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I am heartsick, and I know you'll understand. My 14 yr. old (in 2 days) golden retriever, Rusty, is having increasing difficulty. He was diagnosed with hip dypsplasia and arthritis, as well as kidney problems, about 2 years ago. Kidneys seem OK, but he is stumbling/falling more, dragging his hind legs somewhat, and sleeping most of the day. Having trouble getting into position to poop. He has this incredible spirit - still eating, drinking, enjoying attention, wagging his tail. He even went swimming in the river 4 days ago. But now, it takes him more and more time to recover from swimming. For the past day he has been hyperventilating. I just hope it's not from pain. He has been on doggie-NSAID (Rimadyl) for 2 years and Tramadol for about a month. We have an appt. to see vet later today. He said the hyperventilating could be from the Tramadol (I hope it is from that and not pain). This is SOOOOOO hard! I KNOW this dog, and I know that he will always show us that spirit, despite the fact that his skeleton is wearing out. It kills me to watch him grow more and more frail and still try to act like a puppy. My heart is beaking...........
Love,
Polly
P.S. Of course, I have had D for the past 24 hours. I guess my gut will always be my target organ for stress.
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
I certainly do understand what you're going through, and it makes me very sad just to think about it, so it has to be extremely hard on you and the rest of your family. Getting old is tough enough with humans, but the effects of aging seem to progress so much faster with dogs, that it really grabs our attention.
I wish Rusty the very best of luck, with the vet appointment.
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Polly I fully understand and emphasize with you during this time. As you know I am a bit of a dog lover and have unfortunately been in the same position before. They really are members of the family and have personalities that are incredible. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Our Redbone Coonhound turned 14 last month. For a medium sized dog (75 pounds) we are fortunate to still have her. She also sleeps most of the time but when I come home from work, she is always waiting at the door with tail wagging to greet me. A special treat that dogs give us is this incredible devotion and unassuming love. I'll miss her dearly when she is gone.
Polly
I watched 'my baby' Penny (a boxer) die from cancer.
It is really hard to see them age and their health deteroirate as quite often their energy and love is what has inspires us every morning and on our low days.
It takes alot for a dog like that to stop wagging their tail
When it is time, I believe my babys are in a wonderful place 'doggy heaven' where there is wide open spaces for them to frolic, lots of their favourite foods and toys, and of course lots of mates to spend time with.
Rusty and of course you, are in my thoughts, sending you lots of love and hugs. I do feel your heavy heart.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
I am so sorry to hear about Rusty and do hope that the vet can do something for him. He is one of your kids and I know how much you love him. He has been with us old-timers for years.
You and he are in my prayers.
Love, Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
Tears filled my eyes as I was reading about Rusty. I understand what you
are going through right now and its so hard to see them suffer. I lost my
dog, Summer, she was 13 yrs. old with cancer 3 yrs ago. It was a very very sad
time for me.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Rusty.
I am hoping the vet visit goes well and can provide some relief. Our 14 year old (Missie, the one I wrote about) gave us a scare this last week with a serious liver/gallbladder infection, but she is recovering. Animals like Rusty and Missie teach us a lesson about how we should all grow old and not lose our puppy spirit.
Hugs,
Mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
Dear Polly, I understand what you are going through having lost wonderful dogs over the years to various problems and old age. They become a part of the fabric of your life and contribute so much to your own well being. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your special dog. Love JoAnn
Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway. John Wayne
Whew, what a lucky day! I have a strong suspicion that your compassion, prayers, and good wishes made a difference. The vet did not feel there was any new heart or lung problem going on - nor did he think the hyperventilation was due to excessive pain. So for now we are tapering the Tramadol and will reassess next Mon. I am so relieved....it is good to have a second opinion about the pain issue, and of course, it is such a bonus to have some more time (no matter how short) with my sweet boy.
I can't thank you enough for your lovely and thoughtful notes. They made me feel so much better. Yes...... Jo Ann, MB, Gabes,and Hotrod............ dogs DO teach us and give us so much (the only real unconditional love we get on this planet (IMHO)). Hotrod, now I know where "RubyRedDog" came from. Barb - I can't imagine losing 3 in one year like your son did. How devastating. Tanya and Gabes - it had to be so sad watching your pets succumb to cancer. MB - great news about Missie's recovery! Joe - you can't imagine how much Rusty looks like your Nestle, except that his face is all white. He is a dark golden and has that long, thin nose. Ant - truer words were never spoken - thanks for the perspective. Mags - you are right - Rusty has been on this board since its inception! Tex and Joan - thanks for caring.
Love,
Polly
P.S. Gabes, your description of doggie heaven reminds me of the description of the "Rainbow Bridge". If anyone is not familar with it, google Rainbow Bridge and check it out.
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Polly,
Glad to here the positive news regarding Rusty. Our Lucy (mutt but we have been told she looks like she is part border collie) is also 14. Our vet recommended this summer we give her Rimadyl also. It is very hard to watch our four legged children suffer.
I'm so glad to read that the vet thinks Rusty doesn't have any new heart or lung problems. It's so hard to watch a pet suffer...I hope tapering the medication will help him feel better.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
My 14 yr. old (in 2 days) golden retriever, Rusty, is having increasing difficulty. He was diagnosed with hip dypsplasia and arthritis, as well as kidney problems, about 2 years ago. Kidneys seem OK, but he is stumbling/falling more, dragging his hind legs somewhat, and sleeping most of the day. Having trouble getting into position to poop. He has this incredible spirit - still eating, drinking, enjoying attention, wagging his tail. He even went swimming in the river 4 days ago. But now, it takes him more and more time to recover from swimming. For the past day he has been hyperventilating. I just hope it's not from pain. He has been on doggie-NSAID (Rimadyl) for 2 years and Tramadol for about a month. We have an appt. to see vet later today. He said the hyperventilating could be from the Tramadol (I hope it is from that and not pain). This is SOOOOOO hard! I KNOW this dog, and I know that he will always show us that spirit, despite the fact that his skeleton is wearing out. It kills me to watch him grow more and more frail and still try to act like a puppy. My heart is beaking...........
I have a strong suspicion that your compassion, prayers, and good wishes made a difference. The vet did not feel there was any new heart or lung problem going on - nor did he think the hyperventilation was due to excessive pain. So for now we are tapering the Tramadol and will reassess next Mon. I am so relieved....it is good to have a second opinion about the pain issue, and of course, it is such a bonus to have some more time (no matter how short) with my sweet boy.
