurological disorders
• Being predictable with meals/walks - try and ensure good levels of natural light especially morning and night.
• Play -Toys, fun games, hunting kibble in the carpet, to encourage SEEKING behaviour (triggers natural happy, calm feelings)
• Supplements such as salmon oil, for natural Omega 3. In combination with a healthy diet, low carbs, veggies.
• Medication - selegiline
• Reduce stress/triggers

Tramodol doesn't really help much with pain, just the dog's perception of pain, as well as having weak seretonergic effects, meaning Sky would feel a bit more relaxed/calm. It might be worth your vet considering other pain medications as adjuncts in this case.

 

[MellowYellow]

Alison, I hope you find something that helps Sky. I know my sister's GR was on tramadol for several years; it really did help him a lot.

 

[Atemas]

Thank you @Beanwood. When Sky first showed signs of arthritis we put her on YuMove so she has been having that about 3 to 4 years. I have been putting salmon oil on her food daily for about the same amount of time. She has had Rheumocam and now Meloxidyl daily for several years. The Tramadol has been the latest. Today I have collected her prescription and medication. I have also ordered some YuCalm tablets to try - nothing ventured/nothing gained. I am going to hold off the drugs the vet suggested for dementia just for the moment. Both dogs get lots of enrichment activities so that’s covered and our routine is very ordered (probably too much so as the dogs stare forcibly if they don’t get their meals/Kongs/playtimes/walks when it’s exactly that time on the clock!

The vet gave me a DISHA checklist for CCDS. In the Disorientation section she ticks quite a few boxes, a few in the Interacts box and 1 in House Soiling and 1 in Activity levels. There are no alterations in her sleep patterns (but she is fairly inactive for large periods of the day).

Your list has been helpful @Beanwood. After yesterday’s horrible car journey, I need to try the YuCalm for future journeys but it’s going to be nigh on impossible to reduce stress/triggers totally.

 

[Aitch]

Just a thought, would Sky be less freaked out in the car if you took Red along with you? I remember you saying she didn't do well in the kennels when she was there without Red. Is she maybe needing Red more now?

 

[Atemas]

Is she maybe needing Red more now

Undoubtably and Red is looking out/checking more on her, so yes that is a good idea, thank you

 

[Atemas]

This weekend I have ordered dog food for both dogs - I get 18 boxes of wet food and a 12kg bag of kibble for each dog at a time. I have a horrible feeling, Sky is not going to eat all that food. We have had some difficult conversations this weekend about Sky. We both got upset but feel we have that awful big decision to make soon. We are going to watch and think carefully this week. I know many of you have experienced the ‘when is it time?’ question. If I am really honest, I think we are nearly there. Each day, I observe things and I think it’s not right to let her suffer pain, confusion, incontinence. She no longer greets the family and I see them watch her and the compassion on their faces for we all love her. Then she’ll come and lay by me and lick my hand (she’s never done this - this is new) and I think she is trying to tell me. Then she’ll do something like coming running in from the garden in her peg legged way - almost like trying to recapture her young days. She’s never made a fuss her whole life.

 

[Granca]