Help for 14 year old OES
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| Hi,
Don't be afraid to go to the vet; the situation "is what it is", avoiding the news isn't going to do anything but make things worse. I don't mean to sound cold, but now is the time when your vet is your dog's best friend next to her family. That said, is Mattie on any paid meds? |
| Thanks for the response Ron. Yes Mattie is on rimadyl 75mg twice a day plus cosequin DS 3 tablets daily , plus 50 units on insulin twice a day. I know it is what it is I will try to take her this weekend. I'm just so sad.... She has been the best dog ever.... |
Our 14yr old shepherd had exactly the same thing happen last month. She was in so much pain. Loki would pee on the floor when we weren't looking. She was so ashamed and gave us such mournful looks. It was so sad and so hard but we knew.  I am so sorry and I send you my thoughts and prayers as I know how difficult this time is.
Lark |
| I'm so sorry too, getting old really sucks. I had that decision last year with my 14 year old girl. Her back end went completely and it was the hardest decision of my life. Ron is right your vet is your best friend at this time when our sheepies get elderly. My girl let me know that her time had come, although an awful emotional decision also the right decision for her, she went with dignity in my arms. I am so sorry you are going through this too, it is really hard to know what is the best thing for mattie, see your vet and discuss it with him/her, they are a great support to help you make an informative decision either way. ((((Hugs)))) and thinking of you and Mattie |
| I'm so sorry about Mattie You do need to get her to a vet, it's not fair to her if she's in pain. As for her feet slipping make sure all the hair is completely cut from her pads and maybe try some paw wax. I know how hard this is for you, I lost my 8 year old boy last month to cancer, he was unable to stand at all without assistance. As heartwrenching as it was Beau trusted me to make the right decision for him just as your Mattie is trusting you now. See what advice your vet offers and go from there, I wish you and your girl all the best, be strong for her when she needs you the most. Please let us know whatever happens.
Holly |
| You might want to see if the vet can switch her from the Rimadyl to another arthritis med like Deramaxx. We had our dog on Rimadyl and he seemed to get immuned to it after being on it for about a year. Once we switched him Deramaxx we saw an immediate improvement. |
| I'm so sorry for what you're going through with Mattie. 14 is a long life for a large dog like a sheepie, and it sounds like she's led a good and full life. It is very hard to make "the" decision but when the time comes, it is better to release Mattie from her suffering. As much as you love her and as much as you don't want her to leave, you also don't want to see her in pain. She's trusting you to do what is right. Never easy, but right.
My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Chris |
| I would definitely go to the vet, because maybe there is still more they can do. Good luck. |
| I am so sorry, I went through this, one year, ago. He was still alert and still could eat but to see him not be able to stand up and be his proud self, it was the hardest decision, I ever made. My thoughts are with you. Actually, 14 for an OES, is like a Badge of Honor!
Hugs to you! |
| Any update? |
| My girl who will be 12 in April has begun to show the difficulties in her rear quarters. I am beside myself and as I sit here typing, I wonder, how did time go so quickly. It seems like only yesterday she grabbing the roll of paper towel and running with it... or getting into my handbag to see what she could help herself to. Wait.... that was yesterday:)
Indeed, this breed and their "jolly nature" surely fool us as they get older. I have tried Cosequin, and saw no marked difference from when I had her on Glous/Chondt. adding flax seed oil to her food. I have noticed a somewhat improvement when giving her Bufferin, but clearly I cannot give her this on a daily bases. Has anyone tired a produce called Synflex? How about alternative methods, such as acupuncture? As it appears inflammation is apparent, what other natural substances has other owners tried? The vet and I agree that to put my girl under for X-Rays is a risk in itself. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! |
| I have been through this just recently with my 11 year old girl. Because of arthritis in the hips and knee she partially tore her cruciate ligament as well. Could not get up without me helping her, could not put her foot on the ground and shook all over in pain.
Well I don't know if you have this sort of medication over there or not, but she has been on a course of Cartrophen Injections and has just finished and is a new women. She also started on metacam to help the inflammation and pain but no longer requires this now as the cartrophen injections have done the job for her. Need now to only take her back every 6 months for a maintenance booster. Here is some information on the cartrophen injections Cartrophen is a disease modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) with multiple pharmacological actions affecting the immune and tissue cell system of the body that works to retard the progession of arthritis. These effects include:- 1. Inhibition of enzymes that break down cartilage as well as stimulation of natural inhibitors of these destructive enzymes. 2. Stimulation of production of lubricant and cartilage molecules by joint cells. 3. Improvement of blood circulation to the arthritic tissues, thus improving nutrition to the joint tissue. 4. Normalisation of the immune response by regulating messenger molecules which control these processes. 5. Stimulation of the production of proteins, thereby blocking damaging free radicals and antigens. Cartrophen relieves pain and lamness and dramatically increases the range of pain-free movement by treating the underlying disease processes - not just the symptoms. The treatment - Treatment is similar to vaccination with weekley doses for four weeks. 8/10 pets respond quickly to the initial course with an increase in activity and wellbeing. Six months after the treatment your dog's progress should be assessed by the vet as 'boosters' shots may be required. Sorry for the long post but these injections have been absolutely wonderful in getting my girl mobile and pain free in just 4 weeks. Yes she goes back in 6 months time and will only require a maintenace booster every 6 months for the rest of her life. Just one option there for you if it is available in your country. |
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