| dales53 | 08-01-2008 07:22 PM |
Putting her to sleep OR...seeking a solution to her problem
I can relate to your dilema. Our yorkie..Jazzie, is almost 14, diabetic, blind with low thyroid and then she recently had a stroke....she was totally paralyzed after falling off the porch and into some bushes where she stayed for about 30 minutes before we found her. My wife thought she was dead when we found her, but when I got her out, I discovered although totally limp, she was still breathing. I got some fluids and glucose into her, but knew this was more than the usual low blood sugar symptoms which she had done before. I went on the internet and found out a number of things about dogs, one is that although rare they do have strokes. Also, although it is serious, it's not as bad as with humans and if they can be kept hydrated and nourished, they will generally recover in 5 to 8 weeks. Our long ordeal began....it's now been six weeks since then and with a great deal of patience, therapy and work, she is slower than before, but now fully able to walk on all fours and eat as before. She IS GETTING BETTER. In my search for information, I also came across a condition that sounds very similar to the symptoms that you describe in your dog....it's called old age vestibular syndrome. While the dog appears to be losing it including balance, etc. what they actually have is an inner ear infection that is effecting part of the brain. IT IS TREATABLE with anti-biotics, you probably need to get the dog to a vet and be sure to put the vet on the trail of this condition as I don't think that all vets are aware of it and may miss it. While your pup may not have this, unless our pet, Jazzie was actually in pain and incurable, I wouldn't and didn't consider putting her down. Although she is old, blind and a bit more to take care of now than she was, she's also a member of our family and deserves to have us do all we can "within reason" to take care of her needs as she has always tried to do for us. I hope this information is helpful to you, I know it was to me. Our prayers are with you, however it turns out for you. dale | 