JohnF Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 Hi, I haven't been on here for quite some time, so I just thought I'd let you all know that my Greyhound Peggy is still with us. She's suffering from arthritis and teeth issues plus some other symptoms of old age. We think she's probably too old to have a general for more teeth extractions (she doesn't have many left after 2 extractions a year and a half ago) so are hoping that the Loxicom, Gabapentin and 2 x 1.5 500mg Paracetamol tabs daily are keeping her sufficiently pain free. Sometimes she can wake up suddenly, shake her head violently, and paw at her face with tail tucked, so it's important the the pain relief is kept topped up. She still wants to go out on little walks even though she has to be lifted into the car when not reversed against a raised pavement, not least because the Gabapentin can make her a bit wobbly. But she's still eating a quality soft canned dog food supplemented by pulled cooked chicken breast, and is managing to maintain a weight around 24 kilos now (down from 30 in her prime), which is probably beneficial for the joints. So it's a day at a time and trying to be mindful about noticing how well the pain relief is working. Those who have been lucky enough to see their greys reach old age will probably know where I'm coming from. If you'd care to share some of your coping strategies it could be helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 Lovely to hear from you. It sounds like Peggy is doing very well overall and you are doing all you can to keep her comfortable. 14.5 is wonderful! It must be all those long walks in beautiful countryside over the years. Quote Rachel with littermates Doolin and Willa, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig. Missing gentlemen kitties Mud, Henry, and Richard and our beautiful, feisty, silly Sweep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottydog Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 14.5! Well done, Peggy and John! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerilyn Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 Awww, sweet old girl! Lila made it to 14.25 and those last few months were tough, probably more for me than her. She was on Previcox and Tylenol for pain and had issues with her back legs. I knew I didn’t want it to get to a horrible place for her so I was constantly assessing how she was doing. The best thing I did was work with a palliative care vet. I don’t know if those are common in the UK. Having a plan for end was important to me and to have someone who was able to come to my house for euthanasia. Making the decision of what is the right time is not easy. I think all you can do is put her needs before yours. Give Peggy a smooch from me. Quote Jerilyn, missing Lila (Good Looking), new Mistress to Wiki (PJ Wicked). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 IMO, finding a schedule for meds and food, and sticking to it as much as possible, makes it easier to stay on top of pain and to monitor when it needs to be increased. Instead of daily/hourly reacting to seeing her in pain and giving more or having her drugged up from too much at a time. Also, talking with your vet beforehand about incremental increases you can make without discussing it with them beforehand when it does becomes obvious she needs an increase. I agree with Jerilyn about seeing if you have access to a hospice program can be very helpful. Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerseyGrey Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 I was thinking the other day that you hadn’t been on for a while so its nice to hear from you. It sounds like Peggy is doing well for her age, although it’s inevitable that there will be some issues. I can’t help with advice but wish you as many more months together as possible Quote Buddy Molly 🌈 5/11/10-10/10/23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted February 21, 2022 Share Posted February 21, 2022 Thanks for the update. Sounds like you have a good schedule for Peggy and are very aware of any medication changes that she may need. We are very lucky to have a Vet who will come to our home…. Quote Nancy...Mom to Sid (Peteles Tiger), Kibo (112 Carlota Galgos) and Joshi. Missing Casey, Gomer, Mona, Penelope, BillieJean, Bandit, Nixon (Starz Sammie), Ruby (Watch Me Dash) Nigel (Nigel), and especially little Mario, waiting at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnF Posted February 21, 2022 Author Share Posted February 21, 2022 2 hours ago, greysmom said: I agree with Jerilyn about seeing if you have access to a hospice program can be very helpful. That sounds like something I might need to look into, she's still on insurance and they'll pay part of it. If she went off her back legs I'd know I had to let her go, but at the moment there seems to be a positive balance to her quality of life. She went for a little walk in the park late this afternoon, probably just under half a mile slowly. We stopped to look at a big old tree that had just been cleared after the storm brought it down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenEveBaz Posted February 22, 2022 Share Posted February 22, 2022 (edited) Peggy Like you, I have found that those little walks with an old dog do a lot to maintain strength and mental stimulation. Experts write that including gentle hills in the walk, instead of trying to keep it all flat, is helpful. Edited February 22, 2022 by EllenEveBaz Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zimsmom Posted February 22, 2022 Share Posted February 22, 2022 OMG what a blessing she is!! Patches made it to 15 year & 1 month. Never needed any meds at all. But it sounds like your doing the best you can for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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