Stanley

[Jen]

I’m a little bit worried about Stanley. The past 6 months or so I have noticed a huge change in him.

He just seems like he can’t be bothered.

He probably sleeps 21/22 hours of the day now. When I take him for his walk he just plods along either next to me or behind me. Doesn’t get particularly bothered by dogs anymore, happy to sniff and then walk on.

He eats the same. He’s happy to play a bit. He just seems old.

Hes 8 now. Is this normal or a bit premature?

 

[SwampDonkey]

My vet and I thought Rory was just slowing down at 8 but on xray and scan we found he had spondylosis. They are very good at hiding pain. This tends to be age when they get arthritic changes and it might be worth getting things checked out. We started Rory on librella as he has problems with any anti inflammatory medication and he improved straight away. I don't know if you have on any joint supplements but it might be worth introducing them to see if he has any improvement. I use them on all my dogs and have found they work, they improved moo's mobility. No luck whatsoever with things like turmeric paste or things like devils claw. It's also been hot recently so that might account for some of it
There are also hormonal issues to consider but as he doesn't seem to have any other issues that suggest this. He maybe he's just a bit arthriticy

 

[M.F.]

Perhaps have him checked at the vet. Last year we thought Snowie was getting old very quickly. Turns out he had an enlarged and infected prostate, very painful. Treated, and immediately back to being youthful again.

Best of luck xxx

 

[Granca]

Is this normal or a bit premature?

The hot weather may well have made him feel a bit lethargic or perhaps he is feeling e few aches and pains now, but if you’re worried take him for a check-up, rather than waiting for his annual one. It will set your mind at rest or maybe help to give Stanley a new lease of life.

 

[Jacqui-S]

Sorry you are worried about Stanley.
Definitely worth chatting to your vet.

 

[HAH]

Hey Jen - I think a vet visit with young Stan is in order. You describe his changes very well, and my first thought is underlying pain of some sort so I’d suggest a pain trial - it’s very simple, basically you’ll work with your vet to put Stan on a gentle painkiller for a few weeks and observe any changes. From that, you can get a far better idea about whether any changes in his mood and behaviour might be down to an underlying physical cause that the vets can then get to the bottom of, or if there’s something else at play. I don’t think his age would be responsible for these changes, so you’re being his best advocate by asking questions.

 

[Cath]

Sorry to hear Stanely is not himself. I would get the vet to have a look at him.

Hopefully all will be well with him

 

[Jen]

Thanks all. You’ve confirmed what I thought.

I’ll give the vets a ring and get an appointment for a check over.

 

[MrChew]

Hope all goes well at the vet Jen.

 

[Naya]

Hope all goes well. I ditto what everyone else has said about you knowing your dog best.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

I’m sorry Stanley has lost some of his bounce. I still think of him as a crazy puppy!

Maybe ask about thyroid function as well. My Brogan way back when got super lethargic (to be fair, he was 11 at the time). I was thinking it was very dire and was so relieved when it was just a thyroid issue. One tablet a day and his bounce came back.

Hopefully it’s a simple thing for Stanley too.

Carbón is about the same age and is so slow and droopy this year. However I’ve had him checked out and he’s fine, plus his droop is selective: ie more likely to occur when it’s hot or when he thinks a receptive audience is around and may be tempted to stop and pet “that poor dog”. Faking faker.

 

[kateincornwall]

Good luck at the Vets Jen , for dear Stanley xxx

 

[MellowYellow]

Hope you get to the bottom of what's up with Stanley!

 

[Cath]

Hope all goes well for Stanely at the vets

 

[Jen]

Thanks all. We’ve got an appointment for next week and we’re going to have a chat and they’ll see what they think/what the next steps are.

I’ve had a chat with his dog walker to see what she thinks and she thinks he’s great on his walks with her and other dogs but she’s going to keep an eye on him.

 

[MellowYellow]

Sounds sensible Jen.

 

[Jen]

So we’ve been the vet. They think either starts of arthritis or thyroid.

he wouldn’t let them take blood. He’s got a baldy neck but was flailing about too much for them to take blood.

They have given us metacam for 7 days to see if it makes any difference. We have an appointment next Friday for them to review and some calming tablets to take before so hopefully they can take blood.

The vet also didn’t like the look of the lump on his face (which we’ve had checked before and was told it’s nothing to worry about but this was a different vet) so they’re going to try and biopsy that as well.

Nathan thinks there’s nowt wrong with him and I’m subjecting him to unnecessary stress and upset. I hope I’m not but I just can’t shake the feeling something is not right.

 

[Boogie]

You are doing the right thing.

 

[Stacia]

Always best to check.

 

[kateincornwall]

I think we tend to know when our dogs arent right , just as with children, so you are doing the right thing for Stanley , good luck xx