September 14, 2007
Buddy is having problems
I took Buddy to the vet last week for his checkup and shots. He’s about thirteen or fourteen years old and showing his age. His labs came back and I picked up some medicine to help with incontinence on Wednesday. I gave it to him that morning and evening. On Thursday (yesterday) I gave him the morning dose. Shortly after noon Buddy’s rear legs went out from under him and he couldn’t get back up. I tried to help him stand and he snapped at me, so I think he was in pain. I finally resorted to muzzling him so I could get him onto his pillow bed.
I helped Buddy stand several times throughout the afternoon. Lance is seven years old, but still behaves like a goofy puppy. He was super-attentive of Buddy yesterday and kept knocking him over in his attempts to play. Buddy was very impatient with him and it began to look like there might be bloodshed if I didn’t keep them apart. I brought their big outdoor crate in and they took turns being confined. Lance stayed right by Buddy all afternoon.
We’ve established a new routine already. Lance seems to realize that he can’t get too playful with Buddy. If he does, Buddy gives a low growl and Lance backs off. Neither is crated and this seems to be working fine. I helped Buddy get out of the crate this morning and helped him up when he fell several times. That was a couple of hours ago. He’s eaten the dinner he didn’t want last night and is drinking plenty of water. I’ve carried him outside several times and he’s taking care of business just fine. The big change is that he’s pacing relentlessly. He apparently doesn’t want to lie down or even sit because he can’t get back up.
I have a vet appointment scheduled for this afternoon. I don’t know if this sudden deterioration was caused by the new meds or if it’s the natural progression of the hip problems Buddy has had for years. I haven’t given him the meds since this started. I’m hoping there is something the vet can do that will help him get back to what he was two days ago. Buddy is old and I know he won’t be with me much longer, but this change has been so abrupt that I’m not willing to just accept it and move on. Your support and kind thoughts for my old friend would be much appreciated.
That top photo is from a video I took last night with my digital camera. I’ll try to figure out later how to get it into a different format so I can put it online in some future post.
[tags]Buddy, dogs, dog health, senior dogs[/tags]
Posted by skeet @ 10:12 am • Home & Family
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September 14th, 2007 at 10:24 am, Flo Says:
Skeet, I’m soo sorry about Buddy. It’s so hard when our beloved pets get older. I have 2 older dogs so I really understand what you’re going through.
I don’t know how much you want to do but there is a vet in Wahiawa that does acupuncture on dogs. My Nala (the pit bull) goes to an acupuncturist in Kailua and it has helped her a lot. She has hip dysplasia and severe arthritis. The acupuncture makes a world of difference. If you want the vet’s name just let me know.
September 14th, 2007 at 10:24 am, Jeremy Hobbs Says:
Poor doggy
I hope he gets better!
September 14th, 2007 at 10:54 am, Dan... Says:
Buddy’s got people all over thinking about him…thanks to you. Take care and I hope his weekend goes better.
September 14th, 2007 at 10:57 am, Jennifer Says:
Aww, poor buddy! And poor you… I know it’s gotta be rough for you watch too. It doesn’t matter how old they are, we’re never ready for the deterioration to start.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:04 am, skeet Says:
Yes, Flo, I’d love to have the acupunctutist/vet info. I’m not going to arrage for surgery or anything extroidinary like that, but I want Buddy to be as comfortable as possible. Mahalo for your input and your kind thoughts.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:05 am, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Jeremy. I hope so, too.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:05 am, skeet Says:
Mahalo Dan. I appreciate your thoughts.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:07 am, skeet Says:
Mahalo Jennifer. Yeah, tough on me, too. I was weepy yeterday and have been on the verge most of today. I don’t want to lose him, but I see that getting closer and closer.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:15 am, Jules Says:
Oh Skeet
{{Buddy}} I hope he’s feeling better soon. Gosh, this makes me tear up.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:24 am, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Jules. I hope so too.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:26 am, Lori Says:
I am sorry as well Skeet. My mom has had dashhunds forever and awhile back her most beloved Dumplin, who was 16, became half paralyzed. Most days she couldn’t walk. They finally decided that her having to live under those conditions far outweighed being layed to rest. My mom didn’t talk to me for a week and you couldn’t mention Dumplin for at least a month so I know exactly how close a person and a pet can become. I hope & pray for the best for you and your dog.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:29 am, Charlotte Says:
Awww.. poor Buddy. I understand what you’re going through. I had one dog that lived to 17 and 2 that lived to 11. **Hugs**
September 14th, 2007 at 11:32 am, TW Says:
{{{{{{{{{{{Skeet}}}}}}}}}}}
September 14th, 2007 at 11:48 am, Ami-chan Says:
Skeet, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family of faithful companions.
The deterioration of any loved one is hard to bear, but sometimes I think these things are harder with animals because there are so many more unknowns with it being so hard for them to communicate what they’re feeling. I hope your vet has some answers for you.
As for the video files, that I might be able to help with. There’s a program called Prism, which a friend just put me on to that is really great about converting video files from one format to another.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:50 am, Windyridge Says:
Skeet, that’s so sad, poor little guy. It’s hard when a beloved pet doesn’t feel well.Our dog isn’t old yet but he swallowed some bones that caused a lot of problems a few years ago and it was very scary and painful to us to watch his pain.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:00 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Lori. Yes, I realize I may have to make that decision soon. If it becomes obvious that he’s suffering I don’t want to prolong that. Two hours ’til the vet appointment.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:01 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo Charlotte. I’ve been “getting ready” for this for a long time, but I’m still not ready. I hope Buddy isn’t there yet either.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:01 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo TW.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:03 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo Ami-chan and thanks for the link also. I’ve been trying to do an opp for over an hour now, but am having problems focusing. Maybe later today I’ll have it together & will check out Prism.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:05 pm, skeet Says:
Yeah, it’s hard to watch WindyR. Our pets are so dependent on us. That makes it that much harder, wondering if he’s wondering why I don’t fix this. Mahalo for your kind thoughts.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:10 pm, Christine Says:
Poor sweet doggy … He’s in my thoughts today. Bless him!
September 14th, 2007 at 12:58 pm, Denise Says:
sniff sniff. SNIFF.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:08 pm, Lee Says:
Oh Skeet. Sorry to hear about Buddy. I hope that you see some improvement in the near future.
Hang in there.
September 14th, 2007 at 2:24 pm, valmg Says:
Skeet,
Sorry to hear Buddy isn’t feeling well.
It’s hard.
You’re in my thoughts.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:39 pm, Whim Says:
Oh Skeet, I am so sorry! I hope he feels better soon.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:47 pm, Angie Says:
About a year and a half before my Maltese actually died, the same thing happened to her legs. My vet and I tried a series of pain meds and such. Do you know what finally worked? Prednisone. She was up and walking shortly after her first dose. I gave her a few more does and she did not end up needing more.
September 14th, 2007 at 5:06 pm, kat Says:
Skeet, I’m so sorry he’s not feeling well. My thoughts are with you and him for a quick recovery from what ails him.
September 14th, 2007 at 6:59 pm, Nita Says:
Oh poor dog. I hope he feels better soon.
September 14th, 2007 at 7:14 pm, helen Says:
I like to prowl the PPP forum quietly but reading about your Buddy, I just got to drop by and send my best wishes.
I currently have 4 dogs and my heart goes out to you. It’s maddening and frustrating not knowing what we can do for our pets at times like these. The only thing we can do is just put our hopes in the hands of the vet.
I sincerely hope things will work out for Buddy.
Lance is a beagle right? Gosh, who can resist those beagle eyes…
September 14th, 2007 at 9:05 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo Christine. I appreciate your kind thoughts for Buddy.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:06 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo Denise. I know you’ve dealt with something similar recently. Do you think it ever gets any easier?
September 14th, 2007 at 9:07 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Lee. Buddy is on new meds now, so I’m hoping for some improvement this weekend.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:09 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo for your kind thoughts, Valmg. Yeah, it’s hard when they get old and you can’t make them feel better anymore. Hopefully the new meds will help.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:10 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Whim. I’m hoping Buddy will feel better in the next few days.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:11 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo angie. The vet started Buddy on prednisone today. It ususally works pretty quickly if it’s going to do anything at all, so I’m hoping for some improvement over the weekend.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:12 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo Kat. I appreciate your kind thoughts for Buddy.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:14 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo Nita. I’m hoping the new meds will have Buddy feeling better soon.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:17 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Helen. I appreciate you coming out in the open to wish Buddy well. He’s on prednisone now, so he’ll be feeling better very soon if it’s going to help at all.
Yes, Lance is a beagle and a scamp, but he’s so cute and lovable that I can’t get really mad at him when he does typical beagle mischief.
September 15th, 2007 at 4:45 am, Social responsibility Says:
Best of luck in these tough times. A dog is a man’s best friend after all.
September 15th, 2007 at 6:00 am, katie Says:
Ah, Skeet….hoping the prednisone does the trick.
September 15th, 2007 at 7:02 am, corrin Says:
Oliver and I are thinking about you and Buddy!
September 15th, 2007 at 7:23 am, skeet Says:
Mahalo for your good wishes, Katie. Buddy just got stuck trying to go out the door (there’s a small step down) so I guess the prednisone hasn’t kicked in yet.
September 15th, 2007 at 7:24 am, skeet Says:
Mahalo to you and Oliver, Corrin, from me and Buddy.
September 15th, 2007 at 7:27 am, skeet Says:
Mahalo for your good wishes SR. Yep, my dogs definitely fall in the “best friends” category.
September 15th, 2007 at 9:34 am, Ann Says:
Skeet, it’s so hard to see our pet children suffer. I know. I hope the new med helps Buddy. You and he are in my best thoughts.
September 15th, 2007 at 1:30 pm, Jackie Says:
Hi Skeet…. I hope Buddy is feeling better. I know what it’s like to lose a pet. (((Buddy)))
September 15th, 2007 at 6:57 pm, Tina K Says:
Just a hug and note of support for both doggies and their human.
From Hubby, the cats, and I, all our best for Buddy.
September 16th, 2007 at 1:36 am, Amy Says:
I’m on vacation and got a moment to check the boards… and saw your post over there. I was saddened to read your post here. I hope the prednisone does help Buddy. We just lost our beloved family dog not too long ago, and I feel for anyone who has to go through that.
September 16th, 2007 at 7:04 am, allysther Says:
I’m hoping that Buddy is getting better, and that you are ok.
September 16th, 2007 at 7:49 am, Dyane Says:
Oh Skeet, I’m so sorry, my thoughts are with Buddy.. and you, too, its hard to see a beloved furkid in pain & not be able to help
*hugs*
September 16th, 2007 at 8:02 am, Phoebe Says:
I’m so sorry your baby isn’t feeling well. I hope the vet trip will help. I know you’ll do everything possible to make him comfy and as painfree as possible. Hugs, darlin’.
September 16th, 2007 at 4:20 pm, emsxiety Says:
((((((((((SKEET))))))))
September 16th, 2007 at 10:09 pm, skeet Says:
Buddy is on steroids and felling better, Ann. Mahalo for your kind thoughts.
September 16th, 2007 at 10:11 pm, skeet Says:
Buddy is feeling better, Jackie, probably because so many wonderful people are pulling for him. Mahalo, my friend.
September 16th, 2007 at 10:12 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo to you, hubby and the kittties, Tina. Buddy is responding well to treatment!
September 16th, 2007 at 10:13 pm, skeet Says:
Buddy is feeling better already, Allysther. Mahalo!
September 16th, 2007 at 10:15 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Dyane. I know Buddy won’t be around much longer, but he’s feeling better right now, so I’m very happy about that.
September 16th, 2007 at 10:16 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Phoebe. Buddy is feeling better and starting to move around more comfortably.
September 16th, 2007 at 10:17 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Em. Buddy is feeling better!