Yorkie dementia?

[Louies Person]

Louie is 17 1/2 years old and has lost his hearing and eyes have be come dimmer over the years as well his collapsing trachea worsening. Vet has given him a cough suppressant and it's helped. A few weeks ago he was diagnosed with lymphoma and has responded to chemo very well. Now he paces and runs into things, stares at the wall and can't figure out how to back out of places. A few people on this site have mentioned Anipryl and will talk to vet on Monday. Any other suggestions? It breaks my heart and I wonder if he is afraid.

[Marhcarter]

Bless his heart. It sounds like he has had (and still has) a wonderful life and home. I think a med like that could possibly help his cognitive function. The thought of him being scared breaks my heart. Anything that potentially improves his quality of life sounds like a great idea to me.

[Wylie's Mom]

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry your kiddo is going through chemo and now dementia - it must be breaking your heart to watch all of this. Yes, there have been other people here whose kiddos have used Anipryl with really great results..so it may be worth a try for him. Keep us posted on how he does and best of luck to you both.

[lisaly]

I responded on another thread you posted on. Anipryl helped ease the anxiety and confusion my little girl, Ashley, had from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. My vet assured me that she still had a good quality of life. It is definitely worth trying it.

[Silver Lace]

May God's blessings be on you both.

[windwalker]

Sorry for what you and your pup are going through but take heart for giving him 17 1/2 wonderful years so far. Sig was in the early stages toward the end, deaf, cloudy eyes and sometimes just stand as if lost or forgotten what was going on. We never tried meds as we felt that might worsen the Kidney fail, but found just touching most times refocused her. We had a full life together to the last minute, even chasing the ball the morning of the PTS appointment. Her loss of muscle mass, not being able to get any food down her made us decide it was time. When diagnosed, Vet said 6-8 months, we got great 2 years, 4 months.


Prayers for pup and family

[windwalker]

Just a thought from our retired Vet, Kidney fail is common in older dogs, do blood as they get older to check. Science Diet Prescription KD and KD cookies can slow down the toxin build up dramatically, buying you extra time. Vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite can be signs of toxin build up from kidneys not working at full capacity. Also smell breath, if smells like urine in high build up.

[mygirlHalo]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Like windwalker, I was told my Kristofer was given a year when he was 13 years old and I had him until he was 20 years and 2 weeks old, until his little body just shut down. Love Louie as much as you can and let him do whatever he wants to enjoy the time he has here with you. Create even more everlasting memories. My heart goes out to you. Hug your little guy for me.

[ladyjane]

You and Louie are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Cherie6446]

I understand how heartbreaking this is. My old Shih Tzu boy, Sonny, used to walk in circles in the back yard. I would see him and go out and stop him from circling. He lived to 17 when he went into a coma and I had to take him in for a final goodbye. It was very sad. He never took meds.

[Louies Person]

Thank you all for your thoughts. I will discuss meds with Louie's vet and oncologist tomorrow and supply an update. Regarding the pacing and wandering I bought a front carrier and now he helps with housework.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by Louies Person

Thank you all for your thoughts. I will discuss meds with Louie's vet and oncologist tomorrow and supply an update. Regarding the pacing and wandering I bought a front carrier and now he helps with housework.

Your last sentence here I burst out laughing and crying at the same time! My suggestion was going to be talk to the Vet about that med and just hold him as much as you can, rub his head, kiss his face and hold him tight...through the dementia he will know he's safe in the arms of the one who loves him most.....will check in for the update. Bless you both. If you can get a pic of Louie in the carrier would be cute! ((((((hugs))))))

[megansmomma]

A few years ago I had a foster who had doggy dementia and he did the exact same thing. He's walk himself into a corner and just stand there staring at the wall. You need to be careful with things like allowing Louie to be up on the bed. He will just talk right off the edge I hope that you are able to get some answers from your appointment today.

[DBlain]

I don't have an answer to your question but I just have to say you are so lucky to have Louie for so long, I can just imagine the bond you must have with him, I am sure he loves being so close to you in the carrier and that gives him lots of comfort. Good luck on your vet visit.

[Marhcarter]

Originally Posted by Louies Person

Thank you all for your thoughts. I will discuss meds with Louie's vet and oncologist tomorrow and supply an update. Regarding the pacing and wandering I bought a front carrier and now he helps with housework.

I love this! Keep him close, give him kisses, and enjoy having him with you as long as you can!