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Glory health update and energy request
For the last several days, Glory has been super friendly and clingy. Not at all her usual personality, which tends to be rather aloof and independent - like a lot of collies. I'd also noticed the nictitating membrane of her right eye is raised up a bit. Not irritated, no glands showing, etc. and its not bothering her, so I figured we'd give it a week or two to resolve on its own since she hates car trips and gets scared in new environments. No doubt due to her deafness and senility.
"Today, she had some kind of stroke or seizure. Her legs were shaking violently, as she staggered around the living room slamming into furniture and walls, head whipping about. I ran to her and supported her, so she wouldn't hurt herself. Her eyes appeared to roll back a bit, but corrected instantly, and she continued to violently shake for several minutes. I pushed her to a lying down position, which seemed to upset her more, so I let her back up and just held her until it subsided. After several minutes, and of course, after I'd called in the calvary - she got up and is walking around perfectly calm. Super friendly, interested in everything (again, not like her normal personality), panting a bit and stiff legged on her right side (especially her rear leg). After another ten minutes, I gave her a baby aspirin for the stiffness and although she's very tired, she seems fine.
I have no idea what these are. I called a few vets, who insist its NOT an emergency unless she keeps having them (gee, thanks) or doesn't recover from the episode and so we've got her scheduled for an appointment next Tuesday am. One kindly explained that given her advanced age (14), there's not much he could do test-wise or treatment wise and at this stage so an emergency appointment will just upset her and cost $$$, and suggested that keeping her comfortable is all we can do for now."
I know she's getting close to the Bridge and we're as ready for that as we can be. I'm enclosing an older picture of her sleeping comfortably, as that's what we'd like the focus to be for her.
"Today, she had some kind of stroke or seizure. Her legs were shaking violently, as she staggered around the living room slamming into furniture and walls, head whipping about. I ran to her and supported her, so she wouldn't hurt herself. Her eyes appeared to roll back a bit, but corrected instantly, and she continued to violently shake for several minutes. I pushed her to a lying down position, which seemed to upset her more, so I let her back up and just held her until it subsided. After several minutes, and of course, after I'd called in the calvary - she got up and is walking around perfectly calm. Super friendly, interested in everything (again, not like her normal personality), panting a bit and stiff legged on her right side (especially her rear leg). After another ten minutes, I gave her a baby aspirin for the stiffness and although she's very tired, she seems fine.
I have no idea what these are. I called a few vets, who insist its NOT an emergency unless she keeps having them (gee, thanks) or doesn't recover from the episode and so we've got her scheduled for an appointment next Tuesday am. One kindly explained that given her advanced age (14), there's not much he could do test-wise or treatment wise and at this stage so an emergency appointment will just upset her and cost $$$, and suggested that keeping her comfortable is all we can do for now."
I know she's getting close to the Bridge and we're as ready for that as we can be. I'm enclosing an older picture of her sleeping comfortably, as that's what we'd like the focus to be for her.
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My Meghan suffered a stroke at 16. We put her down a few days afterwards. I will pray that she passes comfortably, knowing she's been loved for many years.
Thank you *hugs*
We think she's about 14, but we don't know. Its been a waiting game ever since we brought her home.
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Also, don't give her any more ibuprophen. Buffered asprin is ok, but ibuprophen, naprosin, and acetominophen can all cause major problems (ie. acute kidney failure.)
I've been here. It sucks ass. I wish something more constructive. :/
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We knew what we were getting into when we rescued her, but yeah - it does suck. Your information is constructive, thank you.
*zen hugs*
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She's a very lucky dog, to have you looking after her.
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She has been very hungry, so we're slowly allowing her to eat. I don't want her to make herself sick as she has a sensitive tummy (like most 14 year old dogs). She's resting comfortably and the other dogs, for once, are leaving her alone.
We'll keep folks posted, though we're hoping this is it for the day.
*zen hugs*
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When I was young we had a Norweigan Elkhound. She lived until 15, and she started doing the same thing. She had cancer and it spread to her brain which caused the behavior shifts and the seizures. Once Mom found out she brought her home, told the family and she died peacefully in just a few days.
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Although I suspect your meta-analysis is the correct one -- we all die of something, sometime, and staying comfortable as possible is the key to doing it well. So here's to Glory resting comfortably ... with a hug from me for a gorgeous dog.
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No incontinence, either. She never lost her bladder or bowels during the episode. She ate a good dinner, drank a bit of water and has been napping since.
Thank you, her spirit is as beautiful as she is. Its been a privilege and a joy to take care of her these last few years, not to mention a constant and gracious adventure. :)
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I am glad she is still eating well though, and that she has you to care for her. May her last days be full of food, comfort and lots of love.
My thoughts are with you.
Thanks, sweetie
The vet already ruled out MRI/CT - she's way too old to risk the anesthesia. We only rescued her a few years ago so we don't know her full history, its estimated she's almost 15 and we're told most likely a rescued breeder from a puppy mill they shut down ten years ago.
She's napping comfortably now, the other dogs are staying close to her. I'll keep an eye on her and sleep on the sofa tonight to be close to her, too. If it does happen again tonight, I don't want her alone and in the dark.
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I feel for your pain.
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Blessings to you for taking care of your little guy.
*zen hugs*
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Keep us updated, please. And give her a snorgle for me.
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May her final days be filled with cuddles and food, chocolate, smoked ham, beefburgers, cheese, potato chips, butter cookies, all the things that are "bad" for her.
She is so fortunate to have found such a wonderful person to look after her for her final years.
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I'm fortunate to have so many friends who understand these situations and have been supporting me emotionally through this. Having them agree that its time helps, too, so I know the decision is the right one.
I've been spoiling her, which the other dogs seem to understand and are giving us some privacy. Last night she let me groom her while I fed her squid jerky. Its her favorite food, go figure. She let me know she's ready, which helps tremendously.
*thank you*
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Just as a mellowing agent, have you tried giving her Rescue Remedy, about a dropper in a couple spoonsful of yogurt?
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Gonna be a rough summer, but I'm trying to think how very special and sacred Samhain will be for our household this year.
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My Tanya had seizures the last few weeks of her life (she had a neurological disease). I know it was difficult to watch Glory go through these things, but it was such a small part of her life. She had a long life, the last few years of which were wonderful and happy because of you and your husband.