Signs of confusion in an older yorkie

[AbbysMom08]

Originally Posted by 143julz

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My late Julz became a very picky eater in her last 2 months.
(Ya'll I have to say it's the 2 yr mark since things started failing w/ Julz and today I sat here and read my very first few post on YT and cried like a baby. The pain is still so intense....)Sorry...

Where was I, Oh...I made Julz creame of wheat, which she liked for a few days then pasta w/ broth, then resorted to adding cheese...I was pulling at anythign just to get her to eat

Best of Luck

I was beginning to think there was something wrong with me as it has been 2 years now since I lost my precious little Kayla. The pain is also still with me. Sometimes something will hit me and I end up in tears thinking about her and the last few weeks of her life. She really did bring me so much joy so I do try to think of that more often,

[AbbysMom08]

Originally Posted by BonBon

We just got home from the vet, where Alexander was such a good boy.

The doctor was very supportive of putting Alexander on Anipryl. Yay!! He's had a lot of success with it and is really hopeful that it can help Alex, too. He also put Alex on a half pill of Rimadyl one or two times per day (the bottle said 25mg, but I'm not sure if that's for the whole pill or for Alex's 1/2 pill dose).

The bloodwork results won't be in until next week, but the doctor said Alex appears extremely healthy except for the arthritis and the confusion. He was impressed with Alex's coat, teeth and weight, and said his left eye looks in very good condition - he didn't think Alex should be having any problems seeing out of that eye. The right eye does have a large cataract though. Heart, lungs, etc. all sounded great he said. He repeated several times that Alexander appeared to be in excellent health.

I asked about vitamin B, denamarin (sp?) and the other things recommended throughout this thread, but the doctor wants to wait for the bloodwork before putting Alex on anything else. He said as good as Alex looks he really doesn't think Alex needs anything else at this time.

I'm so hopeful that these medicines will help Alexander. Thank you all so, so much for the wonderful advice, the strength you've given me to take Alexander in and ask some tough questions, and for all the prayers!!! It means more than I can ever say.

Hugs,
Bonny

I am so very happy to hear that your little one is otherwise so healthy and that he will be started on the medication. I pray that it helps him.
It is so very hard to watch our furbabies, that we have taken care of and loved so very much throughout their lives, fall victim to these things.

In life it seems things are so uncertain and unfair at times. But one thing is for sure.............the love of our pets is unconditional and a constant in our life.
This site is awesome as are the people here. The care, concern and support here is wonderful.

I will keep your little guy and you in my prayers.
Please keep us posted.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Patti

That's great! Did they say if there is a generic available for the anipryl? I am going to take Nikki in soon. I am really starting to have a problem with aggressiveness and wile he has no teeth he is scaring my girls. I know it helped with mu pom's aggressiveness.

Originally Posted by ladyjane

There is a generic form....selegiline (spelling may be off) but my vet has been having a problem finding it lately.

Yes, he mentioned the same one Linda is talking about. He also said they're having difficulty getting it and recommended a couple of websites to try if I was interested. For now, I decided to go with the brand name until we find out for sure whether this med will be able to help Alex.

[BonBon]

I'm the worst mommy in the world.

I've resisted putting Alexander on Rimadyl for almost 2 years, because of the awful potential side-effects. Finally, I decided that the possiblities couldn't be any worse than Alex's actual arthritis pain.

He's been on Rimadyl for two full days and already there's such a difference in my little man!! Yesterday, he RAN around the backyard. Ok, so it was more of a slow jog , but it wasn't clumsy or awkward at all. He had such a great time, the joy on his face while he 'played' brought tears to my eyes. His walk is much more confident and he was actually interested in doing things instead of sleeping all day. I could just kick myself for not putting him on Rimadyl sooner.

He seems to be taking both new medicines fine, no problems. Alexander still has a healthy appetite and eats well all on his own, thank God. I have hand-fed in the past when one wasn't feeling well and needed to eat....they seemed much more comfortable and secure with me hand feeding during those times. I used to feed NV Raw and all of my babies loved it. I quit mainly due to the cost of feeding it to the whole crew, but I will definitely keep it mind if Alexander ever develops any eating issues.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by kjc

Great news! Hoping his bloodwork comes back good.

I wanted to mention too that as my Sophie was aging, I developed new routines throughout our days to include anything I could do to help her be more comfortable and to make sure she was eating enough.

I started having to hand feed her, it was easier for her to eat more, quicker, than if I just left it in a bowl for her. Very important to watch their weight. I looked on handfeeding as a special time I got to spend with her and further increase our bond, and I know she appreciated me doing that for her. I think she was having some trouble getting and keeping the food in her mouth, and would get tired of trying and walk away.

When I saw how much more she ate being handfed, I realized the problem was more in the mechanics of eating rather than a loss of appetite, as I had wrongly assumed when it started.

Also we ate pizza alot that summer... her last... as that was her favorite treat.

Originally Posted by lisaly

I also handfed Ashley. I definitely was able to get her to eat more when I handfed her, but also I was using the food to try to hide her medication in it. She knew it was there, just because she could smell it. It also made it easier without the medication for her to get to her food. Probably also because her cataracts were growing fast the last few months of her life, she kept walking into the food and water bowl, and she would flip it many times a day. We had a tray on our bed with her water and food plates. We put chucks or washable pee pads and towels under the tray, since we had to clean up the area several times a day. I actually found it comical with her. She was eating baked ziti and dumplings a lot but also grilled yellow, red, or orange peppers, broccoli, brisket, steak, stuffed cabbage (without cabbage because of her gas pockets). She loved Costco butter crumb pound cake. She was starting to get too skinny, and she was only 4 pound before this, and it helped keep her belly so it wasn't hungry. She was having trouble with the kibble. Her doctor kept saying that she looked great--that her heart and lungs were strong, her belly was doing much better, and that her coat looked great, so he said I must have been getting enough healthy food into her. Her bloods were also good. I also needed to make sure that it was safe for her to eat these things and made sure she wasn't getting things stuck on the roof of her mouth. We spend almost all of our time upstairs in the bedroom because she would not stay downstairs, and the bedroom was where she was and felt safest. It was also easier for her to navigate the bedroom, and we cleared paths so that she wouldn't be knocking into things. When we gave her free reign of the upstairs, we put a gait at the top of the stairs to prevent her from falling or wandering off. It was also better forher to stay in the bedroom because she kept getting lost in corners in the other rooms upstairs. She didn't mind just staying in the bedroom, since that's where we stayed. I bought a sheepskin rug for her to lie on, which worked great for her, especially the times my husband had to be in the hospital. After she did her pacing or wandering, she came to the side of the bed where my husband was sitting to be picked up. When he was unable to right after having back surgery, she would at least lie down on the sheepskin rug. I was able to wash it easily in the washer and dryer, and it came out fluffy. When we started to worry more about Ashley falling off the bed, my husband moved a chair to the other side of the bed where she was sleeping to be close to her. That made her feel safe. I agree about the bonding time being important. The more opportunities you can find where he enjoys bonding, the more you can make him feel safe and also happy. Ashley still loved being outdoors and walked a lot. If I let her, she would walk greater than 2 miles at a time. I limited the walking to 1 mile at a time, usually 2 or more times a day. Sometimes, when Ashley was too tired when we took our morning walks I just carried her, and she absolutely loved those walks, and most times she wanted to kiss my nose while being cuddled close. I think she enjoyed being held close, and it made her feel safe. She rested very peacefully when we went home. I thought the walking would be good for her gas, so I still continued to walk, only with me carrying her with her cradled in my arms.

You all are amazing!! I love reading about the love and concern for these little ones, and the efforts you made to keep them happy and comfortable. I can't talk about a lot of this stuff with my friends and family, because they'd think I was nuts! A bedrail for a dog? A nitelight? You spent HOW much at the vets?!? That's all I'd hear. Except here, where you guys understand just how much Alexander means to me. He's been my baby, my best friend for almost 15 years!! How could I not want to do everything in my power to help him?

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by gemy

Wonderfull news indeed. Thank you so much for starting this thread. In your sharing, we are all learning. I'm so happy that Alexander may start to find some relief with the meds, you have some solutions with the bedrails, massage, night lights.

We if we are blessed with a long life for our Yorkies, will need this information when the time comes.

To me this is one of the most valuable aspects of this community. The coming together, to share, to learn, to support each other as we journey through life with our Yorkies.

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

Bonnie- how about putting a living room lamp (or where ever the pups are while you are gone) on an inexpensive timer? That way if you were to be delayed again for any reason a light would come on. I think I paid less than $10.00 for one at Target.

Also for the bedrails- check out any children's consignment stores you have in your area. I see them there all the time, usually for about $5 a piece.

These have all been terrific ideas! The bedrail and nitelight give me peace of mind, and they're helping me sleep better. I didn't put Alex on the leash last night - I let him try to get up/down all by himself and he did!! He was a little hesitant going from the mattress to the ramp but he managed, and made it back up like a little pro.

I actually have one of those timers - I saw it laying on a garage shelf just a week or two ago. That's a great suggestion! I'm going to look for it tonight and put the lamp on it. With the time change coming, it may be almost dark before I get home from work so now's the perfect time to start using it. Thank you!!

[ladyjane]

Bonny, do NOT call yourself a bad mommy!!! That is just not true. I can understand your fears. I do hope that others read your post, though, because there is often so much fear mongering about meds and it is upsetting to me because it seems to drown out the good comments on them. People always need to keep in mind that anything you give or take has potential side effects....that does not mean it is always bad! We need to always weigh the benefits vs the risks. I am SO happy to hear that Alex is doing well on the Rimadyl! I hear people trashing Metacam all of the time...the first time I started using it on an arthritic dog, I was amazed! I, like you, had been a hold out not knowing that the poor baby was in so much pain until I gave him medicine. You really know that they have arthritis, but don't totally know how uncomfortable they are until you give them something.

Alex and all your babies are all lucky to have you!! I am looking forward to hearing how he does on the Anipryl.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Bonny, do NOT call yourself a bad mommy!!! That is just not true. I can understand your fears. I do hope that others read your post, though, because there is often so much fear mongering about meds and it is upsetting to me because it seems to drown out the good comments on them. People always need to keep in mind that anything you give or take has potential side effects....that does not mean it is always bad! We need to always weigh the benefits vs the risks. I am SO happy to hear that Alex is doing well on the Rimadyl! I hear people trashing Metacam all of the time...the first time I started using it on an arthritic dog, I was amazed! I, like you, had been a hold out not knowing that the poor baby was in so much pain until I gave him medicine. You really know that they have arthritis, but don't totally know how uncomfortable they are until you give them something.

Alex and all your babies are all lucky to have you!! I am looking forward to hearing how he does on the Anipryl.

Thank you, Linda! I'm just trying to be thankful that Alex is getting some relief now, and stop thinking of what this could have done for him before.

By the way, I wanted to ask about the cost of Rimadyl. Everyone warned me that the Anipryl would be expensive, but I wasn't prepared for the Rimadyl to cost even more. I paid almost $39 for 15 tablets. Does that sound about right? I don't mind - it's worth every penny if it helps Alex - but I'm curious.

Oh!! I almost forgot. They couldn't get a urine sample from Alexander on Saturday so they want ME to bring one in! How in the heck am I supposed to do that? They gave me a little specimen cup, but somehow I doubt that Alex's aim is that good.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by BonBon

Thank you, Linda! I'm just trying to be thankful that Alex is getting some relief now, and stop thinking of what this could have done for him before.

By the way, I wanted to ask about the cost of Rimadyl. Everyone warned me that the Anipryl would be expensive, but I wasn't prepared for the Rimadyl to cost even more. I paid almost $39 for 15 tablets. Does that sound about right? I don't mind - it's worth every penny if it helps Alex - but I'm curious.

Oh!! I almost forgot. They couldn't get a urine sample from Alexander on Saturday so they want ME to bring one in! How in the heck am I supposed to do that? They gave me a little specimen cup, but somehow I doubt that Alex's aim is that good.

I never paid any attention. Wow...I just called my vet and it is $35.50 for the same amount! She said it is cheaper if you buy a 60 count bottle..they charge $66.40 for that. You might ask your vet about Metacam. It works well..and might be less money? He may not want to use it, but worth asking about.
I imagine you might find it online for less, but I am wary of many online companies. Check around.
Just follow him around when he is outside and be QUICK to put a little tupperware container or bowl under him ..hahah. I usually miss and end up at the vet with them doing it.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I never paid any attention. Wow...I just called my vet and it is $35.50 for the same amount! She said it is cheaper if you buy a 60 count bottle..they charge $66.40 for that. You might ask your vet about Metacam. It works well..and might be less money? He may not want to use it, but worth asking about.
I imagine you might find it online for less, but I am wary of many online companies. Check around.
Just follow him around when he is outside and be QUICK to put a little tupperware container or bowl under him ..hahah. I usually miss and end up at the vet with them doing it.

He mentioned another drug but I don't think it was Metacam - the name didn't sound familiar to me at the time, and now I can't remember it. Wow, buying 60 would be a nice savings!! I'll ask about that when I call in for a refill. Thanks for that tip!!

I tried to follow him for a little while on Saturday, but he wouldn't pee with me standing over him. Then on Sunday, he was having so much fun that I didn't have the heart to interrupt him. I'll get the sample somehow, it just might take me a couple of days.

[BonBon]

I just got off the phone with the doctor....I'd called to check on the bloodwork. This is an exact quote: "For a 14 year old dog, his bloodwork is fantastic!"

The doctor said the WBC, liver function, etc. etc. - everything looked great. Alex only had one reading that was mildly elevated. I forget the name of it but it has to do with kidney function. The normal range is 6 to 31 and Alex's was 33. The doctor said they don't become concerned until the levels are over 100 so Alex should be just fine.

I am so happy, and so very proud of my baby boy!! I was thinking the worst, dreading it constantly....and now I find out that I should get to have him with me for a good while longer. And with the new meds and other suggestions I've gotten from this thread, I don't have to agonize over whether he's suffering.

THANK YOU!!!

Big hugs to you all,
Bonny

[shodanusmc]

Originally Posted by BonBon

I just got off the phone with the doctor....I'd called to check on the bloodwork. This is an exact quote: "For a 14 year old dog, his bloodwork is fantastic!"

The doctor said the WBC, liver function, etc. etc. - everything looked great. Alex only had one reading that was mildly elevated. I forget the name of it but it has to do with kidney function. The normal range is 6 to 31 and Alex's was 33. The doctor said they don't become concerned until the levels are over 100 so Alex should be just fine.

I am so happy, and so very proud of my baby boy!! I was thinking the worst, dreading it constantly....and now I find out that I should get to have him with me for a good while longer. And with the new meds and other suggestions I've gotten from this thread, I don't have to agonize over whether he's suffering.

THANK YOU!!!

Big hugs to you all,
Bonny

That is fantastic. Maxine is just a year behind age wise, so I certainly understand your feelings. Glad you got that great news on the blood work.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by shodanusmc

That is fantastic. Maxine is just a year behind age wise, so I certainly understand your feelings. Glad you got that great news on the blood work.

Thanks Steve! I've seen pics of Maxine and she still looks like a very young lady.

[shodanusmc]

Originally Posted by BonBon

Thanks Steve! I've seen pics of Maxine and she still looks like a very young lady.

She really does look the same as she did when she was 1 year old.Maxine and marge have aged much better than Carlo and I!

[BonBon]

I'd like to introduce Alexander to everyone.

Alex 1.JPG Alex.JPG