msjpk Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 My boy will be 15 in Dec. He has hind leg weakness, kidney disease. He eats well and loves to go in the yard. I have to help him get up and ly down. He poops in his sleep. I got that covered. However he grunts and groans. I dont believe he is in pain but pissed he is not working right!! More frusration then anything. Is this a good quality of life? He will be going to get for check up on his kidney disease next week. Any experiences?. He is on pain meds and meds for kidneys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Hardest decision. How is his appetite? Do his eyes brighten when he wants to eat? Usually, there is a tired look that comes over their eyes when they've had enough. Prayers to you. Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjpk Posted October 27, 2016 Author Share Posted October 27, 2016 He gets very excited when it is time to eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 "He eats well and loves to go in the yard" As long as he is not in pain, I'd say he has some time left. When he is no longer enjoying life, I think you will know. Every dog is different, but it never gets easier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottydog Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Sounds like he's still enjoying his life! Heck, my new 1 1/2 yr old groans in her sleep. Amazing how picking up an older's poo in the house becomes no big deal... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saharasmom Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 The most concerning thing for me is that he can't lie down or get up on his own. Not sure if you work, or how long he's left alone, but I'd worry that he'd want to get up and not be unable. Glad to hear he still seems spunky, though. Quote Rebeccawith Atlas the borzoi, Luna the pyr, and Madison the cat, always missing Sahara(Flyin Tara Lyn) and Coltrane(Blue on By) the greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjpk Posted October 27, 2016 Author Share Posted October 27, 2016 We are retired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTRAWLD Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Would you mind sharing the meds he's on? He might benefit from something for arthritis perhaps! Quote Proudly owned by:10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 201012.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjpk Posted October 27, 2016 Author Share Posted October 27, 2016 gabipentin,adequan injections,tramadol when needed,enapril ,(sp) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3greytjoys Posted October 28, 2016 Share Posted October 28, 2016 (edited) Our brood matron will be 15 in Dec. Her hind-end is weakening but she's still able to take brief walks (5-10 minutes), is interested in family members, still desires gentle attention, collects her favorite toys, works on her doggie brain exercise puzzles/games with supervision, and still eats very well (unless temporary medications reduce appetite). She's a little less enthusiastic during limited car rides (e.g. to vet) but can enter/exit the car via a dog ramp (manufactured with excellent horizontal ridged gripper material). We re-position (park) the car's back-end to meet the incline on the driveway to greatly reduce ramp incline. She has some kidney issues and is drinking A LOT of water. (Fine with me since she needs the fluid to flush toxins through her kidneys.) Her outings have increased (from previous healthy 6-7 outings per day) to 10 outings now. She can no longer climb a full staircase. She can stand up from a lying position on her own, but we assist periodically. If there is 4" of wood flooring at the far perimeter of a large area rug, she will find it and slip. We're SO incredibly grateful that she's doing as well as she is that we don't mind making life adjustments as needed. Presently, she's still happy, alert, comfortable, and can walk around the house on her own. Her hind-end begins to sink a bit if she stands still for an extended time (e.g. while eating meals or while outside) but is doing well overall for her age. She offers a single alert bark if she needs a human's help pronto. We have a hind-end medical assistance harness to carry on walks, etc. in case of emergency. We lost another teenage Greyhound last year. (Slipped spinal discs while choking on dog food, resulted in complete paralysis of spine and hind legs). Emergency mobile vet came to house for our hound's comfort to avoid additional trauma of final transport to the e-hospital. One of our other hounds recovered from a different type of paralysis (caused by a stroke) after a month of intensive home care, but that hound was not in pain and readily accepted intensive long-term handling care. Each pet's medical condition is so unique, as is pet parents' availability, physical handling ability, and patience to offer loving home care. Here's a Quality of Life scale that you may find helpful: http://pawspice.com/clients/17611/documents/QualityofLifeScale.pdf If needed, link to our medical assist back-end harness: http://www.walkaboutharnesses.com/collections/walkabout-harnesses Airlift One is recommended for males. We have the "original" back-end harness for females. (All can be custom-made for Greyhounds.) You and your special boy are in our positive thoughts. Edited November 20, 2016 by 3greytjoys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vampiric_Conure Posted October 28, 2016 Share Posted October 28, 2016 **Hugs** Yeah, watching a beloved companion grow old is frustrating. As others have said, it sounds like your guy still has life left in him. Quote Beware of dog? Forget the dog - BEWARE OF CAT! No wait. The budgie is a killer, too. Aaerro by Vampiric Conure, on Flickr Rainbow Bridge - Aaerro march 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjpk Posted October 28, 2016 Author Share Posted October 28, 2016 thanks all for your kind words Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjpk Posted November 3, 2016 Author Share Posted November 3, 2016 taking Lou to vet for update with kidney disease. paws crossed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubcitypam Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandiandwe Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 Hugs. When I had to make the call with Benny, I made eye contact and asked if he was ready several times in the last month. When he said no, I smiled, hugged and told him I'd let him go when he was. Several times in the last week I asked because it was coming. He said, not yet. The final time I asked, he said yes, and I told him I'd sort it. You know your dog. They love you and trust you. Be brave, and ask them. I think you'll hear the answer if you ask and listen. This is the hardest time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 Just some hugs. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjpk Posted November 3, 2016 Author Share Posted November 3, 2016 TK LUMIERE aka my Lou The greatest, strongest greyhound. 12/23/01-11/3/2016 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTRAWLD Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 I'm so sorry. Quote Proudly owned by:10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 201012.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 I am so sorry Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachbum1 Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 So very sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 I'm so sorry. Godspeed, good boy. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmc333 Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 I'm sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tra708 Posted November 11, 2016 Share Posted November 11, 2016 so sorry very tough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliemac Posted November 11, 2016 Share Posted November 11, 2016 I just saw your posting ... my heart hurts for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fudge Posted November 11, 2016 Share Posted November 11, 2016 My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.